What do we live for if not to make life less
difficult for each other. Roger Bannister
The forces of nature can be a harsh reminder of the many things we take for granted, and hurricane Ike was no different. I was reminded of three things in particular.
First, I like the convenience of electricity. Ice chests, candles, and not being able to charge my phone got old quickly. Second, a hot shower in the morning cures many ills. Cleanliness may not be next to Godliness, but it is in the same room. Third, neighbors are quick to help each other. Few things bind us together like a common disaster.
We shared chain saws, food, and, best of all, friendship. We plan to continue the spirit of friendship, and an "Ike Party," is already being scheduled for October.
The little boy across the street told my wife to make sure she comes to the Ike Party with bad hair. He has already learned that women like to know the appropriate dress code for any gathering.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
99 Things To Do Before I Die
You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can decide how you’re going to live now. Joan Baez
On May 31, 2005, I made a written list of 99 things I want to do before I die. My list has nine categories and includes things from, "Places I want to go", to, "People I would like to meet. "
When I prepared the list, it was mostly a frivolous task of self indulgence. In hindsight, my list has provided a skeletal plan for life’s adventure, and has grown in importance to me. I am tempted to update my list (with a more serious sense of purpose), but have decided to let it stand.
I recently returned from mountain climbing in Russia. I checked one thing off my list (seeing St. Petersburg). Not on my list was being exposed to a Muslim culture, the climb itself, and leaving the area the day before Russian tanks went into Georgia.
Once again, my list has provided so much more than what appears on paper. It inspires me to consciously decide how I’m going to live now.
On May 31, 2005, I made a written list of 99 things I want to do before I die. My list has nine categories and includes things from, "Places I want to go", to, "People I would like to meet. "
When I prepared the list, it was mostly a frivolous task of self indulgence. In hindsight, my list has provided a skeletal plan for life’s adventure, and has grown in importance to me. I am tempted to update my list (with a more serious sense of purpose), but have decided to let it stand.
I recently returned from mountain climbing in Russia. I checked one thing off my list (seeing St. Petersburg). Not on my list was being exposed to a Muslim culture, the climb itself, and leaving the area the day before Russian tanks went into Georgia.
Once again, my list has provided so much more than what appears on paper. It inspires me to consciously decide how I’m going to live now.
The mountains
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up
too much space. Jim Whitaker
Jim Whitaker was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. On July 26, I left for Russia to be part of an expedition to climb Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Mountains have been places of majesty and mystery for peoples of all faiths and cultures. High on the mountain, you see the handiwork of the creator, largely untouched by human hands. It is profoundly humbling.
We have trained extensively, undertaken meticulous planning for gear, food, and logistics, and are convinced we have left nothing to chance. Yet, no matter how much we try to seize control, there is something inherently unscripted about adventure on the mountain.
The mountain reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the surprises, the tests, and overcoming challenges. If you always stay in that safe comfortable space, you will miss the exhilaration of the edge.
too much space. Jim Whitaker
Jim Whitaker was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. On July 26, I left for Russia to be part of an expedition to climb Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Mountains have been places of majesty and mystery for peoples of all faiths and cultures. High on the mountain, you see the handiwork of the creator, largely untouched by human hands. It is profoundly humbling.
We have trained extensively, undertaken meticulous planning for gear, food, and logistics, and are convinced we have left nothing to chance. Yet, no matter how much we try to seize control, there is something inherently unscripted about adventure on the mountain.
The mountain reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the surprises, the tests, and overcoming challenges. If you always stay in that safe comfortable space, you will miss the exhilaration of the edge.
Travel
On another night, they’d have won 2-2.
Ron Atkinson, Manchester United Manager
My daughter returned from a summer session of studying in Italy. Her studies allowed her to travel to other countries on the weekends, and she added some "personal discovery time" to the end of the school session.
The Euro Cup Soccer competition was in full force. Her visits to each country seemed to coincide with that country having an important match. She got swept up in the frenzy.
She was in a wild street party in Munich when Germany played Turkey. Throats through which much beer had passed shouted cheers and sang songs. She became an honorary German citizen by pumping her fist in celebration and shouting "Deutschland!"
She had a great summer and made friends from all around the world. She learned about international economics, saw great museums, and discovered that you can make friends in Germany if you can shout, "Deutschland!"
Ron Atkinson, Manchester United Manager
My daughter returned from a summer session of studying in Italy. Her studies allowed her to travel to other countries on the weekends, and she added some "personal discovery time" to the end of the school session.
The Euro Cup Soccer competition was in full force. Her visits to each country seemed to coincide with that country having an important match. She got swept up in the frenzy.
She was in a wild street party in Munich when Germany played Turkey. Throats through which much beer had passed shouted cheers and sang songs. She became an honorary German citizen by pumping her fist in celebration and shouting "Deutschland!"
She had a great summer and made friends from all around the world. She learned about international economics, saw great museums, and discovered that you can make friends in Germany if you can shout, "Deutschland!"
Finances
A pin lies in wait for every bubble, and when the two eventually meet, a new wave of investors learn some very old lessons.
Warren Buffett
It seems like we never learn. The lessons are not complicated, but they just don’t seem to stick.
There has been calamity in the financial markets as a result of “the sub-prime crisis.” Lenders came up with very creative and unique financing programs to help people qualify for loans. But, Lenders forgot to ask some pretty basic questions. Can these people re-pay the money?
Our government spends more than it takes in. American households spend more than they earn. We know where that will lead. If we don’t demand more of our leaders, and ourselves, I fear we are about to learn some very old, and painful, lessons.
Warren Buffett
It seems like we never learn. The lessons are not complicated, but they just don’t seem to stick.
There has been calamity in the financial markets as a result of “the sub-prime crisis.” Lenders came up with very creative and unique financing programs to help people qualify for loans. But, Lenders forgot to ask some pretty basic questions. Can these people re-pay the money?
Our government spends more than it takes in. American households spend more than they earn. We know where that will lead. If we don’t demand more of our leaders, and ourselves, I fear we are about to learn some very old, and painful, lessons.
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