I'm CPR Certified

I recently got CPR certified. Check out this video I shot at the training.

Frank

The meaning of Christmas

This Christmas was special. Not because of gifts, but because of a special event.

Many people believe the meaning of Christmas is to give and receive gifts. This belief can cause a lot of stress. It causes people to be moody during a time of the year when we're supposed to give good tidings to all. We're supposed to promote peace and most importantly we should be enjoying our time with friends and loved ones.

This year, I got to spend time with my sister. She's been out of the country serving in the military. The last time I saw here was about 8 months ago. She recently sent me an e-mail saying she would be returning to the United States early and would be home for the holidays. Her wish was to see her family.

Her her way home, she arranged to have a layover at the Phoenix Airport. She would be here for about an hour. I know, it's not much time, but a little bit of time is better than nothing. We were worried that we would have even less time to see each other because of the security at airports theses days.

I explained my worries to my wife and she came up with a great idea. She told me to talk to the airport and airlines. So, I did. I explained the situation and they told us we could get a special military family pass to go beyond the security check point. To my sister's surprise, Kelly and I were there waiting for her at the gate when she got off of her plane.

We walked her to her next gate and talked for over an hour. We caught up, shared stories, and saw pictures of her adventures overseas. The time flew by, but it was the best gift ever. Time spent with people I loved. My sister and my wife.

People are getting to bent out of shape about people saying "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." It's not what people say, it's the meaning and spirit behind it. The spirit of enjoying time with your family and friends. Showing them how much you love them and putting a smile on their faces.

Just like the picture of me, Kelly and Melissa above!

Thank You!

The words "Thank You" can mean a lot especially when given at the right time.

Many people focus so much on material gifts, they forget that something "simple" can make more of an impact.

I have a friend named Katie. I've written about her several times on this blog. She is special, modest and very genuine.

She participates in several endeavours to help people . One of them is to provide clean drinking water to children in Africa. I do what I can to support Katie and her endeavours. Many times I feel and wish I could do more.

That all changed when I received an e-mail today from Katie. The picture is above.

Katie is someone I look up too because of the amazing things she does and her amazing heart and passion. With every thing going on, she still managed to do something special.....she said "Thank you!"

Never forget to thank the people who support you. It's one of the greatest gifts you can give!

Thank you Katie! To learn more about Katie, click on the link below:

http://rowforwater.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Spotz

Trip to New Mexco

Visiting family and friends is very important to my wife and I. She is a proud native of New Mexico. I have a lot to learn about the state.

In June we took a trip to New Mexico so Kelly and her family could show off some of their favorite spots. One of my wife’s favorite places is the town of Taos.

We had a great time. That northern part of the state is absolutely beautiful!

Enjoy the pictures from our trip. If you have a favorite place be sure you try to visit it when you can!

Book of the month!

I’ve been traveling a lot lately. And when I’m traveling there are tow things I do to pass the time. Sleep and read! Airports and airplanes give me an opportunity to catch up on both.

The gift of knowledge is one of the best gifts you can give. This month my friend Ron (he’s the editor of my book) let me borrow the book, “Listen to no one and 39 other creative things you do.”

I could write you a long boring review of the book, or I could just give you a direct quote from the author.

Chapter 40

"Work hard. Keep at it, Live simply and quietly. Remain humble. Stay positive. Create your own luck. Be nice. Be polite."

If you are feeling un-motivated about life, pick up this book for a fun, easy and inspiring read.

Thank you Ron!

Help a Great Charity!

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to a non-profit organization called The Compass Retreat Center. The organization provides services and activities for the service people and the people who love them. Many of the service men and women they help are reservist who don't receive the same support as active duty military service men and women.

Many of the soldiers are everyday people who were sent on deployment for LONG periods of time and when the return they need support to put their lives back together.

Compass offers retreats for to assist with family bonding with spouses and children. Opportunities to reconnect with their community, counseling and job support services.

The organization is a finalist to receive a $100,000 grant from IKEA. The finalist who receives the most votes will win the grant.

I've had the great opportunity to speak at two of Compass's Family Retreats and lead a planning retreat for their Board of Directors.

I'm asking you to help them by voting daily until December 23rd. This is a great way to not only support a military service person, but more importantly, you're helping support their families.

Thank you!

Please click the link below to watch a video on the organization and vote.

Vote and Vote Often

http://www.thelifeimprovementproject.com/FinalistDetails.aspx?FinalistId=2