In The Memorial Day Mood!
Our Dealership is ready for Memorial Day! Red, white, and blue balloons! Flags and banners, all in celebration of this patriotic holiday. They even put a flag on my bike.
When I arrived home with this flag on my motorcycle, my wife laughed hysterically, she said I looked like a one man parade, and that I should remove it promptly. I don’t know, I kind of like it! What do you think? Should I remove it or not?
Does Your Motorcycle Have a Name?
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day
The connection between rider and steed has always been a strong bond. The Lone Ranger and Silver, Roy Rogers and Trigger, That guy and Mr. Ed, well, you get the idea! The same is true for many motorcyclist. Attend any rally and you will see how many bikers display loyalty and love to their ride by giving it a name and proudly displaying said name on the fender or gas tank. So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, have you ever named your bike, if so ,what did you name it?
Here We Go
I woke up this morning with that feeling one gets as the front seat passenger on a large roller coaster ascending the first hill. You are laid back in your seat, staring up into the big blue sky, with all of your senses on tilt. You are filled with anticipation mixed with a slight dose of “Get Me Outta Here”! But you know there is no turning back! To all my family and friends, and even those who despise me! Buckle in because here we go!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year!
2007 is almost over, and I know I should wax eloquent about what a great year it was for me. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case! It was a tough year! Tonight I will raise my glass, and breathe a sigh of relief that 2007 has come to end. I will at the same time, be filled with a glimmer of hope and anticipation that 2008 will bring a different result! To all of my friends and family, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Are You A Grinch or A Giver
Here’s a great article by Tara Parker of the New York Times.
Are You a Grinch or a Giver?
What is the real value of a gift? (Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi)
It’s that time of year when friends and family take part in that annual holiday ritual — debating the merits of the gift exchange.
After my recent blog post about holiday shopping, I was surprised how many readers wrote of their disdain for gift giving.
“I’ve been boycotting X/Cess (my nickname for Christmas) for several years now. I do not give gifts, I politely tell people not to give me Any More Stuff, and I do not decorate.” — Posted by Lorie.
“My husband and I do not exchange gifts, and it has been hard trying to convince our families not to give us gifts either….We are thinking of trying for children soon, and do not want our children to receive all the latest gadgets from their grandparents and six aunts and uncles twice a year. We don’t like the spirit of materialism it represents.” — Posted by Ellen.
Their comments inspired me to learn more about the psychology of gift giving. In my Well column in Science Times this week, I wrote about what social psychologists and other scientists say about the intangible value of gifts. While it’s reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, psychologists say that banning the gift exchange entirely is not the best solution. People who stop giving gifts may be missing out on an important connection with family and friends.
My former Wall Street Journal colleague Jeff Opdyke and his wife Amy recently argued about the value of giving presents to adult friends and family. In a video segment called Love & Money, Jeff says he believes many of the gifts they give and receive during the holidays are a waste of money. Amy thinks giving represents far more than the material value of a gift. Their banter is amusing, but it underscores a serious point that affects so many families. What is the real value of a gift? To watch their argument, click here.
My friends Grace, Jen and Heidi have come up with an alternative — a fierce holiday competition to create the perfect homemade gift. Past entries have included Heidi’s homemade sweet potato pie kits, complete with frozen filling and directions. Jen created a “box of love’’ that contained personal declarations about their friendship. Grace has created a music video celebrating a problem-plagued bathroom renovation and this year is planning a homemade pop-up book featuring Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre for Jen, a die-hard Packers fan.
What do you think? How do you handle the stress of the holiday gift exchange? Have you banned gift giving altogether or have you come up with another solution to cope with the commercialism of the holidays?
Christmas, What’s It All About?
It is hard to imagine Christmas is less than a week away! I have been so focused on work I haven’t given a moment of thought about the season. I know, life is too short to think about work all of the time, but I can’t seem to help myself. Yet starting today, I vow to relax, take a deep breath, and begin to ponder the true reason I celebrate this Holiday in the first place. Care to join me?
First Snow Of The Season
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday! Mine was just right; good food, family, and home by mid-afternoon. The weather in Springfield, Ohio, has been a bit erratic. Wednesday the temperatures reached 70 degrees, and by Thursday, we were in the low 20’s, with our first snow of the season! Hope you have a great weekend!
Good Morning!
Hey all! I hope you had a great holiday, and didn’t take any crap from the sister in law that wouldn’t shut her yap! We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with my wife’s family, then spent a quiet evening at home. I worked on the computer, and Michelle poured over the sale ads, developing her strategy for today’s shopping excursion.
I am at work today but doubt if we are very busy. I hope you have a wonderful day whether you are working at work, or working at shopping!
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