She loves me for more than just the milk-bones… September 27, 2007
Posted by HappyDad in character, dogs, happiness, joy, life, love.add a comment
“My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am.”
– Anonymous
Dear Diary…Dog vs. Cats May 2, 2007
Posted by HappyDad in dogs, happiness.1 comment so far
Excerpts from a Dog’s Daily Diary:
- 8:00am: Dog food! My favorite thing!
- 9:30am: A car ride! My favorite thing!
- 9:40am: walk in the park! My favorite thing!
- 10:30am: Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
- 12:00pm: Lunch! My favorite thing!
- 1:00pm: Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
- 3:00pm: Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
- 5:00pm: Milk bones! My favorite thing!
- 7:00pm: Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
- 8:00pm: Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!
- 11:00pm: Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary:
Day 683 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and myself are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.
The audacity! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released –and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe……. for now…
Nuggets from the FranklinCovey FOCUS! class April 2, 2007
Posted by HappyDad in Covey, business, dogs, leadership, productivity, success, teamwork.1 comment so far
- Breakdowns enable breakthroughs!
- The challenge in the workplace today is not knowledge — it is insight. You must bring your heart and your head to work.
- Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your picture with excellence!
- Time is not about the clock – it’s about the choices you make.
- All of this is common sense — but it’s not common practice.
- You need to LIVE – rather than BEING LIVED.
- If you consciously brought your values, talents, and passions to work every day, what amazing breakthroughs could happen!
- “So what if not everyone buys into it?” Well, 2 simple options: 1) Leave, 2) Stay and be the catalyst for change. Start with your smallest circle of influence, and gradually build outward. Every avalanche started with only a single snowflake.
- Choosing between “right” and “wrong” is easy — it’s choosing between “good” and “better” that’s hard.
- A goal is a planned-for event — a dream with a deadline. And there will be a cost involved…time or money or both. And if it is truly important enough to you, then you’ll pay it. Who or what are you already paying your time or money too? Is that what is truly important to you?
- 10 years from now, you’ll be 10 years older anyway, so why not live your dreams?
- Goals have to be S.M.A.R.T = Sustainable, Measurable, Attainable, Reachable, Timely
- Take time to sharpen the saw. Have you ever been so busy driving that you didn’t have time to stop for gas? When the saw is sharp, you’ll get more results, better results, easier results, and less waste. You can’t sharpen just one tooth — it has to be the whole thing, and it has to be even and consistent.
- You will feel endorphines rush when you act in accordance with your values — that’s what happiness is.
- A recent Gallup poll found that 70% of employees reported that they were not actively engaged in their work.
- Which would you prefer: an employee that was naturally talented, or hard working?
- You have to be in a position for luck to happen – luck doesn’t wander around looking for a stumblebum.
- The single most important investment we can make is in ourselves – that is the only thing over which we have complete control.
- 65% of people spend their leisure time doing things they’d rather not be doing.
- “Know yourself – don’t accept your dog’s admiration as evidence that you are wonderful.” — Ann Landers
- Good enough never is.
- Efficiency is doing things right, whereas Effectiveness is doing the right things.
- It’s not the interruptions that waste our time, but the lag time afterwards when we try to get back on track.
- It’s a silly time to learn to swim when you’re already starting to drown.
- Organized people write things down; dangerously organized people can find them again.
- Be willing to hire and work with dissenting points of view; “I never learned anything from anyone who agreed with me.”
- Time is not an obstacle — it is an opportunity.
What My Dogs Taught Me January 30, 2007
Posted by HappyDad in dogs, happiness, love, perspective.add a comment
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Even though you were born to hate cats, you can always learn to change.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Be loyal.
Run, romp and play daily.
You’re never too old to learn new tricks.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends.
Who cares about the pedigree papers anyway? Even the best of breeds get dirty, hungry, tired, old, and have to relieve themselves in public just like everyone else.
When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
