2014 Winter Newsletter

FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY

Bruce Strenth, CFE We are quickly moving through another year. The days are getting shorter and people that you have not seen for a while are returning from wherever they have been. The kids in the neighborhood have dressed up…not to Trick or Treat this year, but to go to the homecoming dance. I often hear people say they will be happy when the weekend comes. I like the weekend, but I decided a long time ago that I was going to quit wishing my life away one week at a time. I have found that Monday has its treasures, as do Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are special, but the other days can be too. Most of us are very active with our jobs, raising our children, looking after loved ones and dealing with the day-to-day issues of life. I have found that a little time in the garden or a few minutes talking over the hedge to a neighbor can wash away a lot of what life has beaten you up with that day. There are no miracles in what I am writing about, just a look at life where you allow yourself a little time somewhere along the way. I like to get up early and go outside before very much is going on. My little dog and I sit and watch as the squirrel in the palm tree comes out to greet the day. He stretches, scratches, licks his paws, wipes his eyes and scampers down the tree toward the adventures of his day. My cocker spaniel usually treats him to the very first of those adventures. The last time we spent time together I encouraged you to stop, smell and take a look at the roses. What I write now is more encouragement for the same. Our world seems to spin faster and grow smaller all of the time. We are connected, informed and in touch almost all of the time. It does not have to be all of the time. When I was at a local store the other day, I saw “bubble bath” for sale; if you cannot find any other quiet spot in your world maybe you should give “it” a try. I would be remiss if I did not mention that I have spent many hours with people I have met and got to know through the Florida Chapter of IAAO. Though those hours have not all been time of leisure, they have all been profitable to me both in learning and living. I encourage you to visit the website www.fciaao.org to keep informed and attend a conference or seminar as often as you can.

Article Contributor: Bruce Strenth, CFE, Tangible Personal Property, Highlands County

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Winter 2014 Newsletter of the FCIAAO