No, I am not talking about credit cards or jewelry, I am talking about rules; the golden rule versus the platinum rule. Is there much difference between the two? Maybe you have some thoughts on the difference between the two or how you try to live this out in your own life. [More]

After reading Heather’s blog on her Pullman Bucket List I was inspired to make a list of a similar sort. I made a short list of items that I will do this summer (old favorites or new activities) and then update you on how they went! -The first thing that I would like to do is take advantage of the Chipman Trail. I love using this feature of the Palouse throughout the summer months. I like to run and rollerblade along the path. -Secondly, I would like to explore more of the trails on Moscow Mountain. I know there are miles of trails just a short drive away and yet I have never gone. -Third, this summer I will make it a point to go to the top of Steptoe Butte. I have heard that the view is great on a clear day. -Lastly I would like to grow a few of my own plants and herbs. I will need to be planting those seeds now if I want to see a successful harvest. I will most likely pick low-maintenance plants to start with. Thank you Heather for the inspiration and motivating me to make the most of my summer here in the Palouse!

Most people are unaware of the holiday that occurs on the third Thursday in April every year.  Nearly everyone you and I know has participated in the gesture ans is one of my personal favorites... the louder the slap, the better.   If the slap didn’t give it away, I am talking about National High Five Day.  I know this may sound like a joke and may it not receive national recognition, but National High Five Day was established in 2002 and promotes the spread of as many high-fives as possible. I find it truly amazing how the simple gesture of raising your hand and saying “high-five” will inspire other people to slap your hand.  When was the last time you randomly high-fived?  Since it is one of my favorite things to do, I high-five all the time.  I have high-fived my co-workers about 5 times since I started writing this blog, which means I should probably focus on writing and less on high-fives, but they are so fun!  The reason I have so much love for the high-five is because it reminds me of my friends, being a kid and so many good times throughout my life.  More recently, a group of us went to the Gorge for the Dave Matthews Band concert and went around giving high-fives to people all weekend.  Nearly everyone reciprocated the high-five and those who did had a big smile on their face.  That’s proof enough for me that high-fiving is a key to happiness. In preperation for National High-Five Day, take it upon yourself to spread the word and prep your hands for excess high-fiving.  If you are thinking this is a dumb idea, just think about all the high-fives in your past and remember the way you feel high-fiving your friends, teammates and even strangers.  That’s right, you remember that smile on your face, so share the feeling and participate in National High Five Day!  

During my travels around the world, and throughout the United, I have seen many things and heard many stories, but few are as moving and inspirational as the Team Hoyt story. Team Hoyt is an organization established to help disabled youth in the United States.  The foundation started when Dick Hoyt and his disabled son Rick began competing in running races back in 1977.  When Rick was born, he was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy.  As Rick grew, it was soon realized that he would not be able to speak or walk.  His parents were insistent on trying to give Rick the most out of life by pushing to get him into public school and college.  Thanks to the persistence of his parents and his motivation and determination, Rick graduated from Boston University with a degree in Special Education in 1993. When Rick was 15, he wanted to participate with his father in a 5-mile road race to benefit a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident.  This was the first of over 1,000 races Dick Hoyt competed in while pushing his disabled son in a wheelchair specially designed for running.  In addition to running races, Rick and Dick competed in triathlons and duathlons.  After that first race, Rick told his father, through a computer program made for him at Tufts University, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”  That moment, Dick and Rick began their amazing journey. In February, 2003, Dick Hoyt suffered a massive heart attack without knowing it had happened.  After continuing to compete for a few weeks, Dick decided to go to the hospital due to an annoying tickle in his throat.  The EKG showed Dick had 95% blockage in one artery and 85% in another requiring the insertion of 3 stents.  This happened just 3 weeks before he and Rick planned on competing in their 22nd straight Boston Marathon.  Unfortunately, they were unable to compete in the Bosto... [More]