Pat Schwind Presents: Strategic Edge Thursday, 03/26/2009

Kathleen Tranchese of Phoenix NORML, & Tom Dean, Former Litigator for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws: How’s that WAR on DRUGS ?

Minutes of 03/12/2009

1. Attended 03/12/2009 : Mark Sorhdal, Rich Woods, Frank Rickey, Geri Seckinger, Barb Bently, Jerry Burbach, Tom Costanzo, Ann Taylor, Pat Schwind, & our speakers, my good friends Bill & Barb Blewster, & Dr. Paul & Sybil Eppinger.

2. Our topic was "Marriage Survival 101: Lessons from the Front Lines of Marriage Longevity." Marie & I've been together since high school, (mid '73), but we've only been married since '81. So I asked some real experts on the subject to give us some advice on how to hold a marriage together for the real 'long haul'. Bill & Barb have been married 45 years. Barb said their marriage is based on their religious Faith (LDS), & had some specific suggestions:

   1. Get past your own selfishness, & try to see things from your mate's perspective;

   2. Be kind to your partner; life is so tough, the home & marriage should be a refuge, & a happy place.

   3. Children are "a real glue for a marriage....they require the parents to be unselfish". Furthermore, she believes marriage can be much stronger, if the kids have goals, & strive for success in 3 key areas: School, Church (& related activities; e.g. 'Scouts'), & Sports. These pursuits keep the kids focused, "off the streets", & less prone to trouble, thus making for a more cohesive & happy home, with less stress for all parties, especially the parents.

   Bill agreed, & also felt that marital fidelity was a key component of a long & healthy relationship.

   Dr. Eppinger & Sybil have been married 50 years. Sybil was a professional marriage counselor for 25 years, & feels that prayer is the glue that holds their marriage together. Paul is a retired Baptist minister, & now is the executive director of the Arizona Interfaith Mission. He compared a successful marriage to properly using 4 pieces of furniture:

   1. A kneeling bench: find & share common values & goals with your mate; worship together, praying for success in achieving those goals, & upholding your values, in the face of an often hostile world.

   2. A conference table: communication is essential in any successful relationship. LISTEN to your mate! Like Barb Blewster said: try to see things from your mate's point of view. This can easily be a part of your everyday existence, if you "keep dinner-time sacred", as a chance for real 'quality time' with your spouse & children. This may require a little adjustment on the part of most busy families today, who are too used to 'grabbing some take out' or 'fast food' for convenience, & eating 'on the road' or in front of a TV or game station. (What the hell is a 'game station' anyway? My old fashioned folks taught us that "anybody who plays 'pin-ball' is a 'screw-ball'." I think they were pretty much right-on!)

   3. A ping-pong table, or some other object for recreation, to symbolize the need for fun & vitality in a marriage, especially joint activities, such as simple walks together, or vacations with the family or simply 'as a couple', to truly enjoy your spouse's company, without the normal distractions & concerns of regular life.

   4. A love-seat, symbolizing affection & a healthy sexual relationship, which is crucial; it "keeps the commitment intact".

3. Our next meeting is this Thursday, 03/26/2009

   Please arrive before 7:30 AM at “JIM’s CONEY ISLAND CAFE”, 1750 No. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, at the southwest corner of Scottsdale & Cavalier, Click Here for a map, 1 block south of McKellips, ~ 1 mile north of the 202 Freeway.

   Our speaker will be Kathleen Tranchese of Phoenix NORML, & Tom Dean, Former Litigator for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws: How’s that WAR on DRUGS ?

   Bring Guests!

4. Future Speakers
   • 3/26- How’s that WAR on DRUGS? Kathleen Tranchese of Phoenix NORML & Tom Dean, Former Litigator for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
   • 4/9- John Chester Stuart: One Man's Struggle Against an Unjust System.
   • 4/23- Project Justice: Do we Really 'Lock Up' Innocent People in America?
   • 5/7- Kenpo Instructors Ted Goldberg & Jack Wimbish: Self Defense for Women. We'll have a real live 'Hands On' demonstration, in the parking lot, (on thick carpet). Pat Schwind plays 'Snidley Whiplash'.
   • 5/21- DEBATE: Do Gay Folks Choose to be Gay or are they Just Born That Way? Speakers so far: Sharon Slater of 'Family Watch International', Bill Gemmill, & local Attorneys Marc Victor & David Braun.
   • 6/4- Dr. Tamara Divic of WHEAT, (World Hunger, Education, Advocacy & Training Organization): "Can we Eradicate World Hunger"?
   • 6/18- Atheist Monti Gaither: How Religion has Messed Up the World, Forever!
   • TBD'd- Former Olympic Wrestler & Current Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, Mike Van Arsdale.

Sincerely, Pat Schwind, MBA