Holy Blog Post Batman! It’s #21! There was sad news this week as we learned about the death of the mayor of Quahog, Rhode Island. Condolences to Carol Pewterschmidt West and her family.

It’s time for change. As photography seems so very linked to writing, I’ve decided to add one of my photographs to each blog post going forward. This first photo I took in 2013 while travelling in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is the Temple of Karunamaya in an area of Kathmandu called Jana Bahal. Nearby is a sign that says, “Followers of any religion are welcome in Jana Bahal.” That’s a nice sentiment and a positive message. It even made this atheist feel welcome. Hardly a planned photo, I was thrilled with how it turned out.                      

After some email dialogue with a local food/beverage blog, it looked like I was going to become a regular contributor. Unfortunately, I will not be involved with them after all. That’s the way it goes sometimes as finding a fit is much more important than just finding work (or a worker). In exciting news, I’ve been doing some editing and advisory work with a physiotherapist working on an article on neuroplasticty and chronic pain. It’s an exciting project in an area that is extremely interesting. Another recent writing update is that I’ve started a Facebook Page to share my work and writing updates. You can search ‘Roy G Mundheim’ on Facebook and follow the link to the most hilarious writing I’ve ever written.

Living In The Past

Focusing on the past (mistakes made, regrets, and wishing things turned out different) can be a recipe for depression and sadness. It’s the past that can’t be changed and is therefore the least productive thing we can focus on. Taking the lessons learned and admiring our growth is the better way to think about our past as we focus on living in the present and planning for the future. This was an on-going battle for me for some time until one day I had a moment of clarity and realized that the lessons learned from mistakes were actually of great value. Without the past being as it was, I would have much more difficulty finding the success and fulfillment I feel and experience now.

Speaking of the past; last week, I got into the ‘way back machine’ and attended a concert with Def Leppard, Poison, and Tesla. It brought me back to my teen years. That’s the kind of ‘living in the past’ I can get behind. It was a great crowd with a festive vibe that was just fun all around. It was also a great avenue for some original jokes…..they’re coming. Patience.

Words of Wisdom

1. You can’t be positive if you’re always in a state of negative. Complaining, even internally, will take away from having positive emotions. Focus on what’s good first. Then, focus on what’s possible and the potential for change that could lead to better.

2. As a writer, I always try to avoid clichés (sometimes you have to as they can be the absolute best fit). We should all try to avoid clichés when possible. From now on, never refer to your weakness as your “achilles heel.” Instead, refer to the weakness as your “Thermal Exhaust Port”…..that is only two meters wide.

As promised, it’s time for the ending joke(s). These jokes will require a bit of knowledge about 80’s music and Tesla, Poison, and Def Leppard in particular. Good luck and enjoy.

Conversations with friends before the concert:

Friend: “Hey, I can’t wait for Def Leppard with Poison and Tesla. What songs are you looking forward to the most?”

Me: “Dr. Feelgood, Livin’ on a Prayer….oh and Cherry Pie.”

Friend: “Those aren’t songs by those bands!”

Me: “I know. I’m joking. Are you getting it?”

Friend: “Huh?”

Me: “♫♪Armageddon It?!!♫♪”

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Friend: “What’s your favourite Def Leppard song?”

Me: “Love Pies!…great song.”

Friend: “I don’t think that’s how it goes.”

Me: “What are you talking about? ♪Love Pies! Love kneads. It’s what I eat!♫”

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Friend: “Armegeddon It is my favourite song from Def Leppard.”

Me: “For me it goes, 1. Armedrummin It. 2. Armesingin It.”

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Conversations with friends after the concert:

Friend: “Tesla were good!”

Me: “Yeah but it was weird when they started slowing down and then had to be plugged in to re-charge.”

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Friend: “I forgot the name of Tesla’s lead singer.”

Me: “Elon Musk.”

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Friend: “What did you think of Def Leppard?”

Me: “They were good, high energy. They seemed full-on into it….except the drummer. He seemed to be only part into it. He seemed Two Steps Behind.”

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Friend: “I love Every Rose Has it’s Thorn by Poison!”

Me: “I like the gay Norwegian version better.”

Friend: “Huh?”

Me: “♪Every Roy Has His Thor♫”

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Disclaimer: Rick Allen is an amazing drummer who has overcome tremendous odds to continue to play music.