I have another website

I have another website which is the root of this domain; www.DavidFrancis.org. I frequently post my thoughts there before posting them here. There is a "blast message" feature at the top of each page that kind of gives daily status as well.

If you can't get enough of my writing (puhleeze), you can always check that site out for temporary information, latest information, photos as well as a means of contacting me.

www.DavidFrancis.org

Thank you for reading!

A sincere desire to make a positive difference

Excellence Thursday 26 Jul, 2007 7:35 am

This was the daily motivator on my personal web page today at MyWay.com.

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude. Excellence comes not from education, money, ability or connections alone. It comes from a commitment to do the very best with whatever you have available."

~Ralph Marston

On the day after the completion of issue #3 of Soky Happenings magazine, this quote struck me quite solidly. In March of this year I decided to create, publish, print and distribute a brand new events magazine for my community. I knew it would be hard and I knew there was plenty I did not know, yet I decided to do the best job I can... and I did.

The process of creation presented a number of decisions as to the layout of the magazine, it also included decisions relating to the size, paper types and color. With the help of those I trust, I decided to strive for excellence and produce a high quality large (tabloid sized), full color magazine that included a staple binding. This decision was costly as it equated to more than 3 times the cost of my least expensive option.

What drove the decision for quality was based solely on the desire for excellence! The motivation for the new publication was founded on the desire to produce a high quality useful resource that the community would enjoy, use and embrace. Cutting corners on the end product was never an option because of the desire for excellence.

I spend countless hours building each issue making sure the details are addressed. If an element such as an image or graphics does not meet up to quality standards, then I choose another, build it from scratch or modify it so it does. Checking all advertisements, articles, photos for the right colors, fonts and dots per inch takes a lot of time, the end result is excellence.

Then there is the calendar grid. There are more than 714 events in the calendar. My wonderful wife spends the entire month researching, calling, checking and entering each event into the database. At the time of publishing, Carrie and I sit and double check each of those items as they are laid into the magazine. We highlight our sponsors, featured articles and make sure the text is formatted properly. Again, it would be easier to program the software to automate the process, but these extra hours are well invested in our pursuit of excellence.

More than an image to maintain, or a prideful pursuit, the drive for excellence is engrained in all we do. Sure we want something we can be proud of, and yes we want a good image for the new company, but at the end of the day we seek excellence out of commitment and loyalty to our purpose.

Where does it come from? I've asked myself this question many times. I think back to my education and training and wonder if this desire for excellence is due to being an Aircraft inspector in the Air Force. Could it be my experience as a chemical analyst in a production foundry that inspired perfection? Maybe it's my time as a Flight Engineer where the lives of our patients, passenger and crew depended on my attention to detail and situational awareness. It could also be the many years as a webmaster where I was committed to standards, security and quality for my clients.

I'm not exactly sure what has enabled me to be so diligent in my pursuit of excellence. I can see where it has paid off over the years. Just as the examples above, my attention to detail has resulted in perfect inspections, ribbons for 100% quality, awards from crewmates and commanders, promotions and yes respect from those who see and understand my investment.

Some of my friends call it "anal retentiveness." Coworkers and subordinates are sometimes frustrated by my inability to accept mediocrity. Even my own wife jabs me when I measure out every single ingredient in a food recipe, only later to make the comment, "I wish I could cook like this."

I believe the pursuit of excellence comes from a number influences and experiences. No matter where it comes from or what has inspired it, the results have been apparent through some of my achievements. It can also be frustrating when I invest time in programming or layout and no one in the world truly understand the depth of my commitment, but then in the end, I remember it's not about the accolades, it's about doing the job right.

Passion is a huge part of excellence! Looking back at the many jobs, responsibilities and tasks, I can see that my drive for perfection is directly affection for my passion or commitment to the cause. Case in point, I was Superintendent of Public Affairs in the Air Force as assigned by the Wing Commander and Public Affairs Officer. When my PA Officer was reassigned, my passion faltered. When the commander was reassigned, my passion evaporated. The result was a genuine lack of enthusiasm and my attention to detail was adversely affected. When I saw that I was not meeting my own expectations for excellence, I resigned from the position. With the passion lost, I could not find the motivation for excellence and I no longer wanted the job.

I could cite many more examples; the point is that passion does have an effect on excellence. In the absence of passion, responsibility, duty and commitment can and does replace passion, but only for so long. Eventually, at least for me, I seek new challenges that bring back the passion I long for and allow me to embrace the pursuit of excellence once again.

I am passionate of my new magazine! I am proud of my community and have a desire to make a difference. I want the work we do to be enjoyed and utilized. I understand this is a business and profitability is important, but the motivation to stay up for days without sleep or the attention to detail to ensure quality print does not come from "business." This motivation comes from a passion for what we are doing and an ingrained desire for excellence.

The reward far surpasses any monetary gain, the reward comes from the community and the letters, calls and e-mail that simply say "thank you." The reward comes through comments from my peers who point to the color, the quality, and the effort.

There is another humbling aspect of the pursuit of excellence, and that is the ability to seek advice and listen to others. I think the willingness to admit you don't know everything can be one of the most effective tools used in achieving excellence. The ability to accept criticism and to listen to those who offer it can help a person reach a higher level of excellence than relying on our own judgment and ability. Sure, the buck stops here and the decisions are ultimately made by the person seeking excellence, but to set aside the ego and control enough to truly listen to others can supercharge the engine that drives excellence.

I am proud of Soky Happenings! I am committed to making it a useful and attractive. I not only listen to others, I seek out advice and counsel from many people to help her achieve excellence. I believe that if we continue to build a resource that keeps our community in mind, the financial rewards will continue to grow. If we continue to seek ways to improve the magazine in a manner that serves the community and the readers the best, our distribution and reach will expand. In the end, if we continue to strive for excellence, the community of South Central Kentucky will be served and the business known as Soky Happenings will thrive.

Passion, commitment, enthusiasm, are all a part of what drives me; and through these intangible emotions, my heart is set on excellence. It is what inspires the attention to detail and thoroughness it takes to produce the product that is Soky Happenings.

Ralph Marston continues:

"Excellence comes from thoroughness, from attending to the necessary details while staying clearly focused on the purpose. Excellence comes from a sincere desire to make a positive difference."

~Ralph Marston

A sincere desire to make a positive difference... yeah, that's what I meant to say in the first place.

Ralph Marston has been publishing daily motivators for many years. Ralph is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. A devout Christian, Mr. Marston has a passion for personal development and it is demonstrated through his commitment to the daily motivator. In short, he has achieved excellence through his passion. Find him at http://www.greatday.com/

San Antonio and Lackland Air Force Base

Much Needed Break, Back In The Saddle

The Francis family enjoyed a trip to San Antonio TX this past weekend to attend my youngest sons graduation from Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base. We had a great time and it offered 4 days away from my computer and the daily grind.

San Antonio was hot and humid! No real surprise there except it seemed a sunburn would come in just a few short minutes.

We stayed downtown at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Downtown (318 W. Durango Blvd.) where we enjoyed outstanding service as well as good clean rooms. The hotel offered free shuttle service to the river walk which we enjoyed each of our three nights.

We really enjoyed "Howl at the Moon" which features dueling piano style entertainment though that could seem misleading because between the audience involvement and a complete band with guitar, bass, drums and even brass at times, it's much more than just a piano bar.

We ate at a few restaurants including, La Margarita in Market Square and The Olive Garden on 410, neither of these restaurants offered food or service worth mentioning. Market Square however is a must see as is the famous River Walk and the Alamo.

We flew on Southwest Airlines and as usual, the service was outstanding. One thing anyone should keep in mind is that Southwest Airline offers what I call "festival seating." They do not have reserved seating so you must get your boarding pass as early as possible. If you don't, you will likely be sitting in less than desirable seats and if traveling with companions, will be separated.

The trick! Check-in online 24 hours in advance! http://www.southwest.com/ If you do this, you can print your boarding pass on your own printer. It will also ensure that you get the coveted "A" boarding pass. Boarding passes are marked A, B or C and those with the A pass get on first providing a better chance for preferred seats. Frankly, I don't like this method but can see the wisdom in doing so by the airline.

Another advantage of checking in online is you get to use the electronic check-in at the airport. These lines move much faster than the manual check-in lines, just make sure you have your boarding pass and that your checked luggage is ready (unlocked and well marked). Simply walk up to the touch screen terminal, enter your confirmation number and select the number of bags to be checked. An attendant will place the tags on the bag for you and give you instructions. If you don't have checked bags, you can skip this step altogether, providing you have successfully checked in online properly.

Remember, no locks on the luggage and it is likely to be search by TSA after you leave it with them. Once TSA is done with it, it goes to the regular baggage handlers. How do I say this sensitively? If you have anything so valuable that it needs to be locked up, or so breakable that it cannot withstand a drop of 3 feet, then don't pack it! Bags pop open, things get lost and there are so many bags to move in such a short period of time that you can't blame the handlers for "tossing" the bags now and then.

Security checkpoint. Keep it simple! We like to wear slip on shoes (because they're coming off) and empty our pockets long before we get to the checkpoint. I wear flip flops and put my change, phone, keys and even my watch in the carry-on bag. Anything to make the process smoother for myself as well as my fellow travelers.

Be sure and have your boarding pass and identification in your hand before you approach the TSA agent. Again, makes life easier and the line move faster for all.

Liquids! This is a new concern for security if you haven't traveled in a while. There are a number of concerns and instructions for bringing liquids or gels onto the aircraft. Bottom line, don't bring them. If you must, put them in your checked bags or better yet, plan to buy them when you get past the checkpoint. If you have liquids or gels, put them in one clear zip lock and plan to place them separately in the bin for x-ray.

From the Transportation Security Administration

on Monday 16 Jul, 2007

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm     

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula, juice and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

There are a number of tips available from Southwest Airlines as well.

Travel Tips/Airport Information

 provided by Southwest.com on Monday 16 Jul, 2007

• Carryon Baggage Travel Tips
• Inflight Services
• Passenger Facility Charge
• E-Ticket Check-In kiosk
• Suggested Airport Arrival Times
• ATA Codeshare
• Traveling With Kids

Source: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/travel_center_tips.html

Our car! We rented our car from Enterprise and I must say I was well pleased with all aspects of the process. The car was amazing! A brand new Chrysler 300C (11 miles on it). Carrie had rented a full sized car because we would need extra space in the back for the boys... eh... men. They escorted us to our red Pontiac, I saw the Chrysler and asked, "how much more for that?" We got it for $10 per day more.

We rented the car from our own website @ http://www.CarriedAwayVacations.com. We printed our confirmation before we left and handed it to the Enterprise representative at the San Antonio Airport. They asked a couple of questions, scanned my credit card and gave us instruction to meet the bus.

A note about the Enterprise shuttle bus. I was impressed!!! I have to mention that the drivers to and from the airport were both more professional and courteous than I could have expected. Well dressed, well mannered and eager to help with bags and provide information, these guys were top notch! Yes, I tipped them both $5 in gratitude!

The shuttle took us to the car lot where the paperwork was already done and the nice representative walked us to our car. As mentioned, I complicated things myself by choosing the jet black and chrome Chrysler 300C yet our rep didn't miss a beat. He was more than accommodating making a few annotations on the paperwork and getting us on our way fast.

They provided maps and instructions and there was no hard sell for upgrades, insurance or other add on features. Personally, I like it when service organizations treat you with respect and don't try to force features or upgrades on you.

Another word about the Chrysler 300. This was an amazing car! It had plenty of room in the front and the back for all 4 of us. While Carrie could fit comfortably in a MG Spider, my sons and I are not small people and we found the car more than comfortable. Even luxurious. From the automatic windshield wipers to the powerful engine, this car was a joy to drive, even so much as to have me questioning my preference for trucks and considering buying my own Chrysler 300C.

There is much more I could write about San Antonio as there are countless things to do and places to see. July probably wasn't the best time to visit as far as the temperature goes but in all the heat had little effect on our plans.

Tips for people visiting San Antonio for the purpose of attending graduation at Lackland Air Force Base.

1. Be prepared to hurry up and wait. Trainees have many rules they must abide by and their schedule takes precedence over convenience.
2. The summer is hot!!! The winter is cold. Dress accordingly because you will be spending a good amount of time outside.
3. At the visitors center, there are people available to answer your questions, provide maps and offer instruction. If you have questions, this is the place to ask.
4. Prepare for changes! Base liberties as well as town passes can be revoked for any reason. Trainees are subject to the requirements of their training instructor and it is possible that all or part of the free time "privileges" may be taken away for reasons that may seem unreasonable. Any attempt by parents, spouses or friends to take matters in their own hands will likely result in severe and embarrassing consequence to the trainee.
5. Read all instructions provided carefully! Instructions are provided to all authorized visitors and the contents of these instructions are important. Everything from driving on base to personal conduct while on base are carefully outlined. Deviation from these instructions can have an adverse effect on your loved one so please read them carefully.
6. Driving pass. The person who is named as a driver must drive the vehicle. No exceptions! The driver should approach the gate with their valid driver's license and gate pass ready to hand to the guard. Remember, you are entering a military base and are subject to the rules and requirements of security forces, this includes search of your vehicle and personal belongings.
7. Listen carefully to your loved ones!!!!! They may be your baby back home, but they have endured 6 weeks of intense training. Their Basic Military Training Instructor has given your "baby" very specific and important instruction that supersede anything you may have been told or read. Bottom line, your loved one has all of the answers and you should be prepared to obey their instruction.

The official website of Lackland was offline at the time of this post. The address is http://www.lackland.af.mil/

I hope you find this post useful but please keep in mind that it is based on my opinion and recent experience. Please follow the official links provided for official and recent information.

Travel | Southwest Airlines | Holiday Inn | Enterprise Rental | San Antonio | Lackland | Basic Training | BMTS | Chrysler | Checkpoint | Market Square | River Walk | Howl at the Moon | Carried Away Vacations

life is fragile, questioning my own survival

Without getting all philosophical about the term "life," for this blog post I'm talking about my physical existence. I suppose it would be more appropriate to title this blog "our bodies are fragile," yet when our bodies are challenged we tend to consider the many meanings of the word 'life' other than heart beats, breathing or surviving.

I've spent the last week battling one of the worst illnesses I've ever endured. At times, I would find myself questioning "is this is it?" Those who know me know that I usually plow through sickness and keep working and I tried this time, oh I tried! I would find myself incapable of anything and lying on a twin mattress which is on the floor of a back office.

As I lay on this mattress with a winter coat, beanie cap and two blankets, attempting to stem off another wave of the worst chills I've ever experienced in my life, I began to question my own ability to survive this time.

Rewind almost 3 years when I visited my own (civilian) doctor for a full physical. He poked, prodded, tested and evaluated. What came at the end of all these tests were words that I never thought a 40 year old man with a history like mine would ever hear. My doctor looked me square in the eye and said, "you're going to live forever."

The words of Dr. Allan rang in my head like a song of hope, yet I doubted as I would go from nearly convulsing from chills to sweating so profusely that anything I touched would be puddled with sweat. Even when I felt well enough to sit at my computer, I would type away as sweat poured down my face, chest, back and arms as if I were in a sauna or steam bath.

This is the embarrassing part. I don't have health insurance. Nope. It's one of those things I lost in March along with a significant income. I had been talking to a few insurance agents and even started the process of selecting the right plan for Carrie and I but I had not filled out the paperwork nor written the check.

I couldn't take it anymore and went to the Doctor on Friday.

My symptoms were a little confusing. On the surface it would seem I had the ultimate flu. Chills, fever, aches but no pain. I was not congested nor did I have a sore throat. Without getting into the intricate details, I had no internal pains at all and the only other anomaly was an urgency when I had to urinate.

Arriving at the "Doc in the Box", urgent care clinic, I signed in and was marked as "self pay." I waited for 3 hours. Fortunately, my sweating subsided to a trickle and I did not have a "chill attack" while waiting.

Just like any doctors visit, we went through the usual routine of collecting vitals. One item of note, according to the scale at the office, I weight 245lbs. (That's going to change.) I had tried to take my own temperature at home and it came out normal, at the clinic however, they used their fancy schmancy ear temp reader and it came out at 102ø. I asked for a urine cup and said, "the doctor's gonna wanna see this."

Another 30 minutes in the exam room and a young Dr. entered, asked the expected questions and then began to scratch his head. I think he jabbed every internal organ at least twice in an effort to get me to wince. No pain! Just flu-like symptoms and evidence of infection in my urine.

The kind doctor explained that I had an infection and that my body had gone into overdrive to combat it. Since the fever, chills and headache were so severe, he concluded that I had a kidney infection and prescribed 1000mg of an antibiotic per day. I would have likely received a big ole shot in the pants but since I was "self pay" he explained it would be very expensive. I took a pass.

So, I have a kidney infection... isn't that interesting.    

I was happy that he was able to treat the symptoms without the need for a myriad of tests, I don't think I could have afforded all that. My experience with him was favorable and will go there again. The staff were wonderful and even apologetic for the wait.

As I was paying my ransom to be released, the nurse, administrative lady and even a drug rep who was restocking the shelves all recommended that I go to Wal-Mart to get my expensive prescription filled. They all said that my prescription "might" be on Wal-Mart's $4.00 plan. I queried further and they explained that Wal-Mart had an "affordable prescription program." I asked if I had to be low income, special needs or somehow qualify for this, and they all assured me that it was available to all Wal-Mart shoppers.

I took my prescription, which from the reaction of everyone at the clinic I believed to be very expensive to Wal-Mart, turned it in and low and behold... $4.00. WOW!

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Nov. 27, 2006 - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT) announced that beginning on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, it is launching its $4 generic prescription program in 11 additional states, making the program available in all of its U.S. pharmacies. 

With the announcement, the expanded $4 generic prescription program will now be available in an additional 811 stores throughout California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.  Though it kicked off the program in Florida in September, with intentions to spread outside the state in January 2007, Wal-Mart said customer demand led it to accelerate the rollout of the program - now available in all of its 3,810 pharmacies.

http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4627.aspx?gclid=CIyYhMDEmo0CFRcqIgodZgab2w  

I took my first pill and headed back to work. Since this was the first evening Concerts in the Park Friday, I felt it was important that we all be there to hand out copies of Soky Happenings and take some pictures. Bad call. My symptoms remained and I about melted from the heat.

My wonderful wife and son looked at me and saw I was absolutely covered from head to toe in sweat. I could actually see fear in their eyes as they encouraged me to walk slowly back to the car and go to bed. Not one to question looks of fear, I agreed.

I was relieved to have been diagnosed but apparently it was going to take a few doses of the antibiotic before recovery would actually begin. I came to the office on Saturday to get some work done, but found myself curled up on that all too familiar mattress on the floor shivering uncontrollably. I stayed all day just hoping I would feel better long enough to get some work done. It never happened.

Sunday was somewhat better though the debilitating headache was overly distracting. By evening however, I started to feel better and got some work done. I stayed all night but still got some rest. It was my first nights sleep without being awakened by a fit of chills or drenched in sweat.

I woke this morning at 6:00 a.m. and I'm feeling much better. The headache is gone though I am still a little sweaty. I'm going to try to take it easy and get some work done. I can deal with the sweat, but that headache was rendering me incapable of anything having to do with reading, writing or computing.

The inspiration for this post is not the need to bore you with the gory details of my most recent illness. I did feel the need to share why I have been so hard to reach of late as well as my experience with Wal-Mart. But the real inspiration is the concept of the frailty of life and how fast we can go from healthy to... well... not healthy.

A week ago Sunday, July 1^st, I was at a party with friends, playing volleyball, shooting off fireworks and listening to live music. Since then, my health had changed so significantly that I questioned my own survival.

It's interesting what you think of when you begin to realize your own mortality. I've had a very long and eventful life. I've seen and done more than most men do in three lifetimes. I am grateful for having so many experiences, so many friends, and such a wonderful family. I have plenty more living to do but if it ended today, it would end fulfilled.

As I consider all that I have accomplished, my tendency is to consider what I have not accomplished. Things that I would like to do; places I would like to go; skills I would like to learn and dreams yet to be fulfilled. I am satisfied with my life, what has made it so satisfying is how full it has been.

Another result of feeling so bad for so many days is the burning desire to feel better. I am recommitting myself to my own health and fitness. I've had "plans" to get back into the gym, go to Kung Fu class and improve my diet/nutrition, but I have lacked the follow through. I blame work and the responsibilities of business for not implementing the plan when in fact, it is more appropriately attributed to laziness, lack of willpower and/or an unwillingness to make (and keep) the commitment.

That will change.

We are headed to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas this week to attend my youngest sons graduation from Basic Military Training. Carrie, David III and myself will fly out there and be able to spend time with Jesse. The whole family... that's a nice way to spend the weekend. By the time we return, I should be done with my prescription, have gotten some much needed rest, had a break from the daily routine and have had a chance to put things into perspective.

When we return... things will be different!

Instead of writing what I will do, I am simply going to do and I'll let you know how it all turns out. (grin) I have written many times about my so called intent, my dreams and my hopes. I may elaborate in the future but for now suffice to say that having those moments when I considered it to be over, it has inspired me to live a more full and healthy life that is as full in the years to come as it has been in years gone by.

Bad Economy? My portfolio is doing fine.

About a year ago, I decided to "play" the stock market game. I purchased 1000 shares of four of my favorite stocks. It cost a tad over $500,000 to buy in because the stocks were expensive. This morning I checked my portfolio and whoa... other than Yahoo, I didn't do so bad. Expedia was a gut call and I should have put it all in there... darnit! :)

Symbol	Company	Last Trade	Performance	Percentage
BA	BOEING CO	96.77	+$16,905.00	+21.17%
EXPE	Expedia, Inc.	29.16	+$14,525.00	+99.25%
GOOG	Google Inc.	530.38	+$150,335.00	+39.56%
YHOO	Yahoo! Inc.	26.86	($3,695.00)	-12.09%
		Totals	+$178,070.00	+35.25%

No, I didn't actually buy the stocks. I simply used an online portfolio manager. Using the price of the stocks on the day of purchase (plus $15 commission per), my pretend portfolio is worth $683,170.00.

For the record, I have no interest in the performance of these or any individual stocks. This is just an example and for entertainment purposes... at least my own entertainment. I am not a stock broker nor involved in the trading of financial instruments in any way.

With the DOW over 13,500, I wonder how much better I would have done if the economy was not in such "disarray" as the MSM like us to believe. Oh, wait... the DOW has never been so high and economy is booming despite the highest energy costs in history. Funny how blind so many people choose to be.

Simply put... thanks G.W.! You done good!