Test of Fire: Evangelical Version (Official HD)

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Daughters and Dogs

I was looking in the mirror today and realised the shades of gray coming out in my beard,at my feet was our oldGolden retriever “Puppy” , her face turned a soft white with age ,laying down beside me , flapping her tail while laying down as only old dogs can do, as I tell her of my plans for today . I realised the  love Puppy has brought into  our lives at the same time I realised what she has taught the 3 M’s. Dogs can teach daughters a lot if we teach them to listen with thier heart , mind and soul.Daughters, as very little girls, need to internalize the deepest knowledge of loyalty, faith, honor, respect, and of course, love. Dads may attempt to teach these virtues, but Puppy lives it. Every day.

Puppy  taught my daughters the wisdom of living inthe moment. Even the least important moment is important enough.

Hearing the family car pulling into the driveway is important , exciting and a reason to investigate even if it is just for a hug, kiss and hello.

Waiting at the door is important...awarm hug and hello do wonders for everyone.

Going for walk , strolling ....lolli-gagging is good for the soul , sometimes

Feeling the slurp of cool water is important.

Stretching legs and toes is important.

Feeling the rush of the wind from the car window is important.

Getting a great big hug is important.

Puppy taught my daughters the truth of what is not particularly important. Morning breath. A bad hair day. Gossip.

Puppy taught my daughters to run, play, jump, frolic. Dogs have a magical way of nudging even our teenaged daughters into some agreeable action.

Puppy taught my daughters the beauty of looking into big, round eyes. The confidence of gently bathing and brushing magnificent hair. The patience of training. And the respect of things that are living.

Puppy taught my daughters to listen to a creature who has nothing to say. To speak her heart to ears that absorb her every word. To fear not solitude.

Puppy taught  my daughters to be silly. To pour out saved-up wishes. To love simply, yet completely. To take delight in this love.

Puppy is teaching my daughters about mortality. And immortality. Dogs let our daughters know that man alone contemplates his mortality… animals who are ready to go show no sign of doubt. Puppy is  offering my  daughters the greatest hope that we will always live in the memories of those we leave on this earth.

Puppy has taught my daughters that love often times needs no logic. The sweetest attraction is sometimes the strangest!

Explaining History from an Islanders point of view

Living and growing up on a pirate island is amazing and challenging but with one daughter graduating from Middle school and her team being called the Buccaneers and my second  Daughter being slightly banged up , we have had a chance to review many stories and dreams I told her as she was growing up ...one of them was my belief that sailors are blessed  by God , loved by Jesus and smiled upon by the angels.
With Her quick mind and sharper wit she layed out a trap for me to fall into by mentioning that Pirates  are also sailors ,but being ...older no more experienced I asked her to close her eyes and listen to my story , my version of history and my thoughts on Pirates .....

Just Imagine one night going out with your  buddies , you are having dinner , laughing, talking , singing songs and drinking a bit ,just enjoying your life with your friends ,bragging about your girlfriend and your dreams ….and then someone slips you a mickey  and off to sleep you go……Imagine the heart ache when you wake up on a merchant ship…  a big huge boat….. a ocean going vessal ……not a row boat but a functioning  working 7 days a week 24 hours a day boat  crammed with all sorts of stuff , other people as confused as  you  and a select group of people you don’t know …..This select group of people  won’t let you off the boat or take you back home…..They  demand you to  work or be Flogged…demand you to do unnatural things like climbing ropes on a swinging and swaying  mast or be flogged…..They  tell you ,you will be home in 2 to 5 years …..if you live …..They  demand absolute obedience and use terms and words you have never heard before nor fully understand ….They  give you strange and awful  food , They give you  limited sleeping arrangements and offer you no recourse but to sign papers saying you will work for food and maybe a small monthly allotment  if you survive and  get home .You have been just been  “IMPRESSED”.

Imagine the dispare  for these young men ,So you sign these papers pledging loyalty ,fidelity and your life to these unknown select group of  people.You  slowly and unwillingly learn the boat and the ways of a sailor. [England as well as many other nations in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s had 45 % of its sailors as sign ons ie: experienced sailors with no land based homes or families {formally impressed sailors }, 27% were impressed sailors ie as mentioned above …and now for the kicker 28% were volunteers…{that means they were impressed but told they would get a  bonus if they signed the papers quickly with no problems often at the point of a knife ..these guys were very "impressed "with thier recruiters ….lol….}.Slowly you begin to master several skills and forge bonds with others like yourself ..plucked also from thier mother’s breasts ….by the Select few and also beaten if they  don’t do as the select few say….these bonds forged with strangers grow stronger daily by working side by side with your new also “Impressed “friends .You have created a good impression not to be flogged.

Late at night , the older sailors tell you stories about how they have no home to go back too , families lost or scattered  and about life on the high seas and the different places they have been. In their eyes you still see a glimmer sadness but a flicker of pride or hope  if only given the chance , would they change the course of their lives………..They also whisper stories of men unlike them … free to choose their lives , their own boats , free to choose their own captains , master at arms , Quatermaster ,and First mate  and if these elected officers “screw up” they get voted out of the picture and off the boat …..They vote on where to go , who to see and what to do …they get real profit sharing ….they have real vested interested in the success of the voyage ….they get workmans comp [if they get hurt they get a pay out ]…..free health care …… free dental…life insurance pay out for thier wives .They develop their own set of rules for each trip for all to abide by …..they have formed a loose confederacy or union of men or even better a  breathen  of friends …….real democracy in action .

One day while sailing the select few  yell put more sail on….. and keep looking behind them at the two or three small ships behind them . Slowly the smaller boats get closer and closer and the select few get more and more nervious …..they understand what is happening and what will happen….The loan sharks[the guys from Holland who call themselves the East India trading company[very similar to Italian import/export companies  ] or the boys at Lloyds  bar and grill in London who run the insurance {imagine someone insuring cargo   for amounts of currency that are currently unknown  , the total quanity of product unknown  ,the total  quality of product is unknown and the delivery  is to be determined  at a later date weather permitting if the person handling the money lives long enough} ] Both of those groups   loaned  the select few the money for this voyage……and those guys  will not forgive them  if they loose the cargo [the VIG on a ship and cargo was fantastic 1000% or more ]and they” the loan sharks “will go after the select fews  families ….The select few  don’t want to die, get hurt or mained ….ie: better to save the ship or partial cargo and plan on a future voyage …then to die and  loose it all .

As the small boats come along side ,weapons are being passed out to you and your friends to defend the select fews ship…..hummm…..fight for  select few  you don’t know or like  , for a cargo that means nothing to you ,possibly get hurt for someone who beats you ,possibly die for someone who kidnapped you …hummm  …… ……..as the smaller boats come along side they unfurl the skull and cross bones …stating  “stand and deliver ,no mercy no quarter “ meaning stop the boat now  and we the free democratic sailors on the smaller ships will give you directions home or to the nearest port check your supplies as you may be lost wondering about in a big ocean and in return we will help you settle  your cargo ie  lighten your load so you can get home faster to see your loved ones and this cargo you have given us for directions and safe passage , we will sell it for you  locally to save you time , shipping costs  and to releave  you of the huge  capital gains  and import tax burden that will be placed upon you , on a side note :  you get to live another day [also remember the free democratic sailors  don’t want to get hurt , die or sustain injury either]   …it is a win win solution  for everyone ……. or you the select few can fire a shot and  the free democratic sailors trying to assit you and offer you help out on the big ocean will put you all to the sword because you have been impolite by not stopping  and saying hello ,you have been mean by making the free democratic sailors sweat in the heat and not waving back or saying hello ,  you have thrown a temper tantrum by firing a shot perhaps and given those poor democraticly elected sailors a headache by the noise.

Hopefully you will stop ...While cargo is being transferred to the smaller boats everyone is freely given the option of listening to the recruiters sales pitch for the  Christian non demoninational democraticsea faring coalition of men who promise you …..  better working hours , better  food ,workmans comp and profit sharing ….. or remaining with the Select Fews  Boat and maybe getting paid [remember the cargo just left with the Christian brotherhood of democratic seafarers  and your hopes of collecting a small daily wage after they [the select few]deducted out for loss of cargo , your food bill ,clothes ,blankets  , gloves ,and rain gear are now gone , you are now officially qualified as a debtor and liable to be thrown into debtors prison  upon return home or forced to work this debt off.]

Tough choices for these young men torn from their mothers bossum …hmmmm…..freedom ,democracy and profit sharing  …………..or………….. possible beatings , debtors prison and no guarrentee of getting paid …..ummmmm!!!!!!! what would you do???

Start a revolution [as we did in Texas ], establish your own Country [as we did in Texas ], develope your own system of Seafaring managment  for Global politics [as we did in Texas and on Galveston island ]

Nest week : pleasure boating, Jesus and pirates !

Our commericial for Mexico [edited english version]

Here is a version of our commericial for Mexico with English script for non spanish speakers

http://youtu.be/y37UnHktnBY

Amigo Movil Argentina

Accepted , rejected and objective

Accepted , rejected  and objective

My youngest Maddy daughter was filling out her application for  O’Connell Prep  School ,and among all the items listed for information gathering and questions asked were the following questions which gave pause for thought ,not wanting to repeat the traditional items of sports , school activities and groups and clubs it provided a chance for her and myself to reflect on ourselves as we really saw ourselves [using additional sheets paper if required ].So we each filled out our own versions of form together .Below are several points that caused us to both rethink in a nontraditional way thoughts  and our views of ourselves.

Describe yourself : [Not wanting her to do the …I am a good softball player and team leader which was already listed under the sports line , I thought about myself and came up with the following that fits in the 8 lines of space available]

I am unapproachably friendly. I am deliriously sane. I am normally crazy. I am rapturously unhappy. I am joyously angst-ridden. I am trendily outdated. I am consciously carefree. I am drunkenly devoted to sobriety. No. I am soberly committed to drunkenness. I am educated, but not snooty; a home-lover, but not a home-body. I am funny, but not a comedienne. I am religious, but not pious. I am set in my ways, but not set in concrete. I am confident, but not obnoxious. I am a bit romantic, but not sappy. I am smart, but not smart-alecky. I am  witty, but not at wit's end. I am reliable; but not predictable.

What are your assets and liabilities? [ Again not wanting her  to list team leader , captain of teams etc, but wanting her  to understand who she really is and give a insight into who her father is  , I came up with the following ]

I’m very creative both intellectually and artistically, but can't spell and often use inappropriate, but similarly sounding words to complete thoughts that might otherwise be profound.

What do you enjoy doing? [Again not wanting to list activites that are already described from the  many pages in the form with addition information listed on extra pages ,I looked for an answer that fits in the 4 lines provided on the application]

I Love to  laugh all the time, I enjoy laughing at the absurd, I enjoy laughing at my thoughts sparked by something completely unrelated, I enjoy laugh at texts that, sent to someone with a shadier disposition, might not be so funny, and I laugh at myself for laughing, among other things.

After smiling and reviewing her answers as compared to mine , we together sign, folded and placed a stamp and mailed out the application [s]…….Did I ever tell you I am also very forgetfull ,  I tend to forget minor details until I don't, and then I forget to forget them  again. I also enjoy hearing stories again for the first time….and this story will be told over and over again in my  house thru the years as the time …..my youngest  M got accepted in O’Connell Prep school and her father didn’t …..LOL…..you see when I sealed the envelope I enclosed both her copy and my copy of the application we were filling out….30 some years  after being accepted , graduating and now being rejected ,I can’t help but smile and think  life is still good on my island and at www.amigomovil.net .

Congratulations to my eldest Daughter  and to all seniors from the STEM program at Ball High Prep academy  and thanks to Dr Ricks for a job well done . Molly  good luck in the future and in farmacy or is it Pharmacy [ I don’t know I forget] school [ you already knew I couldn’t spell…lol… ]

Thoughts on Creativity

Creativity By Mike Nixon

Can creativity be created?  I personally find that creativity is a fickle mistress.  When moments of creativity hit, they can be motivating and uplifting.  In the sometimes long droughts between truly inspired thought, it seems that there has never been an original idea.  But, can innovation and ingenuity bedeveloped to the point that they are “on call” when the need arises?

Merriam -Webster describes creativity as “the skill and imagination to create new things”.  Skill – I like that – a skill is something that can be learned and developed.  But the second part of this definition is more problematic.  Imagination is that spark of genius that we are born with, something innately within us that singularly defines us and brands us as unique in this world.

While this psuedo-definition of imagination may be somewhat true, on further thought, it may be incomplete at best.  I wonder that skill and imagination are not so easily divorced as would appear on the surface.  Malcomb Gladwell is one of my favourite authors.  I believe he would take a different perspective on this topic.  In his books, Blink and again, peripherally, in Outliers, Mr. Gladwell would have us look at common (and not so common) occurrences differently.  Is our intuition (Blink) and our “overnight success” (Outliers) a God-given gift or talent bestowed at birth or are they more closely related to proficiency that can be developed?  It think the latter.

Let me give an example.  My wife's birthday was approaching.  As I get older, I am no longer satisfied buying the perfunctory flowers, perfume or other worn-out cliches of a present.  I wanted something creative to show my appreciation of her value in my life.  I wanted to celebrate the time that Anne and I  fell in love (I know, sappy, but true.)  In essence, I wanted to be creative.  But, what to buy or build or do?  One night, I noticed that when she bored of my excessive automotive how-to's and Science Channel documentaries, she retreated to her laptop and a quick game of Classic Ms. Pac Man.  You see, when we were first dating, we would often spend time by frequenting that late 70's hangout – the Video Arcade.

So the seminal idea was born.  I would find a vintage Pac Man arcade game and present it to her as a present.  But – you know what? - those things are big.  Where is it going to fit into our living room without it looking out of place like a fraternity dorm room.  (I say that because I had an Asteroids Arcade in my room...)  No, that definitely wouldn't work.  Maybe the “cocktail table” version of the arcade was a better solution.  Next revelation – those things are expensive.

Maybe I can build one...  There are myriad options and examples on the internet these days.  I secured plans and spent hours looking at examples.  I finally determined that I would not have the time/space/perseverance to complete this task.  But, the idea would not go away.  The cocktail table was a vast improvement but would still be covered by a tablecloth in the corner of the living room.  This would prevent the occasional spontaneous play that I wanted to encourage.  Something different would have to be “created”.  I wanted a classic arcade play but in a fixture that was on display for the world to see (I'm dramatic that way.)  I wanted it to be art.

Now, you see, one thing that I am not is an artist.  I am an engineer through and through.  I act like an engineer.  I talk like an engineer.  And, most importantly, I think like an engineer.  When I realized it was art that was the goal, I knew I was not the right man for the job.  So I turned to a real artist, John V. Weber.  Anne has wanted one of John's pieces in our home for some time.  So I “commissioned” John to build the artwork that would hold my engineering.  You see I have a secret weapon – John is also my daughter's father-in-law.  So art with a purpose.  And this is the metaphor for which I was searching.

So the terms, art and skill are very much relative.  John's art has a skill that is unsurpassed.  Like a pianist or a singer, his art is practised each day until it is honed to a fine edge.  Similarly, my skill has a certain level of artistic quality – the layout of wire, the location of the controls and the operation of the mechanics.  All developed from the repetitive use and tutelage of engineers more practised than myself.

So, creativity has come to mean the development of ideas and practices to a level that seems natural and spontaneous.  What Mr. Gladwell would describe as conforming to the “10,000 hour rule”.  Some, it seems, get this right and call it “focus”.  Others, fail miserably with obvious me-too products incorporating little thought or effort.  I like to believe that we can all insert some creativity into our world based on our own 10,000 hours of experience.  It is with this insight and challenge that we approach the development of all of our projects at Amigo Movil.

“Children begin by loving their Father ; as they grow older they judge him ; and sometimes, they forgive him ”

Over the weekend , I relaxed from work had a chance to spend time with my  18 yr old daughter . Ok I trapped her ,[ I asked her if she wanted to go to the Boat and hang out for a bit ]once I threw off the dock  lines , and cleared  into the Galveston Ship channel , there was no going back {hehehehe I still cant believe she fell for it }

With rumble of the old diesel  chugging [and smoking away]  , she quickly turned down the Ships radio and turned up the FM radio , but not to some crazy Houston station playing music without acoustic guitars but she tuned into my Texas Country station bringing a smile to  my face  as the sweet sound  of the Zack Brown Band came flowing out of the Cabin. Smiling she came into the cockpit and brought up several cushions to sit on and placed them around the cockpit area.

For 10 minutes or so , we experienced a calm easy silence , the kind that comes from just marveling at the beauty of our island home when viewed  from the water , the stillness almost placidness of the peacefull waters and the expanse of Gods arms in the form of clouds stretching across the horizon , just stearing the boat thru the markers with simple nods to each other reflecting on the many adventures she , her sisters, her friends and I have shared on these  waters .

Finally she spoke to reveal the dangers of a oyster bed near by ,smiling I adjusted course into a deeper part of the channel [thinking she remembers  running on this bed as a young child looking for pearls ]

Then she spoke of not missing the marker red 12 and turning slightly to starboard ,smiling I again made the course adjustments remembering the time she drifted by there on a floating dock loaded with her friends riding the currents with no motor thru the ship channel as only children blessed by Angels can do ,get way with and endure.

Glancing by the airport she commented on the dangers of the shifting sand bars , oyster reefs and false currents near there , Again smiling I adjusted course and thought of her running jet skis thru there and hanging out on the sandbar during the summer months bbq’ing , water skiing and listening to the concert sounds coming  from MoodyGardens .

Coming about , I handed the wheel over to her and moved  forward to the bow to make some adjustments  on the standing rigging, After several  minutes glancing back I saw her comfortably sitting on the Captains peak arms stretched across  the railing , shoes off , feet and toes locked on and around the wheel  steering by feel of the waves and wind  , head held high and slightly tilted into the evening breeze…….Completely at ease ,completely self assured and confident in her own knowledge , ability and course she was setting.

It was a moment of pride to watch her …to see what she has become ….and at the same time bittersweet …. with the realization , that she will be gone in several months of to chart her own course thru  Pharmacy school and life  , requiring or needing very little direction or Fatherly  intervention.{but secretly wishing and hoping she will always come back to ask her Pops opinion}

Settling back in the cockpit , our conversation drifted towards more  immediate subjects such as her sisters , friends , plans for the summer and of course the fatherly question of ….Hey Little bear , what do you feel your role is within yourself and our  family ?    

Responding as her eyes constantly scanned the horizon and then the near closer potential problems to navigation  she said “ To become the best person I am able too ….and  to lead ,challenge  and protect my sisters …..and to listen and heed   the advice from you”

Smiling at each other , we watched the sunset set on the water and I thought to myself … I am glad the argueing phase of our relationship may be coming to an end …I am extremely proud of her and her choices in life ..perhaps she is ready to chart her own course ...If she navigates life as well as she handles the Lost soul thru these waters ....She will be just fine ......  we will still have a few rocky patches but the girls and I are like a piece of fudge…. a little nutty….. but on the whole …full , rich and sweet ….alot like life  which should be savored and devoured , relishing both emotions at the same time ….......... life  is pretty good with the 3 M’s , on my island and at www.amigomovil.net

Viva La Tejas , Forever texas

It's Texas Independence Day! Y'all wear your boots.
176 years ago fifty-nine elegates to the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the Brazos sign the Texas Declaration of Independence without debate. Authored primarily by George Childress, it charges that the Mexican government has become a military dictatorship, ceasing to protect the lives, liberty and property of her people, and declares Texas to be an independent republic.
In San Antonio the Alamo defenders endure another day of shelling as Santa Anna continues to close the noose around the little fort. They only have days to live and will die unaware that independence has been declared......www.amigomovil.net ......Viva La Tejas !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talking thru Closed doors

When dealing with the 3 M's I will admitt at times I am totally lost , using My finely honed[Yeah right ] , experienced driven [ unsuccessful to date ]and crafted [I read Dr. Spock]parenting skills , They still out flank me at times and leave me speachless [ I pity thier future husbands ].I am seeking a little advice on how to a get Teenage girls to clean up after themselves , I have approx 1400 readers who follow crazy thoughts written in this blog....... any ideas , thoughts or comments ????
I mean they are NHS members , Honor roll , Stem program , top 10 % or better in thier class , they each have 4 to 7 activities/ clubs  per year they are invloved in but I cant get them to pick up after themselves or perhaps.....naw couldnt be ..... this is wild thought .....they may just love THE SOUND OF MY FATHERLY VOICE  ......naw couldnt be that I am sure .......any ideas?
As my father would say  “When you can’t change the direction of the wind — adjust your sails.”

Sit back and smile and think Life is still great on my island at www.amigomovil.net

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the Key to running your Household " let anarchy rule"

Ok , the 3 M’s definitely have a busy schedule with School , activities , sports and goofing off ,which  makes my schedule even busier [because it is my schedule times 3 completely unorganized schedules ]

So in the house we have to try to maintain some type of order with the constant state of kaos that teenage girls seem to thrive in. I have found that I have to stop at the food store or some other type of store on a daily basis as a result of my inability to get the 3 M’s all walking the same step. [lots of luck on that one as NP says ]

I have tried taking them shopping  with me as a family unit , ie food shopping , to the drug store , Walmart/Target , and Home depot ,but I found I spend  twice as much money if they “come along to help me” as they seem to purchase a larger than necessary supply of  “must have or I will die designer household essentials” ie…. Mrs Vick’s potato chips ….? [what is wrong with Pringles or Lays ? ] …..acai ,pok-a-berry juice cocktail ,100% natural  from hand selected concentrate berry juice with broccoli and spinach blend  made in Texas …[I am still an ocean spray cranberry juice guy, I didn’t know cranberries were healthy in the 70’s , I just liked the name “Ocean Spray “ and they have weekly coupons ] …..The Original La Rosa  “real Tex/Mex style” Salsa  and/or Con Quesso  spicy dip made in Texas [ Me I buy what ever is on sale at 1/3 the price of the designer sauces ]….and Small white packages of Cookies  that carry europeon names of cities or countries or Ethic regions [ Me it is Chips Ahoy  and Oreo’s ]

So in order to encourage stability and unity I started a  “to buy “ list [again] and placed it on the  re frig door [ again] but I changed the name to [thinking basic and easy would get the point across]:

“If we are out of it , Write to down  and I will get it in two days “

So the next morning I get up and glance at “ the list “ thinking miricales are happening and I have achieve a brief respite from constant anarchy , I grab my glasses and read the first entry

“Pop , you may be Goofy ,corny and old fashioned but your are not out of it , BTW give yourself more credit , it never takes you two days to get anything ,a day maybe but never two ,  you are pretty smart at times , love you“

I just turned around to watch the sunrise on the gulf,  smile , dunk my oreo in my milk and think life is ok on my island and at www.amigomovil.net

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Verbal Picasso Art forms and Daughters

As you know this week is both St Valentine’s day and preparation for the Mardi Gras parades , Fat Tuesday and ash Wednesday here on the Island . I was trying to develop some type of story but decided just to wait until after this weekend’s mis-adventures, but I made a list of the words of wisdom or wit that have rolled out of my mouth over the past couple of days to the 3M’s [ I still can’t believe the garbage that comes out all mixed up somewhat  like a verbal Picasso art form]

On yourself image:

In order to be someone, you must first be yourself.

Alter your attitude and you can alter your life.

Always laugh when you can. It is cheaper than medicine…

On your career choices:

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give

On relationships [fathers are excluded from this one]:

Men are like roses , watch out for all of the pricks

On people you may encounter or work with:

Half of the people in the world are below average.

On stumbling blocks to happiness:

The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

On love:

The sound of a kiss is not as loud as a cannon but its echo last a lot longer

As I am finishing this I am literally chuckling to myself  life is too good with the 3 M’s , on my island and at www.amigomovil.net

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"Father's Be Good to Your Daughters , daughters will love like you do "

Each day as I watch my 3M's I am struck with the same thoughts that I must instill or teach my daughters daily to counteract the garbage from Tv , the internet , school and thier friends
Here is my list :[seriously tell me what you think of it amigomoviltx@gmail.com]

1]Fathers are forever , I will always be there beside her , with her and for her to depend upon.A   lighthouse.

2]She is beautiful just the way she is .Her Natural attractiviness is all she will ever need .Reaffrim this daily

3] She is enough and capable of anything.She has all the intelligence ,confidence and capability to accomplish anything.

4]Practice saying NO! along the way girlfriends and boyfriends will place her in a position where she may make poor choices but she must say no !!! Practice makes perfect !!!

5]Believe in RIGHT and WRONG , she will need moral clarity in the future ,teach what is ethical and right so she has a measure to live by.

6]Humility ,  Yes I want them to have confidience and independance but I also want them to respect others and treat them with diginity .[ie people in positions of authority , elders and me]

7]Maintain a healthy lifestyle with laughter , song and good food.They must have a heathly view of thier diet , lifestyle and excerise habits.Go surfing , eat mangos and laugh at the absurd.

8]Men should treat her with gentliness and respect , she should exspect and refuse anything less.

9]Modesty , it is more attractive to create a modest and authentic look , [revealing looks are crying for attention] there are boundries that are acceptable and these are my boundries.Deal with it and live with it.

10]Relationships and Family matter most , most of her joy and fullfillment will come from the relationships she builds , so she must choose and act wisely.Wait and catch the right wave.

11] Stay away from drugs and dont drink too much , Alcohol may be harmfull and impairs judgement, the effects of abusive before she is an adult is painful.

12] I will always defend her ,if someone wrongs her in any way I will always defend her and champion her cause ,she need never look elsewhere for protection.

13]Managing money , thrift and frugility are virtues to be held dear.

14]Honesty and Integrity , always maintain these qualities.

15]Patience , wait to have sex, wait for the right man ,wait so you can finish college , wait so you can travel ,dont rush into things ,the right wave will come.

16]Keep things Simple , the simplier the solution the more eloquent.

17]Believe and trust in the power of prayer , you are blessed and highly favored

18]We have Enough , dont fall victom to consumerism, give generously of yourself

19]Appreciate Nature , come with your Pop and go surfing or watch the sunset , marvel in the glory of nature and God

20]Be persistent ,Perseverance is a fine attribute to have and hold,catch the right wave

21]Be practical and pragmatic , solve all problems is a logical way , solve the problems for others they will love you for it

22]Dont get pushed around , you have authority over your life , take control , you are your own best hero !

23]Ask what can I do about it? Be practical and follow the prayer of St Francis [ my english Teacher had me recite it daily ,I thank her for that to this day] , it will reduce your stress and lead to a longer life

24]My love is unconditional , I will always, always , always love you , I may not agree with your choices But I will always love you and you must understand the seperation between these two concepts

Finally .....My Daughters Matter and the job of being a Father in todays society is difficult ,the opposition is fierce and unrelenting , I literally draw  a line in the sand on my island daily , I will not give up on you ,I will be an example for you to be proud of now and in the future , our society will not claim you as a victim , I will ensure you are strong ,secure , proud and ready for tomorrow,I love you......thank you girls for teaching me as much if not more than I have taught you over the years.
www.amigomovil.net

www.amigomovil.net N-8 mobile phone

Another Perfect Day -- Gary Helms

I am Tired

I was sent this the other day and asked to pass it on , this was our dinner conversation last night with the 3 M's it was written  by Bill Cosby...

Bill Cosby: "I'm 76 and Tired"

 
"I'm 76 and I'm Tired"
I'm 76. Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National
Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some some serious
health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly
40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my
income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as
though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who
don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take
the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy
to earn it.     
   
I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I
can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and
daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight
offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't
"believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning
teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the
genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and
Shari'a law tells them to. 
  
I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let
Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques
and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia , New Zealand ,
UK, America and Canada , while no one from these countries are allowed to
fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other
Arab country to teach love and tolerance..  

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global
warming, which no one is allowed to debate.
I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help
support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ
rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses
or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?
 
I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all
parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful
mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting
caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor. 

I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and
actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination
or big-whatever for their problems.
I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and
early 20's be-deck them selves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making
themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government.
Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 76.. Because, mostly, I'm not
going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for
my granddaughter and her children.   Thank God I'm on the way out and not
on the way in.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us
sends it on!
This is your chance to make a difference.

" I'm 76 and I'm tired.    If you don't forward this you
are part of  the problem".
Thanks from all at www.amigomovil.net  , www.youtube.com/user/amigomoviltx

Low end great mobile phone from www.Amigomovil.net

10 things I will never say to My 3 M's !

I was relaxing having a great non working weekend and then the 3M’s started in, minor intrusions at first and then full force into my peaceful uneventful relaxing  weekend[tinkering on the sailboat ]

The normal daughter / Father stuff started :

From my 14yr old “Yes we need to go to the mall[45 minutes away] , I need a new shirt for school [she goes to a private school , she wears white oxford cloth button shirts daily ,available here on the island for $12.99 each, why the mall ?]…and the book store Barnes and Noble to buy a  Harry Potter  2 video set with the commentary [so much for private schooling , reading and that Christmas box set collection of HP books  ]….and Starbucks for a Mocha Frappecino Carmel  dark Grande latte iced [what happened to a coke and fries from Macdonalds dollar menu???]…..oh and we need to stop at the jewelers to get my ring cleaned and polished [Hmmm???Now I am really confused …what ring? ]

From my 17yr old  “ Dad , we need some food ,we have to go to the food store , we need some healthy food , salads , fruits , grains , whole nuts , juices “ [speaking while eating a double stuffed Oreo ] oh and we need some shoes [ we need shoes????hmmmm wasn’t it just Christmas ?????shoes already?????]Oh and I need some money [ of course] , I am going to study with my friend at the local Coffee house [study at a coffe house???hmmm]for our end of the semester finals……twenty should cover it ,wait no better make it 25 bucks to be safe “[ pls remember I bring my lunch to the office and clip coupons for 2 for 1 dinners out , I am not cheap just a …….ok I am cheap!!!!]……oh yeah &^%$##[I call him pimples with a pickup] will be there too! ....He is so nice and sweet…..

From the 18yr old  “Everyone is going to a party at  &^%$#@ house , Can I go ? ……And would you pick me up a bottle of Myers Rum? We are making rum and cokes …oh yeah while your picking up the rum would you get some APPLE vodka drinks also ?????.....Oh yeah Her parents are out of town …..but it is ok ....They don’t care if we drink at their house…..Oh yeah there will be boys there …….and &^%$# will be there ,He got accepted into South Texas  Dirtwater University [ I called him “the nerd in mommy’s beamer”]and  Music  Yeah Dad!! Duh!!!! ….we may go night swimming …….You know the house off the way there  ….on the water ….by the back bayou….Oh I will probably spend the night …depends on how much we are drinking ……no problem I can drive and drink …we have the fix in with the police on the island ……..

While milling over everything in my mind I couldn’t help but review several things  

I will never say:

10. Well, how 'bout that?... I'm lost! Looks like we'll have to stop and ask for directions.

9. You know Pumpkin, now that you're older, you are ready for unchaperoned car dates!!!!! with no curfew!!! Have  fun!!!!!

8. I noticed that your friends have a certain “up yours” attitude ... I like that …tell them to keep it up ,come over any time I enjoy being snubbed.

7. Here’s a charge card and the keys to my  car – GO out to eat with your friends and GO CRAZY. It only money.!!!!!!!

6. You want to drop out of the STEM program and take easier classes –Sure sweetheart you don’t need science , stats or econ classes. Your inheritance with  take care of you forever!!!!!

5. I am going sailing for the weekend ... you might want to consider throwing big beach party.... I will buy the drinks !!!!!!.

4. That big old oak tree ran into your car .I will call the city and have it cut down.The nerve of trees running into perfectly good cars  driving on the road. Just have it towed to a mechanic and I will pay whatever he asks and take my car out and see if another Oak tree has the nerve to run into you!!!!

3. No daughter  of mine is going to live under this roof without an earring in her navel–now quit your belly-aching, and go to the mall and get this done.

2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you to spend.

1. Father’s Day? Aahh – don’t worry about that – it’s no big deal.

I posted this on our refrigerator for all to see and comment , as I again pull this out of the trash can and repost it on the refrig I cant help but think and smile ...all in all.... Life is good on my island ,My daughters are just perfect and business is good at Amigo Movil .

The Art of Communication

The Art of Communication   By  Mike Nixon

Communication.  It is the simplest of acts and yet one of the most complicated tasks that I attempt each day.  From the day I was born, my first cry signified the desire to communicate my wants and needs.  Until my dying breath, my goal is to connect, share and interact with those around me in meaningful ways.  Why, then, do I find it so hard?  Why is it the most challenging job that I do each day?  Why do I fail regularly at the task in which I am so well versed and practised, yet so seemingly incompetent?

In a word: skill.  I am unskilled at using the tools required to communicate with others well.  When I think of men like Reid Buckley (The Buckley School of Public Speaking), whose command of and ability to instruct others in the use of voice and the English language, I am awed.  You see, as an “engineer”, the vernacular and methodology of communication from my college education was to use a unique and selective dialogue.  It was preferred that we use this “foreign” language that created a clique of those “in the know”.  Many in my profession lost sight of the bigger picture and the common tools at our disposal.  Ultimately, we forgot that we must communicate in order to persuade and educate others.

However, I have come to appreciate in more recent times that the tool of voice alone is often not enough.  While great authors evoke emotion though their use of language, an artist can do so in a glance.  I have the great privilege of being associated with Don Breeden who can communicate the feel of South Texas with the stroke of his pen and the swipe of his brush.  The tools of his muse are different than voice but no less effective when wielded with skill and experience.  By the way, he's pretty good at turning a word as well.

Very recently, I have met another gentleman and his team of expert communicators at MDG Advertising.  Again, adept at the written word and art, Michael Del Gigante adds another tool to the toolbox.  MDG combines these first two with the electronic medium of the social network.  While using art and the written word along with “new media” is not that unique, the excellence with which the first two are crafted is. Then, when combined with the third, the result and message become truly amazing.

So why the rant about these methods of getting a point across?  As outlined at the beginning, we all communicate in different ways and with different methods.  Some do it better than others but we all want and need to communicate more effectively.  While the author's typewriter, the artist's pen and brush or the technologist's computer do not automatically create excellence of content, the lack of those tools can certainly impede the task.  This idea was planted in me and has been steadily growing.  Some of the most useful tools are those that facilitate not only sounds and words and pictures but something new – emotion and understanding.

When I think of the myriad tools in the market, I can't help but believe that we are on the forefront of a new era of understanding.  Tools in computer software like Google and Facebook and Twitter allow us to connect in new and convenient and interesting ways.  Hardware tools like the Ipad/Iphone and Android devices provide the “pallet” on which to create our art.  I am excited about the direction we are headed.  I want to be a part of this movement as I commit to hone my skill and upgrade my brush and pen.  And, now, we are going to contribute to those tools as well. 

Apple's Kindle pc tablet vs www.amigomovil.net MU718 pc tablet

Pc tablet Amigo Movil Mu 718

Android S-188 , Gravity sensor , screen display

www.amigomovil.net , 1st rule of Marketing having fun

www.AmigoMovil.net detailed mobile phone BB style

The Futures so bright , I gotta wear shades

The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

To plagiarize the 80’s one-hit-wonder from Timbuk3, "things are going great - only gettin’ better". I am extremely excited about the direction of the Tekna ship. It is wonderful to be in a growing market at this time. While so many have so much challenge before them, we at Tekna have used this difficult economic time to hone our message and our offering. The current economic climate has given us reason to question our "status quo" and change those things that don’t measure up. One of the things that doesn’t measure up is our manufacturer-centric view of our products.

Recently a very good customer hit me with an astute (for me) observation. His comment was earth-shaking. He said, "I don’t want to buy your product (in this case, we were discussing shipping labels), I just want to get my boxes shipped." Now for most of you, this wouldn’t come as a surprise as you don’t care about shipping labels either. But, for me, I actually like shipping labels. When our press is printing these labels, it has the faint ring of the presses at the Federal Mint printing money (at least I like to think so). So when a very good client told me that didn’t like buying my product, it hit me hard.

I wanted to tuck my tail and run. But, I stayed a little longer and truly listened to my client. It is what he said next that changed my attitude and is changing my business. He said he loved using Tekna as his vendor for these products because it allows him to easily and efficiently do what he really wants done. He wants his packages to arrive at his client’s location so he can bill for his product. He wants the information on the label to be clear and clean, he wants the label to stick and he wants his system to flow without actually thinking about the label itself (or the label printer, for that matter).

So, we are gradually rethinking our CVP (Customer Value Proposition) from the perspective of the client’s job-to-be-done mentality. It truly is an epiphany. Not the religious kind but the sudden insight into the reality of a situation. My customers across all the aspects of Tekna’s products (flexible packaging, pressure sensitive labels, folding cartons, offset printing, etc.) have a job to do. They use Tekna’s products and services only as long as we provide an efficient and cost effective solution to that job.

This change in attitude is already showing new opportunities – not the least of which is Tekna Impact Printing Systems. TIPS allows us now to provide a complete (printer/software/ribbons/labels) system for something as mundane as shipping labels. Now the client has one solution for this function and one guaranteed to work. No finger pointing to various vendors to parts of the system. One call – one solution.

This job-to-be-done mentality will permeate our whole organization and I’m excited about the opportunities it will show us. Time for a new pair of Rayban’s. Life is good on my island , at Amigo Movil and www.tekna-impact.com