I am but a loss for words, however compelled to reach out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in West Virginia’s mine explosion. For those who are not aware, the explosion occurred Monday April 5th, at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Mine, 30 miles south of Charleston, killing approximately 25 people with 4 still missing currently. Today, thanks to the family of 25 year old Josh Napper, (father, son and fiancé) one of the killed miners, went public with a note he’d written a day before the explosion. As quoted from AP news, the note read:
"Dear Mommy and Jenna," Pam Napper recalled. "If anything happens to me, I will be looking down from heaven. If you take care of my baby girl, watch over (her), tell her all the good things about her daddy. She was so cute and funny. She was my little peanut. And Jennifer, I know things have never been the greatest sometimes, but I just want you to know I love you and I care about you."
Most of the mine workers had a sick sense of something wrong with the mine when the company sent them home early that prior Friday of April 2nd having issues with the ventilation systems. However, the issues were obviously not identified fully or resolved.
So many Americans lose their lives in various dangerous job functions, but we know the risks and those who take those risks are amazing people. To our mineworkers, firefighters, law enforcement, drillers, construction workers, manufacturers, automakers, assembly line people, and all those not mentioned who face dangerous obstacles everyday while keeping America going and making a living to boot – we are humbled, we are grateful, we are honored at your drive, tenacity and courage.
To the family and friends of the WV mine disaster, our hearts and prayers are with you. May all your loved ones rest in peace and may all the survivors of those lost, find peace within as well.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Time For Go-Go Juice! - The End of 12-Years is Near!
Hey – we made it! It’s FRIDAY!!! Nearing the end of the day from another long exhausting week – thank heavens for our Go-Go Juice as it keeps us going each and every day. Tomorrow, being Saturday – you know I posted how I love to sleep in on Saturdays? Well, not tomorrow – Cassy gets her Prom dress tomorrow! It’s already that time. Good Grief! Now time is going to fly! Her last day in school is May 26th and graduates June 6th! Wow…where has the time gone? I still remember her in pigtails and jumping up and down to ride the school bus back in 2nd grade. The world will be her oyster now. She has extreme talent in arts and design. I once thought she was going to become a fashion designer as she’s been creating her own dresses and outfits since younger than 5 years old – on the computer even. She’s amazing with her unique ideas. Then, a couple years ago, she got interested in architecture, where she swore she was going to get into interior design. I had her help me with some ideas with my last hotel. However, this year, you know what she said? She now has interest in becoming a teacher for kids under age 10. She explained that she loves kids – I have to admit she’s wonderful with her baby sister Melissa and she’s been doing some babysitting lately, but I wonder where she got her inspiration. I have a feeling she may be changing her desires a few more times. She’s heard our analogies of how people get college degrees then get into careers that have nothing to do with the degrees or academics they studied for. How many of you can say the same? That’s the tough thing when choosing a college or area of study. So many young teens choose so early in life – not to say it’s bad, but so many don’t have practical knowledge or hands on experience to truly decide what they want to be when they grow up? But then, how many of us reach 40 and still don’t! LOL. I’ve encouraged her to just get started no matter what – so many basic classes can get behind her so she can excel later when she’s ready. But for now, I know she’s not thinking classes. She’s thinking freedom…freedom to choose, freedom from 12 years of homework, studies and reaching for top grades as best as she can. She’s looking to find herself where she can make her mark in this world. And I know she can’t wait ‘till she can say to her siblings, “Ha, you have to go to school, but I don’t!” Plus she’s also stated she’s looking forward to getting employed. She worked in my hotel part time and enjoyed having a bank account and going shopping. What teenager doesn’t? Life is good! The employed part? I don’t know. As bad as the economy is, I would think (or at least hope) that kids fresh out of school are easier to get an entry level job (as someone starting fresh with no experience) than those of us who’ve been around the block a few times. So, here’s to you Cassy – just 34 more days of school! My baby…where’s the tissue? Top off your Go-Go Juice and have a great Friday night!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time For Go-Go Juice! - Where's Your Inspiration?
Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.
But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate
To say thay for destruction ice
Is also great And would suffice.
- By Robert Frost
Good Morning. How is your Go-Go Juice brewing this morning? You know, I love to write. And, there are so many authors out there whose creative minds empowering people with so much inspiration and motivation. I am a fond admirer of Robert Frost, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickenson and Edgar Allan Poe to name but a few. When I had noticed my children studying the poem above by Robert Frost with less enthusiasm than I would have liked, it dawned on me to wonder in our modern hustle and bustle of life, has our society strayed away from the wondrous thoughts and ideas of our history’s past. There was once a quality of life, where morals and ethics were strong in not just adults but our youth. Yet today, I see teenagers and young adults alike show less and less interest in idyllic philosophies. So many are running around meeting agendas, competing for the best popularity, racing to make points and see who’s more impressive by behavior and looks. That or they’re heads are stuck between two mini ear buds blaring music that whisks them away from realities while they sprain finger tips to see how many text messages they can send out in a day. Very few stop to smell the roses anymore. How can one understand the depth and meaning within a rose by its mere color and shape? And is there time anymore in our hurried lifestyles to ponder such meanings anyway? I would like to believe there is. For what will life have meant if only to have delivered and served without feeling its contours or tasting its flavors? Here is your challenge today and maybe for the rest of the week – while you go to work and do what you do, take a step back and take a taste of your result. Sample your product or service to enjoy its pleasures, to understand what your consumers are getting and see if it doesn’t inspire you to try something different or add spices to make it better. If not at work, try it at the park. Don’t just walk your dog for exercise and so he/she can do his/her duty; but, breathe in the air, look at the trees and take in the multiple colors of nature. It is springtime and nature has so much to offer in contours, aromas, and is richly bountiful with inspiration. Keep that Go-Go Juice brewing so your mind stays fresh, your body invigorated and your spirit stimulated. I’m heading for another refill! Have a truly inspired day!
From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.
But if I had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate
To say thay for destruction ice
Is also great And would suffice.
- By Robert Frost
Good Morning. How is your Go-Go Juice brewing this morning? You know, I love to write. And, there are so many authors out there whose creative minds empowering people with so much inspiration and motivation. I am a fond admirer of Robert Frost, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickenson and Edgar Allan Poe to name but a few. When I had noticed my children studying the poem above by Robert Frost with less enthusiasm than I would have liked, it dawned on me to wonder in our modern hustle and bustle of life, has our society strayed away from the wondrous thoughts and ideas of our history’s past. There was once a quality of life, where morals and ethics were strong in not just adults but our youth. Yet today, I see teenagers and young adults alike show less and less interest in idyllic philosophies. So many are running around meeting agendas, competing for the best popularity, racing to make points and see who’s more impressive by behavior and looks. That or they’re heads are stuck between two mini ear buds blaring music that whisks them away from realities while they sprain finger tips to see how many text messages they can send out in a day. Very few stop to smell the roses anymore. How can one understand the depth and meaning within a rose by its mere color and shape? And is there time anymore in our hurried lifestyles to ponder such meanings anyway? I would like to believe there is. For what will life have meant if only to have delivered and served without feeling its contours or tasting its flavors? Here is your challenge today and maybe for the rest of the week – while you go to work and do what you do, take a step back and take a taste of your result. Sample your product or service to enjoy its pleasures, to understand what your consumers are getting and see if it doesn’t inspire you to try something different or add spices to make it better. If not at work, try it at the park. Don’t just walk your dog for exercise and so he/she can do his/her duty; but, breathe in the air, look at the trees and take in the multiple colors of nature. It is springtime and nature has so much to offer in contours, aromas, and is richly bountiful with inspiration. Keep that Go-Go Juice brewing so your mind stays fresh, your body invigorated and your spirit stimulated. I’m heading for another refill! Have a truly inspired day!
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