Andy Rooney

I really enjoyed Andy Rooney over the years and was sad for his passing. I knew it wouldn't be long until his death when he gave his final goodbye on 60 Minutes. He always stated he wouldn't retire and I just knew he must be in failing health. The network could give him a proper send-off while he was still on the air. It is sad to see the writing on the wall, but I told mom, Andy Rooney will be dead very soon.

He came across like a real, honorable man with a good sense of humor. I liked that his desk was messier than mine, that he kept everything, that he typed on an old typewriter, that his hair was always unkempt and I especially liked that he was a curmudgeon. I liked it that he hated people who asked for autographs because I think following "famous people" and asking for their autographs is ridiculous. I think idolizing TV personalities or movie stars is one of dumbest things we do as a society. I like to watch someone be real on TV because I think that is a rare sighting. 

I don't think it is normal for people to be bright and cheery all the time, which is why I have a hard time with the bouncy, bright, giggling personalities on Today in the morning spooning us advice on money, health, appearance. And I ask myself, can't one of them just be a in bad mood, just once? It makes me feel small the first thing in the morning ... watching so many people perfectly clad and couffed while I am in my tattered PJ's trying to drink my coffee. (PS ... this is mom's choice of morning news show ... although the "news" part is just a small interjection between musical numbers and advice from the experts).

This is why we switch over to The View immediately for the 3rd (4th) hour of  Today because I don't want to watch any show that has to rename the days of the week with ridiculous substitutes. I like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar because are smart and have a sharp, cutting edge sense of humor. I like Whoopi Goldberg's clothing choices, just like Diane Keaton ... she has her own style and sticks with it no matter what the critics have to say.


Thank you to my friend who sent these Andy Rooney quotes this morning, it made my day, read while I sat in my old PJ's drinking my coffee. A man with the gift of saying so much with so few words. 

I've learned:

That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. 

That when you're in love, it shows. 

That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day. 

That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

That being kind is more important than being right. 

That you should never say no to a gift from a child. 

That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. 

That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. 

That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. 

That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. 

That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. 

That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. 

That money doesn't buy class. 

That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. 

That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. 

That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. 

That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you. 

That love, not time, heals all wounds. 

That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. 

That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. 

That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

That life is tough, but I'm tougher. 

That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. 

That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. 

That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away. 

That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. 
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. 

That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life. 

That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness, and growth occurs while you're climbing it. 

That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.