May 23rd, 2012

Quotes to live by

It has been my pleasure and fortune to participate in a fair amount of training in my life. Both as trainee and trainer. Sometimes between all the blah-blah-blah that passes our ear lobes on a long day of learning a good quote will be the one thing that really resonates and is remembered. Below are some quotes and idioms I have picked up along the way that I reflect on regularly.

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” — I’m told the Buddha said that.

**Reflects the truth that we don’t always get what we want but it still feels good to smile.

“Cry in the dojo, laugh on the battlefield.” — Old Samurai Maxim.

**Do the hard work at the front end and build a brick house.

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” — Randy Pausch; The Last Lecture

**Possibly Puritanistic, yet an invaluable attitude. You’ll never be bored again.

“…and in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love, you make.” –The Beatles

**WORD

April 11th, 2012

California Wildflowers

Right before the first day of spring I was driving along Skyline near Redwood in Oakland. It was a warm morning and all the flowers had come out overnight, it was strikingly beautiful. I pulled over and took a picture just for a blog, but before I posted it the weather turned dark and wet, and it seemed random to write about flowers. But Spring is here and the wild flowers are out. I never tire of the California Poppy.

March 12th, 2012

Insurance against poor insurance

It is always nice to find a recommended service provider at a price we can afford. But make sure to do your homework. To keep their prices competitive many business owners play a game with the status of their employees and pass the risk of employment on to their clients.

Many home service providers hold the required liability and work comp insurance, but then employ a majority of their staff as contractors, effectively making that insurance worthless. How’s that?   Read more »

February 5th, 2012

Mr Sparkle goes to New Orleans

It has been a great start to the new year. I have spent the last two weeks traveling and attending training by myself and with staff. Last week Wednesday thru Saturday, Fou and I attended the IWCA window cleaner’s convention in New Orleans; attending seminars, networking, checking out new industry product, and eating. Read more »