Yep, based on the Chinese zodiac, 2020 is the Year of the Rat. I suppose there are all kinds of jokes, organized crime and otherwise, that could be made of that, but let’s set all that aside. Good buddy Baja John (who wrote to me from Bahia de Los Angeles in Baja just a few days ago) had this much better suggestion:
Hey Joe,
So, I’m calling this year the “Year of Hindsight.” I was thinking that might be good fodder for a blog entry. Lessons to pass to younger readers or lessons that have helped you live happier in your senior years. Who knows. Popped into my head and thought I’d share.
John
I think that’s a grand idea, John, and I’m hoping our readers do, too. Hey, it’s 2020, and everyone knows that hindsight is 20-20. So, to all our readers (and our year end report tells us that our key demographic for ExhaustNotes readership is men aged 55 and over), you have the benefit of years of experience in all kinds of things. Let’s have your comments, please. What advice on any topic (love, life, money, politics, 9mm vs. .45, motorcycles, whatever) would you give younger folks?
Hindsight
“Most experts aren’t”
Ain’t that the truth.
Own at least one two stroke motorcycle.
What’s the best motor oil?
The best motor oil is the one in your motor keeping it alive on a trip I always say. Motor oil is worthless while still in the can on the shelf 1200 miles away.
The best bullet is the one in my pistol at my side as opposed to the “good stuff” I may have at home in the safe.
So learn to improvise and use what you have on hand like Mexgiver did in Baja. Worked for me so far.
That guy (I assume you are talking about Justin) is amazing. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Words to live by.
When you’re young you never think about getting old. When I was 30 I couldn’t imagine being 70. Now that I’m past 70, I still act like I’m 30.! I guess my best advice is always smell the roses you’re only going to go by here once . Live every day because you get the chance to, and you’re only going to die once. That’s about all I have for pontificating on a Sunday.
Good pontificating indeed, my friend (on a Sunday or any other day). I know what you mean about 70; that number used to be so far away it was meaningless. Not anymore.
Travel, preferably on a motorcycle. Expand your mind by expanding your horizons. Treat your comfort zone as a prison. You’ll have unforgettable experiences, see unbelievable sights, meet extraordinary people.
You can thank me later.
That’s outstanding advice, George. I always felt if more people traveled, there would be fewer wars.
Uhmm women read your blogs too, Joe 😊
Indeed they do, Annie. So, what advice would you have for young women like yourself?
Know what to let go of and let go of it.
I agree Bob. That’s a good one.
It is not how old you are that matters, it is how you are old.
If you come to a fork in the road, take it.
Live now, you are not getting out of here alive.
Well put, Dan!
I’m not in your demographic but enjoy reading these. My advice to my younger self: Always be open to make new friends but hang on to the old ones. It’s so comforting to be with the people who loved you and knew you “when.”
Good advice, and advice both you and I obviously follow.
Folks, I first met Lynn when we started in the same kindergarten class not that long ago. We’ve known each other ever since.
Always remember that you can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead.
Fred, I was hoping for something that touched on YooHoo.
You can tune a piano, but you can’t tune a fish. (Get it…tuna fish?)