Modern life

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's – could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate. I find it moving; I hope you do too.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin.

Sod's Law and my mobile phone

My mobile phone came with Sod’s Law fully installed as standard! It will only ring when…

• I’m rushing to get ready for a client and have no time to chat
• I’m in the bathroom
• I’m cooking a meal that requires constant attention to prevent it becoming ruined
• I’ve just taken the first mouthful of my dinner
• I’m working
• I’ve called the answer phone to listen to voicemail (so my phone is engaged)
• I’m already on the phone to someone
• I’m being served at the supermarket/using the cash machine/filling the car with petrol
• I’m downstairs and it’s upstairs (because I don’t get a great reception at my cottage I have to leave the phone in one place rather than carry it around with me)
• I've just nipped out of the house for 30 seconds, leaving the phone indoors
• I walk through a signal blackspot with the phone, and in the 10 seconds it takes to receive the signal again there’s a missed call
• I’m taking an important call on the landline
• I’m watching the only TV programme I’m interested in that day, and one which requires my attention or else I haven’t a clue what’s going on.

And sod’s law, whenever I have a missed call, the person rarely leaves a message asking me to call back. Arrrgh! It’s so frustrating, and I’d imagine just as frustrating for the person trying to contact me. So, to make it simpler I’ve amended my website so it now says when I "could" be contacted by phone. Of course, if all else fails there’s always email :-)