WOW Word-Of-the-Week #279: Grateful

November 29, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #279: Grateful

Grateful – appreciative; thankful.

Did your parents ever tell you how fortunate you were? Do you tell your children or grandchildren how fortunate they are? Do you feel grateful for the life you have?

This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving and it is always a time when people reflect on how fortunate and thankful they are. This year though, it seemed to me everyone felt more grateful. How about you?

You would think that couples facing job losses and foreclosure wouldn’t be grateful and yet newspaper stories this week focused on just that. Even in the face of possible failure and defeat they felt thankful for all that they had.

I have always believed that there will always be someone who has more things than I do and that I will have more things than someone else. But all that means nothing, if you don’t have your health, or the love and camaraderie of your family and friends.

Thanksgiving Camaraderie

This Thanksgiving was one of the best I ever had. Everybody got along and much of it was spontaneous. Could I be getting more flexible and less rigid the older I get? Is that what happens when you let go of needing everything to be perfect?

This week focus on those things in your life that you feel grateful for. Do you have your health? Do you need to connect with someone and let them know how thankful you are for having them in your life? Do you have children and/or grandchildren that give you great enjoyment?

Maybe having so many grand kids around made me feel more playful? I’m not exactly sure. But what I am sure of is that I am truly grateful to have so many wonderful family and friends and the joy they bring to my life!

Reader Responses

“Grateful is the perfect word for this time of year. As I approach my dotage, I find that the simple things are the most important. During my life I have never been a social climber. I realize that I don’t need very much to be happy. As long as my wife and kids are healthy, happy and terrific, that is really all that is important to me. I have told friends of mine that what I really enjoy is to simply sit in the backyard with a cup of coffee and a good book. I’m not a fussy person. I never aspired to be a millionaire. I just need enough to pay the bills and take a nice vacation with Kristen and the girls every year. My family has been blessed by good health, so it is something that I am very grateful for in my life. I read so many stories of those who have terrible diseases but have no insurance coverage. I am fortunate that through my work I have medical and dental coverage for my family. There are countless millions who don’t have any coverage. Hopefully, that will change with the passage of the Health Care Reform Act later this year or early next year. Growing up, my parents reminded us of the people around the world who were hungry and did not have anything in their lives. Now, I hear myself saying the same thing to my eight-year-old daughter at the dinner table when she won’t eat all of her vegetables. I don’t want to put the guilt trip on her, but I still tell her that one billion people in the world will go hungry that night. Because children have little perspective, they still have a tough time appreciating difficulties outside of their own little worlds. But, Erin Grace is learning. As part of her Brownie group at school, they have adopted a family in our area that is having a tough time making ends meet. The Brownies are preparing a food basket for that family, and will continue to do things during the year for it. There is a lot for which to be grateful for at this time of the year. Let’s try to remember that when others are worried about keeping up with the Joneses. Take care, Susan. Every best wish!” – “Warrior” Joe Moran.

Filed under: Word Of the Week
Tagged: Grateful, Thanksgiving

FUN-travel: Panama Canal

November 25, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Panama Canal

Day 1 – Sunday, December 6, 2009 – Depart San Diego – 14 days – First Celebrity cruise

Cruising with Dad

Good News – told by several people, “You’ll love Celebrity”
Good News – 91 year old dad (looks & acts like 70) wants to take a cruise so we pick this one
Good News – no flight! Depart San Diego 5:00 pm – only 15 minutes to ship
Good News – get to experience concierge class for first time
Good News – sparkling wine, fresh fruit & flowers in room

Day 2 – Monday, December 7, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 7:22 am – Sunset 5:45 pm

Bad News – cloudy & cold
Good News – eat, nap, eat, nap, eat
Bad News – very bad coffee, must buy cappuccinos

Day 3 – Tuesday, December 8, 2009 – Arrive Cabo San Lucas 10:00 am – Sunrise 6:50 am – Sunset 5:36 pm

Good News – sunny & warm, cute town, get off ship and walk aroundBad News – already been to Cabo three times
Good News – go to Mi Casa for best Margaritas, chips, salsa & guacamole
Good News – great entertainment on ship – singer Alfreda Gerald

Cabo Harbor

FFTK&T (FUN Facts To Know & Tell) – Cabo is on southernmost tip of the 1,000 mile long Baja Peninsula

Day 4 – Wednesday, December 9, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 6:23 am – Sunset 5:20 pm

Cabo Harbor

Bad News – day at sea, like to be in ports doing something
Good News – eat, nap, eat, nap, eat
Good News –more great entertainment – piano wizard & magician Garin Bader

Day 5 –Thursday, December 10, 2009 – Arrive Acapulco 9:00 am – Sunrise 6:38 am – Sunset 6:07 pm

Good News – sunny, very warm
Bad News – humid
Bad News – been here before, not a clean or pretty city
Good News – take long walk by beach & see old city fort – Fuerte San Diego
Good News – great chips, salsa, guacamole & cerveza
Good News –more great entertainment –Paradise String Quartet

FFTK &T – most famous attraction “clavadistas” (cliff divers) scale rock cliffs more than 150 feet about sea

Fuerte San Diego

Day 6 – Friday, December 11, 2009 – Arrive Huatulco, Mexico 8:00am – Sunrise 6:41 am – Sunset 5:55 pm

Huatulco Harbor

Good News – adorable port & shops – small town charm
Good News – walk to city La Crucecita – clean, quaint tree filled Main Square surrounded by shops
Good News – great chips, salsa, guacamole & cerveza
Bad News – have to leave at 3:00pm
Good News – more great entertainment- Alfreda & Garin share stage

Would definitely come back!

Day 7 – Saturday, December 12, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 6:21 am – Sunset 5:38 pm

Carara National Park

Bad News – getting bored
Good News – go to wine tasting, find 3 good California wines
Good News – table mates next to us in main dining from India have special meals made by Indian chefs onboard, tell our waiter, “We want what they‘re having” – get same wonderful Indian food

Crocodiles

Day 8 –Sunday, December 13, 2009 – arrive Punta Arenas, Costa Rica – Arrive 7:00 am – Sunrise 5:46 am – Sunset 5:20 pm

Good News – get off ship, walk around port town, shop local vendors along water front
Bad News – not very cute or clean
Good News – find tour guide – goto tropical rain forest in Carara National Park, have lunch, walk around 70 year old restored village
Good News – stop on bridge and see more than a dozen crocodiles in river below
Good News – have very good dinner in casual dining restaurant
Good News – more great entertainment – Perry Grant – comedic singer

FFTK &T – Costa Rica has no military, spends that money on education & health care – What a concept!

Day 9 – Monday, December 14, 2009 – Day at Sea- Sunrise 5:43 am – Sunset 5:03 pm

Having FUN!

Bad News – still feeling bored on days at sea
Good News – go to Ocean Liners restaurant for dinner
Good News – great wine, lobster tail & lamb
Bad News – $30.00 per person service charge
Good News – entertainment – Sean O’Shea impressionist singer

Day 10 – Tuesday, December 15, 2009 – Panama Canal – Sunrise 6:27 am – Sunset 6:02 pm

Going Through the Locks

Bad News – have to get up early to experience going through the locks
Good News – not as early as they told us night before
Good News – view from heliport front of ship, very interesting
Bad News – must book tour on ship to get off
Bad News – take overpriced tour that is not what we thought; spend too much time on bus in traffic
Good News – get to see Colonial Panama, architecture very French
Bad News – only 30% of it has been restored

Panama Bridge

FFTK &T – The Panama Canal was completed in 1913, opened in 1914 and operates today just as it has for the last 95 years – New additional canal in process of being built to accommodate bigger ships – Panama is another neutral country with no military that spends that money on education & health care

Day 11– Wednesday, December 16, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 6:24 am – Sunset 5:50 pm

La Popa Monastery

Good News – Brunch at Sea, mimosa’s half price
Bad News – basically same food as buffet, just served in formal dining room with ice carvings
Good News – get more good Indian food for dinner
Good News – more great entertainment – Craig Dahn, pianist

Day 12 – Thursday, December 17, 2009 – Arrive Cartagena, Colombia 8:00 am – Sunrise 6:19 am – Sunset 5:44 pm

Good News – find taxi driver for day, $50 + lunch, love a bargain
Good News – go to La Popa Monastery, atop highest point, 420 feet, grand view of city
Good News – next stop, enormous Fortress San Felipe, lots of underground tunnels & cannons
More Good News – next stop, the Old City, very French & charming with picturesque wooden balconies hanging over narrow streets, bougainvilleas abound
More Good News – next stop, the new City, Miami Beach of Cartagena, have authentic Columbian lunch, grilled fish with garlic & Aguila Columbian beer
More Good News – go shopping for souvenirs and emeralds
Bad News – have to be back on board by 4:45 to depart, need more time

Colonial Cartegena

Would definitely come back!

FFTK &T – Fortress San Felipe is largest Spanish fort in the New World – Emeralds come in 200 shades of green

Sampling Cerveza

Day 13 – Friday, December 18, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 6:19 am – Sunset 5:31 pm

Bad News – getting cabin fever again
Good News – sun comes out, getting warmer

Day 14 – Saturday, December 19, 2009 – Day at Sea – Sunrise 4:49 am – Sunset 9:40 pm

See Day 13

Day 15 – Sunday, December 20, 2009 – Arrive Miami

Good News – going to stay and hang out in Miami
Bad News – it’s cold and Versace’s mansion is closed

Day 16 – Monday, December 21, 2009 – Miami

Good News – ready to go home
Royal Caribbean purchased Celebrity
Bad News – told by previous Celebrity cruisers, “This isn’t the old Celebrity”

Filed under: FUN-travel
Tagged: Celebrity Cruise, Panama Canal

WOW Word-Of-the-Week #278: Admonish

November 22, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #278: Admonish

Admonish – to express warning or disapproval in a gentle, earnest or solicitous manner.

Did you know that Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2009 was admonish? Do you know why?

Being Admonished

Words that result in a prolonged spike of look-ups on the free online Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary determine what the Word of the Year is. And this year it turns out that the most looked up words were associated with news events or coverage.

An Associated Press article by Bob Salsberg states, “When the U.S House admonished Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting, ‘You lie!’ at President Barack Obama during a health care speech to Congress, it not only lit up talk-show lines but also sent many people scurrying to the Internet in search of a definition.”

“Admonish shot to the top in part because it was used at several stages of the story – originally to describe the reaction to Wilson’s outburst, then to the editorial reaction, and finally to the official House resolution admonishing the South Carolina Republican.”

Were you one of the people who went on line to find the definition? Is admonish a word you have used?

This week focus on the word admonish. Do you tend to scold your children or staff? Rather than scolding you might consider admonishing them. How would it feel to give constructive feedback in a kind, gentle manner?

Reader Responses

“I found your commentary on the word “admonish” very amusing. Actually, the image of the masses scurrying to Webster.com amid the fallout of the “You lie!” incident is downright comical. Although I was already familiar with the word, I’m now going to make a point of stepping up my usage of it during my “If-You-Can’t-Say-Something-Nice…” presentations. After all, the constructive-confrontation focus of that presentation is all about ADMONISHING others is a positive way! 🙂 Have a fun Thanksgiving!” – Sarita

“I generally admonish my older daughter, Erin Grace, who is eight years old. My wife has to remind me occasionally not to raise my voice with Erin because she is sensitive. So, I try to keep my voice lowered enough so that she understands what she can and cannot do. I do not hesitate to use the word NO. I feel there are times in her life that she can’t get everything that she wants, and sometimes she has to be told NO. I can be firm, but not overbearing. And she understands why I say NO. Erin is a smart girl and knows right from wrong. So, we generally don’t have to admonish her that often. The example you brought up with the South Carolina Congressman was something. I don’t know what it is with South Carolina republicans, but they all seem to be putting their feet in their mouths recently. It is embarrassing. What was troubling was that the Congressman did not apologize to his colleagues in the House of Representatives for his unbecoming conduct. Not only was it against House rules, but as a retired member of the military, his actions merited a court martial. An apology should have gone along with the admonishment. Great word, Susan. Because it is so relevant. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have a lot for which to be grateful this week. Take care.” – “Warrior” Joe Moran.

Filed under: Word Of the Week
Tagged: Admonish, Word of the Year

WOW Word-Of-the-Week #277: Mind Power

November 14, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #277: Mind Power

Mind Power – ability to control one’s thoughts and feelings.

Are you able to keep your thoughts positive even when others around you are not? Are you affected by negative media? Does uncertainty trigger anxiety?

Mind Power

Last week the WOW was faith and how much Meb Keflezighi believed in himself. When I read this piece from Healthystyle magazine it really struck me. Janice Kaplan, Editorial Director wrote, “Although I admire people who run marathons, I’ve never dared try one myself. The distance seems daunting, and I can’t imagine being that aerobically fit. But I recently realized that what’s stopping me is my head, not my heart.”

“We all have expectations for ourselves, and pushing beyond them can be scary. Whether you want to get in shape, lose weight, or simply relax and enjoy the upcoming holidays, the first step is telling yourself that you can. Don’t underestimate your own power. Once you set your sights on a goal, you’re a step closer to achieving it. Stay positive – and enjoy the season.”

I totally agree and couldn’t have said it any better. Our ability to control our thoughts and feelings determines how successful we will be in any undertaking we tackle. With the holidays quickly approaching what feelings are coming up for you? Is it joy? Or is it dread?

This week focus on your mind power. What is it you would like to achieve? What’s stopping you? Are you able to see the outcome? How would it feel to tell yourself you can do it? Remember, don’t underestimate your own power.

Reader Responses

“Your writing and thought processes are on a roll; you are ‘rocking’! I enjoyed the way you got into this piece and stayed on message. Darn good follow through. I am proud of you, kid.” PC

“This week’s message was good for me. Thanks for sharing ! I am looking forward to the holidays. I love them !! I always try to plan ahead and make all aspects of the holidays FUN !!! I find people are kinder, gentler, generous, and more caring during the SEASON !! I always look forward to it. My mother, loved Christmas and that is a wonderful gift she gave me. I cherish her gift, “THE LOVE of CHRISTMAS !!” Hugs, Katie

“In past responses to your posts, I have used such phrases as “Impossible is nothing” (from Nike) and “If you can see it, you can be it.” Phrases like that are simple and sound clicheish, but they point to the importance of how powerful our minds can be in determining our fate and what we do with our lives. I can’t tell you how many times I have been told “no” in my life or received rejection letters. I still believed in what I could do or accomplish regardless of what anyone else thought. Since we only get one shot at this life, we have to go for the gusto. We are not promised anything, and no one knows our strengths like we do. And, we don’t know what we can’t do until we try it. So, I have been a big believer in using my mind to visualize what it is I want to do, and then go for it. We won’t know until we actually try. After visualization, we must take those first steps toward our accomplishment. I think we usually surprise ourselves after we take those first steps and realize, “Hey, I think I can do this.” But it isn’t until we make that effort that we find out what it is we can do. Once we have that accomplishment, we can build on it for future accomplishments. And that is how we become successful, not just professionally, but personally.” Great word, Susan. Have a great week. Take care. “Warrior” Joe Moran.

Filed under: Word Of the Week
Tagged: mind power