A Fresh Start
by Valerie & Randy Nusbaum
Dear Readers:
I’m often asked why Randy never gets a chance to rebut the things I write about him in this column. You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for?” Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. The opinions in this particular column are Randy’s and his alone. And, no, I didn’t twist his arm or threaten him to make him say nice things about me. Read on.
Okay, I know all of you turned to this page, expecting to see Valerie’s column, and rightly so. Valerie’s columns are something I look forward to every month as well. But this month, in an effort to help out during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I volunteered to write a column for Valerie. Well, actually she doesn’t know I’m writing it, so please don’t tell her. (Valerie’s Note: He offered. I was tired. I might have said yes.)
As most of you know, many of Valerie’s writings involve our adventures and a few of my mishaps or delusions of grandeur. I started out to write something in my defense. Upon further reflection, I’ve decided that Valerie is a saint for putting up with me. There is no defense. Almost all of what she describes is the truth; although, she occasionally tones some of it down to lessen the shock and horror of my most recent folly. I know of no one else who would be so gracious. Perhaps, the column should be called “In Her Defense.” As in, “Your honor, you only need to read a few of my columns to understand why I did it.” (Valerie’s Note: Nothing in this paragraph was coerced. Some of it is true.)
The holiday season is typically a time of reflection for many of us. Christmastime brings around the joy of the season. It’s a time to reconnect with loved ones and friends. New Year’s allows us to pause and remember the passing year—good and bad—whilst making plans and resolutions, as we look forward to the coming year. (Valerie’s Note: I have to caution Randy all the time not to try and use a British accent with these customers. They would not be amused.)
Personally, I like to spend this season catching up on movies. No, not new movies. Real movies that define our generation. I’m specifically talking about three movies that everyone has seen, and if you haven’t already seen them, you really should. I’m sure you are all familiar with the list, but just in case, here they are in no particular order.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972), with Robert Redford. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it, I’m not really sure how you’ve survived this long. If you don’t watch this film at least once a year, I have no idea how you hone your basic survival skills. And what in the world do you talk about at parties?
The Replacements (2000), with Keanu Reeves. A must-see for comic relief and important life lessons. Given all of the recent drama with the NFL, this movie is all the football you’ll ever need. It’s not just for the holiday season, and can and should be watched any time.
Point Break (1991), with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. No, not the recent remake. Why Hollywood ever thought remaking a classic was a good idea, I’ll never know…but don’t watch it. The original is a religious experience and should not be tampered with. This movie has it all, and really should be watched more than once a year to keep you on an even keel. (Valerie’s Note: Keanu Reeves used to be my “hall pass,” but given Randy’s weird fascination with his movies, I’m sure you can understand why I now find Keanu kind of icky.)
Now, if you were to ask Valerie (and please don’t), she would question why there is a need to watch the same movie over and over again.
I’ve tried to explain that I learn something different with every viewing. Consider the value of the important life lessons we can learn from each viewing.
Valerie’s not buying it, but don’t be fooled. Every time I throw out a timely movie quote (“Hey Johnny—get me two”), she knows exactly which film it comes from. (Valerie’s Note: I smile and nod a lot, and I stand a good chance of guessing correctly if I name one of his top three.)
Enjoy this time of reflection and reconnection. And, I promise, next month, Valerie will be back again with actual witty entertainment! (Valerie’s Note: Randy’s pretty witty all by himself.)
“My dad had a saying about volunteering. He told me that there are three kinds of fools in the world: Fools, Darn (insert curse word) Fools, and Volunteers. I guess we all know where I landed. Dad had a good many sayings, all of which I’ll remember forever, and most of which I can’t print.”
“In my job, I work with a British customer. The Brits use terms like ‘whilst’ and ‘crikey’ and ‘brilliant’ often, and I am fascinated with their use of words.”
Thanks for reading,
Randy
