Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Share Your Expertise

During this holiday season I have had the privilege of being asked for advice. I count this a privilege because it means someone thinks that I have something worthy to pass on. I definitely believe we all are an expert in some area. We should pass this knowledge onto someone in a way that will benefit someone besides ourselves. Take some time to think about your gifts and talents; then think of who could benefit by learning from you. This could be the best holiday gift that you can give that will keep giving.

I wish you well in your journey to sharing the unique part of you.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Share the Love

Just wanted to check in and let everyone know I am still here and still there. My thought today is "Share the Love". I always appreciate a kind gesture, deed or word. I have been trying to say things like: have a Merry Christmas, have a wonderful day, enjoy your day; whenever I am shopping, getting gas or doing errands. I think it gives a good vibe and makes me feel like I am doing my part to "Share the Love". I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season and are able to spend it with someone you care about. I am very blessed this year, I get to spend it with my children. Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Pray for Me

Sorry it has been awhile but a lot has happened in my life. First let me say that I have been blessed to know some very good neighbors, and have also lost some good neighbors.

I just got back from seeing the movie starring Julie Roberts, called, "EAT PRAY LOVE". I went with my girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed it for several reasons. This first reason, it was so nice to hang out with my girl whom I had not seen for a very long time. The second reason, it really had a message in it specifically for me (okay I took a lesson away from it specifically for me). I really felt so renewed and regenerated. At the end of the movie I found out my highschool friend was just given the news that her cancer had returned and it was terminal. I think my being a good neighbor thought for today will be, be there. Be there for your friends, be there for your family and be there for yourself. It feels good to be, there!

As always, let me know your thoughts.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Animals Appreciate Good Neighbors

Today I am in Chicago on a beautiful sunny day. My co-worker introduced me to a beautiful park that contained two of the largest swans I had ever seen. There were some Canadian Geese and a rabbit,there too. The park was beautifully landscaped with all kinds of foliage and fountains. My co-workers and I enjoyed a beautiful scenic walk through this Rosemont area park. That is, until we witnessed this woman throwing pinecones at one of the beautiful swans then yelling to it "if you come near me I will f@#$ kill you! I first thought 'wtf' then I realized she was afraid of the swan but instead of walking away with her children, she was taunting the poor bird by throwing things at it.

My thought: the swan was in his environment and existing peacefully until she invaded his world by challenging his serenity. Live and let live an old but wise sentiment.

Your thoughts please!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

No Problem!

I went on my first trip to Jamaica in March. It was a very special trip, my daughter was getting married and it was a beautiful ceremony! I was able to see a whole different kind of good neighbor. I loved it! When I asked for something the answer was always, "no problem". It was as if they did not have "no" in their vocabulary. Now, I am not saying, we have to say yes to everything but how about when we have to say no, we say it without saying the word no????? A bit of a challenge, heh? Well give it a try next time and see what happens. Oh by the way, the Jamaicans are hard working, hospitable and gracious people. I will have to make another journey to the island. Yeah Man!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Can you Make a Visit?

Do you know someone who is in the hospital, nursing home or just not able to leave the house anymore? If you know someone like this or have a friend of a friend like this, can you make a visit? I am not saying you have to make a big production of it by staying 2 hours and making promises you can't keep. How about you just stop by for a few minutes and say hi or say you were thinking about them? I bet you will brighten their day and gain something in the process. If you don't know anyone, how about visiting your local nursing home and making a new aquaintence? Let me know what happened or didn't happen.

Life is worth living and sharing.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Give It Away!

Hello everybody. It is still the new year isn't it? Do you have some clothes, jeans or shoes that you have not worn for the last year or two? Give it away! Give it to your neighbor, yeah you know the one, their kids look like they dress themselves. Or someone at church, in the grocery store or wherever you have seen someone who would appreciate an addition to their wardrobe.

If you don't want to give it to someone then take it somewhere: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Thriftstore etc. Just give it away!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Our Neighbor Haiti

I met a gentleman on a trip to Portland. He, his cousin(3rd year resident) and father(ER doctor) were on their way to Haiti. With their own money they had bought supplies, medical supplies and food to help with the Haitian relief effort. He was a young man still in college (a pre-med student) and 24 hours ago that is all he had on his mind. Now he was on his way to help with medicine, food and his medical expertise. His name is Jordan. I thought his name so beautiful to match the beauty of his soul. This entry is dedicated to you, Jordan and your family, thank you for being a good neighbor to a country in need. I am praying for you and your family and the people of Haiti.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Be a Good Neighbor to Haiti

I am sure you have heard about the tragic earthquake that occured in Haiti this week (if you haven't, now you have). It was measured to be approximately 7.0. I would like to dedicatate todays blog to our Haitian neighbors that are still in Haiti and to their families abroad that are suffering. I have two sugguestions for you, if you would like to do something to help: Pray for the Haitians and look for a reputable agency to donate through (try the your local news station's websites). This is definitely an opportunity to be a good neighbor.

Please send a comment if you have family in Haiti.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

New Year Same Message!

Happy New Year everyone! New year, same message but hopefully with some new ideas. This year I worked on all the holidays except Thanksgiving. I am not complaning, (I'm just saying!)I learned that the holidays are breeding grounds for new ways to be a good neighbor. One way for me, was to remember "it is better to give than receive". I gave alot this year too, so much, it hurt in a good way. My daughter wanted a bridal shower during the week of Thanksgiving. I agreed to it, not knowing that I would have to work that day. It was stressful, exhausting, and one of the most wonderful times in my life. It showed me what was important, and what I was willing to do to see that smile on my daughters face. So even in the midst of my "stressed out and ends of my wit" giving, I still received.


My goals this year are consistency, caring and committment.

Make three goals this year: One you can obtain, one you are not sure you can obtain, and one you think you will never obtain. Watch what happens with these goals and yourself. Let me know!