Bob the Builder Award: Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger

You knew this was coming. This is the pilot that landed the plane in the New York River on January 15th. Saving all those lives is certainly good enough for the Bob award. My friend who was in the Air Force said to land the plane so perfectly was a tremendous act itself, without nosediving straight into the Hudson.

That isn't why I picked Sully to win this highly esteemed honor (heh!). This photograph was taken when the town of Danville honored him for his duties as pilot. He stood up to give his acceptance speech on behalf of the crew, which lasted a whopping 27 seconds. I liked that.

I read today that one of the personal things Sully lost in the crash was a library book he borrowed from the California State University, Fresno, through his local library. He has contacted them and asked for an extension so he could replace the book. The librarians were so surprised at his "sense of responsibility (they) did him better: They're waiving all fees and dedicating the replacement book to him. The book subject? Professional ethics."

Good news--355 days later

See Val. See Val drive. Go, Val, go.

I have been cleared. As in good to go, carry on, go to it. Yep, 355 days since my first "episode"/seizure, I have been free for 9 weeks and I have just received medical clearance to drive. Hooray!

Just 10 easy little steps--who knew? :)

First, I have a new map over there on the right. It shows the hits from the day before. If you click the black words of visitors and places it shows a whole list of different places. I like it. My new way of stalking you! :)
But for the real words today. I recently read an article about the 10 simple steps on how to be happy. Scientists have figured it out. Who knew that happiness could be scientifically figured out? No offense to scientists, but they don't seem like the cheeriest bunch for knowing the secrets but then maybe being happy and cheery are two different matters.

In case you aren't happy and want to be, here are the answers. I believe these are in no particular order, but I will share them as they were listed:

1. Be the center of your network. I am feeling like the center of the network I am in because I do the laundry and cook the dinner. I am the most popular person in the house.

2. Surround yourself with people you like/who like you. I have been around people that didn't like me. I didn't feel too happy.

3. Watch less TV. Watching tv has always sort of been like a little treat for me. With Jay Leno leaving the Tonight Show and taking Headlines on Monday nights with him, that will save me at leat 20 minutes a week. See....how easy to cut back.

4. Be active. Does driving count? Driving would make me happy. Verrrrrrry happy.

5. Manage your time. Sleep in until I am not sleepy. That sounds like a good start. :)

6. Find coping skills. Dark chocolate, won ton soup, and a telephone. Skills coped.

7. Set and pursue goals. Did I mention I have a goal to drive? Go to Africa, win the Nobel Peace Prize, drive, and cure the boy who is in full flare up again. Did I mention I have a goal to drive?

8. Don't think too much. Oh, I like these scientists!

9. Practice Gratitude. Speaking of gratitude, Monday gratitude is a cheap way to enlarge my photographs--$6 at Sam's Club. If I have gratitude, am I still only practicing?

10. Experiment with being happy. Good luck. If it doesn't work out, see #6 and you will feel much better! :)

What does the Smithsonian want from me?

"LOS ANGELES - The Smithsonian Museum wants Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration Day hat.
The Queen of Soul’s big-bowed headgear has become a hot property since the legendary singer wore it to belt out “America the Beautiful” at President Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the hat’s designer, Luke Song, has been overwhelmed with demand for the $179 item. (Aretha’s custom-made version cost over $500.)"

Hey, Aretha, the Smithsonian called and they want your hat. Of all the memorabilia they could have from any of the events, this is the piece that they want to preserve in the halls of history along with the Nauvoo Temple Sunstone, some space ships, and the Fonz's leather coat (aaaayyy!).

This begs the question: If the Smithsonian called me, what would they potentially want? Not to mark some world political occasion of course, but just some sort of tangible representation from me, plain ole Val. I wandered through the house and came up with some ideas. :)

Of course, I naturally thought of the Olympic Torch first. It the one thing that I think I own that is actually cool and people don't have. Of course I am sure there is one or two for sale on EBAY, but isn't quite the same as actually earning it I guess.

I have done genealogy/family history research since November of 1988. I have a lot of papers and information about the people that I come from. Some of it is pretty neat. I have a great grandmother who assisted in the Revolutionary War and which nominates me for DAR. I have grandparents who ran this Butler Dairy, which I only recently found out are direct decendants from the "powerful" Butler Clan of Kilkenny, Ireland (hence the trip there). I have story after story down in the basement so God forbid we have a freakish house fire.

This is my wood carved fish from a the unofficial pot-smoking mayor of Cooper Landing named Jim. Salmon will always make me think of Alaska and our roots there. Fortunately, some of the Missourians are a little goofy like Alaskans so I get to think of home often.

The last thing I think I would contribute is some of my photographs. It is not like I think I am Ansel Adams because I don't. It is not like they mean much of anything, or will usher in world peace. What I like is they are pretty and make me very happy.

So tell me, what would you give to the Smithsonian?

Gratitude:
Friday: travel agent Matt

Saturday: mellow times with friends

Sunday: a tv that works

Bob the Builder Award: Rae Wilson and North Platte Canteen

"From December 25, 1941 until April 1, 1946 more than 6 million servicemen and women who traveled through Nebraska during World War II fondly remember the hospitality of the North Platte Canteen where every troop train was met by volunteers who prepared and served sandwiches, coffee, cookies, cakes, and other homemade ‘goodies’ during stops there."

I have served in PTA a number of years, and one year as the President. I had a board of at least 40 ladies (not including their committee members), volunteers who wanted to serve their children's school in some way. It too quite a bit of time, the equivilent of a part time job to administer the program that year, but of course, well worth it. A tiring year.

Rae Wilson lived in North Platte Nebraska during World War II. She happened to organize over 55,000 people to volunteer for the North Platte Canteen that you can learn more about at this link: http://npcanteen.net/ It makes you feel warm and fuzzy. :) Have a great Sunday.