January 2008 - Janelle's Blog

The January Emotional Crash

I overheard someone say on the radio, "This is the most depressing time of the year. We are almost through January and people are discouraged that they have already failed to fulfill their New Year's Resolutions."

There is a bit of a let-down when we go from the festive holidays to our ordinary daily affairs, so it's already time to take a refresher's course. Please click on my blog on New Year's Resolutions Out the Door to get a grip on how to handle all of the grandiose promises you made yourself. Think of this as a year-long project, not a one-time shot. Try improving the weak areas of your life instead of criticizing your shortcomings.

Founder of Carl's Jr. Restaurants-A Friend of NBCF

Carl N. Karcher, founder of Carl's Jr. fast-food chain, died January 11^th at age 90. Carl started his business with a hot dog cart and grew it to more than 3,000 restaurants, which now include Hardee's restaurants and 30,000 employees worldwide. He was a generous supporter of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here for a touching tribute to him.

Few people could light up a room like Carl Karcher. As the father of 12 children, he seemed to have a natural instinct for loving people. Caring about others was his default.

I had the opportunity to witness this great man in action on two occasions at Carl's Jr. conferences. The first time I met him, it seemed that his declining health would keep him from walking to the platform and speaking. Yet, instead of hindering him from greeting the crowd, he seemed to push his health problems aside and took the microphone in hand to draw a roaring response from those in the audience. His effect on people was magnetic. He inspired people to succeed as he freely gave smiles and hugs, living his dream to the end of his life.

Get Set Free from the Crisis Mode

This year it is time to examine your life and see what may be holding you in bondage. Are you chained to crisis?

Think about people you know who never get out of a crisis. Their lives are filled with mistakes and bad decisions. Many times it is because the foundation of their decisions is shaky. Most of the people I know who can never get a handle on their lives have no solid values. They base their decisions on what is gratifying right now instead of the destination of where they want to go.

In the afterglow of Christmas and New Year's lights, the reality hits us. How much did we spend? The friendly clerks had perfect gifts pre-packaged and wrapped so we would not have to figure out what to give Aunt Sally or Cousin Bob. We handed out gifts like we were personal Santas until we were left holding the empty bag.

Erma Bombeck's Take on Finances

Erma Bombeck says she bought in haste and repented in leisure. In fact, since she knew her checkbook wouldn't balance in her lifetime, her husband suggested she find a new bank. So, she looked for one that was forgiving of little human frailties like 7s that looked like 2s and the checks on which she filled in the "For" line with, "the love of God, don't cash until after the 15^th.