"Ask the young, they know everything!" - Joseph Joubert, Essayist (1754-1824)
17 years ago today, after leaving a visitation service for Sherry Huggins (1945-1993), we had no idea what the next day would bring. We were already in disbelief with the loss of Sherry at the tender age of 48 (she was our Pack Historian for the first year and a half that I was Cubmaster of Pack 247 (complete tenure 1992-1995), and our sons Josh and Donny had just bridged over to Troop 247 on Sept. 24th), and we were not thinking about what was to take place the next day, Jill's due date.
It started early enough with "gas pains" in the middle of the night, and they proceeded to get more frequent as daylight approached. By 10AM, it was obvious that Jordan was on the way, and we drove to Spelman St. Luke's Hospital (the last day that Hospital bore that name - it changed to St. Luke's Northland overnigh when Jill and Jordan spent their first night together in the Hospital). Jordan came along at 2:50PM and weighed in at 7lbs 13oz. We were elated, and unlike Josh's delivery on 7/25/82, we already had a name picked out for him (we thought for sure that Josh would be a girl, and so did the Doctors - yet, no ultrasound was performed).
I think back to those days often, and I think of the challenges that he has faced over the years. I won't go into them, but his life hasn't been easy. Yet, through all of the diagnoses and the battles he has had to overcome, he did earn his Eagle Scout Rank on 9/18/2008, and he is an Honor Roll Student at Oak Park High School, a tremendous and talented photographer, and a vocalist with a gorgeous deep Bass resonance. He has overcome so much; I can't tell you how proud I am of him. Yes, there are days he thinks he knows more than I do, but he is usually brought back to earth during the course of that day.
And now, he is on the verge of being 17 years old. He has so much life ahead of him, but he still has some lofty goals that he wants to reach: 11 Eagle Scout Palms before he turns 18 (he has 7 so far), Chapter Chief of our Order of the Arrow Chapter for a 2nd time (he was the Chief in 2009 and has been a Chapter Officer ever since the day after his Ordeal Induction in 2006), and to earn his way to College (right now it's Simpson College, but Northwest Missouri State is also very appealing - with a Major in Vocal Music Education). But, it is what he has overcome that makes him so special to me, for he could have easily become a statistic, but instead - he decided to make history rather than be consumed by history.
Our son, Jordan Adam Cook (b. 9/30/1993) is a TRUE PATRIOT, and a fine example of what an Eagle Scout SHOULD BE! Son, I love you so much, and I am SO PROUD of YOU!
How about you? Are you proud of your children? If so, let the world know! The world deserves to hear your story about your sons and/or daughters! Jill and I are very fortunate: we have the best two sons you could ever imagine!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/29/2010 10:09PM CDT
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 28, 2010
"The greatest wealth is health.” - Virgil, Roman Philosopher (70BC-1BC)
This is a perfect quote for me to use, as I have experienced both personal wealth and personal "poverty" as far as net worth is concerned. However, now that I am 52 years young, I have realized that material wealth can be fleeting; you can earn it back almost as quickly as you lose it - but to have your health is the greatest gift you can ever provide yourself.
I've had both before - as an Athlete in High School and an Intramural Athlete in College, I've experienced low body fat (a low BMI), and I've also taken that for granted the older I got - to a BMI of 40, which is considered obese. I finally learned 2 and a half months ago that God gave me this one body, and I can either take care of it, or I can destroy it; that was my two choices. Up until July 14th of this year, because I had lost the other "wealth" in my life (our net worth due to 30+ months of unemployment), I was in the process of losing my other "wealth," my health. It took a serious action on July 13th and a sleepless night that night (after gorging myself with 5000 calories or more) to realize that I was about to lose the battle of my other "wealth" - my health. Thankfully, I woke up, and took corrective measures that day on the 14th.
Now, the other "wealth" will come back, but for as my health - I am in the bases shape I have ever been since I was in High School, with even better heart health, thanks to a heart rate of 60 beats/minute at rest, and a low blood pressure as well. The tale of the tape is this: 296 miles of walking, 67 pounds lost (and more on the horizon), a BP of 111/68 (instead of HBP), and the heart rate at rest, as well as 7 and a half inches lost around my mid section - and my BMI? 29.8! Am I in shape? You bet your life! Will I ever take my health for granted again? Not likely. I only have one body - and that is the greatest wealth that I can ever preserve and maintain - not only for me but for my family and friends (those in my life I love and hold dear), and I plan to do just that! The other "wealth" will take care of itself in time - all I have to do is believe, and I DO BELIEVE!
Think about it . . .
Yogi (after an afternoon of contemplation on this QOTD): 9/28/2010 6:45PM CDT
This is a perfect quote for me to use, as I have experienced both personal wealth and personal "poverty" as far as net worth is concerned. However, now that I am 52 years young, I have realized that material wealth can be fleeting; you can earn it back almost as quickly as you lose it - but to have your health is the greatest gift you can ever provide yourself.
I've had both before - as an Athlete in High School and an Intramural Athlete in College, I've experienced low body fat (a low BMI), and I've also taken that for granted the older I got - to a BMI of 40, which is considered obese. I finally learned 2 and a half months ago that God gave me this one body, and I can either take care of it, or I can destroy it; that was my two choices. Up until July 14th of this year, because I had lost the other "wealth" in my life (our net worth due to 30+ months of unemployment), I was in the process of losing my other "wealth," my health. It took a serious action on July 13th and a sleepless night that night (after gorging myself with 5000 calories or more) to realize that I was about to lose the battle of my other "wealth" - my health. Thankfully, I woke up, and took corrective measures that day on the 14th.
Now, the other "wealth" will come back, but for as my health - I am in the bases shape I have ever been since I was in High School, with even better heart health, thanks to a heart rate of 60 beats/minute at rest, and a low blood pressure as well. The tale of the tape is this: 296 miles of walking, 67 pounds lost (and more on the horizon), a BP of 111/68 (instead of HBP), and the heart rate at rest, as well as 7 and a half inches lost around my mid section - and my BMI? 29.8! Am I in shape? You bet your life! Will I ever take my health for granted again? Not likely. I only have one body - and that is the greatest wealth that I can ever preserve and maintain - not only for me but for my family and friends (those in my life I love and hold dear), and I plan to do just that! The other "wealth" will take care of itself in time - all I have to do is believe, and I DO BELIEVE!
Think about it . . .
Yogi (after an afternoon of contemplation on this QOTD): 9/28/2010 6:45PM CDT
Monday, September 27, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 27, 2010
"He who lives without discipline dies without honor." - Icelandic Proverb
When I came across this quote, I was reminded of the movie "The Dirty Dozen" (1967 - starring Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson, among other notables). It was about 12 men who were undisciplined soldiers in WW2 and all were sentenced to die for various actions, but through the work of Marvin (their Commanding Officer for a Commando Raid on a Nazi Palatial Estate during a party in which several Nazi top brass were in attendance), they were redeemed and restored to full military duty (only about 4 of the 12 made it out of the raid alive, but they became heroes and the 8 were buried with full military honors).
To die without honor; to die without courage - courage to stand up and right what is wrong, is to live a wasted life. That, to me, is the definition of discipline: "the courage to right what is wrong and to live your life accordingly every waking day." There are many people in this world today that fit this bill, and we mourn those honorable souls who passed before us. A few of their names are in the history books, but most of the names are people we have never heard of, for history does not record those common, everyday people that die with honor for a cause they believed in, and the wrongs that they continued to "right" throughout their lives.
My father and grandfather were both instrumental in my upbringing, for they brought discipline into my life and instilled that concept in my soul. However, my brother James Rae Cook (1949-1975) probably taught me more about Honor than the other two put together. Even though he lived a short life (25 years), he braved the elements with medical issues in the 1960's and earned his Eagle Scout Rank on 2/7/1965 and God and Country Award in 1967 (when it was a full-year program), and through his battle with leukemia (the illness that took his life on 4/24/75), he had the discipline and courage to not only keep a positive outlook on life, but to constantly visit the Children's Cancer wing at the University of Iowa Medical Center (when he was a patient with leukemia) and bring joy into the lives of young children that would never live to see the age of 10. That was his calling, for he loved people, and he loved children. Sadly, he left a wife and a 3-year old daughter, and life for those two has never been the same again. But, the legacy of my brother lives in the teachings I try to instill in my sons, for the Cook name needs to continue to represent Honor and Discipline. I pray that I continue to have the courage to live my life in such as manner.
Dedicated to my brother James Rae Cook; November 12, 1949 - April 24, 1975: Eagle Scout extrordinaire.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/27/2010 1:04PM CDT
When I came across this quote, I was reminded of the movie "The Dirty Dozen" (1967 - starring Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson, among other notables). It was about 12 men who were undisciplined soldiers in WW2 and all were sentenced to die for various actions, but through the work of Marvin (their Commanding Officer for a Commando Raid on a Nazi Palatial Estate during a party in which several Nazi top brass were in attendance), they were redeemed and restored to full military duty (only about 4 of the 12 made it out of the raid alive, but they became heroes and the 8 were buried with full military honors).
To die without honor; to die without courage - courage to stand up and right what is wrong, is to live a wasted life. That, to me, is the definition of discipline: "the courage to right what is wrong and to live your life accordingly every waking day." There are many people in this world today that fit this bill, and we mourn those honorable souls who passed before us. A few of their names are in the history books, but most of the names are people we have never heard of, for history does not record those common, everyday people that die with honor for a cause they believed in, and the wrongs that they continued to "right" throughout their lives.
My father and grandfather were both instrumental in my upbringing, for they brought discipline into my life and instilled that concept in my soul. However, my brother James Rae Cook (1949-1975) probably taught me more about Honor than the other two put together. Even though he lived a short life (25 years), he braved the elements with medical issues in the 1960's and earned his Eagle Scout Rank on 2/7/1965 and God and Country Award in 1967 (when it was a full-year program), and through his battle with leukemia (the illness that took his life on 4/24/75), he had the discipline and courage to not only keep a positive outlook on life, but to constantly visit the Children's Cancer wing at the University of Iowa Medical Center (when he was a patient with leukemia) and bring joy into the lives of young children that would never live to see the age of 10. That was his calling, for he loved people, and he loved children. Sadly, he left a wife and a 3-year old daughter, and life for those two has never been the same again. But, the legacy of my brother lives in the teachings I try to instill in my sons, for the Cook name needs to continue to represent Honor and Discipline. I pray that I continue to have the courage to live my life in such as manner.
Dedicated to my brother James Rae Cook; November 12, 1949 - April 24, 1975: Eagle Scout extrordinaire.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/27/2010 1:04PM CDT
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 26, 2010
"I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following." - Mohandas Gandhi, Spiritual and Political Leader of India (1869-1948)
"Yesterday is in the past, tomorrow hasn't happened yet, so let's focus on today." Those were the words of my Father, Joseph Jonathan Cook II (1919-2002), as he raised our family of 7 with me being the youngest. However, since I have his business sense (but the temperament of my Mother), this is a very hard thing for me to do, especially with the gift of the "eclectic" memory that I have (that's another subject for another Blog post). Living in the "here and now" is difficult when you remember everything that you have done in your past, the people you have met, their physical and emotional characteristics - along with EVERY conversation you have ever had with them including the tone and inflection of their voices, and your experiences - both good and the "not so good." As most of you know, I attended two schools of Higher Education: Simpson College (Indianola, IA) for 3 Semesters (1976-1977) and Northwest Missouri State University (1978-1980), where I graduated with a BS in Journalism on May 10, 1980. My experiences at both schools were complete opposites; Simpson is where I learned my lessons about life (the hard way), and NWMSU is where I met my wife of 30 years on October 19, 1978. Everything I touched at Simpson turned to stone (with the exception of joining the best College Fraternity in the Nation: Sigma Alpha Epsilon), yet everything I touched at NW turned to Gold.
However, this is what makes a person who he/she is today. I would not trade my experiences at either school for anything in the world. I fell in love once per school; the first one - the relationship lasted exactly two months (and the pain lasted much longer), and the second one happened to be my wife when I began trusting women and relationships again (our Love will celebrate 32 years on October 22nd - when both of us realized we had met "the one" - but I already knew it on the evening of the 19th). Every fall, I revisit my past to make sure I learn from it, and to "tweak" myself if I feel I haven't. 34 years ago today, I was a Freshman at Simpson, a Pledge of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and in love with a Sorority Pledge (a Tri-Delt); 32 years ago today, I was a Junior at NWMSU and had not yet met Jill (it would be another 23 days). Both experiences defined me as a person, and I believe those experiences made me a much better Father, a Husband and a human being. I learned the correct way to handle disappointment (although it was very painful), and I learned how to conduct myself in the presence of others. This was indeed a "growing up" period for me, and I came out of that period for the better, and have tried to instill this in Josh and Jordan while they were in their formidable years.
So why did I use today's quote? Simply put: it took me until these past 6 months to hold stock only in what I can control today. I am 52, and it's taken me this long to learn. Now, I still remember everything that has happened to me going back to 1959 (born on 8/13/58); (for example) in 1976: August 28th, September 3rd, September 22nd, September 25th and November 22nd; in 1978: January 16th, October 19th, 21st and 22nd; in 1979: January 1st (the horrific accident on New Year's Day that completely changed my facial features, learning how to talk and form words all over again - but without the lifelong lisp that I used to have, and learning NEVER to take life for granted EVER again, for I shouldn't have survived that accident - but I did through the grace of God!). The only reason I make sure NEVER to forget those days is that they were INSTRUMENTAL in developing who I am today. However, I now live for the present, ever mindful of the lessons I have learned through the past. Tomorrow hasn't happened yet, and yesterday is gone and I can no longer worry about what happened a second ago, but I CAN REMEMBER and LEARN from my life's experiences - and as long as I am alive, I will continue to do so. For the record, I support Simpson College because I learned more about life in 3 semesters than I did in the 5 semesters and 2 summer sessions at Northwest (but I am very proud to be a Bearcat, just as I am proud to be a Redman/Storm). It's just that life was so hard at Simpson (not a Campus Leader), yet so easy at Northwest (a Campus Leader in every way) at a MUCH larger school (780 at Simpson in 1976-77; 5,500 at NWMSU in 1979-80).
My memory? That'll be in a Blog posting down the road. For now, I leave you with this - for those who would love to have a high-functioning photographic memory (with all the bells and whistles imaginable), think again - and be careful what you wish for!
Congratulations to my Kansas City Chiefs! Great game today - from the opening kickoff to the final second! I am proud of all of you! (And while I'm at it, the Bearcats are 2-1 for the season, and the Storm is 1-3. They'll get better - I have faith in Coach Glo!)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/26/2010 3:52PM CDT
"Yesterday is in the past, tomorrow hasn't happened yet, so let's focus on today." Those were the words of my Father, Joseph Jonathan Cook II (1919-2002), as he raised our family of 7 with me being the youngest. However, since I have his business sense (but the temperament of my Mother), this is a very hard thing for me to do, especially with the gift of the "eclectic" memory that I have (that's another subject for another Blog post). Living in the "here and now" is difficult when you remember everything that you have done in your past, the people you have met, their physical and emotional characteristics - along with EVERY conversation you have ever had with them including the tone and inflection of their voices, and your experiences - both good and the "not so good." As most of you know, I attended two schools of Higher Education: Simpson College (Indianola, IA) for 3 Semesters (1976-1977) and Northwest Missouri State University (1978-1980), where I graduated with a BS in Journalism on May 10, 1980. My experiences at both schools were complete opposites; Simpson is where I learned my lessons about life (the hard way), and NWMSU is where I met my wife of 30 years on October 19, 1978. Everything I touched at Simpson turned to stone (with the exception of joining the best College Fraternity in the Nation: Sigma Alpha Epsilon), yet everything I touched at NW turned to Gold.
However, this is what makes a person who he/she is today. I would not trade my experiences at either school for anything in the world. I fell in love once per school; the first one - the relationship lasted exactly two months (and the pain lasted much longer), and the second one happened to be my wife when I began trusting women and relationships again (our Love will celebrate 32 years on October 22nd - when both of us realized we had met "the one" - but I already knew it on the evening of the 19th). Every fall, I revisit my past to make sure I learn from it, and to "tweak" myself if I feel I haven't. 34 years ago today, I was a Freshman at Simpson, a Pledge of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and in love with a Sorority Pledge (a Tri-Delt); 32 years ago today, I was a Junior at NWMSU and had not yet met Jill (it would be another 23 days). Both experiences defined me as a person, and I believe those experiences made me a much better Father, a Husband and a human being. I learned the correct way to handle disappointment (although it was very painful), and I learned how to conduct myself in the presence of others. This was indeed a "growing up" period for me, and I came out of that period for the better, and have tried to instill this in Josh and Jordan while they were in their formidable years.
So why did I use today's quote? Simply put: it took me until these past 6 months to hold stock only in what I can control today. I am 52, and it's taken me this long to learn. Now, I still remember everything that has happened to me going back to 1959 (born on 8/13/58); (for example) in 1976: August 28th, September 3rd, September 22nd, September 25th and November 22nd; in 1978: January 16th, October 19th, 21st and 22nd; in 1979: January 1st (the horrific accident on New Year's Day that completely changed my facial features, learning how to talk and form words all over again - but without the lifelong lisp that I used to have, and learning NEVER to take life for granted EVER again, for I shouldn't have survived that accident - but I did through the grace of God!). The only reason I make sure NEVER to forget those days is that they were INSTRUMENTAL in developing who I am today. However, I now live for the present, ever mindful of the lessons I have learned through the past. Tomorrow hasn't happened yet, and yesterday is gone and I can no longer worry about what happened a second ago, but I CAN REMEMBER and LEARN from my life's experiences - and as long as I am alive, I will continue to do so. For the record, I support Simpson College because I learned more about life in 3 semesters than I did in the 5 semesters and 2 summer sessions at Northwest (but I am very proud to be a Bearcat, just as I am proud to be a Redman/Storm). It's just that life was so hard at Simpson (not a Campus Leader), yet so easy at Northwest (a Campus Leader in every way) at a MUCH larger school (780 at Simpson in 1976-77; 5,500 at NWMSU in 1979-80).
My memory? That'll be in a Blog posting down the road. For now, I leave you with this - for those who would love to have a high-functioning photographic memory (with all the bells and whistles imaginable), think again - and be careful what you wish for!
Congratulations to my Kansas City Chiefs! Great game today - from the opening kickoff to the final second! I am proud of all of you! (And while I'm at it, the Bearcats are 2-1 for the season, and the Storm is 1-3. They'll get better - I have faith in Coach Glo!)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/26/2010 3:52PM CDT
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 25, 2010
"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." - Aristotle, Greek Philosopher (384BC-322BC)
I often wonder what life would be like without friends. Not that I want to find out, mind you, but I pray for those who feel devoid of friends. No one in this world should go through life without a friend, whether it be a few or many.
So many times we read about desperate souls who feel that they have no friends, yet we wonder if that was really true, or just their perception. It has been written that we don't really know how many lives we touch through the years until we're gone. Unfortunately, we are not able to attend our own funeral in bodily form (other than lying in the casket), we are only able to visit through the spirit. I have known several who feel that they did not have many true friends, only to witness long lines at their visitation after they have passed on to the next world.
So, I leave you with this one thought: If there is someone who has made a difference in your life and you consider that person a friend, please let them know NOW while you still can. I try to do that with everyone who has been a "life-changer" for me, and I am blessed to have many! Don't ever assume that the other person knows how you feel. As a lifelong male (last time I checked, anyway), the "machismo" image of never showing your feelings has long been passé. Telling someone you care doesn't make you less of a person; in fact, it completes you. Life is too short to to keep those feelings to yourself. My life of 52 years has blown by so fast that the next time I check the calendar, I could very well be pushing 80.
Don't get caught saying to yourself "I wish I had." Instead, tell a deserving soul how you feel about them, and you'll be saying "I'm glad I did!" Most importantly, you will make that person's day, and you cannot place a value on that; it is a gift that is priceless!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/25/2010 2:27PM CDT
I often wonder what life would be like without friends. Not that I want to find out, mind you, but I pray for those who feel devoid of friends. No one in this world should go through life without a friend, whether it be a few or many.
So many times we read about desperate souls who feel that they have no friends, yet we wonder if that was really true, or just their perception. It has been written that we don't really know how many lives we touch through the years until we're gone. Unfortunately, we are not able to attend our own funeral in bodily form (other than lying in the casket), we are only able to visit through the spirit. I have known several who feel that they did not have many true friends, only to witness long lines at their visitation after they have passed on to the next world.
So, I leave you with this one thought: If there is someone who has made a difference in your life and you consider that person a friend, please let them know NOW while you still can. I try to do that with everyone who has been a "life-changer" for me, and I am blessed to have many! Don't ever assume that the other person knows how you feel. As a lifelong male (last time I checked, anyway), the "machismo" image of never showing your feelings has long been passé. Telling someone you care doesn't make you less of a person; in fact, it completes you. Life is too short to to keep those feelings to yourself. My life of 52 years has blown by so fast that the next time I check the calendar, I could very well be pushing 80.
Don't get caught saying to yourself "I wish I had." Instead, tell a deserving soul how you feel about them, and you'll be saying "I'm glad I did!" Most importantly, you will make that person's day, and you cannot place a value on that; it is a gift that is priceless!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/25/2010 2:27PM CDT
Friday, September 24, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 24, 2010
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." - Norman Vincent Peale, Protestant Minister and Author (1898-1993)
For anyone who has been unemployed for an extended period of time, believing in yourself is a very hard thing to do. However, as I stated in previous days posts, you MUST have the courage to reinvent yourself. It all begins with believing that you are worth every penny of the process, nothing less. Place your faith in God and believe. Begin with the little things that make you feel worthy, and work up from there.
I highly recommend the book by Darren Hardy called "The Compound Effect," for I am living it. If you have not read it nor checked it out at your nearest Library, take a small road trip to your nearest Library and check it out. This book can be a life-changer for you if you take what is written seriously. If you need external inspiration and support, please email me at scouter@kc.rr.com, and I will give you my cell phone number. In the past, little things used to get the best of me. Yesterday, I was forced off the road by a car full of teens heading southbound on a very narrow street (as I was heading north) and my rearview mirror was sheared off by a warning sign post just a few feet above a storm drain (I was fortunate that this was all that happened, but there is car door damage as well). In the past, this would have ruined my day, my week, and perhaps my month. Yes, it's inconvenient, but that's all it is. It can be replaced, just as the human spirit can be renewed. First and foremost, you must believe in a higher power, and THEN you must believe in yourself. Once you have mastered those two important steps, anything is possible.
Believe it; take action now. Dare yourself to overcome obstacles; dare yourself to better your life (whatever that means to you - and ONLY you); and dare yourself to be a better a better family member and friend to those who need you. If it's fitness and health, visit my favorite website: www.livestrong.com and take the "Dares." Finally, let's keep in touch. I am here for all of my friends, and if you are reading this blog post, then you must be one of them - for I know you care.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/24/2010 8:07AM CDT
For anyone who has been unemployed for an extended period of time, believing in yourself is a very hard thing to do. However, as I stated in previous days posts, you MUST have the courage to reinvent yourself. It all begins with believing that you are worth every penny of the process, nothing less. Place your faith in God and believe. Begin with the little things that make you feel worthy, and work up from there.
I highly recommend the book by Darren Hardy called "The Compound Effect," for I am living it. If you have not read it nor checked it out at your nearest Library, take a small road trip to your nearest Library and check it out. This book can be a life-changer for you if you take what is written seriously. If you need external inspiration and support, please email me at scouter@kc.rr.com, and I will give you my cell phone number. In the past, little things used to get the best of me. Yesterday, I was forced off the road by a car full of teens heading southbound on a very narrow street (as I was heading north) and my rearview mirror was sheared off by a warning sign post just a few feet above a storm drain (I was fortunate that this was all that happened, but there is car door damage as well). In the past, this would have ruined my day, my week, and perhaps my month. Yes, it's inconvenient, but that's all it is. It can be replaced, just as the human spirit can be renewed. First and foremost, you must believe in a higher power, and THEN you must believe in yourself. Once you have mastered those two important steps, anything is possible.
Believe it; take action now. Dare yourself to overcome obstacles; dare yourself to better your life (whatever that means to you - and ONLY you); and dare yourself to be a better a better family member and friend to those who need you. If it's fitness and health, visit my favorite website: www.livestrong.com and take the "Dares." Finally, let's keep in touch. I am here for all of my friends, and if you are reading this blog post, then you must be one of them - for I know you care.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/24/2010 8:07AM CDT
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 23, 2010
"To me every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle." - Walter Chrysler, Machinist and Founder of the Chrysler Corporation (1875-1940)
Once you have reinvented yourself (as I had to do earlier this year), you find yourself in true amazement of the world around you, and you begin to look forward to every hour of every day. I find myself looking forward to waking up and facing the day, walking and planning the day, and then carrying out God's plan - whatever that might be.
Each hour is a blessing; ask anyone who has battled cancer or is in the process of battling this horrific disease. Ask someone who has lost a loved one (as we all have). Finally, ask someone who has been given a second lease on life. Every answer will be the same, for rarely will someone look at the hours of the day in the same light again.
Life-changing events happen every day, but a true blessing exists in the opportunity to live life to the fullest when you no longer take items and life for granted. I've been there, done that - and have T-Shirts to show for it. It is the miracle of the moment of that life-changing event that transforms us into true believers and prophets of living each day to the full extent of our capabilities, for once we have done that, we will never be the same again.
I find myself looking forward to being able to walk for exercise again, and I plan to resume on Saturday as my shin splints are almost a thing of the past. Months ago, I never thought I would ever miss the opportunity to exercise, but I find myself yearning for the feeling of accomplishing what I set out to do: to lose 80 pounds or more by the time I am done, and then maintain that weight for the rest of my life. I have 14 pounds or so to go, and I can't wait to get back on track again. That's also true with our Team National experience; I can't wait to be in Altoona, Iowa again on Monday evening presenting the program in Sadie and Eric's living room; the program and way of life that has truly changed my life and my destiny.
So what's your story?
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/23/2010 7:32PM CDT
Once you have reinvented yourself (as I had to do earlier this year), you find yourself in true amazement of the world around you, and you begin to look forward to every hour of every day. I find myself looking forward to waking up and facing the day, walking and planning the day, and then carrying out God's plan - whatever that might be.
Each hour is a blessing; ask anyone who has battled cancer or is in the process of battling this horrific disease. Ask someone who has lost a loved one (as we all have). Finally, ask someone who has been given a second lease on life. Every answer will be the same, for rarely will someone look at the hours of the day in the same light again.
Life-changing events happen every day, but a true blessing exists in the opportunity to live life to the fullest when you no longer take items and life for granted. I've been there, done that - and have T-Shirts to show for it. It is the miracle of the moment of that life-changing event that transforms us into true believers and prophets of living each day to the full extent of our capabilities, for once we have done that, we will never be the same again.
I find myself looking forward to being able to walk for exercise again, and I plan to resume on Saturday as my shin splints are almost a thing of the past. Months ago, I never thought I would ever miss the opportunity to exercise, but I find myself yearning for the feeling of accomplishing what I set out to do: to lose 80 pounds or more by the time I am done, and then maintain that weight for the rest of my life. I have 14 pounds or so to go, and I can't wait to get back on track again. That's also true with our Team National experience; I can't wait to be in Altoona, Iowa again on Monday evening presenting the program in Sadie and Eric's living room; the program and way of life that has truly changed my life and my destiny.
So what's your story?
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/23/2010 7:32PM CDT
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 22, 2010
"People who cannot invent and reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, fitting in instead of standing out." - Warren G. Bennis, American Pioneer in Leadership Studies (b. 1925)
I took some time today to reflect on the last 31 months, as it was 31 months ago yesterday that my career as an Executive IT Manager came to an abrupt end. In searching for the right QOTD, I stumbled across this one and realized just how accurate and important it really is.
It took me 24 months to realize that I had to reinvent myself, and thanks to the Team National Company (my wife's business), I was able to do that successfully. Instead of being mired in "why can't I find a job after sending 14,000+ resumes," and "why did this have to happen to us and what did I do to deserve this," I now look at the glass as half-full and literally look forward to each sunrise; it is always the dawn of a new day and an opportunity to change someone else's life for the better!
I didn't know that the day of February 24, 2010 would be so pivotal in our lives, and I wondered whether our decision for Jill to become an Independent Marketing Director was the right move, but I now know without any hesitation or doubt that this is what God intended for the two of us. I am personally glad that I don't have to look back and say "I wish we had," for I can legitimately look back and say "I'm glad we did!"
Thank you, Lord - for opening the door, and for prompting Jamiel Yameen to call me on Monday, February 15, 2010. Not only was it a "game changer," it was a life changer and a life saving phone call! God Bless You, Jamiel!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/22/2010 4:17PM CDT
I took some time today to reflect on the last 31 months, as it was 31 months ago yesterday that my career as an Executive IT Manager came to an abrupt end. In searching for the right QOTD, I stumbled across this one and realized just how accurate and important it really is.
It took me 24 months to realize that I had to reinvent myself, and thanks to the Team National Company (my wife's business), I was able to do that successfully. Instead of being mired in "why can't I find a job after sending 14,000+ resumes," and "why did this have to happen to us and what did I do to deserve this," I now look at the glass as half-full and literally look forward to each sunrise; it is always the dawn of a new day and an opportunity to change someone else's life for the better!
I didn't know that the day of February 24, 2010 would be so pivotal in our lives, and I wondered whether our decision for Jill to become an Independent Marketing Director was the right move, but I now know without any hesitation or doubt that this is what God intended for the two of us. I am personally glad that I don't have to look back and say "I wish we had," for I can legitimately look back and say "I'm glad we did!"
Thank you, Lord - for opening the door, and for prompting Jamiel Yameen to call me on Monday, February 15, 2010. Not only was it a "game changer," it was a life changer and a life saving phone call! God Bless You, Jamiel!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/22/2010 4:17PM CDT
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 21, 2010
"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence." - Og Mandino, Motivational Expert (1923-1996)
Today's journal is dedicated to God, my family and my friends who have encouraged me through my weight loss and fitness regimen, kept me from spinning out of control when it was obvious that I wasn't going to be hired anywhere at any time, and gave me the courage and inner strength to reinvent myself (and still stayed by my side throughout this entire process). I know it couldn't have been easy for any of you, but you all remained "true blue!"
It is written that "No Man is an Island; No Man Stands Alone!" If you need proof of this statement, just email me or call me, and I'll give you plenty of proof. Just look at the posts on my Facebook Profile the past 36 hours . . .
Thank you, God, for giving me such a wonderful and loving family; one that I love and cherish every second of every day. Thank you, God, for friends that I would not trade their camaraderie and self-sacrifice for all the riches in the world. And finally, thank you, God, for believing in me. I am your humble servant.
God Bless all of you for your kind words, your support and your love. I am forever indebted to all of you.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/21/2010 9:58AM CDT
Today's journal is dedicated to God, my family and my friends who have encouraged me through my weight loss and fitness regimen, kept me from spinning out of control when it was obvious that I wasn't going to be hired anywhere at any time, and gave me the courage and inner strength to reinvent myself (and still stayed by my side throughout this entire process). I know it couldn't have been easy for any of you, but you all remained "true blue!"
It is written that "No Man is an Island; No Man Stands Alone!" If you need proof of this statement, just email me or call me, and I'll give you plenty of proof. Just look at the posts on my Facebook Profile the past 36 hours . . .
Thank you, God, for giving me such a wonderful and loving family; one that I love and cherish every second of every day. Thank you, God, for friends that I would not trade their camaraderie and self-sacrifice for all the riches in the world. And finally, thank you, God, for believing in me. I am your humble servant.
God Bless all of you for your kind words, your support and your love. I am forever indebted to all of you.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/21/2010 9:58AM CDT
Monday, September 20, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 20, 2010
"Take action in order to move toward your goals." Les Brown, Motivational Speaker (b: 1945)
This is an obvious one for me, especially if you have been following my workout and weight loss regimen. To me, the following must be down to set goals:
The very first step is not even written above is a "no brainer": YOU MUST FEEL WORTHY OF THIS GOAL AND THE BENEFITS THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE WHEN YOU REACH IT. If you don't, the above steps will never happen. Don't look back and say "I wish I had." Instead, look back and say "I'm glad I did!" (Thank you, Angela Chrysler Loehr for that inspiring quote!)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/20/2010 11:45AM CDT
This is an obvious one for me, especially if you have been following my workout and weight loss regimen. To me, the following must be down to set goals:
- Set the Goal (a pie in the sky goal is not a bad place to start, but be realistic)
- Set the parameters of the goal (what will change once you meet the goal and how will it affect your life)
- Meticulously plan the steps to attain the goal (Rome wasn't built in one day and you won't lose 40 pounds in a week)
- Make it trackable - keep a planner or use on on-line planner, such as Livestrong.com
- Chart your success and your failures - both are EQUALLY IMPORTANT!
- Never lose sight of the end goal - the "end game" as it is called in Sports and Politics
- Do not be discouraged by the little distractions or the roller coaster ride that it takes before it smooths out
- Never give up
The very first step is not even written above is a "no brainer": YOU MUST FEEL WORTHY OF THIS GOAL AND THE BENEFITS THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE WHEN YOU REACH IT. If you don't, the above steps will never happen. Don't look back and say "I wish I had." Instead, look back and say "I'm glad I did!" (Thank you, Angela Chrysler Loehr for that inspiring quote!)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/20/2010 11:45AM CDT
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 19, 2010
"Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives." - Bhagavad Gita (400BC - Unknown)
When I found this quote sometime back, it prompted me to think of those special people in my life that this passage embodies. One would have to argue (or confirm) that every one has influences in their lives that merely the word "compassion" fits them to a "T." So, from the time that I have been on this earth up until now, let me compile a short list (not encompassing) of those that have "excelled" in exhibiting "true compassion:"
My lovely bride and our two sons, along with Alisha and Tyler
My Mom and Dad, both sisters (Jane and Joan) and brothers Jim, Joe (Jon), and Jeffrey Dennis (Jedd) and their wonderful families
The entire Bernard Mitchell Family (and their encompassing families, as well as Bernard and Liela's brothers and sisters, and THEIR families)
Grandpa Frank Ford
Aunt Betty (both of them)
Uncle Junior (Frank Ford, Jr)
Uncle Jim and Aunt Marty
Aunt Judy and Uncle Ron
Cousins Glenys, Larry, Jack, Keith, Don, Sandra, Jeanne, Mary Kay, Diane, Craig, Deb, and the entire Mathews boys (and ALL of their families)
John and Mary Lenz
Shirley Diehl
Austin and JoAnn Turner and their entire Family
The entire Ken and Joyce Pangburn Family
Doug Leonard
Rev. Lester Moore and the entire Family
Rev. Brown Garlock and the entire Family
Debbie King Roberts
Rocky King
Shari King
The entire Hilton Roberts Family
Joan Nevius Flesch
Tresa Curtis Mott
Nancy Walter Garwick
Jodi Partridge
Bill Boswell
Lola and Linda Schnepp
Chuck Long
Priscilla Hogan Shaw
Kristi Shaw
Elizabeth Roberts
Jim Peterson (my Best Friend through High School and College, and my Best Man in 1980)
Yvonne Laning Oyler
Doug Schuster
Steve Cotton
(the above 3 were my best friends at Simpson
Mike and Gail Scribner (brother and sister)
Sheliah McGregor
Deb Oswald Tierney
John and Katherine Schmidt
Penny Johnson Hogan
Dennis Hendrickson
LeeAnn Van Sickle Back
Bob Lane
Dann Stevens
Rick Teichart (my he rest in peace)
Jon Coret
Leslie Held
Ginger Stiver
Jamiel and Linda Yameen
Bob Voss
Larry Bates
John Stacy
Tim McFarland
The Men of Kansas Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Matthew Leisman
Brad Smith
John Dillingam, II
George Weaver
John Wilcox
Verlee and Don Gilkerson
Jeff and Laura Tyler
Norm and Ilse Smith
Russ Downing
Monique Antkowicz
April Hale
John Perkowski
Dr. Bruce Williams
Bo Anderson
The entire Ed O'Toole family
The entire Leonard Hallmark family
The entire Rogers family
The entire Roger Whitaker family
My entire God and Country team and their families
Dr. Joe Walt
Dr. Ron Warnet
and last (and CERTAINLY not least) for this list: (my favorite College Professor of ALL TIME)
Dr. Robert Larsen
This is NOT a complete list, as there were many, many others. But, these were the ones that touched my life the most through the years, and showed true compassion; not ONLY when I knew the aforementioned years ago, but even when our paths crossed again - the compassion was STILL THERE! You see, I don't believe someone gains compassion or absorbs it through "osmosis;" I believe it is a trait in a gene that is passed on, and nurtured through love and honor. I also believe that everyone on this list was raised with the right values.
If your name is not on this list, it doesn't mean that I don't believe you possess these qualities. Keep in mind that you wouldn't be my friend if you WEREN'T compassionate.
So - now you know where you stand in my world. I am VERY blessed!
I indicated early on that you would find out a lot about me over time.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/19/2010 11:46AM CDT
When I found this quote sometime back, it prompted me to think of those special people in my life that this passage embodies. One would have to argue (or confirm) that every one has influences in their lives that merely the word "compassion" fits them to a "T." So, from the time that I have been on this earth up until now, let me compile a short list (not encompassing) of those that have "excelled" in exhibiting "true compassion:"
My lovely bride and our two sons, along with Alisha and Tyler
My Mom and Dad, both sisters (Jane and Joan) and brothers Jim, Joe (Jon), and Jeffrey Dennis (Jedd) and their wonderful families
The entire Bernard Mitchell Family (and their encompassing families, as well as Bernard and Liela's brothers and sisters, and THEIR families)
Grandpa Frank Ford
Aunt Betty (both of them)
Uncle Junior (Frank Ford, Jr)
Uncle Jim and Aunt Marty
Aunt Judy and Uncle Ron
Cousins Glenys, Larry, Jack, Keith, Don, Sandra, Jeanne, Mary Kay, Diane, Craig, Deb, and the entire Mathews boys (and ALL of their families)
John and Mary Lenz
Shirley Diehl
Austin and JoAnn Turner and their entire Family
The entire Ken and Joyce Pangburn Family
Doug Leonard
Rev. Lester Moore and the entire Family
Rev. Brown Garlock and the entire Family
Debbie King Roberts
Rocky King
Shari King
The entire Hilton Roberts Family
Joan Nevius Flesch
Tresa Curtis Mott
Nancy Walter Garwick
Jodi Partridge
Bill Boswell
Lola and Linda Schnepp
Chuck Long
Priscilla Hogan Shaw
Kristi Shaw
Elizabeth Roberts
Jim Peterson (my Best Friend through High School and College, and my Best Man in 1980)
Yvonne Laning Oyler
Doug Schuster
Steve Cotton
(the above 3 were my best friends at Simpson
Mike and Gail Scribner (brother and sister)
Sheliah McGregor
Deb Oswald Tierney
John and Katherine Schmidt
Penny Johnson Hogan
Dennis Hendrickson
LeeAnn Van Sickle Back
Bob Lane
Dann Stevens
Rick Teichart (my he rest in peace)
Jon Coret
Leslie Held
Ginger Stiver
Jamiel and Linda Yameen
Bob Voss
Larry Bates
John Stacy
Tim McFarland
The Men of Kansas Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Matthew Leisman
Brad Smith
John Dillingam, II
George Weaver
John Wilcox
Verlee and Don Gilkerson
Jeff and Laura Tyler
Norm and Ilse Smith
Russ Downing
Monique Antkowicz
April Hale
John Perkowski
Dr. Bruce Williams
Bo Anderson
The entire Ed O'Toole family
The entire Leonard Hallmark family
The entire Rogers family
The entire Roger Whitaker family
My entire God and Country team and their families
Dr. Joe Walt
Dr. Ron Warnet
and last (and CERTAINLY not least) for this list: (my favorite College Professor of ALL TIME)
Dr. Robert Larsen
This is NOT a complete list, as there were many, many others. But, these were the ones that touched my life the most through the years, and showed true compassion; not ONLY when I knew the aforementioned years ago, but even when our paths crossed again - the compassion was STILL THERE! You see, I don't believe someone gains compassion or absorbs it through "osmosis;" I believe it is a trait in a gene that is passed on, and nurtured through love and honor. I also believe that everyone on this list was raised with the right values.
If your name is not on this list, it doesn't mean that I don't believe you possess these qualities. Keep in mind that you wouldn't be my friend if you WEREN'T compassionate.
So - now you know where you stand in my world. I am VERY blessed!
I indicated early on that you would find out a lot about me over time.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/19/2010 11:46AM CDT
Friday, September 17, 2010
Yogi's Thought (QOTD's) for the Days leading to Yom Kippur: Sept. 16-18, 2010
"The beginning of atonement is the sense of its necessity." - Lord Byron, British Poet (1788-1824) - QOTD: 9/16/2010
"Every true, eternal problem is an equally true, eternal fault; every answer an atonement, every realization an improvement." - Otto Weininger, Austrian Philosopher (1880-1903) - QOTD: 9/17/2010
"Who can say "I have purified my heart, I am free of sin? There is no man on earth so righteous that he never sins!" Cast away the evil you have done and get yourself a new heart and a new spirit." - Proverbs 20:9 - QOTD: 9/18/2010
I am not Jewish; I am Protestant. However, I have literally hundreds of Jewish friends that I have met primarily through the BSA. Strangely enough, I learned about Yom Kippur and it's meaning through a movie that was released in 1980: "The Jazz Singer" with Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier and Luci Arnaz (the movie that produced two great songs: "Love on the Rocks" and "America"). Neil is Jewish, and the movie chronicles his rise to fame and the strife that he has with his Jewish Father (Olivier) over tradition. They finally reconcile on Yom Kippur: "The Day of Atonement."
From that moment on, I strived to learn more about this annual Jewish Holiday, and have always tried to honor it in my own way and live by it's principles and teachings each year, especially on this day. This year, Yom Kippur falls on September 18th. I don't know if it's possible for me to atone for all I have done in my 52 years, but I will never stop trying, nor will I stop learning my lessons when I screw up. I never want to intentionally hurt or harm a person emotionally (it's not my nature to physically strike anyone), but feel bad when I don't communicate properly and because of my shortcomings in verbage (Journalists are not perfect, but that's no excuse), the wrong intentions take place and feelings are hurt. If you fall in that category, I am truly, truly sorry for the pain that I caused you.
Every time I hear the song "America," I am reminded of Yom Kippur. It's one of a select few that literally sends a chill up my spine each time I hear it (the others are: "Holly, Holy" by Neil Diamond - the key change in the middle of the song does it to me every time; "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears; "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 - their breakthrough hit and a #1 song; "Magic Man" and "Crazy on You" by Heart; "Dancing Queen" by ABBA; and "More Than a Feeling" and "Long Time (long version with "Foreplay" leading into "Long Time") by Boston.
So - the lesson is this: the Day of Atonement is for everyone, not just for the Jewish Faith, for we as true believers must atone for our sins and our inhumanity to our fellow man. Today's QOTD is the final one posted having to do with atonement. May we never forget . . . and may we always ask for forgiveness and atone for our mistakes.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/17/2010 10:56AM CDT (Updated 9/18/2010 8:15AM CDT)
"Every true, eternal problem is an equally true, eternal fault; every answer an atonement, every realization an improvement." - Otto Weininger, Austrian Philosopher (1880-1903) - QOTD: 9/17/2010
"Who can say "I have purified my heart, I am free of sin? There is no man on earth so righteous that he never sins!" Cast away the evil you have done and get yourself a new heart and a new spirit." - Proverbs 20:9 - QOTD: 9/18/2010
I am not Jewish; I am Protestant. However, I have literally hundreds of Jewish friends that I have met primarily through the BSA. Strangely enough, I learned about Yom Kippur and it's meaning through a movie that was released in 1980: "The Jazz Singer" with Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier and Luci Arnaz (the movie that produced two great songs: "Love on the Rocks" and "America"). Neil is Jewish, and the movie chronicles his rise to fame and the strife that he has with his Jewish Father (Olivier) over tradition. They finally reconcile on Yom Kippur: "The Day of Atonement."
From that moment on, I strived to learn more about this annual Jewish Holiday, and have always tried to honor it in my own way and live by it's principles and teachings each year, especially on this day. This year, Yom Kippur falls on September 18th. I don't know if it's possible for me to atone for all I have done in my 52 years, but I will never stop trying, nor will I stop learning my lessons when I screw up. I never want to intentionally hurt or harm a person emotionally (it's not my nature to physically strike anyone), but feel bad when I don't communicate properly and because of my shortcomings in verbage (Journalists are not perfect, but that's no excuse), the wrong intentions take place and feelings are hurt. If you fall in that category, I am truly, truly sorry for the pain that I caused you.
Every time I hear the song "America," I am reminded of Yom Kippur. It's one of a select few that literally sends a chill up my spine each time I hear it (the others are: "Holly, Holy" by Neil Diamond - the key change in the middle of the song does it to me every time; "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears; "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 - their breakthrough hit and a #1 song; "Magic Man" and "Crazy on You" by Heart; "Dancing Queen" by ABBA; and "More Than a Feeling" and "Long Time (long version with "Foreplay" leading into "Long Time") by Boston.
So - the lesson is this: the Day of Atonement is for everyone, not just for the Jewish Faith, for we as true believers must atone for our sins and our inhumanity to our fellow man. Today's QOTD is the final one posted having to do with atonement. May we never forget . . . and may we always ask for forgiveness and atone for our mistakes.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/17/2010 10:56AM CDT (Updated 9/18/2010 8:15AM CDT)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 15, 2010
"Use soft words and hard arguments." - English Proverb
Two other quotations come to mind when I think of this:
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
""Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." - African Proverb (often mistakenly attributed to Teddy Roosevelt)
I have always tried to teach my sons not to swear, get angry during a discussion, or to ridicule when in disagreement with someone else. The reason I taught that (as my Father taught me) was that you lose control (or "home field advantage" in Sports terminology) when you try to reason with a "salty" tone. I have witnessed my share of debates in Congress over the years (via CSPAN - the world most "BORING" network other than the "Earth" network - the one with 24 hours of viewing the earth from a satellite), and even in the "Hallowed Halls" of Capitol Hill, the rhetoric used is often PG-13 to R rated.
So why is it that we must be this way? Oh, I know I have my moments - even though "my boys" call me "the Father that never swears," but I do try hard to set the example, not only for my sons and their friends, but also for the tens of thousands of Scouts that I have worked with since 1989. You have to live by example, and not TALK about the example. You know the saying: "Talk is Cheap!" - this is a prime example for me. That's also why I choose not to drink or to ever entertain a client in a Bar or Tavern (and that's not saying anything bad about those who do - it's just not for me).
I am not perfect: I chew my fingernails - sometimes until they bleed (and yes, I've tried to stop many times since I was in Elementary School). I also have Adult ADHD and am OCD to an extent, and have passed some of those traits on to my two sons. I also have a memory that I wish I could either pause like a DVD or have it stop recording entirely. Finally, I am very impatient; someone who wants results now. But, through all of that, we can still control ourselves by our language, rhetoric and by the seeds we sow.
Through the next 7 weeks, we will witness the worst that our Politicians have up their sleeves in the form of negative Campaign Ads and rhetorical comments about their opponents. Whatever happened to running on your own "record" and honor, and being trustworthy and honest ABOUT your record and honor? Whatever happened to "common decency to your fellow man?" The comment I always hear is "Well, that's just politics!" I'm FED UP with politics, and not just with the Halls of Congress, but with ANY ORGANIZATION that I am part of. This should not be a world of "kissing rear-end to get ahead," this should be a world of living by example and STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN! If that's a youth organization, then STAND UP for the rights of the youth involved regardless of what you are told! If it's Religion, then follow the teachings in the BIBLE! What's so hard and wrong about that? That's why I use so many quotes from Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa.
What stirred this up? The "Mainstream" GOP denouncing Tea Party Candidates last night and this morning that have won primaries! I am so sick of both organized Parties, I could just scream. I am no longer a card-carrying Republican - I am a Conservative Independent. Until BOTH Political Parties get their act together and actually CARE about the world outside the Washington D.C. Beltway and realize how much they have screwed things up as a collective body, I'll remain that way.
Think about it - I actually have! Sorry - I just had to get this one off my chest . . .
Yogi: 9/15/2010 12:35PM CDT
Two other quotations come to mind when I think of this:
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
""Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." - African Proverb (often mistakenly attributed to Teddy Roosevelt)
I have always tried to teach my sons not to swear, get angry during a discussion, or to ridicule when in disagreement with someone else. The reason I taught that (as my Father taught me) was that you lose control (or "home field advantage" in Sports terminology) when you try to reason with a "salty" tone. I have witnessed my share of debates in Congress over the years (via CSPAN - the world most "BORING" network other than the "Earth" network - the one with 24 hours of viewing the earth from a satellite), and even in the "Hallowed Halls" of Capitol Hill, the rhetoric used is often PG-13 to R rated.
So why is it that we must be this way? Oh, I know I have my moments - even though "my boys" call me "the Father that never swears," but I do try hard to set the example, not only for my sons and their friends, but also for the tens of thousands of Scouts that I have worked with since 1989. You have to live by example, and not TALK about the example. You know the saying: "Talk is Cheap!" - this is a prime example for me. That's also why I choose not to drink or to ever entertain a client in a Bar or Tavern (and that's not saying anything bad about those who do - it's just not for me).
I am not perfect: I chew my fingernails - sometimes until they bleed (and yes, I've tried to stop many times since I was in Elementary School). I also have Adult ADHD and am OCD to an extent, and have passed some of those traits on to my two sons. I also have a memory that I wish I could either pause like a DVD or have it stop recording entirely. Finally, I am very impatient; someone who wants results now. But, through all of that, we can still control ourselves by our language, rhetoric and by the seeds we sow.
Through the next 7 weeks, we will witness the worst that our Politicians have up their sleeves in the form of negative Campaign Ads and rhetorical comments about their opponents. Whatever happened to running on your own "record" and honor, and being trustworthy and honest ABOUT your record and honor? Whatever happened to "common decency to your fellow man?" The comment I always hear is "Well, that's just politics!" I'm FED UP with politics, and not just with the Halls of Congress, but with ANY ORGANIZATION that I am part of. This should not be a world of "kissing rear-end to get ahead," this should be a world of living by example and STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN! If that's a youth organization, then STAND UP for the rights of the youth involved regardless of what you are told! If it's Religion, then follow the teachings in the BIBLE! What's so hard and wrong about that? That's why I use so many quotes from Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa.
What stirred this up? The "Mainstream" GOP denouncing Tea Party Candidates last night and this morning that have won primaries! I am so sick of both organized Parties, I could just scream. I am no longer a card-carrying Republican - I am a Conservative Independent. Until BOTH Political Parties get their act together and actually CARE about the world outside the Washington D.C. Beltway and realize how much they have screwed things up as a collective body, I'll remain that way.
Think about it - I actually have! Sorry - I just had to get this one off my chest . . .
Yogi: 9/15/2010 12:35PM CDT
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 14, 2010
"We can cure physical diesases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Having grown up in the 1960's and 1970's ("All You Need is Love"), we seemed to steer away from those thoughts in the 1980's - the "Me Generation." As a young husband and father (Josh was born in 1982), I witnessed a lot of selfishness in personal relationships, business, and in general - how people conducted themselves. Thankfully, the 1990's brought us back a little closer to what God intended, but here we are - right back in the "What's right for ME" world.
As an unemployed Conservative (but one who has many friends on the left and one who listens to AND considers ALL viewpoints), I see this played out in politics, on MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, the "Mainstream Media" of the 3 "Major" Networks, and even to a point on my network of choice: FOXNews. There's too much bickering between both sides: the right blames the left and the left blames the right. So - where's the mediation? Who will come forward and unite the two parties so this ends before the damage is irreparable? There are TOO MANY people in the USA suffering right now. I am one of the lucky ones - sure, I'm not in the financial shape I was 3 years ago . . . not even close, but I have a family who loves me and I love and adore them, and would do ANYTHING to protect and NOT exploit them, so I consider myself "Rich." It's not about ME, it's about US!
Washington, when are you going to wake up? This is directed to my fellow Conservatives in Office (and those much further on the right) as well as those Liberals in Office (and those further on the left). Come on people, our Nation is at stake here - and our future AS A NATION in is YOUR hands. Don't SCARE US anymore; do what's right (whatever that might be) and become UNITED as ONE! Our Founding Fathers expect no less, and neither do WE THE PEOPLE!
I spoken my piece and am stepping off my soapbox . . . I've just had it.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/14/2010 11:25AM CDT (and 60 pounds lighter as of today!)
Having grown up in the 1960's and 1970's ("All You Need is Love"), we seemed to steer away from those thoughts in the 1980's - the "Me Generation." As a young husband and father (Josh was born in 1982), I witnessed a lot of selfishness in personal relationships, business, and in general - how people conducted themselves. Thankfully, the 1990's brought us back a little closer to what God intended, but here we are - right back in the "What's right for ME" world.
As an unemployed Conservative (but one who has many friends on the left and one who listens to AND considers ALL viewpoints), I see this played out in politics, on MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, the "Mainstream Media" of the 3 "Major" Networks, and even to a point on my network of choice: FOXNews. There's too much bickering between both sides: the right blames the left and the left blames the right. So - where's the mediation? Who will come forward and unite the two parties so this ends before the damage is irreparable? There are TOO MANY people in the USA suffering right now. I am one of the lucky ones - sure, I'm not in the financial shape I was 3 years ago . . . not even close, but I have a family who loves me and I love and adore them, and would do ANYTHING to protect and NOT exploit them, so I consider myself "Rich." It's not about ME, it's about US!
Washington, when are you going to wake up? This is directed to my fellow Conservatives in Office (and those much further on the right) as well as those Liberals in Office (and those further on the left). Come on people, our Nation is at stake here - and our future AS A NATION in is YOUR hands. Don't SCARE US anymore; do what's right (whatever that might be) and become UNITED as ONE! Our Founding Fathers expect no less, and neither do WE THE PEOPLE!
I spoken my piece and am stepping off my soapbox . . . I've just had it.
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/14/2010 11:25AM CDT (and 60 pounds lighter as of today!)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 13, 2010
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'' - Muhammad Ali
As I entered the sixth Decade of my life two years ago, I looked back at what made me successful as a person, from the prospective of three key aspects: 1). a Christian 2). a Family Man - Husband and Father of two great sons, and 3). a Businessman. When I turned 50 in 2008, I was still working on the first two aspects, and had already been interrupted in the third earlier that year. Today, that third aspect still eludes me, but Jill and I took charge of our lives back in February when we joined up as Independent Marketing Directors with Team National, a company that places my first two aspects in the exact same order.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are frustrating times, but my frustration is not with the company - for it has under promised and over delivered. My frustration is with me and my lack of patience. That's why this "dare" that I took on July 14th is SO IMPORTANT (when I was 260 pounds - remember, I'm only 5' 7" tall - with a blood pressure of 149/96 WITH BP meds, and a BMI Index of 40.0)! I let stress get to me, and I was about to give up. It wasn't until I felt the lowest in my life that I decided that no one but God and me can get me out of this, and the "dare" was born (with thanks to LeeAnn King for directing me to Lance Armstrong's website: www.livestrong.com). Now, walking 7 miles a day is routine - in fact, I make it a game each day! I have met so many wonderful people during my walks, and have been inspired by the likes of Betty Hamilton, Judy, Jeff and a host of others.
"Never Give Up - Never Surrender" is the signature phrase of Captain Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) in the cheesy movie "Galaxy Quest" (1999), but it serves a purpose today, for without that quote and others like it, I would have easily thrown in the towel on July 14th when I literally thought I was going to die after walking two miles: a measly TWO MILES!!!
Thanks "Champ" for those encouraging words!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/13/2010 10:37AM CDT
As I entered the sixth Decade of my life two years ago, I looked back at what made me successful as a person, from the prospective of three key aspects: 1). a Christian 2). a Family Man - Husband and Father of two great sons, and 3). a Businessman. When I turned 50 in 2008, I was still working on the first two aspects, and had already been interrupted in the third earlier that year. Today, that third aspect still eludes me, but Jill and I took charge of our lives back in February when we joined up as Independent Marketing Directors with Team National, a company that places my first two aspects in the exact same order.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are frustrating times, but my frustration is not with the company - for it has under promised and over delivered. My frustration is with me and my lack of patience. That's why this "dare" that I took on July 14th is SO IMPORTANT (when I was 260 pounds - remember, I'm only 5' 7" tall - with a blood pressure of 149/96 WITH BP meds, and a BMI Index of 40.0)! I let stress get to me, and I was about to give up. It wasn't until I felt the lowest in my life that I decided that no one but God and me can get me out of this, and the "dare" was born (with thanks to LeeAnn King for directing me to Lance Armstrong's website: www.livestrong.com). Now, walking 7 miles a day is routine - in fact, I make it a game each day! I have met so many wonderful people during my walks, and have been inspired by the likes of Betty Hamilton, Judy, Jeff and a host of others.
"Never Give Up - Never Surrender" is the signature phrase of Captain Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) in the cheesy movie "Galaxy Quest" (1999), but it serves a purpose today, for without that quote and others like it, I would have easily thrown in the towel on July 14th when I literally thought I was going to die after walking two miles: a measly TWO MILES!!!
Thanks "Champ" for those encouraging words!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/13/2010 10:37AM CDT
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 12, 2010
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
9 years ago, this was the "morning after" the events of 9/11/2001. The sun did come back up, the birds sang, and life resumed - although we would never be the same again. I dedicate this Blog post to the families of the victims of 9/11 (and my fellow citizens of the USA); may we all continue to heal in our own way, and may God Bless each and every one of us. Thank you, Groucho, for that wonderful quote. I am closing this Blog post with the words of the song "The Morning After" - sang by Maureen McGovern (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks in August 1973 and #28 for the entire year of '73) from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure" (song written by All Kasha and Joel Hirshborn - 1973) . . .
There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light
Oh, can't you see the morning after
It's waiting right outside the storm
Why don't we cross the bridge together
And find a place that's safe and warm
It's not too late, we should be giving
Only with love can we climb
It's not too late, not while we're living
Let's put our hands out in time
There's got to be a morning after
We're moving closer to the shore
I know we'll be there by tomorrow
And we'll escape the darkness
We won't be searchin' any more
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
[Fade]
(There's got to be a morning after)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/12/2001 10:50AM CDT
9 years ago, this was the "morning after" the events of 9/11/2001. The sun did come back up, the birds sang, and life resumed - although we would never be the same again. I dedicate this Blog post to the families of the victims of 9/11 (and my fellow citizens of the USA); may we all continue to heal in our own way, and may God Bless each and every one of us. Thank you, Groucho, for that wonderful quote. I am closing this Blog post with the words of the song "The Morning After" - sang by Maureen McGovern (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks in August 1973 and #28 for the entire year of '73) from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure" (song written by All Kasha and Joel Hirshborn - 1973) . . .
There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light
Oh, can't you see the morning after
It's waiting right outside the storm
Why don't we cross the bridge together
And find a place that's safe and warm
It's not too late, we should be giving
Only with love can we climb
It's not too late, not while we're living
Let's put our hands out in time
There's got to be a morning after
We're moving closer to the shore
I know we'll be there by tomorrow
And we'll escape the darkness
We won't be searchin' any more
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after
[Fade]
(There's got to be a morning after)
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/12/2001 10:50AM CDT
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 11, 2010
"Some of the greater things in life are unseen; that's why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry, or dream..." - Anonymous
Today of all days is the time to close our eyes, cry and dream. The families of the victims of the tragic events 9 years ago today should be in our hearts, our minds, and our dreams. The families of the Challenger Tragedy back in 1986 can relate, as can the familes from the OKC tragedy of 4/19/95. The heartache is different for each family and each person, but it is still a common thread, only in greater numbers in 1995 and in 2001 than it was in 1986. Still, it affected all of us very deeply.
I leave you with this poem, authored by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. in 1941 (shortly before his death in WW2 on December 11, 1941), and used in the Eulogy for the Challenger Astronauts by then President Ronald Reagan:
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Please pray for the families of the victims, and that they may heal over time - and that we may never re-live the horrors of that day as we mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years . . .
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/11/2010 2:36PM CDT
Today of all days is the time to close our eyes, cry and dream. The families of the victims of the tragic events 9 years ago today should be in our hearts, our minds, and our dreams. The families of the Challenger Tragedy back in 1986 can relate, as can the familes from the OKC tragedy of 4/19/95. The heartache is different for each family and each person, but it is still a common thread, only in greater numbers in 1995 and in 2001 than it was in 1986. Still, it affected all of us very deeply.
I leave you with this poem, authored by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. in 1941 (shortly before his death in WW2 on December 11, 1941), and used in the Eulogy for the Challenger Astronauts by then President Ronald Reagan:
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Please pray for the families of the victims, and that they may heal over time - and that we may never re-live the horrors of that day as we mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years . . .
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/11/2010 2:36PM CDT
Friday, September 10, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 10, 2010
"Never shall I forget the times I spent with you; continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." - Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
This is dedicated to the families, friends and acquaintances of the tens of thousands of people that were together in New York and in other cities on September 10, 2001. The following day, almost 3,000 died, and they were loved ones, friends, acquaintances, business associates - you name it, they touched the lives of the many. And with the events that unfolded less than 24 hours later, memories were all that were left for those tens of thousands of people that filled the categories listed above that were left when the almost 3,000 victims perished.
Life is too short to be petty, and it's definitely too short to hold a grudge. We think of Beethoven for all of his masterful works (Symphony #5, Symphony #9 - for example), but rarely do we examine the words that emanated from the genius that defined him as a person. I lost friends and customers in the 9/11 attacks, just as I lost friends and customers on that fateful day in Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995 at 9:03AM). I had customers in the Murrah Building, and when living in OKC, was there quite often. I passed the Day Care going into the building every time I was there, which was 3 days a week when I managed the Tandy Business Products Center in the mid-late 1980's before moving to Kansas City to be closer to family. Friends died, and their names are on the 168 chairs in the memorial garden on the site of the greatest act of terrorism on American soil before the events of 9 years ago.
In a split second, it can be gone. A great friend of mine, Ginger Stiver, has told me several times to "plan for the end-result, but live in the here and now - and never forget."
Ginger - this is also dedicated to you. God Bless You . . .
Think about it . . . more thoughts tomorrow with the Quote of the Day, and you can probably imagine what the topic will be; centered around healing.
Until then,
Yogi: 9/10/2010 1:11PM CDT
This is dedicated to the families, friends and acquaintances of the tens of thousands of people that were together in New York and in other cities on September 10, 2001. The following day, almost 3,000 died, and they were loved ones, friends, acquaintances, business associates - you name it, they touched the lives of the many. And with the events that unfolded less than 24 hours later, memories were all that were left for those tens of thousands of people that filled the categories listed above that were left when the almost 3,000 victims perished.
Life is too short to be petty, and it's definitely too short to hold a grudge. We think of Beethoven for all of his masterful works (Symphony #5, Symphony #9 - for example), but rarely do we examine the words that emanated from the genius that defined him as a person. I lost friends and customers in the 9/11 attacks, just as I lost friends and customers on that fateful day in Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995 at 9:03AM). I had customers in the Murrah Building, and when living in OKC, was there quite often. I passed the Day Care going into the building every time I was there, which was 3 days a week when I managed the Tandy Business Products Center in the mid-late 1980's before moving to Kansas City to be closer to family. Friends died, and their names are on the 168 chairs in the memorial garden on the site of the greatest act of terrorism on American soil before the events of 9 years ago.
In a split second, it can be gone. A great friend of mine, Ginger Stiver, has told me several times to "plan for the end-result, but live in the here and now - and never forget."
Ginger - this is also dedicated to you. God Bless You . . .
Think about it . . . more thoughts tomorrow with the Quote of the Day, and you can probably imagine what the topic will be; centered around healing.
Until then,
Yogi: 9/10/2010 1:11PM CDT
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 9, 2010
"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne, Legendary Actor (1907-1979)
Courage (and not the sign-off phrase that Dan Rather used for a few days in September 1985 when anchoring the CBS Evening News) is defined as: –noun; 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. Obsolete - the heart as the source of emotion. —Idiom; 3. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism. (source: http://dictionary.reference.com) I've had some dealings with this through the years, not only me personally, but our entire family.
Please note the following 2 examples:
Mom and Dad: They had to develop instant Courage when my brother Jim (only 25), was diagnosed with Leukemia on December 27, 1974, and watch him wither away as he went downhill fast. Dad received a call from the University of Iowa Med Center (3-West) at noon on April 24, 1975, telling him that we needed to come to Iowa City right away (210 mile trip). Mom, the 7-12 Vocal Music Director at Corning High School, took me out of Self-Supervision immediately and we were on our way in less than 30 minutes (Jeff "Jedd" was at the Drake Relays with the Track Team). When we arrived at 4:50 that afternoon, a nurse intercepted us as we were making our way to Jim's room, and all Mom asked was "He's gone - isn't he?" The nurse replied "yes." (He had passed away at 2:45 with his wife by his side) Mom collapsed, Dad started crying (one of 5 times I ever saw him cry), and we were ushered to a room to await the Doctor. Those 5 minutes waiting for his Doctor seemed like an eternity, and Mom and Dad found the courage to keep their composure and listen to what the Doctor said had happened that day. Mom would have to relive this 2 more times in 2005 (Dad had already passed away in 2002). I'll never forget the courage that my parents had through all of this, as I was only 16 and my idol, my closest brother, had passed away. I can't imagine having to bury one of my sons, let alone 3 of them.
Me: Jill and I had a car crash on January 1, 1979; a very freak accident after a 10-inch snowfall with a 2-inch layer of ice underneath the snow. We were driving around looking at the winter wonderland in Bedford, Iowa (her hometown), and we came to Highway 48, which had been closed but the road closed signs were pushed to the side, and we had been told that the road had reopened. There was a huge snowdrift down the road about a half mile, so I drove my 1977 White Pinto at 35mph to get through the snow. The only problem was that there was no highway under the snowdrift, and we dropped a foot and a half. I slammed on the brakes, only to skid and abruptly hit where the highway resumed (a foot and a half higher). Not wearing a seat belt at the time, the lower part of my face hit the steering wheel and broke it in two, and changed my facial features forever. Six dental surgeries and three plastic surgeries in 15 months has left me with permanent bridgework, a flatter face from the nose down, and no nerve endings in my cheeks and mouth, except for my lips and tongue. I shouldn't be alive - a fraction of an inch either way would have completely broken my neck and severed my spinal cord. I learned that day to never take life for granted, EVER. I also learned to NEVER GIVE UP, as it would have been so easy to do. I had all of this work done while being on the air co-anchoring the nightly news on KXCV-FM and finishing the final 16 months of college. I had to learn to talk and form words all over again (like a toddler), and do it in less than 20 days (because the swelling didn't start subsiding until after the first 10 days). This has defined who I am, and should answer any of my friends' questions regarding my tenacity. It was also a sign from God who the Love of my Life would be, as Jill and I had only been dating for less than 3 months, and she stood beside me the entire ordeal. The "Phantom of the Opera" was better looking than I was right after the accident, yet she stood by her man (my mouth resembled raw hamburger for about 10 days). The accident left her with an injured back that she still has to deal with today (and yes, we have always worn our seatbelts from that day forward).
Now, in two days, we mark the 9th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The above indicates Courage in two different examples, but pales in comparison to the Courage shown by the members of the NYFD, the NYPD and the Port Authority as they tried to rescue those trapped in the twin towers, knowing they would not likely survive the rescue mission. Yet, they "saddled up" and faced their fears, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Not only do we pay homage to the victims of 9/11, but we pay homage and remember those courageous public servants that laid it all on the line to save human lives, and paid the ultimate price. This Blog is dedicated to them. My courage is miniscule compared to theirs.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Think about it . . .
God Bless all of you!
Yogi: 9/9/2010 8:09AM
Courage (and not the sign-off phrase that Dan Rather used for a few days in September 1985 when anchoring the CBS Evening News) is defined as: –noun; 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. Obsolete - the heart as the source of emotion. —Idiom; 3. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism. (source: http://dictionary.reference.com) I've had some dealings with this through the years, not only me personally, but our entire family.
Please note the following 2 examples:
Mom and Dad: They had to develop instant Courage when my brother Jim (only 25), was diagnosed with Leukemia on December 27, 1974, and watch him wither away as he went downhill fast. Dad received a call from the University of Iowa Med Center (3-West) at noon on April 24, 1975, telling him that we needed to come to Iowa City right away (210 mile trip). Mom, the 7-12 Vocal Music Director at Corning High School, took me out of Self-Supervision immediately and we were on our way in less than 30 minutes (Jeff "Jedd" was at the Drake Relays with the Track Team). When we arrived at 4:50 that afternoon, a nurse intercepted us as we were making our way to Jim's room, and all Mom asked was "He's gone - isn't he?" The nurse replied "yes." (He had passed away at 2:45 with his wife by his side) Mom collapsed, Dad started crying (one of 5 times I ever saw him cry), and we were ushered to a room to await the Doctor. Those 5 minutes waiting for his Doctor seemed like an eternity, and Mom and Dad found the courage to keep their composure and listen to what the Doctor said had happened that day. Mom would have to relive this 2 more times in 2005 (Dad had already passed away in 2002). I'll never forget the courage that my parents had through all of this, as I was only 16 and my idol, my closest brother, had passed away. I can't imagine having to bury one of my sons, let alone 3 of them.
Me: Jill and I had a car crash on January 1, 1979; a very freak accident after a 10-inch snowfall with a 2-inch layer of ice underneath the snow. We were driving around looking at the winter wonderland in Bedford, Iowa (her hometown), and we came to Highway 48, which had been closed but the road closed signs were pushed to the side, and we had been told that the road had reopened. There was a huge snowdrift down the road about a half mile, so I drove my 1977 White Pinto at 35mph to get through the snow. The only problem was that there was no highway under the snowdrift, and we dropped a foot and a half. I slammed on the brakes, only to skid and abruptly hit where the highway resumed (a foot and a half higher). Not wearing a seat belt at the time, the lower part of my face hit the steering wheel and broke it in two, and changed my facial features forever. Six dental surgeries and three plastic surgeries in 15 months has left me with permanent bridgework, a flatter face from the nose down, and no nerve endings in my cheeks and mouth, except for my lips and tongue. I shouldn't be alive - a fraction of an inch either way would have completely broken my neck and severed my spinal cord. I learned that day to never take life for granted, EVER. I also learned to NEVER GIVE UP, as it would have been so easy to do. I had all of this work done while being on the air co-anchoring the nightly news on KXCV-FM and finishing the final 16 months of college. I had to learn to talk and form words all over again (like a toddler), and do it in less than 20 days (because the swelling didn't start subsiding until after the first 10 days). This has defined who I am, and should answer any of my friends' questions regarding my tenacity. It was also a sign from God who the Love of my Life would be, as Jill and I had only been dating for less than 3 months, and she stood beside me the entire ordeal. The "Phantom of the Opera" was better looking than I was right after the accident, yet she stood by her man (my mouth resembled raw hamburger for about 10 days). The accident left her with an injured back that she still has to deal with today (and yes, we have always worn our seatbelts from that day forward).
Now, in two days, we mark the 9th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The above indicates Courage in two different examples, but pales in comparison to the Courage shown by the members of the NYFD, the NYPD and the Port Authority as they tried to rescue those trapped in the twin towers, knowing they would not likely survive the rescue mission. Yet, they "saddled up" and faced their fears, and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Not only do we pay homage to the victims of 9/11, but we pay homage and remember those courageous public servants that laid it all on the line to save human lives, and paid the ultimate price. This Blog is dedicated to them. My courage is miniscule compared to theirs.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Think about it . . .
God Bless all of you!
Yogi: 9/9/2010 8:09AM
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 8, 2010
"A heart that loves is always young." - Greek Proverb
Having grown up in a very loving family, I look at my parents as role models and examples of today's QOTD. Most of you who know me know that I am the youngest of 7 children; 5 born into the family, and 2 that were adopted through The Christian Home in Council Bluffs - one in 1966 and one 1968. My parents had more than enough love in their heart to share with the world, let alone the 5 of us, and the love that they showered on the aforementioned 2 that became my brothers. Not everything works out as it does in a fairy tale, as one of the 2 ended up being too old to change his ways. However, the youngest of the 2 (Jeffrey Dennis "Jedd") turned out to be golden!
My parents lived into their 80's (Mom is still going strong, although significantly weakened by full-fledged Parkinson's Disease), and I believe that it was/is the love in their heart that helped extend their lives. Lord knows they both had their heartaches, as all of my brothers have passed away with the exception of Jeffrey Dennis (Jim on April 24, 1975 from Leukemia (25), Joseph Darwin in January 2005 (53) from heart disease, and Joseph Jonathan Cook III on October 18, 2005 (60) from lung cancer), and that leaves 4 of us left: Joan, Jane, Jeffrey and me. Any parent could have packed it in right there, as we believe that our children are supposed to outlive us, but that's not always God's Master Plan. To talk with Mom today, she still does not sound like a woman about to turn 88 in December.
I am one of the lucky ones: I came from a family that had more love than a heart could hold, and I have been married for 30 years to the kindest and most loving person I have ever met. Both of our sons, Josh and Jordan, were taught at an early age to hold love in their heart and share their love, and they both have done Jill and I proud. I always receive compliments on the two of them, and even though it may not show when I thank the person for the compliment, I am literally busting through the seams inside! We both try to live the example of this love through the Boy Scouts of America and through the God and Country Program, as well as being volunteers for Oak Park High School and thorough the National Philanthropic Organization "Scouts Helping Scouts," in which I founded in 2007 in the wake of the Greensburg, Kansas EF-5 tornado (I serve as Managing Director and Founder). Our experience thus far with Team National further accentuates the love that we believe in, as our Team Members (both hosted by us and fellow Team Members that we meet on a daily basis) truly love each other. That's what makes Team National so different, and why we are very proud to be a part of that family and that environment.
So, how much love can a heart hold? There are a lot of people I love, and I intend to live a long life. I promised my Mother that I would live past 60 - and I sincerely hope that Jeffrey Dennis does as well, although he is battling heart disease and diabetes (it runs in the Reeves Family - where Joseph Darwin and Jeffrey were brothers before they were brothers in our family), so his odds aren't as good - but he has love in his heart. To me, he will always be young, even though he turns 55 on October 2nd and is battling his ailments galliantly. "Never give up, never surrender!"
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" - recorded by The Four Aces (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1955) and the Ray Conniff Singers (late 1950's)
Love is a many-splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living,
The golden crown that makes a man a king.
Once on a high and windy hill,
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing,
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing.
Think about it . . .
As Always,
Yogi: 9/8/2010 8:00AM CDT
Having grown up in a very loving family, I look at my parents as role models and examples of today's QOTD. Most of you who know me know that I am the youngest of 7 children; 5 born into the family, and 2 that were adopted through The Christian Home in Council Bluffs - one in 1966 and one 1968. My parents had more than enough love in their heart to share with the world, let alone the 5 of us, and the love that they showered on the aforementioned 2 that became my brothers. Not everything works out as it does in a fairy tale, as one of the 2 ended up being too old to change his ways. However, the youngest of the 2 (Jeffrey Dennis "Jedd") turned out to be golden!
My parents lived into their 80's (Mom is still going strong, although significantly weakened by full-fledged Parkinson's Disease), and I believe that it was/is the love in their heart that helped extend their lives. Lord knows they both had their heartaches, as all of my brothers have passed away with the exception of Jeffrey Dennis (Jim on April 24, 1975 from Leukemia (25), Joseph Darwin in January 2005 (53) from heart disease, and Joseph Jonathan Cook III on October 18, 2005 (60) from lung cancer), and that leaves 4 of us left: Joan, Jane, Jeffrey and me. Any parent could have packed it in right there, as we believe that our children are supposed to outlive us, but that's not always God's Master Plan. To talk with Mom today, she still does not sound like a woman about to turn 88 in December.
I am one of the lucky ones: I came from a family that had more love than a heart could hold, and I have been married for 30 years to the kindest and most loving person I have ever met. Both of our sons, Josh and Jordan, were taught at an early age to hold love in their heart and share their love, and they both have done Jill and I proud. I always receive compliments on the two of them, and even though it may not show when I thank the person for the compliment, I am literally busting through the seams inside! We both try to live the example of this love through the Boy Scouts of America and through the God and Country Program, as well as being volunteers for Oak Park High School and thorough the National Philanthropic Organization "Scouts Helping Scouts," in which I founded in 2007 in the wake of the Greensburg, Kansas EF-5 tornado (I serve as Managing Director and Founder). Our experience thus far with Team National further accentuates the love that we believe in, as our Team Members (both hosted by us and fellow Team Members that we meet on a daily basis) truly love each other. That's what makes Team National so different, and why we are very proud to be a part of that family and that environment.
So, how much love can a heart hold? There are a lot of people I love, and I intend to live a long life. I promised my Mother that I would live past 60 - and I sincerely hope that Jeffrey Dennis does as well, although he is battling heart disease and diabetes (it runs in the Reeves Family - where Joseph Darwin and Jeffrey were brothers before they were brothers in our family), so his odds aren't as good - but he has love in his heart. To me, he will always be young, even though he turns 55 on October 2nd and is battling his ailments galliantly. "Never give up, never surrender!"
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" - recorded by The Four Aces (#1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1955) and the Ray Conniff Singers (late 1950's)
Love is a many-splendored thing,
It's the April rose that only grows in the early spring,
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living,
The golden crown that makes a man a king.
Once on a high and windy hill,
In the morning mist two lovers kissed and the world stood still,
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing,
Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing.
Think about it . . .
As Always,
Yogi: 9/8/2010 8:00AM CDT
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 7, 2010
"I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." - Nathan Hale, American Revoutionary (9/22/1776)
Bill O'Reilly has a new book forthcoming (next Monday) called "Pinheads and Patriots: Where You Stand in the Age of Obama." Bill has certainly made the phrase a household term, and politics aside, it's time we examine the true origins of the two words. "Patriot" was a term that defined a Revolutionary War combatant or sympathizer to the Independence cause back in the 1770's and after. "Pinhead" has a much more diverse background, going back to 1655 as the 1). head of a pin, 2). something very small or insignificant, or 3). a nitwit or unintelligent person. Obviously, O'Reilly focuses on the third definition. Moreover, in March 1971, the comic book character "Zippy the Pinhead" made it's debut in "Real Pulp Comix #1." The comic strip can still be found within the comic pages of the Kansas City Star, much to the chagrin of many subscribers - and yes, Zippy is DEFINITELY a Pinhead, but then - he's supposed to be.
So what's my point, and why did I select this? I believe that this is "Patriot Week," as we come up to the 9th Anniversary of the 2nd worst attack on American soil (2nd only to Pearl Harbor). The NYFD and NYPD BOTH climbed those stairs in the twin towers facing certain death, yet not only were they heroes; they were Patriots. At a time that we should be honoring those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives to save others, it's time we place politics aside and try to heal as a Nation, for I fear that we haven't done that yet. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news that morning? I certainly do. I was driving to work and I saw a large crowd of people at the corner a block from my house listening to a portable radio. I stopped and asked them what they were doing, and heard the awful news and immdiately tuned in just in time to hear that the 2nd tower being hit. See, I had ignored the CNN Breaking News and Fox Breaking News coming into my email inbox on a minute by minute basis that morning; I had work to do. When I arrived at work at Computer Source in Lenexa, KS, the break room turned into a memorial room with the TV constantly giving updates. There were no phone calls coming in. Eric Bereuter, son of former Nebraska Congressman Doug Bereuter (1st District), was frantic trying to get a phone call to make sure his Dad was ok when the Pentagon was hit. Congressman Bereuter was at the Pentagon for an Intelligence/Defense Briefing when the attack happened. He was unharmed (several layers deep within the Pentagon, but Eric did not get the news until 4:45 that afternoon. The only phone call I received that day was from an IT and Accounting Provider (a very good customer of mine) for Cantor Fitzgerald who needed 500 IBM notebook Thinkpads in 2 days for the company to operate in a makeshift environment. We witnessed Patriots in action. We also witnessed Pinheads in action: the gas station owners that immediately raised the price of a gallon of unleaded regular from $1.22 to $4.99 - especially on the corner of Nieman Road and 75th Street in Lenexa. They got theirs later on, as I took a photo of the signs with my camera (always with me at all times - that's from being a Professional Photog for so long), and I emailed it to the Kansas State Attorney General and Channel 4 news.
For those of us who are older, we remember the day and the time we heard of the Columbia burning up in re-entry on February 1, 2003 (it was minutes before the 10th Annual North Star District Pinewood Derby began), the Challenger Explosion on January 28, 1986, and President Kennedy's Assasination on November 22, 1963 (I was in Kindergarten, but was home - and I remember it like yesterday, also remembering the live coverage of Jack Ruby mortally wounding Lee Harvey Oswald the next evening). For those of you who are older, you remember where you were and what you were doing when the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was announced (my Mom turned 19 on the day that Congress declared War "The Day which will live in infamy" - which was also the day that Dad was given a huge send-off by his friends and Fraternity Brothers), just as you remember the news on V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day - May 8, 1945), and V-J Day (Victory in Japan Day - August 14, 1945 and again on September 2, 1945 on the deck of the USS Missouri after the formal and uncoditional surrender documents were signed by Emperor Hirohito).
So, this week of all weeks, let's focus on our Patriots, just as we do every year around Independence Day. They deserve no less credit for what they have done for America; preserving our freedom, and placing their lives on the line day in and day out. Finally, let's not forget those serving in Afghanistan and around the world. They need our prayers, support and love more than ever.
I believe I'm a Patriot - how about you? Nathan Hale was one, and I know the USA is full of them. This is officially "Patriot Week" in the Cook Household. Who will join me?
Think about it . . . and God Bless America!
Yogi: 9/7/2010 9:28AM CDT
Bill O'Reilly has a new book forthcoming (next Monday) called "Pinheads and Patriots: Where You Stand in the Age of Obama." Bill has certainly made the phrase a household term, and politics aside, it's time we examine the true origins of the two words. "Patriot" was a term that defined a Revolutionary War combatant or sympathizer to the Independence cause back in the 1770's and after. "Pinhead" has a much more diverse background, going back to 1655 as the 1). head of a pin, 2). something very small or insignificant, or 3). a nitwit or unintelligent person. Obviously, O'Reilly focuses on the third definition. Moreover, in March 1971, the comic book character "Zippy the Pinhead" made it's debut in "Real Pulp Comix #1." The comic strip can still be found within the comic pages of the Kansas City Star, much to the chagrin of many subscribers - and yes, Zippy is DEFINITELY a Pinhead, but then - he's supposed to be.
So what's my point, and why did I select this? I believe that this is "Patriot Week," as we come up to the 9th Anniversary of the 2nd worst attack on American soil (2nd only to Pearl Harbor). The NYFD and NYPD BOTH climbed those stairs in the twin towers facing certain death, yet not only were they heroes; they were Patriots. At a time that we should be honoring those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives to save others, it's time we place politics aside and try to heal as a Nation, for I fear that we haven't done that yet. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news that morning? I certainly do. I was driving to work and I saw a large crowd of people at the corner a block from my house listening to a portable radio. I stopped and asked them what they were doing, and heard the awful news and immdiately tuned in just in time to hear that the 2nd tower being hit. See, I had ignored the CNN Breaking News and Fox Breaking News coming into my email inbox on a minute by minute basis that morning; I had work to do. When I arrived at work at Computer Source in Lenexa, KS, the break room turned into a memorial room with the TV constantly giving updates. There were no phone calls coming in. Eric Bereuter, son of former Nebraska Congressman Doug Bereuter (1st District), was frantic trying to get a phone call to make sure his Dad was ok when the Pentagon was hit. Congressman Bereuter was at the Pentagon for an Intelligence/Defense Briefing when the attack happened. He was unharmed (several layers deep within the Pentagon, but Eric did not get the news until 4:45 that afternoon. The only phone call I received that day was from an IT and Accounting Provider (a very good customer of mine) for Cantor Fitzgerald who needed 500 IBM notebook Thinkpads in 2 days for the company to operate in a makeshift environment. We witnessed Patriots in action. We also witnessed Pinheads in action: the gas station owners that immediately raised the price of a gallon of unleaded regular from $1.22 to $4.99 - especially on the corner of Nieman Road and 75th Street in Lenexa. They got theirs later on, as I took a photo of the signs with my camera (always with me at all times - that's from being a Professional Photog for so long), and I emailed it to the Kansas State Attorney General and Channel 4 news.
For those of us who are older, we remember the day and the time we heard of the Columbia burning up in re-entry on February 1, 2003 (it was minutes before the 10th Annual North Star District Pinewood Derby began), the Challenger Explosion on January 28, 1986, and President Kennedy's Assasination on November 22, 1963 (I was in Kindergarten, but was home - and I remember it like yesterday, also remembering the live coverage of Jack Ruby mortally wounding Lee Harvey Oswald the next evening). For those of you who are older, you remember where you were and what you were doing when the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor was announced (my Mom turned 19 on the day that Congress declared War "The Day which will live in infamy" - which was also the day that Dad was given a huge send-off by his friends and Fraternity Brothers), just as you remember the news on V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day - May 8, 1945), and V-J Day (Victory in Japan Day - August 14, 1945 and again on September 2, 1945 on the deck of the USS Missouri after the formal and uncoditional surrender documents were signed by Emperor Hirohito).
So, this week of all weeks, let's focus on our Patriots, just as we do every year around Independence Day. They deserve no less credit for what they have done for America; preserving our freedom, and placing their lives on the line day in and day out. Finally, let's not forget those serving in Afghanistan and around the world. They need our prayers, support and love more than ever.
I believe I'm a Patriot - how about you? Nathan Hale was one, and I know the USA is full of them. This is officially "Patriot Week" in the Cook Household. Who will join me?
Think about it . . . and God Bless America!
Yogi: 9/7/2010 9:28AM CDT
Monday, September 6, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 6, 2010
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein
Ok - this is an obvious choice for me (or so I believe). Before I get into my experience with the QOTD, let's look back at history (if we do not learn from history, we are destined to repeat it) and take (for example) the Space Race of the late 1950's: the USSR was the first to place a satellite in orbit around earth (Sputnik - 1957), and the first to place a man in space (Yuri Gargarin - 4/12/61). We as American's in 1957 amd 1958 tried and tried just to get a rocket to fly correctly once it took off. Failure after failure, yet we continued to try. Insanity? Who made the first Moon walk (and the only Country to do so thus far)? We built rockets over and over again, and even lost the Apollo I team in a flash fire during a dress rehearsal in 1967 (1/27/1967), but each time we got better. Consider WW2 and the strategies of the Allies: we continually hammered away at the Axis Alliance until the war was finally over in both theatres by the end of August 1945. Doing the same thing over and over? Insanity? You make the call. Even Albert Einstein on his "then controversial" Theory of Relativity (e=mc²) - it took years to finally prove him correct, but the same thing was done over and over again.
Now to my experience: I began walking on July 14th, and have since walked 5 days a week, every week - gradually (depends on your definition of "gradually") building my laps from 4 per day (2 miles) to 14 per day (7 miles) in less than a month and a half. Now, I also learned to eat the same foods day in and day out: those that produce energy, they're high in fiber, low in sodium and high in protein, and I rarely go over 1,000 calories, yet feel full. Why do I do this every day? Because I expect different results from when I was 260 pounds on 7/14/2010 and stuffing my face due to stress. Those who know me know that I have been unemployed since March 21, 2008. After 14,000 plus resumes sent out and ONLY 6 face-to-face interviews (and losing $425,000 in 2 years), I could either have a "pity party," or reinvent myself (believe me - I had a 6 month "pity party" before February of this year). I reinvented myself on February 24th with Team National (actually my wife's business - I work it for her for free), and the rest is history. Am I a changed man? Yes! Am I doing the same thing over and over again? YES - both with walking and working Team National! Am I insane? You be the judge - however, I haven't felt this good in over 12 years, wtih NO STRESS! (Things haven't changed much, but how I treat my body and my brain HAS changed) I have my health back, God and I talk every day, I still work with "my boys" in the BSA (just celebrated my 21st Anniversary as a Leader - as has Jill), and I feel as if I AM contributing to society and helping other people become successful. I am also VERY MUCH in LOVE with the LOVE OF MY LIFE! She has been a Godsend to me, and we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the night we met on October 19th (Oct. 19, 1978 at 9:12PM). There has NEVER been anyone since, and there will never be anyone else!
So - “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein: If I am insane (and I believe Albert quoted this "tongue in cheek"), then so be it! I feel very good being "insane!" Maybe you should, too!
Think about it . . .
May "all your wildest dreams come true" (Pedro in "Napolean Dynamite"), and God Bless You!
Yogi: 9/6/2010 12:06PM CDT
Ok - this is an obvious choice for me (or so I believe). Before I get into my experience with the QOTD, let's look back at history (if we do not learn from history, we are destined to repeat it) and take (for example) the Space Race of the late 1950's: the USSR was the first to place a satellite in orbit around earth (Sputnik - 1957), and the first to place a man in space (Yuri Gargarin - 4/12/61). We as American's in 1957 amd 1958 tried and tried just to get a rocket to fly correctly once it took off. Failure after failure, yet we continued to try. Insanity? Who made the first Moon walk (and the only Country to do so thus far)? We built rockets over and over again, and even lost the Apollo I team in a flash fire during a dress rehearsal in 1967 (1/27/1967), but each time we got better. Consider WW2 and the strategies of the Allies: we continually hammered away at the Axis Alliance until the war was finally over in both theatres by the end of August 1945. Doing the same thing over and over? Insanity? You make the call. Even Albert Einstein on his "then controversial" Theory of Relativity (e=mc²) - it took years to finally prove him correct, but the same thing was done over and over again.
Now to my experience: I began walking on July 14th, and have since walked 5 days a week, every week - gradually (depends on your definition of "gradually") building my laps from 4 per day (2 miles) to 14 per day (7 miles) in less than a month and a half. Now, I also learned to eat the same foods day in and day out: those that produce energy, they're high in fiber, low in sodium and high in protein, and I rarely go over 1,000 calories, yet feel full. Why do I do this every day? Because I expect different results from when I was 260 pounds on 7/14/2010 and stuffing my face due to stress. Those who know me know that I have been unemployed since March 21, 2008. After 14,000 plus resumes sent out and ONLY 6 face-to-face interviews (and losing $425,000 in 2 years), I could either have a "pity party," or reinvent myself (believe me - I had a 6 month "pity party" before February of this year). I reinvented myself on February 24th with Team National (actually my wife's business - I work it for her for free), and the rest is history. Am I a changed man? Yes! Am I doing the same thing over and over again? YES - both with walking and working Team National! Am I insane? You be the judge - however, I haven't felt this good in over 12 years, wtih NO STRESS! (Things haven't changed much, but how I treat my body and my brain HAS changed) I have my health back, God and I talk every day, I still work with "my boys" in the BSA (just celebrated my 21st Anniversary as a Leader - as has Jill), and I feel as if I AM contributing to society and helping other people become successful. I am also VERY MUCH in LOVE with the LOVE OF MY LIFE! She has been a Godsend to me, and we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the night we met on October 19th (Oct. 19, 1978 at 9:12PM). There has NEVER been anyone since, and there will never be anyone else!
So - “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein: If I am insane (and I believe Albert quoted this "tongue in cheek"), then so be it! I feel very good being "insane!" Maybe you should, too!
Think about it . . .
May "all your wildest dreams come true" (Pedro in "Napolean Dynamite"), and God Bless You!
Yogi: 9/6/2010 12:06PM CDT
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 5, 2010
"Well, I guess it goes from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners! Right, Kent?" - Bodie, "Real Genius" (1985)
Ok - this is off the wall, so to speak - but it has a purpose, especially today of all days. The 1985 Movie "Real Genius" was Val Kilmer's first real starring role, and it is a cult classic for many reasons: the statement made on weapons based in outer space (Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, and as a Reagan Republican, I saw the logic of it as we were still in the Cold War days), and the misinterpretations that we experience when we believe that God is talking to us and guiding us. The quote was definitely "tongue in cheek," but think about the situations in our past that come down to the accused, the Leaders, and the famous and the infamous - stating that God told him/her to do this. Some are hard for us to fathom, yet others seem very realistic. Regardless, not only does God speak to us in many ways, but I believe God speaks to us through events that unfold - yet some are hard to see when they happen. Only later in life do we fully understand what we were witnessing. So, does it really go from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners? Only you can truly answer that.
Tonight begins the 45th Annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, and I truly believe that this was something that Jerry Lewis heard from God. Actually beginning in New York in 1954, this iconic and legendary Comic has raised hundreds of millions, if not a billion dollars or more to help those kids and adults have a fighting chance to walk again. Jerry Lewis was one of my favorite Comedians, and when he teamed up with Dean Martin, there was magic in the end result. I am a fan of Old-Time Radio (Channel 118 on Sirius), and every week I hear a radio broadcast of "Martin and Lewis," usually from 1949-1952. The pure Genius of the two was incredible, and truly entertaining at a time when the Cold War was really beginning to rage, and the Korean Conflict was about to explode. Yet, through all of this, Jerry found his calling, and he will forever be linked to helping less fortunate people with MDS all the way to Lou Gehrig's Disease. A message or epiphany from God?
You decide - I've already made my decision.
Think about it . . . God Bless You, Jerry - and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Yogi: 9/5/2010 10:42AM CDT
Ok - this is off the wall, so to speak - but it has a purpose, especially today of all days. The 1985 Movie "Real Genius" was Val Kilmer's first real starring role, and it is a cult classic for many reasons: the statement made on weapons based in outer space (Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, and as a Reagan Republican, I saw the logic of it as we were still in the Cold War days), and the misinterpretations that we experience when we believe that God is talking to us and guiding us. The quote was definitely "tongue in cheek," but think about the situations in our past that come down to the accused, the Leaders, and the famous and the infamous - stating that God told him/her to do this. Some are hard for us to fathom, yet others seem very realistic. Regardless, not only does God speak to us in many ways, but I believe God speaks to us through events that unfold - yet some are hard to see when they happen. Only later in life do we fully understand what we were witnessing. So, does it really go from God, to Jerry to you - to the cleaners? Only you can truly answer that.
Tonight begins the 45th Annual Labor Day Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, and I truly believe that this was something that Jerry Lewis heard from God. Actually beginning in New York in 1954, this iconic and legendary Comic has raised hundreds of millions, if not a billion dollars or more to help those kids and adults have a fighting chance to walk again. Jerry Lewis was one of my favorite Comedians, and when he teamed up with Dean Martin, there was magic in the end result. I am a fan of Old-Time Radio (Channel 118 on Sirius), and every week I hear a radio broadcast of "Martin and Lewis," usually from 1949-1952. The pure Genius of the two was incredible, and truly entertaining at a time when the Cold War was really beginning to rage, and the Korean Conflict was about to explode. Yet, through all of this, Jerry found his calling, and he will forever be linked to helping less fortunate people with MDS all the way to Lou Gehrig's Disease. A message or epiphany from God?
You decide - I've already made my decision.
Think about it . . . God Bless You, Jerry - and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Yogi: 9/5/2010 10:42AM CDT
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 4, 2010
"Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come." - James Earl Jones, "Field of Dreams"
Since the "Boys of Summer" are winding down their Seasons this month, I often reflect on my heroes that I followed since I can remember. See, baseball is just like life to me, as curve balls can be thrown at you at any time. It's how you compensate that makes the difference. I grew up a St. Louis Cardinal fan (long before the Royals began in 1969), and I began listening to Harry Caray on KMOX radio in St. Louis when the sun would go down and the signal would skip to SW Iowa. "It could be, it might be . . . it IS! A Home Run! Holy Cow!" was his signature phrase long before he moved to WGN for the Cubs TV Broadcasts. My heroes in the day were Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver. Gibson was a fireball pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska (used to be the spokesman for Kitty Clover Potato Chips on Omaha TV Stations), played for Creighton University when he was drafted by the Cardinals, then sat out his first year to tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. McCarver was his catcher, his "battery mate." Together, they would win the World Series in 1964 and 1967, only to lose a heartbreaking series in 1968 against Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain (with a 31-5 record - unheard of now!) of the Detroit Tigers. After that, it wouldn't be until 1982 when the Cards were back in the World Series again. Dad was an instrumental part of my baseball life, along with my neighbor, Tom Fees, also a Cardinals fan. I grew up reading about the exploits of Dizzy Dean (from the Cardinals "Gashouse Gang" of the 30's) and Stan Musial, along with Satchel Paige, who is a true legend; all 3 Dad's heroes. Every one of those players gave back to their communities, never once thinking about themselves.
Today, that legendary dna of "giving" and contributions is carried out by my favorite player, Albert Pujols. A Fort Osage HS Grad (Ft. Osage is halfway between Independence, MO and Buckner, MO on US Highway 24), and a one-year player for Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, a half mile north of our house, he made the headlines constantly in the Kansas City Star's Sports Section. The Cardinals drafted him in 1999 - and his rise to fame was nothing short of amazing. He was named the NL "Rookie of the Year" in 2001, and to date, has 401 Home Runs (he's only 30) and a Lifetime Batting Average of .332 (compared to HOF 3rd Baseman George Brett's lifetime avg of .305). Most importantly, Albert gives back to the Community, and lives the teachings of the Bible. A devout Christian, he is an example of how we all should live our lives. Fame is not what he is about - people and giving back is his mantra.
God Bless You, Albert! This St. Louis Cardinal fan is proud that you are wearing the uniform of my favorite team, and proud of the way you carry yourself on and off the field!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/4/2010 12:05PM
Since the "Boys of Summer" are winding down their Seasons this month, I often reflect on my heroes that I followed since I can remember. See, baseball is just like life to me, as curve balls can be thrown at you at any time. It's how you compensate that makes the difference. I grew up a St. Louis Cardinal fan (long before the Royals began in 1969), and I began listening to Harry Caray on KMOX radio in St. Louis when the sun would go down and the signal would skip to SW Iowa. "It could be, it might be . . . it IS! A Home Run! Holy Cow!" was his signature phrase long before he moved to WGN for the Cubs TV Broadcasts. My heroes in the day were Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver. Gibson was a fireball pitcher from Omaha, Nebraska (used to be the spokesman for Kitty Clover Potato Chips on Omaha TV Stations), played for Creighton University when he was drafted by the Cardinals, then sat out his first year to tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. McCarver was his catcher, his "battery mate." Together, they would win the World Series in 1964 and 1967, only to lose a heartbreaking series in 1968 against Mickey Lolich and Denny McLain (with a 31-5 record - unheard of now!) of the Detroit Tigers. After that, it wouldn't be until 1982 when the Cards were back in the World Series again. Dad was an instrumental part of my baseball life, along with my neighbor, Tom Fees, also a Cardinals fan. I grew up reading about the exploits of Dizzy Dean (from the Cardinals "Gashouse Gang" of the 30's) and Stan Musial, along with Satchel Paige, who is a true legend; all 3 Dad's heroes. Every one of those players gave back to their communities, never once thinking about themselves.
Today, that legendary dna of "giving" and contributions is carried out by my favorite player, Albert Pujols. A Fort Osage HS Grad (Ft. Osage is halfway between Independence, MO and Buckner, MO on US Highway 24), and a one-year player for Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, a half mile north of our house, he made the headlines constantly in the Kansas City Star's Sports Section. The Cardinals drafted him in 1999 - and his rise to fame was nothing short of amazing. He was named the NL "Rookie of the Year" in 2001, and to date, has 401 Home Runs (he's only 30) and a Lifetime Batting Average of .332 (compared to HOF 3rd Baseman George Brett's lifetime avg of .305). Most importantly, Albert gives back to the Community, and lives the teachings of the Bible. A devout Christian, he is an example of how we all should live our lives. Fame is not what he is about - people and giving back is his mantra.
God Bless You, Albert! This St. Louis Cardinal fan is proud that you are wearing the uniform of my favorite team, and proud of the way you carry yourself on and off the field!
Think about it . . .
Yogi: 9/4/2010 12:05PM
Friday, September 3, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 3, 2010
"I think one of the most important attributes is perseverance." - David Rose, Musician
Today, I'm writing about my Dad. Joseph Jonathan Cook II was born in 1919 as the youngest of 11 children. From the time he picked up a football at the age of 6, it was as if it was meant to be (my great-grandfather - Joseph Jonathan Cook I - is a member of the Orginal Pro Football Hall of Fame (before Canton) as he was a Pro Player in the 1880's and 1890's). Dad lived in Iowa, California (where he had a near death experience at the age of 8 and remembered everything - including the light and the warmth - he almost drowned in the Pacific Ocean), and then back in Iowa again, graduating from Greenfield HS in 1938, and was an All-State Football selection - 1st Team, in fall 1937. Growing up in hard times, he enrolled at Simpson College in Indianola, IA (also a College I attended before transferring), and immediately started on the Football Team, earning All-American consideration as a Punter and Defensivc End. He was also runner up to James Angell (the famous Presbyterian Author) for "Most Representative Male on Campus" in 1940, in which Dad felt honored to be 2nd to a person like James. He was President of Kappa Theta Psi (the world's oldest Local Collegiate Fraternity) for 3 years, up to the time of Pearl Harbor. On the night of December 7, 1941, Dad decided to enlist on Tuesday, December 9th. The Fraternity threw a going away party for him on the 8th, presenting him with a gold watch. On the 9th, he reported to enlist in the Army.
The physical went well until the physician checked for a heartbeat in the normal location, and couldn't find one. When asked why this was, Dad said his heart was on the right ride of the sternum (like everyone else - or so he thought). Turns out that Dad was a "Dextroardia Situs Inversus," a very rare genetic trait that completely places the internal organs on the opposite sides within the body, compared to everyone else, and the odds of this are approximately 1 in 500 million. "Dextrocardia," (just the heart) is much more common, but not the type that Dad had. Rated as a "Battlefield Surgical Risk" (physicians weren't trained for this condition), he was classified as 4-F - NOT the popular thing to be in WW2. Embarrassed and dejected, Dad did not return to College or his friends (he couldn't face them) - 6 hours short of his BA Degree in History and a certificate for Coaching, which remained until his death.
Mom (a Simpson Student beginning in fall 1941) and Dad met in 1943, and were married on traditional Memorial Day (May 30, 1943). From the point of the 4-F to his death, Dad persevered to give back to those who did so much for him at Simpson. His best friend, Dean Ray, was KIA in the Pacific Theatre in 1944, so to honor Dean's memory, James Rae Cook was born on November 12, 1949, the middle name in honor of Dean (Jim died of Leukemia on April 24, 1975, when I was 16 and a Junior at Corning HS). Dad never forgot his friends, and repaid each and every one of them for their kindness and generosity through their friendship, and for the party that was thrown in his honor on December 8, 1941. By the time he died on May 18, 2002 of Congestive Heart Failure, he had persevered to keep his promise and had completed his mission.
Are you "Keeping and Delivering the Promise?" If you need inspiration, hopefully the story above will help you do just that.
Think about it . . . Dad, I love you and I miss you so much. God Bless You, and thank you for teaching me how to be a true Disciple and a true Citizen with true Values. You did good . . .
Yogi: 10:52AM CDT
Today, I'm writing about my Dad. Joseph Jonathan Cook II was born in 1919 as the youngest of 11 children. From the time he picked up a football at the age of 6, it was as if it was meant to be (my great-grandfather - Joseph Jonathan Cook I - is a member of the Orginal Pro Football Hall of Fame (before Canton) as he was a Pro Player in the 1880's and 1890's). Dad lived in Iowa, California (where he had a near death experience at the age of 8 and remembered everything - including the light and the warmth - he almost drowned in the Pacific Ocean), and then back in Iowa again, graduating from Greenfield HS in 1938, and was an All-State Football selection - 1st Team, in fall 1937. Growing up in hard times, he enrolled at Simpson College in Indianola, IA (also a College I attended before transferring), and immediately started on the Football Team, earning All-American consideration as a Punter and Defensivc End. He was also runner up to James Angell (the famous Presbyterian Author) for "Most Representative Male on Campus" in 1940, in which Dad felt honored to be 2nd to a person like James. He was President of Kappa Theta Psi (the world's oldest Local Collegiate Fraternity) for 3 years, up to the time of Pearl Harbor. On the night of December 7, 1941, Dad decided to enlist on Tuesday, December 9th. The Fraternity threw a going away party for him on the 8th, presenting him with a gold watch. On the 9th, he reported to enlist in the Army.
The physical went well until the physician checked for a heartbeat in the normal location, and couldn't find one. When asked why this was, Dad said his heart was on the right ride of the sternum (like everyone else - or so he thought). Turns out that Dad was a "Dextroardia Situs Inversus," a very rare genetic trait that completely places the internal organs on the opposite sides within the body, compared to everyone else, and the odds of this are approximately 1 in 500 million. "Dextrocardia," (just the heart) is much more common, but not the type that Dad had. Rated as a "Battlefield Surgical Risk" (physicians weren't trained for this condition), he was classified as 4-F - NOT the popular thing to be in WW2. Embarrassed and dejected, Dad did not return to College or his friends (he couldn't face them) - 6 hours short of his BA Degree in History and a certificate for Coaching, which remained until his death.
Mom (a Simpson Student beginning in fall 1941) and Dad met in 1943, and were married on traditional Memorial Day (May 30, 1943). From the point of the 4-F to his death, Dad persevered to give back to those who did so much for him at Simpson. His best friend, Dean Ray, was KIA in the Pacific Theatre in 1944, so to honor Dean's memory, James Rae Cook was born on November 12, 1949, the middle name in honor of Dean (Jim died of Leukemia on April 24, 1975, when I was 16 and a Junior at Corning HS). Dad never forgot his friends, and repaid each and every one of them for their kindness and generosity through their friendship, and for the party that was thrown in his honor on December 8, 1941. By the time he died on May 18, 2002 of Congestive Heart Failure, he had persevered to keep his promise and had completed his mission.
Are you "Keeping and Delivering the Promise?" If you need inspiration, hopefully the story above will help you do just that.
Think about it . . . Dad, I love you and I miss you so much. God Bless You, and thank you for teaching me how to be a true Disciple and a true Citizen with true Values. You did good . . .
Yogi: 10:52AM CDT
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 2, 2010
"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." - 1 Timothy 6:11
Years ago, while growing up in the small town of Corning, Iowa (population 1,800 - on a good day), I had the opportunity to be influenced by so many people other than my Parents and siblings. Dad was a former Mayor of our great little "Metropolis," and was the Mayor when I was born. My coming into the world in 1958 was not by accident, but by "Divine Providence." Let me explain: Mom became pregnant in late fall of 1956 with what would have been their 5th child (that was to be their last), but it was not to be, for she miscarried in April of '57. As traumatic as that was for the family, it gave them more determination to plan their 5th child (this was before we adopted Joseph Darwin ("Little Joe") in 1966 and Jeffrey Dennis ("Jedd") in 1968). That 5th child became me, and I grew up in a loving household where God and Family (and the Green Bay Packers!) was first and foremost. Dad was also a Minister for the United Methodist Church, and served the Congregations of Carbon, Iowa, and Mount Etna, Iowa; combined population at the time of no more than 300 people - yet 22 miles apart (he had 30 minutes between services to get from Carbon to Mt. Etna via gravel roads, and he did this from 1949 until 1977). My Mom (still living - soon to be 88 and racked with full-blown Parkinson's Disease) and Dad (passed away at the age of 82 on May 18, 2002) were living examples of the verse that was chosen for today.
Another fine example was a true gentleman by the name of John Riegel. By the time I knew John (when I was 2-3 years old), he was already a widower, but was a living example of the type of person that the verse describes. John used to babysit me when my sisters and brothers were at school, and Mom had a morning Doctor's appointment, or something similar. I always remember that we read the Bible each time we were together, and then he would fix hard-boiled eggs. The lesson involved with the eggs was that "A hard boiled egg is an example of life; we must break through the shell that we are in before we find the good inside, just as a Christian must work through the challenges of life to find his place in God's World." I'll never forget that lesson, or that exact phrase, and I still enjoy hard-boiled eggs today (I pass on the salt now). John entered Heaven in the early 1970's, but he was a tremendous influence in my life and in my family's world. My sister Jane (63 next month), when asked what she thought God looked like, once responded "Why, he must look just like John Riegel!"
God Bless You, John! Someday, we'll be reunited - and what a story we'll have to share over a hard-boiled egg! I'm looking forward to that day . . .
Yogi - 8:22AM CDT 9/2/2010
Years ago, while growing up in the small town of Corning, Iowa (population 1,800 - on a good day), I had the opportunity to be influenced by so many people other than my Parents and siblings. Dad was a former Mayor of our great little "Metropolis," and was the Mayor when I was born. My coming into the world in 1958 was not by accident, but by "Divine Providence." Let me explain: Mom became pregnant in late fall of 1956 with what would have been their 5th child (that was to be their last), but it was not to be, for she miscarried in April of '57. As traumatic as that was for the family, it gave them more determination to plan their 5th child (this was before we adopted Joseph Darwin ("Little Joe") in 1966 and Jeffrey Dennis ("Jedd") in 1968). That 5th child became me, and I grew up in a loving household where God and Family (and the Green Bay Packers!) was first and foremost. Dad was also a Minister for the United Methodist Church, and served the Congregations of Carbon, Iowa, and Mount Etna, Iowa; combined population at the time of no more than 300 people - yet 22 miles apart (he had 30 minutes between services to get from Carbon to Mt. Etna via gravel roads, and he did this from 1949 until 1977). My Mom (still living - soon to be 88 and racked with full-blown Parkinson's Disease) and Dad (passed away at the age of 82 on May 18, 2002) were living examples of the verse that was chosen for today.
Another fine example was a true gentleman by the name of John Riegel. By the time I knew John (when I was 2-3 years old), he was already a widower, but was a living example of the type of person that the verse describes. John used to babysit me when my sisters and brothers were at school, and Mom had a morning Doctor's appointment, or something similar. I always remember that we read the Bible each time we were together, and then he would fix hard-boiled eggs. The lesson involved with the eggs was that "A hard boiled egg is an example of life; we must break through the shell that we are in before we find the good inside, just as a Christian must work through the challenges of life to find his place in God's World." I'll never forget that lesson, or that exact phrase, and I still enjoy hard-boiled eggs today (I pass on the salt now). John entered Heaven in the early 1970's, but he was a tremendous influence in my life and in my family's world. My sister Jane (63 next month), when asked what she thought God looked like, once responded "Why, he must look just like John Riegel!"
God Bless You, John! Someday, we'll be reunited - and what a story we'll have to share over a hard-boiled egg! I'm looking forward to that day . . .
Yogi - 8:22AM CDT 9/2/2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Today's QOTD: September 1, 2010
"Mental toughness is many things. It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and meekness is the sign of true strength. Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love." - Vince Lombardi
Coach Lombardi was one of my Father's heroes, and eventually became one of mine. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer Fan, some of our family vacations would be centered around traveling to Green Bay to tour Lambeau Field and other Packer shrines in the area. One memorable trip was the Grand Opening of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, which opened in the summer of 1970. My immediate family revisited that "hallowed ground" in the summer of 1994 when the Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
The reason I picked this particular quote was that I felt it embodied the true spirit of perseverance. "Simplicity is the sign of greatness" can be better described by the teachings of Darren Hardy in his book "The Compound Effect." It is the little things that we do each and every day that help us attain and conquer our goals, not the "one time home run swing for the fence." Lombardi's musings were years ahead of the forgotten movie "Galaxy Quest" and its one memorable line spoken many times by Actor Tim Allen, "Never Give Up, Never Surrender!" Coach Lombardi was a classic; someone who will not be duplicated. When he died of cancer in 1970 (after leaving the Packers in 1968 to Coach the Washington Redskins), part of my Dad died too, as "Coach" was THE all-time legendary hero for Dad, and an inspiration for him to follow. Coach is also counted as one of my inspirational heroes, and always will be.
Coach's legacy still lives on in the "frozen tundra" of Green Bay, Wisconsin . . .
Coach Lombardi was one of my Father's heroes, and eventually became one of mine. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer Fan, some of our family vacations would be centered around traveling to Green Bay to tour Lambeau Field and other Packer shrines in the area. One memorable trip was the Grand Opening of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, which opened in the summer of 1970. My immediate family revisited that "hallowed ground" in the summer of 1994 when the Hall of Fame celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
The reason I picked this particular quote was that I felt it embodied the true spirit of perseverance. "Simplicity is the sign of greatness" can be better described by the teachings of Darren Hardy in his book "The Compound Effect." It is the little things that we do each and every day that help us attain and conquer our goals, not the "one time home run swing for the fence." Lombardi's musings were years ahead of the forgotten movie "Galaxy Quest" and its one memorable line spoken many times by Actor Tim Allen, "Never Give Up, Never Surrender!" Coach Lombardi was a classic; someone who will not be duplicated. When he died of cancer in 1970 (after leaving the Packers in 1968 to Coach the Washington Redskins), part of my Dad died too, as "Coach" was THE all-time legendary hero for Dad, and an inspiration for him to follow. Coach is also counted as one of my inspirational heroes, and always will be.
Coach's legacy still lives on in the "frozen tundra" of Green Bay, Wisconsin . . .
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