This is a true love story about 2 men and a lion Christian.
John Rendall and Ace Berg (two friends) saw a lion cub for sale at a department store called Harrods. Seeing the cub so cramped and lonely in a small cage they decided to bring it their London home.
Christian, as they called him weighed 35 pounds but within a year he had grown to 185 pounds, too big to keep at their home.
At this point, they got Christian back to Africa so he could be reintroduced to the wild, rehabilitated and released.
Several years later, both Rendall and Berg made a decision to visit Christian. Being told that he was now a wild animal it would be doubtful if Christian would ever be found they decided never the less to go to Africa.
You absolutely must check out the rest of this amazing love story at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM&NR=1
The amazing video demonstrates how powerful the bond of love really is….
“Love knows no limits and true friendships last a lifetime”
Let me know your thoughts about this video... click on the comment link below and share them.
Frances
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Discomfort Zone
I would like to share this story with a message on our comfort zone and taking action which may resonate with you, as it did with me.
"If you feel that you were off to a good start but are currently stalled, you need to admit to yourself that you have probably slipped back into your comfort zone.
More than likely you have been deceiving yourself that you are making progress, but at the same time you are really not getting anywhere.
What you need to do is take action. Even if it is a very small action.
Nothing you can tell yourself, nothing you can say to others, nothing you can think or feel or imagine is going to get you out of the mental bog you're mired in.
The only thing that can rescue you is-to take that next step.
Maybe you know what that is. If you know exactly what it is, DO It!
If you don't know, or aren't sure, allow your intuition to guide you. Do whatever you feel compelled to do, but do it NOW to get yourself doing again--even if it means entering....your discomfort zone."
---Dr. Robert Anthony
"If you feel that you were off to a good start but are currently stalled, you need to admit to yourself that you have probably slipped back into your comfort zone.
More than likely you have been deceiving yourself that you are making progress, but at the same time you are really not getting anywhere.
What you need to do is take action. Even if it is a very small action.
Nothing you can tell yourself, nothing you can say to others, nothing you can think or feel or imagine is going to get you out of the mental bog you're mired in.
The only thing that can rescue you is-to take that next step.
Maybe you know what that is. If you know exactly what it is, DO It!
If you don't know, or aren't sure, allow your intuition to guide you. Do whatever you feel compelled to do, but do it NOW to get yourself doing again--even if it means entering....your discomfort zone."
---Dr. Robert Anthony
Friday, July 18, 2008
No pre-loss documentation
Helpful tips when a loss occurs and there is no pre-loss documentation
First: Plan of action:
Trying to create a list of all items you own and now are gone can be very stressful, so having a plan of how you are going to accomplish this will help.
It is helpful to have an inventory form to work from; your insurance company can provide you with an inventory list to work from.
Try to remember all the items that you owned and from that list create lost, missing or damaged items. Start with one room or area at a time. It is helpful to try to recreate the area and visualize all the items where the loss occurred. Draw a floor plan with placement of items; repeat this process several times as this may help you remember additional items each time you do this.
Second: List of all lost items now you need details:
Now that the list is completed, try to provide as much detailed information as you can find such as: make, model and serial numbers, brand names, values, place of purchase, include any photos of the items etc.
Tips on where to look and search for this information:
1. Contact places you normally shop, they may have records of items purchased
2. Walking through the store may trigger your memory
3. Friends/family may have photos or videos showing lost items
4. Family stories may help with recollecting
5. Gifts received, giver may have required information
6. Magazines, caloques may jog memory
7. Warranties, manuals, receipts etc.
8. Sources such as credit companies, bank statements ...
As you make your list, it is wise to take your time, you may want to make a note that this is a partial list, you may remember additional items later.
*Important to keep records of all contact persons, phone/e-mail and date contacted, during the claim process.
First: Plan of action:
Trying to create a list of all items you own and now are gone can be very stressful, so having a plan of how you are going to accomplish this will help.
It is helpful to have an inventory form to work from; your insurance company can provide you with an inventory list to work from.
Try to remember all the items that you owned and from that list create lost, missing or damaged items. Start with one room or area at a time. It is helpful to try to recreate the area and visualize all the items where the loss occurred. Draw a floor plan with placement of items; repeat this process several times as this may help you remember additional items each time you do this.
Second: List of all lost items now you need details:
Now that the list is completed, try to provide as much detailed information as you can find such as: make, model and serial numbers, brand names, values, place of purchase, include any photos of the items etc.
Tips on where to look and search for this information:
1. Contact places you normally shop, they may have records of items purchased
2. Walking through the store may trigger your memory
3. Friends/family may have photos or videos showing lost items
4. Family stories may help with recollecting
5. Gifts received, giver may have required information
6. Magazines, caloques may jog memory
7. Warranties, manuals, receipts etc.
8. Sources such as credit companies, bank statements ...
As you make your list, it is wise to take your time, you may want to make a note that this is a partial list, you may remember additional items later.
*Important to keep records of all contact persons, phone/e-mail and date contacted, during the claim process.
Home Inventory-Organize valuables
The home and contents are probably the largest investment and most valued asset, filled with monetary and sentimental items.
Some items can be replaced but at a cost while others are impossible to replace such as one of a kind or sentimental items.
Constantly at risk from fire, theft, water damage, floods and other natural disasters, most people do not have documentation information that can be referred to if a disaster occurs.
Purchasing insurance is not enough, should a claim be filed, it is to your advantage to have documentation to refer to that supports your claim for full reimbursement and expedites the claim process. This documentation is to your advantage not the insurance companies. Without this documentation, items could be remembered months after the loss. Equally important is having photos that show in great detail the conditions of the items, should they be sent out for repairs or their condition before a loss.
Most of us think of a home inventory just for insurance purposes, actually this documentation has value for other uses as well such as: recovery, moving, storing, travelling, legal, relationship dissolvement, organizing, budgeting and proof of ownership.
What is a Home Inventory?
A document, preferrably a detailed one showing your home contents.
The best type of inventory contains:
*photos date stamped (newspaper with date)
*photos detailing item condition (repairs/preloss condition)
*detailed item descriptions (make,serial/model)
*purchase info (date,place,price)
*updated values for items such as antiques
Information should be easily accessible and backup copies stored in a safe place away from home.
How often should this be updated?
I suggest getting into the habit of updating your inventory whenever a new item enters your home, this includes items you purchased and gifts received. Review your inventory at least annually and work with an easy, simple system that works for you, in making sure that once completed you can keep it up to date. January is a prime month to update your inventory with all the purchases and gifts that are in your home. A simple way of updating is to have a list with newly acquired items and enter this information into the inventory, every couple of months or whatever works for you.
Ask yourself: do you want to rely on just your memory? Pick a room, now jot down every item and detailed item information in that room; from memory. Include visible items, items tucked away in drawers and items stored off premises that often come back into the room, such as seasonal items. How accurate are you? This is what you will be asked for insurance/police report claims. Imagine trying to do this when you’re under stress, dealing with the frustrations of replacing the items and dealing with family emotions; do you feel confident that your memory will recollect everything.
A home inventory- it’s about knowing exactly what you own and having control when a situation occurs for proof of ownership. Even if you never use this documentation for claim purposes, just doing the exercise of documenting your possessions will provide you with a clear account of what you own. If you have never inventoried your contents, you may be shocked at what you actually own and where you spend the most money on.
Often people learn the real value of having an up to date home inventory, after a loss occurs. Don’t wait until you become one of them, do it today.
The simplest way to document your possessions is to take digital photos or video, then add the information at a later date. At least you have the visual; a picture is worth a thousand words.
Be prepared. Be protected.
Some items can be replaced but at a cost while others are impossible to replace such as one of a kind or sentimental items.
Constantly at risk from fire, theft, water damage, floods and other natural disasters, most people do not have documentation information that can be referred to if a disaster occurs.
Purchasing insurance is not enough, should a claim be filed, it is to your advantage to have documentation to refer to that supports your claim for full reimbursement and expedites the claim process. This documentation is to your advantage not the insurance companies. Without this documentation, items could be remembered months after the loss. Equally important is having photos that show in great detail the conditions of the items, should they be sent out for repairs or their condition before a loss.
Most of us think of a home inventory just for insurance purposes, actually this documentation has value for other uses as well such as: recovery, moving, storing, travelling, legal, relationship dissolvement, organizing, budgeting and proof of ownership.
What is a Home Inventory?
A document, preferrably a detailed one showing your home contents.
The best type of inventory contains:
*photos date stamped (newspaper with date)
*photos detailing item condition (repairs/preloss condition)
*detailed item descriptions (make,serial/model)
*purchase info (date,place,price)
*updated values for items such as antiques
Information should be easily accessible and backup copies stored in a safe place away from home.
How often should this be updated?
I suggest getting into the habit of updating your inventory whenever a new item enters your home, this includes items you purchased and gifts received. Review your inventory at least annually and work with an easy, simple system that works for you, in making sure that once completed you can keep it up to date. January is a prime month to update your inventory with all the purchases and gifts that are in your home. A simple way of updating is to have a list with newly acquired items and enter this information into the inventory, every couple of months or whatever works for you.
Ask yourself: do you want to rely on just your memory? Pick a room, now jot down every item and detailed item information in that room; from memory. Include visible items, items tucked away in drawers and items stored off premises that often come back into the room, such as seasonal items. How accurate are you? This is what you will be asked for insurance/police report claims. Imagine trying to do this when you’re under stress, dealing with the frustrations of replacing the items and dealing with family emotions; do you feel confident that your memory will recollect everything.
A home inventory- it’s about knowing exactly what you own and having control when a situation occurs for proof of ownership. Even if you never use this documentation for claim purposes, just doing the exercise of documenting your possessions will provide you with a clear account of what you own. If you have never inventoried your contents, you may be shocked at what you actually own and where you spend the most money on.
Often people learn the real value of having an up to date home inventory, after a loss occurs. Don’t wait until you become one of them, do it today.
The simplest way to document your possessions is to take digital photos or video, then add the information at a later date. At least you have the visual; a picture is worth a thousand words.
Be prepared. Be protected.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Travel Current Photo ID
Summer is here and we’re busily making travel plans.
At the beach yesterday, a child had wandered off; luckily he was spotted further down the beach. This made me think, could that frantic mom have quickly described the child, what he was wearing, to help with the search?
A lot of you will be camping, day trips and long distance traveling; this is a reminder to keep a current photo of your child with you, always. If your child goes missing and you must enlist help with the search, having this photo at your fingertips will save valuable time.
Tips for Photo ID
1) Carry a current photo ID of your child. Prior to taking a vacation, one of the first things we do is organize our wallets and often photos are left at home.
2) Digital Camera or Cell Phone Camera-Take a photo of your child each morning dressed for the day, - if the child gets lost, this information is at your fingertips.
If the camera/cell phone get lost you will at least have a current photo in your wallet.
3) Having the children all wear the same brightly colored hats or shirts helps in spotting them quickly in a crowd. On an outing with the kindergarten class to the zoo it was easy to spot children from the same school. Suggest this to your teachers when they send out Field Trip notices.
4) Traveling with elderly parents who have medical conditions etc, take their photos as well. It’s easy for them to become confused and wander away. Being busy with children, you may not have paid attention to what they wore or carried.
5) Remember your pets, take photos and carry info (tag/tattoo)
Hope these tips will remind you to take photos; hopefully you will never have to use them except to put into your photo album.
Be prepared. Be Protected.
At the beach yesterday, a child had wandered off; luckily he was spotted further down the beach. This made me think, could that frantic mom have quickly described the child, what he was wearing, to help with the search?
A lot of you will be camping, day trips and long distance traveling; this is a reminder to keep a current photo of your child with you, always. If your child goes missing and you must enlist help with the search, having this photo at your fingertips will save valuable time.
Tips for Photo ID
1) Carry a current photo ID of your child. Prior to taking a vacation, one of the first things we do is organize our wallets and often photos are left at home.
2) Digital Camera or Cell Phone Camera-Take a photo of your child each morning dressed for the day, - if the child gets lost, this information is at your fingertips.
If the camera/cell phone get lost you will at least have a current photo in your wallet.
3) Having the children all wear the same brightly colored hats or shirts helps in spotting them quickly in a crowd. On an outing with the kindergarten class to the zoo it was easy to spot children from the same school. Suggest this to your teachers when they send out Field Trip notices.
4) Traveling with elderly parents who have medical conditions etc, take their photos as well. It’s easy for them to become confused and wander away. Being busy with children, you may not have paid attention to what they wore or carried.
5) Remember your pets, take photos and carry info (tag/tattoo)
Hope these tips will remind you to take photos; hopefully you will never have to use them except to put into your photo album.
Be prepared. Be Protected.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Taking Time For Sunsets
Ever take for granted what is before our eyes?
Hearing my son describe the amazing sunset yesterday, made me think how many of us, actually appreciate this amazing event.
In our fast praced world, there never seems to be enough time to just relax and enjoy the stuff that really matters.
Sunsets are one of those amazing moments in life, that occur reguarly, yet are often overlooked in our world of mortgage payments, appointments, jobs, family responsibilities, ecomomy (wow) no wonder we are a stressed out society.
While these responsibilities are important, taking time for ourselves is equally important and enjoy what nature has to offer, for free, for a few minutes.
I suggest that each of us take the time to slow down and appreciate the memorizing beauty of the changing colors and the calmness left after the sun sets.
Just watch an excited tourist capturing perfection, excitement of the children, parents laughing,couples holding hands all sharing in the magic long after the sun sets.
Sunsets like clockwork, occur daily and can be found wherever you are in the world.
When life seems overwhelming and you see the sunset take time to ground yourself with what really matters in our world. You will feel better for it.
Hearing my son describe the amazing sunset yesterday, made me think how many of us, actually appreciate this amazing event.
In our fast praced world, there never seems to be enough time to just relax and enjoy the stuff that really matters.
Sunsets are one of those amazing moments in life, that occur reguarly, yet are often overlooked in our world of mortgage payments, appointments, jobs, family responsibilities, ecomomy (wow) no wonder we are a stressed out society.
While these responsibilities are important, taking time for ourselves is equally important and enjoy what nature has to offer, for free, for a few minutes.
I suggest that each of us take the time to slow down and appreciate the memorizing beauty of the changing colors and the calmness left after the sun sets.
Just watch an excited tourist capturing perfection, excitement of the children, parents laughing,couples holding hands all sharing in the magic long after the sun sets.
Sunsets like clockwork, occur daily and can be found wherever you are in the world.
When life seems overwhelming and you see the sunset take time to ground yourself with what really matters in our world. You will feel better for it.
Family Info Binder
In my business of helping individuals document what is valuable in their life and be prepared for the unexpected, I encourage the use of a Family Info Binder.
A simple binder system that you can put together yourself that is
available to each family member containing frequently used information.
Customize this to fit your family & lifestyle and be organized.
Family Info Binder Tips:
Emergency information – contacts in an emergency
What to do in an emergency-
Contact information –school (teachers) doctors, dentists…
Baby Sitting Instructions-
Medical Records- allergies-food & drugs –
Pet information-
School Information- handouts, forms, lists, sports
Forms- photo copy several to have on hand
Designate a message center for keeping:
Messages- blackboard, post it notes
Mail
Calendar- 1 calendar with all information
Family Info Binder
Having this information prepared ahead of time, readily available in one spot saves time, helps alieviate stress and frustration.
Everything in one place.
Be Prepared. Be protected.
A simple binder system that you can put together yourself that is
available to each family member containing frequently used information.
Customize this to fit your family & lifestyle and be organized.
Family Info Binder Tips:
Emergency information – contacts in an emergency
What to do in an emergency-
Contact information –school (teachers) doctors, dentists…
Baby Sitting Instructions-
Medical Records- allergies-food & drugs –
Pet information-
School Information- handouts, forms, lists, sports
Forms- photo copy several to have on hand
Designate a message center for keeping:
Messages- blackboard, post it notes
Calendar- 1 calendar with all information
Family Info Binder
Having this information prepared ahead of time, readily available in one spot saves time, helps alieviate stress and frustration.
Everything in one place.
Be Prepared. Be protected.
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