Our Style

When it comes to our lives we each have our own style that we can call our own. There is no one that is like us on the planet which is probably a good thing.

Most of us hang around those who are a lot like us however it still means we are our own person. I have known several identical twins and in each case they have some little differences in their looks well as their personalities. I have a friend Nick who has identical twins; he is amazed that I can tell the difference between them when most everyone else cannot. Of course, we are talking about adults and not their friends. What helps is that I knew in school several identical twins.

I have heard my mother say on several occasions that you find out early that you treat each of your children differently. What works on one does not necessarily works on another. My sister and my older brother were much quieter and behaved better than my younger brother and I. My younger brother Jack though got away with a lot because he being the youngest they thought of him as an angel. Later on when he grew up they realized that was not the case. Jack and I do have some differences though our interests are alike as well. We both enjoy sports though he likes football more than I do and I like baseball more than him. Though he does talk some he is somewhere between my sister and older brother while I enjoy talking anytime. I have no problem talking with a total stranger either. Also I throw in humor in every conversation as well. You can just ask anyone who knows me very well.

Though we all have different personalities there are ways that we are different as well. I take the example of my mother and her older sister. Oh by the way my mother was the youngest of four children. She had two older brothers as well. Her oldest brother Bob was ten years older than mom. I am not sure the difference in age between him and Uncle Alan however I expect about the same as my mother and Aunt Judy. My aunt was about twenty months older than my mother. Just in case you wonder Bob, Alan, and Judy are no longer alive while mother keeps going on at ninety-five years of age. How my mother tells the story Aunt Judy was very competitive as a child and mother was not. This was very true between the two of them. The big problem though was that Aunt Judy tried to make everything competitive between herself and mother. The one thing Aunt Judy did not understand was that mother cared less about being competitive. Even up to the time Aunt Judy passed away just before her ninetieth birthday. Even now mother talks about it with a little bitterness in her throat.

I have to say though we can learn from mom and Aunt Judy is that not everyone appreciates how we act. I have learned over the years that not everyone enjoys my sense of humor. Fortunately a lot more do than those who do not. So those who I figured out that don’t like my sense of humor I do not use it on them.

Though I am not an expert by any means we need to be able to use our personalities along with our other gifting’s to help other people out. We may not realize is what we have can benefit others in so many ways we can’t think of. Also, it is important not to bring out our shortcomings as well. Yes despite what we may think we all have shortcomings. I am not sure what mine our but I must have some. Just kidding!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and use your style today.

Time Flies

We all have heard the sayings time flies when you’re having fun and older you get the faster time goes or something like that anyway. I have experienced that both of these sayings are very true.

I remember as a kid my favorite classes went by very fast while the ones I did not like so much just dragged on. In fact I have to say the days went by very slow in those days except the weekends of course.

Now time goes by very fast so the second saying is true too. It seems to me that last Saturday was just here and now here we are again. I am sure that next Saturday will come soon enough. Also, 2016 will go by faster than 2015 which was fast enough however I am going to enjoy every minute or make that second of each day. Of course, that means it will go even faster.

I remember being in high school where we talked about 2000 and how long way off it was. I knew how old I would be as well and it seemed so foreign in my mind. My brother Jack and I talked about that on the phone a few weeks ago. He said that when he was in elementary school he thought that he would not be alive in 2000. It is funny how we think about some things especially about time. Before 2000 he had four children and I am sure he did not think that would happen either.

Now it is 2016 and we are almost concluding two decades in this century. It sounds so unbelievable and 2000 seemed like it was there just the other day. One day we know where we were in this century was September 11, 2001. It was a day that chocked all of us Americans plus I am sure foreigners as well when the twin towers went down in New York City. A day none of us will ever forget. I feel so much for those families who lost loved ones on that dreadful day. It would be interesting to hear the stories now from the families that lost someone that day.

Not only do I measure time from one weekend to another and holidays as well I think about appointments I have made several months down the road. When those appointments come and go I just shake my head about the time; like I say though I will enjoy every moment.

In some tragic news I read on line of someone I went to school with. I am not sure what he died of but he is in the line of quite a few that I went to school with that have passed away over the last couple years or so. I only knew him for a short period of time because he did not arrive into the Gig Harbor area until he was fourteen and graduated at sixteen. I really enjoyed the short periods of time that I spent around him. He graduated the year before me though I found out that he is twelve days younger than me. Also, a classmate of his died about a week after him as well. She was a lifelong resident of Gig Harbor so I knew her well though I did not see her often after high school like so many. I graduated from high school with a couple of her cousins and she was a member of the original settlers of Gig Harbor who also were fishermen. Though I had not seen either of them for some time I will miss them dearly. I think of them both in my mind and how lucky I was to know them. I feel so sorry for their children and families. I am sure they both gave reflections to their loved ones. It really does remind us short time is along with how fast it goes by and how precious we should enjoy one another. Give a loved one or a friend a hug or a kiss today we do not know when or if we will see them again. Enjoy your weekend as time flies.

Finding Relationships

I am sure most people would agree with me that the most important thing in our lives is our family and friends.

A major problem though the trouble we have sometimes is with family and friends. Often people will become bitter because things happen between family and friends. I would say the biggest issue has to do with money. You see people that have problems with money usually go to relatives or their best friend to borrow money. Some will allow that relative or friend borrows the money and sometimes they will not. In these situations usually the borrower intends but never repays the one they borrowed from. This brings friction between both parties and breaks up the relationship. I am far from being an expert I believe it is important not to let the person borrow the money or do not expect the person will give it back. Without mentioning the parties involved it happened on both sides of my family. There was no bitterness or forgiveness to happen because the ones giving the money did not expect the money to be returned. If the borrower did return the money then it was a bonus. I believe most of the time you should not give money to someone in your family especially if it has happened several times before. I am talking about those who often go into debt and live above their means. There are others who may be in a situation that could use the money like buying a home. In those situations I would write up a contract if they intend to pay back the money or consider it a gift. Those who continue going into debt you may have to give them tough love and refuse to let them borrow the money. You may no longer have a friend or bitterness if a member of the family however you will have to explain to them that they have a problem with money and you will not help them. They may go to someone else for assistance or a borrowing institution. I am not sure why I am saying all this because it was not intention when I decided to wright about relationship but it is an important issue that many families and friends go through on a daily basis.

I feel though that relationships are hard even without issues. In fact my experience is finding a good relationship is hard to come by. In fact I would say if you have more than a half dozen close friends than you are a very blessed person. My experience is that most people we have in our lives are acquaintances. This is OK as well because more people we spend time with even if they are acquaintances the better we are off. The close friends we have we should cherish very much. We should spend as much time with them as possible and let them know that we do not take them for granted.

Thinking more about relationships I believe from a young age we are into on the job training. No one whether parents or teachers tells us how to build a relationship. Generally we are told at a young age no. Other words if we are doing it wrong we are told so. I remember being in class in elementary to stay quiet and often sent out to the hallway for several minutes for talking too much. I understand why because there is time for teaching however I believe now that besides recess to spend time with our classmates the teacher should allow us to spend some class time to do so. My idea would be to spend up to fifteen minutes a day with another classmate in conversation. Each day you would spend it with a different classmate. This way you would get to know them better and be with someone you don’t know as well or up to this point you are not good friends. In this way you build relationships and gain more friends.

I hope this all encourages us to go out and meet new people regardless of our experience in the world of relationships. Now I have to say is good luck and be a better person.

Rain Anyone!

 During December we had a lot of rain the second highest rainfall in fifty years. January started off looking pretty good though however now it is raining once again.

Usually when we receive rain here in Western Washington the showers are light. It is heavier this time of the year but I don’t remember it raining hard as it is doing. Since I have grown up with rain and used to it a lot this type of rain is OK for a day or two but it is getting somewhat ridiculous. Yesterday when I went out to my coffee shop it was raining light however when I arrived at my destination it was raining twice as hard and continue long after I left. What made it really interesting is it took less than five minutes get to my destination. Later in the midafternoon I had to take my mother to her dentist appointment. It had not rained for at least fifteen minutes however after being in the car for a couple minutes it started raining once again. Do you see the trend I am talking about. When I arrived at the dentist office it stopped raining thankfully so did not have to walk in the rain though we were not walking very far. After the dentist though getting into the car it started raining once again. Nice to know the rain is polite enough to start when I get into the car.

Let you know that this is a common occurrence here in Western Washington where it rains for a while then stops and then starts again. Like I said it usually showers most of the time and not a heavy downpour like it has over the last couple months. So if you need some rain where you are just let us know we can pass it on.

The positive side though means that our mountains are getting plenty of snow this year. The last couple winters the snow level has been down. Here in Gig Harbor we have had only one drop of snow ten days ago. We got less than an inch and only lasted a couple hours. Some people freak out about the snow even if it is a small amount. Most of them are those who have moved into the area over the last few years. I remember the years past where we got up to ten inches of snow at one time. I haven’t seen that for about five years since the last real good snow storm. The biggest problem we have is the amount of hills in the area and many people have difficult time getting out of their driveway. Fortunately where I live I don’t have the problem. I do remember though where I previous lived it was a bit more difficult to get out when it snowed. About ten years ago we had a good snowfall where I was unable to drive out without shoveling first or getting a good push.  Actually someone helped me push so I could get going to work. I lived close to the grocery store so I could walk for ten minutes if I had to get groceries.

The weather forecast is to have rain for ten straight days. So I am sure I will start saying we are having enough rain. Hopefully when it stops we will have some sunshine for a few days before it starts raining once again. It will be nice if we can have sun for six straight months like we did in 2015. All I can say it is what it is.

The Newspaper

These days the newspaper is not the same as it used to be. With the technology it is today more people especially the young ones do not read the newspaper on paper instead read it on line whether it is on their lap top, I pad, or the smart phone.

One of the newspapers in Seattle has been for a few years on line only so there is one paper that is still being printed while in Tacoma the lone paper is still being printed. In many cases more people are reading the printed newspapers on line. You can get a subscription to all three where you read on line only. The two daily papers that still print have had some of their senior writers and editors requested to retire with a buyout. The major reason is that they can pay younger people less money at the same time have more knowledge of the current technology. I would say the less money is more of the idea. I am sure the younger workers can work at a faster pace more than the older ones but I am sure some of the older ones do just fine. I know in my case I do a fine job at working the current technology. I am not putting down the newspaper companies because they are doing how they see fit. The one thing they don’t realize is that older workers even though they may be close to retirement can still get the job done. As far as the senior writers go I am sure we will see more of them starting their own blogs and will become successful in this way. In fact I will be looking to see them on line to see their writings.

I still read the newspaper in paper form though I do read some on line as well. I follow both newspapers and TV stations through social media so I can find the stories easier. Also, many people have favorites set up to make it easier.  

I would not be surprised in a few years where newspapers will be on line only. This will be true since everyone is getting more accustomed to do so now. I understand though I will miss the printed paper. There is a possibility that the Sunday paper may stay along with the weekly papers. There is so much advertising in the Sunday paper and many people subscribe to it only.

What I do generally is read the print paper in the morning and with the social media updates any news stories I find interesting I will read on line during the day. In the future I am sure we will see more blogs being out there. Many newspaper writers already write blog. This is even true to television and radio stations that are either sports or news. This allows us to read the news any time of the day or night. I especially like blogs that specialize in specific areas like me. You can read blogs on any subject from fashion to photography. We are now living in a new world of media.

Discovering Ourselves

Another thing we should look at doing this year is to discover more about ourselves. Early in life we start out by discovering everything around us. We look at others and in a few months we start crawling than walking. During that period we most likely meet others around the same age we are. They maybe cousins or children that belong to friends of our parents; these days often the mothers go out together for long walks or runs with them.

The next step we meet more when we get a little older at preschool and church. We try to discover more about ourselves besides them. Later in middle school we discover the opposite sex. We may be shy initially but then we step out to spend time with them. We learn more about ourselves and our feelings. During the high school years we may get involved in dating where we know even more about ourselves. Of course, the next step more serious dating that leads to marriage. There we learn more about the opposite sex as well as ourselves. Here we learn more what we like and dislike. The next thing happens is we have children where we learn even more about ourselves. This all continues until our resting days.

I am sure there are those who may learn all about themselves earlier in life then the rest of us. I believe it is an ongoing process especially when we get into mid age where we in many instances learn about ourselves all over again. During this period often divorce happens where you have to learn more about yourself. The term usually at this time of life is called midlife crisis.

I know in my case I look at getting to know myself more each day. What I am looking at and discovering is that I have a purpose in this life that includes beyond me. I believe that my purpose is to help out others whether it has to do with my writings or meeting people in my community.

I feel that I can especially help the young people in their twenties. It is a period of time in life where you may have questions and doubts going from childhood to adulthood. What your career maybe along with relationships leading to marriage and children. What makes it really great I feel the young people are attracted to coming to me. This is where we can discover ourselves is know where we fit when dealing with others. It is possible you may have the same purpose I do or working with others even younger or possibly those around your same age. The first thing though is for us to discover ourselves. We likely will have to spend some alone time with ourselves to see where things lead. Anyway I hope this is a good encouragement for you.

 

 

Changes

I have to say I am not really that much into changes; however, I want you to know that I plan to write something almost every day. Of course, this will depend upon circumstances. I wrote last week at the beginning of the New Year that I wanted to write additional things besides just memories of the past and encouragement. I will still do these things depending how much I remember of the past and what to encourage. I don’t expect anyone to read this blog everyday but I do like it when you all read this as often as you do. Also, I may write somethings to get off my chest once in a while. I think it is real healthy sometimes. Life is not perfect and we all get discouraged at times so writing what I feel I hope not only me everybody else as well.

Let you know that I won’t write much about politics since we are having a presidential election at the end of the year. The only thing I can say about it right now is that I won’t be voting for any of the front runners that are there right now. In fact I have to say if the current front runners win the election our country is in a bad place of affairs. I hope someone will step up to run in the election that I could feel good about voting for. Another thing I know is that by summer time I will be very sick of the political ads that will be shown.

Something I do want to get off my chest right now has to do with relationships. I have to say that most relationships are hard even the very best ones. I am not going to say anything about a particular relationship. For one thing there really is not one. I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way but I don’t like it when people I have had relationships primarily at church decide to move along to another church. I know that most have a good reason to do so. In fact I moved to my current church seven or eight years ago. I had a very good reason to move on; however, I have to say that most if not all of them that I used to have fellowship with at least once a week I miss them dearly. I wish we were still in regular fellowship.  Also, there are others that I wish I spent more time with as well. Many of these people I see on line through social media but seeing people in the flesh is a whole lot nicer in my mind. So I have to say if you plan to change churches or leave an organization like a club to think about it heavily and serious before doing so because your relationships will change. If fact those you are close to make sure they understand why you have decided to leave. Along with that make every effort to keep on a relationship with the close ones. Words of encouragement we can all use as many friends as we can get. I have to say that applies to family as well.

Anyway until tomorrow enjoy your day and may you be very blessed.  

Remembering Sundays

Growing up in Gig Harbor our mother would take us to church most every Sunday mornings. Dad would help us get ready putting on our Sunday’s best however he did not go to church. We went to St. John’s Episcopal Church which mother still attends today.

Like most kids I am sure I did not get a whole lot out of church except hearing stories about Jesus along with David and Goliath. I am sure we heard about Moses as well in Sunday school.

Mother told me about an occasion at church and I am sure I was around eight years old when my brothers Dick and Jack along with me we sat up near the front of the church. She told me she had to take a year off from singing in the choir because Father John the minister at the time was not very happy with us. The thing was that we interrupted his sermon. I am sure he had something really profound to say. Anyway I was sitting in the middle of my brothers. You see we sat according to our ages and since I was the middle child I was in the middle. At that age I was restless so I could not stay still for very long. You see that irritated Dick so he started shoving me so I would stop being restless. Of course it was not part of my DNA to stop. Under the circumstance Father John stopped in his sermon and scolded us. This is the reason mother spent the rest of the year sitting with the three of us. Mom told me if she had to do it over again she would have had Jack sit in the middle so Dick and I would be separated. Knowing myself especially at that age I am sure it would not have worked either. Somehow Dick and I would have found some way to push with Jack being in the middle. I am sure we were not the only kids that did that in church at one time or another.

When I was in about sixth grade Dick, Jack, and I decided we would start walking home from church because we did not want to stick around church while mother had coffee and talking with other adults. Mother would pick us up somewhere along the route home. We knew how much talking she did depending on where we were picked up. For Jack and I we really did not walk because Dick was taller than either of us so we really ran to keep up with him. Dick had long legs and he would walk at a pretty good pace as well. Jack and I certainly got our exercise every Sunday for sure. Also, the first half mile or so was downhill as well. It was flat when we reached the harbor. I am sure we did not walk when it was raining hard though.

When we were in high school Dick, Jack, and I all joined the church choir. There were not very many men in the choir so they needed all the help they could have. There was one man who was about ten years or so older than me in the choir named Dennis. He told the choir director that I should have been given a tryout instead of automatically been put in the choir. The choir director told Dennis that I was in my high school choir and that it was good enough for her and besides he can sing better than you Dennis. Of course, that did not make Dennis a very good camper. After a little while he accepted me in the choir. He continued asking the choir director if he could sing a solo. This happened probably about a year after I joined the choir. After asking so many times to do a solo the director decided to let Dennis sing a solo. He did only one solo because he did such a bad job and forgot the words. I am sure he felt very embarrassed by the whole thing. I thought he sort of deserved it since he had been on my case in joining the choir and asking so many times to sing a solo. I do not remember how long it was before he left the choir and the church. It did not really have anything to do with the solo he took a job somewhere else. I wonder what ever happened to Dennis.

My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Eaton at school attended St. John’s Episcopal Church as well. I don’t think I had her as a Sunday school teacher too. She was one of my favorite teachers. What I liked most about her is that even into high school and beyond she always asked how I was doing. She has been died now for many years but I have very fond memories of her. She made me feel like I could accomplish anything.

So you see memories of Sunday’s are a very good thing. Usually after church we would have a nice lunch and play around the yard depending on the weather. Sunday I consider a family day so it was quite special.

Let’s Go!

Hi everyone it is the weekend so let’s go. I see for a lot of people though they look forward to the weekend they do many of the same things that they do during the week. Other words they do some kind of work instead of relaxing. Most likely they are working on an ongoing project which I think is a good idea to some degree however it should not be done during the whole weekend.

I know people who go to church on Sunday morning which is a good thing but then they off and on the go again. Like I say it is a good idea to some degree as long it is something they enjoy doing however I think to it is a good idea at least once a week to go off on a min-vacation. Get away and relax somewhere. The place only has to be a couple hours away but the point is that you are relaxing and doing something enjoyable that you like that you would not do the rest of the year. If you have a family take them with you or at the very least your partner. You can call it your monthly date. In the winter time going skiing or sledding during the time or hiking in the summer. The most important thing to do is relax.

I find that so many people are so busy almost all the time they do not know how to relax or what to do with their free time. I know some guys who get up an hour early and pray each day which I think is a very good idea. I would add meditation to that list as well. It could be during the hour of pray or right after praying. Spend a few minutes meditating on good things or thoughts. We hear or see so many negative or bad things going on all day so getting our minds back in a good frame will help us out. Another thing would be to take a few minutes and not think about anything at all. Also I would call it not thinking at all. I know it is a strange concept because we spend all our waking hours thinking. The problem is most of the thinking is either negative or non-productive depending on our jobs. Not thinking will take an adjustment for sure but I think it is a good idea for at least a minute or two beginning with and if we are lucky we can make it to five or ten minutes down the road.

Another idea I have concerning hearing bad news is when we see a friend to ask them what is good going on in their lives. So often we ask them how things are going and they say OK or tell us the negative things especially the older we get. At an older age they will tell you what is wrong with their health and we will respond by telling them what is wrong with us as well. I know a group of older gentlemen who meet almost every day over coffee. After a little while they realize that all they talk about is negative things they stop and start talking about positive things. If we start off asking how good your day is we are off to a good start. The state of our country and world there is plenty of bad news so hearing some good news is a good approach. Meditating is a really good way to get ourselves going for the day. Another avenue would be to meditate after taking a nap. I remember as a kid I hated taking naps because I felt like I was being punished. Now I look forward to a nap everyday even if it only fifteen minutes long. Since we have relaxed and ready to get going again meditating is a good way to get our batteries recharged.

So if you find your weekend is not much different than the weekdays do something to make the going a lot different so when we say “Let’s go” it is a positive thing. Enjoy your weekend and let’s go.

What to Write!

When it comes to writing I usually pick the title first and that is what I write about. I am not sure that is what most writers do though. I am sure many write their story and then pick the title.

I know this case the title is a bit different then what I have chosen in the past however this is where I am at. I decided to write about the overall picture and that is why I choose what to write as the title. I know that sounds weird however when I finish here we all the idea what I am saying. As a writer the most important thing is to write a story, and in my case I not only want to be a story I want others to be encouraged as well.

I write a lot about myself growing up as well as what interest me today. I want it to be interested to the reader which I believe is true or no one would be reading this blog. In fact, I appreciate every one that does read this blog. Not only do I believe the stories to be interesting but that many of us have things in common no matter where we live and come from regardless of culture and religion. I am a Christian however I know to that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others read this as well as those from many different countries. I believe the experiences that I have gone through that most people have regardless of their religion and country. Other words we have a lot in common as well as differences. This is in the same way as that I grew up and I have lived in a small town all of my life. I don’t think there is that much difference living in a small town compared to living in a big town or large city. I believe the difference is that in the larger cities what is called a neighborhood is like living in a small town. I know that might sound weird however I think it is true as well. No matter the size of the city growing up we live with our families along with having friends; the large city the children may have a bigger group to pick from then the smaller cities or towns. Growing up I had about twenty friends in my neighborhood and a few hundred in the town because everyone knew each other. Of course, we knew some more than others because of our neighborhood and schools along with who we hung out with but we knew each other’s name. There were about a dozen children that I went to kindergarten and around forty in first grade that I went all the way through school with. All though most of them I do not see very often these days I do keep in contact with some through social media. It is nice to see what they have become throughout the years and now that they have children and grandchildren. I find though I have other friends now that I have more contact with there is nothing more special than those I grew up with. They are like my cousins nothing is like them though I do not seem them often. When I do see them my heart leaps for joy.

Growing up times was not always easy for instance I had to deal with bullies like many have had to do today. I have written about that subject before and given encouragement that if you have a child today who deals with bullying it is very important that they stand up for themselves. I do not mean they have to beat the crap out of the bully however they must let the bully know that they will if the opportunity happens. We must all stand up for ourselves. Another area I think is sad that is somewhat related to bullying is suicide. I have heard so often even in my small town of Gig Harbor teenagers killing themselves. I know in some cases it is related to bullying and in other cases it has to do with being bipolar. Regardless of what is happening in their lives they need to know that being a teenager is a small time of their lives and they will make it if they just make it through those difficult years. The importance is that all of us adults let them realize this is true. I remember though when I was going through those times I felt there was no one to speak to however I have to say I was strong though even during weak times. Today there are more people they can talk to they just have to be willing to find someone to talk to.

Even this time I hope you enjoyed what I wrote. I look forward to continue writing about what is going on in the world and to encourage everyone. Have yourself a wonderful weekend and enjoy your family and friends.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Sister

What I consider one of the big days of the year beyond my birthday. The birthdays of all my family are the most important days besides Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 So I wish my older sister Barb a happy birthday today Jan. 7. She actually is my only sister as well. There is nothing like having an older sister. She is eight and half years older than me so I don’t remember her until she was a teenager and primarily when she went off to college. Most of my life I have known her as an adult so in some ways she is like a second mother. She used to take my two brothers and me when we were young to movies. I can’t imagine taking younger siblings to movies when you are a teenager but she did. I am sure we were trouble for her in those times.

When I was about four years old I was cooking eggs on the stove and my pajamas caught on fire. She was in the same room and called out for our mother to come and put the fire out. Barb was the one who saved my life that day. I am not sure what would have happened to me she was not there. I was in the hospital for six weeks and when Barb got home from school each day she took care of my two brothers while our mother would go into the hospital to spend time with me along with our dad. Barb sacrificed a lot in those years for my brothers and me. I don’t remember the fire experience at all however you ask Barb about that day tears will come to her eyes.

She went to college at the University of Oregon in Eugene Oregon. It must have been very interesting times since it was in the 60s. We made trips to visit her number of times to see her and our dad enjoyed doing some sail boat racing on the lake near Eugene.

Her first job out of college that I remember anyway was at a record store in Portland. What I remember was that she came home with the Beatles album “Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. I asked her how I could become a member. I would say now it is funny that I said that though I was somewhat serious at the time.

Barb went on to go after her master’s degree at University of Puget Sound in nearby Tacoma Washington. It is where she met her beloved husband Bob. They were married a couple months before I graduated from high school.

Barb and Bob have two sons Ken and Connor. In fact Connor’s birthday is tomorrow Jan. 8 so I wish him a happy birthday as well and Ken’s birthday is Jan. 18.;so very easy to remember their birthdays. Barb, Ken, and Connor lost Bob five and half years ago. You could see from the beginning of their relationship that they fit right together.  Many of the insecurities Barb had before meeting Bob were taken away when she met him. Barb did not finish her master’s degree and they moved to British Columbia and then onto Quebec a few years after their wedding. Both Ken and Connor were born in Vancouver. Bob was born and raised in Canada. His father Ken was in the Canadian Air Force. When we met Bob his parents at that point were living in Lakewood, Washington so we would spend holidays with them.  It was not hard for Barb to go to Canada because mother was born and raised in Canada. Barb was born in Seattle, Washington however spent some quality time with grandparents in Canada in her early years so she always felt very comfortable in Canada. So when her and Bob moved to Canada it was an easy transition for her. She comes for visits to Gig Harbor about once a year or so however Quebec is has been home for her many years.

So you can see how important family is for me and how it should be for us all. Again Barb happy birthday!   

Pressing Forward to the Mark

In the Bible there are many scriptures or verses you may call them that you can live by whether you are a Christian or not. One of the verses is Philippians 3:14 which begin with pressing forward to the mark or prize. It speaks about Christ and making it to heaven however those who are runners understand what it means as well.

So I see that whatever we want out of life we must set our mark toward the goal to receive the prize that we want. As a Christian my goal is to be like Christ. Part of the goal is to let other people know what Christ has done in my life and what he can do for them as well. I not only tell people about Christ and how he put his life down so others can live. He paid the ultimate prize for our sins so we can reconcile with God our Heavenly Father. Besides telling people for me to live a life that others will want to live as well. In our world we all live to some degree or another to live a life of selfishness. We may live that way in our actions including through family and friends. We can live though selflessness in the same manner for our family and friends. Often we call selfishness love however the greatest love is through selflessness.

Our goal should be to press on toward the mark so we can be as selfless as possible. We won’t totally fulfill it because selfishness is part of as well. In some ways selflessness may bring out the selfishness in us. I know that may sound strange saying that however it is true. Just think about the acts you may have done over your life so far. The actions you have taken that appear to be selfless if you think more about it you have done with a selfish attitude. Doing good deeds is a good thing however we often do it with the wrong motive. I know that I do those deeds sometimes that others will think I am a great guy and not just doing a good deed. We all have a desire to be accepted by others.

I am not here to judge others of their actions or deeds. In fact most of the time I do not even think of others actions or deeds just my own. Other words if you give me something that I will enjoy I will thank you for it and not think of your deed.

I am saying all this for us to become better people whether a Christian or otherwise. Let us all press on so we can receive the prize we desire. A good goal for 2016.

Hello January

Now that we have had said Happy New Year’s to our family, friends, strangers and acquaintances it is time to say hello to January. We are now done with Christmas, New Year’s and the holiday season it is important that we recognize and acknowledge January.

I know like many others I am still trying to fight off a cold that I have had just before Christmas. It does seem to be coming to a close however I wish it was done. On Sunday here in Gig Harbor we got our first taste of snow though it was not very much and only lasted a few hours. I hope we do get some more snow this winter. January is considered the rainiest month of the year so we will have some this week at least and probably longer. I can’t imagine though it could rain more than it did in December. We had over eleven inches of rain in December which is the second longest on record. We were very close in breaking that record, and January the average rainfall is ten inches.

I spent most of the weekend staying in doors to get over this cold of mine. I watched primarily football though most of the games were wipeouts. The most interesting and disappointing was the Oregon Ducks losing to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. The Ducks were ahead 31-0 at half time; however, they lost their starting quarterback and center in the second quarter. In the second half the Ducks forgot how to play defense and the backup center did not know how to hike the ball. The final score was 47-41 in two overtimes. The Ducks did have a chance to win or at least tie the game however the center had another poor snap of the ball on third down and an incomplete pass on fourth down to end the game. Certainly a game I won’t forget and I am not a Ducks fan.

Besides watching football on Saturday I saw the Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp on television. Though he did a good job playing Tonto the movie was very corny and I am glad that I did not see it in the movie theatre when it first came out. Speaking of movies unlike many people including yourself I expect I still have not seen the new Star Wars. I have heard mixed views about it however most enjoyed seeing it. I figure go see it in a couple weeks when the theatre is a bit thinner. Like I said it rains a lot in January so a good time to see a movie. Oh by the way January I am not going to hold it against you. For one thing my sister’s birthday and her two sons are both coming up in January. Her birthday and youngest son are both this week and the oldest is in a couple weeks. Since we are a distance a part I can only wish them a happy birthday on line or over the phone. Our mother always sends them a check where they can go out for a fancy dinner together.

So getting back to this being a new year instead of setting a new year’s resolution to get rid of something maybe a good idea is to add something as well. I really haven’t thought about it yet but I do think it is a good idea. I will let you know if I do come up with something.

January since it plans to be another wet month lets plan something we can do together. I hope it would be OK to have a friend join us as well. We can see a movie or play cards. How about it? I know you don’t have many friends so this year I am going to make an exception and have you joined in. I will not ignore you this year like I have in the past. Since there are only twelve months in a year might enjoy each one for what they are. We could think we are in Hawaii, South Africa or Australia which it is summer right now. Of course, there is South America as well. Though I plan no trips right now I can imagine I am living in a warm climate. It could be a good idea for all of us who live where truly winter actually lives. Oh by the way snow you can come back to visit this month as well. I am sure January would love the company. Anyway everyone have yourself a wonderful January even if you are back to your routines. Like I said maybe add something on.