My mom used to tell me that all the time when things seemed to go awry. Well it’s been almost two months since we lost all our server files during a storm and I have to say that I actually believe this saying to be true. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that it’s been an easy transition but what I can say is there have actually been some benefits to starting over.

1. It’s been a great way to purge our files.
2. We are so much more organized now with our filing system.
3. We’re on our way to having a back-up system that should never fail.
4. It’s been a true test to see which team members can truly laugh in the face of danger.

Now, if Companion, our insurance company can come through to offset the business income loss then I will truly feel like Trio survived and triumphed. And, honestly even if they don’t - we’ll still come out on top because we’re all stronger and wiser.

I am used to finding my entertainment on the Web through my favorite pop culture (or basically online tabloid) Web sites- www.perezhilton.com, www.tmz.com and of course, www.people.com. However recently I discovered an entertaining site that does not report on Lindsay Lohan stealing a fur coat or Britney Spears still trying to get custody back of those sweet, innocent little boys. No, this Web site is actually useful AND it is entertaining at the same time. The site is called WuFoo, www.wufoo.com. It is named for the founders two favorite groups, Wu Tang Clan and Foo Fighters. Anyone that can be as creative as Wufoo, well as Renee Zellweger said, has me at hello! The Web site offers free software to build surveys, order forms, registration forms, etc. for your Web site. I have used it a few times and on top of being user-friendly, it is just a really fun Web site. For example, when you are finished and logging out of the site, you are prompted with the famous line, “parting is such sweet sorrow”. Yes, it is very silly but in a work environment where we tend to take ourselves too seriously, it is nice to chuckle every once in a while. Using a Web site like Wufoo has challenged me to find ways in which Trio and the Nonprofit Nook Web sites can showcase our personalities. Ultimately that is what Wufoo does, it brings the personalities of the founders into their site and that is what makes the Web site so unique and fun. Check ‘em out.

I recently received this “list to live by” from a good friend and thought it was worth sharing. Enjoy!

The most destructive habit………………….Worry
The greatest joy………………………….Giving
The greatest loss…………….Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work……………Helping others
The ugliest personality trait………….Selfishness
The most endangered species………Dedicated leaders
Our greatest natural resource……………Our youth
The greatest “shot in the arm”……….Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome……………..Fear
The most effective sleeping pill……..Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease…………Excuses
The most powerful force in life………………Love
The most dangerous pariah………………A gossiper
The world’s most incredible computer……..The brain
The worst thing to be without………………. Hope
The deadliest weapon…………………..The tongue
The two most power-filled words……………”I can”
The greatest asset…………………………Faith
The most worthless emotion………………Self-pity
The most beautiful attire………………….SMILE!
The most prized possession…………….Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication…..Prayer
The most contagious spirit……………..Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life………………GOD