2009 – A Year In Thanks

About this time a year ago my wife and I talked about how good 2008 had been to our household.  It was a fun moment of connection, and reflection, and celebration, and optimism.  In a demonstration of faith we agreed that 2009 would be an even better year for us.  And so it has been. Of course 2009, for our house, began with tremendous questions in the air.  Walking away from a long term employer...

Merry Christmas – 2009

Hello everyone, I simply want to take a couple moments today to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season.  I trust you are enjoying time with friends and family. To celebrate the occasion, I want to share a pair of simple stories.  At different times in my life, these have been my most favorite stories to help celebrate and commemorate this holiday season. I’m certain you’ve heard and perhaps...

Link Round Up – The Gift That Gives Edition

Greetings everyone.  On this holiday week I thought I’d roll out the blogosphere’s equivalent of the gift that gives.  By that I mean that I’m sharing a collection of fun, interesting, and informative links with my loyal readers and in so doing, I’m also extending a link or promotion to all these great writers.  And if there’s one thing I’ve learned during...

You Owe What You Owe

Our society is given more and more to laziness and victim mentality, or so it seems.  I’ve conducted no scientific research but the prevailing winds of conversation, and print stories, and news ‘events’ seem to prevent as much.  Perhaps this is just the vocal minority – I so hope – or perhaps we’re on a horrible downward trend. A pair of illustrations resonated, or more accurately collided,...

Customer Service, At Best An Inexact Science

In concept it seems so simple, so obvious, and so… easy to do.  However, in practice, it can be a near impossible task.  Delivering practical and appreciated customer service may sound easy, but it is often impossible for a company to consistently execute against the objective. Admittedly, some companies don’t even put up a fight.  For years BellSouth cultivated a reputation of inferior service. ...

Money Buys Us Options

We are all familiar with the saying “money can’t buy happiness” and because it has been repetitively drilled into our heads for so long, it is something with which we largely agree.  From a literal standpoint, I know that I can’t run down to the “Happy” store for their latest buy one get one free sale, but, at the same time, I can also appreciate the levels of joy I’d experience if...

Adjust Your Oxygen Mask First…

“In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will drop from a compartment above your seat.  To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you.  Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally.  Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask.  If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance,...