Maxine

In my property management business I mingle with all kinds of personalities. Remember Maxine? She’s the lady who used to complain a lot about everything in her neighborhood. I used to dread getting phone calls from her late at night or early in the morning but her impatient attitude changed ever since she realized that I cared for her as an individual. She still calls me at strange times in the day but at least I know she’s not doing it because she’s being mean. In fact, I now see a genuine kind heart that few see.

She got into a very public verbal battle with her neighbor when she told them to move their car from the Guest Parking Area. That cemented her reputation as a mad woman who pokes her nose into other people’s business. I was surprised when I heard this and angry at Maxine. But then I talked to her. She was like a little puppy with her tail between her legs; asking what others were saying about her. She explained the only reason she approached her neighbor was to warn them before their car was to be towed. She thought she was doing a good deed. She was totally misunderstood. Since then she’s been spraying insecticides on tiny little termites in the property that lead to her neighbor’s house. She’s been picking up the trash no one else bothered to clean. Despite what others think of her, she still cares for her community.

Steve Jobs praised the “crazy ones” … the ones who dream big and change the world. Maxine will probably never change the world. But that’s not gonna stop her from being kind.

Be safe, be healthy, be kind. TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Video: Old Guitarist

Thanks to Veronica of New Jersey

Video: Irish Drinking Joke

Thanks to Mike of New York

Video: Smile Acappella

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.who loves puns.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

One more from Naomi:

The post Accused appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Chicken Little

Thank you all for your feedback last week. As expected, quite a few of you did not agree with my controversial suggestion to open businesses from the lockdown this early in the game (I posted some feedback on the Traveling Boy website). Actually, I’m not too sure myself. My real purpose was to let us start thinking with a more balanced viewpoint.

The great philosopher, Chicken Little, was walking around the hen house one day when a malicious fox threw an acorn on her head. “My goodness!” she excalimed looking up, “the sky is falling!” She runs to her friends and warns them of their impending doom. One opinionated animal after another hypothesize the logic of the sky falling. The gullible masses parrot opposing world views. Soon the hen house turns into a panic room. They rush out of the hen house and into the fox’s trap.

Ever since the pandemic started, we’ve listened to opposing arguments from fact claiming experts on both sides. There’s a whole lot of blame shifting and conspiracy theories going on. So who’s telling the truth? Only time (if we have enough of it) will tell. Before we rush out of the realm of reason, may I suggest we observe the fox (the source) who threw the acorn in the first place? What’s that guy up to?

Whether the fox spread the disease with intentional malice or not, there is a game plan hidden by the powers that be. If we continue to panic, we would have already lost the battle. Why don’t we stop, turn down the volume and pray? We can maneuver out of the fox’s trap. He will never expect it.

“Be still my soul. Be still and know that He is God.
Rest quietly. Rest in His loving arms for He is watching over you.
Ever faithful, ever true. So be still and know that He is God.”

Is the sky falling or is it just a rumor? Who cares?! With God on our side … (or better still) when we are on God’s side … who can stand against us?

Keep safe and hold on to your faith. TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to  Peter Paul of S Pasadena, for sharing this joke.

Video: Gay Dinosaur

Thanks to Janet of Whittier, CA for this short meme.

Video: Manna in Dipolog City

Thanks Enrique for this video. A few days ago thousands of fish washed up on the beaches of Dipolog, a poor small town in the Southern part of the Philippines. Is there any doubt that God provides during this troubled times?

Video: Covid Lesson

Thanks to J.J. of Manila who shared this video. Taiwan has only had 429 cases and 6 deaths, and business never stopped. What’s the secret?

Video: Two Guys Catch a Flight

Thanks to Vanessa of Hacienda Heights, CA for this dangerously entertaining clip of 2 aerial stuntmen. What would you choose? To be locked up but safe or to be free as a bird but living on the edge?

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.who loves puns. This isn’t really a pun but it’s close.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mario of Manila

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA. Don’t be frightened. It’s just me!

Finally, here’s one from Naomi of N Hollywood, CA. So, you really want to wait till it’s safe to go out?

The post Good and Bad News appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Last week, 60 Minutes featured an American who responded to an unsolicited email from a “Liberian scammer.” What started as a mischievous game by the American to outwit the scammer, turned into a real friendship and a start of a business that benefited a poor Liberian village. It turned a Zero into a Hero.

Great story, huh? But you know what’s even better? Knowing that there are many more stories like that that never make it to prime time news. I am actually surrounded by many friends whose generosity and good deeds go unnoticed.  I see it in church, in the streets, in restaurants, business establishments … I see it a lot in non-profit organizations. Most (if not all) of them do it out of genuine concern for others. It’s the HUMBLE ones who are the really GREAT ones. A few of my generous friends passed away early this year. In their lifetime, they wouldn’t want to be honored but I feel I should thank them for their legacy just the same.

I think of Ray Carlson (I mentioned him a few months ago in this TGIF forum) who dedicated his life to promoting entrepreneurship for decades. When I heard he was gone, the picture that flashed in my mind was Ray dancing with Joy, his lifetime sweetheart, who departed 5 years earlier. I miss him pestering me to create flyers and arrange meetings for his entrepreneur program.

I think of Ambassador Vic Lecaros of the Philippines. I always remembered Vic taking leadership positions since College. I have not seen him for decades … only hearing about his good deeds. He was the anti-politician who was a man of integrity. He never enriched himself through his position. When I met the current Philippine Consul a few months ago, I asked if he knew Vic. The Consul looked at me in bewilderment and asked me a question in return — “You mean, Vic, my BOSS?”

I remember Bob Caparas, one of College chums (who I also  talked about in one of my TGIF emails in the beginning of the year). He was a gentle spirit and I knew he had a lofty position at the VA Department of Transportation but I only realized how respected he was when the State of Virginia flew their flags half mast in his honor when he passed away. Bob never bragged about what he did.

In each of their deaths, a feeling of loss overcame me. The world somehow feels incomplete without them. I’m sure you can share similar stories about your own friends … especially the silent heroes.

Thank God for the heroes among us. While we still are able, wouldn’t it be nice if we send them a note of appreciation? (Hint! Hint!) Our words of encouragement may be just the little push they need to keep their spirits going.

“It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind.“
— Branch Rickey

TGIF people!

Missing Ex-Wife

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

The day after his ex-wife disappeared in a kayaking accident, Mr. Frykenberg answered his door to find two grim-faced State Troopers.

“We’re sorry Mr. Frykenberg, but we have some information about your ex-wife,” said one of the officers.

“Tell me! Did you find her?!” Frykenberg asked.

The troopers looked at each other.

One said, “We have some bad news, some good news, and some REALLY GREAT news. Which would you like to hear first?”

Fearing the worst, Mr. Frykenberg said, “Give me the bad news first.”

The Trooper said, “I’m sorry to tell you, sir, but this morning we found your ex-wife’s body in the bay.”

“Noooo!! Why?! Why?!!” exclaimed Frykenberg. Swallowing hard, he asked, “What could possibly be the good news?”

The officer continued, “When we pulled her up, she had 12 of the best looking Atlantic lobsters that you have ever seen clinging to her. Haven’t seen lobsters like that since the 1960’s, and we feel you are entitled to a share in the catch.”

Stunned, Mr. Frykenberg demanded, “If that’s the good news, then what’s the GREAT NEWS?”

The Trooper replied, “We’re gonna pull her up again tomorrow.”

Exploding Purse Prank
Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

What would you do if someone left her purse? Would you give it back? Watch!

WATCH VIDEO

What Cats Do for Whiskey
Sent by Sent by Charlie of New Jersey

Cute guy doing the impossible just to get his liquor.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

Don from Kelowna, B.C. has consistently been sending me puns so I think he deserves his own section.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Mel of Washington DC who shared this photo

The post Missing Ex-Wife appeared first on Traveling Archive.