Funk, a simple four letter word with a variety of meanings. Merriam-Webster defines the word as: a strong offensive smell, a style of music, a depressed state of mind and several other things. For the purpose of this blog a funk is a depressed state of mind.

Funks come in varying degrees of severity ranging from severe depression to just not quite at the top of your game or “just feeling a little funky”. There isn’t a standard by which we gauge the severity of the things; it is relative; my level 3 might be your level 5 or her level 1. A funk can be the result of a major catastrophic life event or just a stack up of smaller things; the severity depends on how we react to those events.

I could have spared you the agony of those first two paragraphs by simply saying “I’ve been in a little funk lately” but I have this writing habit.

There have been no new major catastrophic events in my life. I really didn’t see it coming; the thing just kind of sneaked in. It certainly wasn’t close to the worst funk I’ve experienced; on a personal scale of 1 to 10 it couldn’t be any higher than a 2 or 3. I think it kind of started with the holidays and the two empty chairs and the cold gray days of winter. A young mother of four diagnosed with stage IV cancer; a young guy going through some emotional issues. Both of those things find a way into my heart and head. Add to that the anticipation of the second anniversary of a very unpleasant event; two years ago today cancer won at our house. Love you babe; miss you every day.

I enjoyed the holidays with my family; likewise I enjoyed spending time with friends. I even managed to provide a little emotional support to a couple friends, but I wasn’t at the top of my game, just felt a little funky. I think the anticipation leading up to today was the primary ingredient; I also think, often the anticipation is worse than the event. Today wasn’t the best day I ever had but I think it was better than yesterday.

I think there is light at the end of the tunnel and tomorrow this little funk will be a thing of the past. I know there will be more of them in my life but maybe with the right attitude and a little effort I can keep them low on the scale and short lived.

Life has really treated me pretty good lately; I have no complaints. I know I have been away from the keyboard for a couple weeks. I guess I will use the little funk as an excuse. Gotta blame something, after all I’m human.

Things are kind of quiet or private in my life right now. I plan to write forever but the interval may get a little erratic.

Please consider a donation to the cancer research organization of your choice.

Keep me in your prayers and thanks for reading what I write.

Good Night and God Bless.

Dave

I know we’re a few days in; I’ve been busy. Not really, I have just had a bad case of writer’s block.
I made it through the holidays better than I have in a few years; I kind of bottomed out a little last week but I think that is a typical post holiday reaction.
Last year I went in to great detail about reflecting on the year just ending and refocusing on things needing attention for the coming year. I set some goals for myself. This year as I reflect I think I may have exceeded my expectations. in accomplishing those goals. I think I will continue to pursue those same things.
The holidays weren’t kind to my weight control program; I think it will take about 10 weeks to undo what I did in about 10 days.
I managed to cross a couple items off the old bucket list in ’13. I hope to remove a couple more this year; yes, I am putting a plan together. I will share when the plan firms up a bit.
I did a major thing this week. It certainly wasn’t a bucket list item; just one of those things that comes with being “head of household”. I have a question for you homemakers and I want an honest answer. How often do you thoroughly clean the inside of your refrigerator? I’m not talking wipe up a spill; I’m talking empty the thing, start at the top and clean all the way to the bottom. My answer is “not very” and I bet I am in the majority.
I cleaned mine yesterday; it is amazing what fits in the corners or behind and under other things in there. I’m not big on keeping leftovers so it wasn’t fuzzy soup or potatoes, but there were things that were nowhere near their original color. Some of the dates were scary. The first date I saw on some Worcestershire (had to check the bottle to spell that) sauce was 1904; thank god, that is that is the date French’s started making the stuff. I found some plum preserves that redefined preserves. I know they had been there a long time because I’m allergic to that sort of thing and I don’t have enough overnight guests to keep the fridge stocked with breakfast items.
You’re crazy if you think I’m going to show you a “before” picture but I do have an “after” pic I will share.
The pic didn’t work tonight but I’m sure you know what a clean fridge looks like because you see one every day.
I didn’t get to the freezer side; maybe this week or maybe not. I did defrost and clean the little chest freezer. I also have a garage fridge for overflow and drinks. I think it has some real old stuff in it and it seems to be prone to spills, but I think I am psyched up and on a mission.
Last time I was here I told you more about an old Jeep than you ever wanted to know. I have also been known to share some very personal and deep thoughts with you. Everyone needs a sounding board mine has been you through this keyboard. I think I am becoming comfortable sorting those things out running down the road and leaving them in the Jeep. It may be a temporary thing and if it gets real serious I know you and this old keyboard are there.
Thanks for listening and I can still use a prayer.
Good Night and God Bless.
Dave