This is one movie we will be buying when it comes out. I never heard of this man until this movie came out and that is a crying shame!! If you are wanting to watch a good movie and do not want to wade through a bunch of yuck and also want to be inspired...check this one out!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
"PMS Chocolate Chip Cookies"

I do declare! I just have to share with you all the most amazing of amazing chocolate chip recipes I have recently stumbled upon....ever.

....a word of caution. this is not for the faint of heart where chocolate is concerned. I mean you gotta L.O.V.E. chocolate....as in LOVE IT!!
I am talking, 'totally PMS mode and I need chocolate now' kind of 'love' chocolate love.
Now that I have clarified....try this some time when you need to just melt into the bubble bath of life and forget about the cares of the day....
Mommy's Cure For 'PMS chocolate chip cookies'
1-1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup of butter flavor Crisco (told ya, this recipe is hardcore!)
2 Tablespoons of milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
One bag of dark chocolate chocolate chips
One bag of semi sweet
heat oven to 375.
combine brown sugar, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large bowl.
beat at medium speed til light and fluffy.
beat egg into creamed mixture.
combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
mix into creamed mixture until just blended.
stir in chocolate chips.
drop rounded tablespoons of dough 3 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet.
bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crispy cookies.
makes 3 dozen :)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Menu Planning Monday Jan. 28- Feb. 3

Monday- Chili Cornbread, Salad
Tuesday- Ham Strata, Salad
Wednesday- Taco's
Thursday- Baked Chinese Chicken Sui-Saw
Friday- Homemade Pizza, Ice Cream Sundaes
Saturday- Mediterranean Halibut, Salad
Sunday- (Super-Bowl) Dream Dinners Herb Crusted Flank Steak
All recipes available, except for *Dream Dinner menu item*Just email me: Mindy8221@hotmail.com
Labels:
Menu Planning Monday
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The True Essence Of JOY
I define Joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters.
Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love.
It is the pure and simple delight in being alive.
Joy is our elated response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of abundance. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve others and be glad for their good fortune.
Invite Joy into your life by staging celebrations. Host festivities to mark transitions and changes in your life. Toast moments of happiness you notice as you go through your day. Dance — jump for Joy — as often as possible. Life is not meant to be endured; it is to be enjoyed.
We often talk about this in the same breath with its companions. We say Joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, smiles and tears, the ecstasy and the agony.
The experience of one intensifies our awareness of the other. Sorrow, for example, may be the price we pay for Joy; when we have known great happiness in a relationship, we feel its loss more deeply. Or think of those times when you laugh so hard you cry.
Joy will usually be part of a set of symptoms presenting in your life.
The best protocol is to be thankful for the intensity of these feelings. When you are experiencing sorrow and sadness, when the tears are flowing, remember they can be stepping stones to Joy.
Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love.
It is the pure and simple delight in being alive.
Joy is our elated response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of abundance. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve others and be glad for their good fortune.
Invite Joy into your life by staging celebrations. Host festivities to mark transitions and changes in your life. Toast moments of happiness you notice as you go through your day. Dance — jump for Joy — as often as possible. Life is not meant to be endured; it is to be enjoyed.
We often talk about this in the same breath with its companions. We say Joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, smiles and tears, the ecstasy and the agony.
The experience of one intensifies our awareness of the other. Sorrow, for example, may be the price we pay for Joy; when we have known great happiness in a relationship, we feel its loss more deeply. Or think of those times when you laugh so hard you cry.
Joy will usually be part of a set of symptoms presenting in your life.
The best protocol is to be thankful for the intensity of these feelings. When you are experiencing sorrow and sadness, when the tears are flowing, remember they can be stepping stones to Joy.
Labels:
A New Begining
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Inspire YOURSELF
Tiger Woods tops the list of the most marketable athletes of 2008, according to MSNBC. His annual endorsement income is expected to top $100 million this year, thanks to his partnerships with Buick, Nike and Gatorade. LeBron James is No.2 with an estimated $25 million a year from endorsements, which include his LeBron Nike sneaker. Tom Brady rounds out the top three with his 16-0 season and the possibility of an historic 19-0 record and a fourth Super Bowl ring.Here are the top 8 most marketable athletes...
1. Tiger Woods
2. LeBron James
3. Tom Brady
4. Peyton Manning
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Alex Rodriguez
7. Dwyane Wade
8. David Beckham
You may be reading this and think, How does this apply to myself, or my business?
Marketing Tip: Ask yourself How Dream Dinners or any other small business could Partner with like minded Corporations. If these athletes can do it- SO CAN YOU!
"My mind is my biggest asset. I expect to win every tournament I play."
Tiger Woods (1975 - )American golf champion
1. Tiger Woods
2. LeBron James
3. Tom Brady
4. Peyton Manning
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Alex Rodriguez
7. Dwyane Wade
8. David Beckham
You may be reading this and think, How does this apply to myself, or my business?
Marketing Tip: Ask yourself How Dream Dinners or any other small business could Partner with like minded Corporations. If these athletes can do it- SO CAN YOU!
"My mind is my biggest asset. I expect to win every tournament I play."
Tiger Woods (1975 - )American golf champion
Labels:
The JOY of Marketing
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Fred Factor

The book proposes three simple yet powerful principles:
1. Everyone Makes a Difference
The fact is that everybody is already making a difference every day. The key question is, What kind of difference is each of us making?
To be someone who makes a difference every day, you need to be doing something that you love and are passionate about.
To make a difference you need to be aware as you journey through your day, looking for opportunities to “make a difference”. Audit your day asking, “What kind of difference did I make today?”
As Tom Peters says, he doesn’t want his tombstone to read….
“Thomas Peters, He Would Have Done Great Things, But His Boss Wouldn’t Let Him.”
2. Success is Built on Relationships
What percentage of your interactions with others is transactional as opposed to relational?
Relational interections as opposed to transactional interactions recognize that how people are treated is as important as the outcome!
Relationships require an investment of your time, however the higher quality results produced by strong relationships is well worth the effort.
3. You must continually create value for others, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny.
The truth is that you compete against your own potential every day. And most of us fall short of what we are capable of doing and being.
Look for ways to add that which will create value for others by adding the good stuff and subtracting the bad stuff!
Tom Peters recently posted manifesto states:
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
1. Everyone Makes a Difference
The fact is that everybody is already making a difference every day. The key question is, What kind of difference is each of us making?
To be someone who makes a difference every day, you need to be doing something that you love and are passionate about.
To make a difference you need to be aware as you journey through your day, looking for opportunities to “make a difference”. Audit your day asking, “What kind of difference did I make today?”
As Tom Peters says, he doesn’t want his tombstone to read….
“Thomas Peters, He Would Have Done Great Things, But His Boss Wouldn’t Let Him.”
2. Success is Built on Relationships
What percentage of your interactions with others is transactional as opposed to relational?
Relational interections as opposed to transactional interactions recognize that how people are treated is as important as the outcome!
Relationships require an investment of your time, however the higher quality results produced by strong relationships is well worth the effort.
3. You must continually create value for others, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny.
The truth is that you compete against your own potential every day. And most of us fall short of what we are capable of doing and being.
Look for ways to add that which will create value for others by adding the good stuff and subtracting the bad stuff!
Tom Peters recently posted manifesto states:
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
Labels:
Mindy's Book Club
Monday, January 21, 2008
"I Have A Dream"

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
American civil rights leader
(This is a good quote for the MA Leadership....Food For Thought!)
Labels:
Mindy's Hero
I Am A Winner!
A friend of mine, Heidi Hankins, stopped by my house this morning to drop off a Starbucks coffee and a box. She didn't stay long as she was off to work.
Inside the box was: Daily Affirmation Cards for me to hang on my bathroom mirror. This is truely a wonderful gift that has so touched me, I NEED to pass this onto all my readers!
Simply make these cards by using 3x5 cards, she decorated them so cute....and stick all over your mirror. ENJOY Beleiveing in yourself................................
I will win. Why? I’ll tell you why – because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm.
Today, I’ll meet the right people in the right place at the right time for the betterment of all.
I see opportunity in every challenge.
I’m terrific at remembering names.
When I fail, I look at what I did right, not at what I did wrong.
I have clearly defined goals.
I never take advice from anyone more messed up than I am.
I never let a negative thought enter my head.
I am a winner, a contributor, an achiever. I believe in me.
Inside the box was: Daily Affirmation Cards for me to hang on my bathroom mirror. This is truely a wonderful gift that has so touched me, I NEED to pass this onto all my readers!
Simply make these cards by using 3x5 cards, she decorated them so cute....and stick all over your mirror. ENJOY Beleiveing in yourself................................
I will win. Why? I’ll tell you why – because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm.
Today, I’ll meet the right people in the right place at the right time for the betterment of all.
I see opportunity in every challenge.
I’m terrific at remembering names.
When I fail, I look at what I did right, not at what I did wrong.
I have clearly defined goals.
I never take advice from anyone more messed up than I am.
I never let a negative thought enter my head.
I am a winner, a contributor, an achiever. I believe in me.
Labels:
A New Begining
Menu Planning Monday Jan. 21-27

Monday- Happy Birthday Grandma Jan! Turkey/Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday- Coke Cola Pork Roast/Mash Potatoes
Wednesday- Ham Strata, Salad
Thursday- Crispy Chicken, Applesauce, Broccoli Spears
Friday- Homemade Pizza, Ice Cream Sundaes
Saturday- Homemade Soups, French Bread
Sunday- Dream Dinners, Arroz Con Pollo
Recipe Available Upon Request- Just email me!
Labels:
Menu Planning Monday
Friday, January 18, 2008
I'm a member of the Rotary Club East Bremerton
That's right...It's official, I am a Rotarian! Yea!
Thanks to Dick Simms & Jeff Tompsen for sponsoring me. Kim Zook for being an awesome President. Steve Fabry for walking me through membership and introducing me to East Bremerton Rotary. This is a great club!
view the Rotary site: http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/homeC.asp?cid=704
Labels:
A New Begining
Poulsbo Dream Dinners Biggest Loser using Weight Watchers
Last May I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Jarvis’ Crawford at a 'Girls Night Out' held at Poulsbo Dream Dinners.
We got to talking about losing weight, working out, you know typical girls night out stuff.
Well, 6 weeks ago, Melissa started to attend Weight Watchers, following the point system using Dream Dinners entree's. Along with a daily workout routine she has lost a whooping 23lbs in 6 weeks!!!!!!
Tonight was Date Night Session at Poulsbo Dream Dinners, and Lori presented Melissa a T-Shirt that said- Poulsbo Dream Dinners "Biggest Loser" www.dreamdinners.com
Now she can wear it while she works out at the gym. What a great marketing tip, Lori!
Congratulation's Melissa, you look great!!! Keep it up!!!
Labels:
Poulsbo Dream Dinners
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Success Starts With Attitude
We all dream of the good life; things we'll do, places we'll
see! There isn't a sweeter dream than the feeling of having
choices we didn't before. Success! We all want it, crave it,
and dream about it! Why do so many fail; what does it take
to get there?
There's no doubt our ability to imagine something is the
seed of inspiration; though success needs much more than
imagination to bear fruit. If it was that simple, we'd all
be living a life of abundance and fulfillment.
OK, so it's not imagination. What about work? If we take an
idea and work with it, could that be the answer? Well, it
does take lots of work to get there; better roll up your
sleeves!
Thomas Alva Edison, the great inventor, said it best: "Most
people don't recognize opportunity when it comes, because
it's usually dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work."
However, work isn't the main ingredient. You're getting warm
but still not there!
The secret ingredient, even more famous than Colonel
Sanders' recipe, is attitude! The attitude you have toward
your work is what provides the first step on your journey to
success!
Of course, the previous lines beg for this question: What
kind of attitude should you have toward achieving your
dreams; involvement or commitment?
Believe me, there's a big difference between involvement and
commitment. Like night and day! I can't remember where I
first heard it put this way:
When you sit down to a ham and egg breakfast, consider the
chicken involved; there's no question the pig's committed!
The reason for the last couple of paragraphs is to make you
aware of a modern illness connected with many forms of work;
the clock watcher mentality.
You wake up dreading another day at work. You clock in/out
at a certain time. Do the best you can during your time
there and then it's finite, done! Crank up the car for the drive
home!
Well, that's involvement; just another cog in the industrial
machine. Your Business deserves much better than that!
The kind of work I'm talking about requires passionate
commitment and discipline. It means you wake up every
morning and can't wait to get back to it. You thirst for it,
crave it!
Even after putting in many hours, you can't wait to get to
the next step! You're not "involved" with your work. You are
absolutely, passionately committed to it and - may I add -
loving every minute of it!
Looking back at the mountain of things you accomplish, you
realize the huge amount of work you've done. The thought
strikes you've never looked at the clock. That's what I'm
talking about! It takes a daring and adventurous spirit to
let go of the clock watcher mentality and start on a journey
of creative self-discovery.
You can easily spot the folks that are on the journey. They
make ends meet by clocking in somewhere. At the end of the
boring and tasteless work routine, they drive home and pick
up the kids, buy groceries, etc, etc …by the time they get
there, they've had it! They're spent!
Yet and still, they've made a commitment to work a few hours
every day on their dream, their little business. That's when
the magic begins! Though dog tired, the yearning for
personal freedom and self expression creates miracles!
Many times, they'll work 'till the wee hours of the morning;
the inevitable tap on the shoulder is the only thing that
gets them to bed! Oh my, how the hours fly and the juices
flow when you are self-creating! Isn't passionate commitment
wonderful?
I invite you to drink deeply from the never-ending
wellspring of your own commitment. Taste and savor the
elixir all creative individuals value more than any other!
It will nourish and sustain you and provide the true
foundation for your Business Success.
see! There isn't a sweeter dream than the feeling of having
choices we didn't before. Success! We all want it, crave it,
and dream about it! Why do so many fail; what does it take
to get there?
There's no doubt our ability to imagine something is the
seed of inspiration; though success needs much more than
imagination to bear fruit. If it was that simple, we'd all
be living a life of abundance and fulfillment.
OK, so it's not imagination. What about work? If we take an
idea and work with it, could that be the answer? Well, it
does take lots of work to get there; better roll up your
sleeves!
Thomas Alva Edison, the great inventor, said it best: "Most
people don't recognize opportunity when it comes, because
it's usually dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work."
However, work isn't the main ingredient. You're getting warm
but still not there!
The secret ingredient, even more famous than Colonel
Sanders' recipe, is attitude! The attitude you have toward
your work is what provides the first step on your journey to
success!
Of course, the previous lines beg for this question: What
kind of attitude should you have toward achieving your
dreams; involvement or commitment?
Believe me, there's a big difference between involvement and
commitment. Like night and day! I can't remember where I
first heard it put this way:
When you sit down to a ham and egg breakfast, consider the
chicken involved; there's no question the pig's committed!
The reason for the last couple of paragraphs is to make you
aware of a modern illness connected with many forms of work;
the clock watcher mentality.
You wake up dreading another day at work. You clock in/out
at a certain time. Do the best you can during your time
there and then it's finite, done! Crank up the car for the drive
home!
Well, that's involvement; just another cog in the industrial
machine. Your Business deserves much better than that!
The kind of work I'm talking about requires passionate
commitment and discipline. It means you wake up every
morning and can't wait to get back to it. You thirst for it,
crave it!
Even after putting in many hours, you can't wait to get to
the next step! You're not "involved" with your work. You are
absolutely, passionately committed to it and - may I add -
loving every minute of it!
Looking back at the mountain of things you accomplish, you
realize the huge amount of work you've done. The thought
strikes you've never looked at the clock. That's what I'm
talking about! It takes a daring and adventurous spirit to
let go of the clock watcher mentality and start on a journey
of creative self-discovery.
You can easily spot the folks that are on the journey. They
make ends meet by clocking in somewhere. At the end of the
boring and tasteless work routine, they drive home and pick
up the kids, buy groceries, etc, etc …by the time they get
there, they've had it! They're spent!
Yet and still, they've made a commitment to work a few hours
every day on their dream, their little business. That's when
the magic begins! Though dog tired, the yearning for
personal freedom and self expression creates miracles!
Many times, they'll work 'till the wee hours of the morning;
the inevitable tap on the shoulder is the only thing that
gets them to bed! Oh my, how the hours fly and the juices
flow when you are self-creating! Isn't passionate commitment
wonderful?
I invite you to drink deeply from the never-ending
wellspring of your own commitment. Taste and savor the
elixir all creative individuals value more than any other!
It will nourish and sustain you and provide the true
foundation for your Business Success.
Labels:
A New Begining
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Best Rum Cake Ever
"Best Rum Cake Ever"
(Try at your own risk!)
1 t. sugar
1 c. dried fruit
Brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 c. butter
Lemon Juice
Nuts
1 or 2 Quarts of rum.. as needed...
Before starting, sample rum to check quality.
Good, isn't it? Now proceed.
Select large mixing bowl, measuing cupt, ect.
Check rum again. It must be just right.
To be sure rum is of proper quality, pour one level cup
of rum into a glass and drink it as fast as you can. Repeat.
With electric mixer, beat 1 cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add 1 seaspoon of thugar and beat again.
Meanwhile, make sure rum is still alright.
Pour another cup and drimk as fast as you can. Repeat.
(Open second quart if necessary.)
Add leggs, 2 cups of fried druit and beat til high.
If druit gets stuck in beaters, pry loose with drewscriber.
Smaple rum again, checking for tonscisticity.
Next sift 3 cups pepper or salt (really doesnt matter).
Sample rum again.
Sift 1/2 pint lemon juice. Fold in chopped butter and strained nuts.
Add 1 bablespoon of bwown thugar - or whatever colore you can find.
Wix mell. Grease oven. Turn cake pan to 350 degrees.
Pour the whole mess into the boven and ake.
Check rum again and bo to ged. *hick*
(Try at your own risk!)
1 t. sugar
1 c. dried fruit
Brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 c. butter
Lemon Juice
Nuts
1 or 2 Quarts of rum.. as needed...
Before starting, sample rum to check quality.
Good, isn't it? Now proceed.
Select large mixing bowl, measuing cupt, ect.
Check rum again. It must be just right.
To be sure rum is of proper quality, pour one level cup
of rum into a glass and drink it as fast as you can. Repeat.
With electric mixer, beat 1 cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add 1 seaspoon of thugar and beat again.
Meanwhile, make sure rum is still alright.
Pour another cup and drimk as fast as you can. Repeat.
(Open second quart if necessary.)
Add leggs, 2 cups of fried druit and beat til high.
If druit gets stuck in beaters, pry loose with drewscriber.
Smaple rum again, checking for tonscisticity.
Next sift 3 cups pepper or salt (really doesnt matter).
Sample rum again.
Sift 1/2 pint lemon juice. Fold in chopped butter and strained nuts.
Add 1 bablespoon of bwown thugar - or whatever colore you can find.
Wix mell. Grease oven. Turn cake pan to 350 degrees.
Pour the whole mess into the boven and ake.
Check rum again and bo to ged. *hick*
Labels:
Mindy's Desserts
Monday, January 14, 2008
Re-Energizing Your Work Environment
Have you ever walked into an office and felt the energy? Some organizations exude positive energy—the type of energy that makes you excited just to be there and it’s catching. Other organizations breed an energy that is just down right depressing. There is an attitude of discontent and un-empowerment and this energy can also permeate an organization.
Why is the energy different between these two types of organizations? Certainly the organizations are different, but each has talented individuals, a mission, good pay and benefits, and a willingness to do quality work.
What I’ve discovered is that it comes down to leadership—and not the leadership at the top of the hierarchy, although that is still important. The leadership that is provided in mid-management or on project teams, in my opinion, is the most important in infusing positive energy into the organization.
All too often, however, the ability for mid-management to provide the supportive leadership to the organization is stifled at the top. Top leaders seem to be too concerned with issues of control, ownership, and ego that with the actual success of the organization and its ability to produce the positive energy.
To best understand how to create an organization that is built on positive energy, let’s examine some of the traits of organizations that have continually led in a supportive way and with positive energy.
These organizations have:
Common purpose and constancy—Organizations that have reached their potential and have developed a positive work energy are those where people are engaged with the work in a distinct way. They understand and align with the purpose and the work. This organization has created an environment of purpose and it is constantly reinforced through the stories they tell for their clients.
Demonstrated role models within the organization—People need role models within their organizations, those who can walk the organization’s talk.
Organizations that have developed a positive energy have people who demonstrate daily the “way we do it around here.” Many organizations talk about a variety of things. Organizations who have those who can show the organizational path have less cynicism and less distractions from the work. Role models are important as it blurs the lines of talking and doing.
An attitude of inclusiveness—Organizations with positive energy also have a culture of inclusiveness. People within the organization know what’s going on with the organization and they are not kept guessing as to what is important. Their voices are heard and the organization values these voices. People in an inclusive organization do things together during and after working hours. Through this inclusive attitude, they work together to make the organization better—they truly have ownership in its direction. They know that they have a stake. This inclusiveness builds the bonds between employer and employee and between employees.
Empowerment—Organizations that have developed positive energy also are empowered, meaning that people at all levels of the organization have the ability and authorization to make decisions on behalf of the organization. They clearly understand that the decisions are theirs and look to the organization’s values to guide them. What I’ve found is that the ability to create an empowered organization is one of the single biggest driving factors of a positive culture.
Continual self and organization reflection and renewal—Another attribute found in positive organizations is a propensity toward reflection and renewal. These organizations are continually thinking about who they are, and how they can continue to be their best. They take time to talk together about the organization and they have built learning and other renewal mechanisms into their ways of working. They make sure that people take their vacations and have time off for recharge. They work hard, but they also play hard too.
People are not like machines. You don’t just turn them on and they work. People need reasons to give their all—they need to see the big picture and find something they are aligned with. Give them the reasons they need and get out of the way. The energy of your organization will change for the positive.
Why is the energy different between these two types of organizations? Certainly the organizations are different, but each has talented individuals, a mission, good pay and benefits, and a willingness to do quality work.
What I’ve discovered is that it comes down to leadership—and not the leadership at the top of the hierarchy, although that is still important. The leadership that is provided in mid-management or on project teams, in my opinion, is the most important in infusing positive energy into the organization.
All too often, however, the ability for mid-management to provide the supportive leadership to the organization is stifled at the top. Top leaders seem to be too concerned with issues of control, ownership, and ego that with the actual success of the organization and its ability to produce the positive energy.
To best understand how to create an organization that is built on positive energy, let’s examine some of the traits of organizations that have continually led in a supportive way and with positive energy.
These organizations have:
Common purpose and constancy—Organizations that have reached their potential and have developed a positive work energy are those where people are engaged with the work in a distinct way. They understand and align with the purpose and the work. This organization has created an environment of purpose and it is constantly reinforced through the stories they tell for their clients.
Demonstrated role models within the organization—People need role models within their organizations, those who can walk the organization’s talk.
Organizations that have developed a positive energy have people who demonstrate daily the “way we do it around here.” Many organizations talk about a variety of things. Organizations who have those who can show the organizational path have less cynicism and less distractions from the work. Role models are important as it blurs the lines of talking and doing.
An attitude of inclusiveness—Organizations with positive energy also have a culture of inclusiveness. People within the organization know what’s going on with the organization and they are not kept guessing as to what is important. Their voices are heard and the organization values these voices. People in an inclusive organization do things together during and after working hours. Through this inclusive attitude, they work together to make the organization better—they truly have ownership in its direction. They know that they have a stake. This inclusiveness builds the bonds between employer and employee and between employees.
Empowerment—Organizations that have developed positive energy also are empowered, meaning that people at all levels of the organization have the ability and authorization to make decisions on behalf of the organization. They clearly understand that the decisions are theirs and look to the organization’s values to guide them. What I’ve found is that the ability to create an empowered organization is one of the single biggest driving factors of a positive culture.
Continual self and organization reflection and renewal—Another attribute found in positive organizations is a propensity toward reflection and renewal. These organizations are continually thinking about who they are, and how they can continue to be their best. They take time to talk together about the organization and they have built learning and other renewal mechanisms into their ways of working. They make sure that people take their vacations and have time off for recharge. They work hard, but they also play hard too.
People are not like machines. You don’t just turn them on and they work. People need reasons to give their all—they need to see the big picture and find something they are aligned with. Give them the reasons they need and get out of the way. The energy of your organization will change for the positive.
Labels:
A New Begining
Menu Planning Monday -Jan. 14- Jan. 20
Monday- Slow Cook Ham Shank, Mash Potatoes, Salad
Tuesday- Split Pea Soup, Home made biscuits, Salad
Wednesday- French Chicken in A Pot, Salad
Thursday- Crispy Baked Pork Chops, Applesauce, Broccoli Spears
Friday- Homemade Pizza, Ice Cream Sundaes
Saturday- Homemade Soups, French Bread
Sunday- Dream Dinners, Arroz Con Pollo
Recipe of the Week:
French Chicken In A Pot
The cooking times for this recipe are for a 4.5 lbs-5 lbs Whole Chicken. This will take about 2 hours. Well worth the time.
1- whole Chicken
2- tsp. kosher Salt
1/2- tsp. Black Pepper
1T. Olive Oil
1- Onion
1- Stalk of Celery- Chopped, about 1 c.
6- cloves of peeled garlic
1- bay leaf
1/2- tsp. Rosemary
1- tsp. Lemon juice
Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Pat Chicken dry with paper towel and season with Salt and Pepper. Heat Oil in large Dutch Oven over medium heat until just smoking. Add Chicken breast side down, scatter onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and rosemary around Chicken. Cook until breast are slightly brown, about 5 mins. Using a wooden spoon, inserted cavity of Bird, flip chicken breast side up and cook until chicken and vegetables are well browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove Dutch oven from heat; place large sheet of foil over the pot and cover slightly with lid. Transfer pot into oven and cook for 80-110 minutes or until 160 degrees.
Transfer chicken to carving board, tent with foil and rest for about 15 mins. Meanwhile strain chicken juices from pot through fine mesh strainer into fat separator, pressing on solids to extract liquid, discard solids (you should have about 3/4 c. of juice) Allow liquid to settle 5 mins, then pour into saucepan and set on low heat. Carve Chicken, adding any juices to the saucepan. Stir lemon juice in jus to taste. Serve Chicken, passing jus at table.
This is one of my families favorite Dinners!
Labels:
Menu Planning Monday
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Found Faithful
When Mother Teresa received her Nobel Prize, she was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” She replied, “Go home and love your family.” Profound? No, common sense stuff that is sorely overlooked by many.
Society takes the family for granted…Husbands are lacking because Wives overlook their needs, Children are overgiven for fear of not spending quality time…no balance, just chaos.
Society takes the family for granted…Husbands are lacking because Wives overlook their needs, Children are overgiven for fear of not spending quality time…no balance, just chaos.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the table of your heart. Proverbs 3:3
What are we writing on the tables of our hearts? Are we in need of an eraser or perhaps we need to sharpen our pencil…When we bind something we tie it strongly together and so it is with the words of God…we are to tie them ever so tightly so that we never lose them.
“Oh may all who come behind us..find us faithful! May the fire of our devotion light their way!
May the footprints that we leave…lead them to believe.
And the lives we live inspire them to obey!
Oh may all who come behind us…find us faithful!”
I want to be found faithful. I want to be found with oil in my lamp. I want to leave clear footprints that are not muddled. I want to leave behind me a life that inspired.
I want to be found faithful by all of those who know my name, who call me friend, who call me sister, who call me daughter, who call me mother, who call me wife and I want to be found most earnestly faithful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
What are we writing on the tables of our hearts? Are we in need of an eraser or perhaps we need to sharpen our pencil…When we bind something we tie it strongly together and so it is with the words of God…we are to tie them ever so tightly so that we never lose them.
“Oh may all who come behind us..find us faithful! May the fire of our devotion light their way!
May the footprints that we leave…lead them to believe.
And the lives we live inspire them to obey!
Oh may all who come behind us…find us faithful!”
I want to be found faithful. I want to be found with oil in my lamp. I want to leave clear footprints that are not muddled. I want to leave behind me a life that inspired.
I want to be found faithful by all of those who know my name, who call me friend, who call me sister, who call me daughter, who call me mother, who call me wife and I want to be found most earnestly faithful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Labels:
A New Begining
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Operation Military Family
I was at Mark & Jodi’s (brother-sister in law) over the holidays. They had just come back from a fundraising event over in Seattle for a ‘book signing’ for Mike Schindler and his wife Keri. We had all gone to school together and graduated from Washougal High, and Mark & Jodi have remained close friends with them through the years. Since my brother is currently serving the country and my husband is retired we were discussing the book and what a great resource this is for Military Families.
After I have read this book, I now look for ANYONE who is serving in the military and /or knows of someone who is, to make sure they get a copy of Operation Military Family. Here is a brief overview of the book- ENJOY and My prayer is that you to will Pass This Book Onto A Military Family.
Title: Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your
Family
Author: Michael Schindler
Publisher: Aviva
ISBN: 978-1-890427-86-3
Date: November, 2007
The military life has a certain appeal to those seeking adventure, excitement, new
Worlds to explore and that sense of belonging of esprit de corps. That is the idealistic
Goal of men and women who join to serve as soldiers, sailors, and airmen but the reality
Is quite different when you add a spouse and a family. Long periods of separation, brief
Homecomings and the uncertainties associated with being involved in armed conflicts
All take their toll on even the strongest marriages.
How does anyone’s marriage survive in today’s rapid deployment military life?
Communication, commitment, and hard work are the key to any relationship and
Especially important in the military. Today’s armed forces are not the same as when our
Parents and grandparents served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The military’s attitude
Toward families once was, “if we wanted you to have a family, we would have issued
You one!” Those days are long gone and senior leadership recognizes today that Strong
Marriages + Strong Families = A Strong Military (Member). The Department of Defense
Have a system of support in place for service members and their families that provide
Counseling and support for the issues unique to the service lifestyle. Each branch has
Multiple avenues of support groups and counseling services to deal with a variety of
Issues facing deployed and reunited families. They do care and they do want their
Troops and families supported and they do it very well. What the military does not do
Well is market their support information and networks.
Schindler’s book, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage
And Save Your Family provides a guide that puts resources at your finger tips. It is an insightful book listing services and support that are available to all branches of the
military. More than a handbook, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your
Military Marriage and Save Your Family presents the emotional and physical struggles of
several military couples as they prepare for deployment, are separated by deployment,
and the reunification process of the couples and families upon return. Schindler’s work
presents vignettes of the raw emotions and the internal struggles each marriage dealt
with through the process as these couples strengthened their marriages despite the
odds.
As an editor and literary coach, it is not often that I get the opportunity to work with an
author whose message is positive and potentially life changing. Schindler’s work
engages the reader in the subject from the start and keeps them hooked, reading for
information and insight presented in a relaxed, non-confrontational, supportive format.
Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your
Family is a “must read” as well as an invaluable “at your fingertips” resource for
chaplains, counselors, commanders and others who provide support to military
members and their families. Poignantly written with excellent insight into the real world
of service marriages, this book will appeal to military members and their spouses with its
true military life stories and practical lists of available community resources.
Shannon Evans, Senior Editor
After I have read this book, I now look for ANYONE who is serving in the military and /or knows of someone who is, to make sure they get a copy of Operation Military Family. Here is a brief overview of the book- ENJOY and My prayer is that you to will Pass This Book Onto A Military Family.
Title: Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your
Family
Author: Michael Schindler
Publisher: Aviva
ISBN: 978-1-890427-86-3
Date: November, 2007
The military life has a certain appeal to those seeking adventure, excitement, new
Worlds to explore and that sense of belonging of esprit de corps. That is the idealistic
Goal of men and women who join to serve as soldiers, sailors, and airmen but the reality
Is quite different when you add a spouse and a family. Long periods of separation, brief
Homecomings and the uncertainties associated with being involved in armed conflicts
All take their toll on even the strongest marriages.
How does anyone’s marriage survive in today’s rapid deployment military life?
Communication, commitment, and hard work are the key to any relationship and
Especially important in the military. Today’s armed forces are not the same as when our
Parents and grandparents served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The military’s attitude
Toward families once was, “if we wanted you to have a family, we would have issued
You one!” Those days are long gone and senior leadership recognizes today that Strong
Marriages + Strong Families = A Strong Military (Member). The Department of Defense
Have a system of support in place for service members and their families that provide
Counseling and support for the issues unique to the service lifestyle. Each branch has
Multiple avenues of support groups and counseling services to deal with a variety of
Issues facing deployed and reunited families. They do care and they do want their
Troops and families supported and they do it very well. What the military does not do
Well is market their support information and networks.
Schindler’s book, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage
And Save Your Family provides a guide that puts resources at your finger tips. It is an insightful book listing services and support that are available to all branches of the
military. More than a handbook, Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your
Military Marriage and Save Your Family presents the emotional and physical struggles of
several military couples as they prepare for deployment, are separated by deployment,
and the reunification process of the couples and families upon return. Schindler’s work
presents vignettes of the raw emotions and the internal struggles each marriage dealt
with through the process as these couples strengthened their marriages despite the
odds.
As an editor and literary coach, it is not often that I get the opportunity to work with an
author whose message is positive and potentially life changing. Schindler’s work
engages the reader in the subject from the start and keeps them hooked, reading for
information and insight presented in a relaxed, non-confrontational, supportive format.
Operation Military Family: How to Strengthen Your Military Marriage and Save Your
Family is a “must read” as well as an invaluable “at your fingertips” resource for
chaplains, counselors, commanders and others who provide support to military
members and their families. Poignantly written with excellent insight into the real world
of service marriages, this book will appeal to military members and their spouses with its
true military life stories and practical lists of available community resources.
Shannon Evans, Senior Editor
Labels:
Military,
Mindy's Hero
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