We have all heard all that we can stand about the upcoming Presidential Election. I promise the talk is almost over. However, I do want to encourage everyone to learn about the candidates and vote. I am not here today to sway you in one direction or another. I would like you to make a decision independent of my opinions or other people's opinions.
I have compiled some resources for you to get the most accurate information. Remember, the media is not always the best source as they do force their opinions on you unwittingly. There is no such thing as an unbiased media.
-Barack Obama www.barackobama.com is his official website. Click on the SKIP SIGN UP button, then click on the ISSUES button to learn Obama's stance on the issues that matter to you.
-John McCain www.johnmccain.com is his official website. Click on the LEARN MORE button, then click on the ISSUES button to learn McCain's stance on the issues that matter to you.
Among other questions you should ask yourself as you learn about the candidates, ask yourself this:
Which candidate agrees with all or most of my feelings on the issues?
I have voted in a lot of elections, do yourself a favor, VOTE EARLY. This year's election is undoubtedly going to be the largest turnout. Remember, if you wait until Election Day, you have no choice where you vote, but in Early Voting you can vote anywhere in your county and the lines are ALWAYS shorter.
Early Voting is 10/20/08 - 10/31/08, including Saturday and Sunday.
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (10/20-10/24)
Sat 7am-7pm (10/25)
Sun 1pm-6pm (10/26)
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm (10/27-10/31)
To find out Early Voting locations and Election Day Voting locations, go to your county's website. For Collin County www.co.collin.tx.us
Spread the word and practice your right to vote. Your Vote Does Count!
~Dawn
10.06.2008
9.29.2008
Are You A Creature of Habit?
While I am not a creature of habit as I thrive on change and seek it out whenever I can, I do realize that there are those who are creatures of habit and some even fear change. Do you know where you fall in the mix?
Answer these questions to find out:
1) Do you eat the same meal at least 3 times a week? (same food for breakfast, lunch or dinner)
2) When you want to eat out, do you go to the same restaurants?
3) Have you had essentially the same haircut for 2 years or more?
4) Have you purchased at least one article of clothing in the last 8 months that is unlike anything else in your closet?
5) Have you done anything new in the last 6 months that you have never done before?
If you answered Yes to at least 2 out of the first 3 questions and No to at least 1 out of the last 2 questions, then you are a creature of habit. If you are a creature of habit, you are entitled, however, think about something. We all can agree that life if short, the reality is that anything can happen to us when doing the same things we do everyday. Whether it is driving to work, eating at the same restaurant, walking the dog or going grocery shopping.
This may sound morbid, but what if something should happen to you and you are incapacitated but still alive. Would you live out the rest of your life knowing you lived every day to the fullest? Would you be able to be content knowing you are not missing out on anything, because you tried new things and allowed yourself new experiences? If you are a creature of habit, you will have regrets should this happen to you.
Don't live your life with regrets, experience life! I am not saying be reckless or do anything illegal. I challenge everyone, even if you are not a creature of habit, to try at least 5 new things in 6 months. Instead of the same restaurant, try a place you have never been. Instead of the same white shirt, buy it in a color you don't currently own. Gradually work your way up to more than 5 things in 6 months. When planning a vacation, go somewhere you have never been. Maybe get a hair cut or hair color that you have not had before.
I have made a vow to myself to be happy and do all I can to have no regrets at the end of my life. Will you make the same vow?
~Dawn
Answer these questions to find out:
1) Do you eat the same meal at least 3 times a week? (same food for breakfast, lunch or dinner)
2) When you want to eat out, do you go to the same restaurants?
3) Have you had essentially the same haircut for 2 years or more?
4) Have you purchased at least one article of clothing in the last 8 months that is unlike anything else in your closet?
5) Have you done anything new in the last 6 months that you have never done before?
If you answered Yes to at least 2 out of the first 3 questions and No to at least 1 out of the last 2 questions, then you are a creature of habit. If you are a creature of habit, you are entitled, however, think about something. We all can agree that life if short, the reality is that anything can happen to us when doing the same things we do everyday. Whether it is driving to work, eating at the same restaurant, walking the dog or going grocery shopping.
This may sound morbid, but what if something should happen to you and you are incapacitated but still alive. Would you live out the rest of your life knowing you lived every day to the fullest? Would you be able to be content knowing you are not missing out on anything, because you tried new things and allowed yourself new experiences? If you are a creature of habit, you will have regrets should this happen to you.
Don't live your life with regrets, experience life! I am not saying be reckless or do anything illegal. I challenge everyone, even if you are not a creature of habit, to try at least 5 new things in 6 months. Instead of the same restaurant, try a place you have never been. Instead of the same white shirt, buy it in a color you don't currently own. Gradually work your way up to more than 5 things in 6 months. When planning a vacation, go somewhere you have never been. Maybe get a hair cut or hair color that you have not had before.
I have made a vow to myself to be happy and do all I can to have no regrets at the end of my life. Will you make the same vow?
~Dawn
9.22.2008
For the love of a child
Last week I saw a made-for-TV movie on the Lifetime network. Now if you have ever watched Lifetime, then you will know that all of the movies they show are emotionally moving regardless of the subject matter.
This particular movie "For the Love of a Child" was no exception. However, this movie was 100% based on actual events and people. It tells the story of how a wonderful non-profit organization was created and quickly became so trustworthy that even the state and courts began looking to them to help make decisions as to whether or not to return a child to parents accused of abuse. This organization does more though, they also heal the children of abuse with a variety of methods.
The organization is called ChildHelp.
Eleven half-American, half-Japanese orphans wandering homeless in Tokyo following a typhoon sparked a mission that has spanned internationally for nearly 50 years and impacted the lives of millions of children. Hollywood actresses Sara Buckner (O’Meara) and Yvonne Lime (Fedderson) first met on the set of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, when they played the girlfriends of Ricky and David Nelson. Their mission for children began in 1959 when they were sent on a government-sponsored goodwill tour to visit troops in Japan. On the streets of Tokyo after a typhoon, the actresses came upon a group of cold and frightened children huddled together for warmth. Learning they had no parents and were born from American troops during the Korean War, the young women took the children to their hotel room for the night with the idea of placing them into an orphanage the next day. What they didn’t know then was that this was the beginning of a lifetime commitment to children. They learned the youngsters had been turned away from orphanages because of their mixed heritage. They were told of a woman, Kin Horuchi, living in a one-room hut that kept several Japanese-American children. Soon the actress would quit being actresses on TV and in movies and devote all their time to children.
Later in 1978, Childhelp developed a residential treatment facility exclusively for severely abused children: the Village of Childhelp West in Beaumont, California (near Palm Springs). Along with its excellent therapeutic programs, the village incorporated innovative programs such as art and animal therapy, which continue today. In 1982, Childhelp began operation of the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has received as many as 300,000 calls annually from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. On average, 90 cents of every dollar donated goes to programs helping children. In nearly 50 years of operation, Childhelp Programs have helped over 4 million children.
There is so much more to this story then I have told you. Please visit their website to learn more and to learn how you can help through monetary donations or more creative means.
Even if your help is simply reporting possible abuse (anonymous) or ensuring children and adults know how to get help for themselves and others. http://www.childhelp.org/get_help/hotline-overview or call 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Don't stand by and say "I don't want to get in the middle of family matters" or "It is not my business". Verbal, Emotional and Physical abuse is everyone's business because the children can't always help themselves. Can you live with yourself if you did not report abuse and a child died? I know I could not.
~Dawn
This particular movie "For the Love of a Child" was no exception. However, this movie was 100% based on actual events and people. It tells the story of how a wonderful non-profit organization was created and quickly became so trustworthy that even the state and courts began looking to them to help make decisions as to whether or not to return a child to parents accused of abuse. This organization does more though, they also heal the children of abuse with a variety of methods.
The organization is called ChildHelp.
Eleven half-American, half-Japanese orphans wandering homeless in Tokyo following a typhoon sparked a mission that has spanned internationally for nearly 50 years and impacted the lives of millions of children. Hollywood actresses Sara Buckner (O’Meara) and Yvonne Lime (Fedderson) first met on the set of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, when they played the girlfriends of Ricky and David Nelson. Their mission for children began in 1959 when they were sent on a government-sponsored goodwill tour to visit troops in Japan. On the streets of Tokyo after a typhoon, the actresses came upon a group of cold and frightened children huddled together for warmth. Learning they had no parents and were born from American troops during the Korean War, the young women took the children to their hotel room for the night with the idea of placing them into an orphanage the next day. What they didn’t know then was that this was the beginning of a lifetime commitment to children. They learned the youngsters had been turned away from orphanages because of their mixed heritage. They were told of a woman, Kin Horuchi, living in a one-room hut that kept several Japanese-American children. Soon the actress would quit being actresses on TV and in movies and devote all their time to children.
Later in 1978, Childhelp developed a residential treatment facility exclusively for severely abused children: the Village of Childhelp West in Beaumont, California (near Palm Springs). Along with its excellent therapeutic programs, the village incorporated innovative programs such as art and animal therapy, which continue today. In 1982, Childhelp began operation of the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has received as many as 300,000 calls annually from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. On average, 90 cents of every dollar donated goes to programs helping children. In nearly 50 years of operation, Childhelp Programs have helped over 4 million children.
There is so much more to this story then I have told you. Please visit their website to learn more and to learn how you can help through monetary donations or more creative means.
Even if your help is simply reporting possible abuse (anonymous) or ensuring children and adults know how to get help for themselves and others. http://www.childhelp.org/get_help/hotline-overview or call 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Don't stand by and say "I don't want to get in the middle of family matters" or "It is not my business". Verbal, Emotional and Physical abuse is everyone's business because the children can't always help themselves. Can you live with yourself if you did not report abuse and a child died? I know I could not.
~Dawn
8.26.2008
Go Green!
Have you Gone Green?
No, I am not referring to a football team.
Go Green are the latest buzz words used to describe being environmentally conscience. Corporations are going green as are individuals.
I decided about six months ago that I was going to what I could to help our environment. It has not been as difficult or time consuming as you may think. I simply started a routine that required me to remember in the beginning, but now it is second nature. I feel better knowing that I am doing what I can to help our planet and those who will come long after I m gone.
Here is what I do. First, I figured since I am already paying for a recycle bin (without a choice) with my trash service, I might as well use it! If you live in a house (lease, rent or own) and that house is in any major metropolitan city or suburb, then you too are paying for a recycle bin and for that bin to be emptied whether you put it at the curb on trash day or not. These bins do limit what you can recycle, so make it easy on yourself. Papers: copy/printer type paper, newspapers, paperback books and magazines. Cardboard: Cereal boxes (just remove the plastic bag inside), brownie & pasta type boxes (remove plastic bag inside), moving/ shipping boxes. Beer bottles, water bottles, soda cans (just rinse with water first). That is all I recycle. I don't put anything in the bin that has food residue as it can attract ants and wasps. It really is that easy. You can then have the bin emptied every week or wait until it is about half full - Your choice at no extra cost!
Every time I put something in the bin, I feel great about doing my part.
Go Green extends to other areas as well, to include but not limited to conserving electricity, reducing pollution and planting more trees and bushes.
You too could easily do your part without inconveniencing yourself at all. Simply think of one thing you could do to help then do it. The key is to not make it a one time event, rather do it on a regular basis for years. You can later add a second and a third thing if you want.
To Quote John Mellencamp, "It's what you DO and not what you say. If you're not part of the future then get out of the way."
I believe you too will have a great feeling when you help our planet and the future people who will inhabit it.
No, I am not referring to a football team.
Go Green are the latest buzz words used to describe being environmentally conscience. Corporations are going green as are individuals.
I decided about six months ago that I was going to what I could to help our environment. It has not been as difficult or time consuming as you may think. I simply started a routine that required me to remember in the beginning, but now it is second nature. I feel better knowing that I am doing what I can to help our planet and those who will come long after I m gone.
Here is what I do. First, I figured since I am already paying for a recycle bin (without a choice) with my trash service, I might as well use it! If you live in a house (lease, rent or own) and that house is in any major metropolitan city or suburb, then you too are paying for a recycle bin and for that bin to be emptied whether you put it at the curb on trash day or not. These bins do limit what you can recycle, so make it easy on yourself. Papers: copy/printer type paper, newspapers, paperback books and magazines. Cardboard: Cereal boxes (just remove the plastic bag inside), brownie & pasta type boxes (remove plastic bag inside), moving/ shipping boxes. Beer bottles, water bottles, soda cans (just rinse with water first). That is all I recycle. I don't put anything in the bin that has food residue as it can attract ants and wasps. It really is that easy. You can then have the bin emptied every week or wait until it is about half full - Your choice at no extra cost!
Every time I put something in the bin, I feel great about doing my part.
Go Green extends to other areas as well, to include but not limited to conserving electricity, reducing pollution and planting more trees and bushes.
You too could easily do your part without inconveniencing yourself at all. Simply think of one thing you could do to help then do it. The key is to not make it a one time event, rather do it on a regular basis for years. You can later add a second and a third thing if you want.
To Quote John Mellencamp, "It's what you DO and not what you say. If you're not part of the future then get out of the way."
I believe you too will have a great feeling when you help our planet and the future people who will inhabit it.
So, are you going to GO GREEN?
~Dawn
7.28.2008
Best Week...
I have been at my new job for a week now...and I LOVE IT!
We spend more time at work than doing anything else, so why not have something to look forward to? It goes beyond enjoying the people you work with and the actual job you are doing. It is just as important that we have a reason to get up in the morning, such as the completion of a project or a promotion.
I have all of these things, which gives me something to work towards. I miss the people at my last job, but you have to weigh the pros and cons of both positions and determine which has the most pros. The new position out weighed the old so I had to make the change...and I am glad I did.
When you are unfulfilled in any way, make a list of pros and cons and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith....after extensive research and analyzing of course. You didn't expect me to abandon my nature did you?
~Dawn
We spend more time at work than doing anything else, so why not have something to look forward to? It goes beyond enjoying the people you work with and the actual job you are doing. It is just as important that we have a reason to get up in the morning, such as the completion of a project or a promotion.
I have all of these things, which gives me something to work towards. I miss the people at my last job, but you have to weigh the pros and cons of both positions and determine which has the most pros. The new position out weighed the old so I had to make the change...and I am glad I did.
When you are unfulfilled in any way, make a list of pros and cons and don't be afraid to take a leap of faith....after extensive research and analyzing of course. You didn't expect me to abandon my nature did you?
~Dawn
7.18.2008
Looking Ahead...
We don't always know the WHY behind the good and bad things that happen in our lives, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, even if we don't know the reason right away or even for years.
The time has come for me to look to the future. Today is officially a new chapter in my professional career. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I don't know why this opportunity presented itself at this time rather than 6 months ago or even a year from now? I have to believe that there is a good reason for it. So I am just grateful for my blessings and make the most of them as they come.
Do you agree? Do you find yourself always questioning the events in your life?
Do yourself a favor, don't do what I am notorious for...over analyzing every event. All it will lead to is excessive stress and pressure. Be thankful for the good things and learn from the bad...then move forward. Believe me when I say it is easier said then done...but I have learned the hard way. You have to force yourself to focus on the future and not dwell on the things you can't change.
I will miss my former co-workers. I will miss the feeling of having all the answers. I will miss the comfort zone I created. However, despite all that I will miss, I am eager to move forward and be challenged and learn something new.
Look ahead and not back.
~Dawn
The time has come for me to look to the future. Today is officially a new chapter in my professional career. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I don't know why this opportunity presented itself at this time rather than 6 months ago or even a year from now? I have to believe that there is a good reason for it. So I am just grateful for my blessings and make the most of them as they come.
Do you agree? Do you find yourself always questioning the events in your life?
Do yourself a favor, don't do what I am notorious for...over analyzing every event. All it will lead to is excessive stress and pressure. Be thankful for the good things and learn from the bad...then move forward. Believe me when I say it is easier said then done...but I have learned the hard way. You have to force yourself to focus on the future and not dwell on the things you can't change.
I will miss my former co-workers. I will miss the feeling of having all the answers. I will miss the comfort zone I created. However, despite all that I will miss, I am eager to move forward and be challenged and learn something new.
Look ahead and not back.
~Dawn
7.05.2008
To Text or Not to Text...
...That is the question and topic for today's blog.
So I realize I often act older then my actual age indicates and I know my generation is of the blackberry and texting persuasion, but is texting really the future or just a passing fad that stayed at the party too long?
Doctors are actually diagnosing thumb illnesses as a result of repetitive and excessive use of ones thumbs for texting!! Tell me 10 years or even 5 years ago you would have believed such a thing could have been possible?
Employees now text their managers to say they will be out ill or late to work. Is this appropriate and professional? I suppose it depends on the manager and company at which one works.
You may have guessed, I don't text. Okay, I confess to actually texting a few times a year in special circumstances. For instance my brother says he can't talk on the phone, but he can respond to text messages as where he is at that time, phones in general are contraband so he does not want to bring attention to himself. For exception to this situation, I don't text.
You are probably thinking, Why Not? Basically it is an efficiency thing. In every aspect of my life, every moment of the day, my brain automatically scans for the most efficient way from point A to point B. You think I am kidding? Example, I was ironing in my living room and when finished I quickly evaluated the most efficient way to put away the iron, ironing board, starch and the clothes I just ironed. That includes how to carry the items going to the same location in ONE trip so to minimize time, steps and effort. Crazy sounding I know. How I got this way, I am not sure really. I suppose I inadvertently trained my brain over the past 32 years to do just that, so now I don't try to think this way, I just do.
Back to texting....because my brain works this way, I have determined it is just as fast if not faster to speak to someone on the phone or leave them a voice mail message then to text them.
As a result, I don't text and so far I have gotten along just fine without it.
If this is the future and not just a passing fad, I will adapt and begin texting more as I do to all things that must change. I don't mind, but for now....If you want to reach me, dial my number and speak to me!
-Dawn
So I realize I often act older then my actual age indicates and I know my generation is of the blackberry and texting persuasion, but is texting really the future or just a passing fad that stayed at the party too long?
Doctors are actually diagnosing thumb illnesses as a result of repetitive and excessive use of ones thumbs for texting!! Tell me 10 years or even 5 years ago you would have believed such a thing could have been possible?
Employees now text their managers to say they will be out ill or late to work. Is this appropriate and professional? I suppose it depends on the manager and company at which one works.
You may have guessed, I don't text. Okay, I confess to actually texting a few times a year in special circumstances. For instance my brother says he can't talk on the phone, but he can respond to text messages as where he is at that time, phones in general are contraband so he does not want to bring attention to himself. For exception to this situation, I don't text.
You are probably thinking, Why Not? Basically it is an efficiency thing. In every aspect of my life, every moment of the day, my brain automatically scans for the most efficient way from point A to point B. You think I am kidding? Example, I was ironing in my living room and when finished I quickly evaluated the most efficient way to put away the iron, ironing board, starch and the clothes I just ironed. That includes how to carry the items going to the same location in ONE trip so to minimize time, steps and effort. Crazy sounding I know. How I got this way, I am not sure really. I suppose I inadvertently trained my brain over the past 32 years to do just that, so now I don't try to think this way, I just do.
Back to texting....because my brain works this way, I have determined it is just as fast if not faster to speak to someone on the phone or leave them a voice mail message then to text them.
As a result, I don't text and so far I have gotten along just fine without it.
If this is the future and not just a passing fad, I will adapt and begin texting more as I do to all things that must change. I don't mind, but for now....If you want to reach me, dial my number and speak to me!
-Dawn
7.03.2008
Poor Attitudes...
As a recruiter I hear every story, happy and sad, a candidate looking for a job can imagine.
It is the ones who think that giving me an attitude will encourage or entice me to get them job that amaze me.
Do they really think telling me in a voice mail...
"I am pissed off that you have not called me about a job. You need to call me today."
Then the candidate hangs up the phone without leaving his name or phone number!!
Besides the fact that the candidate expected me to read his mind and know who he is and his phone number just based on his voice...If he uses this language and attitude with me, what will he do with my clients?
Another person called and when I asked her what type of work she was looking for she replied by saying, "Same thing I am always looking for!"
I had to tell her I have never spoken to her before and therefore did not know what she has always been looking for.
Why do people think that these poor attitudes are acceptable in a business environment, much less helpful?
Being rude or having a smart mouth will in no way encourage a recruiter to help you. More likely what will happen is that the recruiter will write you off and never find you a job.
So bite your tongue and choose your words wisely when requesting assistance from anyone in business.
-Dawn
It is the ones who think that giving me an attitude will encourage or entice me to get them job that amaze me.
Do they really think telling me in a voice mail...
"I am pissed off that you have not called me about a job. You need to call me today."
Then the candidate hangs up the phone without leaving his name or phone number!!
Besides the fact that the candidate expected me to read his mind and know who he is and his phone number just based on his voice...If he uses this language and attitude with me, what will he do with my clients?
Another person called and when I asked her what type of work she was looking for she replied by saying, "Same thing I am always looking for!"
I had to tell her I have never spoken to her before and therefore did not know what she has always been looking for.
Why do people think that these poor attitudes are acceptable in a business environment, much less helpful?
Being rude or having a smart mouth will in no way encourage a recruiter to help you. More likely what will happen is that the recruiter will write you off and never find you a job.
So bite your tongue and choose your words wisely when requesting assistance from anyone in business.
-Dawn
5.07.2008
The First---No Day But Today
THIS IS MY FIRST BLOG....
I welcome everyone to my blog. Please share with your friends and family if you feel they would enjoy or benefit from it in any way. Feel free to post comments for everyone to see (I just ask you to be "clean" with what you write).
So I begin...May 7, 2008; 8:30 pm cst.
Many movies and plays have a profound affect on our lives, but one musical I first saw on Broadway in New York City (NYC) impacted how I felt about friendship and community above all others. I saw it when I was in NYC for the millennium celebration in December 1999... the musical was RENT. Truth be told I tend to think deep and pull out every emotion that resides in the darkest corners of my soul when I watch or read anything "real". Then I do what I do best, analyze every one of them ten times. The same is true when I saw this musical. Some shy away from the controversial subjects and shelter themselves from the big, bad world outside. I am the exact opposite. I face these topics head on and immerse myself in other worlds, and I don't mean the "alien" kind. I seek to understand other people's views, experiences and lifestyles. So I analyze. Not in a demeaning or judging manner, rather with questions so I may learn to love better, live better, and impact other people's lives better.
I decided that night that I have lived a life full of good, bad and really scary experiences. However, there are many more people in the same country, state, city and neighborhood that have endured much worse. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I am still blessed with a good mind and eyes wide open.
I have concluded we can not control our destiny, but we can realize life is short (despite being a cliche, it is true). We must live it to the fullest. We should LOVE to wake up in the morning and go to a job that challenges us, is gratifying. You may think..."Dawn, that is easier said then done. I have bills to pay". There is no denying that money makes the world go round, which is the one thing I hate the most about our world! Money never motivated me, if I could live an honest and long life without it...as God is my witness, I would in a New York Second. Since I can't change it, I have to adapt. You can have a job you love and still pay the bills....admittedly you may need to make some undesirable sacrifices, but it can be done.
We should also be better people and neighbors. Open your eyes to the world around you. Do you notice the screaming child in the grocery store? Every wonder why he/she is screaming? Why is a child unhappy? Ever get annoyed by the chatty older woman in line? Every stop yourself from feeling annoyed and wonder why she is so chatty to a complete stranger?
We should be better to our community and environment. Reality is we all make mistakes, but if we stop for a moment and think before we react or speak, we would be happier and as will those around us. Don't let the anger boil up inside and burst out in hurtful words or acts of violence. It accomplishes nothing. I don't want you to become a pessimist or allow others to take advantage of you, but you don't have to always think about how someone or something impacts just you and you can be more thoughtful.
Someone once told me "What do I care about the environment, I will be dead by the time anything really bad happens". While this is likely true, I say....Then reduce, reuse and recycle if not for yourself, but for me or your grandchildren or your great grandchildren or just because you care about your community and others.
I leave you today with these thoughts. You may think I am being unrealistic or the words "yeah, in a perfect world" may have come to mind. But think about this....If you could positively impact one person's life by a small act of kindness....whether it be in the form of recycling just a little bit of your own household trash OR maybe by taking 5 minutes out of your busy day to chat with the older woman in line OR by looking out for your neighbor who you know lives alone....Would You? I guarantee you, we will impact the way the world works one person at a time....even if you don't know it.
Live for Today...Hope for the Best....Accept others.....Strive to be a better Person.
~Dawn
I welcome everyone to my blog. Please share with your friends and family if you feel they would enjoy or benefit from it in any way. Feel free to post comments for everyone to see (I just ask you to be "clean" with what you write).
So I begin...May 7, 2008; 8:30 pm cst.
Many movies and plays have a profound affect on our lives, but one musical I first saw on Broadway in New York City (NYC) impacted how I felt about friendship and community above all others. I saw it when I was in NYC for the millennium celebration in December 1999... the musical was RENT. Truth be told I tend to think deep and pull out every emotion that resides in the darkest corners of my soul when I watch or read anything "real". Then I do what I do best, analyze every one of them ten times. The same is true when I saw this musical. Some shy away from the controversial subjects and shelter themselves from the big, bad world outside. I am the exact opposite. I face these topics head on and immerse myself in other worlds, and I don't mean the "alien" kind. I seek to understand other people's views, experiences and lifestyles. So I analyze. Not in a demeaning or judging manner, rather with questions so I may learn to love better, live better, and impact other people's lives better.
I decided that night that I have lived a life full of good, bad and really scary experiences. However, there are many more people in the same country, state, city and neighborhood that have endured much worse. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I am still blessed with a good mind and eyes wide open.
I have concluded we can not control our destiny, but we can realize life is short (despite being a cliche, it is true). We must live it to the fullest. We should LOVE to wake up in the morning and go to a job that challenges us, is gratifying. You may think..."Dawn, that is easier said then done. I have bills to pay". There is no denying that money makes the world go round, which is the one thing I hate the most about our world! Money never motivated me, if I could live an honest and long life without it...as God is my witness, I would in a New York Second. Since I can't change it, I have to adapt. You can have a job you love and still pay the bills....admittedly you may need to make some undesirable sacrifices, but it can be done.
We should also be better people and neighbors. Open your eyes to the world around you. Do you notice the screaming child in the grocery store? Every wonder why he/she is screaming? Why is a child unhappy? Ever get annoyed by the chatty older woman in line? Every stop yourself from feeling annoyed and wonder why she is so chatty to a complete stranger?
We should be better to our community and environment. Reality is we all make mistakes, but if we stop for a moment and think before we react or speak, we would be happier and as will those around us. Don't let the anger boil up inside and burst out in hurtful words or acts of violence. It accomplishes nothing. I don't want you to become a pessimist or allow others to take advantage of you, but you don't have to always think about how someone or something impacts just you and you can be more thoughtful.
Someone once told me "What do I care about the environment, I will be dead by the time anything really bad happens". While this is likely true, I say....Then reduce, reuse and recycle if not for yourself, but for me or your grandchildren or your great grandchildren or just because you care about your community and others.
I leave you today with these thoughts. You may think I am being unrealistic or the words "yeah, in a perfect world" may have come to mind. But think about this....If you could positively impact one person's life by a small act of kindness....whether it be in the form of recycling just a little bit of your own household trash OR maybe by taking 5 minutes out of your busy day to chat with the older woman in line OR by looking out for your neighbor who you know lives alone....Would You? I guarantee you, we will impact the way the world works one person at a time....even if you don't know it.
Live for Today...Hope for the Best....Accept others.....Strive to be a better Person.
~Dawn
4.27.2008
Another Day...
July 2, 2008
I know this has been a long hiatus, but I am back and will be writing more frequently.
Have you ever sat in a drive-thru line that wraps around the building and wonder what other drivers are thinking when they block you in?
Picture this....
The line is designed to start (take your order) at the back end of the building, then you pull forward around the corner to pay for and pick up your order. As you then move forward you can't go any further because there are so many people in line that they are blocking your exit.
Now here in lies the problem. If I can't exit, then the line will never move...so when you are in a long drive-thru line that wraps around the building, stop-look where the exit is-and make sure you are not blocking the exit. This may mean you have a large gap between you and the car in front of you, but rest assured that gap will close once a couple cars get their orders and exit the drive-thru.
Enjoy your July 4th Holiday...Check back soon!
-Dawn
I know this has been a long hiatus, but I am back and will be writing more frequently.
Have you ever sat in a drive-thru line that wraps around the building and wonder what other drivers are thinking when they block you in?
Picture this....
The line is designed to start (take your order) at the back end of the building, then you pull forward around the corner to pay for and pick up your order. As you then move forward you can't go any further because there are so many people in line that they are blocking your exit.
Now here in lies the problem. If I can't exit, then the line will never move...so when you are in a long drive-thru line that wraps around the building, stop-look where the exit is-and make sure you are not blocking the exit. This may mean you have a large gap between you and the car in front of you, but rest assured that gap will close once a couple cars get their orders and exit the drive-thru.
Enjoy your July 4th Holiday...Check back soon!
-Dawn
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