Lloyd's Life 2005

The Vault

2006

2007

Today's Date:    Wednesday, 12/14/05

The Time:    11:26 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    My brother-in-law's wedding this weekend!

    Lisa's brother, Derek, is getting married this weekend and Christian is taking part in the wedding.  He will get to escort his Great-grandmother down the aisle and light the candles.  The last time one of Lisa's siblings got married (her sister, Carrie) one of the candelabras caught fire.  Thankfully it was quickly rushed outside before there was any damage to the church - the candelabra didn't fare so well, though.  I am anticipating a great time, Derek and Chantelle make a great couple!

    In order to get ready for the event Lisa dragged me to the store to get a suit.  After trying on I don't know how many jackets, I finally chose a brownish double-breasted ensemble.  It was interesting because I came dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, but once I started trying on the suits, I seemed to straighten up and present myself in a more proper manner.  It's amazing how your attire can affect how you feel.  With some of the outfits I have seen, it makes me wonder if the person has a poor opinion of them self.

    I'm glad HOSA gets its members used to presenting themselves in a professional manner.  Not only does your attire affect the way you carry yourself, but it also affects the way others look at you.  Thankfully, most of our members are able to understand this concept; unfortunately, there are a few that could benefit greatly from being featured on What Not to Wear which airs on The Learning Channel (my wife had the tv remote that night, otherwise I would not have known that program existed!!!).        

 Diamonds for De Vault:    Do you carry yourself differently when you are dressed in a professional manner?   

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Today's Date:    Friday, 12/9/05

The Time:    9:43 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Seeing The Chronicles of Narnia this weekend!

    I was watching the news a couple of mornings ago, and they had an interesting story about the cartoon, A Charlie Brown Christmas.  When this classic was first aired in 1965, the CBS executives did not like it at all, especially the scene when Charlie Brown cries out in frustration, "Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"  Linus replies, "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you.  Lights, please," and he quotes from the book of Luke about the birth of Jesus.  The show was attempting to illustrate how commercial the holidays were becoming, but Charles Schultz was using the character of Linus to bring things back into focus.  For the first few years, the prices of commercial spots in this program were very low.  In fact, some of you may remember the Dolly Madison ads that always seemed to accompany the Charlie Brown specials.  However, this year, ABC aired A Charlie Brown Christmas and advertising agencies paid over $200,000 for 30 seconds of commercial time...good grief!

    As you are hustling and bustling around this holiday season, try to remember why you are celebrating during this time of the year.  For many, it is a time of reflection and renewal.  Whatever your reason for marking this season, though, may you resist succumbing to the commercialism and stress that invisibly, and inevitably, seems to sneak in.  Happy holidays to all!!!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    How do you keep from getting stressed out during the holidays?   

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 12/1/05

The Time:    8:50 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Starting the first fire of the season in our fireplace!

    The temperature was just above freezing this morning as Christian and I headed out to get him down to the bus stop; in fact, it was so cold (for Christian, not me - I used to live where there were sub-zero temperatures occasionally; the mid-thirties are almost downright balmy to me!!) that Christian asked me to take him to school after he had waited an agonizingly long 3 minutes (possibly a little less) by the road with the neighborhood kids and the bus had not come yet.  I drove him to school with pleasure; it gives us time to talk and joke around.  Today's topic was his science fair project; he is studying the principles of flight (lift, thrust, drag...).  We completed some of his experiments last weekend and should be able to finish it up this weekend.  I'm not sure who is learning more, though, him or me.

    I've had my stack of firewood ready to go since June and now it looks like I'll finally get to use it.  There's just something very peaceful and inviting about having a fire blazing in a fireplace where you can gather together with your family and friends to share stories.  We celebrate Christmas at our house, so for those of you that also celebrate that holiday, you'll be happy to know that we have hung our stockings by the chimney with care (we had them up the day after Thanksgiving!!).  This will be Jordan's third Christmas and he is in awe of all the lights and decorations (as he should be) and likes to continually bring things to our attention.  I am glad he does so, because it forces us to look at and explain things that are brand new to him, but which we had begun to take for granted.  He was a little too young last Christmas to understand what was going on, but this year he knows there is something special happening and he wants to be sure everyone else sees it, too.  Kind of like HOSA, isn't it?  The experiences you have in HOSA you share with your friends, hoping they will find it exciting and make them want to participate in our organization!

    I hope you are starting to feel the excitement of the season, too.  So whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Chanukah, Las Posadas, or Soyaluna, may your holiday season be joyous!!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What are some of your holiday traditions?   

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Today's Date:    Monday, 11/28/05

The Time:    3:29 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    The annual cane grinding at Dudley Farm State Park this Saturday!

    Family, friends, feasting, and football; could it get any better?  My family and I traveled down to Brandon to spend Thanksgiving with Lisa's family.  Judy, my mother-in-law, likes to say she's not a good cook, but she put together a wonderful meal for us!  Nothing was burned (that I could see, anyway) and there were plenty of dishes from which to choose.  That evening, we headed back home and a couple of days later had another Thanksgiving dinner with my parents.  For this dinner, I smoked the turkey (I know what you're thinking - no, I didn't wrap it up in paper and light it!) on the grill.  Not bad, but I'm still waiting to try a deep-fried turkey which Lisa assures me that there is nothing better; maybe next year.   As with many of you, we have leftovers galore to make Turkey Salad, Turkey & Dumplings, Turkey Soup, Turkey Tetrazini, Turkey a la King, Turkey Noodle Casserole, etc.

    LDC was a blast; one of the best ever!!!!  From the celebrity State Officers walking the red carpet at the Opening Session to our members' fantastic skits at the Closing Session, what a weekend!!!!  The advisors got to collect a couple of CEU's and play Gerontopoly, while our members got to learn about various leadership skills and participate in the Celebrity Cafe'.  Everyone left the conference tired, but excited to put their new skills to use.  Next up will be the State Leadership Conference in Daytona Beach, April 6 - 9.  If you haven't started practicing your event, you need to if you hope to do well.  The competition will be fierce again this year, and I hope to see you up on the stage getting your medallion!     

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What was the best part of LDC 2006?   

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 11/17/05

The Time:    10:36 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    A cold, but very exciting, LDC!

    I think I'm trapped in my office due to all the items I have stacked in here ready to be taken out to Camp Kulaqua for the LDC.  Wait, no...I see some daylight...I think I will make it!!!  The State Officers are arriving at noon today to start putting things together for all our members arriving tomorrow.  The local weatherman has said that the next few days will have highs in the upper 60's with nightly lows in the low 40's; I hope everyone brings an extra layer of clothes!!  Somehow I don't think Camp Kulaqua will be able to build us a bonfire big enough to fit 220 people around, but with the laughter, excitement, and friendship that we will experience, we will have more than enough to keep us warm!!  So I hope to see you at LDC tomorrow, and if not, keep us in your thoughts!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    Any great memories from those of you that have attended the LDC in previous years?   

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 11/10/05

The Time:    7:25 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Keeping my feet on solid ground!

    For those of you that were around in the 80's, you probably remember a song that I am claiming as my theme song regarding the past couple of weeks (for those of you who were not around in the 80's, or too young to remember - ask your parents!!).  The song that so accurately portrays my life from my last entry until now is "Man in Motion" from the movie St. Elmo's Fire.  It all started with a great visit to First Coast Technical Institute in St. Augustine.  The students had some excellent questions and got to have their pictures taken for their paper.  I hope to see them this year at the State Conference.

    The next day was catch-up day in the office returning e-mails and phone calls, and after work, heading down to Brandon to visit the in-laws.  My wife's brother is getting married next month and Lisa (my wife) was invited to a shower for the bride-to-be.  I was lucky enough!?! to help the groom-to-be, my brother-in-law, move into his new apartment.  Thankfully my father-in-law was there also and knew all the tricks on how to move a heavy, bulky sleeper sofa up a narrow, confined staircase that doubles back on itself, having limited ceiling clearance, with handrails protruding into the traffic area, all while trying not to get the sofa dirty from the soiled carpet.  After successfully negotiating all these challenging obstacles (believe it or not!) and delivering the sofa safe and sound to the second floor apartment, I remarked to my brother-in-law that he better have signed a ten year lease agreement!!!

    After staying home with Jordan on Monday, it was back to work on Tuesday to get ready for a presentation I was making at the statewide AHEC (Area Health Education Center) meeting.  We left Wednesday morning to travel to Panama City, and while it was a long trip, the camaraderie and information shared was terrific!  We got back to Alachua at about 11:00 p.m. on Thursday night so that I could spend Friday morning getting ready for the LDC Planning Meeting with the State Officers that was taking place at Camp Kulaqua starting that afternoon.  It was a very productive weekend, but I think our State Officers will never want to see a certain movie, nor hear a certain song ever again after the number of times they had to rehearse to them.  What are they?  You'll just have to come to LDC to find out, or ask a member that attends!  I know it is going to be another blockbuster conference!!!  The Planning Meeting was over Sunday afternoon, so I got to spend a little time with my family before heading out on Monday for a chapter visit at Central Florida College in Winter Park.

    The administrators and advisors for this brand new chapter pulled out all the stops for their potential members by having a BBQ after the HOSA presentation, and I must say that in addition to the excellent teaching and administrative skills that they possess, they certainly are not lacking in the areas of hospitality and culinary arts, either!!  There were about 40 people present representing many different health care careers.  I am expecting great things from this chapter because they have the dedication of their administrators and faculty, as well as strong student leadership.

    It was on to the brand new HOSA chapter at R. Dan Nolan Middle School in Bradenton the next day where I was blown away by the excitement and energy of some of Florida HOSA's youngest members.  They have already participated in many projects this year and, in fact, they were getting ready to host a Talent Show as a fundraiser next week.  During the presentation, they were anxious to share their thoughts with me and then, while taking part in the HOSA Bowl wrap-up, they were dashing around to get their answers to their team's spokesperson in time.  I wish I could bottle up some of that energy!!

    So now it's back in the office where I am finalizing the LDC.  I sincerely enjoyed meeting and working with the students, their instructors, the administrators, and the AHEC professionals from around the state during my travels these past two weeks.  And now, with the LDC next week, I am also eager to meet all the members and advisors attending that conference.  If you're not able to come, I hope our paths will cross somewhere down the road!                 

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What has been the farthest you have ever traveled?   

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Today's Date:    Wednesday, 10/26/05

The Time:    7:23 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Visiting the new HOSA chapter at First Coast Technical Institute in St. Augustine tomorrow!

    What happened to autumn; did we go directly into winter?  I leave Florida when the temperature was in the upper 80's to go tent camping with my family in north Georgia where the nighttime temperatures are in the 40's - a nice change of pace; but I get back to Florida expecting nice warm weather and the first night, I felt like I was still in north Georgia - the temperature was in the low 40's, flirting with the upper 30's!

    My family and I had a super time!  We went to the state park's Fall Festival where Jordan and Christian got to try a new form of apple bobbing where the apple is attached to the end of a string (Jordan is making his attempt in the picture on the right)!  At the festival, we also rode on the hayride which should have been named the Daytona Hayride 500 with the speed our tractor was going!!!  A trip to Ft. Discovery (an interactive museum) in Augusta was on our itinerary, as well as a little geocaching in which a person uses a GPS receiver to track down a hidden container (check out www.geocaching.com for more info.).  The cache we went after ended up being hidden near J. Strom Thurmond Dam (pictured at left behind Christian) on the Georgia/South Carolina State Line.  The dam creates an artificial lake which has two names, as the camper next to our site related to me one morning while we huddled around the campfire, and it depends on where you are as to what you call it.  If you are in Georgia, the body of water is called Clark's Hill Lake, but if you are in South Carolina, it is called Lake Thurmond; officially it is called J. Strom Thurmond Lake.  My new friend went on to say that there had even been some skirmishes over the lake's name in years past (I don't make any claim that the following is factual - I'm just an intermediary party, relaying a story!); it seems that a little while after the lake had been created, a wooden sign had been erected proclaiming it as Strom Thurmond Lake.  Well, the Georgia locals didn't like this too much, so one night, unexpectedly, they tore the sign down.  Not being dismayed, and being all the wiser, the officials next decided to make a stone and concrete sign designating the lake as Strom Thurmond Lake.  It seems the Georgia folks were pretty resourceful themselves, because this time they got hold of a bulldozer and again, in the middle of the night, made their feelings well known in regards to the sign and the renaming of their lake.  I'm not sure how long it took for the next sign to be constructed, or how many times, but I saw one near the dam (on the South Carolina side!) that states "J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake" composed of what appeared to be stone and steel.  As Shakespeare through Juliet pointed out - "What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  To me, it doesn't matter what the name of the lake is; all I know is that it was beautiful watching the sun rise across the lake's glossy slick surface in the cool morning air while the steam danced upon it - the geese gracefully patrolling its borders voicing their occasional riposte - and Christian valiantly toiling to fill it up by skipping stones.

    Don't let labels hold you back.  As the story goes, if an eagle thinks he's a chicken, he will never fly; once the eagle knows the truth, though, he will soar.  As a HOSA member, I know you are ready to soar!!     

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What are you going to do as you spread your wings?   

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Today's Date:    Wednesday, 10/19/05

The Time:    7:42 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Tent camping in Georgia with my family this weekend!

    Wow!  The last few days have been pretty busy here at the State Office.  This past weekend I met with the SLC Planning Committee in Daytona Beach to hammer out the agenda for the State Conference.  They are a wonderful, dedicated group and I am thankful that their spirit of volunteerism prompted them to serve on this committee.  They have planned a fun and exciting conference for the members of Florida HOSA that I am eager to work on!

    On Monday, in addition to getting fitted for a new pair of contacts, I traveled to Orange Park High School outside of Jacksonville for the Region 11 Fall Conference and the installation of their Regional Officers.  They made me feel very welcome (thank you, Region 11!) and I am looking forward to them having an excellent year!  Region 11 has a few new schools joining their Region this year, also.  I had the opportunity to meet one of the new advisors and set-up a visit in his classroom for next week.

    On a personal note, I hear the mountains of Georgia calling my family's name this weekend.  I love HOSA with all its excitement, challenges, and varied pace, but I always cherish the time when I can get away and be able to spend some time with my family.  Christian got a tent from Santa on Christmas Day back in 2003 and we decided to use it on our way to Ohio the next summer to see family and friends, hoping that we might be able to save some money.  Our first night out we pulled into a campground in Forsythe, GA and set up the tent.  Anticipating that it would probably be warm during the nights (we really were trying to cover all the possibilities, believe it or not!), my wife and I were searching for a small air conditioner a couple of months before the trip.  We were pleasantly surprised when we saw an advertisement for a fan that fit on a cooler that would act like an air conditioner (I had looked at some portable air conditioners, but they were too bulky to carry in our van).  This unit was small and could operate off the cigarette lighter in the van.  I should have gotten a clue when I had to go to about 10 stores before I found the correct cooler that the unit fit; however, my optimism for this AC remained intact.  We were all set - all we had to do was fill the cooler with ice and plug in the fan at night; the air would circulate through the ice and blow out cool....which it did - if you were sitting no further than six inches away from it!  For a 100 square foot tent it was not even close to being powerful enough!  So there we were at 2'o'clock in the morning, about 85 degrees outside with no breeze, listening to poor Jordan cry because of the heat, Christian rolling around trying to get comfortable, and sweat running down our faces.  We ended up using the ice to cool Jordan so he got quieted down, but the rest of us got very little, if any, sleep that night.  But we did learn our lesson - the rest of the vacation was spent in hotel rooms and with family that had AIR CONDITIONING!!  Don't worry, though; I have already checked the weather for the area we will be camping in this weekend and it is supposed to be cool with a very small chance of rain.  Hopefully, we won't have to take refuge in a hotel this time!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    Do you have any memories of camping?   

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 10/13/05

The Time:    9:21 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Traveling to Daytona Beach for the 2006 SLC Planning Meeting tomorrow!

    As many of you know, the Florida HOSA State Office is located within the office space of Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (SRAHEC) through an annual agreement.  What you may not know is that I am the T.M. - Token Male - in the office.  While I enjoy working with these ladies immensely (it is more like working with family members than "co-workers") and have access to my own exclusive executive lavatory (the Men's Room),  there are times when some unique (interesting?, unusual?, weird?) circumstances transpire.  For instance, one of SRAHEC's employees will be leaving for another job soon, and to show her our appreciation for all she has done while she was here, we will be taking her out to lunch today (at Floyd's! - see 9/27/05 entry below).  In getting things organized for this excursion, I was asked if I would like to participate in the after lunch festivities.  "What might that be," I asked innocently enough.  "Well, we are going to be taking K------- to the nail salon for a manicure and pedicure after lunch," was the reply.........While I try to be a team player to the best of my ability, I think there are times when I need to draw a line in the sand and say, "Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll pass."

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What have you done for your "team" lately?   

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Today's Date:    Tuesday, 10/11/05

The Time:    4:36 p.m.

Looking Forward To:    My bed tonight!

    I was up until 3:00 a.m. this morning taking care of some things at home.  It makes for a long day when you're not properly rested, but I think the State Conferences have toughened me up to function without any sleep (I'm sure many of you advisors know first-hand what I'm talking about!).  Working on HOSA, though, and talking with our advisors and members makes it a joy to come to work.  However, it is getting to the end of the work day now and my brain is starting to turn to mush, so this is going to be short.  I was thinking, this blog needs a more popular and appealing title; so I am soliciting your suggestions for a new label.  I can't promise that I'll use it, but I will make a list of the ones I receive.  Come on!  I know we've got some creative members out there; I've seen your work at the State and National Conferences!!  How about lending a bit of your talent to your sleep-deprived State Advisor!?!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What should this blog be called?   

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 10/6/05

The Time:    4:14 p.m.

Looking Forward To:    My wife's birthday on Monday and the Gator Homecoming Parade tomorrow!

    I just finished reading an excellent book.  For those of you that are interested in veterinary medicine, you need to check out All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot.  Herriot's real name was James Alfred Wight and in his book he documented his life as a veterinarian in the countryside of England during the early 1940's when veterinary medicine began making some advances.  Often the new procedures that Herriot (Wight) had learned would come into direct conflict with centuries old traditions that the farmers wanted to hold on to dearly.  Herriot passed away in 1995, but his son still practices veterinary medicine in the same town his father did, Thirsk (Darrowby, in the book), England, and his daughter is a practicing physician there as well.

    The reason I borrowed the book from the library was for two reasons: first, I remember seeing my dad read the book many years ago and he seemed to enjoy it, and second, I love animals.  In fact, my family has a pure bred English Springer Spaniel and he can be a handful sometimes.  It took us a while to housebreak him (sometimes I think it was only his cuteness that kept us from going crazy), but we did it.  Late in the evening, when things are quieting down, he'll climb up on my lap while I'm in my chair.  That doesn't sound so bad until I tell you he weighs over 40 pounds - and growing!  I think I may have to get a sturdier chair!

 Diamonds for De Vault:    What is your favorite animal?   

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Today's Date:    Monday, 10/3/05

The Time:    10:14 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    My wife's birthday in one week!

    The boyhood dreams of being a cowboy just don't paint an accurate picture based on the anguish those men and women went through Saturday night at the rodeo.  Those broncos and bulls were dishing out a hurtin'.  Christian, my 11 year old son, got to participate in the boot scramble where all the boys and girls put one of their boots in the middle of the arena and then are corralled at the other end.  At the signal, they dash to the pile of boots, find their own (no stealing someone else's!), and run back to the start line.  Christian didn't win, but he enjoyed it.  Jordan, my 2 year old, got to ride a pony which he loved; I think he wanted to bring it home with him (no room in the car, sorry son!).  Lisa, my wife, tried to get me to ride the mechanical bull, but somehow I don't think she would have wanted me to be bedridden for the next month while I recovered.  We had a great time!

    I'll be working on the Perkins Grant Deliverables Report for the Florida Department of Education for the next few days.  Each of the Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's) in Florida are dispersed a portion of this grant each year; however, in order to receive the grant payment, a report needs to be filed four times a year documenting the activity within the organization.  It's always interesting to look back and see what we have accomplished, but we can't keep looking backwards; we need to stay focused on where we're going.  That's why the SLC Planning Committee and I will be meeting in a couple of weeks in Daytona Beach to start planning another exciting State Conference!  They are a very dedicated group and I am looking forward to meeting with them! 

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Today's Date:    Friday, 9/30/05

The Time:    4:28 p.m.

Looking Forward To:    The Williston Rodeo this weekend!

    I just got through leading a conference with the Health Science instructors in the Suwannee River AHEC service area; what a great group!  It was small, but they seemed to be ready to take the information they received and put it into practice back at their schools!  Special thanks to those teachers that attended!!

    My family and I are going to the Williston Rodeo this weekend.  The last time I was at a rodeo was when I was a junior in high school attending the FFA National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri (yes, your HOSA State Advisor is a FFA Alumni!).  It was FFA Day at the rodeo and the stands were packed with the signature uniform blue jackets everywhere.  As we watched the roping and bull-riding progress, a contagious, accent-altering aura  started to permeate the arena.  Pretty soon people were saying "Y'all" and "Utcha Doon?" (translation: What are you doing?) without even flinching.  I'll see if the same thing happens tomorrow night.  Anyway, I thought my sons might like to see a rodeo too, so I'll be donning my cowboy hat and boots and moseying on down to the corral for a spell.  I'll let you know how it was on Monday, partner!

Diamonds for De Vault:    What event would you enter in a rodeo and why?

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Today's Date:    Tuesday, 9/27/05

The Time:    12:45 p.m.

Looking Forward To:    Lunch!

    I received an e-mail from a past State Officer this morning who was telling me that the manager at her new job was named Floyd.  That reminded her of the restaurant that the State Officers and I eat at when they come to Camp Kulaqua in High Springs for planning meetings.  The name of the restaurant? Floyd's, of course - a chrome plated, neon-shining, 50's style diner using a sandal-wearing pink flamingo sporting sunglasses for a mascot.  Inside the restaurant, a vintage collection of eclectic LP record covers graces the walls.  There are only two places to eat: home and Floyd's (as their advertisement goes).

    The name Floyd reminds me of a pig farmer in Ohio.  I was the youth director of the group his daughter was in; we met when he brought her to a meeting one afternoon.  Floyd and I got to become pretty good friends; in fact, we used his house for some of our meetings.  On those days I would go early to get things ready for the meeting knowing that, ultimately, I would wind up helping out Floyd with the chores before all the members got there.  The interesting part is - I actually enjoyed it!!!  It was a break from the usual hectic pace I was used to, plus working with a friend seemed to make the time fly and the work light!

    I have the privilege of working with many of the advisors of Florida HOSA, especially during the State Leadership Conference.  I can say from first hand experience that they make it an enjoyable experience working beside them.  We accomplish much in a short period of time because of their giving and caring nature.  I wonder if they have been talking to Floyd, the pig farmer, too?

Diamonds for De Vault:    Who are some interesting people you have met along the way that have made an impression on you?

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Today's Date:    Monday, 9/26/05

The Time:    9:12 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    My parents visiting us this coming weekend!

    I'm sure you have all heard the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," whether sung by Tony Bennett, Bugs Bunny, or your parents.  While I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco, I do believe I left my lungs on the Golden Gate Bridge; and I now have a new appreciation for Toby Keith's song "As Good as I Once Was."  Our tour bus driver for the SAM Conference allowed us 15 minutes to view the Golden Gate Bridge from a rest stop just on the north side of the bridge.  The sidewalk that is part of the Golden Gate Bridge runs right beside the rest stop, so I looked at my watch and decided to walk out on the bridge.  I was hoping to make it to the closest tower so I could get a good perspective of how high the bridge really was above the bay.  After a couple of minutes walking I could see that making it to the tower and back in the allotted time would require a little more effort, so I started jogging.  Let me tell you, distances can be deceiving when you're looking at a mega structure such as the Golden Gate Bridge.  I finally made it out to the tower and as I stood there gasping for breath, I looked at my watch - eight minutes had passed!  So I hurried to look down into the bay - a very impressive sight!!  And I got to enjoy it for about 30 seconds before my return marathon to the tour bus.  Needless to say, the jog back took a little bit longer as it was interspersed with periods of walking (and coughing and panting and wheezing...).  I eventually made it back to the tour bus where, upon dragging myself up the steps, I was greeted with a round of applause...and a hastily handwritten time-out slip for making the bus wait about 5 minutes!  Almost every stop after that, I was teasingly reminded that there was to be no sightseeing by jogging.

    The conference was one of the best and most informative I have ever attended.  Not only did I leave my lungs on the Golden Gate Bridge, but I also left some of my DNA in a test tube in the hotel's Conference Room after a presentation by Bio-Rad, a biotechnology company.  Their company representatives led the State Advisors through the process of extracting and precipitating their own DNA from cheek cells and placing it in a small bottle on a necklace (I gave mine to my wife when I got home and she promptly replied, "Gross...but that is so cool!").  Much more valuable  information was presented to us which I am anxious to share with our advisors and members! 

Diamonds for De Vault:    Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you extended yourself a little bit more than you had planned?

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Today's Date:    Monday, 9/19/05

The Time:    7:27 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    The SAM Conference in San Francisco this week!

    I'm not looking forward to leaving the house at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, though!  While I really like to travel, the toughest part of it is leaving my family behind.  Seeing what's around the next bend, experiencing new cuisine (although tripe has been taken off of my list thanks to one of our past State Officers!!!), and trying to capture the cultural and historical perspective of a new place are what keep my desire to travel thriving.  On one of our family vacations a few years ago, we went to Niagara Falls, which was one of the best trips we have ever taken!  We got to go behind the falls, eat at a revolving restaurant on top of a building overlooking the Falls, and even got to ride the Maid of the Mist - a boat which takes you right up to the base of the Falls!  I'm sure you have had some interesting travels, too; and, if you haven't, HOSA will provide you with the opportunity.  It's up to you to make the memories!

Diamonds for De Vault:    Where have you been and/or where would you like to go in your travels?

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Today's Date:    Friday, 9/16/05

The Time:    8:33 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    My son's first soccer game of the season tomorrow!

    As I was taking my 11 year old son to the bus stop this morning, we were remarking about the wisps of fog surrounding us.  Where we live there are quite a few mornings when we are enveloped in the stuff and I never grow tired of the sight!  From there, we quickly got on the topic of flying through the clouds, which naturally led us to a brief discourse about Star Wars: Episode 5 - The Empire Strikes Back with the stunning visual effects of the Millennium Falcon soaring around the clouds on its way to Cloud City.  I mentioned to him that we might be able to see something similar as we fly to Anaheim, California next June for the National Conference, and you should have seen his face light up!  He has never been on a plane before, and I think he is a little nervous, but he is really looking forward to the trip.  So am I, not only because I love working with HOSA and all its members, but also because I love seeing my son get excited about things.  HOSA has so many benefits for its members - I hope you get excited enough to take advantage of all of them! 

Diamonds for De Vault:    How has HOSA benefited you?

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Today's Date:    Thursday, 9/15/05

The Time:    11:31 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Getting our van back from the mechanic!

Diamonds for De Vault:    What are some achievements in your life that project excellence?

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Today's Date:    Monday, 9/12/05

The Time:    7:34 a.m.

Looking Forward To:    Working on the LDC!

Diamonds for De Vault:    What new language would you learn if you had the chance and why?

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Today's Date:    Friday, 9/9/05

The Time:    4:30 p.m.

Looking Forward To:    Going tent camping in Georgia with my family next month!

^{επίσκεψη -}

1/20/05