Musing

The recent bitter cold, ice and snow during “The Winter That Seemed Never to End”, had me at home on normal office days.

I had time to think about things other than news releases, marketing approaches for clients, lining up of guests for our four radio shows, coordinating coming business events, and teaching new personnel.

I decided to list what I enjoy – - and what I can do without.

Then I decided to share those thoughts, as we are all basically alike, having problems, desires, opinions.

So here goes:

What I like:

… I like my two key office administrators, Kathy Newmiller, with me for 32 years, and Elena Cruz, here nine years.

… I enjoy my associates. The seniors, like Bonnie Squires. The younger like Britney O’Rourke. I enjoy my clients, who like Steve Strassler founder of Reviva Labs, a customer for over 35 years, is also a friend.

… And I like my large, by now antique desk, inherited from my father-in-law, Laigh Cohan. I have been behind It for about 50 years.

… I like sunsets. Always different, & beautiful. Paintings in the sky.

… I like trees. No two are completely alike. They are individual in some way.

… Honest auto repair shops. I have one. Sids Auto Repair, Bala Cynwyd (610-664-5173).

… Newspaper old timers. Those who used typewriters, worked in non-air conditioned newsrooms, wore their hats indoors, smoked, drank and were proud of their jobs.

… I remember fondly my mentors. Laigh Cohan, my father-in-law, my Uncle Bud Harris & Inquirer columnist, Frank Brookhouser. They taught me lessons of life, that I regularly pass on to others.

… Pretty girls.( I married one)

… Dogs, but only those of a given size. Forget the wind-up, lap breeds

… Licorice candy. Hershey chocolate bars with nuts

… Cinnamon buns, covered with nuts (not raisins)

… Campbell’s Tomato Soup, but only with my wife’s homemade dumplings.

… Wendy’s free Senior Citizen coffee.

… Hymies Deli, for the social element. (always know someone, even dating back to kindergarten, and Boy Scout Troop 195.)

… My bed blanket covering my shoulders

… Arriving home after a full day, taking a one-hour pre-dinner nap

… Watching the TV pre-opening stock market report at 7 AM

… Judge Judy

… Fareed Zalkaris world views on CNN

… Going to bed early 9:30 PM, getting up early (5:30 AM)

… Sweets (but they don’t like me)

… Watching people.

… Saturday mornings, alone in the office

… My den couch

… The last 30 minutes of TV movies

What I don’t like:

… Cheapness / penny-pinchers … complainers

… Several no-good-nicks , who in my early business years, seriously hurt me. (They’re mostly dead now).

… Attorneys who have no ethics, integrity or character. (Law schools should add those courses)

… Exercises ( I do them to stay alive.)

… Throwing away old clothes & shoes

… Shopping

Just Bear It

And last, some things I occasionally, think – - and wonder – - about, but can’t personally change:

… Use of the word “inappropriate”, when it’s inappropriate to use the word.

When did so many become so sensitive – - and aggressive – - on comments that may have been intended as humorous, or spoken as a natural part of a conversation? Could it be an opportunity to bring a lawsuit? Money! Money!

… The brain trust at the Philadelphia Phillies. Do they really think there is an escape from the ages of this seasons players? Injuries are virtually guaranteed. I won’t even go into diminished coordination – - and just being tired.

… The waste of time sending “does it really matter” tweets, emails, texts. The best communications are face-to-face.

… Dressing down. Proper attire is a sign of respect. For others. For one’s self.

… The guile of politicians whose promises turn out empty.

… Promoters of Global Warming. Tell them about the weather of Jan/Feb 2014. We could have used Global Warming!

And Finally – - For Now

I just noticed in reading all of the above, my likes far, far outnumber my dislikes.

I’m a lucky guy.

I have a wonderful wife.

I have a wonderful family.

I’ve always enjoyed my occupation.

I’m vertical & mobile.

My mind is open to new ideas and ventures.

And I have always, and continue to look forward to each new day.

I’m a happy guy.

Incidentally, I’m not old. I’ve been young a L-O-N-G time.

And to those who have patiently waded through this, thank you.

Responses welcome. I prefer nice ones …

# # #

Joe Ball founded his businesses in 1956 – - over 57 years ago.
He is still first one in the office & last to leave. He can be reached at
Email: adcomtimes@aol.com, 29 Bala Ave., Ste. 114, Bala Cynwyd, PA l9004.