Saturday, December 5, 2009

MY WIFE

In honor of Tiger Woods getting his butt whooped by his wife rencently for cheating on her I would like to share with you the lyrics to the classic Who song "My Wife".

My life's in jeopardy

Murdered in cold blood is what I'm gonna be
I ain't been home since Friday night
And now my wife is coming after me
Give me police protection
Gonna buy a gun so
I can look after number one
Give me a bodyguard
A back belt Judo expert with a machine gun
Gonna buy a tank and an aeroplane
When she catches up with me
Won't be no time to explain
She thinks I've been with another woman
And that's enough to send her half insane
Gonna buy a fast car
Put on my lead boots
And take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money
But I'll still be alive
All I did was have a bit too much to drink
And I picked the wrong precinct
Got picked up by the law
And now I ain't got time to think
Gonna buy a tank and an aeroplane
When she catches up with me
Won't be no time to explain
She thinks I've been with another woman
And that's enough to send her half insane
Gonna buy a fast car
Put on my lead boots
And take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money
But I'll still be alive
And I'm oh so tired of running
Gonna lay down on the floor
I gotta rest some time so
I can get to run some more
She's comin'!
She's comin'!




Tuesday, December 1, 2009

DOUG

A few weeks ago in the midst of having a garage sale I got a letter in the mail that broke my heart. It seems that my friend of 25 years, Doug Martin had recently lost his battle with Melanoma. I didn't even know that he was sick. I had talked to him awhile back and he did not even mention that he had been sick. Doug did not drink or smoke and got plenty or sleep and exercise so it was a shock that we was even sick let alone passed away.

I first meet Doug's brother, Cliff Martin and I spent sometime hanging out with him. In the process I got to know Doug and a long lasting friendship began. One of my earliest memories of Doug is when went to see "Iron Eagle". Doug loved the movie and did a high kick after the movie because he liked it so much! That was Doug to a T! Doug was "Brody" in the movie "Point Break" without the bank robbing. He was his own man and went to the beat of his own drum. I have fond memories of going to the gym with Doug, playing Chess (he taught me how to play), long nights playing Risk, Doug's date to Orio's Halloween party, going to the movies, Doug helping my sister, Jenafer with math, my Mom asking Doug the "submarine" question while playing Trivial Pursuit one night, spending time in Las Vegas, long conversations on just about anything in life, Doug hanging out at YA activities and so many more memories! More so then anything Doug was a good friend no matter what. He would help you in anyway that he could and did not judge others. It is nice to have a good friend both in the good times and the bad.


Letter from Doug's Mom



This is a letter that Doug wrote to me back when I was trying to be a DJ. The letter means more to me then any gift that he could have given me on that Christmas so long ago.

A few pictures of Doug. I do not have a lot because Doug did not like having his picture taken. He is the one with the mustache.

7 Steps to a Longer Life

7 Steps to a Longer Life



As we get older and presumably wiser, many of us cringe at some of our former bad health habits -- whether cigarette smoking, overindulgence in food and drink, sun worship or even reckless behavior on the ski slopes that has made middle-aged knees sore and stiff. Though not all damage can be undone, according to Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and coauthor with Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Larry Credit of Your Best Medicine, it is indeed possible to revise some aspects of your bad health history by emphasizing particularly important healthful habits now. "It’s never too late to make changes that will bring about better health," he says.

Weighing in


If you are or were obese, you’re at risk for a host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Yet, despite the known risks, we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic. About one in three Americans is obese and, among those between ages 50 and 60, that figure may be twice as high.


Although being or having been underweight for long periods of time is less prevalent than being overweight, it’s also a potential problem. "Under-nourishment or self-starvation is common in this country, especially for people who have body image issues or exercise excessively," says Dr. Goldstein. "Those who had an eating disorder earlier in life may pay a price with their health later on." For instance, the heart may pump less efficiently, causing blood pressure to fall. What’s more, bones become undercalcified and too thin, creating the likelihood that osteoporosis will develop. Hormone-related issues may arise due to such a history as well, including infertility and thyroid and adrenal disorders.

Good nutrition is key

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for those who know they face certain health challenges as the result of dietary changes in their past. In addition to consuming a sensible number of calories, avoiding excess sugar and salt, and eating healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Dr. Goldstein suggests the following foods for their wide-ranging benefits...

Garlic. Studies have shown that garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, and also may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Garlic, which contains several antioxidants, also boosts the immune system and helps fight fatigue. The recommended daily "dose" of fresh garlic is two to three cloves.


Pomegranate. Another superfood, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants in much higher levels than do other fruit juices. A recent study showed that drinking six ounces of pomegranate juice every day for three months reduced the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Another study found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily may help slow the progression of prostate cancer.


Tea. Both black and green tea contain powerful antioxidants that prevent narrowing of the arteries, reduce blood pressure and help keep cholesterol in the normal range. Drink three cups a day.


Bone-building foods, such as walnuts, oysters, leafy greens, beans (black, white and pinto) and salmon.


Bananas. People with a history of an eating disorder may be left with imbalanced electrolyte levels, which can lead to potassium deficiency, increasing risk for heart arrhythmia, stroke and death.


Dried plums (prunes) may have a health benefit for osteopenia and osteoporosis, according to studies in laboratory animals.


Other strategies


Get plenty of sleep. "Sleep deprivation can lead to problems, such as high blood pressure and mood disorders like depression, that can make you more vulnerable to illness and injury," says Dr. Goldstein. Insufficient sleep has been linked to a variety of cardiovascular risks, including diabetes. "Lack of sleep also can disrupt the hormones that control appetite, leading to overeating." Getting plenty of sleep, on the other hand, helps tissue repair, proper immune system function, memory and concentration. The ideal amount of sleep is seven to eight hours per night.


Exercise regularly. Everyone needs to exercise. Period. It lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and improves arterial flow. It also may reduce plaque deposits, reversing atherosclerotic disease. Exercise is, of course, important for losing weight and managing stress. One study showed that people who exercised intensely enough to cause breathlessness for 20 to 30 minutes at least twice a week cut their risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia by 50%.


Avoid excessive caffeine. Caffeine may clear your head after a restless night, but too much of it can cause elevated heart rate and high blood pressure. Caffeine also increases the body’s production of stress hormones, placing you at greater risk for cardiovascular problems and aggravating anxiety symptoms. For some people, as few as two cups of coffee can cause rapid heartbeat, sweating and shakiness. Remember, caffeine is found not just in regular coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some over-the-counter medications.

Manage stress. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that narrow blood vessels and increase heart rate. As a result, blood pressure rises temporarily. And, if you are frequently stressed, your blood pressure can stay high, potentially damaging (possibly permanently) the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes or arteries. There’s also a link between stress and overeating, gum disease, hair loss, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and many other problems. To combat stress, Dr. Goldstein suggests trying yoga, meditation, tai chi and/or deep breathing. These calming relaxation techniques help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.


Limit sun exposure. Besides increasing your risk for skin cancer, ongoing direct exposure of the eyes to sunlight increases risk of cataracts. To prevent cataracts, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays and filter out at least 85% of blue-violet rays. However, try to get 15 minutes of sunlight each day to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D.


Take care of your gums. Gum disease is extremely common and is linked to an ever-lengthening list of ills, including respiratory infection, cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke. Behaviors that can impact gums include tobacco smoking or chewing, poor oral hygiene and use of certain medications, including steroids, oral contraceptives and cancer therapy. To prevent gum disease, drink at least eight glasses of water every day so your mouth can produce enough saliva, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Replace your toothbrush monthly -- a worn brush is less effective at removing plaque -- and floss. Get an adequate amount of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C deficiency is linked to gum disease. And cut down on sugar, which helps plaque-producing bacteria to multiply.


As the saying goes, "today is the first day of the rest of your life." The healthier you make yourself, the better your life will be.




Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

UPDATE ON JOB INTERVIEW

Dear friends and family,



I would like to first thank everyone who reviewed my resume last week. I was able to gain some great insights and ideas and I appreciate everyone who responded. Thursday morning I was at a class on being interviewed for employment offered by LDS Employment. I had taken the first 2 classes on job searching and resumes last year so this was a great brush up on going in for a interview and I got a lot out of the class. Friday morning I was up and out the door early so that I could be in Dallas by 8:30 AM for my job interview. After 11 months of being a stay at home dad I had forgotten how slow Dallas traffic can be on a Friday morning! I arrived early and was greeted by Ken the owner of the company and Vickie who does all of their HR/payroll and has been my contact up to now. The interview went great. We spent most of our time talking more so then being interviewed. They did have a set of questions that we finally got around to but those were more a "formality" in their words. I also appreciated that the interview was very positive and upbeat and I already felt like a member of the team. The company is family owned and has been in Dallas for 45 years and for the last 5 years it has been shifting it's focus from a storefront operation to a direct delivery company. So if a company orders office supplies they are delivered usually the next day and there is no delivery or UPS charge! This is great and with great prices and a 1500 page catalog I knew that this would be a fun job. My role would be to bring in new customers and to build the current customer base by adding new products and services. Basically "relationship sales" which I love doing! So at the end of the interview Vickie also notices my church CTR (choose the right) ring and tells me that she goes to the same church! They tell me that they really enjoyed meeting me and would be in contact with me on Monday or Tuesday.

The next few days were very long and I was very grateful that they were busy! We took the kids to see Santa Friday night and then went to a church event. Saturday morning we did a huge service project and we were worn out afterwords! Sunday was busy with church and then dinner at a friends house and then Monday came. And nothing! Didn't hear from them at all. Nope, nope, nope! Needless to say I was not a happy camper! Tuesday came and at $10:30 AM Vickie called and offered me the position! Yes! "By the way, can you start tomorrow"? OK.... They have a trade show on Thursday and they wanted to get me up to speed on Wednesday. It was really hard because I had to tell Ford Middle School where I was working part time as a Cafeteria Monitor that today would have to be my last day. I really loved working with the kids and staff there and I will miss it a lot. I had been working since the beginning of the school year trying to memorize all of the kids names. I always believed that if someone knows your name you feel just a little bit special and I wanted the kids to feel special talking to me. Everyday kids would come up to me and say "what's my name" and most of the time I would remember it. If a full-time position had come up with Allen ISD I would have taken it. I find a lot of fulfillment working with the kids and I do hope that I made just a little difference in their lives and I will miss saying "hi" to them everyday! Last night I got a priesthood blessing to help and comfort me in this new position and I appreciate Matt, Neal and Carter for coming over. I am excited about the future and I am looking forward to starting in a few (it's 4 AM) hours. This well be a great blessing to my family. If your company orders office products please let me know! Once again I truly am humbled everyone love and support with this change and with the last 11 months as while I was a stay at home dad. It has been fun, cooking, baking (cookies anyone), cleaning, working on the house more more so then anything just letting my wonderful kids know who "Dad" was and that he loves them so much! It was tough to do financially but well worth it!

Dave


http://www.ocopexpress.com/

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I AM SANTA CLAUS


To the tune "I ...am I said" By Neil Diamond

North Pole's fine, it snows most the time
And I'm not cutting the Elves" any slack
The Penguins are playing in the snow
But you know I keep thinkin' about
Christmas time is coming real soon


Well I'm fat and old with a great big beard
White as snow,
I'm looking out my window
And it's snowing in July
The North Pole is home,
But I'm not really sure why


I am Santa Claus
To the reindeer
And they just looked at me
With a reindeer stare
I am Santa I cried "I am Santa said I
And I am behind in making toys
For boys and girls
Who have been good all year


Did you ever read about a reindeer
Who dreamed of joining the Santa's sleigh
And his nose lit up the night sky
Well Rodolph's his names
And he saved the day
One Christmas eve
But you know the story


But I got an hunger deep inside
And I've tried so many diets
But I need some milk and cookies
And I'm not a man who likes to eat diet food
But I been wondering when
I will be able to see my shoes


I am Santa Claus
But the Elves just stared
And they just work on toys
Stacked everywhere
I am... Santa Claus
I am... Santa Claus
And I am hungry for milk and cookies
And I don't know why
I am... Santa Claus
I am... Santa Claus
I am...Santa Claus

Monday, November 9, 2009

Got to Get You Into My Life

I was alone, I took a ride,
I didn't know what I would find there.
Another road where maybe I

Could see another kind of mind there.

Ooh then I suddenly see you,

Ooh did I tell you I need you

Ev'ry single day of life?

You didn't run, you didn't lie,

You knew I wanted just to hold you,

And had you gone, you knew in time

We'd meet again for I had to hold you.

Ooh you were meant to be near me,

Ooh and I want to hear me,

Say we'll be together ev'ry day.

Got to get you into my life.

What can I do, what can I be?

When I'm with you I want to stay there.

If I'm true I'll never leave,

And if I do I know the way there.

Ooh then I suddenly see you,

Ooh did I tell you I need you

Ev'ry single day of my life?

Got to get you into my life.

Got to get you into my life.

I was alone, I took a ride,

I didn't know what I would find there.

Another road where maybe I

Could see another kind of mind there.

Ooh then I suddenly see you,

Ooh did I tell you I need you

Ev'ry single day of life?
What are you doing to my life?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM

THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM



ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATIONS OF WHY OBAMA WON THE ELECTION


from a teacher in the Nashville area

"We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream.'

The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year...


The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Everyone applauded and he sat down. Now is was Olivia's turn to speak. Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down. The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream." She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide. Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and 52 percent of the people reacted like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other 48 percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess." This is the ice cream Obama promised us! Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone --





that they have not first taken away from someone else.