Category: On The Bricks

          The Corona virus has changed the days into something very different from our norm, for most people. The busy, constantly moving days have slowed down, whether that’s what we wanted or not. Those who live with their children are seeing their children much more. Those who don’t live with their children are not able to see them.

          For those who are home with their kids, try to take the time to say the things to them that you need to. You will never have another chance like you do now. These days could be the greatest gift you’ll have in your lifetime in that way.

          William Martin wrote Ancient Advice for Modern Parents that might be a good read for you.

          “Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples, and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.”

          I love the stories of people who are taking this time of COVID19, reaching out and making the ordinary come alive.

          Yesterday my daughter dropped a delicious lunch off at my house. Knowing that she cared enough to share her lunch with me gave me joy. Then my friend, Marissa Hernandez, brought me home – made chili rellanoes for supper. She dropped it off and when I was eating it, here at my house during the quarantine, I felt the love of sharing between friends. Simple things, but so much more.

          Shanae Messer, a young mother in Gruver posted about the Front Porch Project on her facebook page. “We are living through a time that will be talked about forever. This is a part of history that you will tell your children and grandchildren, and them theirs. I’d love to be able to provide a few images for you to look back on and share while you are telling your stories.

          “This evening between 6:30 and 7:30 pm, I’m going to drive around Gruver and snap a few front porch images of families from the curb, while practicing social distancing. If you would like to participate, message me your address and telephone number. Nothing fancy – you can be in your pjs, dressed casually, or dress up if you want!

          “No session fee but I do ask that if you are able, make a donation to a local charity or cause. I’ve listed some below that I’m aware of:

          “To Bartlett’s (Hardware and Lumber Store) for filters for masks that Gyene Spivey and other ladies are making.

          “Neighbors Grocery Store account they have for monetary donations to help those in need with grocery costs and also gift cards.

          “United Way Amarillo COVID Response.

          “High Plains Food Bank.”

          My daughter Lisa Schulz and her family have the coolest front porch photo from that evening.

          And last Friday my daughter Missy Cartwright texted me to go out on my porch and watch the cars going up and down Main Street of Texhoma, honking and socializing while safely staying in their own cars. They called it the Corona Cruise and 50 cars of people from just driving age to 70 years old participated. The 70 – year – olds knew all about dragging Main. It was a time of sharing our expertise.

I think they’re going to make the Corona Cruise happen again. That’s fun.

          I sit at my dining room table, working from home, and I remember all those mornings that I wished I could stay home and not go into the office. That wish has come true. Now I need to make sure I appreciate this opportunity and use it for good things.

          My prayer is that we all find ourselves appreciating today and doing what we need to do with a humble heart.

          Famous Okie information: Maybe you would like to take the opportunity to read a book by an Oklahoma author. Suggestions to choose from include Ralph Ellison, Tony Hillerman, S.E. Hinton, Louis L’Amour, Billie Letts, Tracy Letts, or N. Scott Momaday. They have written some great books!

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: Today will never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.

Made me laugh: My kids accused me of being immature. I told them to get out of my fort.

          See you on the bricks soon!

          It’s 3:41 in the afternoon and I have just received four invitations to conference calls in the last 15 minutes. Honestly, it seems as if everyone wants to make sure I am aware that they’re aware and they’re all running around in circles so you won’t think they’re not working while they’re quarantined at home.

          The first week it was constant emails that seemed to tell the same things. I get them from the politicians offices, from the Department of Commerce, from several of the regional economic development folks, the State Chamber (that was one that was forwarded from someone that wasn’t in Guymon), the state Main Street office, and the national Main Street office. There might be good information in them, but I certainly don’t read them all. It would take four hours a day to just read them.

          One was a “great way to help your small – town businesses” and I forwarded that on to my business members and then I tried to do it … and I tried again … and I tried again. Then I wished I had deleted it before I ever read it and hoped that my business members didn’t waste their time on it as well.

          This is a difficult time for many and I do not downplay the importance of sharing good information, but I feel the need to tell some people to please hush that seem to just be making more work for me and for themselves.

          After receiving a request to be on a conference call in two days from the Oklahoma Main Street office, I emailed and asked what the call was for. And there was a good reason I asked because I had a previous request for a conference call at that time. Answer to my email, was basically so we can keep in touch and one another can answer everyone’s question. My question, “When will you please leave me alone so I can get some work done?” Pretty sure they don’t want me to be asking my question.

          Had a request from the City of Guymon’s Sheila Martin for a conference call. She gives me hope that my cynical attitude and sarcasm isn’t taking over my life … she actually has a topic that we need to make decisions on and give suggestions to one another. Yes, real things! Thank you, Sheila, for giving me hope in these days of lots of bs and in this time wasting one another’s time to justify our own existence.

          What I love hearing about is how our neighbors are helping one another … not telling us how they care, but showing how they care about this community. I love the way some of the business owners are being creative in getting business. I love having a chance to get to some work that I have wanted to explore for a long time. And I love the volunteers that are saying, when the ban is lifted, they’ll help me see these programs happen.

Okie information: In Ponca City, a tornado once picked up a house with a man and his wife still in it. Though the walls and roof were blown away, the floor remained intact and eventually glided downward, setting the couple safely back on the ground.

Working to keep those New Years resolutions going: Volunteer more. Not only is volunteering good for your own mental and physical health, but you’re doing something kind and selfless for others.

Made me laugh: Someone stole my Microsoft Office and they’re going to pay. You have my Word.

          See you on the bricks soon!

          According to The Book of Bizarre Truth an error in arithmetic contributed to history’s perception of Napoleon as a small man. The only known measurement of Bonaparte came from his autopsy, which reported a height of 5’2”. But it was not taken into account that this measurement was calculated in French units. Translating to slightly more than 168 centimeters, his height was actually 5’6” by the English Imperial system. This was above average for a 19^th century Frenchman.

          Another possible reason for this misconception is the fact that Napoleon kpt himself surrounded by a group of relatively tall guardsmen. Napoleon was never seen in public without his guard. These soldiers averaged six feet in height and would have towered over Napoleon.

          Napoleon wasn’t short, according to the Bizarre book, but his temper was. Over time, the notion that the general’s irascible, aggressive personality stemmed from his small size has been applied to any small – statured man who uses his temper to compensate for his height. This is referred to as a “Napoleon Complex,” and it also proves to be a myth. In 2007, researchers at the University of Central Lancashire studied the effect of height on aggression in men. Using heart monitors to gauge reactions, scientists found that taller men were more likely to respond to provocation with aggressive behavior.

          As Napoleon himself said, “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.” It turns out that history cut Napoleon about four inches short.

          That’s what the book said. But I was at one of Napoleon’s main palaces in 1977 and the bed, which was said to be his bed, was really short.

          Basically, I don’t think it really matters. But we can argue over it, if you want.

Famous Okie information: Oklahoma has produced more astronauts than any other state.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: Here’s one to try on a day you’re home from work. Spend time with your family or friends and go all day without checking your email.

Sage advice: The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Made me laugh: Only in America do people leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

          See you on the bricks soon!

          It’s been interesting, this working from home. I get a lot more done because there aren’t lots of meetings to go to … and then come back with more to do. There are no phone calls and no people dropping by. Just working. With events not happening, I have gotten caught up on some things and cleaned out one file drawer for things to work on at home.

          When going through the file drawer I found plenty to throw away, too. I love doing that cleaning stuff. Decluttering is my favorite hobby. I’m fibbing, but it is something to enjoy for me.

          Working from home isn’t completely safe, though. I did injure myself while grating a carrot for my salad. Being a full – fledged member of the technology set (another lie), I promptly took a picture of the injury and sent it to my daughters.

          “Geez, mom,” texted Lisa back, “you better stay home tomorrow.” I don’t know where she gets those wise cracks.

          It’s been interesting. Being just one person in the home and one that has a pantry and keeps enough toilet paper on hand, the whole grocery shopping and standing in line deal hasn’t been part of my world. I see it on facebook and it makes me shake my head. Those with four kids or so are probably not having a positive experience with the shopping business.

          But if I needed bread, I would call one of my friends who is a Mennonite and bakes bread. None of that going without stuff.

          For a fact, I am going through my frig and freezer, using things up and enjoying doing the “spring cleaning.” I had hot dog buns from a picnic left and they are great to open and toast for a sandwich with the left – over pork butt. They’re good with an egg in the morning too. As soon as the buns are gone, I’ll take the pork and make pasole. Just happen to have enough things on hand in the pantry for that.

          It’s like doing a puzzle. It’s all fun.

          Until I notice there’s no chocolate.

          Then it gets real.

          This working from home saves me 40 miles a day (gas savings), having to buy lunch out, and with all the schools out it saves all those kids coming by with fund raisers. I should be able to buy some stock by next week, which is a good deal right now looking at the stock market. And taking my shower during my lunch break is amazing. Not to mention not having to wear a bra.

          Yeah, that’s all better than chocolate, any day.

          I hope that you and all your family are safe and dealing well with the changes. Remember to try to keep a positive attitude because a bad attitude doesn’t make any of this go away.

          Say a prayer for our retailers and our educators that are having to make some huge adjustments. And wave to your neighbors. It’s all going to turn out ok.

          See you on the bricks, soon.

          The beautiful tree on our street has those white flowers on it now. It is gorgeous. When I drive by on my way to work it starts my day so perfectly. And the bulbs are coming up, too. Means it will snow soon, right? Just as soon as the OPSU Rodeo begins it is inevitable. And maybe once before. The weather makes living in the Panhandle a constant adventure.

          This morning before I got to work, I received a text from a friend. Being Miss Johnny – On – the – Spot, I promptly hit whatever I hit to reply. I hit, he called, and I couldn’t answer his call because the keyboard to type the text covered the button to answer the phone. Now, I’m sure there is some way to do this and it probably isn’t even difficult if you’re 11 years old. But I didn’t know how to do it. So, in my irritation, I did not text and in my stupidity, I did not answer the phone. Nothing like pure unaltered ignorance to destroy any potential productivity.

          These things happen and I feel sure it’s Gods way of keeping me humble. It works. I really felt stupid.

          Here is something I read to make us feel better after our stupid moments.

Know that your only competition is who you were yesterday. For me, after the stupid moment with the phone, tomorrow is going to be a breeze.

Earn, save, and invest before you spend. Great advice and lots easier to do when you start young. If you put into your savings and investment before you even look at your check, you might not even miss it. We have a couple of really good men to help you with your investments (and you don’t have to start with much … even $25 a month is a start). Both Mitch Egger and Kyle Hawkins are Main Street Guymon members and will help you start your investment plan. They’re here in town and always ready to answer your questions. You call them and you get a person on the phone who answers you quickly. They know you personally.

Avoid negative people, life is too short. Don’t have to explain that one. But if your friends stop answering your phone or inviting you out, you might make sure that it’s not you who is the negative one. Positive people energize you; negative people sap your energy. Be the positive.

If you don’t go after what you want, you will never get it.  And there is nobody to blame but yourself. We are always capable of so much more than we do. Start to fulfill more of your potential and don’t wait for someone to walk you through it. Do it.

See failure as a beginning, not an end. Walk forward with purpose and have a goal.

Our habits decide our future. What habits do you have that are guiding your chances to or from success?

Those are all good thoughts and sometimes they make us realize that we’re really not doing as well as we should be and it’s time to get down and serious. Other times we realize there is much for us to appreciate. So consider and be honest with yourself. Even if it hurts.

Famous Okie information: The highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was in Moore, Okla., on May 3, 1999, during the Oklahoma City during the F-5 tornado. Wind speed clocked at 318 mph.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: Take little bites and savor them. Play with your children. Laugh with your friends. Notice the beauty you see, wherever you are, wherever you be. Be grateful enough to fall on your knees. Watch the last rays of a sunset end. Empty your mind time to time. Forgive all you can. Less sweets. Less bourbon. Less butter. Less salt. Be present.

Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member.

Sage advice: Bring light. Bring beauty. Bring jumper cables.

Made me laugh: The instructor says, “Welcome to Salsa class! Who’s ready to learn how to dance?” Class member, hiding a bag of tortilla chips says, “There’s been a misunderstanding.”

Things you might want to go to in town: On Mar. 26 is a Spaghetti Dinner benefit for the Guymon Swim Team at the high school cafeteria, 2002 N. James, from 5 to 7 pm. Mar. 28 is the Aggie Fest in Goodwell. Apr. 4 is the Kick for Cans Barrel Racing at Hitch Arena, a benefit for Panhandle Services for Children. The ladies at St. Peter’s Catholic Church have their Spring Salad Luncheon on Apr. 2 from 11 to 1:30, $10 a plate. Apr. 12 is Easter. April is also our Community Clean-Up month.

Hope you enjoy being a part of some of these events. Get involved. Be a positive impact in our community.

See you on the bricks.

          Everywhere you go there are people that can be so annoying. They’re in the office. They’re at club meetings. They’re sitting next to me at an event.

          It’s time to start working on enjoying rather than being annoyed.

          We can control our ourselves, not their annoying tendencies. We can control our state of mind, our reactions, our intentions, our approach, and our words.

          Think about a person who annoys you. Get a picture in your mind of that person. See their smug face? Hear their irritating voice? Pay attention to how you feel, your facial expression, your body’s reactions. Is there a surge of contempt? It is time to start controlling these reactions.

          In his extensive studies on marriage and relationship, American psychologist John Gottman was able to predict with over 94% accuracy whether or not a couple would last. His most effective measurement was contempt. If he sees signs of contempt in one or both partners, it’s a good indicator they will be facing each other in court one day.

          So, we need to learn how to adapt a neutral position, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

          Counselor Sheri Alexander says, “A client of mine dislikes his boss. He feels like his boss is always seeking approval from everyone. And because his boss wants approval more than anything else, his boss doesn’t like to ruffle any feathers and, therefore, lets other employees get away with bad behavior.

          “I asked my client, ‘How would your boss describe himself? He likely would not say, ‘I always seek everyone’s approval.’ So how would he say it?

          “After thinking about it a bit, my client said, ‘Well, he’d probably say that he just wants everyone to be happy.’

          “’Yes!’ I said. ‘And now imagine how difficult his job is every day. He’s the boss. And there’s no way to be the boss and keep everyone happy all the time. You have to disappoint people, which sound like his biggest fear. Every day presents him with a challenge – a chance for him to be disliked. And you also seem like the type of person who isn’t easily impressed, So, maybe now we can see where the clash is occurring.’

          “My client paused as he considered this, then exclaimed, ‘That’s so big! I never thought of it that way!’

          “After shifting the belief from ‘he always seeks everyone’s approval’ to ‘he’s really afraid of letting people down,’ we figured out ways we could repair and improve their working relationship.

          “I coached my client to sandwich his criticisms and differing opinions between validating statements, such as, ‘I like where we’re headed with this. We could improve the process if we integrated this other system,’ or ‘I think you’ve laid out a great framework for us to work with here.’

          “By questioning a faulty belief, we were able to find things within his control that could improve the relationship.

          “Try to shift your mindset to one of curiosity rather than one of judgment. In doing so, you change the dynamic in the relationship because judgment closes the door to change. Curiosity opens it.”

Famous Okie information: Cimarron County, located in the far western Oklahoma Panhandle, is the only county in the United States bordered by four separate states – Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: This year love your life. Take pictures of everything. Tell people you love them. Talk to random strangers. Do things that you’re scared to do. So many of us die and no one remembers a thing we did. Take your life and make it the best story in the world. Don’t waste it.

Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member. Seven of us had supper at Eddie’s Steakhouse. By far, the favorite meal to order was the fried jumbo shrimp with either the baked potato or baked yam. It was good. It’s only serving in the evenings and isn’t a place folks usually take their young children. A great place to go if you want to have a conversation with who you’re eating with without television and loud music distracting you.

Sage advice: First keep peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. ~Thomas a Kempis

Things you might want to go to in town: Mar. 3 is the Open House at the new PCHC site at 1309 N. East Street in Guymon. You can meet the new medical doctor and several new counselor’s too!  The Open House runs from 5:30 to 6:30 and the public is encouraged to come in.

See you on the bricks.

Here’s something to think about that I read on facebook. I admit I changed a few items.

Characteristics of people that you want to be around include a positive attitude, they embrace change, forgive others, talk about ideas, love to learn, accept responsibility for their failures, and have a sense of gratitude. Characteristics of people that you probably don’t want to be around, include a negative attitude, they fear change, hold grudges, talk about people, think they know it all, blame others for their failures, and have a sense of entitlement.

Some good points made there. We can all improve to be the first person.

Famous Okie information: The shopping cart was invented in Ardmore, Okla. in 1936.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: This year recognize your uniqueness; offer your support to someone who needs it; keep going, focus on love and forgiveness and peace; steer clear of people and things that wound you; see the love around you; strive to be happy, speak and be heard; support what is right in the face of what is wrong; look forward and live today.

Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member. Four of us ate at Dona Carmen’s and it was delicious. The best menu item, bar none, is the green chili chicken fried steak. So good. Good prices.

Sage advice: Memories remind us that nothing last forever. Time is precious and should not be wasted. Enjoy life and remember, don’t count the days, make the days count.

Things you might want to so in town: Feb. 29^th is the Leap of Kindness day. You are encouraged to do something kind for someone that day. You can do something for a group, as a group; or do something kind for a friend or neighbor as an individual. Every day holds opportunities to be kind, but make a supreme effort on Feb. 29 to do so! Some groups are encouraging donations to Loaves and Fishes, to Panhandle Services for Children and other entities. We have an extra day … let’s all fill it with extra kindness!

See you on the bricks.

There is so much going around about politics and immigration and this and that where people are irritated at others and want changes and want this and want that. These issues keep coming up in conversations and people start talking about them and putting their hands on their hips or pointing a finger while they’re talking.

A recent article in the Living Lutheran magazine says that the best way to address these topics is through love. And the writer gave some really good tips to follow. Words can give life, and words can kill. Words chosen carefully will draw out more intelligent conversation.

1. Remember, you and I don’t know everything.
2. Be curious, not furious. Curiosity seeks to learn, not to remain ignorant.
3. The people with whom you argue are made in the image of God – just as you are.
4. Hurt and anger are twins. When someone lashes out in anger, beneath that is probably hurt. Don’t let your anger jag keep you guilty forever or empower you to get louder and more self – satisfied. Take your own inventory (flaws and gifts) often, so you can get to know yourself better – you will be a better communicator in the end.
5. Be patient.
6. Truth is many faceted. Recognize that when another person has a different viewpoint, there may well be an element of truth in it. Find it. State it. See how the anxiety goes down and the thinking goes up. And when you are convinced of your truth, say it in love, not in anger or one – upmanship.
7. Love trumps everything else. A huge part of the strength of real love is the ability to also say, “I’m sorry, I made a mistake. I ask your forgiveness. Can we continue to talk and learn together?”

Famous Okie information: The first Girl Scout Cookie was sold in Muskogee, Okla., in 1917.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: In this new year, I hope you live louder. I hope you laugh more. I hope you sing at the top of your lungs. I hope you drive with the windows down and let the wind rustle through your hair. I hope you hug. I hope you kiss. I hope you surround yourself with people who make you feel alive. I hope you become the type of person that brings good energy wherever you go, and the type of person people want to be around. I hope you speak what’s on your mind, that you raise your voice for injustice, that you tell others you love them, instead of waiting until it’s too late. I hope you live louder, shine brighter. This is your year.

Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member. Our second restaurant stop was at Caktus Jacks. The best surprise was the huge salad, which was very good, was half price on Tuesdays. How about losing weight and gaining dimes in the pocketbook? Sounds good to me.

Sage advice:  “Ancora imparo (I am still learning).” ~Michelangelo, at age 87.

Things you might want to see in town:

The Main Street Guymon Awards Evening is on Feb. 18 with a dinner and a chance to honor some of our many community volunteers and businesses. Tickets are $25 per person and the theme is Roaring 20s. You should go! Especially if you have considered getting more involved in the community. Or if you just want to watch!

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you made the day special for someone.

See you on the bricks.

Interestingly enough, upon reflection of Lucas becoming a City Councilman, I realized that my eldest son, Justin Johnson, has long been on the church council and served as a volunteer fireman; my eldest daughter, Missy, (Lucas’ twin) is on the Texhoma, Texas, city council and her husband is on the school board; my youngest daughter, Lisa Schulz, is on the Gruver Economic Development committee for the City and I think is the Chamber of Commerce (yes, I might be exaggerating) and her husband has recently been named to the church council.

It is my opinion that we all owe some time to our community. Whether it is as a Sunday School teacher or as a Kid’s Inc. coach or a Main Street Guymon volunteer, we all need to give to our community to make sure that it is a good community. Public and civic service is not to make you more money or gain personal accolades. It’s because it’s the right thing to do.

Having my children all serving their communities gave me a feeling of completeness. Anyway, back to the email of advice. Here’s what I said to Lucas:

“The most important thing about public service is that you remember it is not about you, but about a job that needs done. Being part of a city council / church council / school board means that you are representing the public / parishioners. You’re not there to make sure your opinions are served, or that your pet projects get done before others, you are there to make decisions that are the best for the people and the entity in the long run.

“The difficult part about public service is listening to people and remembering there is a silent population that you cannot forget. Just because someone is loudest, does not mean they are the majority or they are right. You also have to take into consideration that the public does not understand all the issues needing to be considered in a decision. Which brings up part of your responsibility, which is very difficult …

“You need to be keeping the public informed. You make the effort, even if they do not especially want to learn. Invite them to give you their opinion. Invite them to listen to your opinion. Invite them to your meetings … and make them feel comfortable when they are there. Just because you have a vote does not mean that you’re more important than they are … you simply have more responsibility.

“This does not mean that you have a week long community meeting during your regular meetings, but that you have meetings open to the public that are for brainstorming and teaching and discussion … the official meetings are for making decisions that you should have been hearing about for a long time.

“Your job is serious, but you do not need to be eaten up with seriousness. Smile. Be courteous. Do not be condescending. Include the audience as much as you can without losing the ability to get a meeting finished in good time.

“Read what you’re supposed to read before the meetings. Talk to the public before the meeting, go to them as much as you can. Stand up to rumors and confront those who spread them, in a polite and sharing manner. Your goal is to get accurate information out and to gather accurate information. Public service is a responsibility.

“And always be thankful that you have members of the public who are concerned. They will take their attitude from you, most of the time, so be kind and be courteous.

“And remember, whatever you built will have to be maintained. Have a maintenance plan and have those who are the maintenance plan in on the discussion. Think more than a year down the road … how will this be used in ten years?  Who will use it?  What is the cost per actual person that needs it?  Where will the money come from to take care of it?  Be realistic. Be sensible.

“Never do something simply because you want people to like you. Be a good enough person that when you do something they don’t agree with, they still like you … that is the true goal. Gain their trust so they will believe in your decisions … and this is difficult to do and takes time. Listening and telling the truth are the fastest ways to gain people’s trust.”

And always thank those who are serving your community. If you haven’t, you need to. When you are in public service everyone with a complaint makes it a point to see you. But those who are happy with what is happening, seldom do. It’s a hard place to be. Thank one of your public servants today.

And I’ll see you on the bricks!

Well, helllooooo, February. The month blew in like a blue norther and surprised the heck out of me!

          Here’s some good advice I came upon and is well worth sharing … Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark.

1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re really old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t listen to the critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember, the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

Famous Okie information: Actress Jennifer Garner (ex-wife of Ben Affleck) has an organic baby food business, Once Upon a Farm made with produce from her family’s farm in Locust Grove, Okla.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: If you want 2020 to be your year, don’t sit on the couch and wait for it. Go out. Make a change. Smile more. Be excited. Do new things. Throw away what you’ve been cluttering. Unfollow negative people on social media. Go to bed early. Wake up early. Be fierce. Don’t gossip. Show more gratitude. Do things that challenge you. Be brave.

Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member. It is amazing the number of eating spots in our fair town! The first stop was the Ambassador Restaurant where the service was good and we loved having the owner, Jose, come by and visit. The Ambassador has a great breakfast all day long and the best club sandwich in town. Put onion rings on the order with it and it’s a fantastic lunch.

Things you might want to see in town:  The Texas County Livestock Show is Feb. 11-13 and there are a lot of people involved. Good luck to all the students involved and special blessings for all those who buy at the auction. We love that you support agriculture and our students!

The All Fired Up Art Gallery has a Valentine’s event on Feb. 13. From noon to 7 pm, you can partake in many things chocolate (heavenly) for $25 per person.

The Pub on the Bricks has entertainment on Feb. 14 and 15 evenings, stand – up comedy ventriloquist. General admission is $20 a person. And while you go out on Valentines evening, the kids can go to the YMCA for Kids Night Out for ages 2 to 13 from 6 to 10 pm. It’s only $10 a child.

The Main Street Guymon Awards Evening is on Feb. 18 with a dinner and a chance to honor some of our many community volunteers and businesses. Tickets are $25 per person and the theme is Roaring 20s.

It might be cold in Guymon, but all is good!

See you on the bricks.