MacQuest Musings

Dr Mardy Quotes

"Old minds are like old horses, you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order." John Quincy Adams (d. Feb. 23 1848). Yes!

"A woman has to be twice as good as a man to go half as far." Fannie Hurst (died Feb. 23, 1968). Happily, no longer true. but it once was.

"I've done more harm by the falseness of trying to please than by the honesty of trying to hurt." Jessamyn West (d. Feb. 23, 1984). So true.

"Who speaks the truth stabs Falsehood to the heart." James Russell Lowell (born Feb. 22, 1819). All lies are endangered by the truth.

"It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones." George Washington (b. Feb. 22, 1732). Source of Marines slogan!

"Not failure, but low aim, is crime." James Russell Lowell (born Feb. 22, 1819). The implication is clear. Aspire higher.

Macworld | iWorld 2012 in San Francisco

  

  

We had a great time at the show, and all around San Francisco . . . more pictures to follow.

Birthdays are Funny Things

January 18, 2012, was the 34th anniversary of my 29th birthday, celebrated that evening at El Espelon with family and friends . . . many thanks to Letha for making the arrangements, and those in attendance including my son Jason, Leanne, James, George and Alice, Earl and Donna, Mark and Sue, Carl and Vicki. It was a night of fun and kidding about "itineraries" and such.

But, it was also a time to be thoughtful, and rekindle memories of past work and play. It was a time to measure progress and remember regrets about roads not taken and opportunities missed. Yet, I continually remind myself that I am fortunate to be where I am, and to still have sufficient health to enjoy life.

I speak of my three-legged stool of activity today including my consulting work in health care, my evangelism with technology and my quest for motivational speaking. The first brings some income, the second brings me pleasure, and the third brings me frustration (failure to achieve). These are good times, and I will build on them with help from my friends.

Everyone has a Story . . . a potential Turning Point

"THE POWER OF ONE" was the theme of an inspirational presentation I heard this morning from John O'Leary (sponsored by Mid-America Wireless). I am thankful to Gary Wilbers for sending me this invitation, and providing me this challenge (more about John at risingabove.com)

When you know your "why", you can endure any "how"!

These are words that John emphasized early in his descriptions of how he survived burns over 100% of his body as a young lad, and bounced back against impossible odds predicting that he only had 1% chance of life. His remarkable story illustrated the inspirational support provided by his parents, a baseball announcer, a male nurse, and many others brought tears to all of us (they even passed around a tissue box).

Yet, his most graphic and lasting message which became the rousing cheer for our futures was a phrase which brings back memories of one of my idols, President John Kennedy, when he said,    "If not now, when? If not us, who?" Today, this John's challenge was:

"WHAT MORE CAN I DO?"

I am thankful and energized by his words, his message, his enthusiasm and more . . . so much so that I have enrolled in his 21 week "Ignite Life Today" program. This could be a turning point for me as I strive to convert my long-sought desire to become a motivational speaker (about challenges of "balance") into a real live realization, passion and profession. This may be the "push" that I've needed. I pray that it is so . . .

 

Christmas Seasonal Musings

We live in interesting times, and the Christmas season becomes one of the happiest, yet one of the most emotional times in my life. This one has been particularly elating, yet depressing.

I enjoyed the time with my son Jason, his partner Mindy, my grandson Andrew, and his housemates Alexis and CJ. It was pizza, ice cream, presents and mayham that evening . . . glad and sad at the same time.

My personal resources are not sufficient to provide the kind of presents I really want to (I know, its the thought that counts), but I'm doing the best I can with what I have. It was two hours of togetherness, followed by an hour of cleanup and many tears before recovery. My heart goes out to my son and his dilemmas, but there is little I can do but be here for him when he needs me.

I have lots to do with consulting work, and Apple reviews, and more, but I worry about my niece in California, and my nephew in Oregon, and about my uncle and cousins in California, plus family and friends back in Nebraska. I am blessed with good friends who understand and are supportive, so my depression is brief and my thanks plentiful.

The transition in my life is going well, and I have much to look forward to. I've been driving a lot (Santa Fe and Birmingham), which gives me lots of time to think and plan. All in all, I'm a pretty lucky guy, with a special friend who means a lot to me, understands me, and listens to my rants and raves . . . who can ask for more?

This IS a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to a Happy New Year . . . a hope I also have for anyone who happens to read my musings along the way.

Another Day in Paradise

Ah, but for a few moments of relaxing touch to quiet aching muscles, clear the mind and sooth the soul. What more do you need?

Therapeutic touch is one of the most wonderful things that one human being can provide another. By all accounts, Asian women have perfected a variety of techniques which are most effective.

The feet are perhaps the most important part of any massage due to the number of pressure points and nerve centers that communicate to other parts of the body. The back, from neck to buttocks, is a key factor in any relaxation routine as well.

We don't we have an Asian massage therapy center in the Jefferson City area? Perhaps we need an energetic entrepreneur to take advantage of this opportunity.

Halloween at its Best

It was wonderful to have Jason, Mindy, Alexis, Andrew and CG over to visit so I could offer a few treats in order to avoid any tricks.

Family is a wonderful thing to be cherished and protected.

Reading Steve Jobs' autobiography ebook on iPad

Winter Approaches . . .

You can feel it coming . . . the leaves are falling, the temperatures have dropped below 50° during the day, the wind is blustery, and the damp weather is penetrating coats, houses and lives . . . Fall is here, and Winter just around the corner. 

It is time to transplant the potted grasses into a protective ground site, winterize the scooter and park it in a corner of the garage, refill and hang the birdseed dispenser, bring out the space heater for my work area, and so much more. There is much I want to get done like clean up the copper water fountain, finish a couple of books, watch some of the DVR and VCR movies I've recorded, write the first draft of my "Balance" presentation, and prepare another good meal.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I am getting new work as the word gets out about my business. Self-promotion does not come easily, but is very important. I can use all the help I can get . . .

Where Did This Week Go?

Two major CON projects under development, but very limited resource information with which to proceed . . . need more work, budget is strained, work ethic is frustrated, personal perspective is dimmed, and minor details are chewing away my time.

Steve Jobs died this week, which was a much-anticipated shock . . . he was a great businessman, an innovational inspiration, and a nasty person to the people around him. We admire him, yet know that his treatment of others could be very ruthless . . . is this called a "mixed blessing"?

After an evening of discussion and reflection last night, I am determined to improve my life, starting with my attitude. I put in a lot of extra effort at the YMCA this morning, then came home to vacuum the carpets, scrub/buff the wood floors, dust everything, wash a couple loads of clothes, change the bedding, and refresh my domicile. This helped me feel like I've taken control of parts of my life.

There is much to do this weekend, starting with the Coffee Zone, and new involvement with "the group". The day will culminate with lunch with Jason, Mindy, Andrew, Alexis and CJ (some family time). Much more to do on Sunday. Its going to be a lonely weekend anyway, so I need to make it productive.