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The older I get, the less tolerant I seem to become, yet at the same time, the older I get I seem to have more patience.

The less tolerant lobe residing in my brain kicks into gear when I witness or am involved with someone who thinks they can pull one over on me, lie or deceive me and others, or out and out falsify or manipulate information that affects or damages other people. Some of these folks lie when the truth would sound better. They then grin as if they got away with it.

Word to the wise, just because I smile back doesn't mean I bought into your B.S. I was born in the morning, but not this morning. My husband has a great quote referring to these less-than-honorable types of individuals: "Don't they realize when they point a finger at someone, they have three of their own pointing back at them? Guess not."

My parents taught me that if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all. That advice worked great when I was younger, but now my "less tolerant lobe" in certain circumstances will not hesitate to call a spade a spade.

What makes a person use power or ability to intimidate others through threats and fear? Their "mean ass lobe," that's what. I try not to be judgmental, but there seem to be many people with "mean ass lobes." Someone or something higher up the ladder than me will call them to task for the abuse, out and out deception and pain they have inflicted on others.

Honestly, I have met plenty of men in my life who make me wonder how they look themselves in the mirror every morning to shave and manage not to cut their own throat. This statement in no way is intended to offend men who wear a beard -- or let unscrupulous women off the hook, as there are plenty of them as well.

My patience lobe activates when I meet people less fortunate, sickly or elderly who are doing everything they can to survive in this screwed-up, messed-up world we live in today. I'm a good listener and more times than not they just need to talk about their frustrations and fears, not that I can help them other than to listen.

I also have more patience with little kids and animals, probably because of their innocence or knowing in my heart of hearts that they just don't know or understand some things yet. A young child's honesty is refreshing even though at times embarrassing to their folks, and they, as well as a pet, can be entertaining without even trying. Can't help but love 'em.

Since I am on the subject of brain lobes, I have to address our idiot lobe, as we all have them. If you think you don't have an idiot lobe, let me be the first to tell you, you probably have two. One lobe is smarter than the other and quickly convinces your not-so-smart idiot lobe that there was a good reason you said what you said or did what you did that made you look like an idiot.

Maybe you think you don't have an idiot lobe because you can't remember ever doing or saying something stupid. Something like walking around the house looking for your glasses when they are on top of your head, or locking your keys in the car -- a really sharp idiot lobe, by the way, makes sure the car is still running.

This actually happened to a co-worker of mine when I lived in Las Vegas. I realized right away she had two idiot lobes when her smarter idiot lobe convinced her that a co-worker played a prank on her by taking her car keys from her locker, starting her car, then locking it.

What an eye opener when she realized the car had been locked and running since she got to work that morning.

If you are still convinced that you don't have an idiot lobe, watch out. All that pent up idiocy is going to strike all at once and you are going to do something incredibly stupid and probably embarrassing.

A point to ponder: Idiot lobes are more active when you are tired, stressed out or pre-occupied. At times your stupid move can result in harm or something worse to you or someone else. When you get in your car, adjust your rearview mirror, put on your seatbelt, start your engine, clear your mind and disengage your idiot lobe -- your life or someone else's could depend on it.

As always, have a great day, may God bless and protect you, our veterans and all those who have so courageously served our country.