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So What Does “Trick Or Treat” Really Mean?

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I can vaguely remember Third Grade, but I do have flashbacks to the amount of homework I was tasked with performing on a daily basis. Spelling words, multiplication tables and for some reason a report on the state of Kansas stands out in my memory. I’m talking real, hardcore, nose in the schoolbook type homework. Although I frequently use spellcheck and for the life of me can’t multiply numbers past 10 without a calculator, I do recall wheat being the chief export of Kansas, at least back in 1978.

Homework has changed quite a bit since then, as my eight year old is tasked with performing online assessments and a lot more reading than I was subjected to. As I was signing off on her assignment agenda last night she handed me a permission slip for a field trip.

“What’s this?” I asked. [Read more…] about So What Does “Trick Or Treat” Really Mean?

The Weather’s Getting Brisk—Does Your Coat Still Fit?

Screen Shot 2015-09-16 at 12.53.43 PMHey everyone! I’ve got some really great news I just couldn’t wait to share with all the Horizon Goodwill faithful. I got up Monday morning and, as I’m sure many of you also have to do on a regular basis, I needed to move my wife’s car out of the driveway so I could get mine out. I didn’t want to be late and I’m sure my employer wouldn’t want to hear that I forgot to perform the vehicle tango the night prior.  Anyway, throw on my shoes, grab both sets of car keys and head out the door—only to be slammed with some downright frigid weather!  Ok, maybe it wasn’t exactly “frigid”, but it was really cold out and I wasn’t expecting that. In my defense, there was frost on both vehicles, so I knew I wasn’t coming down with the flu.

I moved Missy’s car onto the street, pulled mine out, then pulled her’s back in. Even with all this activity I was still cold and decided it wouldn’t be the worst idea to go inside and pull my Fall jacket out of mothballs.  There it was, right where I left it last October, waiting for me like an old friend in the corner at a high school reunion. I grabbed the coat and proceed to put it on while exiting the house, but realized immediately it didn’t fit. I know what you’re thinking; “John must have put on some weight since last year”—but guess again! It was too large! I was stunned…what could this mean? [Read more…] about The Weather’s Getting Brisk—Does Your Coat Still Fit?

Taking Off On Labor Day? Think Of Those Who Need Employment

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Seriously. Labor Day is Monday. It just doesn’t seem possible! No joke, it feels like Valentine’s Day was just a month ago and Father’s Day, my absolute favorite holiday, took place just last week. What is happening to the concept of time? Am I the only one that can’t fathom the fact that in just the blink of an eye I’m going to be passing out Halloween candy, shoveling snow and thinking Spring all over again?  One good thing about Labor Day, in addition to cookouts (with meat this year, not Veggie Burgers, right Missy?) and not being forced to get up at 6:00 am for work is the fact that, well, I have a job.

This wasn’t always the case, however, and I can sympathize greatly with those seeking gainful employment. There are many reasons I’m such a big fan of Horizon Goodwill, but without a doubt, to me, what makes this organization so special is their dedication to helping those with barriers to employment find work. Do me a little favor this holiday weekend, and think about how much you value your career. If you could, wouldn’t you help others gain the same security you have? Well, guess what, you can…and it’s easier than you might think. [Read more…] about Taking Off On Labor Day? Think Of Those Who Need Employment

Hurry! Your Chance To Win An iPad Mini Ends Sept. 4th

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If there’s one thing I learned in my 45 years on this big blue marble it’s that I’m not a quitter. I learned a lot of great lessons from my father, with perhaps the most important being to never give up on your dreams. I’ve also, however, learned quite a bit from one of my heroes, Clint Eastwood, and today, a famous quote from one of his films is ringing in my ears—“A man’s got to know his limitations.” 

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m giving up on my dream of winning the Horizon Goodwill Back2School Fashion challenge. It appears I just don’t have the eye for style that my competition has, including Kaitlyn. But don’t let the fact that I’m throwing in the towel deter you from claiming that iPad Mini.  I’m going to give you a little peek at what you’re up against in this week’s blog. Come inside and take a look! [Read more…] about Hurry! Your Chance To Win An iPad Mini Ends Sept. 4th

Bet You Didn’t Know All This Stuff About August

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I’m one of those guys that loves trivia. I have no idea why, but I consider a gift. My wife, on the other hand, tends to think of it as a curse. For instance, last night while driving home from dinner, Kaitlyn, our eight year old, announced from the back seat that she would very much like for her mother to turn the radio on. In all honesty, her request wasn’t as cordial as I described, but I’m trying to be polite. If you’re reading this, and you have kids, you’ll know they can be proper as royalty when in the presence of others, but when it’s just their parents and/or siblings, their social filter tends to be turned off.  So, a song comes on, [Read more…] about Bet You Didn’t Know All This Stuff About August

Did You Accept The Challenge? An iPad Mini Is In The Balance!

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Hey all! Last week I shared with everyone the incredible challenge Horizon Goodwill threw out there with the Grand Prize being an iPad Mini. It’s no secret, I want that prize, and I told my wife and daughter all about my plan to win it over dinner the other night.  As a dad and a husband, I’m used to sacrificing for my family. Sometimes it’s little things like being forced to watch “Frozen” for the twentieth time when the Pirates are taking a shutout into the 9th, or having to muster up a smile when Missy makes vegetarian hot dogs (yes, there is such a product…and they taste just how you would expect).

You would think by now I would know when to keep my personal plans, well, personal. This whole Back2School Fashion Challenge is quickly turning into my own personal Waterloo. Allow me to explain… [Read more…] about Did You Accept The Challenge? An iPad Mini Is In The Balance!

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