How often do we get to a 60th Wedding Anniversary?

This past weekend, we celebrated my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary.  It was wonderful being with many siblings, nieces and nephews.  Ironically, one of my nieces who was supposed to be there went in to labor and missed the party.  But with the wonder of technology, I was able to receive a picture of the brand new baby by phone, post it to Facebook and have it up on my laptop projected to the entire family. 

Why, you may ask, did I have a projector and laptop at my parents anniversary party.  Well, I created a powerpoint presentation for them as a tribute to their 60 years together.  I'm having trouble loading it up here as a video so here is a picture from the event...

My parents at their 60th Anniversary!

 My newest great-nephew Luca who was born during the party!

The problem with logic

Here is a little something that is indisputable mathematical logic. (It also made me Laugh Out Loud.)  Remember, this is a strictly mathematical viewpoint. It goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%.

How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100 % in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T

2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G

1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that while Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, its the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.  ;-)

Values or Behavior?

Whenever we feel a conflict between what we know is right vs. what we really want to do, we are experiencing a conflict between our values and our behavior.  When this happens, we have a choice.  We can alter our behavior to match our values; or we can change our values to match our behavior. 

As you can imagine many people find either of these options difficult and so they just live with the conflict.  They think one thing but do another.  They preach health and wellness, yet they smoke.  They condemn dishonesty at work; yet they cheat on their taxes.  They profess to believe in fidelity; yet push flirting to the limit.

So if you are finding yourself in a similar situation, the first thing to do is examine your values.  Why do you believe what you believe?  Are these beliefs you chose or beliefs that were handed down to you?  Is it really possible that you don't value integrity as much as you would like to? 

If you find your value is a reflection of your true beliefs, then question why your behavior is counter to your values.  Is it just easier?  Path of least resistance?  Do you possibly have an addiction you haven't admitted to?  Many times a behavior in conflict with our deepest values is just a way to self-sabotage our success. 

Whatever you find out through this exploration, you may want to hire a coach or counselor to work through this conflict. 

Aruba, Jamaica, oooh, I want to take you to...

CANCUN!  We're back from a wonderful vacation.  This was my first trip without my laptop and cell phone.  So no email or voicemail for a week.  It was quite an adjustment the first few days.  I kept looking around for something to do (electronic) and had to keep reaching for my books.  I took a few solo walks on the beach.  Played in the ocean waves and collected shells for entertainment.  And we ate some of the most amazing meals we've ever had.  Needless to say, we came back very refreshed.  If it's been awhile since you've taken some time off from the TV, Internet, cell phone and iPod, I highly recommend it.

There's a reason Crayola has a color "caribbean blue"

Holy guacamole!

Yes, all the drinks were hers!

The view from our resort's lobby.  I know!

Best signs ever!

After swimming in a cenote!

Looks like a certain Corona commercial.

Dinner at Perico's.

The best soup ever - La Habaschuela!

Very relaxed on our last night.