The proof is always in the puddin’ – Published in the Oct. 19-25 edition of the C-D

A young businessman had just started his own firm. He rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques. Sitting there, he saw a man come into the outer office. Hoping to look like a hot shot, the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he was working on a big, important business deal. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments.  Finally, he hung up and asked the visitor, “Can I help you?” The man said, “Yeah, I’ve come to activate your phone lines.”

I read this, laughed, and then thought about how we should strive for gaining the respect of others through hard work, rather than what we say and promise to them. The proof is always in the puddin’, in the work, in the successes and failures. I catch myself every now and again, trying to sound like I have all the answers and that I can always make things happen. I think the most important thing is honesty. If you can make a promise and keep it, great! If not, tell them that, and sooner rather than later. One thing I have learned leading up to my wedding is that you can’t do things alone, either. (Most people would say, “Duh!”) I have always struggled with asking for help – from friends, in school, at work, from Nick. But what is the saying? “Do as I say, not as I do.” I have gotten much better, but there is always room for improvement.

Alright so this week we have a few things going on. The Alfalfa Bill Century Bicycle Ride is Saturday the 21st. We have riders coming from near and far to participate, so please be mindful of them when traveling around the county that morning. The Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge will feature a presentation and identification workshop on lichens Saturday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and a helpful group of people are putting on an Indian taco sale benefiting Dawg Towne Sanctuary at the Milburn Community Center on the 21st from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Monday the 23rd, the Chamber’s Quality of Life committee will hold a Christmas planning meeting at the Information Center at 1:00 p.m. As mentioned in a previous column, there is an event planned for each Saturday in December and busy times call for plenty of volunteers!

As a reminder, Trunk-or-Treat will be on Main Street in Tishomingo from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31st. Decorate your vehicles and hand out candy, or a healthy alternative (for Laura). We want the kids to be safe and have fun. Several of the businesses will be handing out Halloween treats that evening as well, so join us!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the grand opening of six businesses in Tishomingo last weekend! We are so glad to welcome Sunshine Boutique, Simply Safe of Tishomingo, Kedford Co., Stepp West, Elizabeth’s Antiques, and Junk Stars to our community.