Issue No. 9 September 2009
Leash In Those Dogs!
Dear Friends of Balancing Act,
Age of Miracles Book Cover 
Grandma used to say, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Grandma was a genius.

Last month, I wrote about how a typo on the back cover of the book had inspired us to distribute special "waiting room copies" to doctors' offices in honor of my late husband Bob. 
 
This month, the news is that an unexpectedly large number of RSVPs for the launch party has led us to a wonderful new location: Espresso Yourself Music Caf�, 50 W. Olentangy Street in Powell, OH.
Owner Eric Ahlteen is graciously accommodating us at the same date and time:  Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.
 
If you've not been there, you're in for a treat.  Espresso Yourself is in a converted historic church (and makes the best panini's ever). 
 
Steve Wilson, founder and "cheerman of the bored" of the World Laughter Tour, will be our special guest and inspire us with his wisdom about laughter.  And, as previously announced, illustrator Michael H. Whiting will be on hand to draw Henry the Time Management Dog with his owner Mary B. Relotto.
 
As for the location, I guess we could say, "The Dog Ate Our Launch Pad." But as in most things The Dog eats, there's an interesting adventure around the bend
 
                                                      Pat   


Life's A Pie Chart
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How we spend our time reflects our priorities. Or not.  Want to see how you spend the 168 hours you have in every week?  CNN has devised a nifty life-balance calculator that will sum up your life in a single pie chart. How does your chart look?  Are there any areas you'd like to be spending more time in? Less?  Let us know in The Dog Journal
Take A Laughing Baby Break! 
 
You hear a lot about the value of taking mini breaks during the day.
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Well, don't stop there. Take baby break.  If you haven't seen laughing baby Ethan, click on the baby's nose and check him out.  It's a quick break.  One minute, 22 seconds, to be exact.
Friends Keep Life In Balance
Judith VanGinkel
 
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has one, that a supportive friend can bring balance to our lives.
Columbus women will have a special opportunity to explore this idea with Judith Van Ginkel, Purpose Prize fellow and author of Life Begins and Ends With Girlfriends, Saturday, Sept. 26, during a lunch discussion sponsored by the Central Ohio  Chapter of The Transition Network from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Martin de Porres Center.
Click here for details and online registration for this limited-space event.
 
Leash Law No. 9: Doctor Visits
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 With the swine flu upon us, we might as well indulge in some medical advice about medical advice.   It's no secret that physicians sometimes burn out in the struggle to reconcile good medical care with the demands of today's health care industry. Chronically long waits for care, rushed visits and lack of familiarity with a patient's file can all be symptoms that something is amiss. If candid discussion doesn't improve the doctor-patient relationship and quality of care, it may be time to find a doctor who's more in tune.
 
Copyright 2009 Pat Snyder
In This Issue
Life's A Pie Chart
Laughing Baby Break
Friends In Balance
Leash Law: Doctor Visits
The Dog's In The News
Quick Links
The Dog's in the News, on Twitter, and 'Round the World!
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The Dog has had a busy life with feature stories in Suburban News Publications around Columbus and a feature in illustrator Michael Whiting's hometown paper, The Newark Advocate.  
 
Then, to top it off, the World Laughter Tour offered 7,000 certified laughter leaders around the world a "waiting room copy" if they ordered a book from WLT, and orders started pouring in.
 
Twitter Dog  
 
The Dog is now on Twitter, offering time management tips every day.  You can find him there and follow him by going to his plannerdog handle. 
 
Sign Up Now! 
 
A few spots remain for Pat's free mini workshop, "Sniff Out Your Own Funny Tales," from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at On Second Thought consignment shop in Worthington. Pat will use consigned items as props to help you bring your own funny stories to the page.  Contact Jen Richards for reservations.    
 
Other Dog Events 
 
A complete list of Dog events can be found in the Coming Events Section of Pat's website.
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