I have learned in life (the hard way from time to time) that you have to FORCE CHANGE.  Sometimes you can't just wait around for something to happen.  You can't wait around for other people to change.  You can't wait around for the world to come to your doorstep.  A lover isn't just going to magically appear.  A job is not just going to magically throw itself upon you.  A new place to live isn't just going to appear out of nowhere.  You have to search for some of these things that you want.  You have to FORCE CHANGE in your life.

Other people are NOT going to change you
Your friends are not going to change you.
You family is not going to change you.
YOU are going to change you.  That is it.  It is allllll up to you. 

Sometimes you have to FORCE change.  It may not be easy.  It may take some time.  But it can be done.

You have to stop bitching and moaning about how this or that isn't going well.  Granted there are times in life (sickness being one of them) that things can be out of our control.  The MAJORITY of the bitching and moaning though is about things that we COULD CHANGE.  We choose NOT to change those things because...well sometimes I think because we want to have something to complain about.  Maybe because we are scared of change.  Maybe it is easier to watch other people change.  I don't know.  There comes a time, though, that you have to make a decision.  Am I going to remain where I am right now or am I going to change the direction I am moving?  It is that simple.  It is as simple as making ONE choice.  The choice to CHANGE.

If you want to MOVE somewhere then set your course and MOVE.

If you are tired of someone taking advantage of you then STOP BEING THEIR FRIEND and ALLOWING them to hurt you and those around you.  Make a change.  Choose to respect yourself enough to not allow someone to hurt you.

If you are tired of being alone then FIGURE OUT A WAY TO MEET SOMEONE.

If you hate your job then quit your job and find a new one.

If you hate the city you live in then figure out a way to move to a new city.

Stop complaining about things that YOU COULD CHANGE!

Nobody can force you to change.  YOU, however, CAN force yourself to CHANGE.

So WHHHHYYYYYYYY aren't you doing that?

Why do we never get past SQUARE 1.  What is it that is stopping you from becoming who you are meant to be?  What is standing in the way of you having what you want?  What is preventing you from moving?  What is preventing you from dating?  What is preventing you from loving yourself enough to CHANGE?

BRRRRR It is windy and chilly outside!  October? :)  I guess.  Looks like a chance for some rain by the middle/late part of this week.  Nothing HUGE though. 

Had breakfast this morning with family from Northern Illinois - along with my dad and Lori, Deena and Tony.  Tyler was also there. 

Trying to get my homework finished. 

Missing everyone in Canada something terrible.  Can't wait till I can go visit again.  Have to work through these final immigration issues.  If we can get past this hurtle then I think I will look into getting citizen status.  Not sure what that involves though. 

Some nice snow photos from Minnesota from kcOltv - EasternUSwx - great pics :)

Ok this is what I want for Christmas (this and a snow making machine)

Holy Mother Mary Toast Press



In the beginning...there was bread. Ho hum. Make that boring bread an inspiration by embossing it before you toast! Our easy-to-use HOLY TOAST stamper always makes a good impression. Clear peggable “clamshell” packaging.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Holy-Mother-Mary-Toast-Press-Fred_W0QQitemZ290000881134QQihZ019QQcategoryZ115714QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Buy it now $6.96

Then of course for the person who has everything and loves snow :)

THE BACKYARD BLIZZARD SPORT

http://backyardblizzard.com/sport.htm



Backyard Blizzard Sport :)

The Blizzard Sport is the latest in portable snowmaking technology. An extremely efficient snowmaker, the Sport is lightweight, easily transportable and operates with the flick of a single switch.

The patented Blizzard Sport has been engineered with the highest quality components and with the same technology as industrial models used at premier ski resorts worldwide.

Requires outside temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
 

Lucy :) has made it back home...Birmingham

October 24, 2006

Red Cross Appreciation Dinner tonight.  :)


The Paducah Chapter of the American Red Cross had their Volunteer Appreciation get together last night.  There were a number of board members there, along with volunteers.  I think everyone had a nice time visiting with each other.  There were a few missing faces from the crowd. 

I was surprised and honored to receive the first "Caesar Fiamma Volunteer Award".  They are going to give this award out to individuals who have given of their time and energy in extraordinary ways to the American Red Cross.  It won't be a yearly award but rather an award that is given out from time to time.  I was surprised by Sue to be given the first one.  I have to admit that I had a tear or two in my eyes :) as she spoke and led up to the honor.  Anyone who knows Caesar knows that he is one of the more amazing people that one can meet on this journey called life.  A caring and compassionate individual that has given more of himself than most of us will ever dream of giving.  Receiving an award that has his name attached to it is well it is humbling.  To say the least. :)

Sue Henry giving me the award.

Some more photos from the evening...

Sue Henry handing out Red Cross Hats to our
volunteers. 

Sue speaking to the group...couldn't get everyone in
the photo
 

Press Release from the American Red Cross

Red Cross Says Hats Off To Volunteers

The Paducah Area Chapter of the American Red Cross took their “Hats Off” to volunteers and donors in a recognition and award ceremony held in conjunction with its annual board meeting.  Awarding chapter hats as a form of appreciation to active volunteers and donors, the chapter paused to express that without the support of volunteers and donors the chapter would be unable to provide valuable and needed services to the community to include Health and Safety training, Community Disaster Preparedness training, support to armed forces members and their families, as well as vital disaster relief and assistance to those who have experienced disaster related emergency needs.

The chapter additionally awarded the “Caesar J. Fiamma Volunteer Award” to Beau Dodson.  Executive Director Sue Henry said that “Dodson truly goes above and beyond the typical volunteer by being most generous with his gifts of time, talent, and resources to the local chapter.  Dodson is a volunteer disaster course instructor, is chapter Disaster Vice Chair, and served on the 2006 Heroes Campaign committee.” 

Tom Traughber, American Red Cross Chapter Solutions Manager from Louisville, presented the Paducah Chapter a “Service Area Superlative Award” from the Red Cross Service Area located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The superlative award was in recognition of the chapter’s successful Hero’s Campaign held last March.

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Elizabeth (my friend in Alaska) sent me this photo :)  Not
much but better than what we have down here!!!!

ANOTHER BIG OCTOBER STORM!  FOLKS IF THIS KEEPS UP THEN WE MIGHT HAVE A VERY INTERESTING NOVEMBER!  LET'S HOPE WE CAN GET SOME COLD AIR AND SNOW!!!!!

OCTOBER 27th MONSTER STORM

AND IT RAINED AND RAINED :)

Over 2.40" here in Paducah.  East Coast during the past 24 hours!

Made the paper :)

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MOVING ON

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