She mentored in him the work ethic theory, i.e. strong effort brings successful results. He chose the manner of expression, first as a recognized musician, and later as an athlete.
“I got out of my way to do story-worthy stuff in beautiful places and learn what I’m made of and expand what I can do.” Actually, it seems he does it so that he can feel extra-smug and self-satisfied and so that he can gloat about his feelings of superiority on a daily basis to everyone he encounters.
Not sure why anyone would want to put Frazz down. He’s not bragging, he’s simply answering her questions. It’s not sanctimonious nor any other pejorative to tell your truth. He’s a dedicated athlete for his own purposes (and he’s often not the winner by his own admission). He does it to improve himself. We read about it in the strip because it’s a strip we enjoy (at least I do). Be yourself, Frazz (or Jef, or whoever), and I’ll be me. I can’t do what you do, but I get a kick reading about it. Have a nice torturous swim!
Hmm… I can see where Frazz/Jef is coming from, having done my share of things that were uncomfortable and exhausting but ultimately satisfying… but somehow the deliver in this strip strikes me as a bit condescending and smug. Maybe he still has some unresolved issues with his third grade teacher. Or maybe every cartoonist has an off day. Still a pretty drawing, especially with Jane in the kayak next to him (she’s always been the sensible one…)
Yakety Sax over 6 years ago
What goes around, comes back to haunt you!
mddshubby2005 over 6 years ago
Different strokes for different folks – butterfly for one, ischemic for another.
Bilan over 6 years ago
Mrs Olsen was a mentor for an athlete?
Reality is stranger than fiction (Oops, this is fiction. Never mind)
Brian G Premium Member over 6 years ago
Suffering is an optional choice.
sandpiper over 6 years ago
She mentored in him the work ethic theory, i.e. strong effort brings successful results. He chose the manner of expression, first as a recognized musician, and later as an athlete.
Ignatz Premium Member over 6 years ago
Jef Mallett lives in Huntington Woods, MI, and I guess that’s where Frazz lives, too.
garcoa over 6 years ago
Ah, Mrs. Olsen deserves a hug – even if “awkward”.
seismic-2 Premium Member over 6 years ago
“I got out of my way to do story-worthy stuff in beautiful places and learn what I’m made of and expand what I can do.” Actually, it seems he does it so that he can feel extra-smug and self-satisfied and so that he can gloat about his feelings of superiority on a daily basis to everyone he encounters.
mysterysciencefreezer over 6 years ago
How much of the sights can you take in when you’re that busy not drowning and/or freezing?
Ed The Red Premium Member over 6 years ago
Ahh, back in 3rd grade, when he still carried that stuffed tiger around.
Kind&Kinder over 6 years ago
Not sure why anyone would want to put Frazz down. He’s not bragging, he’s simply answering her questions. It’s not sanctimonious nor any other pejorative to tell your truth. He’s a dedicated athlete for his own purposes (and he’s often not the winner by his own admission). He does it to improve himself. We read about it in the strip because it’s a strip we enjoy (at least I do). Be yourself, Frazz (or Jef, or whoever), and I’ll be me. I can’t do what you do, but I get a kick reading about it. Have a nice torturous swim!
Richard S Russell Premium Member over 6 years ago
“The real truth? I’m a masochist.”
puddleglum1066 over 6 years ago
Hmm… I can see where Frazz/Jef is coming from, having done my share of things that were uncomfortable and exhausting but ultimately satisfying… but somehow the deliver in this strip strikes me as a bit condescending and smug. Maybe he still has some unresolved issues with his third grade teacher. Or maybe every cartoonist has an off day. Still a pretty drawing, especially with Jane in the kayak next to him (she’s always been the sensible one…)
joeshmoe554 over 6 years ago
I prefer the alternative philosophy, “It’s all about the journey, not the destination”