The not-for-profit Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) ranked 44 popular, non-organic fruits and vegetables according to the level of pesticides present in each.As you head to the grocery store keep the list below in mind when you make a decision whether to buy organic or conventional (non-organic) produce.
If you can, then buy all organic.If not, use this rule of thumb: buy organic for the fruits and vegetables with an inherent high level of pesticides and conventional for those that have relatively less.Visit www.foodnews.org for more detail.
On this Friday, July 4, we celebrate Independence Day.It is an American national holiday fills with pride, tradition, blessing, and fun.The United States of America is an awesome place to live, work, play, and raise a family.It is the land where your freedom reigns and opportunities abound.
I love getting together with family and friends over simple picnic foods and watching the fireworks at night while listening to the national anthem of the Star-Spangled Banner and other patriotic songs.My favorite thing to do during the fireworks is to look for new fire display patterns.One of my friends never misses watching the fireworks.Last year she had surgery a day or two before and was practically on the stretcher, but she made it out to see the fireworks anyway.
Have a healthy and happy holiday celebration whatever Independence Day traditions you follow - be it going to the backyard barbeque, heading to the theater to see a blockbuster movie starring Will Smith (affectionately dubbed Big Willie Weekend), watching the amazing fireworks in Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia or another city.
I recently entered the world of spa.I was contemplating what to reward myself for achieving a fitness milestone.Then it dawned on me: spa-la-la.I researched this subject and learned about several spa options.
Day spa
Destination spa
Medical spa or Medispa
Organic spa
Going to the spa has long been a treat for women.Today, it has become a popular haven for men too.Next time you need pampering and some R&R, head to a spa.
Want to increase sales?Seek free advertising?Have other people spread the word about your unique business products or services.Dave Balter, CEO of BzzAgent, Inc., wrote a book entitles The Word of Mouth Manual: Vol. II that shows companies and entrepreneurs ways to engage customers, clients, fans, devotees, and others to do the promo for you.You can either buy this book on Amazon or download a free PDF version by clicking the link below.
I respect those dedicated people who have prepared and run the marathon – all 26.2 miles.I think it is a great test of endurance and strength as well as mind over matter.
Last Saturday the training for the White Rock marathon and half-marathon started in Dallas.I was among the 700-800 people at the White Rock Lake training site at 6:30 in the morning.I felt the camaraderie, enthusiasm, and hopefulness that come with undertaking a new challenge echoed in the faces of those around me.
The race day is Sunday, December 14, 2008.You can participate in the 5-person marathon relay, the half marathon, or the marathon.Check this website for race event information:www.runtherock.com.
My favorite comfort food is “Pho”.It is a delicious and satiating soup found in many Vietnamese restaurants.You can get the beef or chicken version.
I was smitten with Pho since childhood. I remembered growing up in Vietnam where eating Pho from street food vendors was a common practice.We usually did not cook Pho at home because it was quite labor intensive unless it was for a special occasion, such as holidays or visits from important guests.
As a kid I got to eat Pho once a week on Sunday under the condition that I attend church.Needless to say I had practically perfect church attendance.My Mom knew the key to my heart well and exercised that knowledge wisely.Of course it also helped me too that our priest was a master storyteller who could capture our imagination and attention by weaving amazing stories about God and His people in a way that children can understand and love to listen.
Head to your local Vietnamese restaurant and order Pho.If you like to cook it yourself, then check out these two recipes from Andrea Nguyen, who has authored a number of Vietnamese cookbooks and is an authority on the Viet kitchen.I bought her book entitles Into the Vietnamese Kitchen.
Andrea explains the history of the Vietnamese national soup - Pho, describes how to eat it, and shows you how to cook the beef or chicken Pho in your own kitchen. I grew up eating beef Pho.I do not recall the chicken Pho option – must be an Americanized version.
If you are searching for new ideas and a different perspective for your business or personal life, then add this book to your summer reading list:Getting Real: The smarter, faster, easier way to build a successful web application.You can buy the PDF version, buy the paperback edition, or read it free on-line.
While this book’s emphasis is on building a web app, a lot of these ideas are applicable to non-software activities too. The suggestions about small teams, rapid prototyping, expecting iterations, and many others presented here can serve as a guide whether you’re starting a business, writing a book, designing a web site, recording an album, or doing a variety of other endeavors. Once you start Getting Real in one area of your life, you’ll see how these concepts can apply to a wide range of activities.
In this book you will learn the following and lots more.
When I think of paying tribute to the Father figures in my life the words which best express my gratitude, privilege, and experience are found in Psalms 112:1-9 of the Living Bible.
Praise the Lord!For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression.Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage.He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten.When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in.He is kind and merciful – and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.
Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances.God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it.He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen.For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes.He gives generously to those in need.His deeds will never be forgotten.He shall have influence and honor.
Happy Father’s Day, Michael and Grandpa Lewis!!Thank you for your love and guidance!I deeply appreciate you always being there for me.
One of my favorite home tours is the Parade of Homes.It is fun to stroll through these brand new, elegantly furnished, million dollars, spacious custom houses.It is a great way to collect decorating ideas, get some walking exercise, and support a worthy cause.
During the tour I usually look for the latest in kitchen and bathroom innovations.One year I was thrilled to discover the kitchen trend of two dishwashers and a hot water faucet for the stovetop range.Another feature I like to observe is the combination of gorgeous furnitures and colors the designers and interior decorators selected for the season.Sometimes I find surprisingly bold colors pair together that work unexpectedly well.One other reason I support the Parade of Homes tour is that it benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation. One of the children’s rooms in each showcase house holds a picture of a child from the Make-a-Wish Foundation along with his or her wish.
Fun, fit, and charity – what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
I exercise after work.It is an opportunity for me to unwind and reflect on the day’s accomplishments.I also use the time at the gym to mentally rehearse for the activities of the next day.I like to eat a delicious and healthy snack one hour before exercising to give my body the proper fuel it needs to do a quality combination of cardio and weights.
My snack of choice is eating one Fuji apple and some crackers.I pick the Fuji apple because it has the perfect balance of sweetness and crunchiness.I am often on a lookout for that tasty cracker too.Recently a friend recommended one calls Mary’s Gone Crackers.Although I like its cleverly humorous name and healthy organic ingredients, the cracker did not have a consistent crunchy bite.This past Wednesday I was at Whole Foods and saw a box of crackers calls Doctor Kracker.It has organic and natural ingredients, and its nutrition label shows the right amount of fat, carb, fiber, sodium, and protein.It came in multiple flavors.I bought the pumpkin seed with cheese because I thought that would pair perfectly with my favorite Fuji apple.
And the verdict is?I absolutely love Doctor Kracker.I look forward to tasting its other flavors too.Click this website for more info http://www.drkracker.com/.Happy and healthy snacking!
I use the Microsoft Excel program almost daily.I find the ASAP Utilities add-in an invaluable tool that makes Excel much more user friendly.I appreciate Bastien Mensink for developing and making this magical product available.
Check this website for more info and download:http://www.asap-utilities.com/.I know it will save you time and helps your sanity too.
I am loving it because I get to live a blessed and fabulous life in a fast paced city that offers many charitable, vocational, culinary, and recreational choices.There are plenty of demanding tasks, enriching opportunities, and fun experiences clamoring for my time.Amidst these activities I find it is vital to do an internal check to ensure that I live my purpose and passion.Several times a year I take a reflection day to decompress, relax, read, think, dream, and plan.
I discover that when I emerge from this solitude practice, I feel recharged, optimistic, grateful, and eager to take on the next challenge.In addition, my ideas tank is full ready for me to explore all the new possibilities.I become a more confident, competent, and compassionate person to the people I love, care about, and interact with.
Have you taken a reflection day lately?Do it.You will discover its healing and creative benefits in your blessed and fabulous life as you learn from past experiences, act in the present circumstances, and plan for your future.
We are blessed and privileged to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave known as the United States of America.We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women serving in our Military for their sacrifice, bravery, and patriotism.Take the time to reach out and let them know that you appreciate them.
They will always hold a place of honor in my heart.I continue to pray for their health and safe return to their families at the completion of their tour of service.
My sister-in-love’s Mom and Dad had been practicing t’ai chi for the last several years.I observed that they exude peace, strength, and balance.At our recent get together I asked her Mom to show me a few t’ai chi moves.I found the lesson to be a superb mix of fun and fitness.
Although I am a big fan of the Western form of exercise using cardio machines and free weights, I firmly believe that adding the new elements of Eastern training, such as balance and flexibility to my exercise regimen will enhance my level of physical well being.This past weekend I bought U.S. and world t’ai chi medalist David-Dorian Ross’ DVD calls “T’ai Chi Beginning Practice”.On the back of it, David says “Known as ‘the ultimate workout’ in China, t’ai chi will give you the benefits of weight training, aerobics or sports conditioning while exercising your mental-spiritual strength at the same time.You’ll see more balance in the way you move, think and feel every day.”
When we live in one city too long we no longer see it.Landmarks, monuments, and unique streets become blurry as we hurry from one location to another.It is a condition calls familiarity breeds contempt.
Break out of the rut and change your routine.Take a day and live like a tourist in your own city.Re-explore its spell-binding beauty and be charmed by its heart-warming inhabitants all over again.
Are you going to conferences, happy hours, PTA meetings, swanky soirees, potluck picnics, charity galas, networking events, hip parties, school reunions, or blind dates?Do you want to strike up a conversation but do not know what to say?Are you searching for points of interest and common ground?Do you feel like other people are blessed with the gift of gab, but the cats have gotten a hold of your tongue?
Use the acronym FORM.Topics you can explore include family and friends.Ask people about their occupation.Talk about what they like to do for recreation.Discuss what motivates them.One of the tips I read from Keith Ferrazzi’s awesome book entitles Never Eat Alone is that people love to talk about health, wealth, and children.
Use the above ideas.Now go mix, mingle, and make new friends.
I came across this thought provoking poem by Barry N. Curtis.Read.Meditate.Wonder.I believe the same comparison holds true about people and their potential for astounding achievement.
Anyone Can Count The Seeds In An Apple by Barry N. Curtis Cut open an apple. Now, count the seeds.
How many did you find there? Three? Five? Eight?
That was an easy assignment, wasn’t it?
Even an astute kindergartner can count the seeds in an apple.
Now, for something a little more challenging.
Since you know how many seeds are in the apple,
go back and count the number of apples in each seed.
How did you do this time?
My guess is that you laughed at the idea and didn’t even attempt the assignment.
You see, it’s easy to count the number of seeds in an apple,
but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.
Cinco de Mayo is next Monday, the Fifth of May.It celebrates the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in Mexico.Today, when Cinco de Mayo is observed you can find parades, festivals, mariachi music, dancing, and lots of food.
Check your local event guides for a list of festivities taking place throughout the weekend to get you into the spirit of celebration.What better way to understand the Mexican culture than through a fiesta of food, family, friendship, freedom, and fun?
Thursday, May 1, 2008 is the National Day of Prayer.The information below is from this website:http://www.ndptf.org.People in many cities across the United States participate in this important occasion.Click on “Events” at the above website to find your city.Take part.Pray.
Also, for ideas to make prayers a part of your daily habit, read my previous post called ”Pray Daily“.
Who We Are and What We Do
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose it is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.
Mission
The National Day of Prayer Task Force’s mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
Our Vision and Values
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Task Force seeks to:
Foster unity within the Christian Church
Protect America’s Constitutional Freedoms to gather, worship, pray and speak freely.
Publicize and preserve America’s Christian heritage
Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues and positions
Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed
When I was younger time seemed infinite while money looked finite.I remembered going to multiple grocery stores to save 25 cents here or 50 cents there.I did so without much regard for the time it took.As I got older I understood the importance of time better.I realized that time was finite and not money.
While I can always make more money, I have the same 24 hours as everyone else.Now that I have discovered the value of time, I carefully consider both trading money for time and time for money.
Today, I usually shop at one grocery store, most often at Whole Foods.Of course I pay more for some items, but I do not mind the trade off because that means I can have more time to spend with the people that I love and care about.
It is wonderful to have both time and money.In the case that I have to save one or the other time gets equal attention too not just money.Ah, the wisdom of maturity.Some things take experience to appreciate.When it comes to time, I savor the minutes that I can make a difference in the world, whether it is to help a child smiles, an adult feels better, or an animal not go hungry.It is indeed time well spent.
I recently saw a Primetime show in which Diane Sawyer interviewed a Carnegie Mellon University’s professor, Randy Pausch.He delivered the famed “Last Lecture” that continues to garner interest as people discover his life and legacy message. Here is one advice among many: “Don’t bail; the best gold is at the bottom of barrels of crap.”
To hear the lecture, click the play button or the link below it.
I love going to arts and crafts festivals with family and friends.It is a superb venue to have fantastic fun, eat fair-style food, and find fabulous bargain.One of my family members bought a red dress for me at a local arts and crafts show in Carrollton about ten years ago.The stitchings last to this day, and the dress still hold its shape.I continue to receive compliments when wearing it.
The walking and talking with creative people percolate ideas that help me find solutions to problems too.I usually return home with idea gems I can use in both my professional and personal life.
Today is April 16, the day after your federal income tax is due.Now that the personal income tax project is behind you, what is next?
It is time for spring cleaning – packing away the winter wear and unfolding the spring collection.Move the old; make room for the new.
Material possessions are gratifying and necessary.However, at some point the maintenance of material possessions becomes too much.When our possessions begin to possess us then they have crossed the line from blessing to burdensome.
No need to let the moths and dirt mites stake their claim on your possessions.Know when to let go and give other people the joy of your material things.Possible recipients include other family members, friends, neighbors, and charitable organizations.
Remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.Or one woman’s junk is another woman’s jewel.In other words, to borrow from the baseball analogy, do not let minor league things take up major league time and attention.Cut through the clutter.Simplify your life.
A ferocious storm blew through my neighborhood last night leaving much destruction and debris in its wake.This morning I saw one of my neighbors helping the other to remove fallen tree limbs from the lawn.After finishing that laborious task both men went around our streets to see if they can help other neighbors.
Wow – what generosity of spirit and act of kindness!I have seen selfless deeds told by reporters on TV during natural disasters, but it is quite another story when I get to experience it close to home.I am deeply touched to know caring people do exist.It is comforting to have kind neighbors come to your aid in time of need.
