“Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything… even die.”

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This is the first thing you’ll read on the back cover of the book. It is the true story of Greg Mortenson, a climber who set out to conquer K2. He failed at that attempt and was rescued and nursed back to health by the inhabitants of a small Pakistani village. While he was there he realized they had no school; the kids sat outdoors doing lessons on their own. So he vowed to come back and repay their kindness by building a school. There was only one problem: he was completely broke, living out of his car and a storage unit.

Posted in choices, family, helping others Comments Off

From time to time, I will write about mental health since most of us either know someone, or are someone, who is suffering from one of the mental illnesses. For some reason, these topics are still a little taboo; no one likes to talk about them. But they are real, and they can certainly make the road to happiness take longer for the person suffering and for their families.

Today I would like to tell you about depression, since it is the one I personally have experienced. In future posts, I will also cover bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Keep in mind, I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. What I know about these diseases has been learned first hand–in the laboratory of life. Maybe that counts for something.

Posted in balance, depression, family, mental health 8 Comments »

Here he is, doing one of his favorite things: sharing a cup of joe with his outdoor buds. He’s the one in the black pants and sunglasses… doesn’t look a day over 38, I say!

So, if he’s turning 40, does that mean I’ll soon be traded in for a younger model? I sure hope not! I don’t know what I would do without his untiring energy and zest for life. Here’s a guy who is always on the go, always ready for a new adventure. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have nearly the experiences or friends that I have come to accumulate. I really am fond of this kid… but don’t tell him; it’ll just go to his head.

Posted in family, love 6 Comments »