Saturday, January 31, 2015

The Bus

I hear it all the time... People throwing other people under the bus.
Why?
Does it help the situation?
Do people do it to shine the light away from them?
For whatever reason it makes no sense and solves nothing.

Throwing others under the bus does the opposite, it makes you look weak and not in control.
And it gains you the reputation of being "that guy".
After all you cannot really trust those that will throw you down when times get tough.

And customers in particular do not care who is to blame. They just want results.
Once you start deflecting blame it makes your company look inefficient and weak and therefore it makes you look inefficient and weak.
You may think that by pointing the blame elsewhere that makes you look better but that is far from correct.
I hear it all the time.." I would of done it this way" or " I never would have done that" ... Why?
What possible benefit do you think there is in showing the customer somebody else's ineffencies?

At the end of the day we should ALL want the same thing... To do a good job and satisfy the customer.
The customer should always feel like you AND your company is in control and that you care.

STOP backing up the BUS ! 

Work the problem people.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Mistakes

Mistakes... we all make them.

That is what you call a teaching moment- you will learn more from your failures then your successes.
That is IF you allow them to.
First admit to them- then reflect on them and learn what to do better next time.

I have found that there is normally always something I could have done better when issues arise. Yes, perhaps someone else dropped the ball and now you are left trying to make the best of it but could you have helped prevent it?
Maybe- maybe not- either way how you handle it from that point on will decide rather or not you are successful.

Take the heat- stay silent and just work the problem.
There will be time to go back and ask others what they could have done to help prevent it but when you are in the moment just fix it.

When issues arise that is where you prove your worth, others are looking and listening.
Be professional.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

I had no idea

So last summer a good friend asked me for a hand.
He and another gentleman had been running a Theatre on the bottom of a chapel and asked me for some assistance, they wanted to own their own Theatre.
I had no idea why he asked me but he is a good man and a good friend so of coarse my normal reaction is always- sure- let me help.

I had no idea how to start or who to see. It is a nonprofit organization so they had no money either.

Really the only thing I did know is that he and the playwright were two very honest men that just enjoyed what they did and those are the kind of people that I gravitate too and like working with.

So fast forward about 8 months and we open up our own Theatre tonight.
Along the way I learned a lot and met a lot of good people.
The town that we are going in was thirsty for the Arts and for a group to come in and help the area.
For that reason the town and the community have all been wonderful to work with.

You don't know until you try.
And if you enjoy what you do and trust the people that are around you- you can do some pretty amazing things.
You cannot do it alone- but that is what makes the ride so fun.

Check it out www.thearcticplayhouse.com

Sometimes it is good to get out of your comfort zone- that way you learn more and meet people that you never would have met.

Enjoy the Ride !

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

SERVICE

What else do you have to sell but SERVICE?

We do not sell a product- we sell a service.

That is why how you approach your job is so important-
How you introduce yourself-
How you prep the house-
How you listen to the customer and their needs-
How you pack or load
It is all a SERVICE-

At the end of a day the way you make the customer feel is what matters.

Are they satisfied with your efforts, your honesty and the SERVICE that you have provided?

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

1951

This Was the Year…1951

U.S. President & Vice President

Harry Truman

The Vice President

                                Alben W. Barkley

Time Magazine Person Of The Year

Queen Elizabeth II

 Cost of Living                                  Cost of Food                          

New House           $9,075                  Granulated Sugar   $   .85 for 10 lbs

Average Income    $3,850                  Milk                        $   .97 per gallon

New Car               $1,754                  Ground Coffee        $   .74 per pound

Gallon of Gas          $   .20                Bacon                      $   .54 per pound

Movie Ticket        $  .70                   Eggs                         $   .25 per dozen

Popular Movies                                                     FADS

The Greatest Show on Earth (Academy Award)     Slinky®Dog

Singin’ in the Rain                                                             Mr. Potato Head®

The Bad and the Beautify                                              PEZ® Candy Dispensers

 Popular Quotes

“Lucy, I’m home!: - Ricky Ricardo in I Love Lucy

“They’re gr-r-r-eat!” - Tony the Tiger

“Finger-lickin’ good!” - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Monday, January 26, 2015

Those that yell the loudest

I have found that those that yell the loudest are usually the ones that were wrong or who had made a mistake.

It is a classic deflection....yell and point the finger else where and be the first out of the gate and hopefully put others on the heels right away.

If you have nothing to hide why get so upset?
Just speak your piece and let it go.
It all comes out in the wash....sooner or later but trust me it all comes out.

That is why it is imperative to just do your job and be honest.
And guess what? If you did make a mistake or messed up admit it.
As long as you were not vindictive or doing it to hurt somebody then just tell it like it is.
People will respect you more and if not at least you will still respect yourself.

No need to jump up and down and pound your fist , sometimes the more you yell the less people listen.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

OLD DOGS


German Shepherd starts chasing rabbits and before long, discovers that he's lost. Wandering about, he notices a panther heading rapidly in his direction with the intention of having lunch.


 
The old German Shepherd thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep shit now!"

Noticing some bones on the ground close by, he immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the panther is about to leap, the old German Shepherd exclaims loudly,


 

"Boy, that was one delicious panther! I wonder if there are any more around here?"


 
Hearing this, the young panther halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees.


 
"Whew!" says the panther, "That was close! That old German Shepherd nearly had me!"


 
Meanwhile, a squirrel who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the panther. So, off he goes.


 
The squirrel soon catches up with the panther, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the panther.


 
The young panther is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, squirrel, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"


 
Now, the old German Shepherd sees the panther coming with the squirrel on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?" But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old German Shepherd says...


 
This made me smile!


 
"Where's that squirrel? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another panther!"


 
Moral of this story...

Don't mess with the old dogs. Age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery!

Bullshit and brilliance only come with age and experience.




 


Saturday, January 24, 2015

Don't sweat the small stuff

Don't sweat the small stuff... and remember most things are small.

Do you have air in your lungs? Is the sky blue? Are you healthy ?  Then calm down...the rest of it is bull shit.

Do the best you can today and remember tomorrow is another day. Shit happens, no matter how prepared that you are so learn to deal with the curve balls.

When you look back sometimes you wonder why you were stressed and just how much of it did you bring on yourself?
There is always a answer, it may not be what you had planned or even what you may want to do but suck it up.
Get er done... and stop sweating the small stuff.

Friday, January 23, 2015

True Grit

The good news is that grit is something that anyone can grow and improve at any stage of his or her life.

The four building blocks of GRIT are:

  • Growth
  • Resilience
  • Instinct
  • Tenacity
The four capacities of grit are:

  • Emotional: Your emotional capacity to commit and to remain strong, determined, engaged, and unwavering in pursuit of your goals.
  • Mental: Your mental capacity to focus intently, even struggle over long periods of time, in pursuit of your goals.
  • Physical: Your physical capacity to dig deep, suffer, endure, withstand pain, and persevere in pursuit of your goals.
  • Spiritual: Your spiritual capacity to suffer well, to maintain your faith and belief, to remain centered and clear, and to transcend any frustrations in pursuit of your goals.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Reputation

Funny thing about your reputation... it is not what you say or think it is what others say and think.

I recently had to ask for some estimates to do some work out side a building that I lease and one of the companies spent most of his time bashing his competitors ...
Meanwhile other successful people in businesses in the area were saying not so good things about the man bashing everyone.

When one person says something you listen and make note , when two or three say the same thing you tend to listen harder and start to believe it.

And that works in both directions...if it is all positive or if it is all negative you now becomes YOUR reputation.

It is funny that those people that take more time slamming others are normally the ones that should look in the mirror.

Work on a positive reputation because trust me it will follow you and all though you may think that you can do it alone ...you cannot...everything revolves around your reputation.
Your work life as well as your family and personal life.

Just be honest with others and yourself and do your best.

It will come back to you.....either way...

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Who Cares?

Who is right?
and
Who is wrong?

Who Cares?

The goal is to try to get along, to make every day count and to learn along the way.
Most people put to much emphasis on trying to argue the point on who is right and in the interim they usually cause hard feelings so who really wins?

Our goal should always be to try to find common ground and to gain allies and friends.
You will go a lot further with a army of people that support you rather than a group of people that could care less about you or worse pick a vendetta against you.
It is such a waste of time.

It can be very hard at times and you may need to back away in the heat of the moment but by doing so you can enter again with a clear head.
And remember who ultimately cares.....

Monday, January 19, 2015

Bullies

I guess I grew up dis liking bullies.
I always rooted for the underdog and never liked people that were cocky.

I was the only boy in my family, had two sisters- both older. I grew up back in 60's and 70's when you still played outside and before computers and cable TV and cell phones. In my neighborhood there were a lot of big families with lots of brothers running around.
Maybe being the only boy in my family I was always the one with no support and we know that little boys 8-15 especially have a tendency to group together.
Perhaps that is when and where I started to have to learn to go it alone?

I always tried to get along but did my best to stand my ground too.
That stuck with me my whole life.

I still dis like bullies and I try not to do things to just be part of the crowd. I am fine not being part of any good old boys club.
That said I enjoy being involved in organizations and learning and helping others.

It is amazing to me to watch the bulling that can go in the adult world, in day to day business and in all kind of businesses'.
No need for it but I guess it will always be there, that is some survive.
They survive by pulling others down.
Ugly but true.

What I have seen though is those that play fair and work hard seem to ultimately be the happiest with themselves and their lives.

The golden rule still applies- treat others the way you want to be treated.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Yes - you can make a difference

My daughter is 31 and is a teacher.
She teaches in the inner city in Providence Rhode Island.
She is around 5'1" maybe 100 lbs and loves reading and teaching, always has. Even when she was a small child she read everything she got her hands on and played school with her friends.

Fast forward..
She graduated from Roger Williams University and received her Masters from Brown University and is close to achieving her doctrine.
All this while meeting her soul mate, getting married and having a beutiful son, now 6 years old.,
teaching kick boxing, staying active in the community and continuing her education.
 
Right out of college she taught in a high school in the city that was going through a huge transformation, trying to improve the education of students that were thirsty to learn.
Within a year she was part of a team that successfully were able to make a difference in hundreds of lives.
High school aged boys and girls that all had a story to tell on a challenging upbringing and I witnessed many of them approach her at the beginning of a talent show come up to her me and my wife and say how much they appreciated our daughter and how much she has helped them.
What a great feeling.

She is about to leave her second high school, also in the city of Providence and once again the students are crying and writing her letters on how much of a difference she has made in their lives.
One young girl equated it to when she had to say good bye to her mother in another country, that is how much she has met to her.
That is special.

She is taking on a new role now for the Department of education in R.I., she will lead all the teachers to improve teaching English as a second language to all students in the Rhode Island public schools.

One person CAN make a difference.

Follow your heart and stay to yourself.

God bless you Jillian Marie, you are doing what you were meant to do and have touched, and will touch many lives .

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Why do you do what you do ?

Why do you do what you do?

Is it for your family? your kids? for a bigger house?

It helps if you know why so you can focus on the goal.
You should always have goals.
You should have present goals and one for a year out and one for five years out and ultimately your long range goal. Where do you see yourself in 10 years plus-

You need to know so you can set your goals.

Stay focused and do not let obstacles bring you down- readjust - forgive and stay positive.
If you see it...you can accomplish it.

Know the why.....it helps you stay focused.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Some stuff

Don't spend your time worrying about things you can't do anything about.

The true way to end up looking like a fool is to pretend you know something that you don't.

Get it on paper.

Be yourself.

No matter har far you've gone, if you realize you're on the wrong road, turn back.

Envying what another man has never made any man rich.

Mistakes can be important even though it doesn't seem that way. We learn from recognizing errors.

The trip is always short and easy for the guy who's giving direction.

Some people are always going to say bad things about you. What you want to do is live your life so no one will believe them.


Thursday, January 15, 2015

Look up

When you meet someone, either for the first time or just pass them in the hallway or at a restaurant or work place LOOK UP..SMILE..AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEM.

Do not be one of those people that only give a big smile or greeting when they want something from you.
Look AT them not through them or around them.

Acknowledge them.

It will come back to you and your day will go smoother and before you know it you will feel happier and better about yourself.

YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Work within the system

Learn to work within the system.

Whatever system you may happen to be in, I guarantee you that there will be obstacles. I guarantee you that there will be people that you disagree with, dislike even ...tough..learn to work with them.
Learn to work within the system.

No matter what you do or where you work we all run across the same challenges.
If you think for one minute that there is some special job where everybody is whistling and hugging and getting paid a quarter of a million dollars... think again.

Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that you need to live in misery or that every job is terrible.
I have always enjoyed my work places and they all came with some challenges.
At 57 , I have only had three full time jobs my whole life.
I learned in every one and made good friends and had a good time doing it.

You cannot allow the negative people or the people that you just do not see eye to eye with to pull you down or push you down. You cannot attack them or be angry either.
You can try to limit your time with them if possible but more important you need to learn to work with them.

Just do YOUR job.
If you happen to disagree with some people's attitude or philosophies then learn from them.
Promise yourself that you will be better then that and treat people the way that YOU want to people treated.

Work within the system to better yourself and who knows maybe one or two of them may even respect you more for it.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The Journey

It is all about the Journey- as we rush through the day and worry and stress and we need to take the time to enjoy the moments.

Life is about the Journey-
The people that we meet - the strangers that we help, the moments that we live.

Life is what happens to us as we are busy making other plans.
It is natural to get caught up in the day to day - just be sure you try to slow it down from time to time.
Take a look around, enjoy what you have.

It is not always about working to get more or go on that vacation or to buy a bigger or better television or video game.
It can be just about spending time with a friend or loved one.

When you get to the end it is all about the journey.
 

Monday, January 12, 2015

Praise and Recognition

YES, praise and recognition are important to each of us and clearly impacts our engagement and performance. However, the recognition needs to be done in the right way. Here are five best practices for recognizing employees or help:
  1. Recognize people for specific behavior and results. Stay away from comments like “great job today” or “good work” and be more specific—what did a person do specifically and what was the impact.
  2. Tailor the recognition to the individual. Know your people. Some of us love public praise. Others prefer it to be done in private. One person may want regular on-going praise during a project where another team member would find that annoying and only wants the praise at the end.
  3. Give the recognition as close to the event as possible. Don’t save the praise for a meeting or performance review. Take the time to walk around and look for opportunities to catch employees  or helpers doing something right and give the praise in the moment.
  4. Encourage peers to recognize each other. Peer recognition is more impactful than recognition from a manager or boss because a peer is closer to the work and it’s not their “job.” NOTE: Managers or crew chiefs still need to give regular praise also.
  5. Share success stories. Post on Facebook or tell your fellow drivers or managers bring up positives in meetings.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Intimitation

Being intimated ?
It may be your boss or co worker or friend or relative or it may just be your peers.
It prevents us from trying things or speaking up.

For example in my vase I never played golf when I was younger, it wasn't until my knee doctor told me that I could play racquetball anymore when I was in my late 40's that I took I golf.
I had to stay active and thought that was a good way but I was intimidated to start because my friends and people I knew had been playing for years.
When I finally went out there I realized they were hackers just like me and I enjoyed the experience.
Now mind you since then I have kept my clubs in the garage only because it just takes too much dam time to play a round.

But I let the though intimidate me, which is ridiculous.
Given the time to play I know that I could play with anyone- it just comes down to practice and the willingness to learn.
That pretty much is the case in anything in life.

If you want to try it...just do it.
If you like it and want to improve just practice and watch and learn.

After you get involved in different things in life you come to realize that we are all learning , don't let them fool you.......GET IN THERE...
 

Friday, January 9, 2015

From one of our elite drivers and a good man...

I've been in this business for over 35 years, and have seen a lot of changes. The biggest thing that I've seen is the way that we don't talk, and help each other like we did back in the 80's and 90's.
I don't really know why this has happened.

But, I've always been the guy who will walk up on a driver and, just jump up in the van and start to help him. I have met some of my best friends that way.

This business is hard enough, not to have all the friends you can get. Back in the day, it didn't matter who you worked for, it seemed like we would all help one another. I can remember being on jobs late at night, with 3 or 4 different drivers with their trucks all parked on the same street.

We worked hard, and we played hard, It was fun.

 It didn't matter east coast, or west coast we were hanging out and working together and having fun. And, we did this without cell phones. I don't know how we did it. Lol.

 I do still have a few friends that still do the same thing we did back in the day. Without them, it would be to hard to do this job. I've only been with Arpin for about 4 years now. I have met a few other Arpin drivers. Most of them have been good guys, I have also met one or two knuckleheads. Theirs always one or two in every group. Lol.
But, If you see me at a truck stop or an agent just say hi. And, if I can I'll help you in anyway that I can. Have a good day and, and stay warm. Travel safe. Phatmoverdude. Aka. "Grumpy mover"

Thank you Bruce Taber....you are and always have been a complete gentleman to me and a example of a true professional.
Let's turn back the clock here at Arpin and take the time to say hi to each other and help one another...like it use to be.





A Special Breed


This was from a past AMSA Super Van Line Operator of the Year and a quality mover and a good man.....

We are movers... Yes we do what we do. But we are also the guy that will hold a door open for someone, the guy that will help someone we don't know with their packages in a parking lot.
 We always let the lady go first. We always say your welcome and never forget to say thank you. We're movers... A special breed.


I could not agree more, movers are so much more and the exceptional ones are indeed a special breed !
 May God Bless them all for we are blessed to have had any of them cross our paths in life.

Below are the Guthrie brothers- they all once drove for Arpin, some have passed on and some are retired. They are also all war Vets, these guys are truly a Special Breed...like most household drivers they just tip their cap, do their job and move on...God Bless.


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Credibilty


Credibility.

 Great leaders maintain a balance between short-term performance and building a better future. Great leaders know that short-term wins enable leaders to build trust, instill confidence, and maintain momentum. This provides them with enough credibility to make strategic investments and tackle the long-term challenges that ensure success. Great leaders understand the importance of motivating others to accept personal sacrifice to benefit others.

The bottom line is that great leaders win the support of their constituents by earning their trust and respect. Great leaders achieve success by setting high standards, remaining true to their beliefs and values, and listening to their conscience. They never stop trying until they do themselves proud. Great leaders encourage teamwork, promote win-win relationships, and demand everyone’s best effort.

 The truth is, it doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, work on the top floor or in the basement, everyone earns trust and respect the same way.
 You can’t require it or demand it.
You can’t cut deals or take shortcuts.
You can’t buy it or even place a price tag on it.
And that’s because earning trust and respect is priceless.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Leaders

Conviction. Great leaders have a backbone. They make every effort to gather information, weigh alternatives, secure buy-in from their constituents, and determine the best course of action. Great leaders focus precious resources in areas that provide the greatest opportunity rather than trying to please everyone or making arbitrary, across-the-board decisions.

Humility. Great leaders do what’s right — period. Great leaders recognize that their stance represents something much larger than the whim of any one individual –– as such, they put their egos and self-interests on hold. Great leaders do what’s in the organization’s best interest rather than trying to win a popularity contest, playing politics, or advancing their own private agenda.

Integrity. Great leaders operate with integrity at all times; they are passionate about protecting their personal integrity and the reputation of their organization. They understand that trust takes a long time to develop, but can be lost in the blink of an eye. Great leaders know that instilling a strong culture and promoting ethical core values are instrumental measures for success. In fact, in today’s turbulent times, everything is subject to change except an organization’s core values.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

FAMILY

Below was written and sent to me from a few of the Arpin Drivers...


We are family.......So, WHY is so difficult to smile, wave, of flash your lights to that Arpin driver going the other way? Come on, it's that simple...Simply acknowledging the guy going the other way, makes him feel more a part...OF THE FAMILY!
See another Arpin truck with his trailer doors open? Stop by and at least see if he's ok, maybe help him set up his box...How hard is that? Have a weekend sitting in a truck stop? Bobtail of to the grocery story and cook out..Tell stories...HAVE FUN! with the other drivers from our fleet...After all we are a FAMILY of movers...

Monday, January 5, 2015

See

When you look...Do you See?

Do you take the time to stop and see others? To see your surroundings?
Or do you look but don't really see-
Are you so caught up with you and what you are doing to see around you?

Do you talk more or listen more?

Is it always about you-?
Listen to yourself sometimes, I mean really listen to yourself...is it always about what you want..what you did..what happened to you ?

There is s a huge difference from looking and seeing.

If you are a professional household goods mover do you see the customer? Really see them..what they are going through and what their needs are. Do you listen to them?

If you are a teacher do you see your students and your fellow teachers? Do you look into their eyes and see what they are telling you.

No matter what you do it is easy to get caught up in the day and look but not see.

Remember everybody is going through something.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

From the AMSA Newsletter



 FROM THE

On Saturday, my daughter and I went down to Arlington Cemetery to participate in the Wreaths Across America project. To mark the 150th anniversary of the cemetery, organizers made a big push to secure enough donations to purchase wreaths to mark every gravestone - around 200,000. A team of about 70 trucks hauled the load in from Maine, with several movers taking part.
I'd like to give a special thanks to Arpin Van Lines, one of the overall sponsors of the event, with two of their agents and drivers being part of the hauling team. The movers were proud that they were able to carry many more boxes of wreaths than the freight trucks. The difficult part for the movers was being told to stay out of the way while other volunteers unloaded their trailers. Unlike the freight drivers who made up most of the fleet, our drivers are used to working after their driving leg is completed!
It was a festive, if chilly morning, with an estimated 50,000 volunteers showing up to help, creating long lines behind every truck. I explained to my daughter how we were remembering the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country in the military - something we should all remember as we serve these military families who are one of our biggest customers as an industry (click images to enlarge).
http://www.promover.org/Files/AMSA%20Today/!_2014/121614/arpin_wreaths.jpg
http://www.promover.org/Files/AMSA%20Today/!_2014/121614/arpin_wreaths2.jpg
http://www.promover.org/Files/AMSA%20Today/!_2014/121614/wreaths_1.jpg
This special event takes place at military cemeteries across the country, so it is an excellent opportunity for movers to get involved in supporting the troops in your community. I know some Arpin agents and other movers participated at other locations in addition to the main one at Arlington.
The holiday season is a good time of year to think about all of the ways that movers do good in their local communities, whether participating in Move for Hunger, AMSA's official charity partner, or another deserving effort. Let us know how you are supporting your community and showing that movers care about their communities.
http://www.promover.org/files/amsa%20today/SMichael_signature.png
Scott Michael
Acting President & CEO  

 

American Moving & Storage Association

1611 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314


Saturday, January 3, 2015

New Year...Same Attitude

It is a new year.... are you going into it with the same attitude ?

Or do you want to make some personal improvements?

Do you want to be more positive?
Make a commitment to do your job better?
Judge less?
Help others more?

Whatever it is- YOU CAN DO IT-

First you need to decide that you WANT TO- then START-

Yup..it is that easy.

You can change whatever it is in your life that you want to change IF you decide to. Stop blaming others or saying " only if" or waiting for change to knock on your door.
Just do it....day by day...BE THE CHANGE.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Kellogg's

Kellogg's had a commercial years ago that had a grown man eating their cereal and after his first spoonful he turned into a kid again. Representing that the cereal made you remember what it was like when you were a kid.

I pictured that when I did public speaking or if when I was younger in the business and may have been intimidated. People were not born into their title that may possess or they were not born racist.
We were all kids.
From there lots of things happened to us or around us to help form who we are.
Some things were positive, others maybe not so nice.
But we all started out with that same wonder and wanting to make friends.
Ever watch two young kids meet for the first time? They immediately start to play with each other. They do not care about the color of their skin, or their religion or how much their mom or dad makes.
They just want to be friends.

People are the way they are for a reason and if you take the time to know them you can understand a little more about them.
Are they defensive or paranoid?
 Maybe they come from a abusive relationship or did not have the love and support growing up that we all need.
Their are tons of reasons that we grow up and into the people that we are...but try to remember the time when you judged less and played more.




Thursday, January 1, 2015

PMA

The gentleman that takes care of our vending machines owns his own business and is a hard working man. His name is Alex, he starts work at 3 in the morning every day and begins his rounds.
He has done that for over 4 decades now and he always has a smile.

We talk every now and then about life, sports, the weather, whatever is on our minds on that particular morning. Today we happen to be discussing all the craziness happening around the world including right here in the good old USA.

Being two old farts we talked about yesteryear and how times have changed. How people seem to have less interaction with people and kids don't play outside anymore or how small business is a thing of the past. We talk about civil rights and the unrest around the world.

Now mind you we do all this leaning on the vending machines and all in about 10-15 minutes.
Alex then left me with  " No matter what you need to maintain a PMA".
What is "PMA" I asked him.
"Positive Mental Attitude"

I like it !

A positive mental attitude is what we all need to help us get through the day and the tough times as well as the good times.
Alex practices what he preaches, in all the time that I have known him he always has a smile and kind hello. Does not matter if it is raining out or snowing or what day it is or if he has already clocked 10 hours of work-  he has PMA.

That is what I wish for all of you and me in 2015-

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND KEEP THAT PMA

HAPPY NEW YEAR