Last year I shared a document that I borrowed from a friend of mine and it was well received so I thought it would be good to share again.
When you are setting your resolutions remember to set goals that are SMART.
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time Bound
An old adage: "A Goal Not Written is Merely a Wish" comes to mind. Print out this document and prepare to create some great goals so that 2009 can be your best year yet.
Happy New Year!
(and since I always like having a picture in each post. Make it a goal not to be a competitive jerk in 2009.)
One of the highlights of our recent trip to New York was visiting Wall Street. Many people asked me if I found it in ruins, but it was quite alive and bustling with activity. I carved out a few minutes to answer a few questions for a news team from a major national network. Yep, here I am with the reporter from TBS. They asked me questions about the economy, current monetary policies, housing and my choice of wearing jeans to the NYSE. Yep, TBS... Tokyo Broadcasting Service. I'm huge in Japan.
I try to make an impact wherever I go. I enjoy networking, meeting new people, helping strangers, tipping cabbies, etc. Trying to make an impact in a city as impacted as New York was a fun challenge. This picture of me was up on Times Square on Dec 15, 2008 at 2:57pm. It isn't 'real' in the fact that I'm not really TIME magazines person of the year, but it was really displayed just like the picture shows.
New York really touched me. I am inspired to be bigger. I am inspired to be better so that the ripples of my life's work reach far and help many. The world has plenty of followers... I'm not one of them.
New York. The shirts are so popular for a reason, I guess.
I'll be doing some other posts on specific experiences and lessons learned during my recent trip, but for now I just thought I'd let you know that the city was inspiring.
It seems that many people I know are taking up photography as a business. I have no interest in doing so, but I do love to take pictures. We were visiting Wrightwood a while back with the Blumes and I shot this picture. I call it The Craiger.
Click on the pic to see it full size. You know you want to.
Just before sitting down to dinner with my wife's family I got a call from my Aunt and Uncle informing me that my Father's Father had passed away. This was not entirely unexpected but still caught me a bit off guard. My Grandfather was 94 years old and had been very strong well into his 80's. A while back he was diagnosed with Leukemia and in the end had at least 3 types of cancer. I am confident that it was his "time to go", as they say. No amount of preparation can truly prepare one for the moment when death visits a family member. I find myself reflecting on memories of my Grandfather and also on the legacy that I am currently establishing for my posterity. That legacy is what remains when it's our time to pass on, and I don't plan on leaving anything behind that isn't phenomenal.
A few months ago we went to visit my Grandfather and introduce him to his only Great Grandson that shares his last name.
So, in addition to the US Flag Code Section 4 I am also grateful for a loving God that has a plan for us. Hug the ones you love.
Earlier this week I was reading through the Flag Code of the United States and came to the section regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. In response to a challenge of the use of the words 'under God' in the pledge Congress presented it's findings to justify it's choice to leave the words in the pledge. 16 findings were cited but number 6 stood out to me and I'd like to share it with you:
"6. On September 25, 1789, the First Congress unanimously approved a resolution calling on President George Washington to proclaim a National Day of Thanksgiving for the people of the United States by declaring, 'a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a constitution of government for their safety and happiness.'"
On this Day of Thanksgiving it is my hope that we can all have gratitude in our hearts for this great land in which we live. May today be full of warmth and happiness for you and yours.
With Gratitude,
Tyler Jorgenson
If you are interested in learning more about the products like Loan Modifications that Ascension Financial offers please click here to email me. Ascension Real Estate is here to assist buyers and sellers in today's opportunity market.
Here's a link to the article. It is accurate as to how I survived the real estate crunch, but fails to mention the other companies we now have in the building. I was hoping it would mention the company name, etc but I'll take what I can get.
I will try to live and delight in the reality of being alive. My past is forever gone, my future an uncertainty, so I will be happy and thankful for each moment.
I will not allow negative input into my mind...happiness is a choice and I choose to be happy.
I will be thankful to God for my health, my loved ones, my business, and my country. I will also be thankful for any pain in crisis that helps me grow because God has said, be thankful in all things.
I will take care of my body, realizing the importance of the words moderation and balance, knowing that as I bring my flesh under control, how much easier it will be to control my will and my actions.
I will treat everyone I meet today the way I would like to be treated. I will strive to have them like themselves better when they’re with me.
I will avoid gossip, jealousy, and negative thinking. Most people don’t think about what they think about. Today, I will make a conscious effort to hold loving and beautiful thoughts in my mind.
I will write down my priorities; thinking of my loved ones and my responsibilities. I may not get everything done, but I will do the most productive thing possible at every given moment.
I will strive to humble myself before others, controlling my ego and making other people feel important.
I will spend time in study, learning how to better serve my fellowman. I know my growth in all areas is in direct proportion to the service I give to others.
I will not take rejection personally. I am first and foremost in the people business and, thus, realize they can only reject my proposal and not me. I will keep on keepin’ on.
I will spend time in prayer, asking God to let others see the light of His shining love through me.
I lived in South Africa just 5 short years after the fall of the apartheid government.Upon learning that I was going to move to South Africa I began researching the country and it’s current events.I was moved at that time by the following two quotes from President Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address:
“The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us. “
“We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success.
We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.
Let there be justice for all.
Let there be peace for all. “
-Nelson Mandela: Inaugural Address, May 10, 1994
Yesterday the world watched as we as an American people cast our votes in a very historic election.With the results of the Presidential race now solidified and with many of the local issues coming down to the wire there is certain to be a lot of emotion.
In all of the turmoil around us let us remember that we are one people.We are Americans.As Americans we believe in individual rights and among those rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.One great thing our nation offers is the freedom to pursue happiness through our freedom of speech.Surrounding us every day are people with different opinions.We must maintain and show respect for each other now more than ever.If we are to remain united as a Nation we must first be united as a people.
Two points from Senator John McCain’s concession speech:
“Let there be no reason now ... Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.”
“I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.
Americans never quit. We never surrender.
We never hide from history. We make history.”
And a couple from President Elect Barack Obama’s Victory Speech:
“Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.”
“As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.”
Let us unite together in the commonality of hope.Let us acknowledge our friends and accept their differences with no malice.Let us move forward together leaving behind the tensions of the past.
As if playing a part in the political process is not enough, you can now get free stuff for voting too. I guess this election is already helping the economy, because at least three major chains are well off enough to give out freebies. Click on the pics for details.
This will be an election for the record books. Here in California tens of millions of dollars have been raised to campaign the yays and nays for Proposition 8. We have a very interesting, if not comical, Presidential campaign going on and I can't help but shake my head in wonder. Are these really the best two candidates we can find? I think both Men are strong, capable and intelligent. I just want more from a President. I want a person of conviction and moral fortitude. I want somebody free from the influences of their party and driven by the rights of the people.
These clips illustrate the comedic nature of the election.
The preamble to our Nation's Constitution says it well:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
I do not believe that the views of either Barack Obama or John McCain are in line with furthering this great cause. I am not as well versed in the Constitution as I would like to be. I recognize that I know very little about the details and innerworkings of Congress and the Senate. Like Gov. Palin I did not know exactly what the Vice President does all day. Obama does give me a vague feeling of discomfort, but I am also not a fan of many of the people and organizations that he is and has been affiliated with.
In California there are 10 choices on election day, not just two. I do not think I will cast my vote for either of the bi-partisan candidates. A friend said we needed to choose between 'the evil of two lessers' and although I enjoyed the wit I refuse to cast my ballot behind somebody that I do not believe to be the right leader of this great Nation.
If this bored you, thanks for reading to the end anyway.
Thanks to websites like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn I have been able to reconnect with many of my friends from ages past. These sites are also good for meeting and networking with new people, but I particularly enjoy the reconnecting part. Blogs have become more popularized over the past few years and there aren't too many of us guys out here. One of my friends from the past, I think we trick or treated together in 1989, is Deyl. Deyl and his wife Paige have issued a challenge to the blogosphere... make them give until it hurts.
Deyl and Paige are going to donate $10 to Opportunity International for every comment on their post titled 'Make me give 'til it hurts' before the first Thursday in November. Go to his site and tell him Tyler sent you. Just follow the 3 steps he outlined... spread the word... change the world.
Thanks Deyl and Paige... you guys are inspirational.
> We are up in Wrightwood enjoying the Autumn weather and staying at > our Little Red House ( www.wrightwoodcabins.com ). We have a > guestbook that many people have signed since we started renting the > cabin as a vacation rental in December of 2005. It is fun to read > the great comments people from so many walks of life have left. > Tanya and I were re-reading some older comments and found this one, > the very first comment in the book. >
I know we've both felt this for sometime. The disconnect between us has been growing for a couple of years now. We've both tried to work on our relationship. When our relationship first struggled with the 600 we went to counseling and I upgraded to the 650, again a while later when I upgraded to the 680. I know that give and take is needed in any relationship, so I have been patiently giving knowing that time is needed for personal growth and product development. Most recently it has seemed like there just wasn't enough battery life in our time together. You wouldn't call when you said you would and I just couldn't count on you to get turned on no matter how hard I tried to push your buttons. I know many couples face this and work through it, so I feel I must tell you that there is another device in my life now. One that listens to me, whose buttons are far more simpler to push and responds so much more intuitively to my every touch. I know that it's hard to put blame on anybody here, and just know that it's not you... it's me. I wanted more in a relationship...
As one who believes in a Free Market economy, ethical capitalism and the God given potential of the individual I am worried we are not studying enough about the motives behind the current candidates.
Enjoy your Saturday.
One More good one from the UK about Fidel Castro supporting Barack Obama.
Nearly at the end of the day the girls at the office started wishing me a happy boss's day. I'd never heard of such a thing, so I thought they were joking. Turns out its real, so I apologize to all of my former managers and the like that never got a card from me. I found these delightful goodies in my email at the end of the day.
I usually leave the posting of photos of my fantastic family to the ubertalented and beautiful Mrs. Jorgenson but after editing this weekends bounty I could not resist. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful life. Take a look at these kids, they're amazing!
I love the colors in this one as my little man reaches in for the pumpkin
Just strolling through the pumpkin patch
Hunting
The Family
That's a bountiful harvest if I've ever seen one
To my wife and kids - Thank you for being my inspiration.
I received a few phone calls and emails this week inquiring about my view of the proposed bailout that President Bush is proposing. I saw this video on the blog The Mess That Greenspan Made.
There is a reason there are still a lot of Ron Paul supporters.
My company works with people every day to teach them to live within their means. We need to do that as a Country, live below our means.
The following text is from an email from the Ron Paul campaign. It makes this post longer than most, but is well worth reading.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Dear Friends,
Whenever a Great Bipartisan Consensus is announced, and a compliant media assures everyone that the wondrous actions of our wise leaders are being taken for our own good, you can know with absolute certainty that disaster is about to strike.
The events of the past week are no exception.
The bailout package that is about to be rammed down Congress' throat is not just economically foolish. It is downright sinister. It makes a mockery of our Constitution, which our leaders should never again bother pretending is still in effect. It promises the American people a never-ending nightmare of ever-greater debt liabilities they will have to shoulder. Two weeks ago, financial analyst Jim Rogers said the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made America more communist than China! "This is welfare for the rich," he said. "This is socialism for the rich. It's bailing out the financiers, the banks, the Wall Streeters."
That describes the current bailout package to a T. And we're being told it's unavoidable.
The claim that the market caused all this is so staggeringly foolish that only politicians and the media could pretend to believe it. But that has become the conventional wisdom, with the desired result that those responsible for the credit bubble and its predictable consequences - predictable, that is, to those who understand sound, Austrian economics - are being let off the hook. The Federal Reserve System is actually positioning itself as the savior, rather than the culprit, in this mess!
• The Treasury Secretary is authorized to purchase up to $700 billion in mortgage-related assets at any one time. That means $700 billion is only the very beginning of what will hit us.
• Financial institutions are "designated as financial agents of the Government." This is the New Deal to end all New Deals.
• Then there's this: "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." Translation: the Secretary can buy up whatever junk debt he wants to, burden the American people with it, and be subject to no one in the process.
There goes your country.
Even some so-called free-market economists are calling all this "sadly necessary." Sad, yes. Necessary? Don't make me laugh.
Our one-party system is complicit in yet another crime against the American people. The two major party candidates for president themselves initially indicated their strong support for bailouts of this kind - another example of the big choice we're supposedly presented with this November: yes or yes. Now, with a backlash brewing, they're not quite sure what their views are. A sad display, really.
Although the present bailout package is almost certainly not the end of the political atrocities we'll witness in connection with the crisis, time is short. Congress may vote as soon as tomorrow. With a Rasmussen poll finding support for the bailout at an anemic seven percent, some members of Congress are afraid to vote for it. Call them! Let them hear from you! Tell them you will never vote for anyone who supports this atrocity.
The issue boils down to this: do we care about freedom? Do we care about responsibility and accountability? Do we care that our government and media have been bought and paid for? Do we care that average Americans are about to be looted in order to subsidize the fattest of cats on Wall Street and in government? Do we care?
When the chips are down, will we stand up and fight, even if it means standing up against every stripe of fashionable opinion in politics and the media?
Times like these have a way of telling us what kind of a people we are, and what kind of country we shall be.
In liberty,
Ron Paul
*This post wasn't meant to be a 'Pro Ron Paul' post. It just turns out that he has a clear view of how to return our Nation to financial security and avoid socialism.
One of the blogs on my RSS reader is Scott Adam's, the author of Dilbert. When I first stumbled upon his blog I was surprised at how intelligent the author of a comic strip could be. I guess I always pictured those guys as have a quirky sense of humor and a good hand, but being a bit dim.
Adam's recently commissioned 500 economists to do a relatively in depth survey on the Presidential Candidates and how each would affect the economy if they were elected. I would highly advice reading the results and Adam's thoughts on the results.
I was very impressed by the survey and yet extremely disappointed in the results. One of the goals of the survey was to provide an unbiased view. The make-up of the group was thus:
48% Democrats
17% Republicans
27% Independents
3% Libertarian
5% Other or not registered
86% of the economists surveyed are male, and 65% work in the field of academia or education. The rest are spread across various industries or not working.
This wasn't what was disappointing. The sad part was the following paragraph:
When asked which candidate for President would be best for the economy in the long run, not surprisingly, 88% of Democratic economists think Obama would be best, while 80% of Republican economists pick McCain. Independent economists, who in this sample are largely from the academic world, lean toward Obama by 46% compared to 39% for McCain. Overall, 59% of the economists say Obama would be best for the economy long term, with 31% picking McCain, and 8% saying there would be no difference.
Very few of the economists were able to cross party lines in their answer. Adam's provides some good examples of human nature and explores why there were few cross party choices on the answers.
I have a very strong opinion that one of the candidates would be extremely detrimental to our economy in the long run. The changes this candidate would make may at first seem to bolster the people of this great Nation but would in fact be eroding the very foundation on which we can build. What this survey does, however, is show me that the numbers are pretty close in terms of who economists think will best bolster the economy during their presidency so I should partly base my decision on election day on other non-economic issues.
With no 'clear cut' and unbiased winner from the survey a lot more questions are raised. I just hope that people take the time to ask.
This past weekend my parents (the good Padres) took my wife and me down to San Diego for a belated birthday present. We went to see the Padres game at Petco Park and we treated to a full tour of the stadium before the game. While we were waiting for the tour Mr. Padres himself walked by and shook a few hands. I didn't think he'd remember me from our meeting in 1995 so I didn't mention anything, but we go way back. The Padres (the baseball team... aka the 'bad' ones) didn't have too great of a game. The couldn't hit the pitches the 12 year old was throwing I guess. The pitcher for the Giants was a 23 year old kid with a rocket for an arm. He shut out the Padres but it was still a great night of baseball.
A little while ago I mentioned that my wife signed me up for a 5k at Disneyland. It's been about 9 years since I've ran for more than a mile, so I started training. And then we went on vacation, and then I had a week long of 6am meetings, and then I got sick. The longest I'd ran was for about 15 minutes and I didn't think I'd be done with the 3.2 miles in that amount of time.
Here is my hot wife and I right before the run. The run was fun. The course went through the Disneyland Park and California Adventure. There were characters along the entire way cheering on all of the runners. My wife took lots of pics to show the kids, I was too busy trying not to burst a lung.
We made it. I didn't die, but I think I need to keep running so it doesn't hurt so badly next time.
Edit: Here is the course map for the Disneyland 5k. I couldn't find it online so I had to scan it. It was a fun run to be a part of, especially since we had friends and family along with us. We'll see how we do training for the next 52 weeks.
The world tuned in to ABC a few weeks ago to watch my Network Television debut, only to find that I was nearly edited out completely from the episode of WIPEOUT in which I participated. It may not come as a shock to you that, although this was my TV debut, this sort of thing is not unusual for a massive star such as myself. Didn't you know I was already famous prior to WIPEOUT?
In 1997 I was in the movie CONTACT. Yep, Foster, McConaughey and Jorgenson all in one epic saga about a message from outer space, headphones and large satelite dishes.
Here's the video of my superstardom
Filming the movie with other celebrities was quite enjoyable and rewarding. I even got a free long sleeved white shirt with a Contact logo on it, along with $450!Ok, so I'm not famous... nor was I in 1997. My High School choir used the directors need for extras as a fundraising tool and so we got $150 a day and got out of school all to raise money to go to DisneyWorld. Sounds like we had our priorities right where they should be. And yes, that really is me in the black hat and brown shirt.
The family and I are staying at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas for a few days. This is an amazing part of the world, truly breathtaking views and spectacular beaches. We've stayed here before but somehow this time it's different. It's in my blood now... this is where we'll end up. It's just a matter of time, well and a lot of cash. Driving around here is like going to a fancy car convention. I hope they don't mind my cool guy minivan. The doors are automatic... is that cool enough to fit in?
The 8 million dollar homes and $450,000 cars are nothing compared to these assets.
I am at a Starbucks in Newport Coast waiting for a client. Since I'm not a coffee drinker I always take my time going into the store. While walking up to the door I noticed this peculiar sight... Maybe the person they are looking to hire would have to have the skills to hang signs properly. With unemployment approaching 6 percent and underemployment well into the teens it seems Starbucks could hire some pretty skillful baristas.
Thanks to all of you who tuned in tonight to watch me WIPEOUT last night. Unfortunately the editors took no mercy on me and much of my efforts were left on the cutting room floor, along with my pride and my chance at the $50,000 prize.
Here are a few shots from when I was in the show, and a 4minute video/slide show for those of you die hard Tyler fans (my Mom).
The good news is that although I didn't win any money I did get a funky throat infection that helped me lose some weight. My now healthier and leaner body is worth $50,000 no question.
So I just got an E-Ticket ride while sitting at my desk working. There was an earthquake 11:42pm with the Epicenter less than 2 miles from me. I'm in the tallest building in all of the Chino Valley (a monsterous 4 floors) and am on the top floor in the corner. I had to dodge a couple of my tribal masks, but all is well.
These not so subtle reminders come now and again to remind us of all that we have.
I came across this interesting website that sells very unique pieces of furniture. Take a look at this fantastic Entertainment Center:
Notice anything unique? The unit is designed so that the main piece can be used as your coffin once you kick the bucket. I guess if you have one of these there is one last thing to worry about in the will. Don't worry, if your dearly beloved feels left out all you need to do is purchase this sofa:
Although I love the idea of getting multiple uses out of something, this is just going a tad too far in my humble opinion. Although, I actually sort of like the look of the sofa.
We were very happy to be invited by some friends for an evening at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. We don't get out to do couple's things nearly enough. Dinner was good, dessert was great and the company was fantastic. There were some good magicians and shows as well but the best part was just spending time with my wife and friends, telling stories and laughing.
Tanya and I came to the Magic Castle a few years ago for a company party and had a good time. Somehow coming with friends made it a little more enjoyable.
Thanks for the invite Jeff & Laura! You guys rock.
I don't know if I'm ready to stand on a stage with Al Gore and talk about the ice caps, but I'm certainly greener than I used to be. My Green Mercedes is ready to be picked up from the mechanic (the heater was stuck on and it didn't always turn off when I took the key out), and this video seems to make more and more sense to me. I am unapologetically a Capitalist, but I believe VERY strongly in ethical capitalism.
I just thought I'd share, that and I didn't like seeing my post on Disneyland being the last post on here.
At the risk of being utterly lame, I am doing a post about Disneyland. Why? In addition to it being the site of the upcoming 5k let me tell you a few reasons why I still love Disneyland.
1. Tanya agreed to marry me when I proposed at Disneyland . (It's a great story, but she can tell it if she likes) 2. The only photo I know of with my Maternal Grandfather was after a trip to Disneyland when I was almost 2, and all of the kids are wearing Disney shirts. It's an image easy to recall from years of looking at the photo. 3. My kids love the place. They seem to really love Toon Town right now. 4. I love how excited Tanya and Taylor get at the end of the night to get a Churro. 5. The Jungle Cruise
I really enjoy the spirit that went in to creating Disneyland, as evidenced in the dedication by Walt Disney.
Dedication
To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you.
But it's been a LONG time since I've been able to run a 4:47 mile like I did in College. My hot wife made me do a little run with her while we were in Capitola this past weekend and apparently she thought I did OK so she signed us up for the Disneyland 5k on August 30th. I'm going to have to do a little training, since I don't want to be too embarrassed by my time having been a runner in High School. I stepped on the scale on the 4th of July when we had to take our kids to the Dr. and I was down to 178lbs. I was amazed. I had been up to about 215lbs less than a year prior and although we did start eating better I think we pinpointed the weight busting source... a bigger house with 3 active kids. We're chasing our kids around up and down stairs, around the house and yard and even jumping on the trampoline. Combine all of those extra calories burned with consuming fewer calories and you get a Tyler that is 37 pounds lighter.
Tanya told me while we were running that she didn't really notice how fat I had gotten before, but now that I've thinned up a bit she likes it. One of my co-workers even complimented me today (thanks for making my day April).
So, I guess I'm getting back into running thanks to my wife. I have to admit I'm looking forward to getting back into shape.
Ever since the birth of my oldest daughter 3 1/2 years ago I have had to really focus on the balance I maintain between work and family. It certainly is not an easy thing to do. This week I traveled up North with my wife, kids and parents to visit my Grandfather. My Dad's Father is 93 years old and is battling 3 types of cancer. My Granny couple of years back so my youngest two were never lucky enough to meet her. To add to the importance of taking this trip, my son is the only Male Jorgenson of his generation from my Grandfather's line, none of my Jorgenson cousins had boys. We felt it was very important to make sure they met at least once and take a 4 generation picture.
We're staying at my Aunt and Uncle's beach house in Capitola, which is like living in a dream because it is so beautiful. The challenge is that I had to travel and be here during the week, so I am still fielding work calls and emails. I don't mind being accesible for my clients because I understand that we are dealing with time sensitive matters and financial issues that can be very stressful. Other than the fact that my cell phone doesn't work in the house I have been responding to emails and calls promptly. But then I see this sight, taken yesterday evening, and put the phone away and remember what is most important.
I love my clients, and count many of them as friends, but nothing trumps my wife and kids.
