Don't Stop Believin!!

I realized this past week its been quite sometime since I blogged about whats going on outside of my professional life.   Between work, and well work, it seems everything I share has now been associated with Emergency Management and trying to improve and build on who I am in this field.

Sometimes, however it seems I lose focus that there is a part of me outside of who I am as an Emergency Management Coordinator for a county in Southwest Washington.    I forget about how much I enjoy getting out into nature and the love I have in capturing what I see in pictures.  I forget about the little joys of just chilling in my back yard with a glass of tea enjoying some sunshine.  I forget about the struggles I seem to consistently fight in trying to lose and maintain a healthy weight that I so long to have.

And that today is my focus as I take a few moments to write this.  This blog will take on that role for as I try to hold myself accountable in keeping with daily workouts, and eating a healthy portion controlled diet.  I keep saying no more excuses, but I always seem to find just one more, and then get so upset with myself as I find others in my life having such success.

They fire me up, and I need to stay fired up.  I did it once, why can't I again.  I am ready to shed this old me once again.  Perhaps putting it in writing for others to see will be the motivation and help I need to keep with it.  So I ask you as friends and family, don't hesitate in sending a message asking me how I did today... If you do not see me post something for a couple days on my workouts or what I am eating, call me out on it!

I saw this quote from Jillian Michaels today...
"You Can look for external sources of motivation and that can catalyze a change, but it won't sustain one.  It has to be from an internal desire." 

I keep seeing feeling the catalyst, but I seem to fall short.  I know I am ready... I just need to keep my eyes on the prize and have faith in myself.  

I'm ready!! It's Never too Late!  And once more... No More Excuses!!   If You are like me....

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN


Recently, as I watch legislative sessions, both nationally and locally I am amazed at how grown adults act and treat one another.  Instead of thinking of our fellow man, all I see is bargaining of what this will do for me.

Earlier in my life, I thought I had ambitions for politics, however after a few years working for County Commissioners and seeing the ugly side of why things actually do and don't get done, I realized there is now way I could serve in such an office.

Too many times I've witnessed that things are done only in a manner of what will get, or not cost votes, instead is in the best interest of the people and long term success of the county.  Power struggles occur where one elected official bow beats everyone else to a point where they just are tired of trying to fight for what is good.

This got me thinking.. Perhaps we would be better off if we adopted rules and dealt with others with the mind of a kindergartner.  The following is a excerpt from "a guide for Global Leadership."

"All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

These are the things I learned:

- Share everything.
- Play fair.
- Don't hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don't take things that aren't yours.
- Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- Flush.
- Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
- Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
- Take a nap every afternoon.
- When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
- Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
- Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
- And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."

As citizens we need to hold our elected officials in check!!  Take time to educate yourselves on the issues, and how those elected to represent you are voting.  Be willing to be vocal in exposing those who are doing things immorally and against the law..  We will never fix where we are if we do not take the energy to stand up.


[Source: "ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN" by Robert Fulghum. See his web site at http://www.robertfulghum.com/ ]

Take Comfort in the Little Things

With all the troubles in the world, all the hate, sickness, and death that surround us constantly. Seeing friends and family members struggling through hardships and difficult times, I easily at times have lost focus of what is important in life.

It is so easy to get caught up in this "we" society.

There is so much hate in this world.  It seems, where instead of trying to find the good in everyone, we are focused on beating them down.

Today at church we were discussing the Israelite's as they had just been freed from bondage.  God had shown so many miracles and had provided for them along the way.  Yet the minute things got difficult they lost faith, even to the point of thinking how much better they had it under Pharaoh.   

Funny how we all need a reality check now and then.  Reminding ourselves of the little blessings we take for granted daily, especially when so many around us are facing such hardships.

For Christians, today marks the beginning of a Holy Week, reminding us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the Cross.  I am reminded of how easily I fall into the "why me" category and whining about all the things I do not have, instead of focusing on the the gifts the Lord has provided in my life.

My hope for you and for myself is that we take joy in, not only what path God may have us on, but wherever that path may lead and knowing  "He holds the future."

Life's Lessons but Don't Forget to Laugh!

Its been a couple months since I have taken some time to sit down and writing personally.  And boy does time fly!  In the little over two months since my last posting, We have Celebrated Christmas, New Years, I have made 2 trips back to Montana, one of those surprising everyone for my grandmother's 90th Birthday,  had a good friend come visit, and moved to a new home.

Yup I've been busy.  But keeping busy is good for the mind.  As I sat here trying to write today, my focus kept taking me other places.. Dishes, Laundry, projects around the house, and than I stumbled upon this shared by friend:

• Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
• Follow the three R's:  1. Respect for self; 2. Respect for others; 3. Responsibility for all your actions.
• Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
• Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
• Don't let the little disputes injure a great friendship.
• When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
• Spend some time alone every day.
• Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Live a good, honorable life.  Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
• A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
• In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
• Share your knowledge.  It's a way to achieve immortality.
• Be gentle with the Earth.
• Once a year, go somewhere you've never been before.
• Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

~ Dalai Lama

If I could add just one thing to this list it would be:

• Remember to laugh at least once EVERY Day!!

I think this list kinda sums up where I want to be in life. Maybe for you too.  I hope I am well on my way along this life path of what is truly important.  I want it to be a great reminder of what is important in life.  Friends, Family, Self Respect, and Treating Other's as You Would Like to be Treated...

As for your laugh today... Enjoy!

Outtakes from the Carol Burnett Show

Its Time to Do More Than Just Point Fingers!!

IT as been sometime since I posted, and honestly I had no intention of chiming in on the conversation following the terrible tragedy in Connecticut.   Families there have barely had time to grieve and we are already pointing fingers at one another for who is to blame.  I have tried to stay positive and believe that this act of evil does not out weigh the goodness that is in most people in this world.  

However the constant bombardment of postings is just too much for me to keep quiet about.  I am sure I will offend, upset and perhaps even be "unfriended" or "unfollowed" by the end of this blog, but saying everyone needs to carry a gun, arm our teacher's and even the most ridiculous of allowing kids to bring weapons to protect themselves is just absurd.  In the same sense blaming video games, movies,    or the abominable snowman or whatever the scapegoat is this specific day, are the cause of this evil that one individual chose to carry out.  

Do I believe we have a gun problem in the United States?  Yes!! As someone who grew up in Montana, I understand the right to bear arms.  I personally own a couple guns. But owning a firearm also comes with certain responsibility.  Just like in everything else Education is key in teaching gun safety.  I also believe that this right requires knowing and assuring they are kept locked and out of the wrong hands.   As much as I respect everyone's right to own a weapon, I draw the line at any civilian ever needing an assault rifle.  There is not one good reason you can give me why anyone under God's green grace needs to have one of these in their possession. 

Many have claimed that video games and movies give kids these ideas, and desensitizes them to violence and the understanding that dead is dead!!  Once again I throw this reasoning out the window.  A normal person knows the difference between right an wrong, and blaming these for the epidemic that seems to be sweeping our nation is just wrong.

I do think we all have a part and a responsibility in making sure tragedies like what happened last Friday never happen again.   How do we do that?  By stopping pointing fingers and actually doing something!!

I believe the media needs to stop airing every second of these types of events.  Giving this much attention to evil only attracts more evil.  Yes as much as we all want to know details, rushing to be the first with the story, even if it means printing  inaccurate details does nothing to help the situation.   During this tragedy in Connecticut, I made an active choice NOT to watch any coverage on TV.  While I read stories, and saw pictures, I wasn't overwhelmed with images, music and a production on someones worst day.  We have families that are just starting to bury their loved ones.  There is no need to run these stories of these poor families in their worst time.  Let them grieve in private!!  

If you own firearms, not only do you make sure yours are secure, but how about volunteering in teaching gun safety or donating some gun locks to your local law enforcement agency to help distribute.  How about working positively in making sure EVERY firearm in the U.S. is registered and does not fall into the wrong hands.  

If you think video games and violent movies are the downfall of a generation, how about becoming a volunteer at a youth center, or become a big brother or sister.  Lets help mentor the next generation and get them active and motivated in something that truly will benefit our community.

We have a serious issue of mental health in this country.  Yes this time of year around the holidays, always seems to increase depression.  That in conjunction with a bad economy with so many people facing hard times elevates it even more.

The word Obamacare stirs raw emotion in this country, and I do not want to go down that road, however somehow, someway we need to make it easier and more accessible for folks who need help to get help!!

As I try to wrap this up, I really hope you take a look at what you say, or post.  Instead of just passing on some easily shared picture, get involved and become part of the solution.  Show some compassion for your fellow being and lets work together to solve problems.  Despite whatever differences we all may have, we need to figure out how to get along and live in harmony.  

 I leave you with Matthew 25: 40  "The King will reply 'Truly I tell you , whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

How Well Are YOU Connected?

I started my day like most, opening my computer, checking the news and firing up a few of the many Social Media accounts I have. I have a pattern of  looking to check if it's anyone's Birthday.  (Thank You Facebook for this!  It makes not forgetting someone very manageable.) As it turns out, it happened to be a friend and peer from Montana's Birthday!   I took a couple moments to wish her a Happy Birthday.

Needless to say, I was the one who got a smile when a little later in the morning, I received a message back thanking me, but also figuring I would have "Tweeted" her Birthday Wish.  Well not to let someone be disappointed,  I had to oblige, but I wanted to be an overachiever... I decided to see how many "Platforms" we were friends on, that could share her Birthday wishes.

My lunch hour was spent thinking of the many platforms we were connected on.  Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Linkedin, Skype, YouTube, Klout.  I had hit seven!  Success right?  Wrong!


One more little message had me looking again.  In a day of connections using social media, I had forgotten some very simple easy connections.  EMAIL!! So, messages were sent than to both personal and work email accounts.  Lets not forget  texting!


In a day where we have so many options to communicate with friends and family is it strange the most obvious option, of just picking up the phone was overlooked?    Well, not if you know me.   Those of you who know me, know how much I dislike actually talking on the phone so I could have "called" her cell, home, and work, but, ya that's not gonna happen.

We also found a  couple more options!  Yay for Google Voice and Google Talk!  As I chatted with Tanja a bit more, I found it funny, when she commented I may have more ways of communicating with her, than her husband.

The Moral of the story, In an age where we are only a click away from someone, don't overlook the simple options of keeping in contact.  Whether a simple phone call, text message or a unique YouTube video, take a moment and make someone else smile!

And Tanja, for the record, and tally I hit Ten!! Wait with this Blog all about you we're at Eleven, and when I share it with Facebook, Twitter, Google +, HeHe ..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 

The End of a Family Line

I am going to start off and premise this blog, in stating that this one really has more of a thought cleansing for me.  There is no real lesson learned at this moment.  Just me, working through something in my life.

This morning I woke up to the news of a family member's passing back home. He was beloved by the community and over the years he was given the nickname of "Mayor of Park City."  I was saddened to hear of his passing, and have many fond memories of Darrell over the years from the early days of smoking fish with him and Uncle Pete, to many memories including the Fire Dept.

Yet the thing that struck me to the heart was the context of the comment that informed me of this news.  The message went on to say... "Sad! End of that family line."    Darrell like me had never married, never had any children of his own.  His  only siblings passed away when they were only infants.  Yes, Darrell was the end of that line of the Franks.

This really had me thinking today about my own mortality.   Even though I have a wonderful sister and three precious nieces, I too am the last Frank male in my family line.  Will this be the same comment that will be said about me when I pass away?  This has really bothered me all day.

I did not choose to be single this long in my life. I did not choose this journey in which life has taken me.  Yet it is the life I have, and for the most parts, I would not change the journey I have taken.  I have had some wonderful experiences in my lifetime and through being a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and even subbing in the schools, have always felt like I have kids of my own.  In fact I still enjoy the conversations when a some of my former youth students who are now adults, with families of their own, call me or we chat to catch up.

Today hit me a little hard, and I know this will pass in time, yet today I do not want to be just a memory.  Just as I have wonderful memories of my grandparents, and family stories passed down over the years, I want to be part of those stories for future generations of our family.


This is also reason for us to remember:  Love your Family while they are here.  Not only when they are gone!  We cannot turn back the hands of time.  Live Today with no regrets, as tomorrow is not promised.

Darrell may be gone, however he had a much bigger family in the community of Park City. I hope the memories of him, as part of the Park City Family will live on for generations.