It's a matter of attitude

For some time now I have been making a conscious effort to improve my quality of life and focus on the positive things that happen around me. I can see and feel the difference. I look each day for at least three things that made me feel good, enhanced my life or benefited my personal growth. At the end of the day I write down the top three items that made my list. What this has done is help me continually look for things to put on my list throughout the day, trying to knock out one of the previous top three.

Not every day's list is earth shattering but even the subtle, seemingly insignificant things I have noticed make a positive difference. Here are just a few things that have been on my recent lists (1) New pictures of Layla. (2) I love the way my sheets feel against my skin. (3) Hit a great sale at Garden Ridge (4) The temperature dropped 10 degrees. Beautiful day. (5) My feather pillow is the best!!! (6) Started a new book. It's a fast read - love it. (7) Extra money today. (8) Tried a new recipe for spinach salad - love it!! (9) Found my lost butterfly earring. (10) Received two big compliments from Jeff and Marty. (11) The real cherry in my Sonic drink. (12) Sudoku

Rather than focus on the length and time it takes me to make a certain trip I have to drive frequently, I have started to purposely looked for the positive aspects of the drive . The construction on that entrance ramp is finally complete and I don't have to hold my breath as I maneuver through concrete barriers. I can see the Dallas skyline 20 miles away. I have learned which lane to be in for the fastest, smoothest travel. My toll tag keeps me from having to fish for change. My MPG improves. I have time to listen to the music on my ipod, starting with a different letter of the alphabet each time. Thank heaven for cell phones and open stretches of highway. NPR has some great programs! Bumper stickers. A glimpse of the string of red cars on the Six Flags roller coaster. A beautiful crimson and orange sunset. Yes, this change in attitude has made the trips go faster.

Now, we can't always avoid negative things from time to time but we do have a choice as to whether or not we let those negative people or actions influence us. Where it is possible, I avoid interacting with people that take pleasure in another's misfortune or who build themselves up by putting others down. Who needs that kind of negative energy? No one.

Making it a point to recognize the good things can change us positively. It can improve our quality of life and give us more energy. I know this is not original with me but it has dawned on me that I am working on my gratitude attitude. Excellent!!

In Memory of Dennis Thompson

Quite unexpectedly this past Thursday, a friend of mine passed away. He was 49. There was a memorial service held yesterday morning at the church where Dennis and his family attend. It is where I met Dennis over 20 years ago. I was not surprised that the auditorium, which I believe holds 600, was packed to overflowing. Dennis had touched so many lives.

Upon entering the service the music being played was a recording of Dennis singing. I learned later that he had made the CD of Christian hymns for his mother and had actually laid tracks for each musical part, singing them himself. Yes, he was very talented in that way. He wrote music, sang as part of various musical groups, arranged music and led our congregation's worship singing. He had a true gift.

Singing was just one of Dennis' many talents. He became a pilot before he was old enough to get his driver's license. He held a 4.0 GPA while earning a degree in Quantum Physics. He played several musical instruments. He was a professional computer programmer. He knew Greek and often researched scriptures for the Bible classes he taught. He was a consummate teacher. As someone shared at the service yesterday, he could explain the most complex problem to children and adults in a way that they would both understand. He had a scientific mind and a spiritual heart.

Dennis had a killer sense of humor and a dry wit I truly appreciated. He could be rather soft spoken but if you were within earshot, you could catch subtle nuggets that might otherwise go unnoticed. The last time I was around Dennis in a social setting was when he and his wife, Annette, included me in their "poker parties." We had run into each other at a local Texas Hold 'Em tournament and once they knew I shared the same interest they graciously invited me to join the fun at their house. Even though there was never any money involved, sitting at the table with Dennis was intimidating. I always preferred to watch him rather than go up against him and the only reason I ever beat him on a hand was because I was a novice and my logic was hard to figure. "You raised with just that? Well, well."

Dennis sang lead in a quartet and I loved to hear their barbershop arrangements. I wished I had made the effort to go to their last public performance.

Dennis taught deep, complicated topics at church. I wished I had chosen his classes more often.

Dennis was firm in his beliefs and understanding of how science fits into the Bible and creation. I wished I had discussed that with him more. I am sure I could have learned so much from his vast study.

Dennis helped mentor many people in their musical endeavors. I am sorry I did not have the talent to participate in any of those.

Dennis was a loving and faithful husband to Annette for 29 years. I am happy for her, mixed with a twinge of jealousy that I never experienced the same.

I remember the church talent shows, the couple's retreats, LTC, and youth activities where our paths crossed. I remember his bouts with serious medical conditions through the years but I never heard him complain. I remember teaching his daughter, Amy, and the Father-Daughter Day Olympics we had and how Amy stuffed his mouth with marshmallows and they raced around on tricycles and carried eggs on spoons. He was a serious participant and a good sport.

I recall the Fall Festivals where his entire family went all out in their costumes. They were a close-knit family and you could tell they enjoyed each other's company. From the slides I saw in the service yesterday I realized just how far that sense of humor went! How many fathers do you know will join their son in a public display of "hero worship" (Superman) just for the laughs? Yes, he was making memories and his children are enriched for his efforts.

As I heard Dennis' close friends and relatives share their thoughts with us yesterday I was struck with what a full and varied life he had led. And, in spite of his full time work and serious passtimes, he had obviously stayed in touch with friends and spent time involved with others. While his life was far too short, Dennis left a legacy that inspired me. I made a resolution to myself that, while I do not possess near the talents or intelligence of Dennis, I need to look beyond myself and live a more fulfilling life. And I will.

I am grateful to Dennis for what he gave, what he shared and what I learned from being his friend.

Where do I start - again?

Stretching some out-of-practice blogging muscles here tonight. Every week I think of different things I want to write about but it had been so long since I even logged into my AOL Journal or Blogspot I had to do a little digging this evening to get reconnected. I will probably stay under the radar for a while so I can clear out the cobwebs and get back into a regular habit of posting.

I checked to see if anyone still had my AOL Journal listed but I found I have been cleaned from most Recommended Journals columns. Who can blame them? It has been a year and a half since I consistently wrote anything. And, I suspect, I am still listed only on those journals where no one has bothered to update. I wonder how my old "friends" are? Maybe our paths will cross again.

Reading and writing have always been creative outlets for me and I have just not taken the time to do either for some time. After a memorial service yesterday morning in honor of a friend who passed too soon, and a lengthy conversation with my son last night, I gave myself a mental butt-kicking and decided to get back to some of the things I enjoy.

Yes, I enjoy my job but I have dedicated far too many hours with little more than self-satisfaction to show for it. Corporate America will let you run yourself into the ground and you will still only be rewarded with the standard annual increase and a few verbal kudos. Not to say the verbal kudos aren't appreciated but I must reconnect with the world beyond my office.

Wish me luck.