A Message for a Massage

I know I am playing with words, however, I realized last Saturday when I finished my monthly massage how important it would be for everyone. We all have little aches and pains on our bodies, and a massage can really help. I know that not everyone can afford to have a professional massage every month, however, it is still important to have one.  I would say If you cannot afford one every month I would still recommend one every three or four months.  If you are married, or have a partner you should give each other a massage at least once a month or twice a month. Another idea would give each other a neck rub down at least once a week or if possible every day. Also, if you would like to rub each other’s legs every so often as well. If you do not feel comfortable doing that you can actually rub your own legs. I would do the same thing with the arms and hands. I put lotion on my legs, arms, and hands at least once a day as well.

I found it is important to stretch every day whether you exercise or not.  I do it several times a day since my legs are hurting to some degree, and I do some walking or riding each day. I have been told the older you get the more important it is. In my younger years I didn't think it was necessary, but now it sure feels good.

Another idea I have is to change our diets.  April I found out from the doctor I have a damaged heart. He said that it occurred probably ten or twenty years ago.  He changed one of my blood pressure medicines as well.  I am doing much better. He recommended that I stop eating anything that has saturated fats in it or at least not as often.  Besides foods at fast food restaurants there are saturated fats in butter, and yogurt.  Of course, it is important to cut down on sugar and salt as well.  I have lost a few pounds so far, and look to lose more.

The older we get the more important it is for each of us to change our lifestyles.  Our society has made things more stressful for each of us. I have written about how important family is, and how we can be champions in regards to our gifts, and talents, but living a healthy life is important too.

Good luck, and have a wonderful weekend. Until next time, I love you all.

One of Those Days

Today is one of those days. It would be nice to skip to tomorrow, hopefully, things will get better today. I woke up with my back hurting. I must have slept the wrong way.  At least I am thankful I don’t feel this way everyday like some people. I do some stretching, and hope that in the afternoon I will do some bike riding. If not, I should be able to get back to it tomorrow. Also, I am thankful for all the good things I have in my life including family and friends.  I know that not everyone has the same blessings.

 Sunday Night May 25 I watched the National Memorial Day concert. I enjoy watching it every year.  I especially enjoy hearing about D-Day. I think how much the world be if D-Day turned out different than it did. Though we have had other wars since, it was the key one.  I don’t know as much about World War 1, however, I figure I should read up more about it. There is nothing like history.

Another thing I have been thinking about is dreaming.  Personally I don’t remember dreams very often. I know that some people do, and many believe they are significant as far as life goes.  Most of my dreams seem to be a little crazy. I remember one of my dreams a lot; I was going up in a space ship with a bunch of monkeys. The space ship crashed, and I was one of the few survivors. Most of the monkeys drowned to death. I don’t take it as being significant except maybe I don’t take things very seriously. My mother on the other hand most of her dreams she thinks they are real. Other words, when she wakes up she believe the dream really happened.  I have had to tell her she had a dream.  Also, I have heard that women dreams are different than men. I am not sure of it; however, I would not be surprised. I hope in the future that I will remember dreams more often. I believe they could make a difference in my life.

I know that we have a beginning and an end to our lives, however, what we do with it between can make something good. We have a destiny to do great things, but, we have to make the decision if we are going to do so. So many people can use our help, and we can encourage them.  The older we get the more we can use our experience and wisdom to help others. The important thing is to think of others before ourselves.  In our world so many think only about themselves, and we can change things for the better. I want to be able to do so even in small ways.  People do look at us to see what we do. The most important thing to do is love another.

Enjoy the rest of the week, and make yourself the best you can be. 

Remembrance

We are now going to be celebrating Memorial Day this coming Monday.  It is a great time to do so. The problem however is that most people go out of town and travel, and do not think at all about remembrance. Memorial Day is supposed to be the day we remember what the veterans did for us during all the wars. We are alive because of their sacrifices.

On the positive side most people do spend the time with their family. It is important to remember family members that serviced for our country, and those that are no longer with us.  Another day coming up is Father’s Day. It is a hard day because my father died close to Father’s Day. Also, my brother Dick died a year earlier than my father.  I miss both of them very much.  We should remember them all year long, however, it is nice to have a day especially set aside for the occasional.

We have other remembrances as well we should take into account as well. The mudslide in Oso, Washington occurred two months ago on March 22.  They are still working on getting a highway to go through, however, recently some workers walked off because of the danger that is still happening.

Other remembrances would be the bombing at Boston Marathon just over a year ago, the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, and Columbine High School.  Of course, the one remember a lot about is the Sept.11, 2001 with the taking down of the twin towers.

We have a lot to be thankful for; however, it is important to remember all the tragedies along with all the sacrifices.  There are those who continue to live lives through them all.

The thing we need to remember most of all we all have more to live for. We have those who have gone before us that live in our hearts that allow us to sacrifice as well. We can make a difference to all those around us with our gifts and talents. Many gifts and talents I received from both my father and mother along with the generations before hand.

When you eat and spend time with your family remember everyone in your family and friends. Thank them for all they have done for you.  Also, if you meet a veteran say thank you to them as well.

I remember you all, and thank you all for reading this blog, and being a part of my life whether near or far. 

Laughter is Good Medicine

 When it comes to laughter and humor we should take advantage of it as much as possible.  We should all laugh at least once a day. Of course, teenage girls laugh at least once every three minutes on average. It could be overdone; however, we can still use a good laugh.

We have more blessings in the United States than most every country in the world, but we seem to be more stressed than everyone else too.  I think a lot of it has to do with work ethic; we expect more out of ourselves so stress occurs.  Also, I don’t think we are very happy either.  It is possible that we don’t enjoy our jobs very much, or spend too much time at work.  It doesn't help how much time people are spending in traffic as well.

A few years ago my nephew Ian was working as a counselor at a summer camp during his high school years.  He had gone to the same camp before becoming a counselor.  I was amazed by one of his fellow counselors who also had gone to camp there as well let him know that he was such a blessing to her because of his humor. She was going through some tough times, and his humor allowed her to laugh, and not have to think about those things.  It made me realize that since I am accustomed to using humor I should do more to help others in the same manner. Each one of us has talents, and gifts that we do not use as often as we should. If it is not humor, you likely have a talent that other people could receive from you. Sometimes we don’t think we can help others, but we can help others in so many different ways.  Another example, if you have the gift of hospitality invite people over, or take them out for dinner, or coffee.  Even if we have lot of friends or family we can always use more.  At some degree we are all lonely, or at least missing something in our lives.  I mention in my last blog we can all use a hug the same goes for a laugh.

If you do not know anyone that can give you a good laugh make yourself laugh instead. We can all use less stress in our lives.  Also, if you can see someone who needs a friend be one. The less we can think of ourselves the better. I hope this helps you out. Important for each of us to laugh at ourselves. 

Make the Best of Everything

Saturday May 17 was my birthday along with Cousin Mike Shaw.  As I have written before he has gone through a lot of rehab after a spinal injury while skiing. It happened six months ago.  Also, May 17 is Norway’s Independence Day so many places celebrate it outside Norway which includes Minneapolis, Minnesota and Poulsbo Washington.

I received a birthday card from my brother Jack that says, “The happiest people don’t have best of everything, they just make the best everything”.  Jack said that, “making the best of everything,” could be my motto.  It certainly is the spirit of this blog. Also, I was very blessed by my brother he gave me a brand new bicycle for my birthday.

So I must say that whatever we go through we must make the best of the situation.  We can’t change the circumstances of what has happened but we can learn from it, and make the best of it.  I am not saying it will be easy, but we must, otherwise, we can easily be discouraged, and become very bitter. This would make things even worse than the original circumstances. I am no expert, but I think it is important to be with close friends, and family when things happen that we did not expect, and are out of our control. I would say they would be good listeners if nothing else.  Also, it would be nice to have someone to give us a good hug.  I believe it is good that each of us get a good hug at least once a day. I know it is not always able to happen. Remember the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor a way, I believe a hug could too.

I hope that you all have had a wonderful weekend, and you will have a really good week coming up. Also, I hope that next weekend you will have family and friends around to enjoy Memorial Day.  I give you all a great big hug through the internet. Be blessed, and make the best of everything.

Thanking You All

I want to thank you all that are reading my blog. I really appreciate very much.  I enjoy writing it, and hopefully helping and encouraging each one of you. Also, I feel very encouraged as well.  Just saying being a single man who would love to be married I feel alone at times, but knowing I have friends really helps.

What I like especially is not only I am getting a lot of reads in United States, but I am getting people reading from Canada, France, Germany, Cambodia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and this week Australia.  I have family in Canada as well as France, and Australia.  My sister lives in Quebec along with her sons Ken, and Conner; however, I have first cousins in British Columbia.  Also, I have cousins in France and Australia. It is nice to have people in the other countries that I consider friends as well.  I may even say you are like family as well.

My mother grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada so that is how I have cousins in British Columbia. My sister’s late husband was Canadian as well; however, I feel very close to being Canadian as well though I have grown up in United States.

When I was twelve years old our family took a trip across Canada along with eastern USA during the summer. I have written before about the experience. I would have to go back someday. Of course, I would like to visit France and Germany once again along with Australia. I actually have relatives in South Africa as well so some day to go there too.  I would love to see anyone who is from the other parts of the world visit Gig Harbor, Washington too.

Again I want to thank everyone who reads my blog.  I feel encourage by what I write as well.  We are all family whether we have met or not.  I feel family is not just blood alone; sometimes we are with others more often than with our blood relatives.  If we are from a tight family we know they are with us at all times.  I feel you as part of me.  I can’t wait to see you again. 

Continue Sun

It is amazing that the sun is continued to shine here in Gig Harbor, Washington.  We are getting a pre-summer I guess? I wonder if it is part of global warming.  We expect have rain come again probably by the weekend.   This is a second time the temperatures have been in the 80s in the last month.   I don’t really remember this happening before given record highs for this time of the year.  Even so March, April, and May we have had record rain fall as well. I expect the same in June as well; hopefully, this all means that we will have a very sunny summer as well.

I hope that everyone is having a really good 2014 year so far. I know to that we can have obstacles in our ways as well.  I believe that everyone is meeting their goals for the year, and recognizing the talents that you have as well. Also, that the families have become stronger as well.

I am looking forward to find more places in the area to walk and ride as well this summer in the area.  Also, I am looking forward to seeing my nephews Ian, and Danny along with my brother Jack this summer as well. I hope that everyone’s summer will work out. You will see families and friends that you haven’t seen in a while.

I believe that 2014 will be a year that many of us will think of it as a year that they haven’t felt, or seen in a long time.  I desire reconciliation for those families that have been apart for a longtime be brought back together.  I believe our desires can be fulfilled.  This morning I saw a sign on a store that said “Victory is Ours:, I believe it can all be true.  Also, I want us to think wonderful of those we all know that are no longer with us in a very good way, and not be angry about it depending on the circumstances they died. I want us to be encouraged in all situations. We have faith regardless what happens in our lives. I really hope this encourages you. 

Outdoor activities

This week here in western Washington we will be having temperatures in the upper 70s.   It will give us the idea of summer coming up real soon.  We say summer begins on the fourth of July.  Generally the first half of June it rains, and sometimes sunny the second half, however, we don’t count on it.

It is amazing to think that Memorial Day Weekend is only in just over two weeks.  A lot of the college students are out of school already, although the primary schools don’t get out until mid June. In Gig Harbor you will see a lot of motor boats on Memorial Day weekend.  They hook up to each other, and do a lot of socializing along with drinking beer or some other alcohol beverage.   When I was a kid and took a row boat out on that weekend, I felt I could almost walk from one side of the harbor to the other by climbing from one boat to another. You can also see sailboats, and kayaks out as well.

A couple of other sport activities popular are windsurfing, and jet skiing. Since Gig Harbor has limited space they are more common to be done on Henderson Bay.  There is a place called the Purdy Spit which has one of the few beaches on the Olympic Peninsula nearby. During the summer especially Memorial, and Fourth of July you can see a lot of cars parked along the Purdy Spit.  You may see some motor boats and sailboats but primarily you will see the windsurfers and jet skiers.

I have a new friend named Blake who has taken up windsurfing. He is originally from Santa Barbara, California where he says windsurfing is quite popular. He did some down there, however, until this year started windsurfing again.  He has two sails, the larger one used in light winds, and the smaller one used in heavier winds.  Since he is a novice at this point he is windsurfing at the Purdy Spit.  The sport does take a lot of upper body strength to keep you up on the board.  Also, people will windsurf on Commencement Bay in Tacoma, and on the Puget Sound in Seattle, however, the winds are heavier so it is better for the experience windsurfers. They are popular spots as well for jet skiing, and sail boating. The heavier winds means you should take out a medium to large sail boats as well.  A small sailboat has a better chance of sinking as well.

As I have said before there are many different activities that can keep you busy in the outdoors on the Puget Sound.  So this is a really good spot to come out on  your summer vacation. 

Happy Mother’s Day

I want to say Happy Mother’s Day to all you fantastic mothers. It is amazing that you go through pain of labor to have us, and you are the first one to see us. Of course, there are other times we give you pain as well. Also, I am sorry for your mother who may have lost a child much like my mother did. My older brother Dick died at the age of thirty-eight.

I am amazed that when we do well you go through all our sibling’s names before getting to ours, but have no problem saying our full name when we are in trouble.  Of course, saying “Wait tell your father gets home,” is good strategy as well.  We certainly straighten up than.

We appreciate you being there all the times that we need you.  Also, those times we don’t either.  If someone is mean to us, or someone is after us you are the mother bear that covers your babies.

I have an earlier blog in the archives that I wrote about my mother. It is likely back last November or December; so you read about the life about my mother before, during, and after of us children.

If you were not blessed with a wonderful mother, or you lost her at a very young age I am very sorry. Remember there may be an aunt, or older woman that took very good care of you.  Say Happy Mother’s day to them I am sure they would really appreciate you saying so.  Even if you do have a wonderful relationship with your mother, an aunt, or someone else you admire especially one that may not have any children will appreciate it as well.

Anyway I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and Mother’s Day.  Say hello to them for me; even if I do not know them personally. 

Get Going Go Biking

I have been writing about doing a lot of walking, however, I think another great way to get around is bike riding.  It is a great way to get around along with good exercise. You can get to see a lot of the area as well depending how fast you go.

The month of May is National Bike Month. The purpose is get children to know how to ride which I think is a very good idea. In these days children are spending way too much time playing video games which I think is wrong. Some time on video games is Ok to continue improving their minds; however, exercise is very important as well.  Bike riding is a very good way along with sports, and other activities  

Here in Gig Harbor we have the Cushman Trail which starts near the Narrows Bridge.  It goes for about eight miles, and is parallel with Highway 16. What is nice there are four different entrances to it.  The first entrance near the Narrows Bridge is really nice to take your children, and teach them how to ride because it is mostly flat. The second entrance is good spot because it has a little hill to climb to help out for the next stage of learning.  The third and fourth entrances are more for advance riders because they are hillier.  The third entrance starts out flat than goes downhill in a hurry. The fourth entrance is the opposite where it goes uphill in a hurry.  Those two entrances are for sure good for those who want to get a lot of exercise. Going many places in Western Washington you will find a lot of hills to ride.

It is quite common for a lot of adults ride through the city of Gig Harbor as well.  I find most weekends when I am walking along the Gig Harbor waterfront where groups up to twenty adults will ride through town.  Often they will stop at a coffee shop or deli.

There are a lot of places to bike ride throughout Western Washington, and the Pacific Northwest besides Gig Harbor.  I would consider taking a bike on a Washington Ferry.  Besides taking a ferry to and from Seattle, there is also Whidbey Island, and San Juan Islands. Also, there is a ferry from Tacoma to Vashon Island.  I would do a Google search for Washington State Bike Trails to get even more riding ideas..

So I will say Get Going Go Biking. Enjoy the adventure of biking.  

More about Traveling

What I find is that not everyone likes to go traveling though I certainly do.  There are those who have never traveled and do not believe it is for them.  My dad was one of those; my mother went on several trips without him, than she persuaded him to go. He found out that he really did enjoy traveling.  He thought beforehand that going to Europe was not something he was interested in. My brother, Jack, lived in Germany for a couple years.  While living there my dad and mother visited them in Germany, and they went to England as well.  He found that he really enjoyed seeing both places. Later they took a trip to France as well. In fact, we had family in southern France which they visited. Unfortunately my dad died while visiting them. I believe he died the way he wanted too. He would still go if he knew it was the end.

I believe trying other things that you may think you would not like doing would be something to try as well. I believe this would include things you may believe you would not be good at either.  We have talents that we may not realize that we have.

Last week while walking in Gig Harbor I realized wherever you go   to do a lot of walking. This would apply to travel or in your hometown.  Last week I was walking on a street that I never walked before, however, did a lot of driving on many times over. While walking I found houses, and bushes that I never saw before. Driving on roads we are not able to see so many things. Of course, we can slow down to see more but walking would be a better.

Today May 6^th I decide to walk along my old neighborhood. Along the waterfront there are so many more houses than when I was a child.  The houses are very large as well. My old house doesn't look any different on the outside than when I was a child. Most of the other houses have been replaced.

So walking not only helps in seeing more things we are able to get good exercise as well. I think we can get our heads cleared as well. Like computers where we have to clean out because of possible viruses our brains need the same thing. I know it works for me.  

I look forward to going on trips where I can do some walking.  In the meantime I will walk in different areas of Gig Harbor, and other cities in western Washington. Not only get in better shape but learning more about the area. I know it does take extra time but is worth it. 

Pleasant Traveling to France

My nephew Danny came back to the good USA on Saturday March 3 after spending his time since Sept. 2013 in Paris France.  He did have a break coming back during Christmas.  He is nineteen years of age, and I am sure that he grew up a lot during this time.  I will be seeing him in early August when he and his father Jack (my brother) will be coming out here to visit.  Another nephew Ian will be here for most of the summer doing an internship at Microsoft. It really will be great to see them all. I mention it because I am sure I will see a more mature young man after his time being in Paris.  I know that there is nothing like the first time going out on your own, and going to a foreign country even more so.  The next school year he will be going to Harvard University.  He follows his other three siblings to the University. Ian will graduate next year from Harvard.  While in Paris he spent a lot of time with other young people his age. I am sure that he will remember them, and be life time friends. I am sure in the future he will go to visit Paris again.

I know some people have poor experiences going to France; however, I don’t think they embraced their adventure.  When you hear the term the UGLY AMERICAN it is true for some people.  Those people think everyone should speak English like they do.  Most Frenchmen do know how to speak English; however, they like to be talked to in French as well. So those I call UGLY AMERICAN   refuse to speak in French.  You really do not have to know much French to do so.  I did not speak French before going to France, however, I learned some basic French sentences including do you speak English.  They really appreciated the effort.  

One thing I especially learned in France is the people are very good at socializing. I would say more than a lot of Americans.  On most Sunday’s they go out to an early dinner, and spend a long time at a restaurant or a family home.  They eat a lot of courses of food   at meal time so they spend a lot of time talking between each course.  You will learn a lot about them.  I find that to be very refreshing.

I was planning to write some other things about travel; however, I will do so on my next writing. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Let It Shine

Most people think it rains all the time in the northwest which isn’t true though it does some of the time. Actually we have a lot of cloudy days, however, this week our weather is like summer being in the 80s. In fact it is breaking the record highs. Like all things good it will come to an end on the weekend when rain will come back. The sad part is so many things going on the weekend including opening of boating season.  Of course, when the weather is like this besides boating there is fishing, hiking, and camping among other things.  I enjoy the time of doing more walking around the harbor. I have to wear a hat to be sure I don’t get to much sun on the head. This all started with my mother doing so when I was a child because of my light skin. On the positive side I don’t have to worry about skin cancer as much as other people do.  Of course, it is not 100% preventive.

When it comes to be being cloudy the National Basketball League has an issue where they fined and suspended LA Clippers Owner Donald Sterling for life where he spoke using racism. He showed that there is still racism in the USA.  I am sure most people knew it still occurred but would not speak it.  He spoke it in his home, however, it was recorded. I wrote earlier time that we do have freedom of speech; however, we can still pay for it in some manner which cost Donald Sterling in this case.  I am not why someone would allow it to be recorded, but he did. They are going try to make him sell the team as well, but that could be a lot harder to do.

Though racism is not as big as it once was; at least not in public anyway most of us do some stereotyping. It is likely more in the mind than anything.  We look at someone, and do some type of judgment of them.  For example, if someone is wearing a tattoo, and you don’t like them you may think of them in a negative manner.

I am sure when people look at me they think everyone like me is smart and funny.  The truth it is hard to be smart and funny I just pull it off so well.  If you meet my brother you may think he is smart and funny. He does have his moments, but he isn't like me.  We are very much of a small breed. Actually to be serious, stereotyping can be very dangerous as well. We can be hurt by others because of judgments they have. The truth is that we are individuals, and though we may look like others we have our own individuality.  Though we seem to hang out with others that we think are like ourselves we can actually learn a lot from those who are different than us.