Disclaimer

Just a quick disclaimer.  It is not my intention to offend anyone with the following comments.  They are simply my perspective on various things.  Just consider this me sharing my thoughts with you as if we were sitting and chatting over dinner.  Remember, I am not the most politically correct person.  Besides, look what being "PC" is doing to not only our nation, but our world!

One of the many deer I encountered in Colorado

* You’ve heard of the “deer in a headlight” look? It does exist.  More than once on my 2008 summer vacation I came close to hitting one.

* How does a spider get into a bathtub? They can’t get out, so why do they get in there in the first place?

* One man’s weed is another man’s rose. 

It's pronounced "My-am-uh"

* Every time I go through Miami, TX I can’t help but think of my friends back in Florida.

* Since when did being logical or using common sense become synonymous with being negative?

* Isn’t it ironic how zombies in the movies always move at a snail’s pace, yet always get their hands on their victims? (Believe it or not, I wrote this before the latest movie came out.  A movie which I haven't seen yet and don't know if I will.)  This comment is in reference to one of the old zombie movies I recently watched.

* The Apple Store, either online or brick and mortar, offers the best service around.  Every business should take note of the quality and work to beat it.

* I love the word mosey.  You can’t help but relax when you think of your next opportunity to mosey around.

* If ever in Oklahoma City, you must visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.  It is a moving experience that also reminds us that domestic terrorism does exist in America.

* Recently, the book “Don’t Go There” has slammed my home town of Hereford, Texas.  The author has ensured that his dislike of Hereford has been recorded online and on TV (EXTRA and THE VIEW.) The author states that there are 3.5 million head of cattle around the city and that you can’t get out of your car without “stepping in it.” This is not true by any means.  Yes, there are a lot of cows around Hereford, TX but I dispute the 3.5 million that he quotes.  AND, we don’t allow cows to roam the streets freely so there truly is no worry of stepping in it.  The scary part about all of this is that this author touts himself as an expert.

*  I love dog sitting!

Hutch, Van and I taking a nap.

* Sometime take a moment and listen to the words of “Blue Christmas”.  It is quite a moving song.

* Is the glass half empty or half full? Who cares? We should all be thankful that there is water in the glass in the first place.  Remember, save water – shower with a friend.  If you think your friend is ugly, turn off the lights and save electricity too.  (Come on, give me a break.  I'm attempting humor hear!)

* Amarillo is home to many restaurants.  You really have your choice of places to dine, breakfast – lunch – dinner.  The worst all around restaurant is Cattle Call.  They serve sub-par food, provide surly and apathetic service, and have a management team that is defensive, condescending, insulting, arrogant, and rude.  My advice is to avoid it all cost.  Their barbeque is nowhere near West Texas quality and you can get better tasting barbeque at any other barbeque restaurant in town (although Fat Boys in Canyon is the best).  Amarillo’s best all around restaurant is Napoli’s.  It is Italian food at its best with friendly, effective, and efficient service.  The garlic rolls are to die for, especially when a side of Alfredo sauce is ordered to go with them.

* Quick question: Do you think I dislike Cattle Call? With a passion.  However, I must thank them as they have provided me with endless training material on poor customer service.  Thank you Cattle Call.

* On January 2, 1971 the US Government banned television advertising of cigarettes.  When will they ban the advertisements for prescription drugs? Talk about the power of suggestion.

* Never question faith.

Chubby Tele Tubby

* Can you say “Chubby the Tele Tubby”? That would be me in Cozumel with a diving helmet on.  What was I thinking???

* I love this bumper sticker: “Debt is normal.  Be weird.”

* “Shallow loyalty is a dangerous illusion.” I am not sure where I read this, but I agree with it 100%.  I recently learned what shallow loyalty does to a person.  It was an eye opener to say the least, but it was a good lesson to learn, even this late in life.

* How difficult is it for people to respond to a simple greeting? Look…we are all here together.  Isn't it better that everyone at least attempts to get along?

Ordinary or Unique? You decide.

* Did you know the White House is painted “Whisper White” from Sherwin Williams? This fact is only cool to me because my brother Kevin works for Sherwin Williams.

* Look for the unique in the ordinary.  I thought this would make a great photo tip to pass along to you all.  Then I got to thinking, this is actually a good LIFE tip for everyone.  If you look close enough, you will find something unique in everything and everyone.

* If you want to see a beautiful picture every time you go online, set Bing as you default search engine.  As a search engine, it is not so desirable.  However, every day they have a unique photo posted.  If you want to know where the photo was taken, roll you mouse over the copyright symbol and a full description appears. 

* It seems like most of the airlines here in the US have embraced mediocrity.  Thank goodness for airlines such as Alaska Airlines and jetBlue.  From start to finish, these two airlines are head and shoulders above the rest.  jetBlue is very appealing due to it's leather seats, extra leg room, and individual entertainment screens for each passenger.  (Even Jason would like jetBlue.  Insisting on flying first class as "there is no fabric in first class", he wouldn't mind coach on JetBlue.  Besides, there is no first class on a jetBlue plane.)

At least they can't ruin the view!

* Let's talk about how some of our major airlines in the US have been appropriately named considering their lack luster performance:
Continental Airlines:  Spanning the continent of North America "spamming" it with surly service.
American Airlines:  The worst America has to offer.
US Airways:  It's US against them (them actually being us, the passengers.)
United Airlines:  United in providing inadequate service to all who fly them.
Delta Airlines:  Delta Force employees trained in making you feel uncomfortable, no matter how innocent the request.
Northwest Airlines:  Gloomy flights much like the weather in the pacific Northwest.
Aloha Airlines:  Say hello/goodbye (aloha) to passenger service...you will never see it here.
And on the other side of the coin:
Southwest Airlines:  Providing hospitality in the spirit of Southerners with the ambition of those who settled the wild West.
Alaska Airlines:  Drive and initiative like the settlers of Alaska when the rush was on.
jetBlue:  Okay, I couldn't think of one for jetBlue except for the fact I LOVE THEM!

* My "to do" list is more of a suggestion list.  This takes much of the pressure off an average day.  Do what is important first, then what is urgent.  Often times "urgent" is defined by a false sense of urgency.  If it is truly urgent, it is on your important list in the first place.  One recommendation: Don't let others define what is important to you.

* I have conquered my NEED TO KNOW obsession.  I am no longer in charge, so is it important I know everything? Again, it is vital one determines what is important to know and go from there.  I am not implying that I become clueless, but in today's information age, one has to be selective in what we choose to read, review, learn.

Top down and cruisin' Miami

* A smile can open many more doors than a smirk or a frown.

* If that smile opens a door for you, say thank you.  Sincere appreciation is much respected and welcome.

* I LOVE GRITS!

* If ever in Miami, take a trip down Old Cutler Road.

* Complete information when asking a question gets an educated response.  Anything else is not fair to the person you are posing the question too.

* I have a secret I must share: I am a Miley Cyrus fan.

* Treat your camera with care.  Even a drop of a very short distance can have devastating results.  (I am currently looking for a replacement lens for one of my cameras.)

* As a traveler I am often asked what I always travel with.  Along with all the basics required of a traveler, I never leave home without two items: #1-my camera; #2-a back scratcher.  Yes, I said back scratcher.  Hey, I am single and a wooden back scratcher is much more dignified than rubbing up against the wall or a corner like some animal in a zoo.

* Bay of Fundy has the greatest tidal change in the world.  Pay a visit to the reversing falls.

* I really enjoy the television program "Dexter".  However, I have to question the opening sequence.  They make a big deal out him cutting himself by shaving, yet when they move on to the sequence of him eating breakfast, he has a three day beard growth.

Vancouver Tulips

* "We don't run in Boston."  -Janice Weaver (as we jaywalked and I run to beat the traffic while others casually crossed the street.)

* Homesickness is a heart disease that is sometimes difficult to treat.

* Is it mean to feed the ducks in a park and avoid the pigeons?

* Does anyone know why PEPSI products go flat so quickly?

Stockholm, Sweden

* Do we always have to point out the obvious?  Yes, I'm BALD!

* Nothing announces the arrival of fall like the sound of fallen and dried leaves as they stroll down the sidewalk aided by a gentle breeze.

* Dunkin' Donuts.  Krispy Kreme.  Tim Horton's.  Donut Stop.  None of these compare to Uncle Troy's delicious donuts.

* Change is good when change is needed.  One should never fear change, but often times it is the fear of change that prevents us from making a positive move towards a new goal or a better life.

* Arturo Guerrero.  A humble, enthusiastic, professional gentleman.  Thank you Arturo for all you have done for me for so many years.  Words cannot express how much I appreciate you.

* Jealousy and rage should only be character traits in the movies.  There is no place for them in real life.

* Overheard and find it important for anyone with children: "When on vacation with your kids, use your digital camera or camera on your phone to snap a photo of your kids so that you have an up to date photo of them in case anything should happen."  We all hope nothing happens, but wouldn't it be nice to be prepared just in case an unlikely event does occur?

* I ran over a spare tire that fell out of a truck.  I needed help and was driving a convertible mustang.  Another mustang immediately pulled over and offered assistance.  When I said thank you, he simply said, "Mustangs help Mustangs" and he hopped in his car and drove off.  (By the way, I was in Miami, Florida, not back home in the friendly state of Texas, when this occurred.)

* There is no such thing as bad weather in Alaska, only bad clothing. (Be prepared for anything: rain; sunshine; cold; warm. Alaska has it all.)

* Cell phones are no longer just phones. We use them for many things in our daily life.  For that reason, keep your hands off my cell phone like you would keep you hands off my wallet.  It's mine and it is not yours to play with unless I offer it to you.  (Something you need to teach your children as well, although adults seem to be the worst at this.)

* If you sneeze, be courteous to others and cover your mouth.  Although this is a common courtesy, sneezing and coughing when you are ill can now be deadly if you "spray" on someone who's body can't handle the illness you spread.

Relay for Life Team - Bea Keepers (Mom's Grandkids called her Bea)

* Thank you to Susan, Mike, Jared, Josh, Kevin, Stacy, Jeremy, Hunter, Kelsey, and Jason for making our team one of the best at the Relay for Life this year.  I also want to thank Betty Drake for all she does in organizing this event annually in Hereford, Texas.  Every donation counts in the fight to find a cure for cancer.  In looking at the pictures from this year's event (I wasn't able to attend) I have to agree with Kevin who said Mom would have enjoyed every minute of it.  Before Mom passed away, she did help with this event, but I think this year she looked down upon everyone and smiled.

* I also want to take this time to say thank you to Linda Vazquez.  When Mom was ill and things seemed to be unraveling around me, Linda was of great support and I can't thank her enough.  She spoke to me from her heart, encouraged me, comforted me, and just listened when I needed someone to talk to.  Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

*  I want to congratulate Maria DiRocco and Vicki Nusser who both successfully battled cancer and won this past year.  I cannot imagine what the journey was like for either of them, but I am proud of them for their attitude and courage in fighting cancer and overcoming it.  There are many others in our lives right now who are fighting the same battle.  Reach out to them and offer any support which you can.  They need you in their lives and we all need them to be with us for many years to come.  Lend a helping hand when you can.

*  I finally discovered the fear of retribution.

*  Why is it that I seem to fall asleep during the first five minutes of flight only to awaken and remain awake the remainder of the flight, no matter how long it is?

*  If ever in Oklahoma City, check out Full Circle Bookstore at 1900 NW Expressway (across from Penn Station Mall).  It's a unique bookstore with more character than any of the big name bookstores.

*  At the end of an extremely difficult and arduous composition at the local symphony, I asked my friend, "What did you think?"  "I enjoyed the ending" she said.   I thought to myself "me too!".  I was happy for it to be over. On the ride home, I was laughing and asked her about it, telling her I was going to quote her.  She asked me why and I told her that I too was happy it was over. She then said, "Oh no dear, I really enjoyed the ending.  It was very dramatic!"  Oops - my bad!

* One Sunday morning, I went for breakfast and while waiting for my food, I decided I wanted to go somewhere - I just didn't know where.  I took my atlas and opened it up to the Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas page, closed my eyes, and plunked my finger down onto the page.  Later that day I was enjoying Dodge City, Kansas.  Bored and want to get away?  Try my blind road trip experiment and let me know where you end up.

Dodge City, KS

*  By the way, Dodge City Kansas is a great place to visit.  It is steeped in Wild West history that is great to explore.

*  During a management meeting that I was conducting, I questioned the performance of a particular department which was struggling with meeting the budgeted revenue expectations.  The response totally took me by surprise.  "We may suck, but we suck least."  Talk about trying to put a positive spin on a negative situation!

* While picking up my 12 year old nephew from school recently, I was amazed at the driving habits of parents who were arriving to pick up their kids.  One word comes to mind: Dangerous!  Everyone should have a contingency plan in place that both you and your child are aware of in case you are not in your appointed parking place when school lets out.  Next time I will be noting license plate numbers and reporting these criminals to the police department. 

* Personal opinions are for social clubs, not news broadcasts. Give it to me plain and simple. I can develop my own opinions.

* Love my Kindle.  The weight of my luggage has plummeted.

* I believe honesty is the best policy.  Imagine my surprise when my boss said, "I can hear you.  I'm just purposely ignoring you."

* Check out my friend Marisa's website: www.iwantcookiemonkey.com

* He who toots his own horn usually hits a sour note or two.

* Ahhhh, the Amarillo Globe News.  It's not just the reporters you can be disappointed in, it's their business model in general.  They continue to cut content and raise the prices.

* I like children.  I have nothing against them whatsoever.  Parents, on the other hand, sometimes need to be dealt with.  Taking children to public places when their children are not well behaved and laughing off their behavior is a travesty and says much about which direction our country is going.  How would they like it if I went to the movies on the same night they did and leaned over and talked, shouted, pushed on their chairs, and spilled food on them?  Aha!  It really isn't much different.

*  It is cool to fly at night over the state of Texas, especially a Friday night, as you can see all the football fields lit up bright bringing new meaning to "Friday Night Lights".

*  When it comes to the holiday season, I can't help but get nostalgic when I see storefront windows painted the old fashioned way.

*  Need to motivate someone?  Go online and Google "A Message to Garcia".  There are even whole websites dedicated to this document that allow you to save it, print it, or share it digitally.  There is even a children's version. 

At the tracks - Self Portrait

*  It's tough enough entertaining people when you try to take portraits.  Think how hard it is when you are taking a self portrait!  Thanks goodness the voices in my head keep me entertained.

*  August Rush is an inspirational movie.  The last two lines of the movie are my favorite: "The music is all around us.  All you have to do is listen."  If you haven't seen the movie yet, I recommend you rent it and enjoy it.

*  Another favorite movie line comes from the movie Meet Joe Black:  "In every face is a memory."

*  Something cool about Miami - they have "Road Rangers".  These are the people who come to your rescue when you are stranded alongside the road or are in an accident.  I am not sure if any other cities have such a program, but if they don't, they should consider it.

*  Something strange about Miami - reduced price cosmetic surgery.  During my time in Miami this past year, the radio was littered with advertisements for half price cosmetic procedures that ranged from what is now considered the norm to some that I could not believe were even on the radio.  Would you go for a half price procedure?

*  Palms and pines make a great combination.

*  There really is a town named Hooker.  Comedians love it!  You can't help but laugh when you drive through town and see signs like this!

You can't help but smile when you drive through Hooker.
No, didn't say "drive thru hooker!"

*  We have all had bad pictures taken of us.  You know the ones I am talking about - the ones where your eyes are closed, your smile is a sneer, your hair is out of place, or any number of other challenges that face us when we have our pic taken.  Snapshot management (also known as snapshot judgments) do the same for us.  You're having a bad day and you see someone you don't see on a regular basis.  They witness your bad day and take away that snapshot as a sneer in your personality or management style, when in reality it is merely a snapshot.  Don't get caught up in the snapshot phenomenon that is quickly spreading across the country.  Take the time to view the video to get a real picture of the person and realize that even you have a bad day and I am sure, a bad snapshot or two in your photo album.  (On the flip side, work to ensure no one takes away a bad snapshot the next time they see you, whether family, friends, or even your boss.)  If you want to check out a fun example of bad snapshots, check out the Friends episode where Monica and Chandler try to get a decent engagement photo for the newspaper.

*  When something goes wrong, autopsy the situation without blame and with the intent of identifying the problem and finding a solution.

*  Being a victim is not a career choice.  Get out there, find your passion, and while at work, give 100% all the time.

*  I still get goose bumps when I hear our national anthem.

*  I showed up to a restaurant in a city that I was not familiar with, hungry for dinner.  It was 9:45 pm and I had been on the road all day and just wanted to sit down and eat a good meal.  Imagine my surprise when I walked up to the door to see they were closed.  What were their hours of operation posted?  10:00 am - 9:35 pm!  I kid you not.

*  I am an express tourist.  I get in and get out, visiting as much of the city that interests me in the least amount of time.  It comes with the career choice I have made.  Not a lot of spare time to really get into the nuts and bolts of a destination, just the highlights.

*  Good opportunities arise all the time.  Make sure the opportunity is a good fit for you.  Experience has taught me that if it isn't a good fit for you personally, it is not a good fit after all, no matter what other people may tell you.

Discarded Roadside Hubcap

*  I miss hubcaps.  They were like jewelry for your car.

*  Seems as though we could do more to thwart the pirates off the coast of Somalia.

*  "Every 30 seconds, someone in the world loses a limb as a consequence of diabetes."  Please donate to help find a cure.

*  Here's some Texas trivia: State Tree=Pecan; State Flower=Bluebonnet; State Bird=Mockingbird.

*  Never remind others of work during their hours of relaxation.

*  There is no room in any friendship or relationship for aloofness.  "Be in the now" in order for these to flourish.

*  Take a moment to look up when you are out and about.  Stop staring at the ground as you move around as beauty abounds that truly astounds.

* Nothing's worse than getting hit by corporate friendly fire.  Kevlar please!

*  Did you know that you are more likely to be attacked by a cow than a shark?

*  Science has proven that the flu bug is more common in the winter as the virus particles are more stable in cold, dry air. These viruses like it no warmer than 41 degrees and more than 20% humidity.  That means the panhandle of Texas is the perfect breeding grounds for the flu bug during the winter months.  Protect yourself and others this flu season.