Happy Thanksgiving

Some food for thought on this day of thanks.

Stop Humping My Leg

Stop Humping My Leg

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Friday the 13th

So, I started playing the guitar again... well, learning how to play. It's a lot harder than the violin, it might take a few years before I'm as good as this kid. A little inspiration for this Friday the 13th.

I Pledge Allegiance to the the Flag

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day. 

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.  If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?

I
me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge
dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance
my love and my devotion.

To the flag
our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

(of the) United
that means that we have all come together.

States (of America)
individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
And to the republic
a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation
one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible
incapable of being divided.

With liberty
which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of  retaliation.

And Justice
the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all
Which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance... UNDER GOD  Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too? "

God Bless America and Happy Veteran's Day!!

If you would like to watch the original video follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZBTyTWOZCM

The Key to Success

“Always surround yourself with people who are a lot smarter than you are.” - George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees


When I look at the success of my business over the last year I can't help but ask why, in this economy, am I successful? My business should be slow according to the statistics that marketing is the first thing to go in times of budget crunch. I attribute my success to surrounding my business with people smarter than myself. I challenge you to find someone in your life you can call upon for superior advice, an expert in your field.

As a teen my mother would always say, "Emily I know you don't understand right now why I'm saying this, but you will later. I'm older than you and I've been through this. I'm trying to protect you."

Me being the strong-willed young adolescent I was, I thought she was being controlling and she was ruining my social plans for the evening. Well, looking back, she was right! Yes mother you were right. :)

So, to make up for all those times I did not listen, I am now all ears when it comes to learning from others mistakes. Your "expert" has been there, done that and most likely would be more than willing to share those trials and tribulations with you.

You Raise Me Up…. Second key to success.

Not only have I elected to surround myself with people smarter than me with more experience, but I also surround myself with people/friends that will never break me down. They encourage me to do my best and never second guess my dreams. The power of visualization is so valuable. If you wake up every morning dreading getting out of bed I challenge you to re-program your brain. You lived through the night!!!! What a gift! Now you can go out and make a difference in the world.

So you say… well, Emily I don’t have a job that changes the world- That’s ok. Even if your day job is far from lifesaving, pick a non-profit to volunteer for and give back in the best way you can. You will meet new people and experience the joy of giving, which always brings success.

(The picture attached is me with my YouthFriend buddy.  If you need a suggestion for a non-profit that will change your life check out http://www.youthfriends.com/  or http://www.jacogotr.org/ both change lives every day)

In summation my keys to success: 1.) Find a mentor 2.) Surround your self with encouraging/positive cohorts.

Dream on.

It's Fall

This weekend was interesting. I spent Saturday putting the finishing touches on a home in Independence with Habitat for Humanity. It was a strange feeling when I was painting the doors, I looked down at the floor when I accidentally spilled some paint and realized the floor I was standing on, I had help build with a hammer and a box of nails. The windows in the bedroom, I helped install, and the roof I was now under, I helped build. It was a real feeling of accomplishment and I highly recommend getting involved with Habitat for Humanity. The family will be moving in just in time for Thanksgiving and for that... I am thankful.


Saturday night I spent out at the Bacchus Foundation Terror at the Midland AKA T7. It was my first "big" Halloween party; although the money went to a good cause (the Ronald McDonald House) I probably won't do it again. It was without class and lacked quality entertainment. But drinks were free from 8-11 so I capitalized on that opportunity. We ended the night over at the Power and Light District on a good note. I walked five blocks home with blisters on my feet.... (Not including the blisters on my hands from working earlier in the morning on the house).

Sunday morning bright and early.... and three bottles of water later.... I headed to church. A blessing arrived at church, my friend Annie and her husband have been waiting on adoption procedures for a little girl from Mexico- she was unexpectedly released from her foster home to Annie and her husband on Thursday. I am overfilled with joy for them. You can see the love in their eyes. It was their dream to one day be parents and now all their dreams have come true. That made my day.

Grandma Nell fell at home and broke two ribs and the Braton family spent most of the day Sunday at the hospital helping take care of her. She is a fighter and a woman I can only aspire to be one day.

So, I end this blog with thoughts of Grandma Nell on my mind.... I hope she gets her rest tonight and starts healing soon.



Dream on.