Kris Carlson's Weblog

I am a Rotarian

I joined The Rotary Club of Fenton in October, 2009.  My mom has been a Rotarian for many years and has tried to get me to join.  Recently, I have undergone many changes regarding how I conduct my life.  Consequently, I saw the Rotary as a wonderful opportunity to serve my fellow man, among other things.  I am honored to have been asked to join, and have Nick Popa as my sponsor.  

The Fenton Rotary Club recently asked me if I would like to take over webmaster duties for their website at http://www.fentonrotaryclub.org/.  I'm excited about using my computer skills to revamp the site into a community portal for our Club where they can post news, upload pictures, and even have their own blog. 

I found a video that inspired me to create this post. Check out this link http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/Pages/ridefault.aspx, and watch the video below.  

Be Like Water - Bruce Lee

I posted this video earlier, but the link has become dead there. So here it is, Bruce Lee - The Lost Interview. He talks about one of his appearances on the TV series Longstreet. Be Like Water!

I'm Red

That's me in the red. Standing out of the crowd, like all leaders do.

Be Like Water

I filed this under inspiration because that is always what Bruce Lee has been for me, an inspiration. I watched a video at Google Video earlier called the "Lost" Interview of Bruce Lee. Here's the link http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1413383646144124621

Be Like Water

A Different Perspective

I am thankful for the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, not with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I found at the far end of the parking lot, because it means that I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means that I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means that I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

And finally ...For too much email, because it means that I have friends who are thinking of me.

Tell this to someone you care about, ... I just did.
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There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is to live as though everything is a miracle.

Running Again

I started running again since the weather has warmed up.  It feels great to get out and get some good exercise.  The shoes I've been using are last years, and so I had a couple stress injuries from them.  I bought a new pair last week and the stress injuries have vanished.  They are light and relatively comfortable and best of all made in USA.  Actually, New Balance was the only US made shoes that Road Runner Sports is selling now. 

I've decided that I will travel to Ann Arbor or Novi to buy shoes from now on.  I bought these through the mail; and while I know my size and width, each manufacturer varies slightly.  I would have liked them to be wider, but the Nike's I bought were 2E and they fit good.  Anyway, they will do for this season, unless I start getting some serious mileage in.

A Beautiful Prayer

I first heard this read at an Open Speaker meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I liked it then and still do. The sections about happiness and pain are particularly inspirational to me.

A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own!, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might  enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

May God Bless You,
"To the world you might be one person, but  to one person you just might be the world"

A Modern Parable

I first read this about 9 years ago. It had deep meaning for me then and I still think of it occasionally when the topic of change is at hand. Enjoy...

A MODERN PARABLE

Long ago, when the world was very new, there was a certain lobster who determined that the Creator had made a mistake. So he set up an appointment to discuss the matter.

"With all due respect," said the lobster, "I wish to complain about the way you designed my shell. You see, I just get used to the one outer casing, when I've got to shed it for another. Very inconvenient and rather a waster of time."

To which the Creator replied, "I see. But do you realize that it is the giving up of one shell that allows you to grow into another?"
"But I like myself just the way I am," the lobster said.
"Your mind is made up?" the Creator asked.
"Indeed!" the lobster stated firmly.
"Very well." smiled the Creator. "From now on your shell will not change...and you may go about your business just as you are right now."
"That's very kind of you," said the lobster and left.

At first, the lobster was very content wearing the same old shell. But as time passes, he found that his once light and comfortable shell was becoming quite heavy and tight. After a while, in fact, the shell became so cumbersome that the lobster couldn't feel anything at all outside himself. As a result, he was constantly bumping into others.

Finally, it got to the point where he could hardly even breathe. So with great effort, he went back to see the Creator. "With all due respect," the lobster sighed, "contrary to what you promised , my shell has not remained the same. It keeps shrinking!"
"Not at all," smiled the Creator. "Your shell may have gotten a little thicker with age, but it has remained the same size. What happened is that you have changed - inside, beneath your shell." The Creator continued:"You see everything changes...continuously. No one remains the same. That's the way I've designed things. And the wisest choice is to shed your old shell as you grow."
"I see," said the lobster, "but you must admit it is occasionally inconvenient and a bit uncomfortable."
"Yes," said the Creator, but all growth carries with it both the possibility of discomfort and the potential for great joy, as you discover new parts of yourself. You can't have one without the other. When you let go of your shell and choose to grow, you build new strength within yourself. And in that strength you'll find new capacity to love yourself...to love those around...and to love life itself. That is my plan for each of you."

Cousin Terry

My cousin Terry Taylor was interviewed for an article in Money magazine. Here is the link to the article: http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/04/pf/independence5_0509/index.htm

Today Is A Good Day

Everyday is a good day. That is the way I see it. Everyday I'm above ground is a chance for new and exciting posiblities. And that is the attitude I have today. One of my favorite quotes is:

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more imortant than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."

by Charles Swindoll

Have a Great Day
Kris