Reflecting on the Past Year - December 2004

Musing


Joyful holidays to all of you! Whether you honor Christmas, Hanukah, or
Kwanza, it is a rich season of light and hope. My challenge at this time is
to slow down occasionally, breathe deeply and simply savor the the richness
of the music, the lights, the rituals and the experience of good will in
this community. Perfectionists have probably hit the wall by now. Repeat
after me: There is enough time, there is enough money, there is enough
energy. Remember, it is a process, not a destination - enjoy the trip!

My Holiday wish for each of us is that in 2005 we make this world and our
community a happier and more peaceful place. For all of us. This
particular planet is just too small for us to not get along. Our diversity
is what contributes to the rich fabric and tapestry of our lives. May your
relationships at work, at home and in your community thrive in the
coming year. Here's to a prosperous, peaceful, and joyful Holiday and
New year.

One more thing - please pray for SNOW for those of us who would rather ski
than walk!

Tool

As we bring this year to a close, again I invite you to pause for
reflection. I am offering you some end-of-year questions to stimulate your
thinking. Pick the ones that speak to you. These questions can also create
juicy discussion among family members during the holidays. Enjoy!

What was your biggest triumph or accomplishment in 2004?

What was the smartest decision you made in 2004?

What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2004?

What was the most loving service or contribution you performed in 2004?

What is your biggest piece of "unfinished business" in 2004?

What are you most satisfied about completing this year?

Who are the 3 people who had the greatest impact on your life in 2004? Now,
are you willing to tell them?

What was the biggest risk you took in 2004?

What are you most grateful for in 2004?

Food for Thought

This quotation comes from the film, American Beauty. The character in the
film, Ricky, likes to make home movies of the things he finds beautiful --
and this teenager has the gift to find beauty in places and things most do
not. In this scene he was narrating one of his videos where a plastic bag
was caught up in the swirl before a storm.

"It was one of those days when it's a minute away from snowing and there's
this electricity in the air, you can almost hear it. And this bag was, like,
dancing with me. Like a little kid begging me to play with it. For fifteen
minutes. And that's the day I knew there was this entire life behind things,
and... this incredibly benevolent force, that wanted me to know there was no
reason to be afraid, ever. Video's a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me
remember... and I need to remember... Sometimes there's so much beauty in
the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in."
Ricky Fitts

Laugh of the Month

Back by popular demand, this joke is only for those who indulge in the sport
of skiing - nordic or downhill. The rest of you may skip this - you
wouldn't understand!

TOP 15 PRE-SEASON SKI EXERCISES - START NOW!!

15. Visit your local butcher and pay $30 to sit in the walk-in freezer for
thirty minutes. Afterwards, burn two $50 bills to warm up.

14. Soak your gloves and store them in the freezer after every use.

13. Fasten a small, wide rubber band around the top half of your head
before you go to bed each night.

12. If you wear glasses, begin wearing them with glue smeared on the
lenses.

11. Find the nearest ice rink and walk cross the ice 20 times in your ski
boots carrying two pairs of skis, accessory bag and poles. Pretend you are
looking for your car. Sporadically drop things.

10. Place a small but angular pebble in your shoes, line them with crushed
ice and then tighten a C-clamp around your toes.

9. Buy a pair of gloves and immediately throw one away.

8. Secure one of your ankles to a bed post and ask a friend to run into you
at high speed.

7. Go to McDonald's and insist on paying $8.50 for a hamburger. Be sure
you are in the longest line.

6. Clip a lift ticket to the zipper of our jacket and ride a motorcycle
fast enough to make the ticket lacerate your face.

5. Drive slowly for five hours - anywhere - as long as it's in a snowstorm
and you're following a 18 wheeler.

4. Fill a blender with ice, hit the pulse button and let the spray blast
our face. Leave the ice on your face until it melts. Let it drip onto your
clothes.

3. Dress up in as many clothes as you can and then proceed to take them off
because you have to go to the bathroom.

2. Slam your thumb in a car door. Don't go see a doctor.

1. Repeat all of the above twice a week until it's time for the real thing.



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