Communication breakdown

3/13/2014

Last Friday, I went with about a dozen of my co-workers after school to have dinner and celebrate the start of spring break. I normally don't attend these kinds of events, but I'm trying to be less anti-social, so I went. And it was a lot of fun. I found out things that I had no idea went on at my school, and got to know some very cool people a little better.

So when I got a text the other day from one of the gang about having lunch on Thursday, I said, sure, count me in. See y'all at 11:30.

This morning, I decided it might be a good idea to double-check things. So I messaged one of the suspects.

"Are we still having lunch?"

"Yes," this to-remain-unnamed person texted back. "I am already here. Where are you?" Um, I'm sitting on my couch. It's 10 minutes 'til 11 o'clock, and the lunch is supposed to be at 11:30. "Oh, she told me 11. I can't stay very long, lots to do, but I'll visit for a few minutes."

Huh? Hmm. Supposed to be at 11:30. Or at 11? Well, only one person is apparently there at nearly 11. Is anybody else going to show up? I have no idea. Should I drive 20 miles to have lunch with myself? Tell you what. This sounds like a brewing cluster-you-know-what. It's an absolutely beautiful day outside. I think I'll just go play golf, instead. "Awwww, OK," is the only reply I get.

This is where I'm gonna get into trouble, but I don't care. Let me have it. Make it good!

There's a major difference between making plans with the fellas, and making plans with a bunch of women. If Gator or Bubba or Bob had made plans to meet at a certain place at 11:30 on a certain day, they'd be there. At 11:30. No need to confirm, or double-check. We'll be there at 11:30. OK. See you then.

Take golf, for instance. I make a tee time for 9:30 on Sunday. Gator knows I'm makin' a tee time. I told him I would, and that's what I do. Then I either call Gator and let him know what time, or he calls me to find out.

"What time we got?"

"9:30."

"OK, see you then."

Simple. Do I call him Saturday to confirm his attendance on Sunday. No. Do I need to? No. Why? Because he said he'd be there. Does he get there on time? Yep. Like always.

And the day was grand. A beautiful day on the golf course in Lampasas. Shot a decent score. Came home and mowed the back yard. Made the daughter a turkey and swiss on a bagel, with creamy tomato soup on the side. Saw her off to work. Finished my blog for the day. Laid on couch.

Ciao, y'all ...

0 Comments

A few reviews of John's books

The 30-Day Optimism Solution:
“I just re-read this book for the third time. I have read several books by John Clark and this book, by far, is my favorite. So much of our everyday lives are impacted by how we think about it. We have the power to choose but so many times we choose the easy wrong versus the slightly more difficult right. John may feel this book helped him more than it might help me but I think the positive impacting, even in the slightest, of another person's life is a great gift. I am so pleased for John's journey of discovery and awareness, moreover I am pleased to have this book in my possession. I am excited to recommend this book to several people I know.”

“This was the right book at the right time for me. I have been struggling with some things, and Clark offers some wonderful information on how to turn things around, not to mention describing his own struggles with negativity. I think this book is going to help a lot of people.” – Sgt. Ducttape

Depression Blues:
“Part memoir, part informative text. You get both when reading 'Depression Blues' by John H. Clark III. Mr. Clark shares his struggles with depression in an honest and real way, and as the book progresses, so does his hope. Woven into the story as jumping off points are bits of information about depression and ways to "conquer" the sadness, loneliness, and despair that comes with it.

Mr. Clark becomes more than an author in this book; he becomes a friend who understands the pain of depression and provides light. I recommend this book to anyone looking for light or to anyone who knows someone with depression and wants to learn more.”
– Hillary

Contact John

Subscribe to John's mailing list to receive all of John's newly-released books for FREE. Once subscribed, you will not receive any emails of a commercial nature, product pitches, or anything else obnoxious or distasteful.
As a passionate writer, researcher, and spiritual seeker, John values your interest in his work and would love to repay you for your loyalty with free access to his latest books at no charge.

Thoughts 'n stuff