"For What it's Worth"

What if I dropped dead tonight?

2012-01-25T01:17:00.000-05:00

That's a pretty morbid thought... at least to me, but what if I did? Would it matter? Who would care? I mean really care? Why am I stuck already?

Another friend and coworker pasted away this past weekend. He was a my counter part and about my age, plus or minus. Another dose of reality that's made me wonder, what if. Who would care other than me. This could be my last blog... would it matter?

The Blessed Life

2012-01-22T11:25:00.001-05:00

Today is a new day and we are blessed. I often forget that and take too many things for granted. Things could always be worse. It might only be in the mid 60's in my house, but I have a house and the ability to be out of the elements... not everyone has that. I just made a good breakfast (which I rarely do) that included eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice... not everyone has that. Some beg for food scraps. I not only have a job, I have two jobs... not everyone has that. The realities are, almost no matter what our circumstances, many of us really have a blessed life.

Things happen for a reason, sometimes they just are, we just have to accept it. Call it fate, call it an opportunity, I don't know... just have faith that some things just happen and figuring out those whys don't add to our own personal greatness (and I do believe we are all great in our own ways, and that is incredibly important too). Today, I was led to another list to remind me that although some decisions may be hard and there maybe much to do... there is always a path to greatness even though some lead us through swamps and treacherous times.

Today I am reminded that:

Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he finally succeeded.
Beethoven handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playing his own compositions instead of improving his technique. His teacher called him hopeless as a composer.
Colonel Sanders had the construction of a new road put him out of business in 1967. He went to over 1,000 places trying to sell his chicken recipe before he found a buyer interested in his 11 herbs and spices. Seven years later, at the age of 75, Colonel Sanders sold his fried chicken company for a finger-lickin' $15 million!
Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas. Disney also went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland.
Charles Darwin, father of the theory of evolution, gave up a medical career and was told by his father, “You care for nothing but shooting, dogs, and rat catching.” In his autobiography, Darwin wrote, “I was considered by my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard in intellect.
Albert Einstein did not speak until he was four years old and didn’t read until he was seven. His teacher described him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams.” He was expelled and refused admittance to Zurich Polytechnic School. The University of Bern turned down his Ph.D. dissertation as being irrelevant and fanciful.
The movie Star Wars was rejected by every movie studio in Hollywood before 20th-Century Fox finally produced it. It went on to be one of the largest grossing movies in film history.
Louis Pasteur was only a mediocre pupil in undergraduate studies and ranked 15 out of 22 in chemistry.
When NFL running back Herschel Walker was in junior high school, he wanted to play football, but the coach told him he was too small. He advised young Herschel to go out for track instead. Never one to give up, he ignored the coach's advice and began an intensive training program to build himself up. Only a few years later, Herschel Walker won the Heisman trophy.
When General Douglas MacArthur applied for admission to West Point, he was turned down, not once but twice. But he tried a third time, was accepted and marched into the history books.
After Fred Astaire’s first screen test, the memo from the testing director of MGM, dated 1933, said, “Can’t act! Slightly bald! Can dance a little!” Astaire kept that memo over the fireplace in his Beverly Hills home.
The father of the sculptor Rodin [The Thinker Statue] said, “I have an idiot for a son.” Described as the worst pupil in the school, Rodin failed three times to secure admittance to the school of art. His uncle called him uneducable.
Babe Ruth, considered by sports historians to be the greatest athlete of all time and famous for setting the home run record, also holds the record for strikeouts.
Eighteen publishers turned down Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, before Macmillan finally published it in 1970. By 1975 it had sold more than seven million copies in the U.S. alone.
Margaret Mitchell's classic Gone with the Wind was turned down by more than twenty-five publishers.
Richard Hooker worked for seven years on his humorous war novel, M*A*S*H, only to have it rejected by 21 publishers before Morrow decided to publish it. It became a runaway bestseller, spawning a blockbusting movie and highly successful television series.
When the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was completed, it was turned down by thirty-three publishers in New York and another ninety at the American Booksellers Association convention in Anaheim, California, before Health Communications, Inc., finally agreed to publish it. The major New York publishers said, "It is too nicey-nice" and "Nobody wants to read a book of short little stories." Since that time more than 8 million copies of the original Chicken Soup for the Soul book have been sold. The series, which has grown to thirty-two titles, in thirty-one languages, has sold more than 53 million copies.
In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis Presley after one performance. He told Presley, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere… son. You ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.” Elvis Presley went on to become the most popular singer in America.
Dr. Seuss' first children's book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by twenty-seven publishers. The twenty-eighth publisher, Vanguard press, sold six million copies of the book.

In closing, I am reminded to never give up believing in yourself!

Confess Yourself

2012-01-22T01:37:00.003-05:00

Throughout my life, I have tried. Tried to do good, for the most part do the right things for the right reasons. Sometimes it was fabulous. Other times, like now, it is like living a slow death. My gut is churning. I have been fighting and scraping to work out of this hole of a life I am living in.

There are good days and bad. I don't need to air the details of the dirty laundry... just assume it is bad to some extent in many areas... seriously in trouble in others. Not a place anyone wants to be, yet I am. The worst part is that I am there and I must get out. I am struggling with the methods to get to a better place. There are options... some are difficult, but they are options on the table. That's why I struggle. Decisions must be made, and soon.

That was the bad and ugly... I have to finish with something good and positive. We are what we feel and I must end this day on a better note and positive frame of mind. To do so I will turn to two things sent to me in the past 24 hours by my power buddies... my mentors.... my friends.

First... I have been talking about getting better and getting back to who I think I once was at least I felt a whole lot better then, felt like I had a life and people to share that joy with). We think that will require change. What does that mean? Change is life. Things change every day.... the weather.. happenings in the world... what we have to do at work.... when things stop changing, we might be looking up from six feet under. It is not change that is the difficult part... it's action. Taking actions to move to a better place is what is really necessary. It is best said this way:

For things to change we must change, however change only occurs the day we move from the desire to change to the decision to change backed by a strong internal belief system and the commitment to do what ever it takes to reach our long-term goal. Thus the power to change tomorrow is held in the decision we make today to head down a different path and make a commitment to ourselves to stay the course.

Tomorrow will be a better day because I will take action to eliminate one of the aspects of my life that is causing strife.

Second, words of inspiration are so incredibly powerful. My power buddy (whether she knows it or know) sent this to me tonight:

"From Christ to Edison, the men who have achieved the most have been those who met with the most stubborn forms of temporary defeat. This would seem to justify the conclusion that Infinite Intelligence has a plan, or a law by which it hurdles me over many obstacles BEFORE giving them the privilege of leadership or the opportunity to render useful service in a noteworthy fashion." Page 39 of Outwitting the Devil so see my dear Dan you are paying your dues to learn skills and teaching to live a life of noteworthy leadership your future of power and greatness is so bright. Love you my friend.

Beginning this moment, I will begin looking at myself as the good person I am; the successful person I am; and the mentor to others they so desire. I am a person that matters.

Even in the face of darkness, we must learn to control our disappointments. We must learn to deal with adversity with an open mind... even it someone strikes out against us and not take it personally.

Love you all.

Challenging the Challenge

2012-01-11T05:55:00.001-05:00

Almost before I get going, I am completely challenged in my challenge. Wow. I did not expect this to be so hard. A simple task of removing negativity and limiting words from my life for 30 days. I've hit a stumbling block right out of the gate. I don't see that as negative or limiting, I see it as holy cow, how am I going to get through today.

I caught myself very easily slipping into the easier mind set of thinking negative thoughts and having negative feeling when faced with a situation that did not go as it should have. A situation that has historically has almost always been very negative and unpleasant but has turned around of late and things wee good. Yesterday, reared it's ugly head and caught me by surprise and today must be dealt with.

I'm not so sure what I am feeling is negative talk or limiting feeling as much as it is me as a manager having to face yet another ugly matter. One which makes me uncomfortable with because personal feeling are going to really tested. Unhappiness is likely to be felt by several people. I'm not ready for this in a week that has already had it's share of unpleasantness. So what to do?

The first thing I must do is to get control of my own emotions and not let the unpleasantness of this situation get mixed in with the realities of actions and conversations that need to take place. The situation is partially my own fault because I did not get some things done that should have been done long before today. I know that and have discussed that with those involved... just a day or so ago. My fault, I know that and am working to correct it. I am just irritated by the actions of some as if they did not know and as a result, I have slipped into thinking and being negative about the situation.

I am frustrated but know what I have to do today, ready or not, things must get done, priorities have been changed and actions must be done today. Go pay the price.

January's Challenge

2012-01-09T00:28:00.000-05:00

This is positively going to be a good month.

My goal for the month is to turn the leaf over... to start anew.... to live for a renewed purpose. God works in amazing ways as I was immediately challenged with a very difficult situation at work and this lurking cough turning into a real feeling of being ill. I couldn't hold my grandson after he came home from surgery so I didn't spread my germs and I wasn't available to help my daughter move into her new house. How can I be positive? Simple. Those are just roadblocks and hiccups that try to break our will to do what's right.

It was first suggested to me that I should write a book in the mid 1980's. I don't recall the persons name right now, but I remember where his office was on Route 1 in Portsmouth, NH. I was going through a tough time and decided to continue talking to the marriage counselor my then former wife and I had seen while we were still married. I really tried to do "the right thing" in all things I did, especially as it related to the kids during that time (and during the divorce of my first wife as well). For the most part I had been putting on a good show, being tough and happy on the outside, dying on the inside. I think I hid the dying part pretty well, maybe not as well as I thought.

Today is a new beginning. Today is D-Day... Dan's day... Do it Day... Day one of the new beginning. If you don't do anything different, you can hardly expect to achieve different results. If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got. Change is only the result of change. Thank you Kirk Weisler for the bag of corks, it so easily will help me explain how change can produce results, it's so obvious. (I love analogies and props). Now to apply the "Cork Theory" to the life I want.

I think Napoleon Hill discussed "definite in purpose" in Think and Grow Rich (I need to verify that reference). What are our goals? What is the purpose for which we are? That's first. These are some of the thins running through my head.

Find a good non-denominational bible based church... I miss the life of Oasis Family Fellowship and must find a new place to call home.
Be a better family member... take charge of my household and the things that surround it.
Don't miss the things my kids and grand kids do (I like this one and do a pretty good job now).
Be a better leader and mentor to and for my staff.
Do more to help those in need of help
Share my story with as many that I can find that will listen
Have a story to tell worth telling and tell it at a national convention (I know what this means - it's a placeholder for now)

Getting Jazzed Times 2

2011-12-27T01:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I wrote about how Becca Levie got me pretty jazzed by talking with me about a couple of books and suggestions for the help I was seeking. Today I am jazzed times 2! Finished reading chapter 1 of Outwitting the Devil and I was having revelations in just a matter of a few pages.

I've often (jokingly) accused Kirk Weisler of writing in his T4D blog (http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/) write to me because he keeps hitting me right between the eyes with his words of wisdom. I think Napoleon Hill hit me with a sledge hammer! How did he know so much about me back in the early 1900's. I am amazes, jazzed, inspired and already seeing a new beginning, and I've only read chapter 1. Thank you! You're going to have to read it yourself to understand. You'll have to walk in similar shoes to really understand.

My mind has been so full of thoughts tonight I have almost jumped from one end of the stick to the opposite end without even thinking. That does not really compute since I am a believer that most everything that goes on happens squarely between our ears... in our mind. When the mind is lost and full of indecision, things just don't work very well. We can't make rational, logical decisions. We don't behave and act in a manner that traditionally has been normal for us. We begin doing the things we would normally not care for in others. I have been stuck in that mould for several months... maybe several years. I knew it, I didn't like it and I knew it had to chance... I just just didn't know how. That has changed.

Dr. Hill wrote "My reasoning faculty had almost been paralyzed". As Sharon Lechter annotated, I have felt discouraged and irritable and it became debilitating to me at work, at home and in all I did. I was not me. I now know why and am focused on a path of change. First returning to the old Dan, then continuing to get better in every way, every day.

Outwitting the Devil....

2011-12-23T01:36:00.006-05:00

I never heard of the book Outwitting the Devil, by Napolean Hill, until tonight. Thank you so much Becca Levie (http://www.beccalevie.com/), you're the best!

Today... no, tonight, is the start of a new direction. I may have said it before, but tonight, December 22, 2011, I move forward with a new vision... a new desire.... with new purpose. Take note of that. I no longer want to be blue... be down... be overwhelmed. I need to put on a smile from within, not just a surface smile. It serves no purpose to be a prisoner of life. Becca gave me a gift tonight... words that had been given to her before, shared with me tonight....

"Our capacity to feel joy, peace and happiness is in direct proportion to the depth of pain and sorrow we experience. Knowing this during dark times gives us a reason to put one step in front of another until we once again find joy and back to a place of great joy and hope."

me with Les Brown, April 2011

This all started during a conversation with Becca as she shared about a book she was finishing reading by Les Brown. Les is an incredible rags to riches inspiration to all of us that we can reach our own level of greatness. The cool part is that I have also personally spoken with Les about his story and rise to to national prominence by telling his story. Telling his story, that's what Kirk Weisler (http://www.kirkweisler.com/) and Phil Gerbyshak (http://www.philgerbyshak.com/) saying to me. So, what does this all have to do with the title So, what about Outwitting the Devil? Becca turned me onto this book written by Napolean Hill (author of Think and Grow Rich). She tells of how he felt like a psuedo leader when he faced a time of such fear and paralizsis (as I feel now) and he didn't believe he could continue (hmm, I know that feeling too). He thought all hope was lost and he couldn't leave his brother-in- laws basement snd he became cruel and a burden. He progressed past that and became one of the greateat teachers of all time. Such inspiration!

As in coaching, when things get tough, I always said, back to basics. Thank you tongiht Becca and for many times past, Kirk, Phil and others, for your positive suggestions. Here we go, one step at a time.

A Short Visit With My Dad...

2011-12-18T21:10:00.006-05:00

I was able to get up to Boscawen, NH today to make a short visit with my dad, I really needed some fatherly wisdom and time with him. It is days and weeks like this that I miss him so. It's not that we would often sit down and have heart to heart talks... I just looked up to him to help me figure out what I needed to do. Sometimes the answers might not have been perfect for everyone, but they were perfect for me. My dad was occasionally a man wiser than his actions, but he always had the best intent. So do I.

I'm so sad I can't fix what's wrong... at least to the liking of others. If I don't fix things, I feel like I'm living in a world of discontent and hearing about how messed up things are. If I work on fixing things I feel like everyone needs to tell me "there way" rather than support me in my efforts, making it just as bad, if not worse. I'm between a rock and a hard spot.... I'm like a dog chasing his tail.... I'm overwhelmed and wont it to be better. How do I get there.

I didn't need to ask Dad, I know the answers... I went there to confide in him and for acceptance and support without reservation of complaint. I knew he would help without judging. I knew he would be there no matter what. I had no where else to turn.

On a side note, until I saw this picture, I didn't know I looked as old and aged as I do. Guess I'm glad I don't have to look at me... I'm beginning to look how I feel
.
After thought: One of my Facebook friends just posted ‎"Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on" While I like that, I'd love to be able to move on with those around me rather than have to create a whole new circle of friends... is it worth the effort or best just to forgive and forget those that can't forgive and forget without continued drama? That post was followed with ""Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that ? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained." There is lots of good advice out there, I should just heed what I already know.

Sometimes you just can't get started...

2011-12-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Maybe I get involved in too many things. Perhaps it just frustrates me to see things "not done right" (at least as I see them) that sucks me into more things than I really want to be involved in. What ever the cause, I'm normally up to my eyes with alligators, then it is nearly impossible for me to even get started. Ouch.

I can do most all that needs to be done, that's not really the problem. It's figuring out where to start. On one hand, it could be a simple task (which is the route I'll likely have to take) to just make a list and start working on it. Note I left out the word prioritize. Is that smart or just delaying more disaster? I don't think it is as simple as prioritizing the sequence of things you do in the morning.... going to the bathroom just must come before having breakfast.

My struggles are because I have allowed so many things to accumulate, there are too many number 1 priorities. What then? If I revert to the method of just working on the list... it seems one of the ugly number 1 priorities sticks it's ugly head up and says "hey, what about me?" You stop what your are doing and begin working on the ugly... then ugly number 2 pops up and the vicious circle has begun. Ugh.

So I need some help. I can work on the list, generally grouped in priorities, but knowing you can not work on all the number 1's at once, some of the ugly's will pop up. Do I say oh well, wait your turn? Do I celebrate the small steps of getting them done, one by one and be happy for that? I can survive the ugly's, as long as they don't get too ugly. It's the people that are reminding me about the ugly's that stresses me to a point of inaction. That's where I need the help and suggestions. How do I deal with the disappoint I have caused and apparently continue to cause?

Help!

Not all things are bad... enter Nicholas

2011-12-06T23:57:00.002-05:00

I guess at times, I may tend to rant and rave in this blog space. Not this time. Regardless of how bad things may seem at time, there is always good. Enter Nicholas. Nicholas James Ballinger, he entered the world on November 28th at 8lbs 6oz and 21 inches long!! What a big boy!

Congratulations to my daughter and son-in-law, proud new parents.... and a proud new big sister too!

Mom and Dad were signing papers for their new house while still in the hospital. Uncle Ryan already has planned on giving skating lessons (and teaching checking too even though he didn't mention that part). He's a pretty cute kid... I like the pose... I am thinking I see the resemblance to me... especially the blonde hair.

No matter what else, this is a good thing. Welcome my first grandson!

You are "be-YOU-tiful" and You Do Make a Difference

2011-12-04T13:27:00.002-05:00

I have always stived to be a person that made a difference. I think there was a time when I was somewhat successful in doing that. Lately, I'm not so sure. The interesting thing is that I know the problem is with me, I feel it, know it, and perhaps have been internalizing what I tell people not to do... I've made internal excuses. I know change is necessary.

At the 2011 Scentsy Annual Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas, Heidi Thompson spoke about the Power of One. Powerful, moving and the spark I needed to begin the journey to get back on course. It would be well worth your time to listen to her talk.
I matter. I make a difference. You matter. You make a difference.

Making a difference starts within ourselves. If we are way off course, it may take a while to straighten out and get back on course. There may be bumps and unfortunately bruises we have caused to get where we are. The most important message is that you, me and most everyone we encounter are Be-You-tiful and the belief that we do make a difference.

I think there must be an understanding that who I make a difference to is not in my control, it is in their control. I must accept that. I must ensure that I provide every opportunity to make a difference to someone else and be at peace with the results. I must attempt to rebuild any bridges that were burnt behind me, but most importantly, focus on the future and not dwell on the past. Future actions are more important that past conversations.

You are beautiful, believe it and live it. You do matter to me.

Sidebar: I grabbed this graphic from Kirk Wiesler's "Thought 4 the Day" blog (http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/) without asking him... I hope that isn't unethical or wrong, not intended to be. I strongly recommend you vist Kirk's blog and sign up for his couple a week messages. Kirk is incredible, inspirational and worth every word you'll read.

For What it's worth Mr. President, December 25th is Christmas

2011-11-19T07:44:00.006-05:00

Last year I had 12 Christmas trees

I read a Facebook post that really bothered me, whether it is true or not. One side of me thinks that is it quite possibly true, I hope not. The other side of me believes it could be a Christan misrepresentation of what was really said and posted as a sensationalized, political smack of the President... but again, my gut says it has significant truth to it. Here's the post:

It was announced that there will not be Christmas trees at the White house this year. They will be called Holiday Trees. Obama says this is no longer a Christian Country, it's a country of many faiths. We as Americans must send the message to Obama that this Country was founded on Christian beliefs and we are STILL a Christian Country. Please repost this and let's stand up for CHRIST

My initial response is simple: Well Mr. President, if that's what you really feel, I'm sorry you are out of touch with the reality. This is a country founded on Christian beliefs and it is a Christian country. However, we are also an open and accepting of other faiths and beliefs which allow people of all faiths and beliefs to freely celebrated them. I will not be forced to do things I do not believe in nor go against what I believe this country was built upon just because someone else may be offended. Perhaps that person needs to do some soul searching and learn acceptance. Mr. President, you are wrong. In my house, I have a Christmas tree. In my white house, you will also have a Christmas tree, call it what you may, it is still a Christmas tree, you know it and I know it. On December 25th I will celebrate Christmas with a vast majority of others in the free world and most importantly, with most of the citizens of this country. Unfortunately, so many have attempted to take Christ so far out of Christmas, it's almost not even a religious discussion anymore!

Christmas is not only celebrated by traditional Christians, but today celebrated my many non-Christan's around the world. What we do not do (or at least should NOT be doing, is forcing non-believers to celebrate Christmas with us. Do you think it would be fair to keep you and other non-believers to stay out of the stores during the times they are offering Christmas sales so we can purchase presents and other gifts to share with our loved ones? No, we are lenient and accepting of all.

Why can't I celebrate Christmas... We are a nation of acceptance that celebrates many things, in fact, almost everything. Let's see, in January there's National Bath Safety Month, National Blood Donor Month, National Braille Literacy Month, National Hobby Month, Hot Tea Month, National Oatmeal Month, National Soup Month, American Heart Month, International Boost Self-Esteem Month, International Embroidery Month, Library Lovers Month, National Cherry Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, National Snack Food Month, and Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month and National Bath Safety Month.

February brings us to National Black History Month, American Heart Month, Wedding Month, Back For Family Fun Week, International Boost Self-Esteem Month, International Expect Success Month, National Bird Feeding Month, National Caffeine Addiction Awareness Month, National Cherry Month, National Children's Dental Health Month, National Hot Breakfast Month, National Single and Searching Month, Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month, Publicity for Profit Month, Potato Lover's Month, Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month, Spiritual Teachers Month and Wise Health Care Consumer Month.

In March we celebrate National Nutrition Month, Red Cross Month, Social Worker's Month, Women's History Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Umbrella Month, Peanut Month, Noodle Month, Mirth Month, Spring Month, Hoops Madness, Poetry Month, Umbrella Month, Youth Art Month, Academy Awards Month, Ethics Awareness Month, Help Someone See Month, Honor Society Awareness Month, Humorists Are Artists Month, International Listening Awareness Month, International Mirth Month, Irish-American Heritage Month, Music in Our Schools Month, National Collision Awareness Month, National Craft Month, National Kite Month, Optimism Month, Play the Recorder Month, Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

Do I need to go through every month here? Do I need to come up with a list for the next 9 months? We celebrate anything and everything. "Bath Safety Month?" Come on, give me a break. Should all those people who don't take a bath be allowed to force us to change what we celebrate and call it "Cleansing Month" or "Stinkless Month"? I hope you get the point. Christmas Day, without discussing the merits or accuracy of the day, is a day celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. The rest of the world does not celebrate "Holiday Day", they celebrate "Christmas Day". In some non-Christian countries, periods of former colonial rule have even introduced the celebration, such as in Hong Kong; in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the Christmas. Countries such as Japan and Korea, where Christmas is popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations and Christmas trees.

Ah, the Christmas trees, we're at the point where many of us started hearing how opinions, like those that I opened with, began. Political correctness should perhaps be rethought of as "political acceptance" instead. When you tell me not to have a Christmas tree because you do are not Christan, aren't you telling me you do not accept and have tolerance to allow me to celebrate my beliefs? Telling me I can not call the tree in my office that was setup to celebrate Christmas is you forcing your believes on me. I am not Jewish but I don't call a Menorah a candle holder? There is only only holiday a Christmas tree was designed to celebrate... and that's Christmas. It was never meant to be a holiday tree.

So Mr. President, and others of similar opinion, celebrate what you may, but when that pine tree goes up in my white house, decorated with lights, balls and other festive ornaments... it's a Christmas Tree in my eyes and always will be.

This writing was not intended to offend you or anyone else. If you choose not to celebrate Christmas, I respect that. If I choose to celebrate Christmas, all I ask is that you in turn, respect that. I will be celebrating the holidays over the next month or so. I will go to Christmas parties and will have a Christmas tree (actually several) in my house. You are welcome to come visit (just give me a call first) and celebrate with me.

I want my Christmas back.

Still trying...

2011-10-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

I've wanted to write for the longest time... always used the excuse there was not enough time, that's if I even thought about it... most the time I never even think about it... just jump from one fire to the next and then the day is over and we do it again. Speaking of fires... I was working on Scentsy orders (and I do love Scentsy orders), stopped for a minute to put a bagel in the toaster that Travis had brought home for me from Panera (he takes care of his Papa). Cinnamon Crunch... they are so good. Anyway, bagel in the toaster... quick trip to the bathroom while it toast. When I come out I heard what I thought was water running. It wasn't, it was the crunch boiling or something in the toaster with flames coming out of the top... holy crap!

Anyway, fire is out, no damage... back to the writing. My friend Phil Gerbyshak was one of the first to encourage me to write... it might have been Kirk Weisler, but I'll give the credit for this one to Phil because that's when I actually started writing in this and other logs more often. Thanks Phil! As you can see from the number of post here, I have not done a very good job at Phil and Becky Robinson 12 Minutes at a Time project, but I'm here trying again.

Most recently, I have found Matt Cutt's TED presentation (less than 4 minutes) to "Try Something for 30 Days". Great inspirational message. Good enough to have be back here again doing what I know I want to do. Sure wish I could speak like Matt... maybe that's another thing I need to work on. I should hurry while there is time. Why is it we wait so long for what is important to us?

Gotta go practice.

Spread the message, and be one together

2011-09-06T23:59:00.006-04:00

A few days ago, I wrote about the message a friend wrote on her blog just a few days before she passed away. Her message was powerful, inspiring and one of deep love of people and happiness. She wished for all to make this a better world.

Tonight, I learned of the passing of a good friends brother. I did not know Bjorn's brother, but I could sense what a special person he was through the heartache I felt in Bjorn's messages and post. Specifically, this post is about the message Bjorn wrote after his brother's passing. With his permission, I'm sharing it with you. I hope you are able to take time to reflect and then take action to help make this world a better place to live, while we have the opportunity, one act at a time.

From Bjorn's Facebook post, September 6th....

I have lost my beloved brother…

Through grief and pain, there is joyful remembrance. We were blessed with time for sharing memories, tears, laughs, love, thanks, hugs and goodbyes. Family and friendships, distant and close, connected in ways we could have never imagined…

This morning I enjoyed a most amazing sunrise and sparkling presence in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, and I was one with life... and spirit.

I now take a moment to express my appreciation and love to friends here on FB! Let’s live life well! Let’s love, laugh, do good things, and have a great time together while we can. Look around you and you are sure to find endless opportunity for friendship, synergy and love. In the end, that’s what it’s all about my friend.

Brother and sister, come walk with me. Spread the message, and be one together. Let’s make this incredible world of ours the best it can be!

Thank you!

Swedish:

Jag har förlorat min käre broder…

Genom sorg och smärta, finner jag god ihågkomst. Vi var välsignade med tid för att dela minnen, tårar, skratt, kärlek, tack, kramar och farväl. Familj och vänner, när och fjärran, kopplades samman på sätt som vi aldrig kunnat drömma om...

Denna morgon fick jag uppleva den mest fantastiska soluppgång och sprudlande närvaro i Rocky Mountain vildmark, och jag var ett med liv och ande.

Nu tar jag ett ögonblick att uttrycka min tacksamhet och kärlek till vänner här på FB! Låt oss leva livet väl! Låt oss älska, skratta, göra goda ting, och ha det gott tillsammans medan vi kan. Se dig omkring, och du kommer finna oändliga möjligheter till vänskap, helhet och kärlek. I slutet, så är det just vad det handlar om min gode vän.

Broder och syster, kom gå med mig. Sprid meddelandet, och bli ett tillsammans. Låt oss forma denna vår otroliga värld vi lever i till det bästa den kan vara!

Tack!

I urge you do walk with Bjorn and I; make a concious decision each day to do something different that you might have in the past... try little random acts of kindness and we'll all be in a better place.

Taking a minute for me... Wow!

2011-09-06T19:31:00.004-04:00

I can't remember the last time I just took some time for me. Sitting back, not doing anything special... Drinking coffee (which I could stand to quit drinking) and having a bowl of soup. Not that Panera Bread is a bad place, it's not, but sitting on a deck overlooking a fresh water lake seems like it would be nicer.

The cool thing about being at Panera is many fold. Tyler worked here before leaving for colege... They loved him. He did a great job and was recognized for it many times. He received many Panera bucks while receiving the pats on the back. Since the bucks were only good in the New England stores, dad became the receipent. Tonight, Travis is working... and more or less cooked dinner for me. Using Tyler's Panera bucks, he bought dinner for me. This is the way it should be.

Well, almost, would be better not sitting here alone... but all is good. Not sure what I like best... the cherry pasty in the picture or lightly toasted cinnimon crunch bagles with butter.... yuuummmmmmmm.

Heading off into the next chapter...

2011-09-06T01:21:00.001-04:00

This has been quite a week.. busy in every aspect. Tyler has left for college! Where has the time gone? Being busy began while car shopping with him. Typical car shopping experience... oh come visit us so we can test drive and talk. What amazed me was the unwillingness of the dealers to negotiate. In some cases, they had brand new 2011 and 2012 vehicles sitting next to each other and wanted full sticker on both. Tried telling us there was no difference. Well Curry; Balise and the others we visited and test drove, you all lost a sale.

Tyler is very happy with his Nissan Versa. The hardest point for me was him driving out on Saturday morning on his way to college. Maybe seeing him miss the driveway and drive out across the lawn made me wonder if he had enough driving experience to drive to Georgia!!! Actually, he drove right up to the front door to load his loot, not unheard of around here to shorten the number of steps we need to take to get to the car. He's actually on his way to Maryland for a few days with his brother and mother. Later this week he and his mother will drive to Savannah and get him moved into his new digs for the next 4 years (minus vacation time). He's wanted to study 3D animation for as long as I can remember. I always thought he wanted to work on Toy Story 4... but I guess he really wants to work on new projects. Best of luck Tyler on reaching for the stars. (Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks - take note of him... he's good and will need an outstanding job at the end of 4 years to pay off his college mortgage).

Sad Day... Happy Day... Good Ending

2011-09-01T01:13:00.001-04:00

Today was one of those days. Started out on a sad note as I attended Heidi's funeral. Very touching service... I could only wish so many people would attend my services after my demise. Very emotional messages as one would expect, some crying, some laughter as we celebrated the memory of Heidi. I thought it was especially touching when a female funeral director came forward to read a message from Heidi's husband David, who is deaf. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house as even she broke down.

There were emotions in the middle of the day, but completely different. Frustration, contempt, dismay, wrongdoing, incompetence, fraud, deceitful and a handful of other terms come to mind. It is hard to be among a group of good people doing what they should be yet be infiltrated with people of the kind I was first thinking. I hate being a part of that!

Then things turned better. I hooked up with my son who has been stressing out because I have not been doing the things he has hoped for in the time frame he wanted. I understand that... I'm trying to be better. The important thing is that we jot the job done today and got him a new, well, almost new car. He was smiling from ear to ear. We had an appointment with Rosaleen at UMass Five College Federal Credit Union at 4:00... she leaves for the day at 4:30. After getting hing up at the office, we got there at 4:20. Bless you Rosaleen for staying late and taking care of things for Tyler. You are the best. I know I can say that because she does it time after time... I know from personal experience. Got to Nicky D's by 5:30 and Tyler paid for his car. Now he is waiting until tomorrow afternoon... I hope they had it ready for him. Tomorrow will be a good day for him!

The day is coming to a close on yet another happy note as we close out the Scentsy Spring/Summer catalog for 2011. It was nice helping 3 new people get there orders in before the midnight deadline! WooHoo! Great month. Did not quite reach the goal of $2,000 in sales, but tripled the sponsoring goal. Sales are for today, sponsoring is for life. I'm happy and the end of the tunnel is getting closer for the next magical ride. Come join me!

There's A Saying....

2011-08-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

John Maxwell once said “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I'd like to borrow that concept and say "People won't know how much you love them until you show them how much you care." Life is too short for all the drama; focus on what matters and be in as much happiness as possible each and every day of our life. Hopefully they will accept us for who we are.

The lady pictured in this post is someone I'd like to consider as a friend, probably an acquaintance at best... the mom of one of my son's former hockey teammates, is who I wrote about a few days ago that gave me a wake up call. Early yesterday morning, August 28th, Heidi's courageous battle with cancer came to an end. As she wished, she was at home with those she loved. Heidi found Caring Bridge a comforting way to communicate with all of us who called her a friend. I was not really close personal friends with Heidi or her husband David or their children for that matter"; we were just hockey parents with a common interest between us.

What Heidi shared with and reminded us of over the past few years is how important life, family and friends really are. How positive whe was during her entire battle. We are all different people and all have different likes, wants and desires... what Heidi reminded me to do is not to wait until it is too late to share those precious thoughts with those you love and care about, whether or not it is returned... it is how life should be. I only hope I could be that person.

Rest in Peace Heidi... you have some good company up there... too many to name.

Tequila and Salt - Reality Check Follow-up

2011-08-26T10:51:00.001-04:00

My last post was probably depressing and maybe did not paint a pretty of me... you might have thought, damn, no wonder he is alone and sad! This post is the outside layer of me doing what is right to motivate and help others feel better. I don't know who the original author is, it was not me. I apss this along to anyone else out there that needs to understand.

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.

There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,even if they don't like you.
Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to someone.
You are special and unique.
Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

Those that know me understand that I try to make a joke of everything.... so, in the spirit of being me, consider the following:

There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
Who the hell would do that and WHY for me??? You can be done with me!!!
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
It's the "some way" that concerns me.
The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
LOL, more than one Dan in the world... OMG!
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
Well good for them
Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
Hmmm, nightmare or something better???
You mean the world to someone.
Obviously they don't know me well enough yet... but it is a nice thought that I really could mean the world to someone, for better or worse, richer or poorer yada, yada
You are special and unique.
Oh, I am unique
Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
Again, LOL, tell me who!
When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
That "is" how I try to look at everything... gets you through the day.
When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
I'm tryin
Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
So true, easier said than done... we are a people that thrive on negatives. Remember Rule #6

Dan's out

Another Reality Check... unfortunately

2011-08-26T10:18:00.002-04:00

It was three years ago this past week that I lost my dad. I think that has been one of the most significant times in my life... an event that aches at my heart even today. I changed because of it, which is not good, because the change I feel is eating me up inside. The loss of my dad followed the loss of friends like Mike... much younger than my dad, who lost his battle with cancer and the loss of one of my most beloved co-workers, Mary. I remember the day she came to me and told me she planned on retiring in a year so I had a year to find a new Security Manager to replace her (she was not replaceable as a person). A month later we cried in my office when she returned from a doctors visit and told me she had just been diagnosed with cancer... then I remember the day several months later I put her on a plane back to Boseman to be with her mom and the sparkle of her eye, grandson Max. She died a week later.

As much as I try, I am devastated by the loses in my life... death is the ultimate loss. However, loses whether at the hands of death, divorce, separation or being transferred around the county are taking their toll on me. I've had my fill. I work hard to smile... to do good... to do what is necessary.... but I have lost energy, I'm running out of the ability to remain positive. I am alone.

Today, I have just read a message from yet another friend who has been in full battle mode since 2009. She writes on her blog at CaringBridge:

"Very sad news yesterday. My sister in law lost her battle with cancer. She has been very very sick. MY love goes out to my brother and the boys..

It also brings us to not such good news or me either.. I am know receiveing blood and platlet infusion 3 times a week. This is all the is keeping me alive. The doctor are giving me just a couple of weeks then they are going to suggest I stop receiving the treatment. I rarely get out of bed. Only sit up with the kids are a few hours is lucky then I am back in bed. Barely eat anyhting, At least I haven't vomited in a few days and the fever, rigors, sweats and exhaustion are setting in. That's why I haveN't written It is a real chore to come into the basement to use the computer. My vision is reallly blurry. And I can't reallly see what I am typing.

So because I have no idea when something could happen I want to let everyone know just how much I love you. I have been trying to find some majic words to write to all of you but I don't have them. I am scared, really sick, frustrated and at my emotional end.

Each and everyone of you has meant something special to me.Please remember me with a big smile, hearty laugh and open arms.

Live well, love more. Thank you for loving me and all your support during my battle."

How can I complain, this wonderful mother has acknowledged she is about to pay the ultimate price.

Life is too short. Life can be happy, life can be sad. There is no reason to be alone and sad.

Connecticut Welcomes You - to the Landfill?

2011-07-12T10:04:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of driving home to Massachusetts Sunday night via I-95 northbound out of New York City, a route I almost never ever take because of high possibility of getting stuck in traffic on the George Washington Bridge. I normally would go north to I-87/287 to cross the Hudson on the Tappan Zee Bridge into White Plains, NY. I now have a second reason not to take the I-95 route.... it is like a traveling though a landfill. Garbage, trash, run down areas... terrible roads and it extends right into Connecticut.

This is not a bash of Connecticut per se... it could be about similar locations in any state. It is a bash of how we as citizens have contributed to the mess. It's a bash of the owners of properties, such as the ones pictured here, to not take the responsibility to clean them up. It's a bash of people for throwing their trash on the ground... or feeling they are allowed to place their stickers and signs on the property of others.

I stopped at this Norwalk, CT rest area on I-95. I presume it is owned by the State of Connecticut (shame on you) and leased to businesses, such as McDonalds (sort of shame on you... I will say, the McDonalds area was the cleanest at this entire rest stop). The parking lot is a trash can without the can. Litter everywhere... in the parking lot, in the bushes, on the little patches of grass. Welcome to Connecticut.

I thought the light post in the parking lots were interesting. Hundreds of stickers of posters, signs and stickers... that's normally the first place I think of going to look for the best rates for a new home mortgage or for the ultimate weight loss solution. What would make ANYONE think that posting their sign would be seen, let alone followed up on by anyone?!!! By the way, I made up the mortgage and weight loss thing, the spot where I took this picture from is as close to post I got.

Lastly, I thought it funny how I found a comment box tucked away behind a plant inside. "How are we doing?" to sign ask. There's a box to deposit your selections.... a pen to write them... but nothing to write on. Do you suppose so many people were so disgusted, as I was, they already used all the comment forms? I'm guessing this box has not been checked in years. In case you can't read it, you can visit their Web site at: http://ctserviceplazas.com (does not appear to be a State of Connecticut page.... does that mean it is privately run and just designed to make you think it has something to do with the state?) or you can e-mail your comments to: comments@ctserviceplazas.com (1-888-406-3466). If I were from Connecticut, I'd call or write them.

Does the Justice System Work?

2011-07-06T01:43:00.000-04:00

This week we again saw what many feel was tragedy in our American court rooms. Caylee Anthony, pictured here, was found dead about six months after she was finally reported missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony was acquitted of first degree murder charges levied against her. Most people are appalled and flabbergasted. Most people, but not the jury of her peers. It seems sad, but I too think she got away with murder.

This is not the first time we feel our courts have failed us. The O.J. Simpson trial was the most recent other alleged failing of the court system. People were appalled and flabbergasted then as well.

I don't even know why I am writing this because I personally am so frustrated with the court system for personal reasons that could be a blog all of it's own. I think the problem is that the court system is a system of no accountability. None for the judges, none for the lawyers. They could do what they choose almost without reprisal. I don't buy the argument that it is a defense attorney's job to get someone off... I think it is there responsibility to ensure a fair trail, but not at the cost of technicalities.

On the other hand, it is better than some of the options.

Volunteers for the Good

2011-07-02T21:48:00.002-04:00

Last month, tornadoes came home to us in Massachusetts. I have been amazed with the devastation and destruction. I have been even more amazed at the out pouring of help of good people in the surrounding areas. Story after story of people giving of themselves to help those that need it. I know a few names, but they are only a few and they know who they are. My hat is off to each and every one of you folks. You are what we as a society are all about. Thank you.

I've been lucky for most of my life in that I have never had to endure a natural disaster of the magnitude that destroyed people and property around me. Most of the time, the closest I have been is to see what's happened via the news on television. I do remember once on a flight to the west coast, flying over an amazingly hugh flood area where the Mississippi had gone over the top.

On the return part of a college trip with my son Tyler to Savannah, GA, we decided to stop early for the night in South Carolina. Someone said, good thing you stopped, there are suppose to be tornadoes in North Carolina tonight. Weatherman, who listens to them? Well there were tornadoes in North Carolina in which several people lost their lives. Driving up I-95, we drove through an area that had been hit and saw where, what appeared to be, a mobile home park. All that was left was "stuff" everywhere, and I mean everywhere. We saw people working on and going through the mess. We felt the "wow" of it.

This particular post is about the Chain Saw Response Team that came to the aid of Monson, MA. Kudos to you. The pictures don't come close to telling the real story, but for those that are not here, it's a story. Look -> here. I am trying hard not to slam those that showed up and charged astronomical fees for their help, but I can't help it. Just because you got to people that were over a barrel. Screw you, what goes around, comes around.

Thank you Chainsaw response Team; Belchertown Helps Monson and ALL the others I don't even know about. I urge you, and you children, that if and when the need every arises, go volunteer, for something, for anything. Teach a value so that we may all take the time to help where help is really needed.

I Wonder.... Does it Always Have to Be Fair?

2011-06-29T15:21:00.004-04:00

Reading today's online version of USA Today of the New York vote on gay marriage (http://usat.ly/iwXggz) got me thinking. First, let me say that this writing is not about gay marriage itself, it is about the concept of, does it always have to be fair? By that, I mean, does everything have to be fair?

I was provoked into thought be the articles statement "The trend seems undeniable, rooted in the American belief - and Constitutional guarantee - that everyone deserves equal treatment under the law". Let's get beyond the gay marriage debate or conversation and not even discuss my support or opposition for it. Let's think about what's fair and what's not; what's reasonable and what's not.

I wonder....
? if a girl should be able to join little league or boy scouts?
? if a boy should be able to join girl scouts or brownies?
? if the Professional Golf Associationshould be forced to change it's rules to allow a player to ride in a cart?
? why must we have both men's rooms and women's bathrooms?
? if it is fair that a basketball hoop is so high, should it be lowered so height challenged people can play?
? if it is fair actors and professional athletes get paid more than teachers or fireman do?
? if it is fair that insurance companies take our premiums and can also deny procedures our doctors prescribe?
? if it is fair only girls can join a sorority and boys can only join fraternities?
? if schools are controlled by the laws, why kids of any faith can't say a prayer, but the president can end every address with "God bless the United States of America"?
? if I can't have a Christmas Tree in my office if it is fair those against it get A vacation day for Christmas or get to participate in my Christmas sales (and it is a Christmas Tree, not a holiday tree)?
? if I can celebrate Black History Month, would it be also OK to celebrate White Human month as well?
? if it is fair kids with average grades get fewer scholarships and don't have the same options of those with higher grades (or more money)?
? if it is fair the president gets helicopter rides to the airport and I have to sit in rush hour traffic?
? if it is fair women's shoes are less expensive than men's shoes?
? why it is fair for me to open a business and be told My customers and me can't smoke in it if I want to allow it?
? is it fair that some people are hurt in accidents or struck with an illness when they have lived what appears to be the perfect life and others (I'll refrain from adjectives unbecoming of niceness) who seemingly have done nothing right... don't?
? why we always have to find fault instead of finding good?
? why we need hot water heaters, wouldn't cold water heaters make more sense?
? if any of this matters to you?

Oh, I could go on.... Life is certainly not always fair.
Please leave your thoughts, if you wonder why...

How bad is your job... really?

2011-06-29T01:00:00.001-04:00

Words are not necessary if this is your job... if not, be thankful you have one

Why is being illogical so easy for some people?

2011-06-27T23:12:00.000-04:00

I know not everyone wants to be a doctor, a truck driver, a garbage collector, an office worker or any of thousands of other jobs. What I don't understand is why and how some people justify the mediocre jobs they have because they don't have time. They don't have time to do something better.

Talking to a young gal tonight who was counting her tips. She's young, works at an ice cream stand or something like that. She was happy she made about $16.00 per hour in tips. That was a great day. I mentioned she might want to look into something where she could potentially earn a lot more. Another Scentsy Consultant was here and told about a basket party she just did. Basket parties are where we make up a basket of samples for the host to use for show and tell as she talks to her friends, relatives and coworkers to assist with sales. This basket party netted something over $600.00 in sales; the host received almost $100.00 in free product and the consultant made more than $150.00 for what she estimated at a maximum of 3 hours of work.

I don't have time... I have this to do... I have that to do... Oh, how frustrating it is to me. Now, I understand that everyone doesn't want to be a Scentsy Independent Consultant or a Mary Kay Representative or even look for a better job. Why???

This reminds me of a story I hear Art Williams tell. If you don't know who Art Williams is, he was the founding forefather of A.L.Williams. A company that, in my words, prided themselves not is selling people life insurance, but finding people who had brought themselves Whole Life, Universal Life or something other than term insurance and showed them how they could do better every single time, without exception. He told about how he would show people where they could get twice as much insurance for half the price; and then recommended they invest what they saved.... and some people were so.... so illogical, they just didn't get it. That frustrated Art to no end. I am right there feeling the same way.

However, Art conquered the frustration and went on to become a multimillionaire. I haven't gotten over it yet. Art got over it by saying to himself... no matter how bad a deal the person had; no matter how much they could have saved in premium and in with their investments; no matter how bad it is... if they are that illogical, it is the best thing they could have.... well good for them. That's what I have to do, get to that mindset. Once there, I'll be off and running, how about you?

What's wrong with some people?

2011-06-25T17:58:00.000-04:00

I almost hate to write this today since it follows my previous post... something good.... something not so good. It should be hard to figure out which is which. What's wrong with people today? Why are there so many that feel they have to be "who they are" in the midst of those of us that don't care who they are if they are going to dress and act as they do? Am I being intolerant? While I don't mean to offend anyone, I likely will, but I feel I am being offended and also have a right to speak up.

There are just some things that a majority in society do not agree with and do not have to accept. Maybe someone could build a mall where your pants have to be lower than the cheeks of your butt in order to shop there. Those of us that wear our pants as they should be would not be allowed (as if we would be interested in the first place).

Now that I think of it, someone has done just that... I'm not sure how it was originally planned, but Sam Walton's empire has become just that. If there's any doubt and haven't seen it before, the clientele is well documented at the People of WalMart (see www.peoplpeofwalmart.com). If they installed bars around the various departments, it would be like going to a zoo. Why don't these folks get it? I think it's an easy answer... they don't care. So sad.

Buddies of Hope

2011-06-20T21:35:00.005-04:00

Giving Back is one of the most important thing we can do as Scentsy Consultants, as leaders, and just as people. Giving More Than You Take is embedded into the ethos of Scentsy and everything we do as Consultants! We are all so blessed and when we look at all of the tragedies around us, we should hugs our kids tight, kiss our loved ones, and appreciate all that we have and how quickly and easily it can all be taken away from us without a moments notice ......by a natural disaster, by an accident, an illness or in many other ways!

Buddies of Hope came about when deadly tornadoes ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama in late April 2011 and was the brain child of Scentsy Director, Kara Laczynski. Although I have not yet personally met Kara, we have conversed about the incredible program she has begun for the sake of children who's lives have been turned upside down. We both agree and want this to be for all children in need after a horrific ordeal has happened to them.

As you all know there have been horrible tornadoes all over the Midwest, South, Southeast, and Northeast the past few weeks and months. Many lives have been lost and entire communities have been demolished! The loss is great and the impact on children in these communities is unimaginable! Some have lost parents, some have lost homes, some have lost their schools, their communities, and their friends. Some have lost all of the above and more!

As a Scentsy Consultant I am always completely overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of other Scentsy consultants and our incredible customers. We're all always looking for ways to make things easier, lessen the pain and burden, and put a smile on the faces of others. Buddies of Hope has spread nationally, buddies are being delivered to children all across the country. This program gives Scentsy Buddies to the children who have been impacted by these natural disasters and who have suffered great loss! There are lots of children impacted and they NEED MORE BUDDIES! So...we're calling all consultants, customers and businesses to come to their rescue, collectively participate, and share our own Scentsy love with the children in need!

For those that are not Scentsy consultants:
ALL Consultant commissions from the sale of these buddies goes to purchase more buddies. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Buddies are $25 each and there are 6 to choose from. You can see them on my website at https://dangreeley.scentsy.us/Buy/Col... or the Web site of any other Scentsy consultant that supports this cause. Those supporting this cause have pledged to donate all profits from the sale of Buddies back to Buddies of Hope... we are here for the children only. Please contact Kara or me directly if you can help. TO ORDER: Please go to the Web page above and order or call my office at 413-203-4930 (and save shipping cost) and order directly from us.

If you order on line, ship buddies to:

Buddies of Hope New England
141 Oakridge Drive
Belchertown, MA 01007

or

Buddies of Hope Tuscaloosa
‎8915 Argonne Forest Drive
Duncanville, AL 35456

If you are a consultant
Order through your own workstation, list Buddies of Hope New England or Buddies of Hope Tuscaloosa as the party host and ship buddies to one of the addresses above. Call my office for the Buddies of Hope donor card that you and or your customers can complete (or e-mail us the information for the card to buddiesofhope@gmail.com, we'll add it. Every buddy will include a donor card of who the buddy came from.

It may not seem like much to you, but it could mean the world to that little boy or girl!

Please join, support and promote our cause on Facebook: http://bit.ly/joTU2A

Unhappy and am Posting Anyway

2011-06-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

I'm writing only because of the commitment to write everyday, what I'm feeling, what I'm thinking or what I'm doing.... all in under 12 minutes. I also don't lie complainers and whiners or those that are always right... I hope I don't fall into any of those categories too often. Unfortunately I know I have and I'm trying to stay out of that area.

Today I feel like my hands are tied... I'm caught, I don't know which way to turn... I, for once, am having a great deal of difficulty with a decision that is stressing me to a point where I don't want to be. Don't you hate it when you feel lie that? What do you do?

It's said that you can only control the things you can control and not those you can not. Easier said than done when there are things that mean so much for which you have no control. Life is too short to have to be in these situations.

I will survive.

A Day With the Boys

2011-06-19T10:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday (almost Father's Day), I got to spend the day with my youngest son Travis and my two sons-in-law, Garrett and Pockey. I'm not sure "sons-in-law" is a correct phrase, it sound weird. Garrett and Pockey are both golfers; Travis is a 16 year old natural for someone that really does not play regularly... he has a lot to learn and could probably become very good with some coaching and practice. Me, I play once or twice a year at events hosted where I work as "golf events", but are more of a take the afternoon off and let's relax and have fun. Relax and golf - that could be an oxymoron.

We played at Ledges in South Hadley, MA, the first time there for any of us. They said the course was on the short side so we played the blue tees. To me, all courses are long whether we play red, white, blue or gold. Typical day on the course for me... hit the first ball a country mile, the next one about a foot as it popped straight up in the air, then another OK shot followed by woods, rough, bunkers and lots of two and three putting. Of course, I wanted to make a better showing, but it really didn't matter, I got to spend time with a few of the boys that normally doesn't happen.

I think if I were to flash back 10 or 15 years, yet being able to be in the same place I am today, I would have a closer relationship with the boys and would be able to hang out with them (and keep up with them). I know things change, I know I have, I often wish I could do all I use to do.

Although I don't think we took any pictures yesterday to look back on, I'll always have what I can remember about the day (like how the two big boys wanted to humble the little one for how they played last time - I think Travis played pretty well last time - he cam on stronger yesterday toward the end). Thanks guys... but next time, please have a masseuse ready for my feet... I know I had a cart to ride in, but my feet still hurt.

Father's Day morning - Travis comes down at 10:30 and is making me coffee and toast. Sweet.

My first 12 minute (maximum) post

2011-06-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

I'm taking the challenge of long time friend Phil Gerbyshak (@PhilGerb on twitter) and new time friend Becky Robinson (@beckyrbnsn) and their 12 Minutes at a time project (@12minuteSMP). Here goes my story today.

Yesterday was a bitter sweet day... some sad thoughts for happy moments, some thought for how the moments will make me sad. First, my second born daughter organized an awesome 40th birthday dinner for my first born. It was nice, it was fun and it was a surprise! Well done Becca, Happy Birthday Tina. At least it was all good until, during a conversation of kids and birthday's, Tina mentions it must be an awful feeling when you child turns 40! One must really feel old at that point. Oh sure, rub it in honey. At least I'm not as old as your mother (she should love that one but it eases my pain). The pictures should be interesting, especially the ones in our baloon hats.

The second part of this story is that on the way to the joyous event, my Beemer reached a milestone... we turned 100,000 miles... gosh they go quick when you drive 40,000 miles a year or more. 100,000 miles. This is the best car I have ever owned, and I have had some cars that were pretty nice... there was the Buick Park Ave back in the day.... the Volvo S80 T6... sweet and powerful.... but this BMW 550i is stands up its calling as the ultimate driving machine. I love the way I get a hug from the seats, literally, every time I get in. The best thing is that it looks and acts new... it just has 100,000 miles on it now. People find it hard to believe it is not brand new, that's what happened when it is taken care of (that sounds like a subject for another time). 100,000 miles means a few more things... the warranty expired... no more included oil changes and wiper blades... included maintenance is gone.... oh well, it's still the best car I ever owned.

Continuing Resolutions....

2011-04-09T00:00:00.002-04:00

Next window please, it's not my job

I don't understand the "in the weeds" part of the federal budget, but I sure got a dose of the bureaucracy the last few days watching CNN Live. Both the Senate and the House... pointing fingers at who's fault it was that we were operating for 6 months into the fiscal year without a budget to operate the business with.

That may be exactly why I don't understand.... I said "business" and should have said "government". I forgot the fact that we do not operate as if we were a business, we operate as if we are a government. Thus, we spend much more than we take in, we don't and can't make a profit... we operate slowly, using last year or last decades mentality, after all , that's the way we always ran it, why change?

The only good thing I saw happen tonight was that Congress finally came together at the literal eleventh hour and reached a deal. Day after day, pointing fingers, making accusations and to come together and be so stomach wrenching god awful thanking the other side for working with them to make this work. gag me with a spoon. I just don't understand how the fed can step in and block strikes or work stoppages because of the potential impact on the economy or the lives of American people. In 1997, the Clinton administration blocked a potential strike at American Airlines and cited the huge impact a strike would have had on the economy and on Americans' travel plans, yet they were willing to shutdown over 800,000 of their own. Any effect on the economy there? Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Who are the winners? All those thousands of Americans who's lives would have been turned upside down by a government shutdown. At some level, we all live pay check to pay check, missing a check would have been a killer for some. The military spouses that live on the edge taking care of business while their loved one fights for their lives and our freedom... loss of a check would have been unconscionable.

Thanks Congress, not so you can pat yourselves on the back for being 6 months late with doing what you were put there to do... thanks for taking care of those that put you there (and those that can take you out of there).

As a final thought that can prevent this constant fiscal disaster.... make Continuing Resolutions (CR) automatic. If congress does not have an approved budget in place by a certain date, the CR automatically goes into effect and remains in effect until congress has an approved budget. Let stress, less wasted time.... there I go being logical again.

Kids do learn.... and I am so proud....

2010-11-01T19:35:00.002-04:00

Today, I had one of those moments that could almost be described as an ah-ha moment. I was surprised, shocked and extremely proud and happy... all at the same time. I'm still thinking about it, now writing about it to share the satisfaction.... it may be small, but very special to me.

Let me set the stage. In my office, I have a 12 foot long white board, it's an awesome place to draw diagrams, make list or work on a strategy. Our director once referred to the area as the "IT War Room". On one end, I started posting pictures of my staff working or at other special events. I wanted a "Wall of Fame" to post letters or e-mails from especially satisfied customers, notices that someone on staff achieved another certification or received an award.... lots of Kudos. As an added bonus, I often post words of wisdom, not from me, but from books (like "Remember Rule #6"... see page 78 in "The Art of Possibility") or IT related cartoons. It's just a fun, enriching, happy place.

Part two. This past Saturday, much to my younger sons dismay, at the last minute, I let him know he was going to spend the afternoon with me doing a few chores, not playing XBOX or watching TV. After the chores, I made a side trip to my office to collect numerous papers, reports and so on to take home to work on. It only took a little over two hours for me work a bit and to print out and collect all that I wanted to bring home with me. At the end of two hours, Travis was quite fidgety and bored to death.... he wanted to go home, which we finally did.

Today, I'm at work, finalizing and making copies of performance reviews. Standing at our copier, I look toward the white board and quite surprised to see that Travis had made an addition.

I've circled it on the above picture. He even signed his handiwork.

It's nice to be important

but it's more important to be nice!
Travis Greeley

He even figured out on his own what the purpose of that section of the War Room was for. It may be small, but from out of the blue, my youngest has shown that he may have been listening all along and it has started to sink in.

By the way, Travis is on Honor Roll for the first time. Thhis all may be small to you, Monumental, Stupendous, Wonderful to me, a proud parent.

Kudos to you Travis!

It's hasn't been a good day... or week

2010-10-03T18:36:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling again very over whelmed, very uncared for, very unloved and at wits end. Being at wits end is not all that bad because I still have the slight belief that I can move forward, the problem is that finding the forward direction has been a challenge.

I'm struggling with Ryan and ice hockey and what I perceive his attitude and mind set is about it and of course, can not talk to him about it. That seems stupid, but it is what it is and I can't have the conversation because all I get is looks like I don't know WTF I am talking about, there is always a reason (aka excuse, IMHO). I want to help, but an not allowed. I feel bad that the opportunities have been given and squandered. It try and not succeed is one thing, to try and do things the wrong way is another.

The same is true with Travis... want, want, want... heaven forbid I should ask to do something as simple is wash a car or to take the garbage out. I will say he is doing well in school, hooray for that, that is most important. I hope the attitude does not get in the way of it.

I have asked for help around this house and at the New Salem house many times this week.... Carol (who does nearly everything around this house in B-town) went to new Salem one time, no children went at all. I asked to get the pool taken care of so we could close it more than a month ago, it looks like David might have done something for maybe 20 minutes in the past couple of days, but it is no where close to being ready... but then again, it was only a month ago I asked. Carol or I take trash cans to the curb and back, 99 of 100 times. Putting a full recycle bin in the middle of the kitchen floor is nothing more than an obstacle to walk around.

I left David a message asking to get he cat smell (and crap) out of the basement, the smell is nauseating in the basement. Keeping crap picked up in the house (not just be David, but by ALL who live here) is like asking them to donate a kidney. I get asked to call when I can talk freely... ha! That means someone wants to bitch and give me their opinion and complaints, which I don't care to hear.

All that is going through my head is negative... why won't it go away? There is no love around here, of any kind, but it has only been that way for five plus years, but who's counting and who cares.

Is Anyone Happy and Thankful

2010-09-14T00:55:00.004-04:00

I recently made a post on Facebook asking "is anyone happy and thankful". It didn't get much of a response so far, but that doesn't surprise me either. To start with, I want to say I am in awe with those that seemingly are overwhelmed with happiness and thankfulness - they are so inspiring to me. People like Kirk Weisler who constantly tells stories of how happy and thankful he is with his life that is centered around his wife and family. Phil Gerbyshak with his branded smile, it's always there, on his face and in his tone (even when he waited months to get paid for an engagement). My friend Dr. Sunshine who always reminds me to work on my "fun factor" because it is so critical for happiness (OK, there's an inside story there, that's not my friends real name, just a pen name, so to speak). A co-worker that is so into her kids and family, happy and thankful for all they have and can do. Then there are those dear and departed friends I once sat and talked with, that even though they lost battles with illness, told me many stories of happiness and thankfulness and how important it is to understand and enjoy before we are in a situation so dire we lose the ability to enjoy it for all it is worth. I'm not naive to think all of these and others live in 100% happiness all the time - we are humans! I hope I'm wrong and they are in happiness and bliss all the time, I strive to feel that way too.

Why aren't we all suffering from happiness and thankfulness? Why do we dwell on the unhappiness and complain about things that are not perfect in every way? Why is there not enough forgiveness and so much hostility. I wish I knew. Even more, I wish I had the answers that could help turn things around.

Jokes make people laugh and feel good. Those same jokes make people withdraw and get mad. Can we not see both sides of the coin? Can we not see when a joke to one person is an attack on another? I think sometimes we do, and do it anyway because it is all about us, not them. Is it for self indulgence? Why do we tell stories and talk about what others have done or not done? Do we think it makes us look better?

In my heart, I want to feel like I am remarkable each and every day. Thank you Seth Godin for proving me that inspiration in the Purple Cow, a story I had pins made for to give to people when I catch them being remarkable. I love the Big Moo, my favorite book of all, I can find time to read a short story from it to gain inspiration almost anywhere I go.

One thing I get to accomplish, whether I want to or not, by choice or my default, I get to read a lot. Not necessarily a book from cover to cover, I haven't done that in years. I often pick up a book and let fate tell me where to start reading and what lesson to take from the reading.... and then hopefully the wisdom to apply a little of it. I read blogs, fancy names for editorials, opinions and the things that people do for their own reasons. You're doing the same right now. I'm writing this for me as much as I'm writing it for you. I'm hoping we both come out the other end a little bit happier and more thankful.

I'm not happy I have not been able to do things that helped others be happier. I worked hard on that sentence because I've learned that I can not make anyone happy nor can anyone make me happy. All we can do is provide someone with an environment that is conclusive to happiness, the choice is theirs, or mine. I'm struggling with if I should really try to be happy despite the influences that I come in contact with that are not conclusive to my happiness anyway, but because some of that come from dear friends, it bothers me.

I believe that our society and our upbringing has brought us to where we are - duh, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out. What I want to learn is how to teach the proverbial dog new tricks. How do you teach, or turn a child around to be thankful for all he or she has, what ever that amount might be? How to you instill into an employee that it is called work for a reason, have fun, enjoy the time, love what you do, but... work! How do we create a culture of people that first and foremost, want to help others? I wished I had taken my kids to the gulf to help clean up after Katrina or to Hatti that was so violently ravaged.

As Rosamund and Benjamin Zander reminded us in The Art of Possibility, remember rule #6. Be thankful for for all you have, share all you can, and above all, be happy each and every day. Try doing something different, Be Remarkable.

Are these people were wasting time....

2010-09-13T19:16:00.013-04:00

Ah, it is that time of year again, when all the political signs start blooming along about every road in every city and town. Unfortunately, it is unlikely they are going away any time soon. What a waste.

Take these folks standing along the road, even kids, holding signs, waving to every car that goes by with the hopes they you will vote for the person they are supporting. I never wave to them, do you? I especially like the corners where 15 or 20 people holding signs of competing politicians are standing, all waving. If you waved back, do you think they'd both think, "aha, I got that vote"?

Political flowers in full bloom

Today, I was thinking, not only is it a waste of time, it is down right stupid. What a waste of time. Hmmm. Why then do they continue to do it, election after election? Let the light shine down on us. The reason is simple, they aren't stupid, many of the people they're waving too are stupid (I hope that doesn't include you or me), but I'll just bet, someone out there goes to the poll on election day and sees a name from one of those bill board carrying supporters and says "ah, I know that one, I'll vote for them", what is the Clerk of SJC anyway?

Bottom line, I don't think the wavers are the stupid ones, I think it is the ones that live among us that vote for a name on a sign without even knowing who or what they stand for (almost as dumb as voting all Democrat or Republican just because that's what they are - isn't that political racism?).

Hollywood Squares Humor

2010-09-08T03:02:00.004-04:00

Life seems so much easier and light when we smile, unfortunately, life seems to have lead many of us down a path of all work and no play. Even if that is your path, as mine seems to have become, we all need to take a moment and smile.

FOR THOSE OF US WHO REMEMBER

These great questions and answers are from the days when ' Hollywood Squares' game show responses were suppose to be spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course...

Q. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!

(The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up almost 15 minutes of the show!)

Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years...
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say 'I Love You'?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty..

Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get Enough'?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps.. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures..

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark..

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?
A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?
A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh

We don't stop laughing because be grow old, we grow old because we stop laughing!
I need more laughing! I don't who put this list together, thanks to my little sister for sharing it with me.

Remember Rule #6

2010-07-03T12:39:00.006-04:00

A few years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Benjamin Zander at a conference for Computer Support Professionals - help desk staff, the people you call when you have a computer problem. If you don't know who Benjamin Zander is; he's the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, a teacher, author and speaker. Read about him at http://benjaminzander.com/. So what would a philharmonic orchestra conductor, teacher and author have to do with computer support professionals? Everything! It is easier to say, what he has to say has to do with everything in life that you and I do. If you EVER have an opportunity to hear him speak, I encourage you to do so and try to sit in the front row as i did, you may get lucky enough to speak to him face to face as I did. I digress from the original thought that prompted this post.

This post is about Remembering Rule #6 which comes from the book "The Art of Possibility", co-authored by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. The story goes:

Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts in, apoplectic with fury, shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk.

The resident prime minister admonishes him: “Peter” he says, “kindly remember Rule Number 6,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologies, and withdraws.

The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by an hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying.

Again the intruder is greeted with the words: “Marie, please remember Rule Number 6.” Complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology.

When the scene is repeated for a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of Rule Number 6?”

“Very simple,” Replies the resident prime minister. “Rule Number 6 is ‘Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously.’ ”

“Ah,” says his visitor, “that is a fine rule.”

After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”

“There aren’t any.”

Life's lessons, at least as I see it

2010-07-03T12:10:00.008-04:00

Life's little lessons, one line at a time because life is all about the constant learning process.

Lesson 101: The only people needed in your life are ones that need YOU in theirs. Don't make someone a priority if they make you an option!
Lesson 102: Hate the fact that when it matters or other wise things are never the way you would like them. Can we do something?
Lesson 103: Hurting people hurt people
Lesson 104: If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong...
Lesson 105: Remember Rule #6 (see http://bit.ly/94z8My)
Lesson 106: Sometimes the most frustrating things in life is when you are talking and the other person isn't listening. However, always remember to Listen so you children will talk, and Talk so you're kids will listen.
Lesson 107: There comes a time in life when you have to walk away from all the pointless drama and the people who create it, surround yourself with people who make you laugh so hard that you cry. Forget the bad and focus on the good, life is too short to for unhappiness.

be anything, but behappy. more to follow....

I sure miss my dad

2010-06-15T20:53:00.005-04:00

I sure miss my dad. I took this picture with him on his last flight aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress, the Nine-O-Nine, September 9, 2007 in New Hampshire. A birthday gift from his family. I was the lucky one to help him get aboard, luckier yet when they told me to stay and go with him. His last, my first, one I will never forget.

You could see the memories in his eyes. He was there, flying over Italy or Africa, it was like it was yesterday.

I sure do miss my dad. No one to turn to anymore.

Will someone throw me a rope?

2010-06-13T23:04:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been at the point where no matter what, which ever way you turn, you seem to be sinking deeper? You reach out for a branch and it breaks? You try to tread water and find out your in quick sand? You feel like a pelican in the gulf, soaked in oil and there's nothing you can do about it until someone catches you and helps. Will someone please throw me a rope!

It has been said in many places that we are responsible for our own happiness. While I may agree with the responsibility part, I often wonder about whether one has the ability to, even though they have the responsibility for it. Are we set up to fail? Is the task sometimes the impossible mission? I think it might be.

I am struggling with that right now and am looking for someone to throw me a rope... suggest something possible.

Writing your own obituary - and living it

2010-05-29T01:44:00.000-04:00

First, I want to congratulate my friend Phil Gerbyshak, the author of 10 Ways to Make IT Great, for today is the last day of the first part of his life... and the first day of the next adventure. Phil left his corporate job today in favor of his Make IT Great life that lies ahead. Wishing you the very best my friend.

On to my obituary. What a morbid thought, writing your own obituary... who wants to think of dying and obituaries? Those were my thoughts as I started reading the first way to Make IT Great. Phil suggest we all take on inventory of where we really are and compare it to where we want to be by having you write an honest obituary about yourself if the unfortunate happen and today was your last day in this life. Would you be happy with the story? Hmmm. I can say I have had some great moments, but not the life I really hoped for deep inside. Don't take me wrong or think that if you are part of my life today I am not appreciative of you... I'm looking at me from the 50,000 foot view, after all, that's how I hope things will look. That's got to be much better than looking up at me from the devils den.

Phil goes on to suggest you then rewrite your obituary based on the story of your life you had hoped it would be. That seems fun, mainly because most of it would be a fantasy, and we all know how good fantasy thoughts can be! Wink-wink. What a difference between the obituaries. Night and day. Reality versus a dream. Go live the fantasy.

If I only apply the concepts Phil teaches, or offers, as the first way to make it great, I'll be a better person; and will have made me a much better. I'll sure be feeling great. That one step alone is worth the price of admission. My recommendation, we all get Phil's book, work hard to do and share the 10, or 11, ways to make IT great, we'll be better for it, and just perhaps, have a lot more fun doing it.

Volunteering - One Person's Story

2010-05-25T21:01:00.000-04:00

26 miles completed!!!!!!!!!!! On Sunday, we completed 13 more!

This posting is written by and dedicated to Rebecca Ballinger. Here's her what she experienced in her first Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, in her words:

Many have asked me to tell about my experience so here it is....

It was AMAZING!! The people were just unbelievable. Everyone was so kind. I met a lot of really great people. The whole thing was unbelievably organized. I'm still not sure how they do it- it seemed effortless. They also seem to think of everything! They had volunteers on bikes that would go along the route to check on everyone. They had "sweeper" vans that would go by & cheer you on. If you needed/wanted to stop, they would pick you up. They had stops about every 1.5-3 miles. At all stops they had the porta potties, water, Gatorade, snacks. At every other stop they had a medical team. Each stop had a fun "theme" just for entertainment (80's, pirates, cows, tropical, etc etc) Along the route, it was amazing to see the # of people that came out to cheer us on. People decorated their homes, kids sat in driveways handing out water, juice & candy. It was so touching.

I went up on Friday night. Mom came with me. Once we checked in at the hotel, I checked in for the walk. Then she & I went to Fire & Ice to eat dinner. If you've never been, they are SO COOL. After dinner, went back to the hotel & went to bed, couldn't sleep until sometime after 11 and got up around 4:30am. (Beautiful hotel!!) Went to the lobby a little before 5am & boarded a bus which took us to UMASS where the opening ceremony was held at 6:30am. The walk began at 7am.

On Sat, we completed the 26 miles. Anne (a friend I met that morning) and I walked together. Originally there were a group of 6 of us. 2 split off early on & went ahead. Anne & I walked with Stephanie & Mel until the 10th mile & then they stayed behind. Anne & I were the last ones back in (from those who completed 26 miles)!! They kept reminding us, there is always a first & always a last- it didn't matter. It was actually pretty fun because we were "escorted" in by 2 girls on bikes, a sweeper van (ready to pick us up if we couldn't make it) and then once on campus, all the men on the Harley's revved there engines, honked & then followed us to the finish line!!! I was able to get most of it on video. By that time, I was TIRED and SORE SORE SORE!! My feet were absolutely killing me. It was about 7:10pm. We sat in the Spaaah Zone for a little while & sat on the massage chairs & foot massager. Then we went over & retrieved our stuff (which a volunteer kindly carried for me) and went to our tent (which a "tent angel" kindly set up for us). We were going to go shower. I started to not feel so great- kind of nauseous & light headed so I didn't want to risk it & went over to medical- they picked me up actually. I knew I had had enough to drink but just felt yuck. I rested there for about 30-40 mins & felt much better- and hungry. So, they gave me the OK to leave & when I headed out, Anne had come to check on me & we went over to get something to eat. By the time we finished it was about 9pm so I went & changed my clothes & we went to bed. It started to rain at night but we were already in the tent & the noise was kind of nice. It stopped quickly & was dry in the morning.

Tent sleeping was actually fine & kind of fun. You are so exhausted by that time that you don't even notice. The showers were in huge trucks & the water was nice & hot. Had sinks to use. All bathrooms were porta potties but really you kind of got used to it & they were clean. They always had antibacterial wash for your hands.

On Sunday, we took our time getting up. I showered since I didn't the night before. We had a hot breakfast & packed our stuff. We hit the road about 8am. We decided we would take it nice & easy. After a couple miles, legs felt fine but my feet were feeling it. At mile 8 I decided to have medical tape my feet up because I felt like I was going to get blisters on the bottom. That helped a lot. I had Anne go on ahead of me (it was VERY hard to stop & then start up again because your legs seized up and I had to wait for medical). At mile 11, Garrett, Brianna & my mom greeted me with signs. I cried (actually- everyone but Bri did!!) It was just very overwhelming & wonderful. I walked on- only 2.2 miles left!!! When I reached the UMass campus, the motorcycles were there cheering everyone on. There were a lot of people cheering!! Garrett brought Brianna to me so that I could carry her in- maybe about .25 miles. As I approached the finish line, Anne was sitting waiting for me- she waited to cross the line with me!! I thought that was so sweet!

After the walk was over, there was a closing ceremony. They handed out money to different organizations. This weekend, we raised 5.8 million dollars!!

By the end, I was very sore. Limping around a bit. When I sat down, I felt fine- it was getting up & getting moving again. I ended up with 3 blisters- only 1 actually hurt. By Monday, they had all reabsorbed into my skin & my feet felt fine!! I was exhausted though. Garrett said I didn't move a muscle on Sunday night. I also napped 3.5 hours with Brianna yesterday! Today, I feel great! I do still have a bit of a stuffy head (can you believe it!! Longest running illness of my life and BAD timing!).

The experience was incredible and I will definitely do it again. Hopefully next year I won't be sick for a month so I can do some longer walks beforehand to get ready! I plan to get a team together so if your interested, get your walking feet ready!!

My final note:
Thank you Rebecca! I'm not sure if the donation Web page is still open, but here it is, if you are so moved to make a donation. Please go to: www.avonwalk.org/goto/rebeccaballinger

Thank you very much for your support!

Volunteers against cancer - something we should all be doing

2010-05-25T00:17:00.000-04:00

Cancer seems to be the disease that is likely to have touched nearly every persons life. My grandfather, my dad, my mom, my father-in-law, my ex. My friends Mike and Heidi. Becky's won the fight twice. Warriors like Alan Hobson that refused to quit fighting. Some won the fight, some lost. They are some of the people that heard those life changing words that they had cancer. This writing is not about them, it's for them and the countless others who's focus must be turned to the fight of and for their life.

This is a reminder of what we can do to help them and those who are yet to find out they are in the fight. For us common folk, we can help raise money to find a cure... to help the families... to give because we can. I urge you to find a way to help, to give of your time, your money, your compassion, your love. Here's just a few suggestions.

Relay for Life are American Cancer Society sponsor events that take place across America. Volunteers seek pledges and donations. It is a moving event that goes on through out the night. People are walking all night long... memorials for those that have have lost the battle, celebrations for those that have won the battle and support for those going through the battle. Find a location and make it a point to stop, walk a bit and give if you can.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer takes place over 2 days where volunteer fund raisers journey 39 miles helping to forever alter the lives of thousands affected by breast cancer worldwide. Together, the goal is to unite with one purpose and one goal - to end this deadly disease (paraphrased from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Web site). Walkers all raise at least $1,800 for the fight. A special person in my life, Rebecca Ballinger, made the walk this year. With her permission, I hope to post her experience in this years Boston walk. Watch for it, then become a part of it.

I listen to the dynamic duo of Dan and Kim on the Mix Morning Show on Mix 93.1 out of Springfield, MA. For as long as I can remember, Dan and Kim have promoted Katelynn's Ride in western Massachusetts. Katelynn’s Ride benefits Baystate Regional Cancer Programs Pediatric Oncology and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Eleven-year old Katelynn Battista of West Springfield lost her battle with cancer in 1997. She was a patient at the Jimmy Fund Clinic of the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Baystate Medical Center in Springfield MA. Katelynn’s life and spirit made a memorable impact on radio personalities Dan Williams & Kim Zachary of Mix 93.1 FM and Steven Stark of the USPS. You can find links to donate on their Web site and follow KRide2010 on Twitter.

These are just a few of the many, many ways you can give of yourself for the betterment of others. Also, I know there are lots of other causes, cancer is just one. Support the one that touches your heart and reaches you personally. I'd guess most of us wish we could do something for all of them.

The Arizona Immigration Laws - law vs compassion?

2010-05-24T00:45:00.000-04:00

Reading some of the thousands of articles regarding the newly legislated immigration laws in Arizona. I gotta tell ya, my gut is still telling me it still comes down to illegal is still illegal. Why don't we just do it right? If I jump the fence at a major league ball park, chances are I might get asked for my ticket. If I don't have one, out I go. If I were to jump the gate in a local bank and start chatting with a teller, I'll likely be thrown out and arrested. Why is this different with anyone who can't prove who they are and whether they have a right to be where they are?

Granted, I know little of the immigration law or what it takes to come into this country to legally live and work here on a long term basis; but I do understand right and wrong. Having said that, if it came down to survival of my family, I would do just about what ever it took, including becoming an illegal immigrant. I do have compassion and understanding for the plight many foreigners face and why they want to come to this great country. There is a right way and a wrong way... there just is not a fast track to help the estimated 450,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona alone. Convince someone who's house was just broken into; or a woman that was just raped; it is okay because we didn't ask if it was okay for the alleged perpetrator to even be there because someone else might have been offended. Since we don't want to offend anyone, so we ask no one? Come on people, use your head, have you read the paper or watch TV since since Sept 11, 2001, it's the world we live in today. It's coming to America!

One story that has me concerned is a AP story I found on FindLaw.com. I can't reprint any part of it here, you'll have to read it there. It's being reported by the AP and others all over the Internet that experts feel the new laws will lead to racial profiling and discrimination. So, if a bad person from (you insert the place here) gets stopped by police and has no identification, are the police expected to just let them go and do no further investigation? Are the experts concerted that if the police stop someone of Hispanic decent and they also have no identification, they should not be allowed to question them because that's discrimination or profiling? Well, I would agree that they might be profiled as someone trying to hide something. I just don't get it, this is not a racial issue at all.

To those in the U.N. that might think Arizona's laws are "hostile to ethnic minorities and immigrants" are wrong. The laws are aimed to deal with law breakers.

Some of my references:

New Your Times, Arizona Enacts Stringent Law on Immigration By Randal C. Archibold Published: April 23, 2010
FindLaw.com, AP story UN rights experts criticize Arizona law posted May 11, 2010
The Washington Examiner, A carefully crafted immigration law in Arizona by Byron York on April 26, 2010
A CBS News article titled Arizona Immigration Law Faces Legal Challenges posted April 26, 2010
NPR story titled Arizona Passes Tough Illegal Immigration Law. A dialog led by Ted Robbins on April 20, 2010.

Crime and Punishment - another case of inequity or just plain stupid?

2010-05-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

A 17 year old kid, acting like many kids do, stepped onto the field during the 8th inning of a Philadelphia vs St Louis game. You've likely read all about, watched the video several times and thought, how stupid. I couldn't agree more. Even after this youngster called his dad on a cell phone and asked him about going on to the field, to which dad advised against it, he went for the run anyways. Got tasered, arrested and faces a $2,500 fine. All of which I think he deserved.

Here's my problem, In Pennsylvania, the fine for littering is a maximum of $900, and only that much if you dump your trash somewhere important. Go out in the country to sump your trash and the fine drops to about $300.

Where is the logic in that? $2500 fine for interrupting a baseball game, no harm to the environment, no one will likely be injured (other than the idiot going on the field when he knew better).... that does not necessarily make sense to me, but if the fine can serve as a deterrent, that could be good. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like much of a deterrent, ask Tom Betz, the 34 year old undeterred next night moron in Philly.

I suggest we raise the fine for littering to $5,000 and 1,000 of community service. After all, that has to be twice as bad as just running onto a ball field. Maybe we could even borrow some of Sheriff Joe's pink jumpsuits to wear while doing community service. Come on lawmakers, let's have some balance here and make the fines appropriate... and fitting of the crime.

Teaching kids responsibility and initiative... ...what's wrong with that?

2010-05-20T20:43:00.000-04:00

Have you ever taken a look along the road as you drive? How about looking at the town park or youth ball fields? What will you find? Tons of trash, it's everywhere. Are we a society of lazy pigs, born and brough up in pig pens? Okay, enough ranting and on with the story.

I know a young lady who works as a teacher in a pre-school and day care. Ever since sending her a copy of Kirk Weisler's Dog Poop Initiative, she has begun teaching responsibility and initiative to the next generation. Simple, age appropriate things, to help her kids to become scoopers instead of pointers (you'll need to get and read Kirk's book to fully understand that). Little things like picking up a paper towel that might have missed the trash can in the bathroom. I've learned that she has been quite astonded by the attitudes of these little tykes, almost to the point of where it looks like their indifference or lack of responsibility is already part of their makeup (silently being taught by observation of and doing the same things their parents do). Hard to believe but easy to see.

During the summer (when it's more of a day care than a school), the kids often walk to a local town owned park rather than the school's own playground for a change of pace. During the trips, the lessons in responsibility and initiative were easily continued as they found plenty of litter along the way and in the park. The teachers suggested good citizenship by helping clean up the park by picking the trash left behind by other less responsible people. Some teachers even took initiative of their own, to ensure they kids were protected, by providing rubber gloves to wear as they collected and disposed of the litter it in plastic bags. The park became a cleaner place; the kids were taught good citizenship and initiative to do the right things, but guess what?

Parents complained. They didn't want their precious children to be picking up the trash of others, after all, they were not playing the school all that money for their kids to pick up the trash! Holy cow! Here's the kicker, one parent that came and complained the loudest about not spending so much money, was in arrears in payments thousands of doallars to the school, yet used money as part of her argument. That figures.

Check out these sites: "Kids Against Trash", "Kids Stuff World" or "Zoom, by kids, for kids". I couldn't find any Web site that supported the irresponsible adults I just talked about, but they might want to take a look at Larry Winget's book: "Your Kids Are Your Own Fault", the guide for raising responsible, productive adults. I think the next generation is going to be our own damn fault, for better or worse.

Thoughts?

A Time for Reflection, and change

2010-05-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

I made a post on Facebook earlier this week saying "Ever tried so hard to make something better... go round and round doing good things only to take a look at where you are... an find out nothing has changed, nothing is better? What an energy and life zapper!". That same night I was by someone, "is this post about me or something I 've done"? I think now I might have answered too quickly when I said "no, it is just about everything and just how I feel". In retrospect (isn't that often the best perspective), I think I should have given a resounding "YES IT IS". Not personal for that one person, but personal for everyone, including me.

For starters, let's be clear that you are not going to read any new revelations here, nothing new and nothing that has not been said before. I'm thinking that all the facts, leadership scoop, management expertise words of wisdom are already out there, just some of them have not clicked with us yet. This is just my perspective and how I see things. Some things that seem totally logical to me, but completely foreign to others, maybe you. So, here's my perspective and frustration, my suggestions and thoughts, I hope something clicks for you.

It all boils down to Rule Number 6. Google it, I'm not kidding. What a different world we would live in, if we all applied Rule Number 6. Apply it at home, apply it at work, apply it everywhere and every aspect of your life.

Here's the challenge. Starting today, try to apply the concepts of Rule Number 6.... step back or stop yourself when you find yourself asserting yourself when it is not necessary... go out of your way to do something different and better for someone everyday. Write a hand written thank you note... send a candy bar with the note... bring in a box of ice cream bars to the office some afternoon, hand them out to those you work with (maybe in a different department) and thank them for there part in making it great. Do something unexpected and heartfelt... make someone feel good rather than stressing them out.

What a compliment - I'm a renegade

2010-05-11T23:57:00.000-04:00

Today, I met an IT support professional from Oregon that said as we shook hands... "ah, you're Dan Greeley, your reputation precedes you". Wow, laying it on the line to me, I wondered if he meant the reputation was good or bad? I finally asked and found out it was good, but I sensed a bit of hesitation as he confirmed that. My new found friend went on to say well "you're sort of know as a renegade" to which I readily agreed, I think to his amazement.

"You admit it?" he asked with a voice full of astonishment. I sure do, here's why. Although not all dictionary definitions paint a pretty picture of what a renegade is; in this context, my view of being a renegade is a good thing. A renegade can be thought of someone that just refuses to do things that are illogical, don't follow common sense or just don’t make business sense; for the betterment of the business. How do I know? I just know.

Following a "business as usual" model, when there are better, more efficient and effective ways, is a crazy way to operate. It does not make good business sense to follow others down the wrong path. If a change is in order, then you can not do what you've always done, otherwise, you'll be where you've always been.

If a renegade follows the law, mandates and other necessary business rules of the road and finds a better way, then that is who I am. However, be clear in that if you show me a better way that "helps" the customer and can be done at lower cost in a more efficient and effective manner than what I may have suggested, then we'll go your way in a heart beat. However, I expect the same from you if my way proves to be the best way. Just because a method, process or procedure is how we always did it before is NOT justification to keep doing it. Not following the more cost effective and efficient way is just plain stupid. If that makes me a renegade, then I am.

Being a renegade can be a really good thing, but you must have thick skin, you must be prepared to take a few bruises... lots of bruises, but it your reasoning is solid... in the long run, the organization wins... the customers win... you are a key commodity.

It's All in the Name

2010-05-07T23:05:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard someone say "who would give there kid a name like that"? How about just meeting someone with a name that seems strange to you (you know, we all have our opinions of what is strange and what is not)? Well, tonight I didn't know whether I was reading a tabloid sensational story or if I should just get on my knees and start praying. Lord Jesus Christ was run down in a cross walk in Northampton, MA. I almost fell down when I learned the Lord Jesus Christ lived in my home town!

I can't be making this up, read it for yourself as the Washington Post, the Boston Globe or as the Associated Press reported it. Lord Jesus Christ. I won't speculate how he got the name, I don't want this to turn into a religious discussion.

Reading about Lord Jesus Christ immediately reminded me of my kids art teacher when we lived in New Salem, MA, Sally Alley Muffin Stuffin. it's true, that's her legal name, she teaches at Swift River School. Check it out.

That got me thinking, other than the made up weird names like the author of "The Tiger's Revenge", Claude Balls; what other names are out there that real people have that some of us might think, that's a little strange. Help me out, provide some facts so we know it's real.

We're now part of the Junior Wolfpack

2010-05-04T23:35:00.000-04:00

My son Ryan has taken the next step in his hockey quest by signing a player agreement with the Hartford Junior Wolfpack on Monday, May 3rd. He will be playing the 2010-2011 season out of Champions Arena in Cromwell, CT.

The Hartford Junior Wolf Pack has grown over the seasons and has been developing ways for local and far away players to come and develop in order to take the proper steps to have a successful career on and off the ice. The organization fields one Junior A team (AJHL), a Junior B team (MJHL). A goal of the Wolfpack organization is to provide our players the opportunity to further their education while participating in one of the top junior leagues in the United States. Their goal is to prepare each player to the best of their ability for life on and off the ice and prepare them for the next chapter of their career. The Junior Wolfpack organization is owned and operated by two ex NHL Hockey Players Bob Crawford and Dan McCarthy and as former players they know all the resources needed to run a successful Organization. Crawford and McCarthy have placed Chris Cerrella in the role as Director of Hockey Operations and is also the Head Coach/General Manager of both Junior A and B teams.

As an inspiring student athlete, players must be the best player at the highest possible level. The Wolfpack recruits the hardest working and most dedicated student athletes they can find from all over the country.

This will be a great opportunity to see how Ryan takes his skills and small frame to the ice to make some noise with the BIG BOYS!! The Wolfpack Web site says "Junior A hockey is the pinnacle of the skill development program of USA Hockey, and is an important component in the overall development process for elite high school & college student athletes developing as hockey players. Junior Hockey is a stepping-stone and the path to future success at the collegiate, professional, and international levels of hockey".

Ryan goes to the Wolfpack after a successful year playing U-18/Junior-Prep at Ontario Hockey Academy in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada under head ex-NHL'er Ray Sheppard where he is due to receive his high school diploma on May 15, 2010. Ryan carries a 3.97 GPA and considering the study of Kinesiology after a year or two of junior hockey.

We're proud of you Ryan... remember, focus on the prize, outwork everyone and reach for the stars, and most of all, regardless of where all this leads, have fun living your dream.

2010-05-04T13:45:00.000-04:00

I don't know if Andy Rooney really said this or if it is just a factual concoction someone else wrote to make it sound like an Andy Rooney comentary. If Andy didn't say this, maybe he should have. Parts of it also remind me of Larry Winget, I can hear him saying it like it is.

Maybe it's time more of us stand up and speak out like the Andy's and Larry's of the world.

'I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America.

Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America ; and see what happens... Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE ?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion.

I have the right 'NOT' to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off.

When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!

My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines..

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business.

We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document and open to their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich; I don't pity the poor.

I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid and say 'NO!' when necessary.

I think tattoos and piercings are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of 'Political Correctness.' I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa , so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.

And if you don't like my point of view, tough...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

I was asked to send this on if I agree or delete if I don't. It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God.. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having 'In God We Trust' on our money and having 'God' in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell the 14% to BE QUIET!!!'

OK, so I have have been lax... very lax

2010-02-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

Not that anyone has noticed other than me, but I have been very lax (exspecially after I said I would write every day). Focus Dan, focus. OK, here's the list of things I hope to get back on track with....

Snow day? Where's the snow?
Have we just become too protective and worried about what if?
Does every mole hill HAVE to become a mountain?
Seems to me that nearly everything become such as issue... gees!
Can we make 48 hour days?
I just never seem to have enough time to do all I want... and I'm so tired
Drama, drama, drama... just get up and smell the roses!
that should speak for itself....
My granddaughters are getting so big... do they know their grandpa?
So close, yet so far.... sounds like an excuse, doesn't it?

OK, that's where I think I'll start.... after hockey practice (obviously I'm not practicing)

Brianna at 6 months already

2009-02-23T23:08:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe Bri is already at the 6 month mark. WOW, how time flies!

I actually got to hold her for about 5 minutes on Christmas (in February - it's a loing story, but we are just getting together finally to celebrate Christmas this past year).

She sure is cute and I tink looks a lot like my baby pictures!

Are things really that bad?

2009-02-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

The past year seemed to be another testing year in my life, when it seemed like not all things were going as I hoped they would be. I already wrote about my Dad's passing away, Ryan's injury at hockey (http://tinyurl.com/d9ybll) and re injury (http://tinyurl.com/cq5wxy), the good and bad at work and on and on.... but is it all that bad?

Last night I met a couple, he's 37, she's 36. He has just completed a bout with Hodgkin's disease and chemotherapy and today the news is good, thank God, and we think we have it bad. Since his illness, he had not been able to work, she held down 3 jobs. Yet there are some people that sit around complaining about there job, the lack of hours or actually having to do some work for a pay check. She did what it took and we think we have it bad.

Did I mention that years ago, a Baby had been left abandoned on their door step and they took it in and have since adopted the child from unknown parents.... without question, and we complain and think we have it bad.

Did I tell you about where they live? Since they could no long afford their apartment, they were given an old farmhouse to live in rent free.... referred to as the shack.... why, because it is a shack. Holes in the floor, no doors on the cupboard.... a place most would not considered as a place to live, and we think we have it bad.

It's time we start extending a hand to those that really need a hand... especially those that aren't asking for a hand. Oh yea, I almost forgot to mention she also helps care for a quadriplegic relative without question.

God love you both, and we think we have it bad.

Concussions - what all parents, players and coaches should know

2008-11-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

I'm not a medical person, just a proud parent of some outstanding athletics, one of which is a member of his Buccaneer organization. Ryan suffered a grade 2 concussion at practice on October 6th. No one on the ice was aware of it or that he was injured.... and until yesterday, listening to Ryan describe what happen to staff at Elite Sports Medicine in Connecticut and hearing him say things like "ya, I was dazed, but just kept right on with the drill, that's what we do" did the seriousness of playing injured hit me. In his case, the symptoms did not really start to manifest until 30 minutes or so after the hit that dazed him, and eventually put him in the hospital for a week. Even more important are the moments when Ryan seems like he is "feeling better" or "acting like the old Ryan". It really is not time for him to be doing anything, let along playing hockey. As one person at Elite said, we can cast a broken bone, we can't cast the brian. The scary part is second impact syndrome - something I had never heard of - getting a second concussion on top of one that is still in the healing process....

Playing on after a hit that makes you see stars can be worse than the original injury. Returning to play at any time when you are still feeling the effects of any hit.... ANY symptom at all... slight head aches, dazed feelings, still seeing the stars, nausea, light headed, not feeling yourself 100% and the list goes on are all times to stay seated. Second impact syndrome can change a players life forever, or take it away.

To the players: only you know if you have the symptoms, don't cheat yourself and don't cut yourself short and try to play through it because you are a tough guy (or gal) or other players are calling you a wimp. Afterall, IT IS a game, quality of life is not a game. You might miss a few games, you might miss the rest of the season.... your health is more important than anything. From a New York Daily News story about Ryne Dougherty: "Varsity coach Ed Lebida told the Daily News on Wednesday that Dougherty, who had suffered a concussion in practice Sept. 18, had been "cleared medically" to resume playing, although classmates indicated the player had told friends he was "obsessed with football" and had insisted on playing Monday despite experiencing blurred vision and headaches". Ryne died October 15th because he came back too soon.

I urge you to read this articles:
Lacrosse Injuries: "Second-Impact Syndrome" Concussions Can Lead to Coma or Death
New Post-Concussion Management Recommendations
Repeat concussions can lead to coma
High Price to Pay for Concussions
Back in 1998 -> Number of concussions has the NHL in a Search for Answers
NHL must address increasing danger of hits to head

I could list dozens of more articles. The important message to kids, parents and coaches alike is... don't play through the pain. Don't hide a head injury, it just isn't worth it. There is no game, no team, no one moment that makes it worth the risk.

Lastly, I am gathering more information on ImPACT testing that EVERY player, in any sport, should have done. It's too late for Ryan to have that done now (for this injury), the testing has to be done before an injury. I will share with everyone once I have gathered more information.

Finally, I again want to thank Coach Tondera for his amazing support and encouragement to Ryan during this whole ordeal. Our many, many thanks Erik.

My inner Moo

2008-09-07T22:38:00.000-04:00

The past month or so has been one of the worse times in my life for stress. I can easily think of other times I hated much worse, but lately, I have let the stress get to me too much and figure it is time to work on the inner moo.

I think I have learned a lot in the past 2 months. Many will likely disagree, that's their opinion and they are welcome to keep it. All that matters, at all, is what's within... the inner moo. So, now, it is all about "me", the real me and my inner moo and I'm using "The Big Moo" as one of my tools.

The Big Moo talks about being remarkable as what is really needed to be a differentiator from average and ordinary to remarkable. The Moo Big tells us:

Remarkable is being unafraid to stand out. I'm not afraid of that, just look at the out of the box stuff my staff has done and is doing.
Remarkable is knowing that a risky idea might fail, but a boring idea will definitely fail. Boy is there a lot I'd like to say here, but there might be a few loved ones that might be offended. This has hit home very recently... call me on my video phone and I'll tell you why.
Remarkable is failing often and then trying again. Just think if Edison had given up after the first 5,000 or 10,000 failures when he was experimenting with what would become a light bulb.
Remarkable is more doing and less planning. More testing and less waiting. More dreaming and less sleeping. God, I hope people where I work read this!

I am a remarkable person and I know it. I hope you are too. I know my Dad was a remarkable person. Beginning tomorrow, I go back to living the life of a remarkable person, despite what others think, do or say.... remember, I can, because I am remarkable! What about you? Do something worth taking about... do something remarkable.

This old dog...

2008-08-30T11:44:00.000-04:00

Well, ole Zoe, the family Chocolate Lab, just ain't what she use to be. She flopped down in front of the wood stove by my chair late last night. About 4:30 this morning, she was laying there panting loudly enough to get my attention, to which I just said lay down. She does that sometimes when the weather is about to change or when a storm is coming and she begins to turn into a wall destruction nervous Nellie. She did lay bad down, but at 6:30, it was apparent something was medically wrong with her.

Made a vet appointment a got her there. Had to be carried on a stretcher... she looks like crap. Unfortunately, all the preliminary test are not showing what is wrong, all appears to be OK... just more stress in my life.

I'm looking for something good to happen, should I go buy a lottery ticket on a whim? Could something good happen or would I just lose 20 bucks.

I hope this is my last stuck in a rut entry. Seth Godin's collection of short stories in "The Big Moo" suggest we stop trying to be perfect and start being remarkable, and get out of the rut (I added the get out of the rut part).

We probably all know that when in a rut, it seems many things we try don't work out as fast as we need them to; and that many of those around us do and say things to cause us to to sink deeper in the rut. They are in a rut too and just don't even know it. Their help is to bring you to their low level of satisfaction which narrows the gap between the two of you, so now they feel better... that doesn't help you or me. We all know good things will and do come with growth. On the other, we’re petrified that growth means change, and change means risk, and risk means death. Nobody wants to screw up and ruin a good thing, so most of us just keep doing the same things we've always done... and therefore we keep getting the same things we have always gotten. Things need to change.

So to Zoe, to me and anyone else interested... it's time for change, time for us to create a Big Moo! Are you ready? Let me know.

Hey, what about the good news? Brianna!

2008-08-28T23:04:00.001-04:00

Gosh, I have been so overwhelmed with all the other events going on, I have been remiss in writing about one of the best moments - the introduction of Brianna, my second grand child. She made her entrance on 8-8-08, that won't be hard to remember, down in Connecticut to my daughter Rebecca and her husband Garrett. Whoo-hoo!

She came into the world at 6 pounds 14 ounces and 17.5 inches long... or something around there. She's a peanut. Congratulations Becca, Garrett and Happy Birthday Brianna Lynn!

It's a new day...

2008-08-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

I am at a particularly frustrating spot in my life right now. Many things that are going on seem to have a negative presence around them... but I am working really hard to stay on the positive side of things.

So what's my problem, I seemed to be surrounded by "pointers" and need to regroup and get back with the "scoopers". Don't know what that means, then go to my good friends Web site: http://www.dogpoopinitiative.com/ and read his short story... it's worth the read!

Despite the pointers I truly love, I shall be a scooper despite what you say, no matter what you do! There is always another way.

Why do people complain?

2008-08-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

OK, first I'll say, I likely do my share of complaining too. Second, I'll say, I am trying to stop.

Complaining for complains sake drives me nuts. Some people just bitch and complain about everything, maybe that's what I'm doing now - what do you think?. What drives me nuts is when the complains come across with a "holier than thou" tone and no constructive suggestion for improvement... bitching and complaining to me about you. Why? I can't do anything about you? Bitching and complaining to you about me. Why? Likely you can't do anything about me either!

If you don't like the way the coach is coaching - give coaching a try yourself.
If you don't like the way the refs are calling the game, play a different game.
If you don't like the way I am driving, drive yourself.
If you don't like the way I wash the clothes, wash them yourself.
If you don't like my ideas, try to come up with one of your own.
Don't complain just because you don't like my way, you can always go do it yourself.

Just imagine if we did everything your way so there was nothing to complain about, then we'd all be like you! What kind of world would that be? Worse yet, you could all be like me!!!

So, my third suggestion in this little FWIW segment is: if you are going to bitch or complain - only do so when some good will come out of it. Offer a suggested change, try not to be confrontational, do it for the good that may come out of it... otherwise, go complain to a tree.

It's about time I got back to the blog

2008-08-25T00:55:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I have been here. Unfortunately, it was my Dad's death that prompted me to get back here... weird. I think I have changed, for better or worse. Nothing too big I guess, just a different focus.

Work has been... let's say nothing instead... I haven't totally lost my mind. However, I will say I have a great staff, likely I have not said how much I appreciated them lately, most of them are superstars.

Since my Dad's illness, I recalled a statement he always reminded me of... "to soon we get old, too late we get smart". He wasn't the author, but he was the teacher that tried to teach me earlier. I'm just starting to get it now.

I found out that the VA would give my mom and dad additional funds to live on just for the asking because they needed it... but they didn't do that until they moved to a retirement community that cost more per month and had to borrow the money to make ends meet. Then we find out that because my Dad passed during the 6 to 9 months it takes the VA to process the request, they get nothing... nada, nothing retroactive... it's as if they never asked. The funds they had to borrow (as the VA said they had to) are now the responsibility of my mom. Hmmm, I think I need to withhold comments again, but the VA has not heard the last of this.

So, now we are in the situation where my mom is in the new place and loving it, as close to real retirement as she has ever been (at 84 years old) and I'm going to keep her where she is if there is any way possible. If you're reading this, you can help... and you'll save money or make money in the process... call me and ask how.

The one thing I have learned from this, is be prepared for the end, anytime. Living will, last will, funeral arrangements, all that stuff none of us want to do, needs to be done. It's important so others are not forced into making decisions about what should or should not be done... take the guess work out of it.

2008-08-25T00:22:00.000-04:00

Joseph D. Greeley

My Dad

Aug 22, 1923 - Aug 20, 2008

Death of a loved one leaves a void which can never be filled, but fond memories are left to be treasured forever. Surrounded by his loving family, at 7:30pm on Wednesday night, August 20, 2008, Colonel Joseph D. Greeley, departed on his final flight into the heavens. He would have been 85 on Friday the 22nd.

My dad was especially wonderful and enjoyable man to be around. It was often said, when Joe Greeley speaks, people listen... he was a wise, compassionate, loving man that would give you the shirt off his back. He was always upbeat and took things in stride; nothing dampened his enthusiasm for life. His presence made the world immensely enjoyable for those nearby.

Of all the things important to him, after God and family, he had an everlasting love of flying, utmost appreciation of our Nation's military and passionate memories of his own Army-Air Corps experience as a World War II B17 bomber pilot. Having flown over 50 bombing missions before his 21st birthday over Nazi Germany and other enemy targets, many of those memories seemed as clear in his mind as if they happened last week, not 60 plus years ago. He was one of the best, being a proud recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross along with 2 Air Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters. It was an honor and a privilege for me to go flying with him aboard the Nine-o-Nine, one of the few remaining operational B17's remaining in the world last September... an 84th birthday present from his children and grandchildren. I was just the lucky one to experience it at his side, something I will never forget. I can't even describe what it meant to him as he stood behind the pilot and reminisced of days gone by.

As a Pease Greeter, he looked forward to dressing with pride in his Air Force uniform to meet and salute the young men and women about to deploy or who were just returning from worldwide war zones.

To respect my Dad's wishes, there will not be any calling hours nor a wake. A memorial service will take place at 10:00am, Friday, September 26, 2008 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 28 Cataract Ave., Dover followed be a full military burial at NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH later that afternoon. I lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Pease Greeters in the name of Colonel Joseph D.Greeley.

Merry Christmas, no PC here....

2007-12-20T02:32:00.000-05:00

It doesn't matter where I work... your workplace is probably just the same.... "Happy Holiday". Bull... Merry Christmas!! I am so tired of being "politically correct"... and what does this have to do with politics? They say prayers in Congress... the President ends speeches with "God Bless the United States of America"... aren't they the politicians?

It isn't political correctness.... it's pain in the ass whiners that they are "offended" when they hear "Merry Christmas". The same low life's that think we must all do things their way. Such as using their terminology when there is talk about the Holiday Party (Christmas Party)... when we set up a holiday tree (Christmas tree) in the office and what about those holiday decorations (Christmas lights, Christmas wreaths, nativity sets (oops, can't do that).

Everyone wants to take December 25th off from work.... isn't that Christmas Day?

Everyone goes Christmas shopping and hopes to receive Christmas presents?

Why do I get a 1000 holiday catalogs only in December? Why not send them to me in July when we celebrate the 4th of July.... can I say that or does that offend illegal aliens? I've never gotten a Hickory Farms catalog for Labor Day.... isn't that a holiday?

Do you go out and spend an 100's of dollars on Memorial day gifts for your kids? I'll bet you only buy them lots of gifts at Christmas... not for "holiday".

Why is it that the less than 10% of Americans that celebrate Christmas are forced to be "PC" for the few that are offended? I'm offended I get crap for saying Merry Christmas. Once when I said Merry Christmas to a girl in my office, she said "I'm Jewish". I think I said Merry Christmas, not what faith are you? By the way, my brother in law is Jewish and I get him a Christmas present every year and guess what, I just receive a package from him in the mail, a Christmas present for my family. No wonder he is my favorite Jewish brother-in-law. For the record, I am not Jewish and I have sent him a Happy Hanukkah card before, was that PC?

Should we be offended that we celebrate Black History month in February, after all, I'm not black... but I am brown, I held my hand next to a piece of paper and could tell I really wasn't white. Should we be offended there is a Secretaries Day in April.... oh crap, was that PC? I guess there is no more Secretaries Day, there is now an Administrative Professionals Day. What the hell is that? I work in the Budget and Administrative division of my organization, does that mean those of us in Administration should celebrate? What separates the Administrative Professionals from the Administrative non-professionals (are they only armatures?).

Today took the cake... I stopped by the office and found that a manager had someone move a holiday decoration so it wasn't offensive. It was a series of 14 separate blocks of wood that had been carved into letters, tastefully paint in an antiqued kind of way that would have really fit my taste in decorations. Someone had mistakenly arranged the 14 letters so they spelled out Merry Christmas. That just couldn't be and the 2 words had to be put in separate cubicles so no one would be offended. Oh gag me with a spoon.

It is about time we stand up and get offended over whom ever these people are that are offended just because they don't like something, Merry Christmas or anything else. get over it and agree to disagree. I hope every one of those PC people are planning on working on December 25th, they have no reason to take the day off...

Merry Christmas to all... and don't forget the most important thing which is the reason for the season.

This rant is over

No where to turn too...

2007-11-17T05:26:00.000-05:00

I am so frustrated today I can't stand it... and it's getting worse. Like a runaway train, I can't find the drive, the method nor do I feel I have the ability to slow the train down, let alone the ability to stop it.

I have made mistakes in that I have let some seemingly small things go in favor of what were seen by me as "bigger picture" things... and now all the small things have come together as a massive energy and emotional drain sucking the life out of me. A person in an important place (rather than an important person) has taken a stance that has attacked my integrity and character... is not there to help, but to protect them-self, and is causing an ungodly amount of stress.

I think I might have even mentally justified to myself today why I should have been able to trade places with my friend Mike... he was such a good guy, caring, loving family (one that he loved and loved him back), and he lost his battle with cancer. I feel like I am living a life full of a different kind of cancer. Indifference... intollerence... finger pointing... unforgiveness... me, me, me. I am surrounded by the attitude of "I'll tell you what's wrong, do it my way or else" people. If it isn't perfect, you're wrong so don't look to me for help, but I'll certainly give you my opinion and feelings about how screwed up you are. I am having trouble climbing out of this hole and it continues to get deeper.

I need someones hand, not those willing to dig the hole deeper. I need help climbing out, not someone to keep pointing out how I screwed up. I need a real friend and have none... none that really seem to care. It's all artificial and no one really seems to care, or be interested in helping one get back up. I can't be like Nike all the time.

Too many demands... who cares?

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

I started to write about how to sustain motivation despite the surrounding negativism. The the negativity got to me! Does any one really care? Do people really want support or opinions?

I am beginning to believe nobody cares. As Kirk Weisler might say... they just point out the poo! (Check out: http://dogpoopinitiative.com/). Art Williams said, "all you can do is all you can do". I ask.... but who cares if all they really want to do is complain?

Kids talk back... have an answer for everything.
Employees only want to do what they want to do.... what does it matter what their Job is.
Referees at youth sporting events are always wrong... just listen to the fans.
Kids with lots of energy are presumed to have ADD.... maybe they are acting their age.
Few will do anything for you.... unless there is something in it for them.

Does anything really matter? Who really cares?

Parents of youth athletes.... get a grip! Coaches.... train for success

2007-10-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

I have no idea what I am going to write about... there are tons of thought swirling in my head.

I keep thinking of the mother of a 4-6 year old I heard laying into a coach at 202 Recreation Center (street hockey) because her kid was playing defense and was not up front playing center - after all "he was the best player on the team". There was no doubt in that her kid was the best, all you had to do it listen. My gosh lady, these are 4-6 year old trying to lean the game of hockey! Some of us might not understand that style... the one where you just let one kid do it all and the others watch. At this level, I think teaching team work is more important that putting the ball in the net. Why do they keep score anyway?

The there was the mother at Olympia watching her Johnny play ice hockey... these kids we bantams... I guess 14 or 15 year olds. All we kept hearing was "hit em Johnny... hit em. Come on Johnny, don't take that, hit em harder... hit em Johnny" That went on and on. Well, finally someone on the other team got tired of her dear Johnny "hittin' em".... he drove Johnny into the boards... actually a good check that Johnny never saw coming. Now I know why there is glass around the rink... it is all that kept little Johnny's mother from going onto the ice. She came out of the stands and hit the boards almost as hard as Johnny did... visions of revenge in her eyes... she wanted that other kid. OMG, if you could have heard what she said to him... she wanted to rip his eyes out for hitting poor Johnny.

Then there are the coaches that are there for the ride... when my son asked a coach a question once (actually an assistant coach), rather than supporting him and "coaching him", the snide remark was "what, do you think you are going to the NHL"? Odds are his line of thought means Ryan has a long road and steep odds to make it to the NHL.... but if he ever does, I know I will personally call that coach and tell him.... well, you figure it out. I think our jobs as coaches and parents is to support and help our kids reach for the stars. If they make it, cool. If they fall short, even way short, but had a great ride trying to get there, that's OK too. Just think if everyone listened to the naysayers... we'd all be losers too.

If you have not seen the movie Goal... that's OK, get it for your youth athlete and make sure they see it, and then see it again. Let them know that whether it is sports, academics or business.... they can if they try. Then get them Miracle and and make sure they hear Herb's line when he says (likely paraphrased here) "I can't promise you we will be the best team in Lake Placid, but I will guarantee you we will be the best conditioned". For any chance of success, it will take work, and more work and then work some more. Support the kids in what ever they want to do or try.... never say they can't.

Bridgwood Belivers... it makes you think

2007-10-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

A friend, Mike Bridgwood has been fighting non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is in serious condition. He and his wonderful family needs our prayers and thoughts as they go through this terrible time. It was just over a year ago I lost another dear friend, Mary Conser, after her battle with that horrendous disease.

I guess I felt it while Mary was in the midst of her battle, but it did not manifest itself until I began having conversations with Mike and reading the many journal entries and e-mails we have exchanged. What is really important in life? As sick as Mike was, he tried to take the time every day he could to write to us all in his journal and and by sending personal e-mails. Mike is a devout bible reading Christan that corrected us when we suggest he "keep the faith" during his battle, he would remind us instead to "spread the faith". Mike's words of wisdom were an inspiration to us all... I know I really appreciated him taking the time for "us" and keeping everyone up to date with his journal. He constantly reminded us what was important in life.

We sat at one of Chris's little league games talking. Mike shared his realization of what was important to him. Mike is a believer of... first and foremost, his love and belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.... his belief in family, especially his wife followed closely by his and their children... he believed in praying for others... his belief in doing the right thing... his belief in helping others... his belief in sharing and thanking those that are there for you.... his belief that earthly possessions really mean so little compared to an eternal life with God... his new found belief of not getting stressed over the little things that really don't matter.... his belief we should all be reading the bible and learning from it.... and the hopes that we all become believers.

I think inside we all know that. Unfortunately, we don't take the time to live it, many of us don't. Life should be fun, exciting, loving, friendly and a whole lot more. Mike reminded me of that. Getting there will be the tough part.

We had silicone bracelets made with "Bridgwood Believers" engraved. I haven't taken my bracelet off since the day they arrived. No only was the bracelet a way of providing some financial help to Mike, but it serves as a constant reminder of what a Bridgwood Believer is. What matters in life and what we should focus on. Read Mike journal (the link is at the bottom of the blog page), think about what is important..... forgive, forget and tell someone you love them!