I lifted this from the great Andy Rooney. I remember watching him as I grew up. There aren't many ten year olds that watch 60 Minutes much less children that want to hear Andy's perspective on life, but I loved it. He always had quips that were interesting, had so much common sense and were really grounded. Sometimes in our life we need to be grounded and remember what is important.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
ENLIGHTENED PERSPECTIVE
I've learned... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' Makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned ... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned... That simple walks with my father on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned... That I wish I could have told my Mom and Dad that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your look.
I've learned... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
There is difference in having color and looking like you rolled in Doritos....
Recently, I've really been bothered by the amount of young people that find the need to tan excessively and not acknowledge the dangers they are in or the long-term damage they are doing to themselves.
How To Scare Your Teenage Daughter Out of Tanning
This is a personal issue for me. My mom, who use to tan religiously, was diagnosed with melanoma and was very fortunate to catch it immediately. Her doctor said it could have killed her within two weeks since it spreads so rapidly.
In 2010, more then 2 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in this country. Of those, 68,130 cases were melanoma resulting in 11,790 DEATHS, with late stage detection having only a 15% survival rate. Main cause? From being exposed to UV rays.
Deadly as arsenic
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun/tanning beds and generates endorphins. Endorphins generate a rush, such as one gets during exercise, excitement, pain and love. It produces a morphine-like feeling throughout the entire body which easily becomes addictive. This addiction of endorphins that comes through sunlight has been dubbed as "tanorexia," an addiction to tanning.
To me, this raises the question of difference between soliciting tanning and soliciting drugs, tobacco or alcohol. All are addictive. All harm your body and ultimately kill you with little benefit other then vain aspirations. I wish someone would find a difference, because honestly I don't like making that comparison. Unfortunately, in my mind, I can't see the difference.
Some argue that the sun has UV radiation, and it does, which is why it's important to exercise safety with sunscreen. In addition, I personally have always stood on Psalm 121:6 as a promise from God that "the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." That is obviously a personally interpretation, but something God had given me peace about.
Others argue that tanning beds are a good source of vitamin D. Ok, first, can you tell me why you need vitamin D? I'm guessing no. Most don't understand the importance of vitamins in their diet. In my opinion, this is a weak excuse formulated by the tanning industry to come against the attacks on their industry.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium in order to avoid osteoporosis and builds up the immune system to protect against autoimmune diseases and cancer. VItamin D comes in the form of supplements, food (mostly plants but is often added to juices and dairy to supplement) and sun/tanning exposure. This made me wonder how much vitamin D is really necessary in a diet.
After some research, I found the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 200 IU per day until the age of 50 and 400 IU daily once you are over 50. You can get it through natural sunlight by only about 10 minutes of exposure, three times a week with only about 6-10% of your body exposed to the sun. This generates all the vitamin D you body needs for an entire week. I find it hard to believe a majority of people can't get that in addition to food. If concerned, vitamins are also available, which I actually think is cheaper then a tanning package.
In addition to the health concerns, tanning ages you so quickly and gives the worst wrinkles. Why do you think so many celebrities are on the paler side? This always confused me, people think tan is hot but celebrities aren't really tan.
For some reason, this information offends people. I think everyone should understand what they are doing to their body and the long term effects. Understanding motives are also important. What are your motives? What are your addictions? Do they line up with what God would have for us?
Be smart people. Respect yourselves.
How To Scare Your Teenage Daughter Out of Tanning
This is a personal issue for me. My mom, who use to tan religiously, was diagnosed with melanoma and was very fortunate to catch it immediately. Her doctor said it could have killed her within two weeks since it spreads so rapidly.
In 2010, more then 2 million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in this country. Of those, 68,130 cases were melanoma resulting in 11,790 DEATHS, with late stage detection having only a 15% survival rate. Main cause? From being exposed to UV rays.
Deadly as arsenic
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun/tanning beds and generates endorphins. Endorphins generate a rush, such as one gets during exercise, excitement, pain and love. It produces a morphine-like feeling throughout the entire body which easily becomes addictive. This addiction of endorphins that comes through sunlight has been dubbed as "tanorexia," an addiction to tanning.
To me, this raises the question of difference between soliciting tanning and soliciting drugs, tobacco or alcohol. All are addictive. All harm your body and ultimately kill you with little benefit other then vain aspirations. I wish someone would find a difference, because honestly I don't like making that comparison. Unfortunately, in my mind, I can't see the difference.
Others argue that tanning beds are a good source of vitamin D. Ok, first, can you tell me why you need vitamin D? I'm guessing no. Most don't understand the importance of vitamins in their diet. In my opinion, this is a weak excuse formulated by the tanning industry to come against the attacks on their industry.
Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium in order to avoid osteoporosis and builds up the immune system to protect against autoimmune diseases and cancer. VItamin D comes in the form of supplements, food (mostly plants but is often added to juices and dairy to supplement) and sun/tanning exposure. This made me wonder how much vitamin D is really necessary in a diet.
After some research, I found the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 200 IU per day until the age of 50 and 400 IU daily once you are over 50. You can get it through natural sunlight by only about 10 minutes of exposure, three times a week with only about 6-10% of your body exposed to the sun. This generates all the vitamin D you body needs for an entire week. I find it hard to believe a majority of people can't get that in addition to food. If concerned, vitamins are also available, which I actually think is cheaper then a tanning package.
In addition to the health concerns, tanning ages you so quickly and gives the worst wrinkles. Why do you think so many celebrities are on the paler side? This always confused me, people think tan is hot but celebrities aren't really tan.
Talk about tanning gone bad, yet Ann is stunning!
For some reason, this information offends people. I think everyone should understand what they are doing to their body and the long term effects. Understanding motives are also important. What are your motives? What are your addictions? Do they line up with what God would have for us?
Be smart people. Respect yourselves.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Best new website find, pilot wife must-have!
I must say this is the best website I've found in quite some time, other then Pinterest, which I'm beginning to think is more of a cult then website :-) *shameless plug....follow me.*
I recently discovered Cozi, which for the typically family saves a lot of time and offers a great space for organization.
For flying families, it is the ultimate must.
Basically the main page offers articles on food and meal planning, financial planning and links for samples and coupons.
To log in, each person in the family can use their own email address and the main family password. This main page hosts a family calendar, to-do lists, grocery list, journal and option to email other family members in a chat-like set-up. What's really cool is each family member can be identified with one specific color.
As a pilot's wife, I find this helpful in so many ways. My husband is a little paranoid and doesn't like me logging onto his company's website in fear I will acknowledge something that could be illegal or cause problems. This means I have a hard time keeping up with him. Now, he can just update it with his flying schedule, give or take a few stops. (BTW - this wouldn't have really been feasible at a regional, just because that's a lot of info to manually enter, but with the international flying he doesn't have multiple stops in one day.)
He can also stayed connected to my life by seeing what I'm up to. I can leave him notes in the journal and he can add "Oreos" to my shopping list so I know to have them when he gets home.
I highly recommend checking it out. Very easy to use and there is even a free app to go along with it!
Enjoy!
I recently discovered Cozi, which for the typically family saves a lot of time and offers a great space for organization.
For flying families, it is the ultimate must.
Basically the main page offers articles on food and meal planning, financial planning and links for samples and coupons.
To log in, each person in the family can use their own email address and the main family password. This main page hosts a family calendar, to-do lists, grocery list, journal and option to email other family members in a chat-like set-up. What's really cool is each family member can be identified with one specific color.
As a pilot's wife, I find this helpful in so many ways. My husband is a little paranoid and doesn't like me logging onto his company's website in fear I will acknowledge something that could be illegal or cause problems. This means I have a hard time keeping up with him. Now, he can just update it with his flying schedule, give or take a few stops. (BTW - this wouldn't have really been feasible at a regional, just because that's a lot of info to manually enter, but with the international flying he doesn't have multiple stops in one day.)
He can also stayed connected to my life by seeing what I'm up to. I can leave him notes in the journal and he can add "Oreos" to my shopping list so I know to have them when he gets home.
I highly recommend checking it out. Very easy to use and there is even a free app to go along with it!
Enjoy!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Drinking pilots
Genius. Good job buddy. Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking and if they ever give thought to the bad name they are giving to others. Always be aware of the reputation you could be giving to others.
Federal Judge Sentences Pilot
Federal Judge Sentences Pilot
Monday, November 7, 2011
Ten Things NOT To Say To the Childless
Through the past few months, I have come to realize that a majority of my friends have taken the plunge to have kids. My husband doesn't seem to realize, or appreciate, how I've been bomboarded with ultrasound pictures and countdown timers, texts about the size their unborn child is now in relation to fruit, endless showers, names and meanings, and Pinterest postings just to name a few. How do men always avoid this type of thing?
This experience has taught me a few things, namely the ten things not to say to peers who don't have children. Here are a few and please share if there are any I didn't include.
1. "When will you finally have kids?"
Very common, especially if you have been married for more then a week. I understand many people are happy to be childfree or waiting, but sometimes the situation is more heartbreaking. A couple could be facing infertility or in the agonizing position of having a spouse who doesn't want children. Maybe theyare in a complex struggle over the issue. At a shower with many strangers listening in may not be the ideal place to bring it up.
2. "We always wanted to have a family."
This expression is a pet peeve of mine. I wasn't aware that "family" equaled "children." Does that mean people without kids are family-less? Family comes in many forms: significant others, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors -- happily, the list goes on!
3. "We only invited other parents."
Child-free friends can sometimes feel isolated or excluded from their friends' lives. So invite us to birthday parties! Sure, there are some people who just don't like kids and have no desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by them. They can decline the invitation, and the rest of us will cheer when the birthday boy takes his first bite of cupcake. This can make couples feel included and that our relationship is valued and they want us to be apart of their child's lives.
4. "You can go out every night"
If you had kids when you were on the younger side, you may have transitioned abruptly from staying out to night feedings and Yo Gabba Gabba -- and years later, you may assume that we're still acting like our crazy twentysomething selves. But just because we don't have kids doesn't mean we aren't growing up.
5. "You're so lucky you get to sleep in/shop/travel."
We understand that you give up a lot to be the amazing parent you are -- and we do appreciate our extra cash and free time, and yes, the sleep. But the constant offhand comments like this make us feel like you assume the reason we don't have children is that we're lazy, selfish, or shallow. The decision is never that simple.
6. "This must be birth control for you."
Parents often make this joke when their kid is being loud or persistent, and we understand it's because you're worried the situation is bugging everyone around you. Don't stress -- a good friend understands that your kid is going to have a meltdown once in a while. We can take it. And, of course, a crying toddler is not actually a tipping point in our decision to have kids. We're not that shortsighted.
7. "Your dog/cat/parakeet is your baby."
Pets are a huge part of many people's lives, whether or not those people have children. But it feels like a consolation prize when you put it like this. I recently heard a co-worker say to another, "you are smart to stick with dogs" while dealing with a problem with their child. I don't really see them as interchangeable, and I'm sure your kids would appreciate it if you took that approach as well.
8. "I can't die; I'm a mom."
During a recent brief terrorism scare in New York City, a friend said, "I have to get out -- I can't die; I'm a mom." We know you have someone depending on you in an unprecedented way, but there are people who love and depend on us, too.
9. "I'm sorry it's taken forever for me to call/email/text you back."
Don't start every correspondence with an apology. Your life is insane and letting us know you want to make time for us is appreciated. But don't stress so much: My life is busy too, and more often than not, I didn't even notice a lag.
10. "You wouldn't understand."
First off, this is just bad communication in any circumstance. Really, just retire this saying from your vocabulary.
Second, there are many things about parenting you will turn to your mom friends to talk about. And, honestly, with anyone other than a close friend, that's probably best -- I lose interest fast when someone I don't know well talks too much about their kids. But when we're real friends, don't let our relationship fade because you're afraid of boring us with parenting stuff. Just like we used to listen to you talk about your ex, we want to hear about what's important in your life now. And we hope you'll do the same for us.
Ok, I hope you find this informative and maybe see the situation from another pair of shoes. :-)
This experience has taught me a few things, namely the ten things not to say to peers who don't have children. Here are a few and please share if there are any I didn't include.
1. "When will you finally have kids?"
Very common, especially if you have been married for more then a week. I understand many people are happy to be childfree or waiting, but sometimes the situation is more heartbreaking. A couple could be facing infertility or in the agonizing position of having a spouse who doesn't want children. Maybe theyare in a complex struggle over the issue. At a shower with many strangers listening in may not be the ideal place to bring it up.
2. "We always wanted to have a family."
This expression is a pet peeve of mine. I wasn't aware that "family" equaled "children." Does that mean people without kids are family-less? Family comes in many forms: significant others, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors -- happily, the list goes on!
3. "We only invited other parents."
Child-free friends can sometimes feel isolated or excluded from their friends' lives. So invite us to birthday parties! Sure, there are some people who just don't like kids and have no desire to spend an afternoon surrounded by them. They can decline the invitation, and the rest of us will cheer when the birthday boy takes his first bite of cupcake. This can make couples feel included and that our relationship is valued and they want us to be apart of their child's lives.
4. "You can go out every night"
If you had kids when you were on the younger side, you may have transitioned abruptly from staying out to night feedings and Yo Gabba Gabba -- and years later, you may assume that we're still acting like our crazy twentysomething selves. But just because we don't have kids doesn't mean we aren't growing up.
5. "You're so lucky you get to sleep in/shop/travel."
We understand that you give up a lot to be the amazing parent you are -- and we do appreciate our extra cash and free time, and yes, the sleep. But the constant offhand comments like this make us feel like you assume the reason we don't have children is that we're lazy, selfish, or shallow. The decision is never that simple.
6. "This must be birth control for you."
Parents often make this joke when their kid is being loud or persistent, and we understand it's because you're worried the situation is bugging everyone around you. Don't stress -- a good friend understands that your kid is going to have a meltdown once in a while. We can take it. And, of course, a crying toddler is not actually a tipping point in our decision to have kids. We're not that shortsighted.
7. "Your dog/cat/parakeet is your baby."
Pets are a huge part of many people's lives, whether or not those people have children. But it feels like a consolation prize when you put it like this. I recently heard a co-worker say to another, "you are smart to stick with dogs" while dealing with a problem with their child. I don't really see them as interchangeable, and I'm sure your kids would appreciate it if you took that approach as well.
8. "I can't die; I'm a mom."
During a recent brief terrorism scare in New York City, a friend said, "I have to get out -- I can't die; I'm a mom." We know you have someone depending on you in an unprecedented way, but there are people who love and depend on us, too.
9. "I'm sorry it's taken forever for me to call/email/text you back."
Don't start every correspondence with an apology. Your life is insane and letting us know you want to make time for us is appreciated. But don't stress so much: My life is busy too, and more often than not, I didn't even notice a lag.
10. "You wouldn't understand."
First off, this is just bad communication in any circumstance. Really, just retire this saying from your vocabulary.
Second, there are many things about parenting you will turn to your mom friends to talk about. And, honestly, with anyone other than a close friend, that's probably best -- I lose interest fast when someone I don't know well talks too much about their kids. But when we're real friends, don't let our relationship fade because you're afraid of boring us with parenting stuff. Just like we used to listen to you talk about your ex, we want to hear about what's important in your life now. And we hope you'll do the same for us.
Ok, I hope you find this informative and maybe see the situation from another pair of shoes. :-)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Pushing your limits
So on Octover 22, I completed my very first half marathon!! I can't even begin to describe my excitment or sense of accomplishment. It was such an incredible experience, I've taken the past few weeks to just soak it all in! haha First of all, if you have never participated in a race of any kind, I don't think I can accurately relay the energy, encouragement and excitment. A half marathon is just like that, but on steroids!
I started training for my half when I first heard about it in August. I followed Hal Higdon's plan and it was PERFECT! It broke it into doable pieces, only alteration I made was adding a mile every week to my long run, so my longest run the week before was 12 miles, making 13 fit perfectly into my routine. I ended my training running about 30 miles a week, much different then the three I started out with.
Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Program
About two weeks before the race, my cousin posted on Facebook he was looking someone to run his first half marathon with, how perfect! Never having run together, I was a little nervous, but TJ was a trooper and hung with me all the way till mile 10. Amazing considering he is at least four inches taller and six years younger. It made the race go so quickly! We really had some good heart to heart. It's for those moments why I run. It's getting away from everything and just reflecting on life without pressure or anything else to do.
We got to the race start at 7:00 that morning when it was about 30 degrees. I couldn't believe how it took my breath away when I got out of the car. Once the gun went off, my muscles still weren't as warm as normal, this was the first big cold of the year. Pretty sure my body wasn't awake and loose till mile 3. Needless to say, the first few miles were really slow.
At mile 10, TJ took off and killed it! I think he finished in 2 hours and 5 minutes. Like he said, only three minutes short of the world record....for a full marathon. :-) LOL
I put my headphones in for the first time and the following song came on my shuffle. Now tell me how can you not kick it into gear when you hear this? I was dancing the entire time it played.
10 mile song
The last mile, the next song came on. As old school as it is, it is my absolute favorite running song. How does it not kick you into gear? I think I repeated it three times. :-)
Pick it up!
I ended up finishing in 2 hours and eleven minutes, pacing 10:00. Not exactly proud of it, but happy. Especially for my first!
I remember seeing an interview with Kelly Osbourne and she said she never thought she would be the girl who snacked on rare carrots. Well, I never thought I would be that running girl, but I can honestly say I've caught the bug. I literally think about running and look up articles to read about it. Now that, my friends, is sick. There are worst things :-)
Oh! And for my pilot wives, DH WAS in town! Got in the night before :-) How amazing is that? I was a little depressed he wasn't going to get to share in my excitement, along with my uncle, mom and dad.
Ok, I will stop gushing. Let me just encouraging you to make a goal. Then set doable steps to accomplish it. Goals that take work and dedication. Where the possibility of failure is real. There is nothing like pushing your limits and watching them back down.
I started training for my half when I first heard about it in August. I followed Hal Higdon's plan and it was PERFECT! It broke it into doable pieces, only alteration I made was adding a mile every week to my long run, so my longest run the week before was 12 miles, making 13 fit perfectly into my routine. I ended my training running about 30 miles a week, much different then the three I started out with.
Hal Higdon's Novice Half Marathon Training Program
About two weeks before the race, my cousin posted on Facebook he was looking someone to run his first half marathon with, how perfect! Never having run together, I was a little nervous, but TJ was a trooper and hung with me all the way till mile 10. Amazing considering he is at least four inches taller and six years younger. It made the race go so quickly! We really had some good heart to heart. It's for those moments why I run. It's getting away from everything and just reflecting on life without pressure or anything else to do.
We got to the race start at 7:00 that morning when it was about 30 degrees. I couldn't believe how it took my breath away when I got out of the car. Once the gun went off, my muscles still weren't as warm as normal, this was the first big cold of the year. Pretty sure my body wasn't awake and loose till mile 3. Needless to say, the first few miles were really slow.
At mile 10, TJ took off and killed it! I think he finished in 2 hours and 5 minutes. Like he said, only three minutes short of the world record....for a full marathon. :-) LOL
I put my headphones in for the first time and the following song came on my shuffle. Now tell me how can you not kick it into gear when you hear this? I was dancing the entire time it played.
10 mile song
The last mile, the next song came on. As old school as it is, it is my absolute favorite running song. How does it not kick you into gear? I think I repeated it three times. :-)
Pick it up!
I ended up finishing in 2 hours and eleven minutes, pacing 10:00. Not exactly proud of it, but happy. Especially for my first!
I remember seeing an interview with Kelly Osbourne and she said she never thought she would be the girl who snacked on rare carrots. Well, I never thought I would be that running girl, but I can honestly say I've caught the bug. I literally think about running and look up articles to read about it. Now that, my friends, is sick. There are worst things :-)
Oh! And for my pilot wives, DH WAS in town! Got in the night before :-) How amazing is that? I was a little depressed he wasn't going to get to share in my excitement, along with my uncle, mom and dad.
Ok, I will stop gushing. Let me just encouraging you to make a goal. Then set doable steps to accomplish it. Goals that take work and dedication. Where the possibility of failure is real. There is nothing like pushing your limits and watching them back down.
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