Out and About – Week of June 3rd

This Thursday, June 6, marks the 75th Anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy. As President Roosevelt once said, “It will be a day that will live in infamy.” There are three dates in history that I try to never forget. December 7, 1941, June 6, 1944, and September 11, 2001 are dates that I’ll always remember, because events happened on these dates that had a tremendous effect on our lives.

Things to Ponder

If walls and guns don’t work, then why are celebrities and politicians surrounded by them?
“You know that you live in a great country when even the people that detest it refuse to leave.”
~ Candace Owens

People are excited about the new i-phone, but no one has caught up with the awesome technology of using your turn signal when you drive.
“Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon”, “Thank you”, and “May I help you?” are four greetings and phrases that you just don’t hear that much anymore. These phrases should be a part of the training given to all customer service personnel. Some merchants train their associates to greet all customers who pass within four feet of them while in their store. It’s my belief that many younger employees haven’t quite caught on as to what it takes to make customers feel welcome. Greeting a customer with a smile and a genuine “Good Morning!” can make a difference as to whether that customer returns. The folks at a popular coffee cafe have the science of making someone feel welcome down pat. They greet you with a smile and the last thing you hear when you leave is, “Thank you and have a nice day.” There are a few mini-marts that could use a refresher course we might call, “Greeting with a Smile 101”.

I’d like to share something I received from a friend via Facebook. If you’ve seen this before, please remember it. If you’ve never read it, save it and read it over every so often. I’d like to think of it as:

“Nine Important Minutes”

There are nine minutes during the day that have the greatest impact on a child:

The first three minutes right after they wake up.
The three minutes after they come home from school.
The last three minutes of the day before they go to bed.
Make those minutes special and help our children feel special, loved, and accepted. Each day children need meaningful eye-to-eye conversations with a parent. It’s especially important to slow down and look them in the eye. Listen and respond with love. Hug your child, straighten her hair, pat him on the back and tell them how proud you are of them every day. A simple touch makes them feel connected to a parent in ways that words never will. Remember, actions speak louder than words!

Another thing that I’ve learned over the years is to take interest in your life-partner’s life. So many of us have a habit of coming home and unloading our woes from the day on our partner. Try to remember to ask about their day, and take an interest in what they have to say.

The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.

Before the crowbar was invented, crows had to drink at home.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman