Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop at 5 am on Black Friday

As I read the report of a Wal-Mart employee being trampled to death in Long Island, I am deeply saddened.

 This will knock that stupid grin right of the smiley face that advertises Wal-Mart falling prices.

 Of our four children, one worked at a doorbuster sale and two others went shopping at that time.  I thank God none of them or their friends were hurt.

 My wife, youngest daughter and I went shopping between 7-9 am and we experienced the backlash from those who had been out since the wee hours Friday morning.

 It is no surprise how surly and selfish people can be when they are sleep deprived and hopped up on caffeine.   Each of my family members told tales of shoppers who cut in line, nudged, shoved and cursed them.  That was just in McDonalds.  It got worse inside the stores.

 I am now committed to online shopping more than ever.  I love Amazon where you can get free shipping, and for now, no sales tax.  You can have it gift wrapped, sent to multiple addresses and delivered right to the door.

When our youngest was a baby, she called the UPS truck the "present truck" because it brought gifts from grandparents.   I look forward to its' frequent returns to my house from now on.

No telling how much aggravation and blood pressure elevation you can save yourself.

 

Is it too early to remind people of He Who is the reason for the season?

Get Ready for the New Year NOW

It really makes sense to begin preparing for the 2009 now.  Begin to set aside 10 minutes each day to work on dreams, goal and action plans.  There are several good resources to help in this pursuit.

 

Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get  Life by Larry Winget.  This book is like a slap in the face or thumping your ears on a cold morning.  It is though well worth it.  Larry is a fascinating person and does not soft sell or varnish anything.  Do not read if you are too sensitive.  He will torch you.  However, it is a great book for graduating seniors from high school or college.

 

The Art of The Fresh Start: How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions for a Lifetime by Glenna Salsbury.  This book is tremendous in its’ potential if you read it and apply it (Isn’t that true for every book?)  It is not as confrontational and has fill in the blanks to keep you on track.

 

Finally, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.  Jack co-edits the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.  I discovered this book after Katrina smacked Slidell and read some of it daily.  If someone was to look for ONE VOLUME that was a exhaustive resource in the area of personal growth, this is the book.

 

Also, if you want to turn your vehicle into a learning center on wheels, I strongly recommend any CD or MP3 series by Jim Rohn.   Down home and simple, but easily applied.  Go to Jimrohn.com for further information.

November is a great time to plan next year.

I know most people make plans for next year at New Year’s. I think that is too late.

If you can begin NOW to plan how you want 2009 to go and set your goals and actions steps now, it will build momentum.

Besides, we all know that it is on the cusp of holiday season and things get too hectic to plan at that time.

How to plan? Begin with a dream of where you want to be and work backwards.

Here are some areas to prompt your thinking:

HEALTH- instead of being negative like losing weight how about be positive and improve your health. One easy suggestion is become a bottle baby. Carry a bottle of water with you all day and drink continuously. It will cleanse, refresh and help fight of appetite.

WEALTH- It is more than just money. Mine your relationships for the wealth you have with family and friends. Study, practice and teach your faith to help others bring value to your live. Find ways to increase income and reduce expenses.

To be continued…