This day in 1889

There are some days that go by and we are live the day to the fullest without questioning how the past has made today possible. Today is one of those days.

So what happened in 1889 on September 30th that has made a difference for at least 50% of all Americans? Women were allowed to vote in the state of Wyoming! Wyoming was the first state to grant the right to women. Many followed, but not after many protests and time. It was a new idea and one that many men (and women) didn't agree with. It was not seen as a right, rather a priveledge and privilege was given only to men.

We have come a long way in some areas but still there are so many things out there where it is seen as a privilege rather than a right. Marriage, money, social status, pay...the list goes on and on.

Today i am hopeful that like voting, we can all work towards equality rather than privilege.

I have always said that just because i have a PhD doesn't make me smarter then anyone else. Just because I make a good salary does not mean I have any more rights then the poorest person on earth. Just because I am white does not give me the right to be involved when another can't.

Today in history we are given an example of a changing world. I hope in 121 more years someone will write a blog and say "can you believe that marriage use to be a privilege for only straight people, or can you believe that a law was written that would allow a person to be stopped by a Cop just because of the color of his skin?"


Let's hope it doesn't take 121 years.

I'm getting so nervous!

I usually don't get nervous about things, but I all of a sudden am! Why? Well this weekend I am going back to Concordia College in Moorhead for my 25 year reunion! 25 years! What? I am that old?

I haven't seen any of my classmates since I left campus and although a few have found me through social networking, I have not reconnected at all. I have 2 or 3 friends from way back then that I have kept in contact with, but not the 120 or so that have all of a sudden come out of the woodwork asking me to come as they really want to see me.  I didn't know I knew 120 people during my college years!

I finally signed up this past weekend and as Friday approaches I am finding myself getting nervous! I know it may not seem like it, but I am a shy and introvert person in crowds. I don't like to be the center of attention and would rather hang out with 1 person more than 100!

So, I have 48 hours before I see these folks and my thoughts are:

1. How will I recognize anyone?
2. How can I lose 40 pounds fast!
3. What am I going to do with 120 new friends in my life come next Monday?
4. What will I wear?
5. Will anyone recognize me?

I realize not of these questions are logical, but I am getting nervous over them. I guess it is a fun nervous as I will get to see my past for the weekend and see how far I have come, how much I have changed, and how much I have stayed the same.  Here's to the past 25 years!

Happy should not be limited to an Hour!

Happy should not be limited to an Hour was a sign I saw this weekend in a bar/restaurant I went to and it got me thinking. Yes, me thinking...stop the presses!

Of course the sign was because of the "Happy Hour" idea for bars, but how many of us say "I will be happy once work is done" or "I will be happy when the weekend is here". Why is happy limited to after something or when something happens? Why can't we have a 24 hour happy hour? What makes us not like so many hours of our days that we actually have to think about a "Happy Hour"?

I guess it just got me thinking about how many times I find myself not liking work or an activity or event and think to myself "I can't wait until this is done so I can be 'happy'"! Hum...what if I tried to find ways to be happy while in the moment? There is nothing so bad or crazy at work, an activity or event that I can't find at least something to be happy about.

Doing a spreadsheet that makes sense, or meeting up with an old friend, learning a tidbit about someone new...you would think there would be a least a little happy in every hour!

So, this is my challenge this week to myself. No matter what I am doing or where I am going, I am going to find something to be happy about every hour. That means reflecting on what happens during a day and finding one good and positive outcome. I may be exhausted by the end of the week after this challenge, but I want to see what happens.

 Anyone want to join the challenge?

Reflections

I was asked if I really did reflect on the summer Friday, and I really do!

While I was talking about reflecting, I thought maybe you all would like to see my thoughts from the summer. It sometimes reads like a school "what I did on my summer vacation" paper but that is what it should read like. Okay, maybe not exactly like, but it has the same idea.

Since I don't feel like writing a paper, I thought I would give you the highlights.

This summer I was able to:

Clean up a highway - giving matters
Help out a friend who's Mother passed away - caring matters
Ride Harleys with my folks - Family matters
Give to a number of worthwhile causes - helping matters
Learn more about being a visionary leader - learning matters
Take a number of personal growth courses - understanding matters
Fix a few things around the house - hard work matters
Go to a Minnesota Twins game - having fun matters
Say goodbye to a furry friend and hello to two new ones - adoption matters
Hang out with friends on a number of occasions - friendship matters
Write a blog - reflections matter

I am satisfied with my summer, not because of what I did, but because of the person I have become with the experiences I have had this summer.

For all of you that where part of my summer,thank you!

First day of Fall

I know it was yesterday, but I had to write about my Mother yesterday, so today we chat about the Fall Season.
It is here and if you live in Minnesota it feels, looks, smells, and tastes like Fall.
After record rains yesterday (some places in southern MN over 10 inches)today we get the wind. The temperature went from 73 last night to 50 this morning - it feels like Fall.
The leaves on the trees in the front yard are falling like raindrops and slowly the green grass is covered with brown, yellow, and orange leaves - it looks like Fall.
There really is a different aroma in the air when Fall hits. It is one of the Seasons that really has an aroma. Spring after the first rain shower and Fall after a long rain and the wind begins to dry out the leaves - it smells like Fall.
Everything I see lately on cooking or baking shows have ingredients like pumpkin, squash, freshly dug red potatoes – it tastes like Fall.
When I started my coaching business I really wanted to have something people could identify with so the name Four Seasons Coaching came to be. I really believe that our persons are just like the seasons. Grow, change, explore, hibernate, grow…on and on.
I like to take the moments around the changing seasons to sit and reflect on the past season of my life, the current season, and looking forward into the future season. It keeps me looking at how I can improve my attitudes, thoughts, actions, and behaviors – it is like Fall.
As you watch the leaves begin to turn and fall this weekend and smell the aroma of drying leaves, remember to reflect on your summer. All that you did, thought, and grew in. It will amaze you.

Lessons on growing older

Today my Mother turned 73 and I have to say that we could all learn a few things from her on how to stay young while the years keep coming.

First, stay busy. Retirement is over rated, so take the opportunity of retirement from a job to work in areas of your passion. The benefits of retiring are that you get to have a lot of time to do what you enjoy, rather than what you have to do to put food on the table.

Second, worry less about money. The old saying "you can't take it with you" is so true. Your kids will be fine and it is not your job to provide for their future, so take the money you have and spend it you won't run out and it's yours.

Third, do the things you always said you would do "if you had the time". Travel, bowl, volunteer, start a hobby, relax, go camping, or buy a Harley. You have the time so do things.

Fourth, become friends with your kids. Once kids get inti their 40's I don't think to many of us need parents in the general form. We need confidants, friends, advocates, and role models.

Finally, get your ducks in a row. If you do want to "not be problem" for your kids, take care of your Wills, Power of Attorney, and any other documents you may have. Organize them and create a list of where things are at.

So, all of us kids...start now on getting your own duck in a row. Be more than a friend to your kids, teach lessons, worry less, and live life like you had all the time in the world. You will never regret a life lived!

A Swedish Proverb?

I have one of those "Page a Day" calendars at work and the quote of the day yesterday was "Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow." It is 'an old Swedish Proverb'. Yes, an old Swedish Proverb. I didn't know the Swedish had proverbs, but there is one and this was it! I can't wait to do some research on other wise saying from the Swedish people, but that will be another post.

So what does this Old Swedish Proverb have to say as part of the 365 days of positive and purposeful living? A lot!

How often do we worry about the little things in life and they become huge burdens taking our energy, attitude, and time? We give so many little things such power and give them a big shadow.

I was thinking about this and how the view of the shadow really is a good analyogy.

Remember when you use to walk with your brother or friend and you would jump on their shadow? "I stepped on your shadow" was a common saying as we tried to stay out of trouble walking around town. You add a small animal to the mix and as the sun set the shadows of these really tiny things became huge. A little cat looked like a lion of a shadow. There were movies about how others scared people by the size of their shadow. Come around the corner and see a huge shadow--well of course that means there is a huge monster waiting for you!

In reality though the shadow that is case is always larger then the actual 'thing'. If the sun hits just right my shadow can make it look like I am 20 feet tall!

The same holds with our worries. If you shine your sunshine (energy) on them what happens? They become huge. What started as a 1 foot worry is now a 20 foot problem!

The next time you are faced with a worry or a problem, step back and ask yourself if you are blowing sunshine into it that isn't true or if you can let it go.

Oh those Swedish people are so smart!

Celebrating Day of Peace

Today, September 21st is World Peace Day. A day set aside in 1981 by the United Nations to end violence. Wars around the world stop fighting for one day, today.

Now I don't know if this is happening in the current wars around the world, but what if we all took today to end violence. Not for a day, but for ever. One day could lead to another and another and soon we could have a week of peace and a month of peace and a world of peace.

How different would our lives collectively be if we all worked for peace? If our thoughts and actions all worked for peace? No fighting at home, on the streets, in the office, on foreign land.

We sometimes think that our countries leaders are responsible for peace, but I disagree. I think we are all responsible. We are responsible for our actions towards ourselves and others. If those actions are not founded in peace what happens?

When you think about your day to day lives, do you use phrases like "I hate...", or " I can't stand...", or "I wish they were different...", or "they aren't worth their weight..." or "why don't they just go back to their own country"?

Differences are part of our lives and we will never all see eye to eye on all issues, but what if we approached every interaction, every action with peace as our base?

Celebrating a day of peace should not be only on September 21st, rather every day we think, act, and behave in a peaceful manner we should celebrate.

Here's to changing the world one person at a time.

Opportunities galore

Every day I am amazed at the opportunities that present themselves. Opportunities galore!

This past week has been flooded with opportunities. New friend attending parties, neighbors getting to buy their own home instead of renting, riding motorcycles with new friends who have one thing in common that is riding, watching he leaves change brilliantly, being amazed at technology...the list goes on and on.

The other amazing thing I have noticed this week is how many people miss the opportunities that DO present themselves every day in so many ways.

This morning I was taking the bus to work and as we made our way downtown I watched the sun rise and the clouds became a brilliant red. Within minutes the sun was behind the clouds and it began to mist. Around the next turn I noticed how the leaves along the lake were beginning to turn a dark amber. It was an opportunity to see nature at it's quietest and it was amazing. While others on the bus slept, read, chatted, or just looked grumpy, I got to enjoy nature.

In a few weeks from now i will have the opportunity to head back to my alma mater for my 25th anniversary. I wasn't going to go, but last night I remembered that it was an opportunity and who am I to give up on an opportunity?

If we don't watch for them or take advantage of them, opportunities are gone as quickly as they appeared. What opportunities do you see for your week? Are you willing to take ahold of them and participate?

Opportunities galore. Don't let them pass by.

The Season of change

Can you feel it? Can you see it? Can You smell it? The season is changing!

This morning we headed out on the motorcycles for a short ride. The back roads of Minnesota are beautiful this time of year. The leaves are beginning to show their brilliant colors so around every curve and ever turn I watched with anticipation for the next tree that is beginning to change colors.

There was the fall smell in the air as well. It was crisp and smelled like a fresh rainfall. If you remember what it smelled like the last time you jumped into a huge pile of leaves you know the aroma.

The breeze was refreshing...chilly but refreshing. When you ride in 50 degree temps it is chilly, but there is something completely refreshing about it. We passed a few lakes along the way and the breeze from the lake was my heaven.

When I got home I was chilly, but so glad I went out today as you don't see, feel, or smell the change sitting around the house. You have to go out and find it.

It reminded me of my change. I would never be where i am at, think how I think, or live how i live had I just sat around and let life happen to me. I got out. I explored. I cared. I lived. Life looks, smells, and feels so much better when you embrace the change around us.

The Constitution of the United States of America

In honor of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America that happened this day, September 17, 1787 I want to give you all a chance to actually read it...so here it is. The website that talks about this day and this document is: http://www.constitutionday.com/. Please check out the link to see more historical facts about this day in history.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article. I.

Section. 1.

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section. 3.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section. 4.

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section. 5.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 6.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section. 7.

All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section. 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section. 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section. 10.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Article. II.

Section. 1.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.

The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Section. 2.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section. 3.

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article III.

Section. 1.

The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section. 2.

The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State,--between Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article. IV.

Section. 1.

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Section. 2.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.

Section. 3.

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section. 4.

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.

Article. V.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Article. VI.

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Article. VII.

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.

The Word, "the," being interlined between the seventh and eighth Lines of the first Page, the Word "Thirty" being partly written on an Erazure in the fifteenth Line of the first Page, The Words "is tried" being interlined between the thirty second and thirty third Lines of the first Page and the Word "the" being interlined between the forty third and forty fourth Lines of the second Page.

Attest William Jackson Secretary

Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,

G°. Washington
President and deputy from Virginia

Delaware
Geo: Read
Gunning Bedford jun
John Dickinson
Richard Bassett
Jaco: Broom

Maryland
James McHenry
Dan of St Thos. Jenifer
Danl. Carroll

Virginia
John Blair
James Madison Jr.

North Carolina
Wm. Blount
Richd. Dobbs Spaight
Hu Williamson

South Carolina
J. Rutledge
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Charles Pinckney
Pierce Butler

Georgia
William Few
Abr Baldwin

New Hampshire
John Langdon
Nicholas Gilman

Massachusetts
Nathaniel Gorham
Rufus King

Connecticut
Wm. Saml. Johnson
Roger Sherman

New York
Alexander Hamilton

New Jersey
Wil: Livingston
David Brearley
Wm. Paterson
Jona: Dayton

Pennsylvania
B Franklin
Thomas Mifflin
Robt. Morris
Geo. Clymer
Thos. FitzSimons
Jared Ingersoll
James Wilson
Gouv Morris

Be an MVP

I always like watching the commercials on T.V. Almost more than the show. I think advertising people have some of the most creative minds in the world, really. Have you ever seen a commercial that just speaks to you? One that you remember, not because of a silly jingle, but because of the message and meaning it had for you.

Remember these:

I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony...
Let's give it to Mikie...
Diamonds are forever
Do you believe in magic...
Be the best that you can be

So many great catch phrases that are there to touch an emotion in us.

I have noticed lately that more ads see to be focused on positive and purposeful living. Giving, achieving, believing, action, working towards something, and tonight I saw this one "be an MVP". It was a commercial with a popular sports figure working out alone at night in a club. Now the ad wasn't for the sports guy, but for the club, but the whole time they had saying come on over the picture of the guy working out. Sayings like "do your best", "live your dream", "work hard", "be your own MVP".

It was one of those ads that I stopped what I was doing and thought to myself "I get this ad. I agree. I need to remember to be my own MVP".

Maybe I am just hyper aware right now, but ever day I have found some saying or sign that speaks to me to live positively and with purpose!
Life really is all around us.

Celebrating America

I don't know if many of you know but this week is Constitutional Week. The week in America History when we celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution. The actual date is September 17th, but there are a number of celebration actitivities planned for the week in Washington D.C.

Well, I am not going to D.C. nor do I live anywhere close to a real historical place, but I am going to find ways this week to celebrate a document that we fight for, die for, and live for.

On Saturday we will be hosting our Annual JALLES Tournament. Every year we pick a new country to celebrate and eat, play, and watch a movie from that country. Last year we celebrated Italy, this year we are celebrating America.

It is always fun for me as I get to learn things about the countries that I never knew. We have trivia contests, some sporting contest, new food recipes, and a movie that talks about the country. Everyone comes and celebrates with us and they leave knowing more, trying some new foods, and celebrating the diversity in the world.

If you have time this week, stop and read an article from the Celebration of the USA Constitution, or actually read the Constitution. I think it adds to our ability to realize our future.

Complacency leads to Sweatpants!

So I step on the scale this morning and get all upset that my New Year's Resolution is just not working. I walk into work and think "ah crap, I am tired even taking the escalator", then I get into my office and take off my coat and put it right back on as I don't like me in just a shirt.

All day I struggle with the self awareness that I have let myself down in the one goal I said I would do - lose some weight and get into shape.

I vow (again) to get to the gym and off I go to meetings. The day goes on and after each meeting I get back to my office and feel more and more tired. I catch myself trying to find reasons to NOT go to the gym. The Twins are playing, the kids need my attention, I should finish cutting the branches up, I should get my blog down early, I should pay the bills...on and on...I come up with excuses to not go to the gym and spend 30 minutes on feeling better about myself.

By 4pm I have myself convinced that my time would be better spent doing something besides working out. I head outside to catch the bus and as one bus passes I see the bus billboard sign that says "Complacency leads to Sweatpants!" It was an ad on the bus from some weight control agency and the picture next to the words was someone with sweatpants on looking down at a scale!

I got home, changed clothes and went to the gym. Sometimes I think we all need an outside reminder of keeping on track and getting closer to our goals. Today I needed that ultimate reminder and the bus provided it.

I hope I see that same bus every day for the rest of the year!

Complacency does lead to sweatpants!

I wish each of you the best of luck on having a reminder about your goal hit you right when you need it!

Monday the 13th!

I have no idea why people get goofy on Friday the 13th's, as I think Monday the 13th's are must worse. I mean really! At least on Friday the 13th the weekend is just a few hours away, but on Monday the 13th you have so many more days of work left!

Actually I am not a big superstitious person so I don't pay much attention to any of it, but I do find it interesting that others plan the day around such dates. They stay home or don't drive or don't even get out of bed. Gracious! It sounds a bit strange to me.

I guess why I don't have much use for these 'dates' is that I remember that my fate is determined by me and my God. No one else. No one can make something bad happen to me, or drive me to do something I don't want to do..it is me or an act of God --hopefully I am aligned with those acts of God!

So as I write this blog I think about all the wonderful things that happened to me on this Monday the 13th. I got a lot done at work but shutting my door and concentrating. I made it safely there and back. I was able to add value to meetings. I ate a healthy salad and corn for dinner. I played with the little kids (cats). I cleaned up some things in the yard that have been there for 4 months. I actually took the time to write the blog. I balanced the checkbook. I emailed a friend.

You see, every day is yours! You decide the outcomes and you decide your actions.

Happy Monday the 13th!

The Heat is on!

Maybe I am getting sick, maybe it is getting cool out, or maybe it is just comforting. Whatever the reason, the heat is on in the house.

I usually don't like turning the heat on until October because usually having to add heat means summer is over, but I changed my thoughts tonight when my toes became hold and the poor cats are covering their heads in blankets just to stay warm.

So what does turning the heat on have to do with living positive and purposeful? Good questions, but I think I have a thought or two.

The first thing is that we all deserve to be comfortable. Maybe not every day as being in an uncomfortable state is not always a bad thing, but every once in a while it would be nice if those around us; as well as ourselves, could create a confort area for each of us.

The second thought is why do we deal with not doing something when it creates such an uncomfortable situation? Do I really need to be stubborn about not wanting summer to end when I have a new heater ready to go? Do the cats needs to freeze or toes turn blue before I stop being foolish and just do something different?

Seriously, it all goes to positive and purposeful living and understanding that there are times, days, months, and situations were comfort should be our goal. So, tonight the heat is on and I am comfortable.

The New Moon

September 8th is New Moon day! I actually love new moon days, mainly because the fishing is usually really good on new moon and full moon days, but that isn't the only reason.

New moons happen onces a month (most of the months) and it occurred to me today that I think each of us should have a personal new moon in our lives. A day that is a "start over from scratch" day. The moon doesn't say "been there, done that, ain't going to do it again". NO, every month the new moon starts all over again and in two weeks it becomes full and bright and fills the night sky with light.

Think about it...what if once a month you could say "okay, time to make this a new moon day"! A day of starting over, starting new, starting with a plan--to become a full moon in two weeks?

They say it takes 14 to 21 days to make a habit part of life. What if that first day was the new moon and 14-21 days from now you are in a full moon phase?

Start working out again, stop doing something again, make it a habit! Most of us never give a task or a challenge more than 3 or 4 days before we give up. I know I don't. I get distracted or just tired.

I pledge today my new moon day. I pledge that I will give myself the full phase of the moon (until September 23rd) to challenge myself to work out every day for 30-45 minutes.

Take a pledge, be a new moon person! Let's see what happens!

Kids Say the Darndest things - Or maybe not!

Ah, five days away and it felt good. Felt good to be away from the ways of corporate America, away from cell phones and internet, away from animals and away from my racing head thoughts. Like everything, somethings must end so here we go for the last 3 months of this blog.

Today I want to share some of the things I have seen or heard kids say the past week. I don't know how or why I was tuned into what they were saying - not like a high priority of mine to be around kids right now, but sometimes I think things happen for a reason.

Yesterday we went for a motorcycle ride and we stopped to have breakfast along the way. As we waited for our food a family with three kids came into eat as well. I wasn't paying much attention to them until one of the kids, maybe 7 or 8 years old, turn around and I saw the back of his shirt. It said "Some people go to bed and dream about what they want to be, others wake up and work hard to become who they want to be!"

From a extra small t-shirt comes words we all can live by. Do you go to bed and hope tomorrow will be better or do you wake up in the morning and work hard to make it better? I figured if a 7 year old can wear this proudly on his back I would be proud to share his views with you. To Dream or to Work?

Another kid I saw this weekend had a similar message on his shirt that said "People aren't born with talent, they must work hard to be talented". Again, maybe 7 or 8 years old - little extra small shirt. If you think you are born with anything, including the rights of others, you are wrong - we all must work hard to be talented, to achieve, and to be purposeful.

From the mouth of babes comes our reality. It has nothing to do with entitlement or because it should be easy---no--it is hard work and getting up every morning with a purpose to be the best you can be.

Listen to the kids, they do say the darndest things!

Time Away

It has been a long summer and most of it spent in Minneapolis. As I look back work was go busy it was hard to get away for more then a day, maybe two.

Work at work, work at home, fixing, cleaning, and just taking care of things really gave me no time (nor did I take it) to just relax and fish and relax and fish some more.

I have the chance this weekend to get away and I am taking it. Five days in God's Country fishing and hanging out in the mighty pine trees of Minnesota. Five days without internet access, cell phone coverage, cable TV, or the technologies of the world. So, as I prepare to head out of the busy cities, I wanted to plan for my weekend.

Five days of:
Listening to the wind through the pine trees
Smelling the woods after a rain shower
Sitting on a dock next to a still lake while watching the sun rise and set
Trolling slow for the 'big one'
Watching eagles soar
Exploring new inlets and coves
Hearing the loon's song echo over the lake
Creating a lasting memory with family and friends

Yes, the next five days will touch my soul, warm my heart, and remind me why I live.

I hope you all can find your soul this weekend as well.

Is it really September 1st?

Can it really be September 1st today? Really? What happen to June, July and August? Where did they go?

I guess it has been a long summer and so much has been done that maybe September is a good thing. Actually, besides winter and spring, fall is my favorite time of year.

Fall reminds me to reflect and drop the old leaves and prepare for a time of understanding and quiet. Winter is 3 months away and spring 6 months away! Fall, to me, is the new beginning as you really can start giving up that which does not matter and look forward to quiet time to grow, learn, live, and love.

Now I know many of you get more depressed over fall coming as it means the snow will fly soon, I get that. Maybe this year you will take the time in September to reflect on your summer. What did you do? How did you feel? What changes do you see in yourself? Did you see or experience something you never thought possible? Maybe it was a new city you visited, or a new friend you made, or a new passion you discovered by trying something for the first time, or a new fishing spot you can't wait to get back and try again, maybe you lost a close friend or family member that has changed you, maybe you found love or lost love or maybe you just took some time for yourself that was not only needed but well deserved.

September is the start of the fall season. Shed the old leaves and relax, be quiet, meditate, and be still. Let the work and the worries of Summer drop from your shoulders and look forward to the next 3 months.

Yes, September 1st is a good day. Enjoy, relax, reflect, and collect your memories. Winter will be here soon enough so take this time.