On the Move! International Style

This was a fun Saturday. Starting early this morning it was finally time to move a good friend to her new place. This was started a couple of weeks ago but delayed due to snow and ice. In this case the second time was a charm.

H and K went with me to assist. They got up early on a Saturday morning, with minor grumbling, to ride along to help.

Upon arrival the fun started. With lots of boxes, a 24 foot truck and a house full of stuff; the moving was on!

There were some great people there. It was a like a United Nations of volunteer movers. As I describe it, I promise, it will sound like a set up to a joke. There was a Greek farmer, a Panamanian Industrial Engineer, a Global Security expert, an Alabama football fan and a lady from Wisconsin. Please add your punch line here.

We took furniture apart, loaded and unloaded boxes, and made multiple trips to and from the truck. And along the way, we had a great time.

My buddy Tammy proved that she is a truck driving woman! She backed that truck up a seriously angled drive. She also made a couple of trips.

Powered by Chick fil a nuggets and sandwiches, Chinese food, Green Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and soda this motley band worked hard to get the stuff moved. There were times that we didn't speak the same language or approach the challenge in front us with the same way. But, it continued throughout the day.

I was impressed with the motivation of my son and daughter. They played like kids would but they put forth an effort that was beyond what was expected. And, the impressive part, they moved at a pretty high rate of speed throughout the 10 hour day.

As the day progressed we learned Greek words for boss, thank you, please, and fun. We practiced Spanish, joked about not understanding each other then solved issues with hand signals and some good ole' fashion let me show you how!

The day grew to a close with the temperatures dropping and the muscles of the participants getting a little sore and tight. As I left the unloading the last five items were in view on the second trip of the truck. The garage at the new place was full of plants, boxes, furniture, yard furniture, cushions, towels, and tools. It was in a stage to be wrapped up.

When we headed home there was a great discussion about the fun we had tackling a challenge and meeting some neat folks.

Greek: Ποια διασκέδαση, σας ευχαριστεί

Spanish: Qué diversión, le agradece

English: What fun, thank you.

Great Read - Lot's of fun

The last couple of evenings I have been escaping from the rat race and the buzz of the house to read for fun. Most of the time the books are work related or business topics. My most recent read was a blast. Through the generosity of a fellow blogger I was able to cruise through 300 plus pages of fun.

The book had to be good. The author has or had family in Alabama. (God's country). The author made me smile, laugh and take some time to consider the important things in life.

Through stories based in Utah, the State of Washington, and the Island of Crete, Robert Fulghum, author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, covers people and relationships. He also shared a perspective on life that does make you stop and wonder if we are smelling the roses in life.

It is obvious that Fulghum gets much of his inspiration from walking and observing all creatures big and small. He has magnificant insight into the people he sees and interacts with in his daily life. His life is a unique blend of experience that keeps you guessing.

His tips for conversation, called the List, makes the whole book worth the read. My favorite is his open engagement of people as he himself experiences life. My habit of walking along anywhere saying hello to people just to see the reaction doesn't seem so abnormal (note to wife) Okay, maybe as I said hello and good morning to New Yorkers on the sidewalks and the subways was a little over the top, but, Fulghum, makes me seem somewhat normal

For more on Robert Fulghum follow the link to his site. Learn more about his writings and read his frequent notes. Hope you enjoy. I did.

Pick up a copy of Fulghum's book: What on Earth Have I Done (Stories, Observations and Affirmations) Enjoy the topics and the read.

ISBN-13: 9780641990557
Pub. Date: September 2007

Favorite Christmas Shopping Sites

Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. It's the gift giving time of the year so I'm looking for ideas. My fellow bloggers. How about some hints on your favorite online shopping sites.

Have any hints you want to share?

Happy Thanksgiving to All

I hope this finds all of you having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. As you travel or gather with family or just veg on this day try to remember the reason for the day in the first place.

Take time and pause. Give Thanks.

This is not just the day before big shopping eve. The day for the paper with the coupons, Internet specials, and football games. The day has a special meaning.

As my in-laws have called this day the fastest five minutes in food. This takes place from the minute people sit down at the table until they stand to leave. Give thanks and appreciation for all of the work that went into preparing what ever the tradition is that you celebrate on this day.

On this day I will give thanks for my wonderful family, my Mom, my siblings, my friends, and loved ones. I will take time to say a prayer for those unable to be home with friends and family and for those who are unable to be at or in their home.

Have a wonderful Thanks - Giving Day.

Catching up with Friends

Had a great opportunity to spend time with some friends we haven't seen in awhile. To me the interesting thing with friends is no matter how long it has been the conversation and friendship picks up right where it left off.

That was our experience on Tuesday evening with some wonderful friends we had been keeping up with via calls and e-mail and text messages. We just didn't have the proper scheduling to get together. It had been that way for years. Then the planets, stars and schedules aligned to allow the unthinkable. Time together.

Over some pizza and beverages we sat around the table in their home and caught up. What a great evening.

We really enjoyed the time and can't wait to do it again.