From our friends at SafetyXchange

10 Things a Safety Trainer Never Hears
By Glenn Demby-->
(see Safety Xchange link in right column)
1. Hey! Get up! It's MY turn to sit in the front row!
2. Your safety talk was so exciting that I didn't notice it was 25 minutes over the scheduled time!
3. Personally, I find inspecting my respirator so much more enjoyable than playing golf.
4. As General Manager, I was going to recommend an additional $5,000 per month for wining and dining new customers; but I've decided to put the money into your safety budget instead.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher of the tail-gate safety talks!!!
6. As a safety director, you're a valued part of our management team and, doggone it, you deserve to be paid like it so you can live like the other senior managers do.
7. I love it when we have these management safety awareness meetings!!!!
8. Hey! Now THESE are some really cool safety glasses!
9. The plant manager would like to send you to a two-week safety seminar in the Bahamas, if that's okay with you.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment in the morning like seeing that lime green "SAFETY FIRST" fob on my key ring!

Honorable Mention:
"Hey Bob! Can I inspect all the forklifts today? Just to be thorough... PLEASE???
Submitted by:Ralph B. WhiteSafety and MaintenanceSmith Industries, Midland Texas

When tomorrow starts without me…

(I hope you never need this, but thought it was too good not to share.)

When tomorrow starts without me
by David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today.
While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
An angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.

He said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through heaven's gates I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me from His great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow for today will always last,
And since each day's the same way there's no longing for the past.”

So, when tomorrow starts without me don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me I'm right here in your heart!

Tip 48 - Its Up to YOU!

A review
When it comes to Safety....it really is up to you!

The best safety program in the world - cannot keep you safe unless you heed the warnings and follow the rules.

The most experienced safety manager - cannot get you home at the end of the day, unless you take an active roll in the safety program.

Your Supervisor can only do so much - he/she cannot wear your PPE for you and they cannot be with you every step of the day! You have to make the conscious decision to put on the PPE and work safely!

90% is not enough! You must follow the rules 100% of the time (at home, at work, and at play). If you don't there is a possibility for injury.

Home hazards! Your chances of getting hurt at home are 5 to 6 times greater than they are of getting hurt at work.

Home injuries are costly! Workers Compensation does not cover home injuries. All the more reason to follow sound safety practices at home. And remember: your children are watching and learning from You!

PPE 24/7 Helmets are a good idea for bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, skate boarding, etc. Hearing protection while mowing the yard, hunting, or using powertools can help save your hearing. Safety glasses should be worn for any activities to protect your eyes and tinted ones improve your vision on sunny days. Wear gloves, to avoid hand injuries and frost bite, and don't forget fall protection can save your life (falls are the No. 1 killer in the home). And, if you are hanging out in your tree stand you should be tied off.

Drive Safely and Drive Sober! Be careful over the holidays...a DUI will ruin it even if nobody gets hurt! And don't drive drowsy...pull over and get 10-20 minutes of sleep before pushing on. We see too many families destroyed by MVA tragedies every Holiday Season.

We can talk safety all we want...but it is Up to YOU to WALK the WALK! YOU are the Safety Program!

Safety...it really is UP TO YOU!

"Get a handle on Safety...It's your grip on Life!"

Tidbits – 11/26/07

Are you ready for Flu Season?
It is that time again…TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT. The worst months for the flu are generally December through February. The worst flu pandemic occurred in 1918-19 and caused an estimated 40 million deaths. Today, because of increased travel abroad, the CDC projects a pandemic could result in 2 to 7.4 million deaths globally (maybe more). Experts claim we are overdue for a pandemic; that is why they are watching the Avian Influenza so closely. One way to control the spread of the flu is by regularly washing your hands with soap and water.

You can get there from here
“You always pass failure on the way to success.” Mickey Rooney

Fall Reminder
The CPSC warns us not to put children to sleep in loose-fitting T-shirts or over-size clothes made from cotton or cotton blends. These garments catch fire easily and are associated with 200-300 ER-treated burns to children annually. Loose-fitting clothing stands away from the body, making contact with an ignition source more likely. Loose-fitting, non-flame-resistant clothing allows an air space next to the body that helps keep the fire burning, possibly injuring children. Snug-fitting garments need not be flame-resistant because they are made to fit closely against the body. Their stretchy fabrics make them comfortable. Snug-fitting sleepwear does not ignite easily and does not burn as rapidly because there is little air under the garment to feed a fire. Flame-resistant garments do not continue burning when removed from an open flame. Remember: Inflammable means it WILL BURN!

Be a giver not a taker
“If success is important to you, earn it by service to others not at the expense of others.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

From our friends at OSHA and WHO
-Use caution when working with torches or doing any type of hot work…workplace fires and explosions injure 5,000 workers every year.
-These workplace fires cost U.S. businesses more than $2.3 million each year.
-Did you know OSHA says approximately 10% of all workplace accidents are a result of people not following lockout/tagout procedures?
-These lockout/tagout violations result in more than 100 fatalities and 50,000 injuries every year.
-More than 17,000 Hazmat incidents occur every year.
-Back injuries account for one out of every five workplace injuries and 25% of compensation claims. According to the BLS more than a million workers suffer back injuries every year.
-The World Health Organization tells us that the Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) has spread to Europe with confirmed cases in Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Quote of the Week
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.

I am Thankful!

For the Wife who says its hot dogs tonight,
Because she is home with me, and not out with someone else.

For the Husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato,
Because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes,
It means she is at home, and not out on the streets.

For the Taxes that I pay,
it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party
it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the Clothes that fit a little too snug
it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work
it means I am out in the sunshine.

For the lawn that needs mowing; for windows that need cleaning;
and, gutters that need fixing…
it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government
it means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
it means I am capable of walking and that I have been
blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill
it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key
it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing
it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
it means that I am alive.

For too much e-mail because
it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

And finally, for the soldiers who go to battle and risk their lifes
when old men in Congress and the Presidents we elect decide to go to war.

Thanks God...I am truly blessed.

Tidbits – 11/19/07

-Wear your hearing protection! Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from Chronic Hearing Loss.
-Drive sober! Don’t drink and drive over the holidays…it can lead to an arrest or even deadly consequences. (you probably heard about the gal from Tulsa, OK that killed 5 pedestrians and didn’t even stop because she was drunk. Many lives were changed because of one bad decision).
-Pay attention to the road. Driver distraction accounts for 80% of all motor vehicle crashes put the cell phone down and focus on the road…PLEASE?-The average life expectancy for U.S women born in 2005 is 80 years compared to just 48 years for those born in 1900.
-Lock it out! 44% of non-fatal workplace amputations involved people caught in equipment that they did not lock out.

Be True to Yourself
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
–Frederick Douglas

Fireplace Safety Tips
-When was the last time you had your fireplace cleaned by a chimney sweep. If you don’t remember, do it now and avoid a chimney fire this winter.
-Make sure your fireplace has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts and that the chimney is clear and in good repair.
-Open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases.
-Never use charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline to light a fire --the vapors could explode.
-Never use coal/charcoal in a fireplace because of the carbon monoxide danger.
-Don’t burn trash in the fireplace, as these materials can generate deadly fumes.
-Artificial logs are not like real logs. They are usually made of sawdust and wax with special burning properties. Read and follow instructions listed on the logs.
-Adding artificial logs to a burning natural wood fire can cause a flare up – be careful.
-Do not poke artificial logs -- the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet. Poking the log could also cause a flare-up.
-Never soak newspaper logs in flammable fuels because of the explosion potential.
-Soaking newspapers in water, before/during rolling, removes the clay content and makes for better burning. Put the logs on end and let them dry for 2 weeks prior to use.
-Do not overload the fireplace --it can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.
-Always use a fire screen around the fireplace to keeps sparks from flying out.

Quote of the Week: Remember…
"The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter." –Unknown

Holiday Safety Tips

-More a million DRUNK Drivers are convicted every year. Many lives are destroyed by the fatalities and disabling injuries caused by people driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
-So Drink responsibly, and be careful of eating too much. A full driver can be a drowsy, dangerous driver. Be careful and make it home safely.
-If you are traveling let people know when to expect you, make sure your cell phone is fully charged or pickup a charger that fits in the cigarette lighter.
-Chirstmas lights can lead to home fires so be careful.
-Don’t connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord (and buy a good cord not the one for $1.00).
-Keep cords and lights away from water under the tree and from flammables.
-Don’t run cords under rugs or carpet as wires can overheat and start a fire.
-Don’t string outside lights in cold weather and never use indoor lights outdoors, as internal wiring can get brittle and break creating electrical hazards.
-Unplug Christmas tree lights and blow out the candles when going to bed or leaving the house.
-Keep an eye on the little ones...trees do tip over and candle wax can burn...don't let the holidays turn into a tragedy. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Tip 47- Get ready for Winter

The cold weather is coming and that affects us, our vehicles, our animals and our homes. It also affects the way we dress for work, the equipment we operate and the surfaces we work on and around. Here are just a few things to remember as the temps begin to drop.
Visibility - Take the time to scrap the windows or allow the vehicle to warm up and thaw the frost before hitting the road. And always keep a scraper and a flashlight in your car. You want to be visible if you break down at night.
Slip and Fall hazards - Ice, slush and snow not only affect visibility but can lead to slips and falls causing fractured hips or sprained wrists. Be careful on the roadways and walkways and give yourself more time to get to work by leaving early.
Equipment Warm up/Cool down - Remember equipment takes longer to warm up and diesel equipment should always be allowed to idle for awhile (3-5 minutes) before shutting it down after operating it for a while.
Machinery issues - Belts will shrink and tighten up causing more spillage as material slides off. Moving parts can freeze up due to the ice and snow so be careful…they can break loose suddenly and begin moving.
Coveralls/gloves pose potential hazards - Be careful with coveralls around equipment (you should not be working around unguarded equipment to begin with, right!). Remember to zip up the zippers on the legs and arms (if the coveralls have them) always buckle both shoulder straps and trim any loose threads, etc. Every year people get caught in machinery because of their coveralls. And wear gloves that fit…machinery can grab a glove and pull your arm in. Gloves also cause reduced dexterity which can make some tasks more hazardous…plan your work accordingly.
Cold Weather hazard - Take breaks as necessary to avoid frost nip/frost bite especially when performing work outdoors! Dress in layers so you can remove a layer or two as the day warms up.
Flu Shots - These are a good idea and local physicians tell me it is best to get a shot between the middle of November and the middle of December.
Check your vehicle - Now is a good time to check your antifreeze (check the radiator cap -- it may need replacing), tires, belts, hoses, etc. Throw a blanket or maybe some extra jackets, gloves and winter caps in the trunk. Don't forget the jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid kit. A can (to melt snow), matches and a candle are a good idea if you live in say North Dakota like I used to.
Home issues - Have the fireplace cleaned; change the furnance filters (when was the last time you serviced your furnace?); disconnect the hose and put it away; install weather strip as needed; get the Christmas lights up before it gets too cold, etc., etc. Don't forget Fido - his water can freeze and he may need an extra blanket or two to stay warm…an a rawhide bone will keep him busy and take his mind off the cold.

Remember our Veterans!

I didn't want Veterans' Day to pass without saying Thanks to all of the wonderful men and women of the Armed Forces. Whether they are currently serving or past members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard or Coast Guard these folks need to know we appreciate them. Crowds at Veterans' Day Parades have dwindled in recent years and that is a real shame. We should all be out there on Veterans' Day showing our support!!!

I thank all the fine men and women who have fought and continue to fight so that me, my family, friends, neighbors and co-workers can be FREE. They fight to protect us all (even the protestors, the flag burners, etc.). Thanks guys and gals for keeping this American and the rest of our Fine Country Free -- I appreciate your sacrifices and know many more feel the same way. Stand up America and Salute the Veteran...it is the least you can do!

God Bless America! See photo at bottom of page

Tip 46 - Ask "Why not?"

Some ask why the big push for safety...I ask why not and you should too!

A common frustration for safety managers (and others) is the fact that some people just don't get it. This is a problem that many of us face, everyday. Why do people put themselves in harm's way for short term gains? Do they understand the risks? Are we giving our employees (and our childern) the training and tools that they need to survive in today's workplace? Some think 'it won't happen to me', but when it does happen to them they find out they were wrong.

Safe production is efficient production...many of America's best companies have figured it out. Mine operators and business owners know it too, but some workers still think they are helping the company out by taking unnecessary risk. We cannot afford the 'company man' mentality whether it is an hourly worker, a supervisor or a manager. These types of people usually end up getting people hurt.

Some supervisors and/or managers do not enforce safety rules because they do not want to upset their subordinates (and former co-workers) ...WHY NOT? Believe me it will upset the wives, husbands, parents and childern of our employees if we let their loved one die on the job. It will also be something you will regret for the rest of your life.

Nobody should have to die while they are trying to make a living, but many do! Why!? We get what we accept...maybe we need to expect more from ourselves, our co-workers and our superiors. Are we not our brothers' (and sisters') keepers? Please do your part to "get 'em all home at the end of the shift!"

Safety...why not?

MSHA-required Documents

MSHA requires Mine Operators to maintain the following records
Here is a list of the documents you need to have available for MSHA during an inspection, just in case you didn’t know. With the new assessments you don’t want any surprises.

Comprehensive Part 46 Training Program (update annually)
Part 62 - Hearing Conservation Program and annual training records (must cover all 7 points listed in 62.180)
Written HazCom (Hazardous Communication) Program
Miners’ Representative (and contact information) - 40.3 - Post it!
MSHA 2000-7 Legal ID (Update as needed) – 41.12
MSHA 7000-1: Accident Reports (MSHA Reportables – each one must be investigated)
MSHA 7000-2: Quarterly Employment Reports
Supervisors’ Daily Workplace Exams - 56.18002
Mobile Equipment Inspections - 56.14100
Firefighting equipment inspection records - 56.4201 (If contract company is used they need written documentation of inspections)
Continuity and resistance of electrical equipment grounding test records (56.12028) (Due 12 months following last inspection)
Pressure Vessel Inspections - 56.13012 (Varies by State; MSHA enforces the State regulations)
Current First aid Records – Documentation for currently trained individuals capable of providing first-aid assistance on all shifts when hazardous work is being conducted - 56.18010
Independent Contractor Register - List of Contractors working on site with contact information (and MSHA ID if they have one) - 45.4
If applicable, Respirator Protection Program and respirator fit-testing records requested during MSHA health sampling activities of employees (determines penalty if there is an over-exposure to surveyed contaminants).
Safety…is it everywhere you want to be???

A Safety Professional

The Safety Professional
Anonymous
Sandwiched tightly between Top Brass and the teaming masses sits a wild-eyed individual madly singing a safety tune. He's the most misunderstood, maligned and unsung person in all the world of business. He's the proverbial "SAFETY PROFESSIONAL".

This fellow's a little bit of all strata's....a member of none. To the employee or worker he's a tool of management; to management, he's just another employee.

He finds his job interesting. He speaks for management from the "Ivory Tower" and then runs out to the Production Area, Warehouse or Work Site to hear how it sounds. He must keep his head in the "brass' board room", his feet in the muck.... a difficult position to keep from falling on his butt.
He has the curiosity of a cat....the tenacity of a mother in law...the determination of a taxi driver...the nervous system of a race car driver...the digestive capacity of a goat...the simplicity of a jackass...the diplomacy of a wayward husband...the hide of a rhinoceros...the speed of a rocket and the good humor of an idiot.
He has the busiest, shrewdest, plottingest, worryingest, most thoroughly washed brain of any human. His mail basket is always full, his desk is a constant mess and his calendar looks like cave drawings. Nobody has been given the run-around as often, has been passed so many bucks, is left holding so many bags, and has cut his way through so much red tape.
The SAFETY PROFESSIONAL keeps the coffee plantations, aspirin plants, liquor distilleries and the midnight oil companies in business. He must tread lightly over mountains of eggs, knowing where to tread and, more importantly, when and where NOT to tread. You'll find him everywhere...shouting loudly over the din of a bunch of roaring engines, whispering softly in the hallowed precincts of thick-carpeted offices.Whenever there is an accident, the SAFETY PROFESSIONAL is often called in to explain why and how it happened. He's expected pull rabbits out of nonexistent hats; when the job is thankless, he gets it. He must engender interests in good housekeeping to people who live in garage sale clutter ...promote wider responsibility to people who have a narrow focus ... preach safety to people who think they don't need it. He must listen to the phrase, 'that's always the way we've done it," until he vomits.

Despite all the careful planning he is usually found dangling on a deadline...he's the original cat on the hot tin roof...in the middle of a muddle and of course LATE. The master of understatement, he must make fire protection sound as essential as religion and an accident cost sound like the national debt.
He's suppose to be a "specialist" who can breath new life into committees and meetings... leadership into management... cooperation into supervisory personnel... responsibility into employees/workers. He must inspire without propaganda... propagandize without being obvious. He parks his 1980's jalopy between the boss' new Mercedes and the janitor's SUV. When he's clever, it goes unnoticed...when he stubs his toe, the world is there to see and mock it.
To him a headache is normal; he'd have ulcers if he could afford them. He has more critics than Harry Truman. He meets more people who think they know more about safety than the company has conveyor hooks.
He can never be right. When he simplifies, he's pandering. When he gets a little technical, he's over their head. Half the people wonder what he does... the other half know what he does but think he's doing it wrong! When an idea turns out lousy and after the blame has been thoroughly kicked between the employee/worker, foreman and supervisor, it winds up in his lap.
More people bend his ear than anybody else's. Everybody thinks he always has time to stop and listen to a joke...hear a gripe...attend a meeting... serve on a committee. He does, and winds up taking most of his work home.
He has no peer in the realm of praise, propaganda and procrastination. He knows he's right; only the world thinks he's wrong. If he has an idea, it was stolen. However, a stolen idea is research! Where else do you think the background material for this sad tale of woe about a Safety Professional originated?

Safety Tip No. 45

It's Hunting Season…be careful out there!

Hunters Remember -- There is No Closed Season on Safety!
Don't pull a Dick Cheney, follow good hunter safety practices...a few tips from miners.
Be sure of your target before you shoot! The biggest buck in the woods isn't worth someone's life. Have a safe and enjoyable season. - Dale Byram, Training Center
Never point your gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. - Reggie Lamons, No. 7 MineAlways make sure the safety is on while transporting or walking with your gun. - James Blankenship, No. 4 MineNever attempt to climb up or down a tree stand with a loaded gun. - David Evers, CMODo not carry small children deer hunting with you and make sure the deer is dead before you put it in your vehicle. - Sundery Robinson, No. 7 Mine
Hunt sober! - Guy Hensley, CMO
Wear a bright colored hat so you will not be an easy target. - Shelby Cowley, CMO
Wear your safety belt when hunting from a tree stand. - John Aldrich, No. 7 Mine
Always wear your hunter orange while in the woods. - Buddy Smith, No. 7 Prep Plant
Never shoot at a sound or movement. Be certain of your target before you pull the trigger. - Judy Lake, CMO
Look beyond the target before shooting… High powered ammo can travel in excess of a mile. - Mark Piper, No. 7 Mine
When crossing over a fence, unload your gun if alone or pass your gun to a hunting partner with the safety on before crossing the fence. - Vann Wilhite, CMO
Always treat every gun as if it is loaded. - Jack Gravely, No. 7 Mine
It is safest to hunt with a buddy, but when not possible, let someone know where you are hunting and what time you expect to return…it could save your life. - David Minor, Central Lab
ALWAYS assume that other hunters are not as safe as you are. - James Jones, CMO
Never carry a loaded gun on a 4-wheeler. - Chuck Reed, No. 7 MineIn the interest of post-hunting safety at home, after being gone for DAYS on a hunting trip, when arriving back home be sure to greet your wife with a big smile and a dozen red roses. - Gail Dennis, No. 4 Mine

Tidbits – 11/05/07

Fewer US Workers Got Hurt/Sick on the Job in 2005
The rate of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses throughout the United States dropped slightly in 2005 compared to 2004. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the rate among private industry employers was 4.6 per 100 equivalent full-time workers, compared to 4.8 per 100 in 2004.

Still, according to BLS, 4.2 million non-fatal injuries/illnesses occurred in private injury workplaces in
2005 – including 2.2 million that involved either days away from work, job transfers or restricted duties,
or a combination of those.

Recent Mining Fatalities: Year to date there have been 56 fatalities in mining 26 in Coal and 30 in Metal/Non-metal compared to 67 (43 in Coal and 24 in Metal/Non-metal) at this time last year. Please remind employees to work safely now that days are short and the weather is changing. Focus on the task as hand…Safety Pays!

How True
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale

The Great American Smoke-out
This year the Annual Smoke-Out is scheduled for November 15th, 2006. This is an excellent time to quit smoking. Smoking is an addiction, so quitting may not be easy. However, there are several smoking cessation programs out there and help may be also be available through your company EAP. Here are a few reasons to quit:
-Annually, more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. are from smoking related illnesses.
-If all women quit smoking during pregnancy, about 4,000 new babies would not die each year.
-Among infants to 18 months of age, approximately 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia are attributed to secondhand smoke, annually.
-Quitting smoking cuts your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, other cancers, lung diseases and respiratory illnesses.

Go for the optional side air bag
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates 2,000 lives could be saved, annually, if
every vehicle had this safety feature. A recent study found that side airbags providing head protection
cut a driver’s death risk by 37%. Those protecting the chest and abdomen also cut the risk of death by more then 25%. Side-impact airbags have been around since the mid-1990s and roughly 80% of new
cars sold have them available as standard or optional equipment. Pickup trucks lag behind passenger cars with side airbag available only in about 50% of the new pickups on the market.

Quote of the week: Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

Be careful around the house

Many people are cutting wood and getting ready for winter. Remember to practice chain saw safety (see the hyperlink under Safety links on the right).

If you're putting up storm windows or Christmas lights, be sure your ladder is on firm ground (better yet - find some one to hold it for you). Falls are the No. 1 cause of injuries in and around the house.

We turn our clocks back this weekend. This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO2 Monitors.

Those of you with a fireplace -- when was the last time you had a chimney sweep clean out your chimney? Chimney fires are far too common, do it today!

Have you had the furnace serviced lately? How about the filters -- disposables filters should be changed out monthly.

And remember, Life is what you make it...So MAKE IT GREAT!!!!!!!!!

Don't forget the Family!!!

Buying Time...
The man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door. "Daddy, may I ask you a question?" Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man. "Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?" "That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily. "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy. "If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour." "Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?" The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games." The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money! After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00, and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep son?" he asked. "No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy. "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for." The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money then looked up at the man.

"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled. Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"

Give the family some time this weekend and have some fun!

What I've Learned In Life...

(I do not know where I got this but it is good!)
I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries whenwe sing "Silent Night." Age 6
I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Age 7
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it,Mom makes me clean it up. Age 13
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up,you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it,I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healingthan words of advice. Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life'sgreat pleasures. Age 26
I've learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivershave followed me there. Age 29
I've learned...that if someone says something unkind about me,I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 39
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don'tknow how to show it. Age 41
I've learned that you can make someone's day by simplysending them a little card. Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greaterhis need to cast blame on others. Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift myspirits for hours. Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the sideaway from the phone. Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way hehandles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage,and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 52
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents,you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53
I've learned that making a living is not the same thingas making a life. Age 58
I've learned that if you want to do something positivefor your children, try to improve your marriage. Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with acatchers mitt on both hands. You need to be ableto throw something back. Age 64
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.But if you focus on your family, the needs of others,your work, meeting new people, and doing the verybest you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness,I usually make the right decision. Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72
I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth,I've seen several. Age 73
I've learned that even when I have pains,I don't have to be one. Age 82
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug,or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 85
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92