Thursday 21 January 2010

'Get A Grip'.



A number of folks have told me, 'Gary, 'get a grip', man!'   So what sort of grip should I be getting?  Then I realised that they actually meant, to relax and be more rational, indeed to come to one's senses.  So when someone says, 'get a grip of yourself'..well I wouldn't even dare tell you what I thought that might mean.
So just what am I doing that might mean I need to 'get a grip'?  Maybe it's the fact that every once in a while I am tempted to do what you would call a 'run-on' sentence, a sentence that really did not need to be as long as it was because the sentence had said what it needed to say and it really would have been much better if the sentence had been ended, but no, I have the overwhelming urge to just keep writing merrily away without even thinking that it would be a good idea to end the flippin' thing 'and' with that and, I am now going to suddenly, abruptly end this sentence.  (Re-reads preceding sentence and takes breath).  Yeah, I know, 'get a grip'.
Maybe I need to 'get a grip', because I write about a 'beautiful fairy princess', 'a garden gnome', their various friends, stuffed toys and question why a brush is called 'daft'.  Heck, I've even interviewed our Jack Russell dog named 'Penny'.  So perhaps I do need to 'get a grip'.  
I've been thinking about doing something here, right now, that may just prove that to 'get a grip', is very much, a good idea.  'Boy George' and 'Culture Club' were the inspiration for the following.  Indeed, perhaps, however, whatever, whenever, definitely, maybe.  Or as George might sing at this moment, 'comma, comma, comma, comma, comma....comedian'.  'Commacal'... hmmm.  Okay, I tried.  Yes, I know, yet again, 'get a grip'.
It has also be noted that I have been known to do a rather disjointed blog.  So in the spirit of totally random, bordering on ridiculous musings; here goes.  This guy phoned me up the other day from his mobile (cell) phone.  The phone reception was poor at both ends.  It sounded something like this, 'Gary, I'm stuck (crackle, fade) could be quite some time before I arrive'.  'What was that?', I asked.  'I'm stuck in traffic', he stated.  'Gridlock?', I inquired.  'Thanks, I'm gonna' need it', he said.  One last musing to end this paragraph.  When someone says, 'no pun intended', do they actually mean there was a pun intended?  A friend of mine told me that they work at an office of the 'Tree Surgeons Union'.  I asked, 'which branch?'  No pun intended....
Well I like the idea of 'get a grip'.  As a matter of fact, I'm heading off to Miami.  Hopefully, when I get there, I can get a 'Miami vice grip'.

30 comments:

  1. Hi Gary, I'm sure that when people say 'get a grip' it is well intentioned, they are trying to make us 'snap out of it'! Unfortunately, we can't do this, we can't perform in life just as they would want us to, even if it is in our own best interest. All people can do is provide a kindly support, listen, just be there for us. Most of the healing must come from within when we are ready? By giving the instruction to 'take a grip' there is a hint of impatience involved?

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  2. Hi Carole,
    For sure, 'get a grip', is well-intentioned.
    Support, comfort and encouragement is most assuredly a positive aspect.
    Thank you for your thoughts, Carole.
    They are much appreciated.
    With respect and kindness, your way, Gary x

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  3. Dear Gary,
    The words "loony", "bonkers", "crackers", "nutcase" and "headcase" are all pejorative terms used to describe those with experience of mental ill health, and, of course, have nothing to do with you. So, I may be digressing a little here myself.
    But, if you are a "nutcase", does that mean you go around carrying your "nuts" in a suitcase?
    Oh, to be as funny and clever as you, Gary! Really, I would need to invent a new superlative to describe your weird and wonderful brain.
    Thnk you for another funny and clever blog.
    Yours with Very Best Wishes,
    David.

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  4. Dear David,
    As you know, in my case anyway, I rather celebrate being somewhat, 'loony' etc.
    Of course, in this posting, I was having a bit of a laugh at myself. This, I find, rather therapeutic.
    I love the good-natured banter that we share.
    Thank you, David. I think you have a weird and wonderful brain. It is a honour being a workmate and friend.
    With very kind wishes, your way, Gary:-)

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  5. We would love to invite you to a bloggers club where the best blogs gather for fun, learning and more fun. It is new and we are looking for great bloggers and thought of you. http://sexnfries.ning.com/

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  6. Hi Lizzie and Elle,
    This is most flattering. To be considered for inclusion in your 'bloggers club' is quite the compliment.
    I shall come over for a visit and see if I have the nerve to join. Thanks for the invite.
    You do a very funny blog.
    With respect, Gary :-)

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  7. There's too much of this 'get a grip' business going around, Gary! Mostly I find those who tell you to get a grip are the ones who need most to get a grip of themselves!

    I think we should all find a moment or two each day to be gripless - it's good for the soul.

    Julie xx

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  8. Hi Julie,
    I think I will have to come to grips with not coming to grips. A bit of being gripless is most definitely good for the soul.
    Thanks for your comment. I think I shall now go off on a gripping adventure. Or maybe not:-)
    Happy writing and take good care, Julie.
    With respect, Gary:-)

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  9. HAHA! There are times when your post just totally gives me two cracks in my *ss. Would you lend me that Miami vice grip so I can fix it?

    Seriously, Gary, this is very funny. Your stuff is a lot of pun to read (no pun intended). I haven't used this approach before. Do you think it would make my writing punnier if I do? Again, no pun intended.

    Thanks for giving me a good laugh. =)

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  10. Dear Gary
    From someone who has spent a week crying over her goldfish ( I only managed to bury the other one today as the ice was so thick I could not free him from is icy tomb) I certainly do not think you should worry. I know people are probably thinking I should get a grip but somethings just get to you don't they? We all move on from horrible things in a different way, ticking along in our own way and that is what makes us special. I am so glad to be following your special blog
    Best wishes
    Di

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  11. Hi Gary.
    A very creative photo! Certainly if I chose to 'get a grip' or a vise, I'd love to see Miami. A place where run on sentences are meant for drug lords!
    Very funny. Tell all of the creatures, real or imagine, 'hello' for me. I'm tooling off now.
    In shock and awe,
    Dixie xx

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  12. Hi there, Ryhen.
    Well you comment has certainly reached the bottom. No bum intended:-)
    Seriously Ryhen, you are doing just fine as you are. You do funny stuff and your site is awesome. I guess that means I cannot really give you any ad'vice'.
    Kind wishes, your way, Gary :-)

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  13. Dear Diane,
    I can really relate to your feelings about your goldfish. I think your passion and kindness to all creatures, is wonderful testimony to your caring spirit.
    This was very much a 'tongue-in-cheek' posting. I have had some friends tell me to 'get a grip' in a very joking manner. Actually, I love it. Matter of fact, I celebrate being, at times, rather zany. At times, rather twee.
    It's all good fun and has been most therapeutic.
    I thank you for your positive interaction. I'm very glad to have discovered your wonderful blog.
    With respect and warm wishes, Gary

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  14. Dear Dixie,
    Thanks for that. Glad you liked my photograph. Gripping stuff.
    If you get to Miami, can you say 'hello' to Crockett and Tubbs.
    Stay well clear of those dudes with the 'run-on sentences' :-)
    The 'wee folks, the stuffed toys, a talking dog and the 'daft' brush, say 'hello', to you.
    Kind wishes, your way, Gary x

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  15. I'm not sure saying 'get a grip' is well intentioned. It's lazy, it's a cop out and it's dismissive.

    It's like telling someone, 'I'm bored of you now and can't be bothered to think of anything sensible to say to help'

    When someone tells me to get a grip I get tempted to do just that...........around their throats.

    So Gary, I think your grip is fine; at least in regards to your blog. I don't know much about the rest of your life so cannot judge that.

    Meander through your posts and blog to your heart's content. Play with the words and your imagination.

    It is your blog and no-one else's.

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  16. Hi John,
    In the context of the good-natured banter I have with some friends of mine; 'get a grip', is meant in a harmless way.
    However, I do relate to what you have mentioned. Someone who is using such a term because they consider one to be perhaps not as 'sorted' as them, is indeed insulting.
    This posting was very much me showing that taking a term in a more literal way shows that I'm having a bit of fun with it all.
    Thanks John.
    With respect, Gary.

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  17. Get a grip??? Where's the fun in that? Life's too short to get all 'serioused' up all the time. Personally, I try avoiding that state of mind whenever possible - outside of my day job at least.

    Like the Miami Vice pic. Will be heading to Miami myself very shortly.

    Best of luck.

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  18. Get a grip Gary! You're losing it again. Came across your blog as I ventured through Ryhen's Mind and found your musings very hilarious.

    Have fun getting a grip in Miami! =)

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  19. Hey JaxPop,
    Quite right. Folks can take life a bit too seriously. I rather enjoy living in a somewhat 'gripless' state of mind.
    Have a good time in Miami. Thank you very much for you comment. It was most appreciated.
    With respect and fun, Gary:-)

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  20. Greetings 'shanaz',
    I've just had a wander over to your site. Excellent blog you are doing.
    Ah Ryhen. I love going over to his site and leaving a good-natured response.
    I shall now pursue the elusive grip. Then again, can I purchase a 'Miami vice grip. Hmmm.
    Thanks for your comment. Very kind of you.
    'Get a grip', Gary:-)
    With respect and good-natured wishes, your way, Gary.

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  21. Don't you dare get a grip, Gary - you're lovely just as you are.

    And be sure to post photos of the pastel suits with the sleeves pushed up when you go Miami Vice.

    XX

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  22. Hello Suzanne,
    Okay then. I wont dare 'get a grip'. Me thinks that 'quirky' is loads of fun.
    I shall endeavour to take photos of my 'pastel'suits. Hmm... didn't realise you could make a suit out of fruity sweets:-)
    Thanks Suzanne for your lovely comment.
    Kind wishes, Gary x

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  23. Your joke about the Tree Union - what branch? gave me a chuckle. Thank you :)

    I think no pun intended is different from no, pun intended.

    Cheers,

    Sonya

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  24. Hi Sonya,
    Thank you very much for visiting and leaving a comment.
    Just the placement of a comma, can indeed change the meaning of a statement. 'no, pun intended'. Excellent.
    Sonya, you are doing a wonderful blog. I hope you continue with your transparent and thought provoking blog.
    All the very best to you and happy writing. Kind wishes, Gary :-)

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  25. LOL, Gary you made a good point in a very unusual way, which is probably good, because "unusual" tends to stay with me more so than usual, because "usual" does nothing to my imagination like "unusual" does.

    Have a great day.

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  26. LOL! Gary, do not, I repeat, do not get a grip!!! I love you just the way you are. One might call you quirky if you needed a label!

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  27. Hi Joylene,
    Usually, I'm unusual. Being usual would be unusual.
    I'm glad that my usual unusual posting stirred your imagination.
    'Tom Jones sang, 'It's not unusual' but what heck would he know:-)
    Hope you have a good day eh.
    Kind wishes, Gary :-)

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  28. Hi Heather,
    Message understood. I shall do my utmost to 'get a grip' about not 'getting a grip'.
    'Quirky'. I like quirky:-)
    Talk to you soon.
    With warm wishes and respect.
    You friend, Gary

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  29. Hi Gary.
    Love your blog. Gripping stuff.
    I have just read through the numerous comments, you have a lot of followers.

    I think your grip on life is perfect, you don't take yourself too seriously and can make me laugh.You use humour to make people think. You are empathetic and supportive.
    XX

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  30. Hi juliet,
    Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment on this archived posting.
    I am fortunate that folks have been kind enough to 'follow' my blog.
    I think being proactive and responding to each comment helps in this most gripping interaction.
    Like you, dear Julie, I like to have a healthy balance in my life. Indeed, neither one of us takes life too seriously. A bit of humour and tongue firmly placed in cheek, is loads of fun.
    Thank you for your empathy and ongoing support, Julie.
    Kind wishes, Gary xx

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.