Friday, July 26, 2013
Sometimes a title says it all ...
There is an old saying, "What would Jesus do?" When I titled this blog a long time ago I had no intention of comparing it to that old phrase. So what have I done lately? Not enough. Not nearly enough.
If we are lucky, we experience a few life changing moments in our short time here. I have been fortunate to not only have experienced several of these events, but to recognize them and use them to make changes in my life.
Low and behold I have been recently graced with another. I have not been taking care of myself the last couple of years and as a result this past Saturday morning (July 20th, around 5am) I was rushed to the emergency room with a massive heart attach. I am blessed that the doctors on duty at Troy Beaumont were able to pull me out and back to safety. Laying in a bed in the Critical Care Unit on the the 3rd floor allowed me a lot of time to ponder just what has been going on in my life. My new cardiologist and newest BFF, Dr. T said that based on the test results, this problem has been a problem for a while now. I may have had a couple of heart attacks in the last couple of months that weren't bad enough to get my attention. Well Dr. T.... this one got my attention. I'm not going into the goory details about how after they cathed my arm, spent near an hour trying to clear an artery that is still jammed. Bottom line, I made it and I have a Golden Opportunity to do something about it. I'm not going to dwell on all the what if this or what if that ... they didn't happen. Right? Laura and I have started living healthier all ready. Today is day nine with no cigarettes. And I don't even want one. Okay, that's total B.S. I want one right now, but I'm not going to smoke.
I'm going to enjoy this life changing moment...so right now... that is what David would do...
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Talkig back to FB
"Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul."
-- Douglas MacArthur, General
Listening to the radio while delivering papers this past Sunday was inthrawled by the Peter Werbe program. His guest was talking also raising kids in the digital age http://www.talkingbacktofacebook.com/ ...something I am currently involved in doing. Check out http://www.peterwerbe.com/guests.html and http://www.wrif.com/podcasts/Episodes.aspx?PID=1499
-- Douglas MacArthur, General
Listening to the radio while delivering papers this past Sunday was inthrawled by the Peter Werbe program. His guest was talking also raising kids in the digital age http://www.talkingbacktofacebook.com/ ...something I am currently involved in doing. Check out http://www.peterwerbe.com/guests.html and http://www.wrif.com/podcasts/Episodes.aspx?PID=1499
Friday, December 16, 2011
What are you Thankful for today...
Taken from the Advisor Source
Serving Macomb County, Michigan — Friday, December 16, 2011
Guest column: God meets us where we are
Published: Friday, December 16, 2011
"How many hours do you expect to spend fighting during your life together?" I asked the prospective bride and groom sitting across the desk from me.
Surprised, they laughed.
Not many who plan for marriage talk about the time they may lose in coming battles. Perhaps if they did there would be fewer home breakups.
A woman speaking to me on the phone blurted: "I'm disgusted with you."
"That's a terrible waste of time," I replied, kindly, in an effort to remind her that time is too precious to waste in useless anger and conflict.
A dying queen is said to have cried, "Millions in money for an inch of time."
How many of your remaining hours do you expect to spend in a negative, critical or depressed mood?
Is this a needless question?
Perhaps not!
You may even enjoy being down or down on others but there is a better way to live.
Positively!
"Sounds good," you may be thinking, but how does one achieve this positive peace of mind?
What's the secret of living peacefully?
I recommend simply practicing the presence of God.
Start each day giving thanks for your blessings.
Become active in a church and contribute to its work in your community.
In his book, "Secrets of the Spirit," author Ray Stedman says at a time when he was going through a tough time five words of Jesus turned his life around: "Let not your heart be troubled."
While these words had long been familiar to him, Stedman found personal power in them to bring peace. What familiar words of wisdom lurk in your mind awaiting your application of their power to set you free from stress and sorrow?
God also meets us in times of thankfulness.
How many things can you name that make you thankful?
The moment we begin thanking God for His present blessings, we are on our way out of the pits because thanksgiving cancels negativism.
When I awake in the morning knowing that my family members are well and have lived safely through the night I can count enough blessings to keep me positive all day.
Most of us have times ahead in hospital rooms or doctor's waiting rooms. If this is not one of those times, it is a time for thanksgiving, a period to be filled with praise.
Jesus taught His disciples to be thankful for daily bread. If there is food on the table, this is a day for praise ... not pouting.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years. He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
Serving Macomb County, Michigan — Friday, December 16, 2011
Guest column: God meets us where we are
Published: Friday, December 16, 2011
"How many hours do you expect to spend fighting during your life together?" I asked the prospective bride and groom sitting across the desk from me.
Surprised, they laughed.
Not many who plan for marriage talk about the time they may lose in coming battles. Perhaps if they did there would be fewer home breakups.
A woman speaking to me on the phone blurted: "I'm disgusted with you."
"That's a terrible waste of time," I replied, kindly, in an effort to remind her that time is too precious to waste in useless anger and conflict.
A dying queen is said to have cried, "Millions in money for an inch of time."
How many of your remaining hours do you expect to spend in a negative, critical or depressed mood?
Is this a needless question?
Perhaps not!
You may even enjoy being down or down on others but there is a better way to live.
Positively!
"Sounds good," you may be thinking, but how does one achieve this positive peace of mind?
What's the secret of living peacefully?
I recommend simply practicing the presence of God.
Start each day giving thanks for your blessings.
Become active in a church and contribute to its work in your community.
In his book, "Secrets of the Spirit," author Ray Stedman says at a time when he was going through a tough time five words of Jesus turned his life around: "Let not your heart be troubled."
While these words had long been familiar to him, Stedman found personal power in them to bring peace. What familiar words of wisdom lurk in your mind awaiting your application of their power to set you free from stress and sorrow?
God also meets us in times of thankfulness.
How many things can you name that make you thankful?
The moment we begin thanking God for His present blessings, we are on our way out of the pits because thanksgiving cancels negativism.
When I awake in the morning knowing that my family members are well and have lived safely through the night I can count enough blessings to keep me positive all day.
Most of us have times ahead in hospital rooms or doctor's waiting rooms. If this is not one of those times, it is a time for thanksgiving, a period to be filled with praise.
Jesus taught His disciples to be thankful for daily bread. If there is food on the table, this is a day for praise ... not pouting.
Roger Campbell is an author, a broadcaster and columnist who was a pastor for 22 years. He can be reached at rcministry@ameritech.net
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday Albom
Just read Mitch from Sunday and I must say I couldn't agree more!!! Having raised a step-son who is now 21, two girls in the house now (step-daughter -18 and pseudo foster kid – 19) and my two sons who are 11 and 12, I can fully and completely relate to Mr. Albom’s recent article… This is a repost FYI. Do with it what you will. Dap.
Youth On Web: Reason? Who Needs A Reason By Mitch Albom
Published: 12/04/2011 Wait long enough, and a study will be published confirming you were right. So it was this past week when a Pew Research Center project revealed that on any given day, more than half of Americans ages 18-29 go on the Internet for "no particular reason." Aha! I knew it! I have long since believed that going into cyberspace is a mission young people take not to actually land on a planet, but to cruise around the stars until the ship runs out of gas. The study shows that these young people have no purpose with the Web other than "fun," which is why a video of a two drunken Ukrainians can have a gazillion hits. When you're not looking for anything special, the un-special will do just fine. It reminds me of when we were kids, and we came into the house and immediately flipped on the television set. "What are you watching?" our parents asked. "Nothing," we said. "Then why do you have it on?" We had no good answer then, as I suspect kids have no good answer today. Their parents ask, "Why are you on that computer?" And they say, "Uh... what?" Different from TV and radio Now it's true, every generation has its diversions. In the recent Woody Allen movie "Midnight in Paris," the main character thinks life in the 1920s is much more alluring than today, and he gets to go back to that time - only to find a woman who thinks that life in the 1800s is much more alluring then the 1920s. Same thing with diversions. We wonder why our kids are on the computer for so long, our parents wondered why we were addicted to the TV set, their parents wondered why the radio always had to be on, and their parents wondered how the horse got disconnected from the buggy. (OK, I made that last one up. My research doesn't go back that far.) But there is special concern with this new online addiction. No one was a predator on the radio. No one stole your identity through the TV. No one posted anonymous hate mail or vicious rumors through those mediums, nor were they used as a way of communicating with people in lieu of speaking face-to-face. I am not in the 18-29 age group anymore. I barely remember it. But I see so many people of that age drawing all their opinions, news, entertainment and - worst of all - social interaction through a computer screen, that I worry soon the whole world will roll out of bed, plop down and reach for the mouse. That is not how we were meant to live. Just so much online An old teacher of mine once told me he couldn't watch much TV because he found it "physically depressing." Not the programs. The act of sitting and staring at images. He said he felt worn out after a few TV hours, even though he barely moved a muscle. I know what he means. I feel that way after too many hours on the computer. It's a cross between wanting to fly away and not wanting to let go. There's always one more thing to check. One more site to find. One more search to run. It's this yin and yang that are behind the Pew survey, I believe, and I don't think it's getting better. More and more of our lives are online - banking, shopping, problem-solving. And of course, communicating. We're beginning to hear about people texting in their sleep. It makes you wonder how we ever filled up our time before screens or speakers were invented. You know what people did? They talked. They visited. They sat near fires or rocked on porches. They wrote letters. They read quietly. They played with the kids and looked at the stars. You know what we call that today? A vacation. Contact Mitch Albom: 313-223-4581 or malbom@freepress.com. Catch "The Mitch Albom Show" 5-7 p.m. weekdays on WJR-AM (760). Also catch "Monday Sports Albom" 7-8 p.m. Mondays on WJR. To read his recent columns, go to www.freep.com/mitch.
Youth On Web: Reason? Who Needs A Reason By Mitch Albom
Published: 12/04/2011 Wait long enough, and a study will be published confirming you were right. So it was this past week when a Pew Research Center project revealed that on any given day, more than half of Americans ages 18-29 go on the Internet for "no particular reason." Aha! I knew it! I have long since believed that going into cyberspace is a mission young people take not to actually land on a planet, but to cruise around the stars until the ship runs out of gas. The study shows that these young people have no purpose with the Web other than "fun," which is why a video of a two drunken Ukrainians can have a gazillion hits. When you're not looking for anything special, the un-special will do just fine. It reminds me of when we were kids, and we came into the house and immediately flipped on the television set. "What are you watching?" our parents asked. "Nothing," we said. "Then why do you have it on?" We had no good answer then, as I suspect kids have no good answer today. Their parents ask, "Why are you on that computer?" And they say, "Uh... what?" Different from TV and radio Now it's true, every generation has its diversions. In the recent Woody Allen movie "Midnight in Paris," the main character thinks life in the 1920s is much more alluring than today, and he gets to go back to that time - only to find a woman who thinks that life in the 1800s is much more alluring then the 1920s. Same thing with diversions. We wonder why our kids are on the computer for so long, our parents wondered why we were addicted to the TV set, their parents wondered why the radio always had to be on, and their parents wondered how the horse got disconnected from the buggy. (OK, I made that last one up. My research doesn't go back that far.) But there is special concern with this new online addiction. No one was a predator on the radio. No one stole your identity through the TV. No one posted anonymous hate mail or vicious rumors through those mediums, nor were they used as a way of communicating with people in lieu of speaking face-to-face. I am not in the 18-29 age group anymore. I barely remember it. But I see so many people of that age drawing all their opinions, news, entertainment and - worst of all - social interaction through a computer screen, that I worry soon the whole world will roll out of bed, plop down and reach for the mouse. That is not how we were meant to live. Just so much online An old teacher of mine once told me he couldn't watch much TV because he found it "physically depressing." Not the programs. The act of sitting and staring at images. He said he felt worn out after a few TV hours, even though he barely moved a muscle. I know what he means. I feel that way after too many hours on the computer. It's a cross between wanting to fly away and not wanting to let go. There's always one more thing to check. One more site to find. One more search to run. It's this yin and yang that are behind the Pew survey, I believe, and I don't think it's getting better. More and more of our lives are online - banking, shopping, problem-solving. And of course, communicating. We're beginning to hear about people texting in their sleep. It makes you wonder how we ever filled up our time before screens or speakers were invented. You know what people did? They talked. They visited. They sat near fires or rocked on porches. They wrote letters. They read quietly. They played with the kids and looked at the stars. You know what we call that today? A vacation. Contact Mitch Albom: 313-223-4581 or malbom@freepress.com. Catch "The Mitch Albom Show" 5-7 p.m. weekdays on WJR-AM (760). Also catch "Monday Sports Albom" 7-8 p.m. Mondays on WJR. To read his recent columns, go to www.freep.com/mitch.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Eating the Elephant
I originally posted this on November 9, 2009
You have heard the question, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is, "one bite at a time." This metaphor applies to achieving any big goal, as well. How do you achieve a huge goal? You accomplish it one step, one task, one measure at a time.
When you invest an extra one or two hours per day in self-improvement, the cumulative effect on your greater ability to get results can be extraordinary.
taken from "Time Managment Success" by Brian Tracy International
Glen Beck's Thanksgiving message
This came to my attention the day before Thanksgiving. I read it thru a couple of times and even though the holiday has passed, I think his words still apply today. Now don't get me wrong, I am not a big fan of Beck. I usually dont agree with most of what he says. Sometimes I think there is a nugget worth while. This is one of those... do you agree?
November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
Ok, I promised my wife that I wouldn’t freak out her whole family this Thanksgiving and start talking about all the things going on in the country. But I never said anything about talking to all of you…so brace yourself for my Thanksgiving message.
Ok, yes there are a lot of problems in our country, but today isn’t about bad news. It’s so easy, especially with how things are, to get tunnel vision and focus only on the bad. Politicians have lied to us again and again leading to the highest levels of distrust in history. The economy is a rollercoaster. Friends and family are out of work and the cost of living just seems to get higher and higher. Are you beginning to see why the family put the 'downer' ban on me this year? Life is hard, it’s a struggle - but there's also hope.
There is good news, positive news, and on a day of thanks I think it’s important we talk about those things. Start in your own home. Take a look around and take stock of the things that really matter: Faith. Family. Friends. I’m so excited about Thanksgiving because it gives me time to reconnect with these three critical pieces of my life. While I try and keep things in perspective all year it’s easy to get lost in the bad and forget these three important things.
Faith. Take a moment to look at the role that God plays in your life. I don’t care what church you go to, but I do think that God should be an important piece of everyone’s life. This Thanksgiving, get down on your knees and pray. Invite your family to join you. Turn off the football, step away from the turkey, and give thanks for God’s forgiveness. While in this quiet reflection, take the opportunity to find clarity as well. Now, more than ever, it is important to know what God has planned for you and your life. He did not create you to sit around and eat Doritos all day - so what is it He wants you to do?
Family. Ok, I know not everyone loves being around their relatives during the holidays. You’ve got the crazy uncle telling nonsensical stories or an annoying in-law bugging you about how you’re holding the carving knife the wrong way. Everyone has to deal with this. Just close your eyes, take a breath, and when you open your eyes again realize how much these people shape your life and the lives of those that matter most to you. Your family will be there with you through thick and thin – no matter what happens. No matter how crazy things get during the holidays, know that these are the people that have your back. Step back and enjoy their fellowship during the holidays.
Friends. Anyone else out there have a friend they haven’t spoken to in a while? I know I do. This one may sound a little odd, after all faith and family are easier to reconnect with during the holidays than old friends. But I would ask that you call an old friend that you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Touch base, see how they are. The holidays can be rough, many of us have lost family and are going through tough times. Connect with someone who you haven’t spoken with in a while – you never know the difference you may make in a person’s life with just a phone call.
Faith. Family. Friends. These are the connections that sustain us in our life, no matter what may be going on in the world. I’m going to be announcing some things to help bring us all together over the next year – but the first steps begin at home.
Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!
Laos Deo,
November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
Ok, I promised my wife that I wouldn’t freak out her whole family this Thanksgiving and start talking about all the things going on in the country. But I never said anything about talking to all of you…so brace yourself for my Thanksgiving message.
Ok, yes there are a lot of problems in our country, but today isn’t about bad news. It’s so easy, especially with how things are, to get tunnel vision and focus only on the bad. Politicians have lied to us again and again leading to the highest levels of distrust in history. The economy is a rollercoaster. Friends and family are out of work and the cost of living just seems to get higher and higher. Are you beginning to see why the family put the 'downer' ban on me this year? Life is hard, it’s a struggle - but there's also hope.
There is good news, positive news, and on a day of thanks I think it’s important we talk about those things. Start in your own home. Take a look around and take stock of the things that really matter: Faith. Family. Friends. I’m so excited about Thanksgiving because it gives me time to reconnect with these three critical pieces of my life. While I try and keep things in perspective all year it’s easy to get lost in the bad and forget these three important things.
Faith. Take a moment to look at the role that God plays in your life. I don’t care what church you go to, but I do think that God should be an important piece of everyone’s life. This Thanksgiving, get down on your knees and pray. Invite your family to join you. Turn off the football, step away from the turkey, and give thanks for God’s forgiveness. While in this quiet reflection, take the opportunity to find clarity as well. Now, more than ever, it is important to know what God has planned for you and your life. He did not create you to sit around and eat Doritos all day - so what is it He wants you to do?
Family. Ok, I know not everyone loves being around their relatives during the holidays. You’ve got the crazy uncle telling nonsensical stories or an annoying in-law bugging you about how you’re holding the carving knife the wrong way. Everyone has to deal with this. Just close your eyes, take a breath, and when you open your eyes again realize how much these people shape your life and the lives of those that matter most to you. Your family will be there with you through thick and thin – no matter what happens. No matter how crazy things get during the holidays, know that these are the people that have your back. Step back and enjoy their fellowship during the holidays.
Friends. Anyone else out there have a friend they haven’t spoken to in a while? I know I do. This one may sound a little odd, after all faith and family are easier to reconnect with during the holidays than old friends. But I would ask that you call an old friend that you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Touch base, see how they are. The holidays can be rough, many of us have lost family and are going through tough times. Connect with someone who you haven’t spoken with in a while – you never know the difference you may make in a person’s life with just a phone call.
Faith. Family. Friends. These are the connections that sustain us in our life, no matter what may be going on in the world. I’m going to be announcing some things to help bring us all together over the next year – but the first steps begin at home.
Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!
Laos Deo,
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Random thoughts, Goal setting, Happy???
I hear people complain that life is so hard and nothing good ever happens to them. Or when this or that happens, things will get better… I can’t bother myself with thoughts like this cause I have found that it just clouds my vision. As far as I know, nobody got a promise when they were born that life was gonna be perfect, easy and glorious everyday. Wonderful things happen to me all day long, everyday! If I am looking for them I find them.
Rembering right now the Native American Indian story of the two wolves inside us all. The good one and the bad one. The wolf who lives on is the one we feed or something, something, bla, bla, bla, (jk!) (random thought thrown in for good measure).
I’m grateful today for the moment. I don’t have control over much today. I didn’t have much control over yesterday and I’m pretty certain I won’t have much control over what happens tomorrow, next week, next month. I DO have control over how I treat this moment. How I act, how I feel and how I think. Just for this moment. If I do everything I can and do what I am supposed to be doing, then it’s a good moment and that carries into the next. A string of good moments equals a good day, then week and so on… I’ve said many times; I’ve been Happy and I’ve been sad and angry. I like Happy much better. Oh yeah, and I have a little control over this?? I choose Happy!!!
So I’m grateful for My God. For this moment right now. And also for shelter over my families head. For the ability to earn an income and to help provide what my family needs. Are all the bills paid? All the creditors satisfied? Everybody has everything they want??? Well …(dramatic pause) … NO!! Aw Hell No!! Of course not. I don’t live in a perfect world. Life is not always easy. I know this. I don’t need to continually dwell on this. I am grateful for the people I am surrounded by today. I am grateful that I have people in my life that I love. That I care deeply about their lives and who care about me.
I said recently that I was going to set some goals and share them here. Well today my goal is simple. Let God take control. Do what I can to make other people reasonably happy. Take care of what I can. Take care of what I’m supposed to. Work on enjoying the moment and to be Happy. Pretty simple. Are there a ton of things that I would like to do? Sure there are! Is it important to have goals and shoot for them. Yes, of course there is but today I’m aiming for Happy!!
And to you, Happiness Today! If nothing else, be Happy and Happy Thanksgiving to you…
Monday, November 14, 2011
Fall Renewal???
I don't know who this guy is, I really don't. I found his blog following some research into a MLM company and product Protandim. His site calls the company and product a scam but that is neither here nor there. I was involved in Xyngular for a bit of time last year. Did okay...then couldn't afford the products and had to bow out. Really wanted to make it work but the time just wasn't right. Not going to make a bunch of excuses cause there are no legit reasons. Just didn't make it work. I would like to get back into it but $$ is still a problem around my household so... that is not the reason for my post today. I have not blogged in a long time and felt the urge to do it...
This guy on the lazy man and money blog had posted some very interesting points. Things that I have done in the past but have not been doing lately. I am making a commitment to start back on a plan of action. I feel like I am in a rut. This is a time when I need to be growing and advancing. So here we go...
In the next few days, I am going to be setting some goals and guaging my progress on this blog. That's my plan any way...
More to come!
http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/how-to-be-successful-in-the-new-year/
How To Be Successful
[Note: I've republished this article at the beginning of the year the last couple of years. With many people looking to have their best year ever, I feel like doing my best part to provide a semblance of a road map.]
The Most Important Key to Success
•Do What You Love - You aren't going to be successful at something you spend all day dreading. When I was excited about software engineering, I was good - perhaps even above average ;-). When I got stuck on a project that didn't interest me, I was honestly a poor software engineer.
Preparation and Planning
•Make a List of Short, Medium, and Long Term Goals - Each night before I go to sleep, I try to write down 5-10 things that I want to accomplish the next day. I make sure that at least 3-4 are things that I can complete that day and purge from my to-do list. I also make sure to add a couple of small parts of medium or long-term projects. Here's an example. I'm looking to write an eBook. One day my goal was to create an outline of the book - 9-12 chapters and 3-5 things that I wanted to cover in each chapter. The next day one of my goals was to write at least one of those 3-5 things in one chapter. In 1-2 months, I'll have my eBook written.
•Catalog Your Progress - I started this blog to keep me accountable. I can't go out and buy a Ferrari on credit and then write about it here. Instead, I catalog my alternative income progress here. Each day, I think about how I'm going to grow that so that next month I don't have to live up to my moniker.
This guy on the lazy man and money blog had posted some very interesting points. Things that I have done in the past but have not been doing lately. I am making a commitment to start back on a plan of action. I feel like I am in a rut. This is a time when I need to be growing and advancing. So here we go...
In the next few days, I am going to be setting some goals and guaging my progress on this blog. That's my plan any way...
More to come!
http://www.lazymanandmoney.com/how-to-be-successful-in-the-new-year/
How To Be Successful
[Note: I've republished this article at the beginning of the year the last couple of years. With many people looking to have their best year ever, I feel like doing my best part to provide a semblance of a road map.]
The Most Important Key to Success
•Do What You Love - You aren't going to be successful at something you spend all day dreading. When I was excited about software engineering, I was good - perhaps even above average ;-). When I got stuck on a project that didn't interest me, I was honestly a poor software engineer.
Preparation and Planning
•Make a List of Short, Medium, and Long Term Goals - Each night before I go to sleep, I try to write down 5-10 things that I want to accomplish the next day. I make sure that at least 3-4 are things that I can complete that day and purge from my to-do list. I also make sure to add a couple of small parts of medium or long-term projects. Here's an example. I'm looking to write an eBook. One day my goal was to create an outline of the book - 9-12 chapters and 3-5 things that I wanted to cover in each chapter. The next day one of my goals was to write at least one of those 3-5 things in one chapter. In 1-2 months, I'll have my eBook written.
•Catalog Your Progress - I started this blog to keep me accountable. I can't go out and buy a Ferrari on credit and then write about it here. Instead, I catalog my alternative income progress here. Each day, I think about how I'm going to grow that so that next month I don't have to live up to my moniker.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
THE TIDE IS HIGH . . .
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
-- Harriet Beecher Stowe, author
Friday, February 19, 2010
Customer Service Rep or 8 hours of bitchin in my ear . . .
As recently as December 12, 2009 I was working away in a little restaurant in Romeo Michigan with my brother, his wife and youngest son. It was a nice little gig. Busy enough to keep two, maybe three people working hard for a couple hours everyday. Of course, with the prep and cleaning and baking and cleaning and dishes and prep and dishes and cleaning, there was always plenty to do. I must say that dealing with the general public, running the counter as its known, was probably my favorite part. Now don't get me wrong, I like chopping onions and carrots and potatoes for soups and pot roast and the such. I really enjoy cooking. Putting together one of the many Corn Beef Reubens or Steak and Cheese Grinders we sold was challenging and rewarding. Knowing that people came back time and time again because we were serving great food and they enjoyed eating what we created always gave me a positive vibe. My brother, the mastermind behind all of this, will be greatly rewarded for this someday. I am sure of this. I am sure that my ability to strike up a conversation with anybody that walked in is indeed a gift as much as it is a talent. Anyway, serving food to hungry patrons is a service. I enjoy helping people. This may sound corny, but it chokes me up when somebody really appreciates and acknowledges my efforts to help them. As recently as December 14th, 2009 I was hired into Allegra Direct Communications as a Customer Service Representative. There was talk of closing the restaurant and I was getting less and less hours every week. I answered an ad on Craig’s List and got an interview along with about 35 other people. Fast forwarding, I got hired and found out I would be taking calls for a busy Blue Cross Blue Shield Automotive division specifically GM. I get to talk to about 25 to 30 people a day and work with them on various issues they have with their insurance coverage. Now that I have been doing this for about 6 weeks now (after 3 weeks of extensive training) I am realizing that I really do have a knack for helping people. I have been able to do everything from order a replacement id card for someone who lost theirs in a house fire to sooth the nerves of an enrollee who thought they were going to have to pay $35,000 for a hospital bill. They were very grateful when I told them BCBS was going to pay the entire bill after I straighten out a simple billing procedure. This makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Now of course, there are people who are convinced that bcbs is trying to pull a fast one over on them, and we are just a bunch of crooks. But those are just a few compared to the number of people I am able to help. Sometimes an elderly person just wants someone to talk to for 5 minutes. With the Jet Set fast paced life we live in were everything is now, Now, NOW . . . it’s nice to take the time to listen to someone explain what they are going through. I know some may be embellishing the truth a bit, but that doesn’t change the fact that they appreciate me taking the time to listen to them. I have also realized that by hearing all of the shit these people lay on me on a daily basis, my problems are small in relation . . . all in all, I enjoy listening to people and walking them through their insurance woes. Allegra promised the 23 trainees from my class a review after 90 days. According to my calendar, that will be around March 14th. I am excited to see what happens at that time. For now, at the end of the call I will keep asking “have I resolved the reason for your call?”, and I will genuinely care if I have really helped.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Good old fashioned pancakes
Good Old Fashioned Pancakes
"This is a great recipe that I found in my Grandma's recipe book. Judging from the weathered look of this recipe card, this was a family favorite."Rate and Reviewfasdfasd
Prep Time:
5 MinCook Time:
15 MinReady In:
20 Min
Original Recipe Yield 8 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1.In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2.Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
"This is a great recipe that I found in my Grandma's recipe book. Judging from the weathered look of this recipe card, this was a family favorite."Rate and Reviewfasdfasd
Prep Time:
5 MinCook Time:
15 MinReady In:
20 Min
Original Recipe Yield 8 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1.In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2.Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Eating the Elephant
November 23, 2009
Eating the Elephant
By Brian Tracy
You have heard the question, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is, "one bite at a time." This metaphor applies to achieving any big goal, as well. How do you achieve a huge goal? You accomplish it one step, one task, one measure at a time.
Identify Your Most Valuable Task
Ask your boss, "What one thing do I do that is more valuable than anything else?" Whatever his or her answer, look for ways to perform more and more of that task and to get better and better at doing it. It is absolutely amazing how much you can accomplish if you break your tasks down into bite-sized pieces, set deadlines, and then do one piece at a time, every single day.
Continuous and Never Ending Improvement
If you want to increase your hourly rate and your income, look for ways to get a little bit better at the most important tasks you do, every single day. Read one hour per day in your field. Listen to audio programs on your way to and from work. Take additional courses whenever you can. These activities will propel your entire career onto the fast track. When you invest an extra one or two hours per day in self-improvement, the cumulative effect on your greater ability to get results can be extraordinary.
Eating the Elephant
By Brian Tracy
You have heard the question, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is, "one bite at a time." This metaphor applies to achieving any big goal, as well. How do you achieve a huge goal? You accomplish it one step, one task, one measure at a time.
Identify Your Most Valuable Task
Ask your boss, "What one thing do I do that is more valuable than anything else?" Whatever his or her answer, look for ways to perform more and more of that task and to get better and better at doing it. It is absolutely amazing how much you can accomplish if you break your tasks down into bite-sized pieces, set deadlines, and then do one piece at a time, every single day.
Continuous and Never Ending Improvement
If you want to increase your hourly rate and your income, look for ways to get a little bit better at the most important tasks you do, every single day. Read one hour per day in your field. Listen to audio programs on your way to and from work. Take additional courses whenever you can. These activities will propel your entire career onto the fast track. When you invest an extra one or two hours per day in self-improvement, the cumulative effect on your greater ability to get results can be extraordinary.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Fourth Step Inventory Sheets from Joe and Charlie
I have been asked many times in my recovery, what do you think about . . ., or how should I . . . or what do I do when . . . and most times if not all times, I tell people that I don't give advice on recovery related stuff. And of course, if it has to do with people, places, things or situations, then it is recovery related stuff. What I have come to discover is that the steps relate to all of my lifes issues. If I am struggling with a person, place, institution or philosophy, then my sponsor tells me that it is probably time to do an inventory.
The fourth step of our program says that we take a searching and fearless inventory of ourselves. The fearless part is addressed in the big book by completing step 3. Strengthing our faith removes the fear. We pray about our inventory and the fear disappears. The searching part can be more difficult. Bill explains the process on pages 64 -71. Joe and Charlie took Bills explaination and charted it out. These charts are right from Bill directions taken right from the Big Book. I have used them with my sponsor and have passed them on to my sponsees as well. They are very helpful and I hope that you can use them in your journey towards a better understand of self. I must add though, befor using these for yourself, please run them by your sponsor. Print out an extra copy and give them to your sponsor. That's what I would do . . .
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
very old pic
This is a pic of Amy Izak and me taken . . . a long time ago!!! At a Detroit Producers Association Halloween Party. Probably around 1992 I would have to guess.Amy, where are you now ??????????
Monday, June 1, 2009
Are you a Giver or a Taker . . .
The Policy of Joint Agreement.
http://www.marriagebuilders.com/graphic/mbi3500_policy.html
Solving conflict in a blended family is not a speciality of mine. I often find myself in the midst of conflict because of something I said or something directed at me or my kids. Usually it ends up in some hurt feelings or a hard nosed grudge match for the day, then we resolve to resolve it and we move on. Sounds like a viscious cycle? That's what I thought also. We have to change something in order for any changes to occure. Otherwise we will just keep on going around and around until ultimately someone gets really hurt or offended and says "enough is enough". I don't want it to get to that point. If you keep doing the same things you keep getting the same results, right? I know all of this stuff. So why can't we come up with a solution to all this conflict????? Dr. Harley might just be on to something with the policy of joint agreement. Check it out and let me know what you think . . .
More later . . .
http://www.marriagebuilders.com/graphic/mbi3500_policy.html
Solving conflict in a blended family is not a speciality of mine. I often find myself in the midst of conflict because of something I said or something directed at me or my kids. Usually it ends up in some hurt feelings or a hard nosed grudge match for the day, then we resolve to resolve it and we move on. Sounds like a viscious cycle? That's what I thought also. We have to change something in order for any changes to occure. Otherwise we will just keep on going around and around until ultimately someone gets really hurt or offended and says "enough is enough". I don't want it to get to that point. If you keep doing the same things you keep getting the same results, right? I know all of this stuff. So why can't we come up with a solution to all this conflict????? Dr. Harley might just be on to something with the policy of joint agreement. Check it out and let me know what you think . . .
More later . . .
Star Trek
I finnally saw Star Trek, the new motion picture from Paramount. This is the Pre-quel to the James T. Kirk stories. I was rivited to my seat for the entire show. The story takes you from the birth of Kirk up to the point of him becoming captain of the Enterprise. Well done!! Lots of Action. Not just a 180 minute version of the T.V. series. Although I would love to see a weekly series come from this story. I think this movie is going to do great things for the whole Trek structure. Kudos to Abrams. Ty Burr of the Boston Globe liked it also, for his review visit <"http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2009/05/05/a_fresh_frontier/">
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Movie Review; Star Trek
Hollywood.com Review
Star Trek
Story WHAT IT'S ABOUT?
After six different TV series and 10 feature films, director J.J. Abrams (MI:3, Lost, Alias) takes the Star Trek franchise back to the beginning to tell how James T. Kirk, a brash, hot-rod-loving kid from Iowa, and Spock, a thoughtful and logical half-human/half-Vulcan, meet and compete at the Starfleet Academy and are chosen by Captain Pike to join the maiden voyage of the Starship Enterprise. Unlike other Treks, Abrams' film develops credible backstories for the two characters as they join several other newcomers, including fresh-faced cadets Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Uhura, Hikaru Sulu and Pavel Chekov. The story focuses on the clash between Kirk and Spock as the young crew faces a major first test in battling Nero, an unrelentingly evil Romulan who has designs on destroying Earth, Vulcan and the rest of the Federated planets.
WHO'S IN IT?
Smartly stitching together an attractive and talented young cast to take this series back to the future (and hoped-for sequels), Abrams wisely is not looking for actors doing impressions of a young William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy. In Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as Spock, he found two talented stars who uncannily suggest and interpret these iconic characters at the beginning of their life voyage together. With the trademark haircut and ears, Quinto nails the essence of what we might imagine Spock was like as a youth. Pine is rugged and cocky but not over-the-top as Kirk. As the reigning Captain Pike, Bruce Greenwood is solid and commanding. The rest of the crew is perfectly cast, with Karl Urban's Bones, Zoe Saldana's "take-no-prisoners" Uhura and John Cho's Sulu fitting their roles like a glove. Anton Yelchin's super-thick Russian accent as Chekov is grating at times, but it's a minor quibble. The best performance of all comes later in the picture, when British star Simon Pegg turns up as Scotty and steals every scene he's in with choice one-liners and a sassy attitude. A tattoo-faced Eric Bana is perfect as the main villain Nero, who operates out of the eerily dark and stunning vessel, dubbed the Narada. His cunning and reserve help make him far more complex than your father's Trek villains. And look for a substantial and inspiring visit from Leonard Nimoy (the original Spock), who has been ingeniously woven into the proceedings.
WHAT'S GOOD?
Let's face it: Star Trek was getting tired, with diminishing box-office returns and falling TV ratings. By going back to the beginning and introducing a whole new youthful vibe past Treks never had, Abrams has given a new lease on life to a legendary 40-year-old adventure that now can go on to live long(er) and (fortunately for Paramount) prosper all over again. The updated casting is joined by state-of-the-art visual effects and action set pieces that outdo any previous incarnations, and the whip-smart screenplay by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman does creator Gene Roddenberry's original vision proud while introducing it to a new generation. Key to successfully accomplishing this mission was to create a new take that would bring in new devotees but not turn off the faithful Trekkies who've kept this thing going for so long. Done.
WHAT'S BAD?
Other than Yelchin's accent, only the overriding feeling that any potential sequels can never match the joy of seeing the genesis of Star Trek portrayed like it is here. But bring 'em on anyway.
FAVORITE SCENE:
There are many thrilling moments, including Kirk's terrifying encounter with a deadly beast on the bone-chilling ice planet Delta Vega and the battle between the Narada and Enterprise. But the early Starfleet Academy scenes involving Kirk and Spock, whose sharp exchanges showcase their youthful rivalry, really set the stage for a fascinating and complicated relationship, forming the heart and soul of not only this prequel but the entire basis of the Star Trek concept.
Star Trek
Story WHAT IT'S ABOUT?
After six different TV series and 10 feature films, director J.J. Abrams (MI:3, Lost, Alias) takes the Star Trek franchise back to the beginning to tell how James T. Kirk, a brash, hot-rod-loving kid from Iowa, and Spock, a thoughtful and logical half-human/half-Vulcan, meet and compete at the Starfleet Academy and are chosen by Captain Pike to join the maiden voyage of the Starship Enterprise. Unlike other Treks, Abrams' film develops credible backstories for the two characters as they join several other newcomers, including fresh-faced cadets Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Uhura, Hikaru Sulu and Pavel Chekov. The story focuses on the clash between Kirk and Spock as the young crew faces a major first test in battling Nero, an unrelentingly evil Romulan who has designs on destroying Earth, Vulcan and the rest of the Federated planets.
WHO'S IN IT?
Smartly stitching together an attractive and talented young cast to take this series back to the future (and hoped-for sequels), Abrams wisely is not looking for actors doing impressions of a young William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy. In Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as Spock, he found two talented stars who uncannily suggest and interpret these iconic characters at the beginning of their life voyage together. With the trademark haircut and ears, Quinto nails the essence of what we might imagine Spock was like as a youth. Pine is rugged and cocky but not over-the-top as Kirk. As the reigning Captain Pike, Bruce Greenwood is solid and commanding. The rest of the crew is perfectly cast, with Karl Urban's Bones, Zoe Saldana's "take-no-prisoners" Uhura and John Cho's Sulu fitting their roles like a glove. Anton Yelchin's super-thick Russian accent as Chekov is grating at times, but it's a minor quibble. The best performance of all comes later in the picture, when British star Simon Pegg turns up as Scotty and steals every scene he's in with choice one-liners and a sassy attitude. A tattoo-faced Eric Bana is perfect as the main villain Nero, who operates out of the eerily dark and stunning vessel, dubbed the Narada. His cunning and reserve help make him far more complex than your father's Trek villains. And look for a substantial and inspiring visit from Leonard Nimoy (the original Spock), who has been ingeniously woven into the proceedings.
WHAT'S GOOD?
Let's face it: Star Trek was getting tired, with diminishing box-office returns and falling TV ratings. By going back to the beginning and introducing a whole new youthful vibe past Treks never had, Abrams has given a new lease on life to a legendary 40-year-old adventure that now can go on to live long(er) and (fortunately for Paramount) prosper all over again. The updated casting is joined by state-of-the-art visual effects and action set pieces that outdo any previous incarnations, and the whip-smart screenplay by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman does creator Gene Roddenberry's original vision proud while introducing it to a new generation. Key to successfully accomplishing this mission was to create a new take that would bring in new devotees but not turn off the faithful Trekkies who've kept this thing going for so long. Done.
WHAT'S BAD?
Other than Yelchin's accent, only the overriding feeling that any potential sequels can never match the joy of seeing the genesis of Star Trek portrayed like it is here. But bring 'em on anyway.
FAVORITE SCENE:
There are many thrilling moments, including Kirk's terrifying encounter with a deadly beast on the bone-chilling ice planet Delta Vega and the battle between the Narada and Enterprise. But the early Starfleet Academy scenes involving Kirk and Spock, whose sharp exchanges showcase their youthful rivalry, really set the stage for a fascinating and complicated relationship, forming the heart and soul of not only this prequel but the entire basis of the Star Trek concept.
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