Moving Forward

Throughout life we are always pressed with challenges. Challenges such as cancer, moving to a new city, getting your career going, the emotions of life, and changing your comfortability. All of these are bumps in our life that happen and slow our progress to move forward in life. A few weeks ago at church we listened to a sermon based on the topic of sticking with it. It pointed out how people change their situation rapidly as a first means of making things better. A theory of, "that in today's society we find it is easier to just give up and go elsewhere instead of sticking to it". Reflecting on this message I came to realize that the ease of giving up is not the main problem. It's the journey.

When going down the path of life challenges hit us creating the choices of giving up and going to the right or pressing forward and going straight. Over the last few weeks I have seen several people close to me (and even myself) going through at least one of the challenges above. I have seen a good close friend feel relieved to be heading closer to home with a great job offer, while still having the fright of moving to a new city. Instead of saying I will just stay where I am, she is embracing this necessary change to move forward with her career and life. I saw another friend dealing with the fright of being diagnosed with cancer at an early age. Though she had every right to run to the right she continued forward knowing that her worst fears could come true and a permanent life change may exist from her diagnosis. She continued forward and much to her surprise a misdiagnosis looks to have been made and her cancer may not be cancer at all.

As I watch all of these people go through this they could have given up at any moment, but they did not. Life is starting to look better for them now. I myself came to the realization that for my career it was time to get out of my comfortable role at work and take on a new role. I could have kept with my current role, but the lack of the challenge was there and I felt that I could do more. Never wanting to be the person that just coasts by I applied for the Director's position of our Kitchen and Bath Renovations and HDTV programs. This would require more traveling and having to stay on top of several million dollar programs that rehabs and installs new Kitchens and Baths in apartments in our portfolio at UDR. I will also oversee the ordering, purchasing, inventory, delivery, and installation of HDTV's on our property as an incentive for leasing with us. Like I said this is the road of moving forward instead of turning to the right.

Life challenges us at all times. Just remember a change can be necessary if you are needing to move forward, don't think of this change as not sticking to it. Keep moving forward

On a side note girls weekend will be October 2-5 in Cancun. Becky is needing at least one more roommate. It is an all-inclusive resort getaway (including air, hotel, transfers, food, drinks, and activities). If you are able to go let Becky know as it will be a great time for the girls to get away to the beach, enjoy some ocean activities, and comeback rejuvenated to their spouses/boyfriends (that maybe some wishful thinking).

On the Hockey front, this season has shaped up to be quite challenging physically and mentally. It is with much regret that last night I announced when this season ends in September, I will be taking the next season off away from the ice. I may come in and sub for a game or two, but I need to take a break and let some minor aches and pains heal. Though nothing major injury wise has occurred, I have come to be cautious when some pains don't seam to go away in between games. So if you have been thinking about coming to a game, now is the time.

Finally I wanted to announce the next big family and friend vacation maybe coming in May. Presently we are looking at a Baltic cruise. Again if you are interested in going let Becky or I know as we will try to negotiate another great fare or group rate if we get enough people.

I hope everyone is continuing to to do well and I look forward to hearing from you.