It’s been nearly 40 years since my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Flunkem, wrote the following remark in red ink on my report card:
Unstructured time is a challenge for Ned.
After reading this, my mother looked at me and said, “Since when did filling your unstructured time become a challenge?”
And things haven’t really changed since then. I can honestly say, through sheer luck and determination, I have put myself in a position to have what I’m sure Mrs. Flunkem would consider entirely too much unstructured time. Fortunately for me, my wife disagrees with Mrs. Flunkem and encourages me to make the most of it.
How?
By saying things like, “Hey Honey! Look at that wooden lion over there!”
The lion in question was standing outside an empty storefront, across from where we were parked. I studied it for a moment.
“It looks angry. Or possibly hurt. See the way he’s holding his paw up? Maybe he has a splinter?”
“It’s a wooden lion,” my wife replied. “So you’re probably right.”
“I’ll go look,” I said, and cautiously approached the lion to inspect his paw…
It didn’t take long to discover the source of his pained expression…
The relief on his face was easy to see. I thought. So I decided to celebrate with a knuckle bump…
Possibly because his paw was still sore, my gesture wasn’t greeted with the level of enthusiasm I had anticipated…
I returned his snarl and attempted to take control of the situation by reacting in a cat-like manner…
When that didn’t work, I knew it was time to pull out my fists for a one-two combo I like to call “The Captain and Tennille…”
I’m pretty sure I slipped on something — probably that discarded splinter — because somehow he landed the first punch…
At this point, my natural instincts between “fight or flight” kicked in and, out of respect to my family waiting in the car, I chose flight — but Wooden Lion had other ideas…
Thanks to my lightening reflexes, I was able to turn the tables on Wooden Lion by slipping out of my coat…
As it turned out, the splinter was just ploy. What he really wanted all along was my jacket. I guess that’s what I get for wearing a Caterpillar brand coat with the word “Cat” stitched into the collar…
Mrs. Flunkem, if you happen to be reading this, I’m sorry. But as you can see I’m still spending my unstructured time pretty much the same way.
Who would’ve thought I’d actually get paid for it!
(Ned Hickson is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life, is available from Port Hole Publications, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.)
Ned's Blog 
It’s like one of those flip books, except with more blue jeans.
I couldn’t pay much attention, though, because I was trying to figure out the name of the motel reflected in the window. It looks like “Fib Grove,” which is the best name for a motel ever.
It’s actually “Fir Grove,” which I purchased and named just for an ironic embellishment. It’s all about the details for me…
No disrespect to Mrs. Flunkem, but I completely appreciate what you do with your unstructured time!! (and the fact that you have an awesome wife!!)
That lion’s thinking, “I’m gonna get that sonofabitch. It’s a small town.”
Exactly. I figured it was easier to give up my coat. And dignity…
(laughing)
Oh my god, that was laugh out loud funny! I can picture people walking by and questioning your antics in progress. A friendly smile a nod. Move along people, nothing to see here.
Ha! You’re too nice, CH. They’re more like, “It’s HIM. Hide the children.”
Hey, easy. It’s not like I’m a priest or something… 😉
And for that, we are most grateful. The world prefers you as ‘Ned the crazyhead.’ On the other hand, we could call you ‘Father Ned’?
God forbid…
My thoughts exactly. Stick with wooden lions.
Haha! It happens to the best of us
There was a small crowd by the time it was over, and a lot of car honks. Fortunately, we were out of town, so there’s a good chance I won’t be recognized buying groceries or something.
So awesome! That was a good really idea
Thanks, Adam ! My wife is a good sport 🙂
Looks like this was a starving circus lion before he was frozen in time on his trick stool! The sore paw & sad look on his face was all part of his act to lure in his next meal. Good thing you gave him the slip!
I should’ve known better than to trust him. Especially after nearly getting mauled by a wooden bear less than a block away.
Fallin’ off Stop signs, getting punched by wooden animals……having an unlucky streak with inanimate objects?
And for that reason I will avoid Capitol Hill at all costs.
Whew, Ned, that was close – good thing you were fleet of feet or you could have lost more than just your CAT jacket! Being about 2,999 miles away, I can see a bigger pattern here, Ned. In addition to being cold, the poor lion is so skinny you can count his ribs. From my perspective, he is standing exactly between Bedrock’s Pizzera, Chowder House and Grill and Don’s Main Street Family Restaurant. I think the poor lion is hungry and he is standing there hoping someone will notice and feed him. If you pick him up some grub and feed him, you may get your CAT jacket back in appreciation. Just sayin’. You’d be grumpy too if you were hungry.
And then there is the wooden bear holding the 4ft wooden salmon just yards away, taunting that lion!
Sadly, he didn’t see THAT photo op until after he already messed with the lion!
Could be another adventure? Or maybe a sign not to mess with wooden creatures?
Bwhaahahaha! Alicia, Ned strikes me as the kind of guy that should come with a User’s Manual and a book of Handy Tips: a file of notes from each person in life who has been responsible for him (including Mrs. Flunkem) and their suggestions for keeping him out of trouble and focussed. You have my deepest sympathy. Ha!
YOU are one lucky lady. I wish my husband would taunt wooden animals. (smile)
I’ll take it as a sign, Honey. I’m just not sure of what…
If you tell me what I ate at Don’s, I’m totally going to freak out…
Don’s looks like it would have a mean Chicken Club sandwich – yum!
It does, but I actually had a really great tuna melt. If you ever make it here, I’ll treat you to either one 😉
You’re on!
We can’t stop laughing!
And I haven’t stopped running…
the world is your prop
Thanks — because I dont like oysters 😉
lions are known for their love of heavy equipment logo items. and they will do most anything to get their paws on one. i cannot believe you were not aware of that. you are just lucky you got away with your john deere underwear in place.
Wow! I really need to watch more Animal Planet…
So the lion was playing possum? Remind me to watch out for possums in the Pacific Northwest!
The wildlife here is a little confused.
Mrs Flunkem was wrong, could there a better use of unstructured parking lot time than that series of important photos?
Thank you for the affirmation, REDdog. Where were you when I was in third grade? Oh that’s right — probably not born yet… 😉
I dunno Ned, I’m guessing ’66 has gotta be close to your arrival year, man…
Nailed it! Man, you’re good. It must’ve been the appearance of a new star that gave it away, right? 😉
I got nothin’. Still recovering from the pole episode. May need a few days to deal with your lion days…… Although….. It could be a stretch, but heading into the lion’s den could have been foretold, fated as it were. It could have been written in your name all along….Uh oh, (simple) mind just blown.
I would have done the same thing. Hys-terical (as always).
If I ever go on safari, I’ll make sure you’re with me. (And thanks!)
MUFASA….
Scar, maybe?
Well, that’s what unstructured time is for! 🙂
Exactly! I don’t think Mrs. Flunkem realized I was ahead of my time.
Late from recess, but otherwise ahead of my time…
Wickedly excellent use of a random awesome object. Very funny stuff.
“Random” is my middle name 😉
Wow Really? Clumsy is mine.
Well, if we happen to randomly run into each other one day and you fall down, I guess we shouldn’t be all that surprised…? 😉
In the words of a teenage girl listening to New Direction…O.M.G!!
I am lauging my A off right now and woke everyone up. No worries, though. I enjoy filling extra unstructured time with my boys–even if they are mad about being up too early on a day off!
This was awesome. Maybe ranks up with my favorites!
Thanks, Michelle 😉
Now that everyone’s awake, I’m heading back to bed…
Ha! I don’t believe that for a minute. You have your NWOW audience to consider 😉
I hope you won’t be too disappointed if/when you read this morning’s post…
And please don’t send me a fruitcake 😉
Not disappointed at all! I’m cracking up because you apologized about what you might have considered a non-post which was actually a huge help to a newbie like me (I just happened to be on the Reader when your post came across). It was also a fantastic reminder that I need to reserve this week-end for my family and stay off the darned computer for awhile. Not only did I slip into work/travel mode this week, I fell into disappearing writer mode, too. I have two kiddos needing their mama and you have a houseful that needs you, too. Now shoo! You have fruitcake to eat, basketballs to dodge and spankings to administer.
I’m so glad to hear that, Michelle — Thank You! I really felt I was letting folks down. I also know it’s easy to slip into the habit of taking family for granted. As much as I talk about making writing one of your priorities and sticking to a writing routine — which is true — it only works if your family feels important too. It’s a balancing act to be sure, but one worth finding and keeping 😉
Again, thanks for the affirmation.
For the love of God! Why didn’t anyone heed Mrs. Flunkem’s warning?
I can’t tell you how many times I heard that during my parent/teacher conferences. Fortunately, by the time I was a senior in high school, she stopped coming to them. She also stopped talking in the third-person, which was always a little creepy to me.
Like your take on pole dancing this could have been a great cat video too! Great post, as usual. Thanks for the laugh;)
Wow. Jennifer Lawrence never looked so good.
Are you referring to me or the lion…?
I’m still thinking. Give me a minute here. I have never seen you act.
The fact that you thought that might be says it all.
Oh and what were you and your lovely wife doing at the Fir Grove Motel?
It wasn’t for the room service…
Good. I would assume that a hotel with a name like that has contributed to the health of more than one family tree.
And undoubtedly more than a few bushes…
That’s the kind of thing I’d do (but we don’t have lions, wooden or otherwise, here in Blighty) and my kids would just sigh and say ‘Mother….grow up’
If I can figure out a way, I’ll ship Wooden Lion to you 😉
You’d make a helluva gladiator, Ned.
I’m submitting this to Ridley Scott, just in case he makes a sequel to the first Gladiator movie…
Reblogged this on SINCLAIR JUNIOR "The Traveller" and commented:
hahaha,, you remember me about Narnia
And that is just how unstructured time should go! Creating a story or an adventure. Loved it!
Thanks! I couldn’t agree more 😉