Paul's Corner

It's nice to win free stuff or at least to have the illusion of winning something for free, but it so rarely is, always strings attached, but there are things we win freely, like friendships and there is so much wealth in that, perhaps not financially, but otherwise. I mostly toss the other stuff immediately or hit the delete button, like on the email I keep getting that I supposedly hold the winning ticket of a lottery entry and need to claim it asap. Hmmm, I've never played the lottery, so how can that be, especially since it's coming from a country I've never been to--highly suspect!

Hello PC Friends,

Paul-Because you care about your fellows and have good intentions-you are rewarded.

I work in the Johns Hopkins University Bayview Development office. We are fundraisers and have many donors who so willingly send us their financial donations. We are always greatful for their gifts no matter how big or small. Bayview is community hospital and any amount given is used constructively.

I must share that my husband has the golden touch and lots of luck. He's always hitting the numbers lottery-big and small.

PAUL-If you're looking to give back to your community-it may make you feel like you're giving back by sending a gift in kind(clothing items) or a financial donation to your local hospital.

HUGS!
Abeth

Betcha every one of those scratch tickets was a winner. It's a common scam. And the presentation is a *very* hard sell. You were right not to waste your time on it!

Bill just hates contests and the like, knowing that people are being drawn in by their desire to get something for nothing. And often, that something is junk we don't really need.

And...I'm not sure where I was going with that rant. :)

True Story.

Feb. (Valentine's weekend) 2003 I'm walking out to the parking lot from work. It snowed that day or the day before so there was snow all over the parking lot.

I walk a lot of the time with my eyes to the ground (when no one is around) thinking usually about stuff.

Anyway, I walk pass a bank envelope. Stepped right over it. It looked like trash. It was white, it was dirty, it was closed and not wrinkled. It was white.

Hmmmm..

Get in my car. Thinking..... Decide, "Well, I'll just drive over to it and pick it up and look inside it. What can be the harm in that right?"

I drive over to it, I drive a little farther away with the envelope in my hand and stop for a moment, because there felt like something in it.

I open the envelope and shocked beyond belief that there was over $800 in cash.

I look all over the envelope. There is NO NAME OR ANY MARKING AT ALL ON THE ENVELOPE. NOTHING!

The only thing on this envelope was the bank it came from. But nothing else at all. No receipt, nothing to tie the money back to the one who lost it.

For 4 weeks after I found it, I would go down to the main lobby where there is a bulletin board and look for any sign about the money. I figured this is what I would have done if I lost that much money. Hoping and praying on the kindness of people ....

But nothing showed up ever. Nothing was reported.

It was my blessing. I was able to take my son to a nice dinner for Valentine's day and pay some much needed bills.

Always scratch, always pull the lever when you get a chance, always look in bank envelopes!!!!

How will you ever get blessed if you don't try, believe, show faith eh?

Lots of love,
Tea

Something more recently as wonderful happened.

I was looking through the ads in the paper for new jobs because I had determined that the job I possess (my last day at it is here today, shoot my last 20 minutes actually). Anyway, I find an add that was so perfect a wee little voice inside me says, "You'd be a fool to pass this up".

It's the first resume I sent out.
I got the job.
I have also increased my salary substainally.

Again, believe and try and mind those whispers....

Hmmmmmmm. Well. Okay, here’s the thing. It is hard to get started on writing these thoughts, but I just did a gulf swim with my 16 year old for two hours, so I’ll get going while the endorphins are kicked in.

Just meandered in with set expectations of what would be found before moving on, but I was surprised at what I read. Like stumbling over something, but instead of thinking “what is that”, the response is, “oh, there you are”.

So, I haven’t finished reading, but I’m feeling a little guilty about reading and not sharing, so just wanted to let you know I’m here. My undergraduate degree was in sociology/women’s studies with a discipline in small group dynamics. I’ve always been inspired by the formation of communities. My family has shown horses, dogs, llamas, goats, competed in synchronized swimming and other activities that form short term and periodic communities.

It is exciting that you’ve formed this e-community that has apparently been stable and supportive over several years. Reading your interactions gives me the feel of being in a Unitarian church service. And Paul. As the center you are so open. It is a trick to be open and not sound whiney. I haven’t felt any selfishness at all. “… life is full of heroism …” You have certainly been heroic to make the choice to live and lead given what life gave you this time around. I don’t know that I’ve ever known someone to be this open. I have to give it more thought (just the kind of thinker I am).

To share and not just read, here’s my synopsis and experience in some of the things y’all talk about:
· Southerner for many generations, southwest Florida. Yes, I am weary of hurricanes and tornadoes.
· Four children.
· Exercise? Love to swim. I’ve always done whatever my kids have but I’ve decided to skip skim boarding because, well … it hurts. And because I want to keep swimming, walking and trail riding (horses). At university I swam synchro and coached my daughter’s team. But now she (Jesse Sage, the 16 year old) swims circles around me – I mean literally. Not sure when or how that happened.
· Spiritual? Completely. Practicing? Good intentions. I do actually have a candle lit for the astronauts.
· Recipes. Sorry, nothing to share. We cook southern/health food. Not an easy mix. I can’t follow or write a recipe. But if you ever want to cook hog jowls, mustard greens, pot liquor, hoppin’ john and key lime pie, I’m your girl. I’m still working on sweet potato pie. That’s the southern New Year’s Day meal for good luck.
· Career. Mostly full-time mama. Went from aerospace engineer (software) to founding alternative charter schools, teacher and director. The schools are Progressive, i.e., democratic, student driven, choice, authentic assessment – on a working ranch. Note to teachers who post here and are feeling frustrated with teaching to NCLB, try an alternative school.

If this is just a passing touch, thank you all for sharing this moment and the reminder to “Go placidly amid the noise and haste …” (in the words of the Desiderata) OR in the words of Bill and Ted “be excellent to each other”.

Summertime Blessings,

Mari-Jean

Paul, I read Cat's post about you being so honest to give $100 back to that director. I think that is so wonderful of you. What a great guy and person you are. :)