(AI generated image via Meta)
Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appreciation. Show all posts
December 7, 2025
The Jewish Cure for Anxiety
November 30, 2025
Rachel's Cry: Empathy's Thanksgiving Lesson
(AI generated image via Gemini)
June 14, 2023
Awesome Father's Day Card and Early too!
April 14, 2022
June 22, 2021
Bicycle and Flowers
May 12, 2019
Pu Pu Platter @David Chu's
In addition to my favorite, Sesame Chicken, Dossy ordered the Pu Pu Platter.
2 BBQ Ribs
2 Teriyaki Beef
2 Spring Rolls
2 Frieds Won Tons
2 Chicken Toast
(Thankfully, there was no poo in the pu pu!)
All this Kosher Chinese food, had me craving a Coca Cola afterwards like it always does.
Then we stopped at Market Maven, which replaced Seasons that went bankrupted last year.
Overall, a nice family day that I am so grateful for to Hashem! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 11, 2019
Mother's Day Trump Mug
April 16, 2019
(Maybe) Stop Complaining
He was a very lively speaker and with a lot of worthy teachings for his lucky audience.
One thing he said that really stuck with me is about people that complain.
People have hard lives!
As he said, "I don't know what each of you has been through."
But one thing that can help us cope with our challenges is our perspective.
And then he said the following:
We need to be glad that we have something to complain about!
Huh, what does that mean?
Well, think about it...
- If you complain about your spouse, thank G-d that you are married (and have a life partner) to complain about.
- If you complain about your job, thank G-d that you have a job (and income) that you can complain about.
- If you complain about your food, thank G-d that you have food to eat (and sustenance for your body) to complain about.
And so on and so forth.
Whatever we complain about, think about what you actually have (the big picture) and what you are complaining about (usually the little picture).
Really, we have so much to be grateful for that we can easily just forget or take for granted.
So next time your complaining, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE that you are complaining about--you might stop yourself from complaining. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 6, 2018
An Alarm Clock - My Gag Gift
Yes, a Sharp Twin Bell Alarm Clock!
Of course, with each gag gift came a mini-speech by some of the managers as why they choose this gift for you.
So of course, I am consistently the first one in every morning and the person who opens up for everyone else--reliable, dependable, and hard-working Andy! :-)
Some of my other colleagues got a hula hoop, a toy toolkit, a mini teapot, a little school bus, coffee mugs with funny sayings, a rock and roll trophy, mini boxing gloves, stuffed pillows with smileys, and more.
Each came with its own unique story.
Pizza, beer, and bowling were part of the festivities.
It's nice when people appreciate each other and can have some fun.
Thanks for the holiday party and the alarm clock. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 3, 2018
Appreciate The Good
After synagogue services today, we sat at the Kiddish with a lovely couple, and the lady took the opportunity to go around the table and ask each person: “What good thing happened to you this week?” I really appreciated the idea of focusing on the good and the miracles we live through every day rather than the bad things. It was interesting though that people seemed to have trouble saying something really positive from their week. In truth, they seemed more enveloped in the problems of the times rather than the opportunities that each day brings.But truly, there are so many good things that we can appreciate each and every day, and that inspires faith and hope for many more good things to come. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 30, 2018
Don't Take Away The Breadcrumbs
A mere 2.1% increase in federal pay (compared with a more than 4% projected increase in private sector pay for 2018) is basically just enough to cover inflation for 2018 forecast at 1.9%.
In effect, without the cost of living adjustment, about 2 million federal employees end up with a net decrease of 2% in their standard of living because of inflation and no pay increase to offset.
This is on top of the fiscal year 2011 and 2012 federal pay freeze that President Obama prior enacted.
Why are we picking on the federal workforce when:
1) The U.S. economy is booming at an annual 4.1% increase,
2) Of the $10 trillion tax cuts, 20% is being showered on the wealthiest 1%.
Le's just call a spade a spade--the pay freeze (i.e. cut after inflation) is really being driven to downsize government by driving employees out.
Many of these are good people, hardworking people, and those that not only serve their nation but also sacrifice for it.
With midterms around the corner and another Presidental election coming in a couple of years, why would you want to alienate 2 million workers instead of getting respect and even greater dedication?
As was written on this simple pair of blue jeans:
"Don't beat your croutons, you'll get breadcrumbs."In this case, don't beat up your federal workforce by taking their meager breadcrumbs, to begin with.
Instead, let's show our appreciation for federal employees service to their country. ;-)
(Full disclosure: I am a federal employee and am proud to serve.)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 26, 2018
What's It's Like To Be A Bag
My son-in-law joked about feeling bad for the bags all crinkled up and thrown in with all the others like that.
He drew this little sign on a paper towel, and put it on the fridge:
Bag's life
This is what a crying creased up bag looks like.
Maybe even inanimate objects have feelings too.
As human beings, we can learn to treat everything in the world kindly and with appreciation.
Bye bye baggy. ;-)
(Source Drawing: Itzchak Ochayon)
August 2, 2018
Feeding Frenzy
Once a month she helps others in the office that are less fortunate.
She told me that the cleaning people have various disabilities, and they are underappreciated for the difficult work they do.
So once a month she treats them for breakfast!
As I got on the elevator with her, some of the cleaning people were calling to her in a frenzy asking when they were doing the next one.
She told them the date, and they seemed so happy and valued.
I thought to myself, WOW!--what an amazing gesture of compassion, kindness, and charity for others.
It's not necessarily the money itself, but rather making a habit out of doing something good for others.
I imagined G-d looking down from Heaven at this lady and that she would never be hungry because she makes sure to feed breakfast and gratitude to others. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 9, 2018
The Bright Side
In turn, I am paying it forward to you all, and hope that you enjoy it's meaning, which is really quite profound and inspiring.
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her,’ Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life is a gift.
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to Almighty G-d for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who died too young.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one Maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank G-d you're alive and still around.(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 22, 2017
It's About The People
Whether it's our families, friends, and colleagues--it's how we treat people and the relationships we form that count--and that enable us to achieve success together!
Many people just count their money instead of counting their blessings of hearts and souls.
But while we certainly need a certain amount of $$$ to live, we really need ❤ to thrive.
Today, before the Thanksgiving holiday, I just took a little time to walk around and talk with people here, thank them for their good work and friendships, and wish them a good holiday.
It was such a little thing, but honestly I felt so good doing it.
I am thankful for so many things this year, including all the wonderful people in my life who do so much to make my life joyous and fulfilling, but I am also grateful to G-d for continuing to open my eyes to what and who(s) that really count.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 7, 2017
The CEO and The Janitor
The colleague's father was a industrial psychologist and he would go into some relatively big organizations to improve the functioning and culture.
One of the things that he would do is get the CEO and the janitor in the same room together.
And he would say:
"Both of you have vital jobs in the organization and you need to appreciate each other!"
At this point, the CEO and the janitor would be looking around the room super quizzically.
And the psychologist would to the janitor and say:
"The CEO's job is critical, because without the CEO, we wouldn't have the leadership and vision for the organization to be successful, and you wouldn't have a job and salary.
Then he'd turn to the CEO and explain:
The Janitor's job is critical, because without the janitor, we wouldn't have a clean and functioning building and facilities for everyone to do their jobs and be successful, and you wouldn't be able to come to work ever day."
It's really amazing that despite all the fancy titles, corners offices, and rich compensation packages for some, really everyone in the organization is vital in their own way!
We need to remember that when we deal with others that they are human beings--in the image of G-d--and we need to treat all with the utmost dignity and respect for both who they are and what they contribute. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
November 24, 2016
Appreciating Employees @ Holiday Time
So before the holidays, like Thanksgiving, many nice organizations try to do a little something for their employees and let them go home a little early.
It’s a small something that let’s people know they are appreciated, and on top of it, they get to “beat the traffic.”
I heard from someone that one organization was stopping this long time practice, saying that only the very head(s) of the chain of command, could do this for the people…but they didn’t.
Sort of “penny wise and dollar foolish” to take away that little spot-on giving to one’s staff.
It’s goodwill, appreciation, and kindness that is especially appropriate before the holidays for hardworking and good people.
One manager told me how their people especially looked forward to this little gesture, and often came to asking about it with such joy.
So the manager told me that they just said before holiday times, “I’m not looking what time you leave today.”
To me that sounded like genuine leadership, where people are not just treated as “human resources,” but instead “human capital”—something to invest in and not just something to use `willy nilly. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
July 11, 2016
Noticing The Smallest Beauty
My daughter, Rebecca sent me this photo she took.
A little lady bug on the plants outside.
She told me how important it is to pay attention to the beauty in even the smallest ways out there.
I was very proud of her!
It's not the biggest, the loudest, or the baddest that necessarily makes the most impact in the world.
I hope she (and us) keep on noticing what is really amazing in this world.
(Source Photo: Rebecca Blumenthal)
October 22, 2015
Measured {Leadership + Management} + Staff = Success!
Too much leadership dilutes good management.
AND [similarly]
Too much management dilutes good leadership.
What is this a tug of war (without the showy skirts please!)?
Or
Can you ever have too much of a good thing?
Typically, leaders provide the vision and managers the execution.
I don't see how it is really possible to have one without the other and have anything useful at the end of the day.
A vision without delivered execution is just another big idea.
And
Execution without a meaningful vision is just chasing your tail.
Too much leadership with grandiose vision after vision overwhelms the ability to manage a successful execution.
Too much management of the devils-in-the-details and even the best leadership vision isn't going to see the light of day.
So the conclusion:
Great leaders need to set the goal posts high but doable and then get out of the way so that talented managers can make sure to get the job done and done right.
And don't forget that it's a diverse and skilled staff that actually does the heavy lifting and need to be respected and appreciated.
Tug of war over! ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Jamie McCaffrey)
October 9, 2015
It Doesn't Get Better Than This
This video was composed and produced by one of my very talented colleagues, David Ausman (2015).
I was really impressed by the skill and creativity of this music video as well as the vivid portrayal of a fantasy vacation to Havana, Cuba.
He recorded it in his own voice and used Garageband and his digital piano to jazz it up.
When I asked him how he got the idea for this, he said that his associates overhead and told him a friendly conversation they overhead that went like this:
"Bob: Bill! I haven't see you in ages. How have you been?
Bill: Bob, you old sob! How ya doing?
Bob: I'm doing great, especially since I'm no longer posted in [edited out].
Bill: I know, I know. So how are you liking it back home?
Bob: (pointing his finger at Bill) It doesn't get better than this!
Bill: (pointing back) Yeah, it doesn't get better than this!"
Now that he shared this funny story with me, I also can't stop thinking about some fantasy fun trip somewhere.
And most important that when we appreciate everyone and everything we have in our lives then "It [truly] doesn't get better than this!" ;-)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
