Appreciation

I just heard over the weekend that unemployment numbers are up in the US this quarter. I always find it amazing how few people actually enjoy and are really excited about what they do for a living. So many people it seems to me are a squandering away their time, waiting for something better else to come along. This reminds me of a quote by Oscar Wilde. He once said: “THE BEST WAY TO APPRECIATE YOUR JOB IS TO IMAGINE YOURSELF WITHOUT ONE.”

I have to admit, I have found myself on many occasions, rowing along in this boat of unappreciativeness. These days I try to be incredibly thankful and grateful for each and every moment, and this I certainly intend to continue.

Fateful Choices

I just reached the halfway point last night in Ian Kershaw’s latest book, “Fateful Choices - Ten decisions that change the world 1940-1941.” These 10 decisions take place in an 18 month period between the summer of 1940 in the end of 1941. It’s a fascinating period of history. I find it hard to believe that it was only 50 years ago and the entire world seemed was in turmoil. I just finished the chapter on decision number six last evening. Joseph Stalin decided that even though the preponderance of evidence was pointing toward a German invasion of the Soviet Union, he thought it would be completely insane to attack to the east while the battles in the west and in the Balkins were still raging. As it turns out, right up until the eve of the invasion on June 22 - Stalin continue to believe that Adolf Hitler would never make such an insane move. The decision to invade was of course was a complete disaster for both sides. By the time it was over, some 25,000,000 lives were lost in the Soviet Union side alone.

Ordinary?

Granted, and it is the political season in this election year of 2008, but why all this talk of ordinary Americans? I think every American should be extraordinary!