9/30/2008

I worked (volunteered) at St.Rita's Medical Center Today. But prior to volunteering I had lunch with Jim. A few new people were met and networking was done. I learned something about editing pictures while I was helping up in the audio/visual department. Jil is in charge of that department, and it seems to me that some of the work would be rather monotonous. But some of the work seems like it would be fun, too. Working at the front desk was exciting as it usually is since many people were interacted with, but this time was extra special for I ran into (not literally) Grant, his girlfriend, and Jessica. I had not seen Grant since last basketball season, and prioe to topday I had never met his significant other. He is a fun guy to be around, and joking around with him is always the bomb. He had a USC sweatshirt on and it disturbed me. I seem to recall Grant always liking them, but I never can figure out why an Ohioan would root for any other than The Ohio State Buckeyes. Oh well, at least he does not root for Michigan! Jessica is a nurse at St. Rita's, and she helped take care of me when I spent four days in the hospital when I had high blood pressure problems. Man... I really respect nurses, maybe I should have went into that field, because they have great opportunities to help people. I think I found my calling though, and great opportunity exists to help people through my motivational/inspirational presentations. My schedule for the upcoming months is slowly, but surely, becoming busier. Ideally I would like to speak across this nation. I believe that it will happen, and with each presentaton the word will get out.

9/29/2008

As stated before, playing cards is a characteristic that I developed when I was a little kid at my Grandma's house. Really though one could say it is in my genes (even when I am wearing shorts-LOL:-), because my parents both have fun playing cards. I guess my Dad is the more avid card player, and it is his side of my family that can most likely be found playing cards in any setting. Since I have fun with cards I guess it suggest that take more after my Dad than Mom. Playing cards is something I love and and could be classified as an avid fan of. The other half of me loves watchinh or particioating in competitions and sports, and it's not too often that these two things I really like to do happen simultaneously. That is why yesterday sticks out in my mind and will be remembered for a long time, because I was able top capture the NFL while getting a card fix (like one can be fxed one drugs:-). It is not really a laughing matter, but drugs and cards can both be addicting although I do not practice the former. By moving the table, both closer to the sink and angling it cockeyed, we were able to watch the football games onj television as we played cards. Not too many people would see it as fun, but I used that setup in the afternoon and evening. I had some friends over in the afernoon and uncles in the evening. It was great, and I'm certin the table will be situated accordingly in the future. I looked forward to the planning of yesterday as well as had a blast partaking in it, and some people would say it is a sickness. I say that itgoes along with being a Schroeder!

9/28/2008

Well Saturday night was very interesting to say the least. I went out to eat with Ashley at the Texas Roadhouse, and I really think they have the most economical and best tasting food in the Lima area. Sure food might be a little cheaper at some fast food joint, but the taste and atmosphere are much less undesirable than the Roadhouse. The service at Texas Roadhouse gets a gold pendant as I see it. Not only did I have the company of my friend Ashley, but at the table next to us a group of people from literally around the globe was seated. Even though I am an introvert (yeah right:-) they were visited and met by me, and we had a friendly conversation. Two of them were from Italy, and the other four were from California. I am a very sociable person, and I even was asked to pose for a picture by the California lady who was also a teacher. So I had my picture taken with the husband (probably in his mid 30's,) and they all received my business card. That was exciting since I love distributing my cards, and even though they may not use them I feel good about getting my end of the story out. There was some hope about speaking out west. I'm always an optimistic guy. After that I went to a friend's. I was delighted to see Kimberly, Nicole, and the new Mrs. Schroeder (Courtney.)

9/27/2008

Going to the football game at Wayne Trace last night was exciting for a number of reasons. Primarily since I got to spend time with Tom O. Even though the actual game was rather lackluster time spent with Tom O is always fun. We had a lot of fun before, during, and after the game. I nearly finalized a speaking gig at Wayne trace, as I spoke directly to their principal (Mr. Wilson) and five members of the student council. Justin was the senior president and he said I would be speaking to the Wayne Trace high school later this school year.The date is yet unclear but will be in April, and I feel very comfortable accumulating a busier schedule. Feelings were different, because usually things are more up in the air when an initial encounter with a school is had. I felt reassured about speaking there. Networking is something that I enjoy greatly and is done no matter where I go. Along with the distribution of my business cards, I also get to talk to many people. Anybody who meets me soon realizes that I love to talk, and I do a lot of it. I also went over to the visitor side before the game and met some contacts from Tinora. Hopefully I left a good impression with their math teacher, because she will be my cohort in an effort to speak to the HS there as their principal was not in attendance. After we got back ho,e (Columbus Grove) we had some pizza and watched the sports report up at the American Legion.

9/26/2008

Last night was great! Before we watched the University of Southern California, currently ranked number one in the country, lose to a not ranked Oregon State team we went to Uncle Bucks to play cornhole and socialize a little bit. Actually I turned out to be as bad at that game as I am pool, because balance was the biggest issue. At this bar where you throw is in loose stone, and you step over a large wooden border onto a flat greenish surface to toss the been bag towards the target (while attempting to land the bag on top of the wood plank.) Actually there is a small circular opening where you are supposed to try landing the bag, and this game is definitely not foreign to me but the setting was. Or at least that is what I attribute my lack of competitive play to. Like most anything in my life these last 11 years, since my tragic car wreck, it seems to be harder, but those are the cards I've been dealt and I'm playing with them. Life goes on. There I saw my friend Katy. We had a good lengthy chat that ended with tears on her end, but she insisted they were tears of joy. Afterward Brian and I headed to TKO's, which is a new wing and things sports bar across the drive from BW3. The food there is impeccable when compared to any similar bar I have ever been to. We met our friend Mike there. Jen was the hostess when we arrived. And when she left Ashley took over. Now she is the niece of Jerry and Connie, who are in my church, and I know their family very well. They are the parents of Brad and Michelle each of whom I know from basketball at Columbus Grove. I actually recall seeing Ashley at one of Michelle's high school games several years ago. The memory is faint, but Ashley remembered seeing me there, too. It is rather odd for anyone to forget me if we've met. And I'm not saying that in conceitedness at all, because when people meet me 99% of them do not forget. My dialect and gate are slightly abnormal, and I've got a miracle of a story to tell. Let's put it this way: if you don't believe in miracles after knowing me something may be wrong with your perception on life! Hopefully I'll make it to TKO's again to see them in the near future.

9/25/2008

Thursdays are typically kind of slow for me during the day, but they typically pick up in the evening hours. Tonight is no different, besides the fact that every single day is maybe a little bit better than the day before, and I'll more than likely will head to Findlay tonight. Some people just cannot figure out why I am so upbeat and happy so much. I can sort of see how somebody could view my situation that way, but I don't fall in that way of thinking. Sure it is sometimes nice to reminisce the past with friends about happy times, and occasionally looking toward the future is nice, too. That is especially relevant when planning a vacation or preparing for an unforeseen catastrophe with a first aid kit. The same is true when preparing your car and including jumper cables. Reminiscing or thinking too far ahead is a waste of time. We live in the now, and the present is what you should be living to your potential. I will likely head to Brian's to play pool and then later we'll head to the sports bar to watch USC's unusual Thursday night college football game. That game does not start until 9:00 so I'll be home late. It's funny that I still enjoy shooting billiards with Brian, because he dominates me at shooting eight-ball. He does not ever let up, and I would not appreciate him if he did, but Brian usually wins no problem. Why do I enjoy losing so much you ask? I do not like losing anything, but I view each game as a game I am going to win. I am an optimist and although it is a rarity I do win sometimes, but I always seek improvement. I try my hardest and do improve, so in essence I win most games..... don't ask Brian about that though. He might not agree:)!!!

9/24/2008

I feel all happy and energetic today. I know I am usually happy and energetic, but this morning the feeling is at an extreme. I worked yesterday at the hospital, and I made some new contacts and possible places to speak. So what's new about that you ask? Absolutely nothing as my main objective whenever I go anywhere and meet people is to positively impact their lives. It is awesome that I can use the happenings in my life to help others. Then I had a K of C meeting, which was very constructive, but after the meeting we played a little cards. Usually the four person card game, named solo is the highlight of any evening (well that and the social atmosphere had amongst the players.) But last night was not like most nights. True that I did lose a few dollars playing, and usually I am more successful than that yet after I returned home is when the highlight of my evening occurred. I had met earlier, via computer, a girl who seemed very interesting, Ashley, and we IM back and forth for a while. That was awesome, but then she called and we set up to meet at the Texas Roadhouse this coming weekend. She is from near Van Wert, attended Lincolnview HS before college, and her sister heard me speak at that same high school in April of 2008. I love eating at Texas Roadhouse, and I'll get to see Ashley, too. I am so very pumped up that I dd not fall asleep very easily last night.!.