The point is, this story really got me thinking. In my home, I feel secure and at ease and this is the type of situation that can make you feel like your “peace of mind” is not truly warranted. It also made me realize all of the other areas in life where people have a false sense of security. Now, this is not meant to scare anyone. That is not my desire. However, it’s meant to educate and inform you of the right questions to ask to make sure you are dealing with a company that keeps your security in mind.

A few years ago, the City of Houston implemented a towing program to help to clear the roads of accidents faster. Many cities around the US incorporated similar programs and were met with success and controversy all at the same time. One of the concerns that arose was regarding the Towing Companies that were chosen by the city to clear these accidents. Many of the cities that ran this program did not do proper background checks, insurance checks and licensing checks on these companies. These tow truck drivers had access to your vehicle, your personal information and often would have to escort you and your family to a different destination. It was found that many of them were not licensed, had no insurance and in many cases had extensive criminal backgrounds. This is not the type of situation that your city should put you in. Many of these programs are no longer in existence due to the problems that occurred. One way to avoid this is to work with companies that can provide proof of background checks, proof of insurance and proper licensing. And as always, when in doubt…ASK. It’s your right to know and their obligation to provide that information.

In my industry, it’s a shame how many people just trust their personal packages with companies that don’t do background checks, are not bonded, licensed, follow OSHA compliance or even check to make sure their drivers are insured. These packages are obviously important and time sensitive and in so many cases, never make it to their destination. The sad part is that the sender or the receiver can’t do much about it. This is an easy situation to avoid. Companies like my Houston Courier Service, can provide the proof you need to feel secure about your packages. Any company you work with should have this proof readily available to give you the peace of mind you need to feel that your belongings are safe when out of your hands. Paying a dollar or two more for a delivery from someone who has gone through the process of making sure your packages are safe is a no-brainer in my opinion.

Now, in a more personal area…your home. This is the area where you need to be the most alert. Work with companies that are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Work with companies that your friends can refer to you. You are letting people that you don’t know in to your private home and around your family. This includes your yard company, your cable company, your appliance company, repairs, carpet cleaning, etc… Be smart about who you let in to your  home and be sure to stay on your toes the entire time they are there. Keep notice of all activity and don’t leave them in a room alone. Stay aware and stay safe and work with companies that have the safety and security of their customers as a top priority.

Now, to get back to the story of my friend and his tripped alarm in the middle of the night. After some discussions with the Security monitoring service and a little investigation, it turns out that a house fly was their “foe” ready to cause harm to the family. Apparently, that little fly flew right in front of their very sensitive motion detectors and the rest is history. The family is safe and got a good laugh out of the whole thing, but I can’t say the same for that poor house fly.

Until Next Time,

Eric

I’m realizing that there are a few things that bring full families together – Weddings, Births and Funerals. All three are celebrations of life and occasions to come together with old stories, great memories and rekindled relationships. It is sad that it takes these major acts to keep many families in touch. People seem to be so busy these days that they forget the really important things in life. The really important things in life start with family. It is in the family that our roots take hold and from there we grow to be the person we are meant to become.

I’m very lucky to have the family that I do. We are close, we travel together, live in the same area, spend weekends and holidays together and I now run my father’s original business (A Houston Courier Company, Hot Shot Delivery). As an immediate family, we understand the importance of “family time” and we have a strong family bond. But rarely do we spend time with the extended family. I’d like to see that change.

I was watching television the other night and a line from one of the shows really hit home for me:

“Make a plan, set a goal, work towards it. But every now and then, look around, drink it in. Because, this is it. It might all be gone tomorrow.”

If everything were gone tomorrow, did you spend today doing the things that mean the most? It’s definitely something worth thinking about and possibly changing the way you do some things. I did a little exercise that I thought was pretty helpful. I took a piece of paper and drew a line in the middle of it to make two columns. In the left column, I made a list of the most important things in my life. In the right column, I made a list of the things I spend the most of my time doing. It was very interesting to see how the most important things in my life often took a backseat to the items in the right column.

As I close for the week, I’d like to dedicate this blog to my uncle and his life. I’d also like to send a message to my extended family, I hope that we can set a goal of spending more time together and work towards that goal. Because if it were all gone tomorrow, I would definitely miss those good times.

Should you do the same with your family?

Until Next Time,

Eric

1. Stress Reliever – Sure, traveling with 3 young daughters can be seen by some as stressful, but, to me, it is a great time away from the courier service office. It’s a change of pace, a new scenery and the opportunity to take a deep breath and go with the flow. People often underestimate the importance of this time away and put it off until it is too late. The stress can pile up and with no release, you begin to jeopardize your health.

2. Physical Health – Getting outside, breathing the fresh air, soaking up some Vitamin D and moving around for a few days is going to be better than being hunched over behind a big monitor that is probably too close to your eyes. Juggling deadlines, customer service, human resource issues and the many areas related to running a business is a mental and physical drain on your body. You need to hit the reset button every few months.

3. Economic Health – Not only for the tourist economy, but for your own pocketbook. Sounds odd to some I’m sure, but there is proof behind this concept. Often, when taking the time to get away, you actually free your brain from being bogged down by the daily operations of your business and get back to the free-flowing ideas of the vacationing right side of your brain. You also take the time to read new articles or books and get in to discussions about business ideas without worrying about missing a deadline or dealing with a daily crisis. Some of my most profitable ideas have come when fishing with my dad in the middle of nowhere. You can’t always get that type of brainstorming in a room full of whiteboards and suits.

4. Family Time – I know that you are busy in your own life, but combine that with the lives of your spouse and your kids. My family alone is bouncing back and forth between schools, dancing, day care and tons of other extracurricular activities. I’m lucky to get dedicated time with one of my daughters at a time, much less all three and my wife. However, on a vacation, there is nothing else to do but spend time together. These are the memories that your children will have and think fondly of as they age. This should be a huge priority for you, if you want to maintain the sanity and love within your tight knit group.

The Beauty of A Vacation

5. Fun – Not much to explain here. Getting away is fun. Trying new things, re-doing old things, catching up with friends, making new friends… whatever. Get out there and do it.

As I close, I think of the fond memories from my short trip to Galveston, fishing trips with my dad, our recent trip to Disney and the many more that are in our future. Be sure to cherish this time with your family and don’t deny yourself the chance to unwind, relax and recharge. You will thank yourself later.

Until Next Time,

Eric

Jax and My Girls

I began to realize that Jax was with me through all of the most important moments of my life. Marrying my wife, having each of my kids, taking over the family courier business, graduating from college, everything. Jax, silently in the background, was a pillar of support, unconditional love and my biggest fan.

Having to bury Jax was probably one of the most miserable experiences that I’ve had in a long time. I still expect him to be waiting for me when I get home, and that hurts the most. The truth is he’s probably the best dog I’ve ever had. He was there for my wife when she needed him. He was always there for me too and has been such a good member of the Donaldson family.

Probably what I miss the most are my talks with him when he would look at me with those big sad eyes and let me know he understood. Not something that you can easily replace. Jax was a great friend and companion and I know someday we will meet again. I will miss you my old friend.

Until Next Time,

Eric

Like a scene from Driving Miss Daisy, I carefully drive as they sit in the back and are carted around town to 2 different schools, dance lessons, sleep overs, sporting events and a myriad of other after school activities.  I find humor in this because I run a Courier company that delivers “time-sensitive packages” but can’t imagine having to manage this eventful process every day (but in my defense, my delivery packages don’t know every Hannah Montana song).

What’s amazing to me is that not only does she normally do all of this for our daughters, but my wife has a job of her own as well.  So, my blog this week is all about how great moms are. It’s time to give them more credit for what they manage, how busy they are and how they make it look so seamless.

The Donaldson Ladies

So, thank you to my wife for being such a great mom and making it look so easy. I know that it is a handful and I am forever grateful for all of your sacrifices. And, thank you to my mother for all of her sacrifices over the years. I understand how much work and love it takes to keep a family going and that strength, devotion and patience will pay off for generations.

Until Next Time,
Eric

I took the week off of work at my Houston Courier Service to spend time with my family as well as get re-adjusted to having a newborn in our home. During this week, I’ve had some time to reflect on my life (Having a new baby tends to do that). I’ve realized that what I’m experiencing right now is what I will look back on as some of my most cherished memories. Watching my daughters learn and experience new things, seeing my wife become the most amazing mother and learning the importance of being a good father are what I consider to be some of life’s greatest moments.

It’s a challenging world today and my daughters will have more pressures, more distractions and more information to deal with than when I was growing up. However, I’ve been given this unique opportunity as a father. I have the chance to become a hero to three wonderful girls by simply giving my time, my advice, my listening, my support and my love…and sometimes my wallet.

In my opinion, the true measure of a man is how well he performs as a father. And now more than ever, I will get my chance to find out what I’m made of…wish me luck!

Welcome to the world Samantha Lynn Donaldson!

Hot Shot Delivery – Newest Family Member

Till Next Time,

Eric