Celebrating with a list of the top people and things I love in Texas. Consider this Texas Exceptionalism.

1. We moved to Austin to be near Henry, our first grandchild. He tops the list. Take no offense daughter, Mother-in-law, sister or brother and his wife.

2.  Favorite Texas author: His grandfather broke horses and his father raised cattle. Hailing from Archer City, Texas, Larry McMurtry tops the list.

3. Favorite Magazine: Texas Monthly. And happy 50th anniversary to Dan Goodgame and his team of talented writers.

4. Favorite Texas TV Personality: Bob Philipps of Texas Country Reporter, also celebrating their 50th year.

5. Texas team I love the most: Texas Aggies. Steeped in tradition, loyalty and patriotism, I’m proud to be in the Class of ’78.

6. Texas based podcast I love most: Legends. Here’s a recent program with Austin based Chris

Searles…favorite Texas drummer.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/4383588/searles-austin-drummer-founder-biointegrity

7. Texas Dancehall I Love: Tie: Mercer Dance Hall (Dripping Springs). Nice dance floor and owner. Equal love goes to Gruene Dance Hall. Hear this interview with Nick Dotin of Mercer.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/4383588/featuring-mercer-dance-hall

8. Favorite Texas Guitarist:  Casper Rawls, performing every Thursday at Austin’s Continental Club. visit www.casperrawls.com

9. Texas BBQ Joint: I love burnt ends of brisket. Stiles Switch, Austin, Texas burns them perfectly. www.stilesswitchbbq.com

10. Favorite church in Texas: Can’t express enough love to Gateway and their teaching ministers, especially Eric Bryant, Senior Pastor at Gateway South. visit www.gateway.com

11. Favorite Texas Treat: love Aggie owned company- Bluebell Ice Cream, homemade vanilla.

12. Favorite Texan: goes to my wife Carla, honoring the love of my life for the 44th time this Valentine’s Day. You have turned out to be an incredible Grandmother. Way to go Cha Cha.

 Be grateful for all you love.    Rick

 

 

Significance for November 2022

As we speed into the final two months of 2022, we are continuing our tradition of starting the new year on December 1st. It gives us a 30 day head start on resolutions, which ALWAYS includes losing 10 pounds. Consider the damage of the holiday season to your diet.

Part of my new year, new start will be consideration of boundaries. To prepare, I am reading The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban.

By definition, boundaries are considered clear limits you establish around the ways you allow people to engage with you. In my case, it’s typically around food, exercise and overall health.  You might want to note that boundaries ARE NOT used to tell people what they can and cannot do.

Remember…boundaries are established to help you plan and communicate your response.

As you head into your new year (December 1st), here are seven signs that you might need a boundary:

  1. You feel dread or anxiety around a conversation topic.

  2. You consistently avoid certain people.

  3. You feel that a relationship is one sided.

  4. You have a tendency to agree to everything just so things go smoothly.

  5. You feel drained in this presence of certain people, and express this pain, especially after they leave.

  6. You feel negative or anxious after spending time with certain people.

  7. You have often considered “taking a break” from these people.

If you consider boundaries, remember this clear and kind language to those affected- a boundary doesn’t tell some one else what to do, it tells them what YOU will do.

Lastly, people don’t need to understand or agree with your new boundary, but simply respect it.

Favorite Podcast of the Week: Marc Morgenstern is a colorful character. He wrote The Soul of the Deal…a must read that’s funny, informative, and slanted to music…that is… the music of the Grateful Dead. We’ve never had a guest quite like Marc who makes us think, laugh, take copious notes and inspire. His maxims take me back, just like the Grateful Dead’s Truckin. Enjoy Marc Morgenstern, a virtuoso. https://www.spreaker.com/user/4383588/morgenstern-the-soul-of-the-deal

Quotes I’m Pondering: On boundaries…”Stop asking why they keep doing it and start asking why you keep allowing it.” Anonymous

“Walls keep everybody out. Boundaries teach people where the door is.” Anonymous

Here’s to a healthy November and month of gratitude. 30 days to New Year.

Rick

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