Short and Sweet: Traditions

Today, the last day of September, create a new tradition.  Maybe it's something small like taking a bubble bath every Friday night after the kids are in bed.  Maybe it's something big like planning a new game for Thanksgiving dinner with your family or planning to do something nice and fun for Halloween for someone else.  Regardless, it's not about whether or not it's big or small.  It's about whether or not it's special to you and your family.

Tradition is a beautiful thing and so underrated in today's world.  It's a good foundation builder and a great exercise in trust and confidence.

Short and Sweet: Smile

Today's post is short and sweet.....

Smile More.

Just Smile.

Don't worry about why or when.  Smile.

Today, I want to challenge you....just spread the love.  Don't worry about whether or not you make it a picture perfect moment.  Don't worry about whether or not it's noticed by anyone else.  Just spread the love.

Compliment a stranger

Call your mate just to tell them that you love them

Let a new mom take a nap while you get baby snuggles.

Bring a stressed coworker some coffee.

Kiss your kids just one more time....and then kiss them again and tell them how great they are.

Call your parents and tell them "thank you."

Tell your boss how much you appreciate him/her.

Find a way to pay it forward today and spread the love.

What I Want to See in a President

I watched the debate last night (part of it) and all I can say is that my brain was tied in knots afterward.  I'm not going to get into how I feel like it was biased or how I feel like they were backpedaling like crazy.  I'm not going to get into logistics.

What I'm going to say, instead, is what I want to see from a President....

I want to see a President that loves our country intensely.  I want a President that hears the National Anthem and feels the pride of knowing that we live in the greatest country in the world.  I want a President that tears up when he/she hears the National Anthem and knows that it honors the men and women that have fought for our country.

I want a President that believes in the Constitution.  I want a President that fights to protect it.  If something needs changed, I want a President that uses the system that the founding fathers set up and goes through those channels.  I want a President that doesn't abuse Executive Order.  I want a President that is working for the best interests of the country but ALSO for the common interests of the country, as well.

I want a President that brings the political parties together.  I want a President that unites our country and helps to work toward a common goal instead of shaming and accusing.  I want a President that empowers our people and helps everyone to stand on their own two feet.  I want a President that fights for our best interests.

I want a President that realizes the sacrifices that our military makes.  I want a President that uses our military to build our nation and not for personal vendettas.  I want a President that doesn't shame our nation in the presence of other countries.  I want a President that builds bridges but also lets other nations know that we are not just going to roll over and give up our freedoms.

I want a President that believes in our rights.  I want a President that holds our freedoms very close to his/her heart.  I want a President that knows that sometimes natural consequence is better than government involvement.  I want a President that understands that the government SHOULDN'T be in every single part of our lives and that sometimes it's best to allow them our local governments to set the standards for our states.

Most of all, though, I want a President that represents our country with the dignity and respect for our great nation that all of us feel.  I want a President that puts a stop to the nonsense happening here and stands up and says, "no" when we are bullied.  I want a President that doesn't bully or mouth off in response to provocation.  I want a President that wants the best for our country.

They Aren't Bad

So I keep being asked what I think about these police shootings.  Instead of focusing on my opinions on the topics, I'd like to touch on a related one instead.  Prepare yourself because some of you may not like this....

I don't believe the police are bad.  I'm sorry, I don't.  I don't believe that they are hunting anyone.  In fact, I believe just the opposite.  I believe that the vast majority of police officers are amazing souls that just want to do their job, protect people and do good for their community.  Are there bad cops?  Sure.  Just like there are bad bakers, janitors, businessmen, babysitters, and more.  I believe that 99% of police officers, though, are just doing their jobs.

I do believe there are some unjustified shootings but I believe that the vast majority are justified.  Stats back up that there are more gang killings than police shootings daily, yet the media focuses solely on what draws in ratings and stirs the pot. Should the officers that shoot people willy nilly (people of ANY color) be punished?  Yes!  However, if you are not going to comply with police, you are putting their safety at risk too and they have a right to protect themselves and those around them.  You may not have anything in your pocket but if you won't take your hands out, they are trained to assume there's a reason.  You may not have anything in your car beside you but if you're leaning over with your hands out of sight, they have reason to assume that you might have something there.  I'm not saying it's okay for cops to just assume and shoot but you have to really look at their training before you assume they're just shooting for no reason.  

So what should you do if you are ANY color, religion, culture or creed and you are approached by a police officer?  Follow their instructions.  If they say "hands up," put them up.  Even if they don't, go ahead and put them up.  If you have a weapon on you (a concealed carry, etc), TELL THEM.  Don't reach for it.  Tell them that you have a weapon and THEY will come and take it to handle their business if needed.  Follow their instructions and your risk of being "taken out" is minimal...we're talking lower than your chances of being hit by a car crossing the street.

Instead of focusing on all of this hatred, let's work on changing what needs to be changed.  Let's educate citizens more on how to handle things.  Let's educate police officers in training exercises to be more prepared for some of these situations.  Let's get out there and TALK about how to change things...not because of skin color or religion or anything of the sort...let's talk about how to come together as a nation and do something great.

Advice the Denver Newbies

If there is one piece of advice I can give to newbies to Denver, it's sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.  If there's a second piece I could give them, it would be lotion, lotion, lotion.  The dry air is wonderful for not suffering with the rampant humidity crisis that plagues the midwest and south but it can make your skin feel tight and as itchy as hell.  Seriously, stock up on lotion and don't just buy the cheap Suave crap.  Buy the good stuff and plan to use it at least twice a day.  Your skin will just absorb the stuff. Happy hiking!

Saturday snippet

It's funny how God/life absolutely throws you for a loop.  It never fails to change you from your inside out and when it changes, it changes all at once!  The best advice anyone can give is to live it one moment at a time.  Enjoy every single moment that you can.  Smile as often as you can.  Hug those you love...and then hug them some more.  Cry when you need to.  Scream if it's something you need, as well.  But always stay true to who you are at your core.