Try my poll. What are you doing to balance your budget? Have you felt the pinch of the current economy? Do you think you will?

I had to try the new cool gadget. Humor me here eh?

What would you do first?

I received an email last night from a friend in prison. (Yeah, I have a friend in prison) I was reminded of how much I have to be grateful for. His release date is coming up in April and he sent me an interesting question.

If you were gonna be FREE to do whatever (after being locked up for 20 months, or whatever) what would be your first meals? What would be ALL of your 'firsts"?

My friend's list came in a second email; it was surprisingly simple. He talked of going to Olive Garden, getting a frozen yogurt from Maverick, Eating a big Mac from McDonald's and a Whopper from Burger King, having a crispy chicken burrito from Taco Time, visiting Bryce Canyon and going camping and rappelling. He talked of going to plays, and attending any "event" that his nieces and nephews are in. He is even looking forward to attending his family reunions!This Thanksgiving, as you ponder on your blessings, remember the little things that we so often taken for granted. Right now, you could go and order anything you want from any restaurant in town. You may choose not to, but you could. You have the freedom to do it. You could take your lunch break and go meet your child, a friend or your spouse for a nice lunch together. You could go camping tonight, a little cold probably, but you could do it. You have the option. You could put up Christmas lights, bake a pie, watch a movie, work out at the gym, go for a run, visit a neighbor, buy a pet, call a friend, go out to eat. All of these are available to you right now. If you want to do any of this and more, no one is stopping you. You have the freedom and the option to do them.

"If you were gonna be free to do whatever [and the great thing is...YOU ARE!]...what would you do first?"

There is so much to do, so much to enjoy, and so much to be thankful for right now in your life. When we complain about what we don't have, we miss finding joy in what we do have. We are free to do so many things! This Thanksgiving I am grateful to be free; grateful to be free to do whatever. Hm-mm...now what to do first!

Happy Thanksgiving!

A thought on parenting...not that I do it right

I find a lot of truth in this quote. You may see this in your own life or the lives of your children

Publish Post

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

The Three P's

see my newest post on the BLVD Training blog.

I love this quote...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Marianne Williamson

Just thought I'd share it.

my latest post on the BLVD Training blog

Gratitude is the Noblest of Virtues...
In a meeting yesterday, Sheldon asked team leaders to focus on gratitude, reminding us that gratitude is the noblest of virtues. He had us do an exercise that brought a wonderful spirit to the meeting as we all took time to list and share things we were grateful for.

Can I share just one of the items from my list with you? I am grateful for my daily commute! As I was on my way to the Distribution Center a while back, I was looking around at the scenery, as I often do, (which is probably why people don't like driving with me) and just taking it in. Purple Mountains, Red Cliffs, and Blue Sky... I felt overwhelmed by the beauty of this area, as I'm sure you have felt before too. I had to stop, get off my bike and take a picture. Where else can you see this type of beauty on your way to work in the morning!? So much better than sitting in traffic staring at the bumper of the car in front of me. I am grateful to live in St. George!

I would suggest that it is worth a few minutes of your time to grab a pen and try Sheldon's exercise in gratitude.

1) List at least four things you are grateful for in your personal life.

2) List at least four things you are grateful for related to work.

3) Write down what you will do to show that you are grateful?

At a time like this when we are all trying to do more with less, this short activity provides a great perspective check. Make it a great day as you live with an attitude of gratitude!

My latest two posts

"Do one thing everyday that scares you"

Is it Within My Control?

These links take you to my work blog for Boulevard Home Furnishings. Feel free to visit.

Mug Shot

If you happen to check this on Septmber 22 check out this link.

http://www.boulevardhome.com/

Our advertising dept decided to have some fun with a snap shot of me.
"I like these guys, these are funny guys!"

BLVD Training Blog

I have a new blog going. It is one I do for work. Check it out if you'd like. It has short thoughts on customer service, team work, goal setting etc. You know, Training and Development type stuff. It will give you a little insight to what I do for a living.

www.blvdtraining.blogspot.com

Man, complainers irritate me!

Yes there is some irony to that statement. I have been pondering lately a question. Let me state it and then I would love to hear any of your theories.

Why do we seem to have a basic human need to complain?

Oh, You don't complain? sorry. Well then why do you think "people" other than you have the need to complain. Think about it for a minute. The other political party is going to ruin the country, the current political party is in it for themselves and they don't listen to or care about "the people" (this same accusation can universally be applied to your boss, your company, salespeople, police, or any other person with authority or power that can directly affect you), the city (especially yours) can't seem to get the traffic problem figured out, drivers (especially drivers in your city) are reckless and oblivious, your employer does things the hard way making your job more difficult, it is too hot in the south and too cold in the north, gas prices are ridiculously unfair, your house is too small and you need more space, or too big and it costs a ton to cool/heat, or too old or new so there are projects needing to be done. Shall I go on?
So again my question, "What inherent human need moves us to complain?" I have my theory. I would love to hear yours.

Still Alive...

I joined the world of Facebook, here is my link http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1373677512

News

1) We cleaned out the garage early this morning!

2) I'm a bit sore from going to Yoga w/ Chelsi yesterday

3) My car got 39 miles to the gallon on our last two trips to SLC. Every time gas prices increase I love my car more and more.

4) Chelsi is on target to nail a 4:15 marathon this October

5) Lenny's last two CD's are his best yet.

Zion

My georgeous wife, and my wonderful daughter posing for the cover over their album. Well, they don't have an album, but if they did this would be the cover!

We just spent a beatiful day in Zion. I love that place! A quote I love from Shakespeare's As You Like It (I first saw this in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.) Put your poetic hats on for this....ready?...."Tounges in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything" When I am in Zion, looking at the mountains, the river, and the trees; I hear the unspoken sermon. Nothing has to be said, but something humbling, and inspiring is communicated.

Law of Abundance vs. the Law of Scarcity

alright...another thought. Two ideas here.

The Law of Abundance says there is plenty on this earth for everyone. It leads to a giving disposition because you are not worried about running out of resources. You believe what it says in Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days"
[side note: I was reading this scripture and pondering on it early in the week, at the end of the week I attended a presentation by Hyrum Smith who quoted this scripture...curios...] How often do people quote Ecc 11:1? This Law is also supported by Alma 41:15 "for that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored" This could also be speaking about the ancient aboriginal weapon known as the boomerang, but I don't think it's likely. I believe in the law of abundance. The savior said that he came that "they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

The apposing law to this is the law of scarcity. When you view the world through this window, you hold onto everything. You take what you can get, because if you don't; someone else will get it and you will be left with nothing. There is not enough to go around when thinking this way. uh...I don't know any scriptures for this one...I'm pretty sure it's not doctrinally sound. I loved your thoughts and comments on my last post. I'm interested in any thoughts you have.

Brigitta has an original piece of art on ebay!

Check out the link! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140210139884

The Law of Attraction

I have been looking at scriptures that support the law of attraction. If you aren't familiar with the big buzz about this, you need to watch or read, "The Secret". The basic idea is that your thoughts create your world. Where you are now is a direct result of your dominating thoughts of the past. Where you will be in the future is a result of your current dominating thoughts. I like the concept, but I feel a need to prove any philosophy against the scriptures. Here are few:

Proverbs 23:7 "As a man thinketh, so is he"
What are you? Who are you? ...what are you most often thinking about?
Matthew 5:8 (6-8 really)"Blessed are the pure in hear for they shall see God"
What do you see around you? Do you see God (or good)?
Matthwe 6:21 "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
What "treasure" do you have around you? That is truly the desire of your heart.
Galatians 6:7 "Whatsoever a man soweth, he shall reap"
A thought led to an action that put you where you are now, you have reaped your own harvest. What will your next harvest be?
D&C 88:63 "Draw near to me, I will draw near to you....seek and ye shall find"
As you move closer to anything, it will move closer to you
D&C 88:40 "Light cleaveth unto light, intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence"
What are you drawn to? What do you find drawing itself to you?
D&C 75:27 "Ask and you will receive, knock and it shall be opened"
Simply by thinking of it, speaking of it, or acting on it you are asking for it, you are knocking on the door, and the Lord has said "it shall be opened"

I LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!

I have also been thinking about the Law of Abundance. I have a few scriptures on that...to share later.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

A peacable walk

a new insight from Moroni, Chapter 7: 3-4.

3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men.

How could Mormon tell that he was speaking to people who had "obtained a sufficient hope by which [they] could enter into the rest of the Lord." ? It was because he saw their "peacable walk with the children of men." You can tell alot about a person by the way that person interacts with and treats others. Dave Barry, a very funny columnist, said "Someone who is nice to you, but is rude to the waiter, is not a nice person" How true this is! Mormon didn't say that he could tell that church members beleived in Christ because they all treated eachother well, he saw that they treated all of the "children of men" well. How am I treating those that I don't "have" to treat well? I hope that those who know me would say I "walk peaceably" with all those who I come across.

Can good be the enemy of best?

Good is the enemy of Great. That is how Jim Collins, starts out his book "Good to Great" . This concept was spoken of by our High Councilman a couple of Sundays ago. He talked about how we need to choose activities in our lives. We need to choose between good, better and best. We know that the best choice is the one that strengthens our families and builds faith in Christ. We often mistakingly pick good activities that fill up our time and squeeze out the best activities.
I try to get up early a few times a week to make it to the gym. Is this a good thing? Yes. Unfortunately I too often let my early morning hours be taken up with working out. I strenthen my heart and muscles, but I miss strenghtening my faith and testimony by feasting from the scriptures. It is good to get up in the morning. It is better to get up early and work out. It is best to get up early, nourish my spirit with uplifting reading from the scriputes and then work out. If I need to let one slip off my schedule, let it not be the most important things. How are you doing with balancing good, better and best in your life?

Celebrity Birthday!

I had a great birthday today thanks to my wonderful family, Chelsi in particular, and my HR team at work. I showed up at work this morning to my office decked out as you see here. My boss and a couple of my team members did a heck of a job decorating. I had balloons and confetti everywhere! of course I loved it! They are calling me a "celebrity" because I am on that snazzy mailer that I have posted here. They changed the words to "It's My Birthday" just for this, the acutal one says something like $150 off your purchase" That mailer goes to all of our "Buy Smart Club" members. about 3,000 of them. The same picture will be the cover of the BLVD Magazine this year...cool eh....I'm Famous, on the cover of a magazine even!

Just outside my window...

I was sitting in my office two days ago when I suffered a sever case of creativity block. My mind was sludge and my energy was zero. I excused myself from my post at my computer, walked down the stairs, jumped in the car and drove literally 2 minutes from my office. After a brisk 20 minute walk up a hill, I stopped and took in the scenery. What an inspiration! This is why I live in St. George, Utah! The weather was a refreshing 50 degrees, clear clean air, bright blue sky, the beautiful red cliffs lining the base of Pine Valley Mountain. Covering Pine Valley was a light dusting of snow, close enough to enjoy the beauty of it, but far enough away that I don't have to shovel it or drive in it. I spent some time appreciating this surreal moment, then headed back to work with renewed energy, perspective and motivation. Have you taken a moment lately to notice the amazing world around you?

Las Vegas Convention

My first booking at a convention! http://www.src08.org/ If you look at the schedule / Class Sessions it explains what I will be presenting in my classes. I have one on April 1 and one on April 2. I'm excited! "Tame your Team" and "Telephone Techniques That Work". okay, so not as exciting as something like, "Building a better you" or "Get rich in 30 minutes or less", but it's a start!

Do Be Have...and do it SMART!

A couple of thoughts for your new years resolutions. YOU CAN NOT DO A TO HAVE GOAL. Think of one of your goals for 2008. i.e. You want to have a better income. Take a close look at that goal. What will you have to do to have a better income? Well, you have to be more valuable to your employer, or if you are self employed, you have to be more valuable to your customers. You will only be better compensated if you better serve your source of income. Now, what do you have to do to be more valuable, to better serve? Do you need to take a class on computers, leadership, technical training or some other skill that will enable you to be more valuable? Do you need to read a book that relates to your field? Do you need to spend a day picking the brain of someone who is where you want to be? Work through your goal until you have taken it from what you want to have, to what you need to be to have it, and then to what you need to do to get there...and now the next step.

Make it a SMART goal.

Specific -What will I do?
Measurable- How will I know I did it?
Attainable - Do I have the resources, time or talent?
Relevant -Does this support my purpose?
Time table - When will this be reached?

bad example: I will become a better leader.
Good example: I will attend "Leadership Development" this March.

The second example is
Specific - attend a seminar.
Measurable - You will have gone to the class or not.
Attainable - You have the money for registration and you can take the day off to attend.
Relevant - The topic of the seminar supports your purpose, to be a better leader.
Time table- You have a deadline, the day of the seminar.

Good luck at accomplishing all you would like to accomplish this year! I will leave you with an excerpt from "The Greatest Salesman in the World" By Og Mandino regarding habits...I love it!

In truth, the only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits. Good habits are the key to all success.Bad habits are the unlocked door to failure. Thus, the first law I will obey, which precedes all others is -- I will form good habits and become their slave. As a child I was slave to my impulses; now I am slave to my habits, as are all grown men. I have surrendered my free will to the years of accumulated habits and the past deeds of my life have already marked out a path which threatens to imprison my future. My actions are ruled by appetite, passion, prejudice, greed, love, fear, environment, habit, and the worst of these tyrants is habit. Therefore, if I must be a slave to habit let me be a slave to good habits. My bad habits must be destroyed and new furrows prepared for good seed. I will form good habits and become their slave.- Og Mandino "The Greatest Salesman in the World"

Kiss This!

As my 7 yr old daughter and I began an attempt to build a snowman, we quickly grew weary of trying to make dry Utah powder stick together in a shape resembling a snow man. Being from sunny southern Utah, our snowman making skills are seriously lacking. My daughter's shoes filled with snow and that was the end for her. I was left alone to come up with something out of our big pile of snow...and this is what we ended up with!