Month: <span>February 2022</span>

Howard’s NSA – How to avoid boredom

In no specific order: Well, for the dullards it is quite difficult, as they do not practice good habits and are simply not curious. For bad habit people or adrenaline junkies, they can be drawn from boredom, but not usually in a good and lasting way. For the privileged and 1st worlders, being curious is…


Pickleball – 3 years in.

It happily came upon us like a warm, spring breeze, you feel as if a new lease on life is right around the corner. For those of us who prefer play over work, who prefer small victories over large victories, who like being in the out of doors in all types of weather vs those…


Howard’s NSA – Taking long shots.

This is a Howard Theory already. 50 plus years and going strong. It is the cousin to optimism, pessimism and hope. There is some skepticism mixed in along with a dose of luck. It is a basic part of who we are and how we develop. It can be learned by open minded people. The…


Howard’s NSA – talking about money

Why is it so difficult to talk about money. It really isn’t. We all have the same basic needs of food, clothing and housing, It’s how much you’re willing to spend or waste on said stuff. Thats Want vs Need – another q/a. More psychological, or greed, than anything else. The qualifier is when you’re…


Another Dog story –

I was caught cheating the other day. I have 2 very good dog friends, Parsley and Eddie. They are the current children of our friend MW. We have babysat these 2, walked them, played with and yelled at them, enjoying them fully. Howard and Shelley are dog people. We love them and have had them…


Howard’s NSA – Reward vs Punishment

Which is more powerful ? Reward is more powerful, but not always easy to do; punishment is easy, but it really only has a short term effect and is likely to be harmful when utilized regularly. First reality, this is a power and control issue, a primary vs a secondary. 2 “Party” issue. Secondly, knowledge,…


Howard’s NSA – Happiness

Firstly, it is always fleeting and impossible to keep. It naturally ebbs and flows. It ultimately even disappoints a little. I much prefer foundational theories like Satisfaction. Understanding that, seems much wiser. To be satisfied in your work or play, is quietly enjoyable, you win some, you lose some, you make a few dollars, occasionally…


Howard’s NSA – Friends and their influence.

There is a short period of time where friends exert their greatest power. However as we age “friendship strength” has many pragmatic conditions woven in. When you’re young, you are heavily influenced and therefore, are judged by the company you keep. You’re simply naive and a little dumb or brilliant. When you age it smells…


Howard’s NSA – Optimism

Life is so much easier when you are optimistic, seeing the world with an open mind, a flexibility. Using reason and trying to understand first and then act. When you are a pessimist, you start burdened, like carrying a weight up a hill, in heavy boots. I think it’s a choice that has to be…


A 5 day turn, from a weather perspective, 4 days too many. From seeing everyone, not nearly enough days.