Category: On The Bricks

PTCI Channel 2 video

May 2016

The Galleon Restaurant with Ian McCulloch

PTCI Channel 2 video

February 2016

Tour of Dale Lofts on Main Street

My father has been staying with me over the holidays and it’s a little freaky. My sleep habits are a bit odd and I find that they’re exactly like his. This morning at 4 am I went in to the kitchen and was having a cup of tea while playing my computer game. My father joined me. It was nice visiting with him but how many people do you know are visiting one another at 4 am? We’re both morning people and not nearly as enjoyable to talk to late in the evening.

Who did you miss over the holidays?

What did you do to honor them?

And remember to not be so focused on those you’re missing that you fail to enjoy those who are there.

I am such a creature of habit and I really do like order, so the holidays sort of disrupt my normal and beloved routine. But it is necessary to squash those selfish thoughts and take the time to relish the people we have and the time we have with them.

Hope you’re enjoying December as much as I am. And I pray you’re looking forward to 2015. I know it’s going to be a wonderful year. Because I’ve decided already that it is.

Do something new in 2015.

TRAVEL: Ever thought you wanted to travel but then convinced yourself you didn’t have enough money or enough time? Why not take a visit to Kenton and stay in one of the bed and breakfasts there? It’s a mere 90 miles and so gorgeous. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy traveling.

JOIN: Been thinking that you need to join a civic group? They all need you! I’m a Rotarian and we meet on Friday’s at noon. Want to join us? Call me at 338-6246 if you do. And I know the Lions Clubs (there are two) would love to have you, too. Or maybe you just want to get more involved in your church. Do it! Don’t wait. You’re losing out on blessings by not jumping on it.

“Be of service,” said Gillian Anderson. “Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co – worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.”

ATTEND: There are a lot of things going on in the community that you might consider attending.

Leadership Guymon, a program through the Guymon Chamber of Commerce, is taking nominations for the 2015 program. It’s an awesome way to

learn more about your community and see ways to get involved. Need an application? Call Jada at 338-3376. If you have a business, consider sending one of your employees.

“I think leadership is service,” said Denise Morrison “and there is power in that giving: to help people, to inspire and motivate them to reach their fullest potential.”

A few other hot dates you might ponder includes the Lunch with an Aggie on Jan. 2 at the Pub on the Bricks. Come and have lunch with the Aggie basketball kids (Dutch treat). Inspire … motivate … participate … enjoy.

The Lunch and Learn on Advocacy is Jan. 6 at noon in the Pub on the Bricks. Dutch treat and the lesson is a good one to learn especially if you are board member for an organization.

The Main Street Lunch Mob is hitting Ixtapa Restaurant on Jan. 8 at noon. That buffet is going to be mobbed. Anyone can join! All you have to do is pay for your own meal and enjoy the company.

Then on Jan. 17 the Main Street Cash Mob is going to be at Chris Urias Photography. That’s another mob you are welcome to join.

Citizenship classes start at the Guymon Public Library on Jan. 14. This includes free registration and materials in addition to free child care.

The library is also looking for volunteer English language tutors for two hours a week for one on one tutoring at the library. Call 338-7330 for both of these items.

One other thought for the new year … ever thought you needed to be an EMT? Help with the ambulance? Does your job allow you to be flexible for this? If so, consider calling the City Managers office or the Guymon Fire Department to find out more information.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy,” said Rabindranath Tagore. “I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

See you on the bricks!

There is a chance that I am turning into one of those older ladies that I have made fun of for many years. I realized that for at least the past five years my gift to my mother and my gift to my father have been used audio books that I buy off ebay. And one of the gifts to my kids was a used book … oh, wait, there were two of those. They were really NICE books, though.

So have I turned into “that lady” yet? Maybe not. I guess I’ll keep trying.

To make it worse, the other day I forgot to turn my car off, coming back in to the office and working until someone told me my lights were still on. So was the engine. That’s odd.

Sometimes we really need to take a look at ourselves and reflect on what is really coming out of our mouths. We need to be honest about how we are acting, talking, being. This can go many ways.

Just because you didn’t get enough sleep last night doesn’t give you license to be rude to someone. My father drove all the way down from Denver and is visiting. He even fixed my patio light. And because I didn’t sleep well, I was short and rude when I got off work. I needed to be smacked and woke up.

There was a certain someone also complaining about having to get the house ready for Christmas holidays. Really? I know people who don’t have any family to spend the holidays with. Nobody bringing turkey. There are people who have to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas. Put that down with the whiner and see if it changes your perspective.

Get right with Jesus.

Take a look at how you’re thinking and put yourself on the right track. Quit being so busy giving other people advice … take care of yourself. If we all took cares of ourselves, then it would be so much better.

It is easier for women than men, I do believe. Oliver Herford said, “A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s; she changes it more often.”

Stick up for someone. Standing by and saying nothing is ok, but sticking up for someone that is being bashed (whether correctly or not) is better. Be brave. Be strong. Be real.

“Never be bullied into silence,” said Harvey Fierstein. “Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”

Some of the Transformers helped with the Christmas Basket project that the Methodists head up. Wow. That is one fine tuned operation. Normally I can stop and see where someone is lagging and sort of, kind of, help for a bit. They had all

their bases covered. Lots of people helping, lots of drivers … could always be more, though! I think when you have a retired UPS guy giving the directions, you have set a new standard. Connie Taylor, you and your crew do a great job.

Have you ever wanted to serve the people of Guymon as an EMT? That’s the person in the ambulance with you … maybe keeping you alive. Maybe keeping you kalm. If you have, go and talk to the Fire Chief or the City Manager. I heard they will even help those who are serious (and good investments) to pay for the schooling. Make a mark. Do good.

Remember what Jim Rohn said, “Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy.”

See you on the bricks!

Tony Hardman who played Kris Kringle in the Guymon Community Theatre play “Miracle on 34th Street” did a fabulous job. There were others that also did a fab job, but Tony really stood out. As did Cory Schneider as the drunken Santa. He was good enough you imagined the smell of whiskey.

The whole day of Saturday was a treat. The Shutterbugs met and then prepared for their Photography Show and Sale, the carolers began to arrive, the juggler showed up (I just love David McGaughy), the Christmas Parade happened, supper with my son’s family, attending the play with my grandchildren. What a stellar day. Man, I’m glad it’s over, too.

All those who were in the parade deserve a clap. Applause too for the Shutterbugs that put on a wonderful Photo Exhibit. And even more so because they even emptied the trash after using the office. You have no idea how much I appreciate that! And more kudos to all the people who were in the Guymon Community Theater production. Each and every one of you are awesome.

Wanted to give a shout out for those who advertised in the GCT program:

Lumber Mart, Top Dawg Grooming, Aerostitch, Wright and Dale Attorneys, City National Bank, SPC Office Products, Ken Lane State Farm, Fronk Oil, and high Plains Public Radio. Thanks for supporting our community theater. Speaking of supporting the theater, did you see the article JuliAnn Graham from Tri-County Electric wrote in the Oklahoma Living magazine. It was GREAT!

Is your colon getting all tight because you haven’t bought all your Christmas presents yet? Remember, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” Ben Carson said that and it’s true. But that doesn’t mean your grandkids appreciate it much. Get them Main Bucks and then they can go and get what they want themselves. Just a thought …

Or buy a coat for someone that needs to be warmer. Opportunities, Inc., has their Keep ‘Em Warm program going where they take gently used or new coats, hats, gloves, and blankets and give them to those who need them. Drop offs are at Brown and Associates on Main, Stage Store at Northridge, and at Opportunities office at 204 NW 6th. Call 580-338-5388 if you have questions.

Main Street Transformers meet on Dec. 20 at 8 am until noon. Then we are traveling over to see the OPSU basketball teams play. Should be another great Saturday.

Also on Saturday is the Gaggle of Geeks from 1:00 until the games end.

Last suggestion for the column. Send a Christmas card to Chris Liebman, PLLC, PO Box 2055, Guymon. You really need to get on their list somehow because his Christmas cards have a Christmas music CD. Now how cool is that?

“The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value,” said Charles Dudley Warner.

See you on the bricks!