You have Cancer. This is one of the most scariest times in ones life. This year almost 1.4 million Americans will hear the words "You've got cancer," and in that instant their lives will be forever transformed.
Carol and I could certainly say that our life has now forever been changed. I remember early last spring Carol was the one that was making me go to the Dr. for the colonoscopy. With my family history, we wanted to make sure that I was clean. So off to the show I go. I go in and sure enough 3 or 4 polyps were found and removed and sent to the lab. No worries the Doctor said. They came back negative. Whew. Calamity dodged.
So, we now go about our lives again. Carol with the many troubles that she has had remain our focus. For all intents and purpose, I was fine. Fast forward to October. Carol falls on the 21st. I had already gone to work. She calls me and says that she thinks she broke her leg. I rush home and go to the bedroom. Yep sure enough, Carols ankle is off to the side of her leg and out of the socket. Call for the ambulance and off to the hospital she goes. An evening surgery and a night stay and she comes home.
Meanwhile, she is telling the nurses that she doesn't feel safe going home. Sent home anyway. We are doing well , but with Carol, her determination to do things on her own is getting her in trouble. She doesn't like to be tied down.
It is now November, right around thanksgiving time. Carol falls again. When I go to check on her, she is unable to speak properly. After a quick non-professional assessment, I really thought she was having a stroke. I called the ambulance again. This time she was evaluated by several Dr's. One thing that they found was that she was really anemic. She was losing blood from somewhere. Now the search was on to find out where.
She was scheduled to go home, but caught an infection. This time 8 days in the hospital. If any of you have been in the hospital, you don't get much rest. The nurses are always checking on you which is their job. She was set up with appointment for an upper GI scope and a lower GI scope. It was the lower GI scope where they found the colorectal cancer.
At our hospital, the family member stays in the room, the bed is whisked away and the Dr. and or Nurse will call the room to give you updates as to what is happening in the Surgical room. I got calls all morning, she is now under doing fine, she is awake now and doing fine. It was the next phone call that I did not expect. Dr. Johnson called to the room. "I have bad news". Gulp. Carol has colorectal cancer. Oh boy I said. I just couldn't believe it and didn't really know what to say.
It didn't take but a minute to register. My wife has cancer! I got on the phone immediately and called her parents. They were out of town. Still One of the worst phone calls of my life. They literally just got home. I mean they walked in the door looked at the message machine and called me. I transferred the same sentiment the Dr. sent. Carol's mom picked up the phone, called me, and I said, I have bad news, Carol has colon cancer. I couldn't hold it in anymore and busted up like a big ole baby. I asked if they could come down. It was more of a support for me. Hmm, how selfish. My wife is just diagnosed with cancer and I need sympathy?
When Carol came into the room, she was still a little droggy from the procedure. She looked up at me and said, "Honey, I'm sorry but I think I have cancer." I will never forget those words that she told me.
They came down and it was a relief. I was actually scared. The fear of the unknown is a two edged sword. I did learn that Cancer can take over your life – it sucks up your energy and ravages your health. What doctors don’t tell you is how much cancer takes over your mind. The voice in your head asking “Will I make it?” The lingering doubts. The loneliness. This happens for both the one with cancer and the family member.
Finally Carol was allowed to come home.
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Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
In Dexter Yeagers book, Dynamic People Skills, He writes about an Air Force Pilot named Danny Cox. He quotes Danny in saying: "In my study of achievers I have found that the difference between the great and mediocre is one thing: The willingness to make a decision." If you think you've made a decision to build a great business and nothing is happening, then you did not make a decision.
It has been a year now since I have started my own business. This year has been a bit of a whirlwind of a year. I haven't exactly built the business like I was supposed to. I didn't take a daily action. I took action, but wasn't exactly the right action.
I put money into my business and thought I was doing the right thing. I learned that I might have been doing the thing, but I was doing the right thing. I did try to build customer volume but I realized that is only a part of the business.
What is the thing then? Part of the thing is patience. I haven't been exactly patient. I wanted the thing before the thing was ready for me. I think if I had been involved in the process before now, I might have made a mistake. I have built myself up now for success. Having travelled through a year of what I thought was a losing battle, I have come to realize that I have been working all along. I have been building up my knowledge, my personality, my character. I may not have gotten far in the actual building of the business, but I have built within me a person that can now accept a team of people that I can guide and mold into successful people as well. I am ready to move forward.
It has been a year now since I have started my own business. This year has been a bit of a whirlwind of a year. I haven't exactly built the business like I was supposed to. I didn't take a daily action. I took action, but wasn't exactly the right action.
I put money into my business and thought I was doing the right thing. I learned that I might have been doing the thing, but I was doing the right thing. I did try to build customer volume but I realized that is only a part of the business.
What is the thing then? Part of the thing is patience. I haven't been exactly patient. I wanted the thing before the thing was ready for me. I think if I had been involved in the process before now, I might have made a mistake. I have built myself up now for success. Having travelled through a year of what I thought was a losing battle, I have come to realize that I have been working all along. I have been building up my knowledge, my personality, my character. I may not have gotten far in the actual building of the business, but I have built within me a person that can now accept a team of people that I can guide and mold into successful people as well. I am ready to move forward.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Don't stop at Fail!
"To succeed you must first improve, to improve you must first practice, to practice you must first learn, and to learn you must first fail."
-Wesley Woo
What is it that hits you when you have tried other things and still don't get it quite right but then like turning the switch, you realize what to do. A light-bulb moment. It is one of those moments when you finally internalize something you know on a theoretical level.
It was a moment today when browsing through emails that I realized an important factor could be missing. Perhaps I was missing a step in my personal learning. I have always been taught to Try, Fail, and Adjust. In the military, in business for someone else, and now in business for myself. That is the actions needed to succeed. After looking at the quote above, there may be a forth step. The quote says you must first practice whatever it is you want to be good at. Through practice you learn something, whatever it is. Before you learn to do whatever it is you want to do, you first have to Fail. Once you have gone through the process of Improve, Practice, Learn (Try); you get to the fail part. One has to realize that it is ok to fail. It is ok because it is part of the process. You notice that in the quote, it is listed last, but is actually the first thing that has to be done in order to succeed. Look carefully as it says, "you must 'first' fail. Think of it as a continous circle that never stops. Look down at your wedding ring. It is a symbol of unending love, something that really has no beginning or end. So in that respect, if you want to continually grow, if you want to start to grow, you have to put yourself in the eternal circle. "To succeed you must first improve, to improve you must first practice, to practice you must first learn, and to learn you must first fail", and then you must improve again. Don't stop at Fail!!
-Wesley Woo
What is it that hits you when you have tried other things and still don't get it quite right but then like turning the switch, you realize what to do. A light-bulb moment. It is one of those moments when you finally internalize something you know on a theoretical level.
It was a moment today when browsing through emails that I realized an important factor could be missing. Perhaps I was missing a step in my personal learning. I have always been taught to Try, Fail, and Adjust. In the military, in business for someone else, and now in business for myself. That is the actions needed to succeed. After looking at the quote above, there may be a forth step. The quote says you must first practice whatever it is you want to be good at. Through practice you learn something, whatever it is. Before you learn to do whatever it is you want to do, you first have to Fail. Once you have gone through the process of Improve, Practice, Learn (Try); you get to the fail part. One has to realize that it is ok to fail. It is ok because it is part of the process. You notice that in the quote, it is listed last, but is actually the first thing that has to be done in order to succeed. Look carefully as it says, "you must 'first' fail. Think of it as a continous circle that never stops. Look down at your wedding ring. It is a symbol of unending love, something that really has no beginning or end. So in that respect, if you want to continually grow, if you want to start to grow, you have to put yourself in the eternal circle. "To succeed you must first improve, to improve you must first practice, to practice you must first learn, and to learn you must first fail", and then you must improve again. Don't stop at Fail!!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Communication
What is wrong with people in this world today? I really can't believe that we have gotten so disconnected that we don't speak to one another. Then when we do, it is not really communicating, it is nagging or complaining.
I remember as a youngster, my mother meeting with other lady friends either at her house or the friends house. They would talk for some time. We just don't do that anymore. I remember talking and playing with my cousins when we would meet as a family and we all would have a blast. Now, I have those same cousins that I haven't heard from in years. I have tried to reach out, no response. Are we really that busy in our lives that we just don't want to communicate to each other?
I would like to be more in touch with my cousins and their lives. I just don't know. Is it me? Do I not reach out enough? Am I thinking into this too much? Let me know how you feel with today's communication factor.
I remember as a youngster, my mother meeting with other lady friends either at her house or the friends house. They would talk for some time. We just don't do that anymore. I remember talking and playing with my cousins when we would meet as a family and we all would have a blast. Now, I have those same cousins that I haven't heard from in years. I have tried to reach out, no response. Are we really that busy in our lives that we just don't want to communicate to each other?
I would like to be more in touch with my cousins and their lives. I just don't know. Is it me? Do I not reach out enough? Am I thinking into this too much? Let me know how you feel with today's communication factor.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
March Team Meeting (Don't Jugde A Book By It's Cover)
Wow, what a success our team is achieving. More tickets sold to conference than last conference sold at this same point in time. More 50/150 producers. Just great things. One thing that I received was that there are many naysayers in the world that tell you different negative things about Amway. Many people will think differently about you if you are associated with Amway. What you have to know about Amway is that your work and desire to make your business stronger comes from the heart. If you show people your heart, they still may not listen but you know that you are speaking the truth. Don't let other peoples judgement of you stop you in your tracks as a business owner. You may not be the best looking fruit on the tree, but you will soon make the best jam!! Look at the video as proof! If you have a dream, , , Go Ahead and dream it but dream it big!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Hot and Cold Days
The title suggests that I might be talking about the weather. Well, perhaps partly. I started a new action step to creating buisness for my business.
I have a new quote on my email signature and it reads: “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
I got in this business in August. Things haven't exactly been poppin. I set goals for myself to reach certain plataeus. I wasn't able to achieve them. I wasn't being able to create very big gains. I knew I had to make a change. I am a talkitive person but when I get to know someone. It is then that I can talk my head off. I really had to put into action "me". In order for MY business to grow, I had to grow it.
If you plant something in the ground and never water it, will it grow? Not likely. You may never see fruits of your labor if you do not take care of the seedling until it bears fruit.
As a Christian, we too are charged to plant seeds and only in this case, it is God who will take care of the ground and assist the seedling in growing. We plant the seed and if done right, we can later reap the benefits of the fruit.
I had to create my own destiny. I started scouring the internet looking for opportunities. I found a few running events, 5k and the lot, a couple half marathons and a Mountain Bike Series. I chose to contact a few of these through the racing site and was contacted by the mountain bike series. On opening day, not really knowing what we were getting in to, my upline and another IBO head out to the event. We find that not only were there record numbers for their opening day, that on every Sunday they hold the race, they also have church service for the riders through a ministry called "Faith Riders". This was God's calling for me and us.
We left with 1 very strong possible IBO, 3 very good possibilities. We are working the plan now. I was hungry when we left at 1 pm and asked both Britton and Wendy Armstrong, my upline if they wanted to stop somewhere. We did and stopped at Taco Bell. Another fantastic experience. We met a family who we then talked with for almost an hour. A very good possibility for a family of IBO's here.
In this business, I have learned to continually plant seeds. I leave a lot to God and his ability to pick the right seed to germinate and grow. I remember one statement that my upline Britton told me, he said: "The only decision you have to make now is the decision not to quit". I have taken that to heart and will continue to press forward planting seeds as I go.
I have had mostly cold days in my business, but on the coldest day, 32 degrees, we went out to show our product and show our plan to those that needed it on the blustery day. Wow, what a Hot day!!
I have a new quote on my email signature and it reads: “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
I got in this business in August. Things haven't exactly been poppin. I set goals for myself to reach certain plataeus. I wasn't able to achieve them. I wasn't being able to create very big gains. I knew I had to make a change. I am a talkitive person but when I get to know someone. It is then that I can talk my head off. I really had to put into action "me". In order for MY business to grow, I had to grow it.
If you plant something in the ground and never water it, will it grow? Not likely. You may never see fruits of your labor if you do not take care of the seedling until it bears fruit.
As a Christian, we too are charged to plant seeds and only in this case, it is God who will take care of the ground and assist the seedling in growing. We plant the seed and if done right, we can later reap the benefits of the fruit.
I had to create my own destiny. I started scouring the internet looking for opportunities. I found a few running events, 5k and the lot, a couple half marathons and a Mountain Bike Series. I chose to contact a few of these through the racing site and was contacted by the mountain bike series. On opening day, not really knowing what we were getting in to, my upline and another IBO head out to the event. We find that not only were there record numbers for their opening day, that on every Sunday they hold the race, they also have church service for the riders through a ministry called "Faith Riders". This was God's calling for me and us.
We left with 1 very strong possible IBO, 3 very good possibilities. We are working the plan now. I was hungry when we left at 1 pm and asked both Britton and Wendy Armstrong, my upline if they wanted to stop somewhere. We did and stopped at Taco Bell. Another fantastic experience. We met a family who we then talked with for almost an hour. A very good possibility for a family of IBO's here.
In this business, I have learned to continually plant seeds. I leave a lot to God and his ability to pick the right seed to germinate and grow. I remember one statement that my upline Britton told me, he said: "The only decision you have to make now is the decision not to quit". I have taken that to heart and will continue to press forward planting seeds as I go.
I have had mostly cold days in my business, but on the coldest day, 32 degrees, we went out to show our product and show our plan to those that needed it on the blustery day. Wow, what a Hot day!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Job Update
I haven't received any new word about my job but I have changed offices 3 times. I am actually back to my original office with an "I don't know what is happening" attitude.
I am doing some work with my supervisor that keeps me busy but I refuse to do much work for the job that I am being released from.
I am not willing to shake up the workings of the current office in order for me to have some kind of ego. I don't do that. I would rather the business prosper, as that is why I was there, to work the business. Now, I don't know what I will do. Keep me in mind for the future!!
I am doing some work with my supervisor that keeps me busy but I refuse to do much work for the job that I am being released from.
I am not willing to shake up the workings of the current office in order for me to have some kind of ego. I don't do that. I would rather the business prosper, as that is why I was there, to work the business. Now, I don't know what I will do. Keep me in mind for the future!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
My Job
Well, It is official. The Air Force has decided in it's infinite wisdom to abolish all of the MWR positions in the Air Force. That means that my job is now gone. I don't understand how they think these positions can be abolished when the work load is going to be the same. Actually, now someone else is going to have to do the directors job. This is happening all over the Air Force. Not only is my position, the Outdoor Recreation position, being eliminated, but the Arts & Crafts director, the Auto Skills director, the Librarian, and the Bowling Center manager also.
Well, the people of America wanted change by voting in the current President. So it is change we have. More Americans losing their jobs.
Well, the people of America wanted change by voting in the current President. So it is change we have. More Americans losing their jobs.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Business Consultant
Who would have thunk that me, little ole me, would have been busy this week writing and tuning a business plan for a multi-million dollar company. Through a friend that I met on X-Box, he asked if I would be able to assist him in this venture. I said sure. I have written many at a much smaller level for my businesses in the Army and now the Air Force. Mostly Outdoor Recreation type business. This was actually a whole new level for me.
First there were many more zeros than I was a custom to and a very different strategic plan was involved. I did not write the body of the plan and the financials were already established. It wasn't as difficult as I originally expected, yet there were moments of anxiety. Still about 10 hours were involved in the scrubbing of this plan and it was for a multi-million dollar company. Did I mention that?
All in all, it is done and I had fun with it. I hope that I can work again in this capacity for this company or another company.
First there were many more zeros than I was a custom to and a very different strategic plan was involved. I did not write the body of the plan and the financials were already established. It wasn't as difficult as I originally expected, yet there were moments of anxiety. Still about 10 hours were involved in the scrubbing of this plan and it was for a multi-million dollar company. Did I mention that?
All in all, it is done and I had fun with it. I hope that I can work again in this capacity for this company or another company.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Protect skin, eyes from ultraviolet radiation even during Winter
Whether headed to the slopes of Utah, headed to hike the wild west, or just out in the back yard, Ultraviolet rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B and ultraviolet C. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer. UVB rays penetrate less, but can still cause some forms of skin cancer. Natural UVC rays do not pose a risk because they are absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere.
Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Because snow and light-colored sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn, Soldiers are especially vulnerable when in the field or deployed to places like Iraq or Afghanistan. UV rays may reach exposed skin from both above and below and can cause burns even on cloudy days. Many drugs, including ibuprophen (Motrin), increase the risk of sunburn.
Use a sunscreen with at least 30 spf. Use it daily! Protect yourself!!
Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Because snow and light-colored sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn, Soldiers are especially vulnerable when in the field or deployed to places like Iraq or Afghanistan. UV rays may reach exposed skin from both above and below and can cause burns even on cloudy days. Many drugs, including ibuprophen (Motrin), increase the risk of sunburn.
Use a sunscreen with at least 30 spf. Use it daily! Protect yourself!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My New Business
A new business. What? Yes! A new business.
I started a new business in the Amway corporation. I did this business more than 29 years ago. I was a single soldier, no car, and had to carry an inventory to sell. Well that didn't work to well. Now, the internet has streamlined the business to allow drop shipments to the customers that gets their product to them within 3-8 days. I sell very nice stuff, anything from household cleaning products to Vitamins and Supplements. Matter of fact, the number one vitamin in the world.
I am now looking for friends and family who want to help out in the mission of capitalism. Socialism by definition is a "political and economic theory of social organization that advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community or government as a whole."
We as Independent business owners boldly, enthusiastically and strongly encourage and support small businesses and owners, standing up for free enterprise in America.
How would you like to join the team and have the opportunity to live free and never have to worry about a thing again? Email me if you would like more information.
I started a new business in the Amway corporation. I did this business more than 29 years ago. I was a single soldier, no car, and had to carry an inventory to sell. Well that didn't work to well. Now, the internet has streamlined the business to allow drop shipments to the customers that gets their product to them within 3-8 days. I sell very nice stuff, anything from household cleaning products to Vitamins and Supplements. Matter of fact, the number one vitamin in the world.
I am now looking for friends and family who want to help out in the mission of capitalism. Socialism by definition is a "political and economic theory of social organization that advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community or government as a whole."
We as Independent business owners boldly, enthusiastically and strongly encourage and support small businesses and owners, standing up for free enterprise in America.
How would you like to join the team and have the opportunity to live free and never have to worry about a thing again? Email me if you would like more information.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Hot in the South
I am ready to leave this Hot Humid Southern weather. I only wonder how I lived in this weather as a soldier. In the hot uniforms, working out in the motor pool in the heat all day long. I only want to have nice weather. Hawaii would be nice. Savannah too. If any of the job gurus are listening, King's Bay is waiting. Thank you and have a nice day.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Then There Were Six
It often happens that I go out caching. This day though in particular, was, well, a super cache day. It wasn't as huge as the Heilbronn day with Stefmaus and Altgofur although it had potential.
I didn't even have to drive. I was picked up by Thomas and Maus99. After a small rearrangement of the car to let Little Red have a riding place, We then drove off to pick up an_Chripa.
I went this time with Throle (Thomas), an_Chripa (Christina and Patrick), and Maus99. Once we got there, we met up with DrOetgar.
Then there were six. We started this day off with a FTF on the way. We were driving and as usually happens, I got a message on my Blackberry that a new cache was published. We were already driving in that direction anyway so we took the opportunity to grab it. Yes, indeed we were the FTF, a group of 5 at the time as FTF. Don't know if that really ever happened before. I know of 2 and/or 3 people groups, but not 5.
We then headed off to our first stop now being our second. This is where DrOetgar showed up. A very nice guy. We headed off to our marathon traditional super-cache day.
Our first cache was there at the park platz and the third of the day, second of the tour was a T:5. Yup, up a tree we went. Well, only one of us went up the tree. Albeit the strength and drive was there to go up the tree but the time was not. In favor of all of us taking our turn, we sent only one person to do the dirty work. This was much better as we all signed the log and were in some way conspirators to the capture of this cache.
We continued our venture. A long, long venture. I not realizing that the trail was so long and the weather getting hotter, left my water and snack in the car. Little Red had the option to drink from the creek. Big Red was left to dehydrate. Bad news. I was holding up the group. Somehow I don't think I realized we weren't coming back to the car and that I was now forever without. I got really slow and the others became concerned. I did not intend for this to happen. I was surely all about capturing a new record of 34. Never happened, at least not today.
Tour now complete, we ended with 25 on the day and a nice now luke wark jug of water but still hydrating to the body and still had to share with Little Red. Won't make that mistake again. So as you see by my counter on the home page, I am at 148.
All for now.
TTFN
I didn't even have to drive. I was picked up by Thomas and Maus99. After a small rearrangement of the car to let Little Red have a riding place, We then drove off to pick up an_Chripa.
I went this time with Throle (Thomas), an_Chripa (Christina and Patrick), and Maus99. Once we got there, we met up with DrOetgar.
Then there were six. We started this day off with a FTF on the way. We were driving and as usually happens, I got a message on my Blackberry that a new cache was published. We were already driving in that direction anyway so we took the opportunity to grab it. Yes, indeed we were the FTF, a group of 5 at the time as FTF. Don't know if that really ever happened before. I know of 2 and/or 3 people groups, but not 5.
We then headed off to our first stop now being our second. This is where DrOetgar showed up. A very nice guy. We headed off to our marathon traditional super-cache day.
Our first cache was there at the park platz and the third of the day, second of the tour was a T:5. Yup, up a tree we went. Well, only one of us went up the tree. Albeit the strength and drive was there to go up the tree but the time was not. In favor of all of us taking our turn, we sent only one person to do the dirty work. This was much better as we all signed the log and were in some way conspirators to the capture of this cache.
We continued our venture. A long, long venture. I not realizing that the trail was so long and the weather getting hotter, left my water and snack in the car. Little Red had the option to drink from the creek. Big Red was left to dehydrate. Bad news. I was holding up the group. Somehow I don't think I realized we weren't coming back to the car and that I was now forever without. I got really slow and the others became concerned. I did not intend for this to happen. I was surely all about capturing a new record of 34. Never happened, at least not today.
Tour now complete, we ended with 25 on the day and a nice now luke wark jug of water but still hydrating to the body and still had to share with Little Red. Won't make that mistake again. So as you see by my counter on the home page, I am at 148.
All for now.
TTFN
Sunday, April 19, 2009
New Deal
No I am not going political. I just feel that this is a new deal. There have been some changes in the Big Red life.
1st is that I have a new job now located in Mississippi. It is with the Air Force working with Outdoor Recreation again. I am looking forward to it. I have anticipated moving for some time and now the time is near.
I am to report to my new duty station on 7 June, yes it is a Sunday but that is when my pay period starts. I will be at work on that Monday. I will be leaving Germany again. This time I don't know about the return possibilities. Of course there is a lot of Air Force here in Germany and many other places so there even might be a different country in our future.
All this time now I have been making friends. Geocaching is one of the biggest helpers in making friends that there is. Not only do you get to meet people, you get to cache and travel with them too. I have a small posse that I can choose from. Rainer and Beate, or Kevin and Steffi. Problem is now, I won't be able to keep caching with them much more. I have to get the move in order and other things. I will have to go with Rainer one more time before I go for sure. Not probably as big a day as I had on Saturday, 33 caches. This was a great time. I will feel sad when I have to leave my German friends but I will still stay in touch.
I will post a couple pictures separately of my German friends so that I can remember them easily.
TTFN
1st is that I have a new job now located in Mississippi. It is with the Air Force working with Outdoor Recreation again. I am looking forward to it. I have anticipated moving for some time and now the time is near.
I am to report to my new duty station on 7 June, yes it is a Sunday but that is when my pay period starts. I will be at work on that Monday. I will be leaving Germany again. This time I don't know about the return possibilities. Of course there is a lot of Air Force here in Germany and many other places so there even might be a different country in our future.
All this time now I have been making friends. Geocaching is one of the biggest helpers in making friends that there is. Not only do you get to meet people, you get to cache and travel with them too. I have a small posse that I can choose from. Rainer and Beate, or Kevin and Steffi. Problem is now, I won't be able to keep caching with them much more. I have to get the move in order and other things. I will have to go with Rainer one more time before I go for sure. Not probably as big a day as I had on Saturday, 33 caches. This was a great time. I will feel sad when I have to leave my German friends but I will still stay in touch.
I will post a couple pictures separately of my German friends so that I can remember them easily.
TTFN
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Dog's Purpose
A Story I found:
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy..
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy..
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
*Twas the month before Christmas*
*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just another ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor in hopes they would get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Target stores were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith *
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday !*
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Holiday Eating Tips
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
Buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving sausage
balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You
cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who
Cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're Going
to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.
Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the Holidays!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point
Of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out Of
your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim
milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a
Sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to
Control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to EAT
OTHER PEOPLE's FOOD FOR FREE. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to
do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself
near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the
center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're
never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.
Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert?
Labor Day, Columbus Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, Have some
standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the
Party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention!!!
Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but
rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughlyused up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
Buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see
carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving sausage
balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You
cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who
Cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're Going
to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.
Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's the Holidays!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point
Of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out Of
your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.
Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim
milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a
Sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to
Control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to EAT
OTHER PEOPLE's FOOD FOR FREE. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to
do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself
near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the
center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're
never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin.
Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert?
Labor Day, Columbus Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, Have some
standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the
Party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention!!!
Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but
rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughlyused up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Graduation Day?
Graduation. Is it all its cracked up to be? Graduation is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success. How ironic.
In real life, isn't graduation an everyday experience. Graduating from the process every day is what life is all about. In today's world with the economy the way it is, which one of our classmates should receive a bad grade. Are we to expect the CEO's of the big important companies to be our mentors and follow their lead, or are we suppose to use the ole saying, let the blind lead the blind? It seems that they have received the "F" grade in the class today. Does it seem crazy that as a leader of your business you would go in front of congress and say to the whole world, "Hey, I don't know how to run my company properly, can you give my company some money to hold us over?" I think that is called "stupidity." Henry Ford stated that "A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business." Now what do you think he would say about the CEO that is running his company now.
I like the saying, "life is a bowl of cherries." The other part of that is "so why am I in the pits." I would say that you shouldn't want to avoid the pits. Pits are actually seeds. So going through the life process, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson. Seize the opportunities that surround you and do all this by six to be home for dinner.
I liken the path of life to walking in the snow. I found a nice little poem that echoes the thought, "The future lies before you like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show. - Author Unknown
As I have been in the game called "life" now for many years and have been through many different experiences, I surely wouldn't call myself a barnstormer, but I have been in front many times leading the people that were in trusted in my care.
I have led soldiers into many different experiences to include minor skirmishes in Somalia (another story). I have led civilians to be the best that they could possibly be. I am not done by any means. I would say that the great Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it best when he says, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is not path and leave a trail." This is my intention. I may need to leave bread crumbs though as the road that I choose isn't always my inital destination.
Where is that? Your destination? That will be my next blog addition.
In real life, isn't graduation an everyday experience. Graduating from the process every day is what life is all about. In today's world with the economy the way it is, which one of our classmates should receive a bad grade. Are we to expect the CEO's of the big important companies to be our mentors and follow their lead, or are we suppose to use the ole saying, let the blind lead the blind? It seems that they have received the "F" grade in the class today. Does it seem crazy that as a leader of your business you would go in front of congress and say to the whole world, "Hey, I don't know how to run my company properly, can you give my company some money to hold us over?" I think that is called "stupidity." Henry Ford stated that "A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business." Now what do you think he would say about the CEO that is running his company now.
I like the saying, "life is a bowl of cherries." The other part of that is "so why am I in the pits." I would say that you shouldn't want to avoid the pits. Pits are actually seeds. So going through the life process, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson. Seize the opportunities that surround you and do all this by six to be home for dinner.
I liken the path of life to walking in the snow. I found a nice little poem that echoes the thought, "The future lies before you like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show. - Author Unknown
As I have been in the game called "life" now for many years and have been through many different experiences, I surely wouldn't call myself a barnstormer, but I have been in front many times leading the people that were in trusted in my care.
I have led soldiers into many different experiences to include minor skirmishes in Somalia (another story). I have led civilians to be the best that they could possibly be. I am not done by any means. I would say that the great Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it best when he says, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is not path and leave a trail." This is my intention. I may need to leave bread crumbs though as the road that I choose isn't always my inital destination.
Where is that? Your destination? That will be my next blog addition.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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