Something to think about today

[pleasteasme]

PTM,

While I am not about primping for myself, I very much like the idea of you primping as you described it. In fact, I am thinking some fine ‘me’ time would be hanging out watching and helping ‘you’ primp! Yes, I think that would be very relaxing. For both of us!

Not sure about the mud mask bit. But I think I could help with the long hot shower (did I tell you I wrote a story about sharing a shower?), trimming (who couldn’t use an extra pair of hands and eyes while performing such delicate primping), even playing with your auburn tresses. And I think a nice long foot massage would be ample payment for allowing me to help with your all over body lotion application. Yes, I am thinking that would all be quite relaxing.

Honestly, I do need a few minutes for myself. In fact, it has been so long and so infrequent, I am not sure what I would do if I had some ‘me’ time. Any ideas???

In fact, this is a good topic to start the week. What do you do for the special me time you set aside? When given the time ( a few minutes, a few hours or an antire day as PTM), what do you like to do just for you to help energize you?

DC

Awwww, dc....I'm sure the mud mask would feel GREAT!!!! *maybe just don't let anyone see you, lol!*

Oh my You want to help....... I don't know if that would be very relaxing.......it would be helpfully to have another pair of hands

Do you enjoy reading dc? Maybe set some time aside to read. What else do you enjoy (that is enjoyable & relaxing?)

btw, I don't take an entire day *although that is a nice thought* It usually is only at the MOST 2 hours every Sunday.



YYYY~ isn't it wonderful???? I would love to soak oooh, and take a nice beverage with me too.....I might just have to do that!!!! Thanks for the good idea

 

[babydoll2u]

All good comments and/or observations. I think parents do not INTEND to do this injustice to their children. It's just a natural by product of wanting your children to have more than you and at the same time, getting busy or lazy or both while losing sight of the need to ALWAYS be a good parent.

Being a good parent is preparing your children for life and the challenges that await them when they head out on their own. This is not the same as being their best friend or giving them everything they want. Much of life's lessons that must be taught by parents and learned by children include learning to do without, learning to deal with disappointment and learning to work towards and achieve certain goals.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving, middle class home. I never wanted for things I needed. I always had a roof over my head, love at home, more than I could eat every night and clothes to wear. Beyond that, my parents taught me to set goals, to work for things I wanted and to learn to be self sufficient. Among many other life skills I have used since I left home.

The unfortunate things I see is when parents give in to their children's demands, because it is easier than fighting with them or teaching them a valuable lesson or life skill.

I very much agree!

 

[dcraz]

9-11 anniversary and the continuing crisis along the gulf coast.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy of 9-11. It is important that we NEVER forget that tragic day. Unlike the recent disaster along the gulf coast, we must remember that 9-11 was the result of human acts by those that despise our way of life, are jealous of all we have and want us to live in fear.

As ugly as that day was, I am comforted by the incredible spirit of the people of NY. Their resolve to go on, to refuse to live in fear and reach out to one another in a time of crisis. As the devastation of hurricane Katrina unfolded, the great people of NY were some of the first to speak out and offer their support. The people of NY and their spirit should be an inspiration for all Americans.

Like New Yorkers in the aftermath of 9-11, the outpouring of support and compassion of people in my own state of Texas has been nothing short of amazing and continues to renew my faith in man. The great state of Texas has taken in more displaced residents than all other states combined. We have opened our shelters and our homes to any and all that need help. In my city alone, they had to ask people to STOP donating, because the flood of supplies and clothes exceeded their ability to accept, sort and distribute them. There are now a dozen children I know of that have been taken into friends homes so they could get back into school.

On the national level, all we see is plenty of finger pointing and political grandstanding. On the part of both parties. While at the local, grass roots level, people are pouring out their hearts to help complete strangers. Hurricane Katrina was an unavoidable natural disaster that devastated an entire region of the country. It is my feverent (sp?) hope that Americans will not let this tragedy degenerate into a war of words and politics. But rather that we will continue to stand up for what is right. That we will reach out to help our fellow Americans and show the world as well as the people so devastated that we can and will take care of our own.

 

[jacuzzigal]

Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy of 9-11. It is important that we NEVER forget that tragic day. Unlike the recent disaster along the gulf coast, we must remember that 9-11 was the result of human acts by those that despise our way of life, are jealous of all we have and want us to live in fear.

As ugly as that day was, I am comforted by the incredible spirit of the people of NY. Their resolve to go on, to refuse to live in fear and reach out to one another in a time of crisis. As the devastation of hurricane Katrina unfolded, the great people of NY were some of the first to speak out and offer their support. The people of NY and their spirit should be an inspiration for all Americans.

Like New Yorkers in the aftermath of 9-11, the outpouring of support and compassion of people in my own state of Texas has been nothing short of amazing and continues to renew my faith in man. The great state of Texas has taken in more displaced residents than all other states combined. We have opened our shelters and our homes to any and all that need help. In my city alone, they had to ask people to STOP donating, because the flood of supplies and clothes exceeded their ability to accept, sort and distribute them. There are now a dozen children I know of that have been taken into friends homes so they could get back into school.

On the national level, all we see is plenty of finger pointing and political grandstanding. On the part of both parties. While at the local, grass roots level, people are pouring out their hearts to help complete strangers. Hurricane Katrina was an unavoidable natural disaster that devastated an entire region of the country. It is my feverent (sp?) hope that Americans will not let this tragedy degenerate into a war of words and politics. But rather that we will continue to stand up for what is right. That we will reach out to help our fellow Americans and show the world as well as the people so devastated that we can and will take care of our own.

Thanks for this, DC. It was just what I needed. While the media attention focused on the anniversary of this day focused on the devastation and I've remembered clearly the pain of that day (I will never forget), it's good to read this. To remember not just the devastation of that fateful day but the outpouring of love and strength and support that followed and continues through events like the recent hurricane is very, very important.

I read something on another online message board today that said the terrorists won that day because we're embroiled in a war and the current political administration is inept. I couldn't disagree more. After 9/11 we came together as a people in a way I'd never experienced, in a way that taught me the meaning of "patriotism" and "national pride". These things were concepts and not realities to me before that day. That made us stronger than ever in my opinion. The current outpouring of support for those affected by the hurricane shows the same thing, despite any political differences we may have. And as long as we can come together like that and take care of our own, there can't be a victory against us by terrorism or anything else.

 

[dcraz]

Who says we can't learn from kids?

JG,

Thanks for the post. I feel the same way about how our country has responded and pulled together. For all the fingerpointing going on in the media, I think Americans have a deeper sense of patriotism as a whole due to the events of 9-11 and the recent natural disaster in NO.

I participapted in a Boy Scout ceremony last night. For those that have not been involved in the scouting program, I cannot adequaltely describe what a fantastic program it is for molding young boys into fine men. For all the camping and outdoor skills they learn, the greatest lessons they learn are in the areas of leadership, service to others and personal responsibility. These are lessons learned the hard way. With on the job training. The tasks and responsibilities given to such young boys seems overwhelming and even unfair at times. Yet, time and time again, they rise to the occasion. Mentoring is provided but each of the boys is allowed and expected to make their own mistakes, learn from them and help others long the way.

Last night, a set of new leaders took office. During the ceremony, they offered a pledge that I think can give us all something to think about....

A LEADER'S PLEDGE

I will do more than care - I will help
I will do more than belong - I will participate
I will do more than believe - I will practice
I will do more than be fair - I will be kind
I will do more than dream - I will work
I will do more than teach - I will inspire
I will do more than earn - I will enrich
I will do more than give - I will serve


Just something to think about today....

 

[jazey_43]

Thanks for this, DC. It was just what I needed. While the media attention focused on the anniversary of this day focused on the devastation and I've remembered clearly the pain of that day (I will never forget), it's good to read this. To remember not just the devastation of that fateful day but the outpouring of love and strength and support that followed and continues through events like the recent hurricane is very, very important.

I read something on another online message board today that said the terrorists won that day because we're embroiled in a war and the current political administration is inept. I couldn't disagree more. After 9/11 we came together as a people in a way I'd never experienced, in a way that taught me the meaning of "patriotism" and "national pride". These things were concepts and not realities to me before that day. That made us stronger than ever in my opinion. The current outpouring of support for those affected by the hurricane shows the same thing, despite any political differences we may have. And as long as we can come together like that and take care of our own, there can't be a victory against us by terrorism or anything else.

*stands and applauds!!!!!*

 

[MrFantasyMan]

Thank you dcraz!...As a Boy Scout Leader (Scoutmaster) for 15 years I couldn't agree with your more!!!...It was always my position that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. These young men continualy display excellence and creativity yet the only press they get is negative!

That being said I would like to comment on the lessons learned from Katrina (at least they should BE learned)...

As hope slowly creeps back into the national psyche Washington is brimming with ideas for "getting on" with the buisness of figuring out what went wrong in the immediate aftermath of Katrina's wrath and what to do next.

There wil be finger pointing and firings and hearings and reports, just as there were after 9-11, a horror that made us think 4 years ago that we had been to hell and back. We know NOW that hell can, and will, revisit us, usually when we least expect it.

Americans have this amazing "can do" optimism. We yearn to fix what was broken. It is important that we remember what didn't work rather than any political agenda that this can be spun into. First and foremost...

1) Better communications systems to integrate local, state and federal emergency responders must be devised with no more delays! It is inconceivable that the same lack of ability to communicate that frustrated rescuers after 9-11 showed up again as Katrina did what Osama bin Laden couldn't and wiped out an entire US city. Isn't homeland security, which we have spent bilions on, about communications compatibilty? It clearly was not!

2) The Army Corps of Engineers has built many bondoggles because of politics and greedy politicians, but important work that should have been done years ago, both around N.O. and elsewhere, was shoved too far down the list. Years of more studies and reports, and untold spending, aren't needed. There are good U.S. engineers who know what needs to be done and who weren't heeded. Listen to them, and can the pork!

3) Emergency response leaders should be trained, skilled, experienced and know what they are doing, and lines of authority should be clearly spelled out. Such jobs should NOT be political plums for out of work politicans, judges or campaign contibutors.

then again this is just my humble opinion...and being a Boy Scout I to have learned from my mistakes. Does our country have to keep learning the same lesson?

 

[charmed1]

A LEADER'S PLEDGE

I will do more than care - I will help
I will do more than belong - I will participate
I will do more than believe - I will practice
I will do more than be fair - I will be kind
I will do more than dream - I will work
I will do more than teach - I will inspire
I will do more than earn - I will enrich
I will do more than give - I will serve

I really like this. Thanks, DC.

 

[dcraz]

*stands and applauds!!!!!*

Nice to see you Jazey!

 

[dcraz]

I really like this. Thanks, DC.

Look who showed up again!!!

Wonderful to see you again my sweet little Texan. Don't be a stanger.

 

[charmed1]

Look who showed up again!!!

Wonderful to see you again my sweet little Texan. Don't be a stanger.

I only manage to show up when you aren't around though.

 

[dcraz]

Thank you dcraz!...As a Boy Scout Leader (Scoutmaster) for 15 years I couldn't agree with your more!!!...It was always my position that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. These young men continualy display excellence and creativity yet the only press they get is negative!

That being said I would like to comment on the lessons learned from Katrina (at least they should BE learned)...

As hope slowly creeps back into the national psyche Washington is brimming with ideas for "getting on" with the buisness of figuring out what went wrong in the immediate aftermath of Katrina's wrath and what to do next.

There wil be finger pointing and firings and hearings and reports, just as there were after 9-11, a horror that made us think 4 years ago that we had been to hell and back. We know NOW that hell can, and will, revisit us, usually when we least expect it.

Americans have this amazing "can do" optimism. We yearn to fix what was broken. It is important that we remember what didn't work rather than any political agenda that this can be spun into. First and foremost...

1) Better communications systems to integrate local, state and federal emergency responders must be devised with no more delays! It is inconceivable that the same lack of ability to communicate that frustrated rescuers after 9-11 showed up again as Katrina did what Osama bin Laden couldn't and wiped out an entire US city. Isn't homeland security, which we have spent bilions on, about communications compatibilty? It clearly was not!

2) The Army Corps of Engineers has built many bondoggles because of politics and greedy politicians, but important work that should have been done years ago, both around N.O. and elsewhere, was shoved too far down the list. Years of more studies and reports, and untold spending, aren't needed. There are good U.S. engineers who know what needs to be done and who weren't heeded. Listen to them, and can the pork!

3) Emergency response leaders should be trained, skilled, experienced and know what they are doing, and lines of authority should be clearly spelled out. Such jobs should NOT be political plums for out of work politicans, judges or campaign contibutors.

then again this is just my humble opinion...and being a Boy Scout I to have learned from my mistakes. Does our country have to keep learning the same lesson?

MFM,

Thanks for the thoughts. Wow. Scoutmaster for 15 years! Very impressive. I was never in Boy Scouts (dropped out as a Webelo before the fun started). As the committee chairman and having raised a son through the program who is currently a life scout working on his eagle project, I am continually impressed with the program. The program itself, the men and women that lead these young men and the boys that welcome the opportunity to grow. Watching my son learn and grow as a leader has provided me with some of the proudest moments a parent can have.

As for Katrina, you are right on again. There have been stumbles and delays. All political finger pointing aside, it is embarrassing to have witnessed our government’s slow response. The world knew it was coming and we were told for a week how bad it would be. Not from doomsayers, but from the very agencies that claim to have studied the possibility previously. To see them be so unprepared and so slow to react has been disappointing by those of us watching and devastating to those most affected.

You are also right about the Army Corps of Engineers. They are some of the best engineers in the world. Their ‘choices’ of projects, how they are built and how they are maintained or not maintained is the result of politics. Both internal to the AC of E and external. The result of poor management and direction, not poor capability.

Finally with respect to the management of those agencies responsible for protecting and responding this great nation. You are right again. I wrote an earlier rant along the same lines with respect to the education system and the appalling lack of skill and execution on the part or ‘professional administrators’ at he expense of the fantastic teachers and students they are charged with managing. Management positions in government (federal agencies, education, etc.) should be given to those with the skills, education and experience that would be required of them if they were in the private sector.

 

[dcraz]

I only manage to show up when you aren't around though.

If that is the case, it is NOT by choice my sweet. You have been missed.

How about making a batch of those cookies???

 

[charmed1]

If that is the case, it is NOT by choice my sweet. You have been missed.

How about making a batch of those cookies???

Anything for you

 

[MrFantasyMan]

MFM,

Thanks for the thoughts. Wow. Scoutmaster for 15 years! Very impressive. I was never in Boy Scouts (dropped out as a Webelo before the fun started). As the committee chairman and having raised a son through the program who is currently a life scout working on his eagle project, I am continually impressed with the program. The program itself, the men and women that lead these young men and the boys that welcome the opportunity to grow. Watching my son learn and grow as a leader has provided me with some of the proudest moments a parent can have.

As for Katrina, you are right on again. There have been stumbles and delays. All political finger pointing aside, it is embarrassing to have witnessed our government’s slow response. The world knew it was coming and we were told for a week how bad it would be. Not from doomsayers, but from the very agencies that claim to have studied the possibility previously. To see them be so unprepared and so slow to react has been disappointing by those of us watching and devastating to those most affected.

You are also right about the Army Corps of Engineers. They are some of the best engineers in the world. Their ‘choices’ of projects, how they are built and how they are maintained or not maintained is the result of politics. Both internal to the AC of E and external. The result of poor management and direction, not poor capability.

Finally with respect to the management of those agencies responsible for protecting and responding this great nation. You are right again. I wrote an earlier rant along the same lines with respect to the education system and the appalling lack of skill and execution on the part or ‘professional administrators’ at he expense of the fantastic teachers and students they are charged with managing. Management positions in government (federal agencies, education, etc.) should be given to those with the skills, education and experience that would be required of them if they were in the private sector.

Thank you DC...being Scoutmaster, with 2 sons that went through the program, has been more rewarding than anything else I have done in my life...not only do we teach, help, participate...but we are ourselves inspired, touched and motivated...these young men are our future! Sometimes you feel like a sculptor...and sometimes the clay...

 

[Quinn71]

"If you can be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem."

 

[Quinn71]

damn typos...grrrr!!!

"If you CAN`T be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem!"

 

[jacuzzigal]

*stands and applauds!!!!!*

*hugs*

Thanks, lady!

 

[jacuzzigal]

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. - Anna Quindlen

 

[pleasteasme]

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. - Anna Quindlen

What a wonderful and poignant quote jacuzzigal

One that I can entirely relate to as well.

 

[jacuzzigal]

What a wonderful and poignant quote jacuzzigal

One that I can entirely relate to as well.

I'm glad you like it PTM. I relate to it as well. I really really like this quote. It speaks to me.

 

[pleasteasme]

I'm glad you like it PTM. I relate to it as well. I really really like this quote. It speaks to me.

It speaks to me as well.

I spend entirely too much time focused on my perceived imperfections instead of enjoying life.

I'm a work in progress, what can I say?!

 

[jacuzzigal]

It speaks to me as well.

I spend entirely too much time focused on my perceived imperfections instead of enjoying life.

I'm a work in progress, what can I say?!

I think we all are a work in progress. And when we focus too much on what we aren't, we stop appreciating what we are. It's a delicate balance... if you don't ever look at your shortcomings then you can't work on them. But dwelling on them, or concentrating on them too much means you lose sight of the good parts of you too.

Here's to balance in the new year - and really working on being who we uniquely are.

 

[pleasteasme]

I think we all are a work in progress. And when we focus too much on what we aren't, we stop appreciating what we are. It's a delicate balance... if you don't ever look at your shortcomings then you can't work on them. But dwelling on them, or concentrating on them too much means you lose sight of the good parts of you too.

Here's to balance in the new year - and really working on being who we uniquely are.

Cheers to that! *raises glass*

 

[jacuzzigal]

"You can be greater than anything that can happen to you." - Norman Vincent Peale


What do you think of this? Is it true?