Family Impression

It is an amazing thing to be in a family that gives so much to each other. I can think of so many times my parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents have given above and beyond what I expected to help me go through life, attempting to be successful. I can give credit to my elders for passing down what they have learned in both life and business. Then at some amazing point along the journey I caught all they had to offer and ran off in my own direction(s). Now I am in a position to give back.

My mother and aunt inspired me to draw and paint; and later to do these and earn a living by learning commercial art and design. Now, after years of marketing and design experience, the world we do business in has evolved while technology has paved a new road for the communications arts industry. The student (me) has become the teacher. I dedicate this post to my aunt who encouraged me to apply myself with the talent I have and learn a trade doing something that I enjoy.

I have tested, tried, used, abused what seems like every way to post a page on the internet. So, my aunt asks me, “What is the easiest way for me put up a web site for my properties?”. As a career graphic designer this question was not about how to make it look good, it was addressing how to I catch up with technology and learn to publish on the web without absolutely frustrating herself. So I suggested iWeb by Apple. And away she went to create a very nice web site featuring her rental apartments in Killeen Texas. Next, I offered my skills in search engine optimization to apply a simple best practices approach to improving the ranking of her new web site in the search results pages. I am thankful for an opportunity to apply what I’ve learned a give back to my family.

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Before I was involved in a motorcycle accident, life was very busy and fast paced. I was trying to keep up with family, work and a huge list of things to get done. I was healthy for the most part and didn’t think so much about the things in life that seem to be a given or just plain normal.

I remember how in the summer I loved to swim and play with the family in the sun. How easy it was to swing my little ones with my arms. I enjoyed riding my motorcycle any time of the year; Southern California provides a great environment for bikers.

Now things have changed. I do often think about the little things that so often are taken for granted. For now I walk and can’t run. I focus on my health instead of ignoring it, eating better (mydailynutrients.com), stretching and exercising (just a little for now) more. I recently noticed a marquee that warned, “Don’t wait for a crisis to remember what matters most” (paraphrased). Life has once again become one day at a time. I get to spend more quality time with my family and enjoy their conversation and play.

This summer I may not be able to swim like I used to but I sure will be able to make the most of what I have. I am fortunate to be alive and, for the most part, all put back together. I have a few pieces of titanium and steel to carry with me as a reminder to keep life simple and remember what really counts.

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On a summer vacation in 1981 I fell in love with the Island of Catalina. Time seemed to stand still as we bathed in the sun, swam and rode paddle boards in the bay, and toured the town from the Chimes Tower to the Wrigley Mansion. I was amazed by the art, style and décor of the Catalina Casino was we gazed at the theater during an evening movie. The smell of fresh air in California hills, a taste of the ocean breeze and the hot sun on my skin stirred up a passion for this island get-a-way that would not fade.

A quarter century later, these memories returned as we cruised “over town” from the mainland to Avalon. On this trip I carried the anticipation and thrill of introducing these memories to my wife and children. Only 26 miles and about an hour cruise along the smooth ocean I found very little change in Avalon. I could not believe my eyes – the pier, town and bay all seemed just as inviting as I remember it two decades ago.

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Last week I spoke to a colleague about ways to keep kids interested in saving money. We talked about our experiences growing up and discovered that both of use did not receive adequate instruction between home and school concerning financial concepts. We compared our stories to the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki. I realized that I should make a plan for creating an interest in financial concepts for my children.

Both of us would like to give our kids more instruction and opportunity to invest money rather that spending unscrupulously. Sadly enough (or, should I applaud the marketing efforts of creditors), many young people feel that with credit they have buying power. I watch many kids who take every birthday dollar an spend it up without any thought of making a deposit in a savings account, or making an investment in project that could return even more money than contained in the birthday cards. Most kids fully understand how to empty their wallet and ask for more money when theirs is gone.

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Camping is great and fun, even exiting. Unless your 2-year old still sticks everything in her mouth, dirt or whatever she discovers. Or, your wife just does not want to face a bear in the woods. And, you would rather not work for hours – pitching a tent, cooking the meals, and cleaning up camp to keep the despised bears away. So now what?

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