The below is a post I did to the brushfire list.

Greetings list,

Wanted to see if anyone out there in brushfire land had any strong opinions on the Hermanater. I have been positively impressed by the interviews I've heard and by the Fox News/Google debate performance. Although I think it unlikely he will win, I am buying his book and making a small donation to his site. Is this vain foolishness on my part? Would you donate to a candidate at this early stage in either time or money?

Although I think Cain looks excellent I just don't think he'll get the nod. Unfortunate. At least there's StarBucks.

Found some interesting articles I thought I would share here. First is this which speaks of the killing of terrorists. The point is made that although the recent string of slayings by the U.S. is helpful in battling terrorism there is still a long way to go.

This one talks about the President calling America soft and offering to whip the country into shape. Apart from my dislike of the President's economic policies I am troubled by his request to sacrifice without having a solid goal in mind. Sacrificing to lose ten pounds, or save two hundred dollars a month, or pay off a particular loan makes sense because you have a measurable goal to check your progress against. Sacrificing to rid the world of hunger or help out those less fortunate then yourself as the government defines them is another matter. While one might be willing to do the former, how would we determine the progress? With the latter there is the additional question of why I should be made to be charitable to others. I have just seen to many living off the dole, and the disensentives for people to get back to work once on said dole.

Finally there is this little gem on the problem of evil. Most interesting.

The End of the Am Ex Death March

For the last several weeks I have been working overtime in order to start getting a handle on my debt. Yesterday I succeeded in finishing my alotted overtime, bringing an end to what I have called the Am Ex death march. The work seemed overwhelming at times, but in the end I think doing it was a good choice. Working the OT allowed me to become more comfortable with my job in general, and the extra funds will help in chipping away at the debt snowball.

In regards to the snowball I am making progress. I have lowered my spending by eatting at home more and out less, and have turned a deaf ear to Amazon ads. I havealso started saving on a monthly basis, which I hope will encourage me as I see the funds rise over time.

Apart from work life goes well enough. I have spent this weekend reconnecting with friends, and today has been spent in regrouping for the week ahead. I am thinking about attending church again, but will probably not be able to start until next weekend or the follwoing. Starting to go again will be helpful I think.

The King of the Lanes... Or Not

While bowling makes for a good hangover cure I suspect my plan to ditch the IRS and become a professional bowler might be a bit premature. Considering I haven't been bowling for nine years my scores of 55, 28, and 49 are okay. I had agreed to be in a league, but believe that bowling for me is like the bouncing castles were as a kid- good about once a year, but more then that can be a bit old.

Nevertheless it was a great time. The folks to our left were a riot, and our group made for good company. Hope got two strikes, considering it was her first time bowling ever I thought that was fairly decent. Chris and Christine had an enjoyable time it seemed. All in all fun times.

Bowling and the Rockies

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Rockies vs. the Dodgers. The game was excellent, although finding one's way about the stadium can be an adventure all on its own. Left at the end of the 9th inning with the game tied as it was insanely hot. Headed over to Chili's with the group and had great food and company.

Going bowling today to recover from yesterday evening. Should be theropudic. Will write later how it goes.

Thoughts From Work and the Week

In an attempt to follow up on the reserection of my social life I have decided to start blogging more often. This past week has gone well. Wednesday night I had a fantastic dinner with Hope and Joe of twice baked potatoes, steak in wine and mushroom sauce, and chicken wrapped in bacon with wine. An excellent way to celebrate the survival of the middle of the week. Hung out with friends at Chili's last night, and having a relaxing weekend before heading back into the fray.

Work is going well, and I am glad at this point I withdrew my letter of resignation. Think things will work out well.

On a side note I had an excellent experience with Chase. Not only is there web site one of the most blind friendly I've seen, but their ATMs are also wonderfully easy to use. Props to them for making their bank so blind friendly.

Finally the below is from work. Enjoy

John Wooden, one of the greatest and wisest college basketball coaches of all time, once said, “Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.” It is so easy for us to go through our day-to-day lives without telling those who are closest to us – our colleagues, friends and family – how much we appreciate them.



Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval or gratitude. It does not take much to show appreciation – perhaps a smile or a simple thank you. Those two small words can mean so much, yet when is the last time you heard them or used them?



I know we have special events and holidays to show those in our lives we care about them. But don’t wait. Take the time to show and tell your family, friends and co-workers that you value them. Like coach Wooden, I won’t miss this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in making SB/SE successful.



The chance to show appreciation can pass quickly, in the blink of an eye; it is up to us to not miss the opportunity to make someone feel valued and appreciated.



Faris
SB/SE Commissioner Faris Fink

Thoughts From Work

Got the below at work, and thought I'd share. Hope you enjoy it.

 
Studies show that a dose of fun in the workplace improves communication and creates energy; employees who enjoy their jobs are more enthusiastic and engaged.
At a recent town hall meeting in Iowa, I talked about having fun at work. I reminded the attendees that the ability to have fun starts with each of us
as individuals. Laughing a little each day not only gives us a relief from some of the daily pressures but can easily be shared with those around us. 

Colin Powell once said: "Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it: Spend time with your families.
Corollary: surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard." 

Like the retired general, I've discovered that people who make time for fun and approach other priorities with the same passion as their work are often
the most effective individuals. 

So, let’s follow the general’s “orders” and not just work hard, but take the time to laugh a little every day. Let’s strive to achieve balance in our lives
and have some fun doing it.