Friday, December 30, 2016

Memories

Do you know anyone who has had or has Alzheimer's ? 

It slowly robs you of your memories and then your life, it is horrible to watch.
Think about it for a second, what if you no longer recognized your wife or husband or kids or your mom or dad- you forget all the memories you made, the places you have been the laughs that you had. You have moments that you remember but they become fewer and fewer.
You get angry because you can not understand what is happening.

Do you know anyone that has had a house fire or flood or have you seen them on the news?
 The first thing that they are thankful for , hopefully, is that no one in their family was injured and the next thing that they say is that they loss all their photos and their memories. They do not cry over the couch or the TV that they loss but they cry over the loss of their memories.

Take the time to absorb your moments in the day and the loved ones around you.

We all have no guarantees in life so we have to grab each day given to us and make the most of it.

Make new memories, let the hate go - let the stress go- and look up, smile and be thankful.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Satisfied

When will you be satisfied?

Remember when you turned 16 ? The whole world was out there and now you were given the keys to go explore- how cool, how exciting !

We were happy to drive anything ! It did not matter how old or what make or model it was, if it started up and could get you places it was spectacular. You were satisfied and happy.
Then we saved and worked ( or maybe mostly worked ) and we bought our own car, one that you could sit in and know that it was yours- you were happy and satisfied.

Then somewhere along the way you wanted to get that bigger car or truck or that fancier model , so you may have taken out a loan and now you found yourself mostly working to pay off your debt because you nee insurance now too.. and so it begins.

We can get so caught up in working for our things that we lose that feeling we had when was 16 and satisfied and excited just to be able to be us and to enjoy the simple things.

Less is more- my wish for you is to find the satisfaction and the simplicity of life once again.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Success

“To laugh often and much,

To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of

children,

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure

the betrayal of false friends,

To appreciate beauty,

To find the best in others,

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy

child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,

To know even one life has breathed easier because you

have lived.

This is to have succeeded.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

American Essayist, Lecturer, and Poet

1803-1882

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Goals

“Make New Year's goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in fully living life in the year to come.

Goals give us direction. They put a powerful force into play on a universal, conscious, and subconscious level. Goals give our life direction.

What would you like to have happen in your life this year? What would you like to do, to accomplish? What good would you like to attract into your life? What particular areas of growth would you like to have happen to you? What blocks, or character defects, would you like to have removed?

What would you like to attain? Little things and big things? Where would you like to go? What would you like to have happen in friendship and love? What would you like to have happen in your family life?

What problems would you like to see solved? What decisions would you like to make? What would you like to happen in your career?

Write it down. Take a piece of paper, a few hours of your time, and write it all down - as an affirmation of you, your life, and your ability to choose. Then let it go.

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”

Friday, December 23, 2016

HAPPY AND MERRY





MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HANUKKAH

AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

BE SURE TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS !

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SACRIFICES !

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas The Night Before Christmas,
 Arpin Style
 
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

No one was angry, not even the spouse.

The air goods were stacked by the chimney with care,

In hopes that Arpin staff soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of new schools and new friends danced in their heads,

When out on the street I thought I heard a truck?

I sprang from the bed not believing my luck.

They were early! Yippee!

Ready to move all my family and me.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

What to my wondering eyes should appear?

But an eighteen wheel truck fully fitted with gear.
They pulled up in front and got out of the truck

A four person team plus one for good luck.

They all wore a uniform of Orange and Blue

Then introduced themselves and explained the move through

They moved with assurance and packed me with care

From the toys of young Timmy to Grandma’s old chair.

They loaded that truck and drove out of sight

Onto the road to travel a star studded night.

In trucks or in twenties, loose-loaded or in vans

When you move with Arpin you are in good hands,

From Mississippi to Alaska to Belgium and France

Don’t leave your precious possessions to chance

Hire Arpin for the job and get it done right

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Everybody's Talkin

Everybody's Talkin
 


Everybody's talking at me
I don't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stopping, staring
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
 
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
 
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
KEEP TRUCKIN
 
 

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Priorities

Priorities .. when you continue to remind yourself of what is most important to you and what your priorities are- it helps you focus and it should keep things in perspective.

Example- I had a driver that drove in our perm fleet, he lived in Philly and drove for one of our agents- he was a very good household mover and a nice man- he was also a devote Eagles fan and loved his football. His attitude and performance level would be effected by when the Eagles played and if they won. Being a fan of something is fine and can be healthy and fun but to allow it to effect your work is simply wrong. This man was in his 30's at the time so by then we hope to find our priorities.
In this man's case football was his passion but he allowed it to take preference and it did effect his work and drinking etc - He loss focus on what was really important.

It is very easy for us all to get distracted and sometimes we may be angry about something and rather then release it in the proper arena we funnel it elsewhere.

Try to think about what is most important to you- is it your family ? Your kids? Your friends ?
Whatever or whom ever it is try to stay focused on that and let the other stuff fall in line.

When you find yourself getting upset bring yourself back to why you are doing what you are doing.

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

Monday, December 19, 2016

Make Mistakes

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Spend More Time

Spend More Time
 
   The holidays are a time of celebration, and there is no better way than celebrating with family. Commit yourself to spending time with family during this season and letting it be a blessing to both you and those you spend that time with.


Have Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and spend the entire Christmas day with your family. Either volunteer or get down on the floor with your kids and play with them, either way they will get the message that relationships are more important than performance.

Have your kids draw pictures, make cards and color pictures to send to family and the troops overseas.

Have your kids draw pictures, make cards and color pictures to send to family and the troops overseas.

Most kids today probably have never had homemade popcorn balls, taffy or candy, take the time to share your old fashioned favorites and family traditions


Christmas is a time to remember everything we have to be thankful for, not to find more things to regret.

If you are looking for a simpler Christmas then start by crossing off everything unimportant of your list and add in a few of the Old Fashioned Suggestions listed above.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Tips for a More Old Fashioned Christmas

Tips for a More Old Fashioned Christmas

Spend Less Money

1)      Set a Budget for Christmas – one that you can afford and stick to it.
2)      Make as Many of Your Gifts as Possible- if you do not know how to sew, perhaps you can make birdhouses or birdfeeders, there are thousands of ideas online for gifts that require no skill and are affordable to make
3)      Give Less Gifts-Stop looking at the lists, and the area under the tree and thinking it is not enough. Set a limit on the number of gifts you buy and stick to it. Give the gift of time and love instead.
4)      Invite Fewer People – Nobody says your home has to be the party of the year , every year. Nor do you need to host the entire family for Christmas and make everything yourself. It is ok to set limits on guests, spending and the amount of time and stress you are willing to invest.
5)      Stay Home – Do not plan long trips at the holidays, it makes them more stressful and expensive. You will find your holiday to be less expensive and more relaxing if you just stay home for the holidays.
6)      Have a Gift Exchange – Christmas gifts are really for the kids, but we all love getting a gift or two under the tree so hold an exchange among the adults in your family.
7)   Plan Free Activities – Play games, do puzzles, watch TV, go for a walk or listen to Christmas Music as you decorate or bake, it is a great way to get in the spirit and is free!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

If the Fates Allow

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas

From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight

If the fates allow.. that is a powerful four word statement- none of us know what fate has in store so do not take a day for granted- tell that someone special in your life that you love them and make the best out of the holiday season-
Remember it is not about the gifts and the toys but about the moments !!


MERRY CHRISTMAS
 

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Care

Tell it like it is with care:

Strong leaders say what needs to be said in a direct and straight-forward manner while saying it with care (and often kindness). They don’t make their message personal by tearing people down. Name calling and blaming have no part in the messages that a strong leader delivers. They listen to any opposition and are willing to change their mind or apologize when they are wrong.

Strong leaders aren’t forceful and controlling. They lead people well, which means they must gain their trust and respect by putting them first, lifting them up, making decisions together and being direct with care.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Lift Others

Lift all employees up to be stronger:

Strong leaders know without a doubt that the even the struggling individuals on their team have untapped potential.

 These leaders are able to help all employees to be more, do more, and feel good about it. They try their darnedest to find that sweet spot that will lift employees up to be at their best  before they consider any other options.

They develop, coach, and let their teams know what they are doing well, and gently but firmly guide them when they veer off course.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Put People First

Put people first:

 Strong leaders know that their ability to make a difference and impact the bottom line depends on the people who do the work. They readily build others up while knowing that those efforts also impact profitability.

 They give people the autonomy they deserve to do their job well, and coach them through the mistakes that will inevitably happen. Strong leaders don’t take credit for the work that others do; they humbly deflect praise back to those who deserve it.

 They care about the people who work for them and let them know in their actions.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Most of the Time..

Most of the Time..

I am strong enough not to hate

I try to stay away from gossip.

I do my best to lend a hand to someone in need.

I stay focused on the positive.

Most of the Time..

I try to forgive others.

I try to not weigh myself down with self guilt.

I am thankful for all I have.

That is most of the times.. all we can do is try stay conscience on the things we hold dear and to constantly remind ourselves. We are human and we all get defensive and angry and paranoid.

The idea and goal is to recognize when we do stray from - Most of the Time- and get right back on track.

We are all have our faults - as long as we sincerely try to hit our list of  - Most of Time-
We will be all right.

What is your list ?


Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Gotta Serve Somebody

Gotta Serve Somebody
 


You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You may be a business man or some high-degree thief
They may call you doctor or they may call you chief
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes you are
You're gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, December 5, 2016

The Holiday Season

Here we are in another Holiday Season...
What does that mean ?
Holiday songs- gifts- dinners and celebrations !!
It can also be a very depressing time for many, suicides rise during the holidays, people can get sad and angry and depressed, alcoholism is very much a issue more so during the holiday season.
I am certainty not trying to be a downer but these are the facts.
Unfortunately through the years the more we have commercialized the holidays the worse it has become. Buy more - rack up those credit cards- and them become more in debt and more depressed.

I think that the social media certainly contributes to these feelings, everyone is always posting about how happy they are and the new toys they bought and others think - hey, why is that not me? Why do they have things and why are they happy all the time? Therefore they start to self reflect and think that they may be missing something and worse they start to blame others and get angry.
Trust me when I tell you that everybody has something they are struggling with, everyone has the family issues and the bills and mom or dad or sister or brother or spouse or friend that is struggling with medical issues.
You are not alone.

The holiday season should be a time when you just take some time to think about all you have not what you want and mostly who you have to be thankful for.

Life is hard and it will constantly throw curve balls at you,- That is Life - and if you think the other guy has it made think again.
 I hope and wish that all of you find that spot and take the time to simply exhale and slow down, even if just for a day or two and find peace within.
Do not let the acts of others define YOU-

Maybe start with just letting a grudge go and letting the hate and jealousy go.. the holiday season and life is what YOU make it.

PEACE


Friday, December 2, 2016

Adapt and Change

In today's world in order to survive and succeed you need to Adapt and Change.
Everyone's business model changes almost every day thanks to technology and I do not care what business you may be in, trust me you are effected.

Ever sense the 90's and the computer the speed of which we do things and the technology that is at all of our fingertips has changed the way that businesses conduct their day to day and if not they are left behind.

A couple quick stories-

I have a friend that was the head guy at a major car dealerships in New England and was great at what he did he loved it, well about 5 or 6 years ago he was at the retirement age ( actually was around 68 ) and his dealership was switching over to do many of their day to day requirements by computer. Now this guy had been doing what he was doing for close to 30 years and did not like nor did he need the computer, it just slowed him down he said. The dealership was only going in one direction so he had to join the parade or retire. He chose retirement and has regretted it ever sense, he had plenty of good years left and he enjoyed what he was doing but he refused to adapt.

I myself was in the dispatch and moving business for over 25 years when I led the charge to computerize operations -  I was, and still am in a way, intimated with the computer. You have to remember that I was not with my present employer very long back in the middle 80's when we bought and used our first fax machine. We were all amazed as we watched this thin paper run through this machine and come out all curled up on the other end knowing that it was going to be received way off in another State. So you see we have come a long way since. I knew at a certain point that I had to adapt and I chose to get ahead of it and lead the charge to computerize operations. Now truth be told I preferred and still prefer the old fashion way , using paper and pencil, I had that down to a science and loved working that way but I knew that if I did not adapt and change it would run right by me.

We are still changing every day for each and every one of us in all walks of life and we all have a choice-
Adapt and Change or move on but remember this technology will move forward with or without you.
Try not to be intimated - try the unknown- embrace change- who knows you may even find that it improves parts of what you do- either way - it is your choice.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Crews

Listen: Listening is a sign of respect; when you listen well, others feel appreciated and heard, even if you don’t agree with them.

Ask don’t tell: Your team wants to come up with their own solutions. Instead of solving problems for them, ask how they would solve them; this demonstrates that you hold their ability to think through dilemmas in high regard.

Follow through: Making a commitment to your team is one thing. Following through on that commitment shows that you care for and respect them.

Being truthful: Don’t mince words! When you tell it like it is, your team members feel included. Telling them what they need to know is a sign that you trust their ability to handle the truth.

Being clear: When you’re clear about the direction of your organization, it tells your team that you know they can move ahead and do what’s needed to reach goals.

Treating people equally: It’s all too common for a leader to have favorites on the team. Treating people equally doesn’t mean you treat them the same. It means you don’t “play favorites” while treating everyone similarly, showing that you expect everyone’s best.


 Tell them what they did right: So often, feedback is critical in nature. When you give your team positive feedback, they will feel respected for what they did and have confidence that they are on the correct path.

Stand out by being the leader who daily shows respect to their team..
It’s good for you, good for the team, and great for the bottom line.