hoquiam middle school 7th grade band

One cannot be a momma and not brag.. My baby is a clarinet player so had o show the wallet off.

Nine Internal Traits Necessary for Success!

There are nine traits that those of us truly interested in achieving success in our lives, need to be developing. Many people think that you must measure success by material items such as money in the bank or land owed. However, many people that have things things, live miserable lives. There must be something more. I propose that money, land and other material items are rewards from having success in our lives. We know we are succeeding when these things begin to arrive, but to truly measure success we need to look at our progress in nine specific areas. As these nine develop, we will KNOW we are successful because we will be truly happy.

LOVE:
I am not speaking of the love between two sexual partners here. I am talking about a deeper thing. A love of life itself.. of people.. of events. The more we develop a spirit of love in our lives, the more we will attract the right people to us. This law of attraction is often rewarded with the material things that we need. This love is demonstrated at a far deeper level and is not something you can "fall out of." I plan to blog more specifically on this type of love in the near future.

Joy:
What good is a thousand things in life if you get know joy from what you have. If the sound of your child or grand child's laugh does not bring a soft smile to you own lips. People like to be around happy people. It adds to the law of attraction. In addition, when you get genuine joy out of your work, your life, your family or whatever you are seeking to improve, people notice. This in turn brings rewards that are often unasked for and unlooked for by the one who sees life though the eyes of a happy child. Childlike vision but not childish!

Peace:
This is an internal peace. Have you ever met someone that despite the fact that those around them are screaming how the world is ending, the ship is sinking and the company is failing, seem to calmly address matters at hand. This is the type of peace that each of us must strive for in our lives. A sense of centeredness that cannot be shattered by day to day chaos that will pass if we do not let ourselves get caught up in it.

Patience:
Our world has become caught up in a instant gratification message. We even complain when our fast food at McDonald's or Burger King is too slow? Despite the fast pace of the world, we expect our needs to be met even faster. However, with the internal peace above and some patience, one can spot opportunities that others would have missed. The rewards of the long journey outweigh the wants of the moment. If this is mastered, great things can be slowly gained.

Kindness:
Want to see the lack of Kindness in the USA today? All you have to do is go to a public high school or read teenage blogs. These children mirror their parents and are back stabbing, mean spirited and often cruel in packs. Teachers today are not surprised about the horrid things do and say anymore; they are surprised by unasked for acts of kindness and this is a sad statement. By learning to be kind and learning to teach our children to be kind, we an improve the world as a whole. Plus, people remember who was kind to them. Many people have received surprise windfalls years later from someone they did not even remember. But that person remembered the random act of kindness and it left a lasting impression in their lives. This is the concept from the movie "Pay it Forward." If only we could all practice paying it forward every day.

Goodness:
Often in my counseling sessions with those who are both criminal and addicted, we spend a lot of time talking about "doing the right thing when no one is looking." That is the type of goodness I am talking about. Not the kind where everyone pats you on the back, but the type where you know in your heart of hearts that you are doing the right thing. When one lives life this way, there is little to regret or feel shame over. This type of shame free lifestyle allows one to interact freely without others and hide nothing about who they are. This in turn builds trust which is often rewarded in life.

Faithfulness:
This can be to a higher power, moral belief system or whatever is the guiding principle of your life. Whatever it is that you believe in.. remain faithful to it. A person who is a chameleon may blend in to each and every environment but he can remain true to none of them. The self confidence that comes from remaining to faithful to one's beliefs, god or guiding principles instills a noticeable type of confidence. It also helps guide what is right in and for your life. You will not enter a business deal that goes against this because you know that it will increase stress and worry and likely fail due to an ability to fully embrace it.

Gentleness
My Grandmother always said I would catch more flies with honey, I thought that weird since who wants to catch flies? But now I know what she meant, I would attract things to me with a kind and gentle touch, a sweetness if you will. A gentle word is always appreciated; bad news received ever so much better if delivered with a gentle tone. My children respond better to a gentle order then a harsh command. Being kind and gentle just makes since. Never mistake these two together for weakness. Some of the kindest, most gentle people I know are hard as nails when it comes to what is right or enforcing their boundary.

Last but not least: Self Control
This one practically speaks for itself. Without self control, we fail at many of the above. Can we not over indulge, over spend? Can we control our temper or impatience? These things are paramount to success. How can we ever find the peace or love above if we cannot control our impulses?

No one will likely ever live all nine of these to perfection. The goal therefore, is progress and not perfection. By learning to work on these, we increase our attractiveness to opportunities, windfalls and genuine happiness and success in our lives. Pick one each week and make it a goal to improve one thing in that area. Eventually, every couple of months, you will come back around to the first one. Evaluate your progress over the two months and reset the goal from before or set a higher or new goal to improve that area. This creates a personal plan of self improvement that when embraced whole-heartedly cannot help but to improve the quality of life.

Have a Balanced week!

Isagenix® Donates 1.2 Million Meals to Haiti

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 2, 2010) — Isagenix®, a company specializing in health and wellness products, is donating more than 45,000 canisters--equating up to 1.2 million meals--of its nutritionally-rich IsaLean® shakes to assist victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The meal-replacement shakes will be donated to Stop Hunger Now, a relief organization that has partnered with Mission of Hope in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

The UN estimates two million Haitians are in need of food, but only a quarter of those have received any thus far, and delivery operations depend on UN peacekeepers to control hungry mobs and keep bandits from convoys. Haitians needing food are choking on pepper spray used by UN guards at distribution points, according to CNN.

"It's devastating seeing thousands of Haitians charge down the street for only two distribution trucks of food," said Isagenix Co-Founder Kathy Coover. "Everyone deserves to have a high-quality nutritious meal and we can provide that."

IsaLean shakes offer balanced amounts of the best high-quality protein, "good" carbohydrates and fats, and a full-spectrum of vitamins and minerals. The protein complex, 23 grams of undenatured whey and casein protein that's enzyme activated to maximize nutrient absorption, is sourced from New Zealand pasture-raised dairy cows and has been clinically studied for its support to improving maintenance and growth of lean muscle. The shakes also feature lower lactose levels and a superior amino acid profile for easier digestion.

Founded in 2002, Isagenix prides itself in delivering long-term weight-loss results. More than 5.4 million pounds and more than six million inches have been lost by individuals using Isagenix products in the past seven years. Isagenix has helped more than 178 people lose 100 pounds, eight people lose 200 pounds and hundreds of thousands of others lose weight and improve their health and wellness.* ((To find more about Isagenix, visit http://sweetenergy.isagenix.com))

For more information on Stop Hunger Now, visit www.StopHungerNow.org. For more information on Mission of Hope, visit www.MissionofHopeHaiti.org.

Nothing stays the same but that everything changes

Nothing in the world lasts save eternal change.
Marquis de Ragan


Don’t give up on a rainy day; the sun WILL shine again


Don’t give up on love; practice loving


Don’t give up on a task; perseverance will help you finish


Don’t give up on a friend; they may be in pain


Don’t give up on a client; they may understand tomorrow


Don’t give up on yourself: your potential has not been reached




I pray for the strength for each of us to persist through the day when circumstances…. Changes…

Or challenge would incline us to throw in the proverbial towel.

Be Safe and Be Prepared

Today's events -







Two Earthquakes... Tsunami... drive home the point that life is precious. I wanted to point out that we have been told here in the USA to prepare. The larger the event.. the longer it will take the Government to get help to you. Please everyone, be prepared to take care of yourself for at least 3 days for the types of disasters that can occur in your area.

Disaster Preparedness Resources - click here


Here is info put out by FEMA!
First and foremost - Make a plan. Your family will likely be apart if a disaster strikes unless it occurs during the night. children might be at school or events. Parents may be at work. Have a phone number that each family member would call that is at least 100 miles away. Long distance often restores before local calls. This allows family members to at least relay and learn the status of others in the disaster area. Every family member, even children in their backpacks, should have a in case of emergency list. They should have a cell phone or a phone card.

Determine what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door. Many communities have notification systems for cell phones now. Check to see if there is such a system where you are.

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance

A great site to get downloads for written plans, emergency contast lists and other information needed in differing emergencies is available at http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html

Here is their list of what you should consider for your disaster kit!

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Life Mapping: A Vision of Success

Success is more than economic gains, titles, and degrees. Planning for success is about mapping out all the aspects of your life. Similar to a map, you need to define the following details: origin, destination, vehicle, backpack, landmarks, and route.

Origin: Who you are

A map has a starting point. Your origin is who you are right now. Most people when asked to introduce themselves would say, “Hi, I’m Jean and I am a 17-year old, senior high school student.” It does not tell you about who Jean is; it only tells you her present preoccupation. To gain insights about yourself, you need to look closely at your beliefs, values, and principles aside from your economic, professional, cultural, and civil status. Moreover, you can also reflect on your experiences to give you insights on your good and not-so-good traits, skills, knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses. Upon introspection, Jean realized that she was highly motivated, generous, service-oriented, but impatient. Her inclination was in the biological-medical field. Furthermore, she believed that life must serve a purpose, and that wars were destructive to human dignity.

Destination: A vision of who you want to be

“Who do want to be?” this is your vision. Now it is important that you know yourself so that you would have a clearer idea of who you want to be; and the things you want to change whether they are attitudes, habits, or points of view. If you hardly know yourself, then your vision and targets for the future would also be unclear. Your destination should cover all the aspects of your being: the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Continuing Jean’s story, after she defined her beliefs, values, and principles in life, she decided that she wanted to have a life dedicated in serving her fellowmen.

Vehicle: Your Mission

A vehicle is the means by which you can reach your destination. It can be analogized to your mission or vocation in life. To a great extent, your mission would depend on what you know about yourself. Bases on Jean’s self-assessment, she decided that she was suited to become a doctor, and that she wanted to become one. Her chosen vocation was a medical doctor. Describing her vision-mission fully: it was to live a life dedicated to serving her fellowmen as a doctor in conflict-areas.

Travel Bag: Your knowledge, skills, and attitude

Food, drinks, medicines, and other traveling necessities are contained in a bag. Applying this concept to your life map, you also bring with you certain knowledge, skills, and attitudes. These determine your competence and help you in attaining your vision. Given such, there is a need for you to assess what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you have at present and what you need to gain along the way. This two-fold assessment will give you insights on your landmarks or measures of success. Jean realized that she needed to gain professional knowledge and skills on medicine so that she could become a doctor. She knew that she was a bit impatient with people so she realized that this was something she wanted to change.

Landmarks and Route: S.M.A.R.T. objectives

Landmarks confirm if you are on the right track while the route determines the travel time. Thus, in planning out your life, you also need to have landmarks and a route. These landmarks are your measures of success. These measures must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Thus you cannot set two major landmarks such as earning a master’s degree and a doctorate degree within a period of three years, since the minimum number of years to complete a master’s degree is two years. Going back to Jean as an example, she identified the following landmarks in her life map: completing a bachelor’s degree in biology by the age of 21; completing medicine by the age of 27; earning her specialization in infectious diseases by the age of 30; getting deployed in local public hospitals of their town by the age of 32; and serving as doctor in war-torn areas by the age of 35.

Anticipate Turns, Detours, and Potholes

The purpose of your life map is to minimize hasty and spur-of-the-moment decisions that can make you lose your way. But oftentimes our plans are modified along the way due to some inconveniences, delays, and other situations beyond our control. Like in any path, there are turns, detours, and potholes thus; we must anticipate them and adjust accordingly.

Just Today...

Just For Today
(and maybe tomorrow)

I was sent this.. I don't know who wrote it.. but Kudos to them. I liked it so am sharing it with you all!

Stand tall.
Start fresh.
Let go of guilt.
Don't look back.
Take an inventory.
Make amends.
Trust others.
Believe in yourself.
Discover God's love.
Appreciate your specialness.
Accept your humanness.
Ask for help.
Trust enough to take.
Have the courage to change.
Accept the unchangeable.
Be patient. Keep promises.
Bury regret. Discard hate.
Transcend self-doubt.
Don't dwell on the past.
Love each moment.
Live each day.
Build a better tomorrow.
Open your heart.
Explore your soul.
Expect the best.
Let miracles happen.
And smile!