Thursday, January 27, 2011

Life Can Sneak Up On You

How many times have you heard of a couple who couldn't have children and suddenly they are pregnant and expecting one of life's little miracles? Or how about the person that goes to a casino and a single pull nets a huge and unexpected sum of money?

Of course life doesn't always deal you the proverbial good hand. Sometimes you are dealt a hand you really have to play all the way to the final card and hope you hit the straight flush. Such is the case with my business partner and close friend. A short four months ago while on a business trip, my friend noticed a slight disconnect in his motor skills. At the advice of his doctor, he went to the emergency room of a local hospital and suddenly he is fighting lung cancer that has metastasized to his brain.

Now, there are a lot of ways a person could react to that kind of news. I have thought long and hard about what my mindset would be like after receiving that bit of information. Granted, for me it is only speculation but I am not the courageous type. Not like my friend who has faced this squarely and decided he would not let it define him.

I don't pretend to know the intimate details of what he and his wife go through on a daily basis or the moments they share thinking about treatment options, the effects of medications and what lies ahead, but I do know that they have a plan and are implementing it courageously.

They are controlling input and keeping it to a select group. They aren't looking for a pity party. They are looking for positive feedback and support and they are getting it.

Courage, strength, poise, class and a lot of faith in a Higher Power, that is what drives my friend and his wife. All great qualities and all qualities that I hope someday someone will use to describe my character. My hat is off to them and I love them both dearly.

Pray for them as I do. Pray the prayer that never fails; let God's will be done.


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

'This is why the American People have thrown you out'

Politicians or Middle School students! I love how the Speaker has to side bar each time the Gentleman asks to be recognized.


Breitbart.tv » ‘This is Why the American People Have Thrown You Out’

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Our Crazy Dog - #2

Here is a look at our crazy dog. Actually she is really a great dog and what great hunting instincts. This video is quite out of character as she rarely barks. That being the case I had to video this when she lit up one day.


Sunday, October 31, 2010

Election Week

Just a quick rant today. Would it be possible to pass a law that states that the week - or at least the last three days - before an election, TV and Radio spots are restricted from berating the opposition? Just tell me what your plans are if you get elected.

I know that most of the ads you see on TV and radio are not actually sponsored by the candidate. If necessary, then we ban ads that aren't sponsored by the candidate. I really only want to see positive and candid accounts of what each candidates values are and what their plan of action is for the issues at hand.

Is that asking too much????

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Random Acts of Kindness

I visited the site of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and notice that they have lists to help people and organizations with ideas for promoting the concept of random acts of kindness. Following is a list of suggested activities for individuals. If you have any that you think should be added to the list, feel free to post it. Or, if you have performed a random act of kindness that you would like to share with the class, then post that. Always looking for creative ways to help our fellow man.

  • Help a neighbor weed or plant a garden.
  • Select some people in your life who you feel need a special lift and send them a gift: flowers, tickets to a special event, or a gift certificate.
  • Write a note to the supervisor of someone who has been particularly helpful, letting him or her know how the employee helped you.
  • Stop for a person waiting to cross the street.
  • Leave enough money in the vending machine for the next person to get a free treat.
  • Call or write to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time, just to say you’re thinking about them.
  • Purchase a copy of a book about kindness, read it, put your initials, city, and state on the inside, and pass it on.
  • Call loved ones just to say “I love you” or to tell them what you appreciate about them.
  • Create or donate floral arrangements for a senior center, nursing home, police station, hospital, or the homebound.
  • Smile and say “hello” to someone you don’t know.
  • When you are waiting for service at the deli counter, trade “ticket numbers” with someone in a hurry.
  • Put a flower on a neighbor’s porch.
  • Pick up litter.
  • Help someone struggling with heavy bags.
  • Offer to baby-sit for free to give a single parent an evening off.
  • Call someone who has no family nearby and invite him or her to your home for a visit.
  • Call someone who doesn’t drive, and invite him or her out to lunch or a movie.
  • Surprise someone in your house with breakfast in bed.
  • Compliment a stranger about something they are wearing.
  • Pay the toll for the person behind you.
  • Volunteer to help at a school or library.
  • Adopt a stray animal.
  • Give a lottery ticket to a stranger.
  • Include a note or joke in your child’s or spouse’s lunchbox.
  • Shovel your neighbor’s driveway or mow the lawn.
  • Write something nice about your waitperson on the back of the bill.
  • Give your place in line at the grocery store to another person, such as someone in a hurry or a parent with restless little children.
  • Smile and say thank you to the bus driver or toll collector.
  • Hold the door of the elevator, subway, or bus for someone rushing to catch it. After loading your groceries into the car, return your shopping cart.
  • Donate blood.
  • Let someone merge into traffic during rush hour.
  • If you play a musical instrument, visit a senior center or hospital and give a brief recital.
  • Ask your children to go through their toys and donate some of them to children who are less fortunate.
  • Make an anonymous donation to a charity that is actively helping your community.
  • When visiting a hospital, spend a few minutes with someone who has no visitors. Tape coins to a pay telephone with a note saying that anyone who needs it can use it.
  • After reading a book you enjoyed, send a note of appreciation to the author.
  • Ask your children to wash an elderly neighbor’s car, mow the lawn, or rake leaves without charge.
  • Next time you finish your punch card for a free cup of coffee, give it away or ask the cashier to give it to someone who might need it.
  • Host a party for the kids in your neighborhood.
  • Make snacks and watch a movie, giving the adults in the neighborhood a night off.
  • Drive safely and courteously.
  • Carry inexpensive, pocket-sized rain ponchos in your car and hand them out to pedestrians who are getting drenched in a downpour.
  • Donate soda tabs or cans to a local organization that can turn them in to raise funds.
  • Save box tops for education and donate to a local school, even if you don’t have children.
  • Save coupons and send them to the commissary for military families to use overseas, they can use coupons expired up to six months.
  • Send a card to a lonely person

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Apple's iPhone on Verizon: 4 Reasons to Think Twice

Apple's iPhone on Verizon: 4 Reasons to Think Twice

Ah, dare to dream. I have a Droid and like it but would still like to see the iPhone become available on the Verizon network. Perhaps someday soon!