My Good Time Stories

Photo Credit: Me, Coach Muller

It has always fascinated me how many people have sacrificed their lives or the quality of their life for the freedom that all Americans enjoy every day. I can’t imagine the impact that these misfortunes have on not only the soldiers, but the lives of their families and friends.

I always take the time each Memorial Day to think of the soldiers and the freedom that we have and say a little prayer for all of those who are in harm’s way today.

Unfortunately, I am embarrassed and sorry to say, that I don’t think many people REALLY are grateful for the many things that they take pleasure in because of what our soldiers and veterans have sacrificed. It is for that reason that I decided to post some statistics of all of the wars that America has fought. I have found the following information…

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Life and death. The two most basic components of every living person and thing on earth. It was once said that the two most certain things in life are death and taxes. Each one of us will pass on from this world someday and we all probably know of someone who has left us.

Unfortunately, there are times when our loved ones leave us suddenly. We never had the chance to say good-bye and share our final thoughts with them.

I came across the following poem in a paper a few years ago and decided to share with it with you today. I hope that it may bring you a measure of peace and comfort…or please feel free to share it with someone who you may think need it.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called…

Photo Credit: Rubyblossom via CC Flickr

Anxiety and stress…millions upon millions of people struggle coping with this monster every day. The effects of anxiety on some people can be downright nasty, frightening, and frustrating. People suffering from anxiety can have an assortment of symptoms: insomnia, irregular heartbeats, trembling, fear of dying, chills or hot flashes, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, sudden overwhelming fear, nausea,  trouble concentrating, breathing rapidly, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, as with many medical conditions, the exact cause and the genesis of anxiety is not exactly known or understood. There are some things that can contribute to anxiety such as traumatic life experiences, inherited traits, a vast assortment of medical causes, or medications.

I recently had a bout with anxiety (as I also did a year or so ago). In both cases, the anxiety was caused by something different. The first time, it was triggered by…

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Over the course of the past few months, the CORONAVIRUS has had far reaching effects felt around the world. Millions have people have experienced a variety conditions and situations in not only their personal lives but also with their families and friends. One of the things that we all hear is, “We are all in this together”…and it’s true.

But consider the following…

I heard that we’re all in the same boat but it’s not like that. We were in the same storm but not in the same boat. Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa

For some, quarantine is optional. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others this is a desperate financial and family crisis.

With the 600% weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their…

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It is hard to believe that 50 years ago, on April 22, 1970, America celebrated the first Earth Day. Over the course of the next five decades, Earth Day has become a global day of recognition. Since today is Earth Day, I decided…what better way to celebrate this special day by posting beautiful pictures from around the world!!

I hope you enjoy the following Earth Day Celebration!!

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I remember when I was a little boy, watching and following my dad everywhere and wondering to myself what it would be like to be a “grown-up” and whether or not I would ever be as good as him. My father was a photographer who had his own little studio where he would take family portraits or pictures of people and their pets. He was also the photographer for a little town newspaper which had subscribers all along the New Jersey coast.

Wherever we went, everyone just seemed to know him, and they loved him. He always brought a smile, a laugh, and good cheer to others. I remember thinking how awesome that would be if someday, when I got older, when I became a “grown-up,” I could do the same and have people think the same way about me.

Hopefully…I have become a lot like my dad.

Of course…

Around the world, millions upon millions of people celebrate one of the holiest and most blessed days of the year, the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is through that beautiful hope and promise that Christians base their faith upon, that like Jesus, we too will be someday resurrected and live with Him for eternity.

A friend of mine recently sent me the following poem about Easter…with a modern day twist. It has a hint of the legendary writer, Dr. Seuss, and of the times that we are all now experiencing.

It os my hope that this little poem brings a smile to your face, strengthens your faith, and inspiration to your soul.

“Easter…With A Nod to Dr. Seuss”

‘Twas late in ‘19 when the virus began

Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land.

People were sick, hospitals full,

Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school.

As winter gave…

Photo by Meet Savsani on Unsplash

The world has been brought to a stand-still and millions of people around the world are struggling and need a sense of peace and comfort. This is a prayer that was recently posted by a friend of mine whose friend is a Lutheran pastor. I thought that this supplication would be something worth sharing to people who may need it.

May we who are merely inconvenienced remembered those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we have had to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

Photo Credit: USDA

Most of you who have been following my blog over the years, know that I am a Physical Education/Health teacher and a coach and have loved my job throughout the past 31 years. The one constant during those years have been the joy and excitement that I receive from my students. Their passion, zeal, and enthusiasm about life is contagious. This kind of positive atmosphere usually always uplifts my spirits, enlightens my soul, makes me smile. Every day of school is a new adventure..you never know what is going to happen…what will be said or what will be done by these young people. Usually, the younger they are, the funnier things happen.

So, it should be no surprise, that one of the things that I enjoy posting from time-to-time are some of the silly, hilarious, and downright goofy things that kids do…and sometimes teach us. Such is…