Ah, the dreaded armchair physician. I've used this term in several of my posts over the years, but don't recall actually giving both of my readers a good definition of that—at least not my definition.
For the sake of keeping things simple, anytime that I refer to a person as an "armchair something," I'm describing a person who claims to be quite knowledgeable about a given subject or topic, but in reality doesn't know as much about that topic as they'd like people to believe: a casual observer comfy in his/her favorite chair doling out advice that may or may not have much or any merit. For instance, an "armchair engineer" can give you lectures all day long about complex mechanicalment, gears, counterweights, properties of materials, etc., and when they finally run out of steam, they really haven't told you anything that you don't already know, anything that makes even a little sense, or leaves you more confused than ever.
While I claim to be reasonably intelligent, it's all too often a false or misleading claim. I'm not really an expert on anything. I can talk your ear off about cars, diabetes, public transit, roller coasters, and a few other topics, but it doesn't mean that I'm an expert—only that I know a little something about a few things that I find interesting. I think almost any of us can do that. Generally speaking, I tend to tune out most "armchair experts," though sometimes one can slip through the crack and catch my interest if what they're saying makes sense. While the interesting folks catch my attention, others are annoying to the hundredteenth power, causing me to tune them out. The dreaded "armchair physicians" are among the worst in my experience.
"Why is that?" you didn't ask. Because unless you've gone to college, medical school, served a residency in a hospital, taken additional courses or training, you likely don't know what's going on inside someone else's body. Just because you know someone who is going through the same thing that, say, I am, it doesn't mean that you know what I'm going through. In particular, while you may know a few things about diabetes, the fact that your great-Aunt Harriet's dog's fleas were diabetic doesn't mean that you have all of the answers that I or any diabetic might need. You may suggest to your heart's content, but do understand that I may feel differently because I'm the one who has to live with the issue!
To be fair, I know that even the most staunch armchair physicians have their heart in the right place. They mean well and want the best for their "patients." They simply need to remember that they may not have all the facts and approach those whom they seek to help with some caution.
Everyone knows that I'm no doctor. But when you have to deal with a certain condition or disease, you ultimately learn a lot about it and tend to be good at managing it if you make the effort to do so. I don't know everything myself. And sometimes I find myself fighting against my own body when it does things or reacts in ways that confuse even me. Contrary to what I wrote in this post, when it comes to my health and well-being, I will ask for help if an issue arises because my well-being depends on it. If I can't find someone who can help, then I get on the internet to search for an answer and try to learn what I can.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Writer's block—the sequel
If I recall, I wrote a post about this once before. In fact, I actually went through my index and found such a post from June 2018. Go ahead and read it if you want. Just click here for free boredom.
There's no doubt that anyone whose livelihood depends on what or how much they write has had some dry moments. Of course, when you're out running around, all kinds of things pop into your head and you say to yourself, "Now there's an idea for a blog post!" When you get home, of course. But all too often, when you do get home and get set in your chair in front of your computer (or typewriter for those who prefer cutting edge technology from the olden days) your mind has a test pattern showing. That means that you're not going to be writing much tonight. I've been there too many times.
Fortunately, my blog is for my enjoyment, much like how some people go out to a movie or throw a few games at the bowling alley. I earn exactly $0.00 for what I write here, which is OK because there's a certain joy when what you write is appreciated by your friends and family. Writing about your life and the things that are a part of it leaves you feeling good. It won't put food on your table or pay your bills, but you'll put a smile on your face and get a great night's sleep after writing an outstanding post.
These days, I'm struggling with a few major things that could bring me some trouble. In some ways, I feel that writing about them might help me to feel better, but, given the nature of these things, I think that they're better left to myself for now. A few select folks are aware of some of these things and have been as much help as they can. Any of you who know me in real life can ask me what's going on and chances are I'll share what I can. The nature of these things is simply not suitable for widespread public disclosure. (No need to worry—no one is dying...)
I know that the previous paragraph was somewhat cryptic, but for the things going on, it's best that these issues remain on the QT. As for more pleasant and positive blog entries, give me a little time and those will return. Now that I've written a post of several paragraphs in length, it may indicate that writer's block may not have been as much of an issue as I thought.
There's no doubt that anyone whose livelihood depends on what or how much they write has had some dry moments. Of course, when you're out running around, all kinds of things pop into your head and you say to yourself, "Now there's an idea for a blog post!" When you get home, of course. But all too often, when you do get home and get set in your chair in front of your computer (or typewriter for those who prefer cutting edge technology from the olden days) your mind has a test pattern showing. That means that you're not going to be writing much tonight. I've been there too many times.
Fortunately, my blog is for my enjoyment, much like how some people go out to a movie or throw a few games at the bowling alley. I earn exactly $0.00 for what I write here, which is OK because there's a certain joy when what you write is appreciated by your friends and family. Writing about your life and the things that are a part of it leaves you feeling good. It won't put food on your table or pay your bills, but you'll put a smile on your face and get a great night's sleep after writing an outstanding post.
These days, I'm struggling with a few major things that could bring me some trouble. In some ways, I feel that writing about them might help me to feel better, but, given the nature of these things, I think that they're better left to myself for now. A few select folks are aware of some of these things and have been as much help as they can. Any of you who know me in real life can ask me what's going on and chances are I'll share what I can. The nature of these things is simply not suitable for widespread public disclosure. (No need to worry—no one is dying...)
I know that the previous paragraph was somewhat cryptic, but for the things going on, it's best that these issues remain on the QT. As for more pleasant and positive blog entries, give me a little time and those will return. Now that I've written a post of several paragraphs in length, it may indicate that writer's block may not have been as much of an issue as I thought.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Not righting isn't the write thing to do
Somehow, a couple of weeks have gone by since my last post. So many times I've said repeatedly, over and over, again and again, that I have so much to write about, and yet I haven't been writing. Doesn't make any sense, huh? Not surprisingly, there's a reason: I'm going through one of my "not feeling well" phases. I don't usually feel well most of the time these days, but some days are actually better than others. On those days, I feel up to writing or doing almost anything else. Today must be one of those better days because...here I am!
The previous paragraph was mostly old news and not worth repeating. But you knew that.
Fair warning—and, no, I'm not telling you about the county fair coming. What I mean is that there will be a fair amount of randomness throughout this post. Sometimes you have to do that in order to make sure that your readers stay awake and to get back into the practice of writing on a regular basis.
But why is not writing a bad thing? Writing is good for the soul; whether you're good at it doesn't matter. It's a good way to express yourself and a great outlet for when you're frustrated. It's a lot easier (and better) to write something than to stand up and shout into a room full of people. For some reason, people don't like when someone does that.
Writing keeps you grounded. Writing keeps your brain going and your mind strong. (Lord knows we need more of that among our people!)
Amazingly, I've managed to reach age sixty. Who'da thunk? As I sit writing this, I realize that some things have gotten out of reach for me—physical things mostly. I talk about diabetes a lot, but haven't said much about the asthma that I've dealt with off and on throughout my life. It comes and goes and hasn't been much of a hindrance for the most part, but I do have a serious bout with it now and then. Throw that into the pot with diabetes and you wind up with some issues capable of holding me back. All I can do is to take things day by day.
Many times I've thought about the past ten years that Eric's Planet has been in existence. Having a place to write that not only doesn't cost me anything, but also allows me to share what I write as I see fit is really a blessing and a gift.
All I need to do is to make good use of that gift more often.
The previous paragraph was mostly old news and not worth repeating. But you knew that.
Fair warning—and, no, I'm not telling you about the county fair coming. What I mean is that there will be a fair amount of randomness throughout this post. Sometimes you have to do that in order to make sure that your readers stay awake and to get back into the practice of writing on a regular basis.
But why is not writing a bad thing? Writing is good for the soul; whether you're good at it doesn't matter. It's a good way to express yourself and a great outlet for when you're frustrated. It's a lot easier (and better) to write something than to stand up and shout into a room full of people. For some reason, people don't like when someone does that.
Writing keeps you grounded. Writing keeps your brain going and your mind strong. (Lord knows we need more of that among our people!)
Amazingly, I've managed to reach age sixty. Who'da thunk? As I sit writing this, I realize that some things have gotten out of reach for me—physical things mostly. I talk about diabetes a lot, but haven't said much about the asthma that I've dealt with off and on throughout my life. It comes and goes and hasn't been much of a hindrance for the most part, but I do have a serious bout with it now and then. Throw that into the pot with diabetes and you wind up with some issues capable of holding me back. All I can do is to take things day by day.
Many times I've thought about the past ten years that Eric's Planet has been in existence. Having a place to write that not only doesn't cost me anything, but also allows me to share what I write as I see fit is really a blessing and a gift.
All I need to do is to make good use of that gift more often.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
What exactly is Eric's Planet?
Sometimes there's a traffic jam or even a Sigalert going on in my brain, so things that I should explain don't get explained when or as they should, and sometimes...never. In all ten years of my planet's existence, I've never really let on what the place is, what goes on there, whether it's safe, or if there are treats for visitors. After all this time, I guess I'd better come clean.
Throughout my life, most people have known that I'm a little...different from most folks. In an amusing and positive way, of course. I do have my own way of doing things and tend to think outside of the box. Those are absolutely perfect qualifications for someone to start their own planet! Visitors will either like it there or they won't. It's that simple.
To get serious, bear in mind that Eric's Planet isn't an actual planet. You don't have to take a rocket to the International Space Station and transfer to a shuttle to get there. All you have to do is to choose one or two things to do: know me personally, read my blog, put up with my cuckoopants crazy sense of humor, listen to me explain some technical thing, sample my cooking, or take a roller coaster ride with me while my body still allows me to do such things.
Now that we're in the fourth paragraph, maybe it's about time that I quit stalling and get to the point. Some of you may have already figured it out, but I'm going to explain it anyway. I've always wanted my own space, a space that is mine and mine alone. Contrary to what some people may think, that isn't selfish. It's realistic. Honestly, we all need such a space. A place where our imagination and personality can soar without any limits and where no one can stop it or take it away from us.
Eric's Planet is who I am. Eric's Planet is...me.
Throughout my life, most people have known that I'm a little...different from most folks. In an amusing and positive way, of course. I do have my own way of doing things and tend to think outside of the box. Those are absolutely perfect qualifications for someone to start their own planet! Visitors will either like it there or they won't. It's that simple.
To get serious, bear in mind that Eric's Planet isn't an actual planet. You don't have to take a rocket to the International Space Station and transfer to a shuttle to get there. All you have to do is to choose one or two things to do: know me personally, read my blog, put up with my cuckoopants crazy sense of humor, listen to me explain some technical thing, sample my cooking, or take a roller coaster ride with me while my body still allows me to do such things.
Now that we're in the fourth paragraph, maybe it's about time that I quit stalling and get to the point. Some of you may have already figured it out, but I'm going to explain it anyway. I've always wanted my own space, a space that is mine and mine alone. Contrary to what some people may think, that isn't selfish. It's realistic. Honestly, we all need such a space. A place where our imagination and personality can soar without any limits and where no one can stop it or take it away from us.
Eric's Planet is who I am. Eric's Planet is...me.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Fellowship is good for the soul
I mentioned this previously in one or two of my posts, but I thought it would be a good idea to devote a post to it because it's something important to me. Not everyone reading this will agree, but that's OK. We're allowed to have our own opinions and I won't give you a hard time if yours differs from mine. These are the things that make each one of us unique.
Last year, I decided that I needed the fellowship of others who share the same religious beliefs as I do. I attended the First Baptist Church of North Hollywood for the first third of my life and was comfortable there. We had a great youth group and did a lot of fun and interesting things. To this day I'm still connected to many of the members of that group. Unfortunately, once I got out of high school, there wasn't much of a college age group at the church, though we had a small group briefly. But that group disbanded as our lives got busier and people moved away. I got married and moved away myself, though I returned to visit the church whenever something was going on at Mom's.
For whatever reason, I never connected to a church once Lori and I settled in Camarillo. Thought about it many times, but thoughts are only valid when some kind of action follows if necessary.
Many years after living in Camarillo, I started going shooting once a year with James and Mike. (I worked with James; Mike is a friend of James'.) They attend the First Baptist Church of Camarillo, which is only a mile from home. I knew about the church, but for some reason never stopped in. After learning that James and Mike went there, I went to a Sunday morning service. I ended up going a number of times and got to know some of the members. Each year at Christmastime, this church puts on what they call a "drive thru Nativity." Displays depicting the Christmas story are set up, and visitors simply drive their cars through the parking lot and stop at each scene. Church volunteers read from Scripture relating to the events of the Christmas story, and guests receive a pen or other little gift with the church's contact info on it once they reach the last display. My first time going through it was in 2009, right about the time I started this blog. If you want to read that post, click here.
For some reason, I didn't go through it since that time until this past Christmas. I was driving near the church when I noticed that the place was lit up like a movie premiere was going on. What could be going on at the church on a Saturday night? Then I remembered the drive thru Nativity. Even though I had seen it—and the story of the Nativity doesn't exactly change over the years—I turned around and went back. (It took awhile due to Camarillo's apparent phobia of people making U-turns and prohibiting them in so many places, but that's for another post.) I turned into the driveway and got into the queue. This time, I knew some of the members, so getting to see them while visiting added a little to the event. Music director Tim greeted me at one scene and mentioned that he wouldn't be at church the next day because he was going to Acapulco. I joked that they sing without music there (play on the phrase "a cappella"), but I'm not sure he heard me.
I've missed going on a few Sundays because I slept too long or just didn't feel well enough to go. (Usually the "not feeling well" is the cause of "sleeping too long.") Not going makes me feel like I've missed something. The service starts at 10:30 and usually runs upward of 90 minutes including the announcements and such at the end of the service. Then James, Mike, his wife and son, and I often go out somewhere for lunch. This makes for a nice Sunday routine.
Everyone (so far) at church is kind and friendly. I can always expect a hug from Dottie when I enter the building upon arrival. Traditional and modern praise songs comprise the music. At this writing, the church awaits the arrival of its new pastor, Dr Rick Kelley and his family. Former pastor Dr Dan Nelson retired last summer after 35 years of service there. Until pastor Kelley arrives, some of the church deacons have been filling in with sermons. Some of those guys could be pastors in their own right, sharing inspiring and interesting messages.
As of this post, I haven't officially joined the church, though I have spoken with a couple of deacons during a recent visit to my home. It looks like there are some things that I can get involved with right off the bat.
Maybe this is what I've needed to kick my life up a notch or twelve.
Last year, I decided that I needed the fellowship of others who share the same religious beliefs as I do. I attended the First Baptist Church of North Hollywood for the first third of my life and was comfortable there. We had a great youth group and did a lot of fun and interesting things. To this day I'm still connected to many of the members of that group. Unfortunately, once I got out of high school, there wasn't much of a college age group at the church, though we had a small group briefly. But that group disbanded as our lives got busier and people moved away. I got married and moved away myself, though I returned to visit the church whenever something was going on at Mom's.
For whatever reason, I never connected to a church once Lori and I settled in Camarillo. Thought about it many times, but thoughts are only valid when some kind of action follows if necessary.
Many years after living in Camarillo, I started going shooting once a year with James and Mike. (I worked with James; Mike is a friend of James'.) They attend the First Baptist Church of Camarillo, which is only a mile from home. I knew about the church, but for some reason never stopped in. After learning that James and Mike went there, I went to a Sunday morning service. I ended up going a number of times and got to know some of the members. Each year at Christmastime, this church puts on what they call a "drive thru Nativity." Displays depicting the Christmas story are set up, and visitors simply drive their cars through the parking lot and stop at each scene. Church volunteers read from Scripture relating to the events of the Christmas story, and guests receive a pen or other little gift with the church's contact info on it once they reach the last display. My first time going through it was in 2009, right about the time I started this blog. If you want to read that post, click here.
For some reason, I didn't go through it since that time until this past Christmas. I was driving near the church when I noticed that the place was lit up like a movie premiere was going on. What could be going on at the church on a Saturday night? Then I remembered the drive thru Nativity. Even though I had seen it—and the story of the Nativity doesn't exactly change over the years—I turned around and went back. (It took awhile due to Camarillo's apparent phobia of people making U-turns and prohibiting them in so many places, but that's for another post.) I turned into the driveway and got into the queue. This time, I knew some of the members, so getting to see them while visiting added a little to the event. Music director Tim greeted me at one scene and mentioned that he wouldn't be at church the next day because he was going to Acapulco. I joked that they sing without music there (play on the phrase "a cappella"), but I'm not sure he heard me.
I've missed going on a few Sundays because I slept too long or just didn't feel well enough to go. (Usually the "not feeling well" is the cause of "sleeping too long.") Not going makes me feel like I've missed something. The service starts at 10:30 and usually runs upward of 90 minutes including the announcements and such at the end of the service. Then James, Mike, his wife and son, and I often go out somewhere for lunch. This makes for a nice Sunday routine.
Everyone (so far) at church is kind and friendly. I can always expect a hug from Dottie when I enter the building upon arrival. Traditional and modern praise songs comprise the music. At this writing, the church awaits the arrival of its new pastor, Dr Rick Kelley and his family. Former pastor Dr Dan Nelson retired last summer after 35 years of service there. Until pastor Kelley arrives, some of the church deacons have been filling in with sermons. Some of those guys could be pastors in their own right, sharing inspiring and interesting messages.
As of this post, I haven't officially joined the church, though I have spoken with a couple of deacons during a recent visit to my home. It looks like there are some things that I can get involved with right off the bat.
Maybe this is what I've needed to kick my life up a notch or twelve.
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