Does Money Make You Happy?

Here's one I've been wrestling with for a while. As I was out for a nice fall walk, I ventured into a beautiful area of large, gorgeous homes up on Hamilton mountain. Of course I was drawn to the non-"cookie-cutter" exteriors, the well-kept lawns and just how well-done these homes were. But it got me thinking- "How are the lives of the people who live in these homes different than mine?" - "How do these people spend their days?" - and "Are these people any happier than I am?"

I imagine long work days- maybe commutes to Toronto and hectic traffic. I imagine the house is largely empty most of the time.

While looking for a title for my last post,

I found some great quotes done up as pictures. I have included a few of the ones that I felt deserved some attention. Enjoy!

The Words of Others . . .

It is amazing to be reading something and then have one of those "Aha" moments. Whatever it is that you're reading clicks something that just makes sense to you- and it either relates to where you are in your life at that moment or answers a question you've been pondering for a while and it seems like a sign.

The following quotes have been significant to me. Some of them stress things I feel are important- some have given me hope or inspiration- some just give you something to think about. I hope you find some meaning or thoughtfulness in the following quotes. Glad to hear your comments.

People Come Into Your Life . . .

This was sent to me a few times - it makes you think!

PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real, but only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

I think this is an important piece of writing. Here's to hoping it is easy for you to tell who is who.

The Law of the Garbage Truck . . .

Here is something that was sent to me- it makes sense- send me your comments!

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly you can get back your focus on what's important.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black Car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad Words at US. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So I said, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!". And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did. So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."

I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other People:? At work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore." I began to see garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People." Well, now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses.Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you?What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?Here's my bet. You'll be happier. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..

Love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, TAKE IT! If it changes your life, LET IT!

Hamilton in the Fall-

As a new Hamiltonian I have been exploring the area for the past few weeks and am now fairly well-oriented. I am very surprised to say I am really enjoying the city. I have to say that Hamilton has some beautiful spots. Sunny days, although chilly lately bring out the best of the fall leaves and show the city in a bright light. I have uploaded a few pictures of some of the favorite places I have visited over the past few weeks.

Sun, Sand and the Sound of Waves

Well, as the daily high of 6 degrees and incredible strong winds makes it feel like snow is just around the corner, I am already wishing that it was spring- or better yet, SUMMER. I am not sure how many people out there Hate winter- yes I said HATE, like I do- but honestly if I could somehow live on a beach year-round I think I'd be at my best! So, I have posted some pics of a couple of beaches I had the pleasure to visit within this past year. Enjoy the pics while I imagine myself back on those beaches- especially the afternoon I spent with my best friend, lounging in the hot summer sun on an island in Toronto.

Loule by Night

Details to come soon-

Incredible Portugal- even better than expected!

I was very excited to see a part of Europe I had never been to- Portugal. I have wanted to see the Mediterranean countries for ages and although we were still a ways away, the Algarve region of Portugal is typically Mediterranean- close to beautiful blue water, warm sun-soaked beaches, tree-dotted red rock landscapes and white-washed buildings.

The trip itself was easy. The flight- not too long. Arriving in Portugal, even as early in the morning as we did, we were greeted with warm, early-morning sun. A 3 hour ride to the southern edge of the country was very quick at 155km/hr and little other traffic to deal with.

Once in Loule, we arrived at out hotel and had a chance to check out the village we were staying in. I was instantly in love. Unlike some of the other countries I have visited, Loule, Portugal took no time to adjust to. I absolutely loved it from the first walk I took. I started by heading to the more "downtown" area to check out the shops and maybe grab a snack. I was pleased to see many locals out doing their daily shopping and errands. I love people-watching and am always surprised how similar people are, no matter where they live.

Over the course of 4 days I walked around Loule more than 12 hours total and circled the city many times. It is amazing how comfortable I felt and how well I had oriented myself even just after the first day. By the end of the trip, I felt like a local.

Where Am I Headed?

Ever have a day where you're lying in bed- analyzing your life as it currently is- and decide you're just not sure where you'd like to be a year from then- or 5 years? I just had one of those days, and honestly it has gotten me thinking. Unfortunately, finding "those" types of answers are not ones that appear quickly.

Don't get me wrong- my life is by no means in ruins. I am quite healthy and while I am not rich by any standard- I do not want for "necessities" and realistically where I am financially of course is only due to me. My job is something I have really enjoyed doing in the past- but have gradually become more of a chore than it used to be. I have heard the saying- find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life- and, well frankly, this is work.

I was sent a great piece by e-mail a while back from a relative- and I have posted it here- as it really puts life in perspective. Read it carefully and I will continue from there.


If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won't survive the week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world. If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not. If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

Now, doesn't that make you think??? So, while I have some questions running around in my head, I am taking the time to think about all of the wonderful things I have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving was a couple of weeks ago and I had the chance to spend time with my family. We went to a local Thanksgiving parade and the weather was absolutely perfect for an October weekend in Canada. Many of my fairly large extended family were there. Then we split up and went in a few different directions to celebrate with food and just spend some time together.