More Reasons for Civility

We hope this December has brought warmth, love, and safeness into your homes. In light of recent events: the school shootings in Connecticut and elsewhere has given us all reasons to be thankful, especially we are safe and that of our family and friends. The recent events have also given our nation another reason to have constructive dialogue regarding numerous issues including civility. Civility I hope is not on its way out but about to make a strong return. This can only be done by everyone taking a moment or two to participate. A kind word or gesture can go a long ways. Holding the door open for someone who clearly has their hands-full can feel like a life-saver when you are on the receiving end of .a spare extra set of hands. The phrases, "Please" and "Thank You" mean a lot more than you will ever know especially to a worker who feels unappreciated  under paid, and overworked. Understanding that when you get in a long line at the coffee shop or grocery store understanding that it is a process and takes time, and having a negative attitude does not help but actually hinders the flow of traffic.

I wish you all the very best happy, safe, and blessed holiday/winter season. I hope you all will take a moment and think about the things one has to be thankful for. Hopefully we can all take a moment to truly appreciate the great things in our lives and help to make the world a better place, one kind action at a time.

2012 Holiday Season

Today was Thanksgiving Day. I have a lot to be thankful including my wonderful spouse. The state of my union is optimistic and full of gratitude. Gratitude that we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with friends. Thankful that we could spend some time with our families earlier today. We are thankful for our warm house, food on the table and in the cabinets and the refrigerator, happy for Sebastian, happy for all the progress we have made over the year and the list goes on and on. Please enjoy pictures of our home-made Thanksgiving spread that we were fortunate enough to share with good friends who also make good companies. Again, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holiday Season to all!

Post Election and Pre-Holiday Season

November 2012 seems like a strange bird for lack of a better phrase. The campaigns and elections came to an end last week. And just next week, we usher in the winter holiday season with Thanksgiving. I have seen acts of kindness but I have also seen the ugly sides of mankind especially when people are behind the wheel. I too am often in a rush to get to my destination but I try to limit excessive speeding and careless driving just because I have somewhere to be. What I am trying to say is all to often lately (and even last night on the highway) I have witnessed a number of drivers excessively speeding and trying to thread needles (sometimes when it is apparent that their is no room to do so) in traffic only to advance several car lengths ahead. I am not a slow driver and I too usually drive the speed of the prevailing traffic which is usually above the posted speed limit. I am not sure why we have some many more over zealous, empathetic, running late, thoughtless, and putting caution-to-the-wind drivers on the road. What selfish individuals do not realize or do not care to realize is that this another example of the tragedy of the commons: our roadways. I agree that driving like grandma and grandpa can be bad for safety as well as traffic flow, I also believe those driving in excessive speeds and practicing uncalculated and dangerous maneuvers are also being extremely inconsiderate with the rest of our lives. Some of us just want to make it home safely for dinner and the enjoy the company of our families. Others just want to make it in one piece to their destinations. But those to selfish to consider others, are not only endangering themselves, but their own family and friends (if they were to become injured due to their own short-comings), let alone the other drivers who may be involved (if an accident were occur) let along their family and friends, and anyone else who may be impacted by their lives.

I look forward to today's gloomy, rainy weather. But I also look forward to my future and that of my family and friends. There are so many factors and variables that can go wrong any day at any time and careless and reckless driving appears to be one of them. Hopefully this holiday season, perhaps with the assistance of local law enforcement efforts, drivers will practice (whether by threat of a driving citation and fine or by free-will) a little more civility so we can all make it to our destinations safe and sound.

October's civility report

October is a month that has come and almost gone. There have been many instances of civility experienced throughout the month. October has been an extremely busy month. I have been here, there, and pretty much everywhere. Overall the month exceeded my expectations. There have been numerous wonderful examples of gratitude that can be expressed as well. Most likely the next posting will be related to giving thanks. Not just because we will be going into the month in which our national holiday of giving thanks falls into, but because we are at a point of realization of the numerous things that happen daily that require recognition and the act of giving or at least expressing thanks.

What to do when life gives you lemons?!

You make an awful lot of lemonade to try and compensate for the errors made. With that stated I believe it is time to add another blog into the mix. I have decided to add another blog for various reasons. I wanted to be able to focus on the wonderful joys of good food, good company, and good eats (both locally and possibly internationally). I want to be able to feature many of the wonderful outings we have with our friends, and together as a couple. I am also culinary trained and make weekly succulent gourmet dishes and would like to show case some of my skills. With that stated, the state of my union is doing well today. This has been the first week of my training schedule and I believe (or rather know) that next week will be an even more demanding training week. But it is now or never to launch another blog. When I have the details available, I will share them in a posting. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend :-)

9-11 & Civility

The events of 9-11-01 and civility go hand in hand. We (at least many Americans and many observers around the world) will all remember that day and the events that unfolded. Many people sacrificed their lives that day to try and save others, which is also an ultimate act of bravery, selflessness, altruism, and civility. Many lost their lives to those attacks. That day, September 11th, 2001 was also a Tuesday just like today, September 11, 2012. We can learn a lot from that day. Civility is not dead, even though it may have a faint pulse at times. 9-11-01 proved that civility is not dead, that is for sure. As we all move forward with our day today, which is also the first day of the rest of our lives, hopefully we can shine a little bit of civility and compassion on our fellow sentient beings as we make our way through this world...

Grandma's Journey

I hope everyone is having a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day weekend! Life is funny... Some people appear to be born with adventurous streaks whereas some appear to acquire it over time while others never seem to quite pick it up. I am proud to announce to the world, hell I would love to shout it from the rooftop regarding my grandmother's latest accomplishments. My grandmother is in her late 70's and she has finally accomplished a fear she has held for decades. She finally flew on two planes (round trip) this past weekend! She went to a family reunion and the drive was just not an option for some family members who planned to attend and flying was (of course) the preferred method. My grandmother agreed months ago that she would make her maiden flight voyage but no one was quite sure if she would go through with it. Well she did and we are all happy that she did. She absolutely loved it! Flying that is. We, rather I am proud to gloat about her accomplishments. She may have waited almost 80 years to do this, but she finally did it. Many people claim that they will or want to accomplish great things but some postpone and postpone and frankly never get around to accomplishing their dreams within their lifetime. But my grandmother fortunately, lived to see the day that she could experience one of the modern marvels of the 20th century (aviation technology) modern day flight. Go Grandma, you are the best. I am happy your trip went well and that you loved the experience. If grandma can accomplish a life-long fear in her 70's this could be an inspirational story for others because frankly it is never to late to start living your life and/or getting to your truth!

The State Of Civility

At times I feel like the various forms of media are constantly bombarding us with images of children, teens, and adults behaving badly. The constant stream of quote unquote reality stars being themselves which is AKA for behaving badly should be appalling. I rarely have seen soundbites for reality stars being good natured, and civil, unless it has been court-ordered. Even though Simon Cowell may no longer hold the title of the most brazen, meanest, or nastiest judge on American Idol, there is no shortage of  followers spewing out unnecessarily foul, harsh, and off-kilter remarks in the direction of unassuming children and dreamers alike. Yes bad behavior sells, or so we have been told to believe. Sensationalism sells, but who denoted that bad behavior was the most desirable and most lucrative path to take?  Why isn't there a tv series or two regarding girls and boys behaving well and not badly? I am still hoping that civility is not dead nor a dying art form soon to be as antiquated as Ford's Edsel vehicles.  

Good Example or Horrible Warning

In this day and age many believe civility is dead. Is civility really dead? Common curtsy, polite conversations, the covering of one's mouth when coughing, peaceful dispositions, asking nicely, minding manners are they really things of the past? I beg to differ. Yes I do believe in this day and age of constant txting, facebook inspired plastic surgeries that it is becoming harder and harder to witness kind acts towards strangers and acquaintances alike. Yes I believe technology in some ways has brought us farther not closer apart. Why call someone and talk to them when you could just send them a quick txt. Why write a thank you note when you can send out a twitter thanks or face book it? Like years past, our current society will need to come to terms with our new found freedoms (resulting from technologies) and act responsibly in every sense of the manner. I will end this post with the poignant quote. It is befitting for our society and the global society as we figure out how to cope, maneuver, and gracefully adapt our new technologies while incorporating civility as we continue to strive for progress and a brighter future.


 If you can't be a good example, then you'll have to be a horrible warning by  Catherine Aird

A Welcomed Break From The Heat

Over the last few days, we have managed to receive a reprieve from the sweltering heat. The last day or so we have been fortunate enough to stay in the 80's. Accompanying the cooler weather is rain, rain, and more rain. The cooler weather is scheduled to last a few more days and I plan to enjoy every moment of it. This leads to focal point of this posts which is to enjoy the little things in life. Sure the weather is cooler and definitely more pleasant to maneuver around in, but the exterior (outside) is completely soggy from the daily deluge we have had off and on (which would limit most from enjoying outdoor activities). We can and should still be grateful for the rain (which is always badly needed) and the cooler temperatures (allowing our HVAC systems a chance to breathe a little). Even just taking a moment to inhale the clean (or cleaner) air right after a rain storm is nice and may provide a well needed change-up from our daily ruts.

Please enjoy the cooler weather while we have it. Also remember that summer is only one of several seasons to come that will usher in much needed changes in weather.

The triple digit heatwave

This past weekend many parts of the USA experienced a triple digit heat wave with very little real relief insight (only by a few degrees). Tempers seem to flair a bit quicker and more vividly when heat or alcohol for that matter are involved. So, being quirky and eccentric and good natured, I will share a few tips to help everyone keep their, "cool" doing the dog days of summer. I hope you will enjoy, if not at least demonstrate some restraint and civility with your comments :-)

1) Consult your health care provider if you have or believe you may be at risk for heat related injuries.

2) Drink plenty of fluid, preferably water and preferably cooled

3) If you must be outside for any considerable length of time, please wear lighter colors and keep your skin covered in clothes made of breathable materials like cotton.

4) Take frequent breaks and move to the cooler parts of your building (or go inside if you are working outside) to allow your body a chance to literally cool down.

5) Get plenty of rest. This along with sufficient hydration will help your body better cope with the intense heat it may be exposed to.

6) If you can tote along a cooler (small or large) or insulated lunch box with freezer packs or ice (to keep the content cooler). Bring chilled fruit for snacks as it will help to keep you cool while help your body replenish lost hydration. Juicier fruits are better (as they have a higher water content) like oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, honeydew melons, etc.

7) Eat lighter meals and if necessary eat more frequently. Your body already has enough to do keeping you cool. Eating lighter meals will require less digestion by your body, in turn making you feel more even-kill or at least less sluggish in the early afternoon.

8) Smile more even if you feel like crap. Let's use the fake-it-to-you-make-it phenomenon which really does work (most of the time). Meaning the more you smile especially if you are in a bad mood, the more that bad mood is likely to ease up a bit and possibly even make you a bit cheery.

9) If you have elderly relatives, friends or other family who are susceptible to heat, check on them daily or at least make an attempt to check on them daily or every other day (even if you are two thousand miles away). Sometimes when people know they are thought of and cared for they are more likely to take care of themselves because they know have something else to live for...

10) Be kind to one-another and show a little civility

Civility can be observed from strange places...

Civility is not dead. Sometimes it may feel like it. Civility can often be observed taking place in strange places, where one would least expect it. I was on an oversold plane last Sunday coming home and I was surprised at a few of the acts of kindness I witnessed. It was a fairly long flight ( a little over four hours) and everyone looked tired and ready to get to their final destination for the day. The acts of kindness I saw really impressed me because it is not everyday that you find yourself in a crowded airport (or any other crowded venue) where people decide to display common courtesy and slight pleasantries for absolutely no reason. It is more common to see bad behavior in overcrowded locales. It is weird because some of the random acts of kindness and civility I have witnessed lately gives me hope for our future (the future of mankind and the survival of our planet).

Life, Is Not Always So Bad...

This month so far has been a good month. Things for us appear to be looking up. We realize that we are a very fortunate couple. Fortunate to have found one another and fortunate to have become life partners (and spouses). With any relationship there are ups and downs, dips in the curves, challenges to climb up mountains, and the need to stay relevant. We plan and hope to continue the path not traveled together and let the wind take where it may. We are grateful for each and every day.

The week of Valentine's Day

So far we (my spouse and I) have had a wonderful week. And I surprised my spouse with heart shaped balloons, a card, and a red cupid sign yesterday. My spouse really appreciated the gesture. Well today is that day after... I planned to go into a store this morning to see if I could score some reduced-price after holiday candies but I other priorities that were higher on the totem pole. With that said, things are going... We hope in the right direction. Things (our collective life) feels like it is headed in the right direction, but only time will tell. Enough for now, but more substance is on it way!

Let's go forward, shall we?!

It is a new year, 2012. I hope we will all make the best of it. I am more positive than ever and ready to post more regularly (one to two times a week). I will hopefully provide food for thought and take the positive (not moral) highroad in regards to civility. Keep coming back because I have planned interesting posts throughout the year. Take care and as Frasier Crane (from the popular Fraiser tv series) would say, "And good mental health."