hopeful for economic recovery

Some of you know that I manage an endowment of more than $50 million to support education. It stands to reason that the recent collapse of world markets and local housing, along with the roller coaster ride of the Dow would make me a little anxious. And well it should (and has).
But last week was [...]

10 ideas for thoughtful christmas giving on the cheap

I wasn’t always um frugal. In fact, I went through the conspicuous consumption phase in my 20s. I got my financial act together in my 30s. In my late 30s and early 40s I became thoughtful about purchases. In the past two years I’ve become downright cheap (mortgages aside). When I was searching for fixtures [...]

free downloadable stuff from orange county public library

I saw an interesting article about how a man in New Jersey is getting his books mailed to him from a South Florida library (for free, just like here in Orlando). I have to imagine that a) he made a giant donation to said library and/or b) he has a second home in the neighborhood [...]

thank you

If the only prayer
you said in your whole life
was, ‘thank you,’
that would be enough.
- Meister Eckhart, 14th Century mystic

new good faith mortgage due in 2010

From the Times’ Bob Tedeschi, comes this info on a new, more transparent HUD good faith estimate:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/realestate/23mort.html

this child was amazing

Embedded video from CNN Video
If you can’t see the video, you can find it here: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/22/jaffe.wa.boy.dying.wish.obit.komo

lovely toes

I had a pedicure today with a friend. My toes look pretty. I had shrimp for dinner. It was a good day.

there will be a light at the end of the tunnel (that is not an oncoming train)

This solid advice comes from Florida Trend and Dr. Osteryoung. It is directed toward entrepreneurs but is sage wisdom for all of us and our families and friends.

Things Are Going to Get Better!

by Dr. Jerry Osteryoung   

The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source [...]

calling all believers

I believe in the power of prayer.
And I am humbly asking if you have a little space on your own prayer list that you include two friends, Bill and Don. One is valiantly fighting a cancer that is aggressive and returned quickly after the first operation this summer despite chemical treatments. The other is the new [...]

nyt dream home diaries: the sequel?

An update from New York Times home editor Penelope Green about the next construction blog … Hmmm ….
How Did the Dreamers Do?
Q. Will there be any follow-up on how things turned out for the “Dream Home Diaries” duo, Paul and Alison?
Also, will there be another renovation or building blog? You had some very loyal [...]

i could make it sleep

I lived in a fairly small, historic town outside of New York City from about 4 to 11 years. It had the old library and the corner store. I went to kindergarten in what was the original one-room schoolhouse. Every fall the Duncan Yo Yo man would come to town and have an event where he [...]

small steps to make the world better

From an old issue of Real Simple, comes some wonderful advice.
How to Be Nice to Strangers and the World Around You

At a tourist spot, ask people if they would like you to take their picture in front of a beautiful view or a historic monument.
Subtly alert people when they have food in their teeth, an [...]

godspeed

I had the opportunity to watch Endeavour launch from my backyard. It did not launch from my yard but this is where I saw it. I guess all my neighbors were doing the same thing because there was a collective whoo hoo across the lake when it lifted off and then a few seconds later [...]

i get to see sarah tonight

Brightman that is.
Stay tuned.
Her website is http://www.sarah-brightman.com

remember etch-a-sketch?

My favorite toy as a child and the most excitement I remember on a Christmas morning (second only to the green Schwinn).

if only it were so

A spoof of the New York Times appeared through the city today.

 
In an elaborate operation six months in the planning, 1.2 million papers were printed at six different presses and driven to prearranged pickup locations, where thousands of volunteers stood ready to pass them out on the street.

really random meanderings

Bad blogger. Bad blogger. I’m Catholic so occasionally I have to reprimand myself for what I did or did not do …
I apologize for the gaps in writing but I have been busier than usual with the work/school/home drill.
Our donor recognition gala was Saturday night at a beautiful property with generous, loving donors, and we [...]

change is coming

God bless America

the stakes are high

but please stop sending me the terrorist emails in all caps. After all, I have steadfastly not blamed you for the Bush era or forwarded you a single email during this incredibly long election.
For some common sense I turn to Scott Maxwell of the Sentinel. He offers some advice on what happens if your guy (whichever [...]

prankin’ palin