A Thousand Word Thursday - "The Sword"

So each night we hear the terrible state our local and national economies are in via multiple forms of news and information sites. But the true reality is when you awake to a memo like this well crafted sword I got this morning.

Blah Blah Blah blah - I can not share.

Have you ever had your ears ring so loudly that you became nauseous, your world began to spin in your head and you wanted to go Terry Tate Office Linebacker all at the same time?

The ringing is gone, I think, or I am just used to it. The head spinning has evolved into a splitting headache and the kind of haze you feel after 3 shots of good tequila, minus the warm fuzzy good feeling. I would like to know how a person can grow the business within their territory by 18% yr over yr, help sell off additional products to help bring in the 4th quarter and have strong business booked for 2009 and get whacked? The unfortunate part was I did not even get the courtesy of a call from my manager. That is a subject for an entirely different rant.

Am I hurt? Yes
Do I understand? Not even
Am I worried about how to survive this in this economy? You're fucking right I am. It scares me to death.
Do companies even care that they are destroying families' ways of life? I believe it has gone the way of the Golden watch. So my answer is a resounding -NO !!

I am making a choice that many of you will not understand. I choose to thank those who supported me throughout the tenure of my employment. I truly enjoyed building the business with each of you and wish you all the best. As for the rest, I thank you for the many lessons on how I will not conduct myself when I have earned a similar managerial position one day.

I have no time to be vindictive or lash out. That kind of behavior is for weak minded, insecure, spineless jackholes. I need every moment to do all I can to find a job so I can keep this roof over my kids'heads, keep them clothed and fed and hopefully someday find the sunshine again. Please keep us in your prayers.

Wordful Wednesday

This 100+ year old solid oak work hutch is a family heirloom given to me by my beloved grandmother, affectionately known in our home as Grama-Great. This vintage piece came from the old Utah capital building back in the late 1800's and is now my sweet bugaboo's homework hutch. "Munchie" the travel monkey oversees homework activities like a marine general. (Munchie is our family good luck charm who sits in the front window of the Tahoe as we travel.)



I am so pleased that she loves school so much and she has a wicked pride in being the best in her class at everything and consistently searches for perfection. Hmmm...similar to another type AAA personality in our home. I have no idea where that comes from. Nope, not at all. I just tell her, "keep on rockin' in the free world, girl."

Tuesday's Tribute

Friend (frend)
noun
1. a person whom one knows well and is fond of; intimate associate; close acquaintance. 2. a person on the same side in a struggle; one who is not an enemy or foe; ally. 3. a supporter or sympathizer; a friend of labor. 4. something thought of as like a friend in being helpful, reliable, etc.

This is Webster's definition of a friend. This week's Tribute goes out to a very dear and beloved friend of ours. Georgia is one of the sweetest, kindest and most reliable people you could ever meet. I think Webster leaves a few intangible qualities out, but that's ok. Georgia has them, so we have them on record. She has a quiet demeanor about her, but I have found over the years that her gentle nature is more an act of information gathering rather than a reclusiveness, because when she has something to say it is usually profound and very well thought out. I have also found that Georgia's contemplative nature is in part a mystical, meditative dance choreographed between her and her surroundings. I have observed her standing on the deck of a villa in St. John overlooking Cinnamon Bay and saying nothing, just taking in all the majestic wonders that nature has to offer and that God has put on this earth for us to see, love and enjoy. She is one of the few who really take the time to slow down and notice these wonders and appreciate them.


Within the last three months, two of those majestic wonders God giveth, he has also taken back. Right before Thanksgiving Georgia lost her father somewhat unexpectedly. Then, just this past week she lost her best friend and beloved sister, Robyn. She had battled breast cancer for the last 13 years with the fierceness of a lion, but lost that battle as the insidious disease metastasized throughout her body.
Georgia called us herself with the news. She was steeled and strong, although I knew that inside she was beyond pain and grief. Colleen and I decided to dedicate this Tribute Tuesday to Georgia for the tremendous courage and strength she has exhibited through such incredible sorrow and adversity. I cannot begin to imagine how she feels. I can tell her we love her. If either one of us could shoulder your pain or grief we would gladly do so to give you a bit of reprieve. We pray that you find comfort in God's hands and that in time your pain will lessen and in its place grow into a flower of all the beautiful memories you shared. God Bless you our FRIEND. Many hugs from all in the Elggren home.


Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

Join The Ride - Spread The Word

On Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m., the Whitt Family is holding a celebration in Parker, Colorado. They're having a wagon and bike parade to honor Tuesday with one of her favorite things to do - "wagie rides."

We all can't be there physically, but we can be there in spirit.

The goal is to create a virtual parade for Tuesday, to show her family and friends how her brief life touched so many. To offer support in their time of need. And to maybe bring a smile.

Find your way to join the ride in Tuesday's honor.

Finally Friday

I just want to thank each of you who took the chance to visit the CCA website , listen to the live feed and donate to this awesome cause for the Children's Cancer Association. The final tally will be given around 10am PST. So far the total is well over $240,000.

Now it is time to gather ourselves and support Jay & St. Baldrick's efforts here in a few weeks. Remember every little bit counts.

A Thousand Word Thursday

About The Children's Cancer Association

This cause is so important!! This is for the children this week. With that said in my world it garnered the Wordful Wednesday & A Thousand Word Thursday spots this week.

[ If you’re here because your child or a young loved one has cancer, we are so very sorry. However, we also have some good news. There is hope.

There are many resources that can help children and families get through this with their spirit, strength and love intact. Yes, cancer takes an enormous emotional toll on everyone it touches, but it is possible to survive its ravages and actually end up stronger and wiser and more compassionate for having endured the journey.

We’re here to help. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in loving memory of five-year-old Alexandra Ellis who courageously fought cancer for two and half years before she died on May 7, 1995. In the year of Alexandra’s death, CCA was born. Since then, CCA has worked to offer award-winning programs, along with information, advocacy and support that help enrich the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families.

Together, with our valued community partners, Board of Directors, staff, donors and volunteers, CCA continues to bring joy, compassion and support to thousands of children and families across the U.S. each year—as well as ongoing assistance to the medical professionals who care for them.

“The Children’s Cancer Association provides a valuable service to so many patients and families by increasing the quality of life for children during treatment…it’s a true inspiration.”

— Stacy Nicholson, MD
Chief of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Doernbecher Children's Hospital]

February 5th & 6th, 2009

Our Local radio station is once again doing tremendous things for children not only in our Portland ,Oregon community but children across the country who need treatment and care in fighting this insidious disease of cancer.

Nelson & Terry of 105.1 The Buzz with Cassidy during the 2008 annual radiothon raised $413,000, with the help of corporations and valued listeners.

You do not have to live in Portland to donate , or listen to the heart wrenching , yet inspiring stories of these children and their valiant fights. A life affirming 28-hour radiothon for the Children's Cancer Association will be hosted by the Nelson and Terry Show on 105.1 FM The Buzz. The radioathon begins Live 6:00 AM Thursday, February 5th through 10:00 AM Friday, February 6th on 105.1 FM or streaming live

We, as a family, donate every year. (2 years ago, when my daughter Alayna was 6, she brought her entire savings down in the morning and started to put it into her backpack for school.
We asked, "what are you doing with your piggy?"
Alayna-- "I am taking it to school so I can give to the needy children who have cancer."
I have never been so proud.)

We listen throughout the live broadcast and I am telling you this event will inspire you to want to donate even the $10 for a CCA valentine. This broadcast will touch your soul in ways you have never imagined. Last year I was listening in my car. I literally had to pull over because I could not see through the tears that had welled up in my eyes. No one deserves cancer, but kids getting cancer is just not right at so many levels. Through this event we can make a difference in their lives and existence as they go through their treatments ( Chemo Pals, Music Rx and the Caring Cabin , just to name a few.) . Take a minute and browse the CCA website, see what they do and what they offer. This is an absolutely amazing organization. Show your support and let's all join the fight. To Donate. Let's all help make this year a record year for the CCA.

Tuesday's Tribute

This is a tribute to my brother Jay who works his ever loving ARS off everyday in the name of love for his family, a sport he has grown to love and the burning desire to succeed. He is not much different than most all of us, except he is. He has a triple shot cappuccino mondo driven personality, that will raise mountains to achieve success.

So a few years ago my brother Jay, "Chief Cyclist", had a vision. His vision, to buy this company called Blackbottoms Cyclewear and reset the tangibility and marketability of this well known brand throughout the cycling community. His goal, to provide the cycling enthusiast from beginner to the professional cycling minded people & teams with an alternative; the ability to buy quality cycling products at great prices. He has had some very good successes through signing on team business like the University of Utah cycling team for one.


He has also focused on building his business through participation in most all the cycling trade shows and races west of the Mississippi. (The Tour of California, The Sea Otter Classic, Interbike, the major Las Vegas bike show, the official supplier of the Tour of Utah jerseys and garb and much more.) He also understands the value of supporting his fellow cycling vendors in their quest to all succeed. A bit of gear head, crankshaft pay it forward if you will.


He is the one on the left in the White & Black Blackbottoms Tee.

Blackbottoms is a high quality line of very comfortable cycling gear (bibs, shorts, jerseys, jackets and accessories). Jay can accommodate teams with team custom Kits ( uniforms for the non cyclists). He offers a great quality product at a very reasonable price. His personality also offers something I think we can all agree has somehow been lost in the retail world today. A pleasant customer to vendor interaction. He loves what he does and believes not just in his products but in the personal, athletic and fitness success of each of his customers/clients. He, like the rest of us, is just trying to build the American dream and be successful. I am not sure how many of you bloggy friends and visitors to my blog are cyclists and or know a cyclist, but I would ask you to go to BLACKBOTTOMS Cyclewear and see if there is anything that you might need for your outdoor cycling season, or your indoor spinning fitness classes, or just give as a gift to that cyclist in your life. If nothing more, help me get the word out. If you wear Blackbottoms and like them, scream it from the rafters and pass on the good word. If you buy a product and like it, buy more and scream it from the rafters and pass on the word. Thanks for your support. I hope to see you in Blackbottoms gear on the road, trail or spin class somewhere.

Remember- "Ride like you stole it." Pain is about mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.


Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

Sunday Inspiration

A wonderful friend of mine passed this onto me. So , I thought I would pass on the message to you today. Thanks Lisa.

~ "The Master's Touch" ~

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski concert.

After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative, experience. And the audience was mesmerized.

The lesson: Whatever our situation in life and history -- however outrageous, however desperate, God is whispering deep within our beings,
"Don't quit. Keep playing."

A Thousand Word Thursday

Perky Flight Attendant: "Don't worry sir, I know we are 55 min late this evening, but maybe the pilots can make up some time in the air."

Me: "Yeah, it would be nice to be in the air to start making up that time, as I have a 25 min connection window in SLC."

Perky Flight Attendant: "Can I get you some peanuts?"

Me: "Ugh. No thanks, I hear there is a salmonella scare right now involving peanuts. How about some Valium."



I made my connection by making my own version of the Hertz commercial, and got home at mid-night. But I am safe and sound. Gotta love business travel.

Tuesday's Tribute

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.



I would like to write a brief tribute to our esteemed Federal Government & those banking and investment Corporate Executives who have damn near destroyed the American dream through their stupidity and greed. Oh but these are the folks who companies pay to come speak at function about leadership and profitability. that is how our prison system works. Put criminals with other criminals or even non criminals and they refine their criminal activity. Genius. Yes, they have earned this tribute.
I would like to take my hat off to each of those public & private servants for the tremendous job they have done in selling the American public and all their dreams down the Honey Bucket just outside the White house fence. (You know the single use kind that smell a lot like roses and come with their own flies.) I would like to see the accounting sheet showing me what I (we) have gotten for our $700B and growing loan to the Government, banks, car companies, etc? Getting a home loan is harder than ever, even a re-fi is an absolute freaking joke, as is getting any type of credit. The joke is on us, the tax paying public. Those who are losing their jobs, 45% of their 401K's in 10 months and 30% of their home value at best. Yet the "Loans" were meant to have loosened up the credit markets and allow for all markets to stimulate growth and public spending. Hmmmm, I guess I realized last week as I turned 41 that the word retirement had now been extracted from my new Webster's Dictionary. Hats off to you ladies & gentlemen of our government and you greedy bastards who have run these companies into the ground and keep coming back to the tax payer for handouts. Where is my bailout if I need it? Oh, that's right, if things get really bad I can dig into what retirement savings the sagging market has not eaten. All the while slitting one wrist as I bend over and lube up so I can pay 42% taxes on the funds that are mine. I hope you can sleep with yourselves at night as the other 97% of Americans struggle to make this all make sense and keep their homes and businesses intact. May you burn in hell. Sorry, but Obama is not the second coming of Christ in all this. A good man? Yes. A great speaker? Absolutely. Savior of the free world? Good freaking luck with that smokin' pile of elephant feces left in your care, Sir.

Remember, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. Maybe if they knew something about true leadership we would not be in this economic wasteland.