First of all, to win the lottery, you have to play the lottery. I don’t play the lottery. I can’t remember the last time I threw away money to buy a lottery ticket, as I’ve always been skeptical about the whole concept. I have many friends and relatives that faithfully purchase lottery tickets every week, entrusting their hopes and dreams to a few overpriced scraps of paper. Has anyone won? Not that I know of, although I often hear tales of near misses and “What ifs” that keep the spirit alive. When the lottery first started, I played the scam, intrigued by the excitement it promised, only to realize that the odds were heavily stacked against us. I think the most numbers I ever got was two, which convinced me that the chances are slim next to none. Many of my friends celebrate the anticipation of the draw and share their “winning strategies,” yet deep down, I wonder if they truly believe they’ll succeed or if they’re simply chasing a fleeting dream. Despite the initial thrill, I find comfort in my decision to abstain, choosing instead to invest my time and energy into pursuits that hold far more promise and fulfillment.

Therefore, theoretically if I ever won millions I would disappear and change my life totally. First, I would acquire legal advice and a financial advisor, carefully selecting professionals who genuinely prioritize my best interests and have a track record of guiding clients through such life-altering transitions. I have heard that these multimillionaires suddenly have relatives come out of the woodwork and friends that you haven’t heard or seen from for years; this thought fills me with a sense of caution, as I want people to be around me for who I am, not what I have, valuing authentic relationships over superficial connections. Charities and good causes would get a portion of my good fortune, as it’s essential to me to give back to the community and contribute to meaningful projects that promote welfare and growth. In doing so, I hope to support initiatives that focus on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, which I believe are fundamental to a thriving society. The largest concern I have is whether I will be any happier or complete than what I am now; the pursuit of wealth often appears glamorous, yet I wonder if it would bring fulfillment or merely a new set of challenges and expectations. Ultimately, it’s the relationships I foster and the impact I leave behind that will define my true wealth, rather than the amount in my bank account.

My life has been full and rewarding, marked by a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I am in my seasoned years and have had more good things and people than bad events, which has instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude. No, I am not rich in the conventional sense, with extravagant possessions or vast wealth. I am just a mere mortal who values the simple joys of life, living comfortably, happily, and cultivating relationships that would be hard to replace. Each friendship I have nurtured, each moment of laughter shared, adds a unique layer to my existence that cannot be quantified. It would be a tough job for those millions to replace what I have now, as the connections I cherish are irreplaceable and timeless. Therefore, with a heart full of appreciation, I do not intend to start playing the lottery anytime soon, for I already possess a fortune far greater than money can buy.

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Except for a couple of years in the army, I have lived in the Denver Metro area for over eighty years, watching the city grow and change over the decades. During my school years, field trips to this iconic attraction were always a highlight, filled with excitement and wonder about what we would learn. This incredible place, drawing close to 500,000 visitors a year, stands as a testament to both history and community engagement. Established in 1862, it has become a cherished part of Denver’s identity, and remarkably, there are only five of its kind in the entire nation. For a period of time, I worked at a place that was only a block away, making it all the more interesting as I would often pass by. I don’t know how many times I have driven by it, each time feeling a tug in my heart and thinking, “I need to go there.” Have you figured it out?

The answer is: The Denver United States Mint

Many babies are named after the father, a relative, or a close family friend, continuing a long-held tradition that signifies respect and familial ties. The trend these days, however, appears to be shifting towards names that are less conventional, often inspired by unique qualities or personal stories. Parents are embracing more distinctive names such as Ace, April, Fable, Huxley, and many others, reflecting a desire for individuality and creativity in their children’s identities. This growing preference for uncommon names might also stem from a cultural fascination with storytelling and the hope that these names will carry a special significance as the children grow. As such, the landscape of baby naming is evolving, offering a rich variety of options that move beyond traditional norms and invite a new era of identity formation.

I popped into this world just four months after Pearl Harbor, smack dab in the middle of World War II, a time when families were mostly wondering if they should have invested in a bunker instead of a backyard garden. So, I decided to ask my parents who I was named after, especially since my older brother was named after my dad—talk about family traditions feeling like a heavyweight title! They launched into a story that made me feel nostalgic—and slightly baffled. Apparently, they were grappling with a name crisis during wartime, trying to avoid the pressure of “Hey, kid, what’s your name?” At some point, they discovered a local newspaper listing freshly drafted soldiers, which was like scrolling through a tragic feed where the heroes were just regular Joes. They combed through the list with all the seriousness of someone choosing a pizza topping and stumbled upon the name Thomas Lee, which sounded classy enough to stick. So there I was, named after a distant guy who might have faced more dilemmas than just “pepperoni or sausage” on a Friday night. If this story is true, who knows? Family legends often mix reality with a sprinkle of imagination. Just like you’ll never know if I’m spinning this yarn for website traffic, leaving me to muse about how names hold the weight of history while dodging the actual history lesson!

I am beyond a dream job, having dedicated my life to a fulfilling career that I truly enjoyed. However, I have been retired for over twenty years now, where the days blend into a serene routine filled with leisure and activities that bring me joy. Now, I dream of staying healthy, as I understand that maintaining vitality is essential to fully enjoy this chapter of my life. I find hope in my financial situation, carefully planned and managed, with the aspiration that it will outlast me, allowing me to travel, indulge in hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones in comfort and peace.

A long time ago I had a dream job in mind. When I entered junior high school, now they call middle school, I was put in what they called an accelerated class. This was composed of kids that was in the top ranking of the proficiency tests they gave us, a distinction that filled me with pride and motivation. At that time, I loved science class, especially chemistry, where the wonders of chemical reactions fascinated me endlessly. My friend and I stayed after school and helped the science teacher around the lab and classroom, eagerly soaking up as much knowledge as we could. The thrill of mixing substances and observing their transformations ignited a passion in me, and my dream job then was to become either a chemist or an engineer, professions that promised to challenge my intellect and creativity. Towards the end of ninth grade, they gave us a standardized test that was supposed to inform us what kind of career to pursue, a test I approached with excitement and anticipation. The results came back, and much to my dismay, chemistry or engineering was not on my list of careers, leaving me confused and questioning my future. This shattered me, my dream was destroyed, leaving a void that I struggled to fill. I continued to high school with a heavy heart, and as my motivation dwindled, I barely graduated from high school, feeling as though I had lost my way in a world that seemed to offer no place for my ambitions.

For the next forty-five years, I had a job, navigating through the ups and downs of the professional world. Some jobs were not only good but also high-paying positions that provided financial security, while others were merely survival jobs, keeping me afloat during tougher times. Between 1987 and 1991, I encountered the most challenging financial period of my life, marked by economic instability and uncertainty. During this time, I was laid off from my well-paying job, which was a devastating blow, especially as unemployment rates soared to seven and a half percent. The struggle to find new employment was daunting; it took over four long years before I could secure a decent job that offered both stability and a sense of purpose. Despite the abundance of opportunities that came my way, none of them matched my vision of a dream job, leaving me yearning for something more fulfilling. However, after years of hard work and perseverance, I am now retired and find satisfaction in my current situation, appreciating the lessons learned and the journey that has brought me to this point in life.

I do have a new dream though, that is to have many subscribers and followers who read and enjoy my ramblings, connecting with them through shared thoughts and ideas. I envision a vibrant community where each interaction sparks engaging conversations, encouraging different perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals. It excites me to think about the stories I’ll share and the inspiration they’ll bring to others, creating a ripple effect of positivity and creativity as we explore topics close to our hearts together.

Out of curiosity I asked Copilot the question. Here is the answer I received.

There’s a lot of conversation these days about whether AI is meant to lead us or simply follow our commands, but the truth is far less dramatic and far more human. AI doesn’t dream up a vision for the future or rally people toward a cause. It also doesn’t trail behind, waiting for orders like a loyal apprentice. Instead, it acts as a kind of amplifier—quiet, steady, and surprisingly revealing. Whatever intention we bring to it, AI magnifies. If we approach it with curiosity, it expands our thinking. If we bring creativity, it opens new doors. If we lead with care, it helps us build more thoughtfully. In that way, AI becomes a mirror, reflecting the kind of leaders we choose to be. And maybe that’s the real opportunity here: not to wonder whether technology will take the lead, but to recognize how much power we still hold in shaping the tone, direction, and heart of the world we’re building.

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Then asked Gemini the same question. Here is Gemini’s response.

A good leader is often defined not by their title or authority, but by their ability to influence, inspire, and empower others to achieve a shared goal.¹ In the modern world, leadership has shifted from “command and control” to a more human-centered and agile approach.

Here is a breakdown of the core pillars that make an effective leader today.

1. Emotional Intelligence

EQ is widely considered the most critical trait for modern leaders. It involves more than just being “nice”; it is the strategic management of emotions.

• Self-Awareness: Understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers.
• Empathy: The ability to see things from a team member’s perspective, which builds deep trust and psychological safety.
• Regulation: Staying calm and decisive under pressure rather than reacting impulsively.

2. Vision and Strategic Foresight

A leader provides the “North Star.” Without a clear destination, a team is just busy, not productive.

• Clarity: Translating complex goals into actionable steps that everyone understands.
• Purpose: Connecting daily tasks to a larger “why,” which is a primary driver of employee retention.
• Adaptability: Having a vision for the future while being humble enough to pivot when market conditions or technologies (like AI) change.

3. Integrity and Accountability

Trust is the currency of leadership. It is earned through consistency between words and actions.

• Leading by Example: Never asking the team to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself.
• Owning Mistakes: A good leader takes the blame when things go wrong and gives away the credit when things go right.
• Transparency: Being honest about challenges rather than hiding them, which fosters a culture of openness.

4. Empowerment and Delegation

Great leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders.

• Trust: Giving team members the autonomy to own their work without micromanaging.
• Coaching: Shifting from “telling people what to do” to “asking the right questions” to help them find the solution themselves.
• Inclusivity: Actively seeking out diverse perspectives to avoid “groupthink” and drive innovation.

5. Modern Technical Fluency

In 2026, leadership also requires Digital Fluency. This doesn’t mean you need to be a coder, but you must understand how to leverage emerging technologies—like Generative AI and remote collaboration tools—to improve your team’s efficiency and wellbeing.

What do you think of the responses?

I felt love from my parents. They raised me. They clothed me. They fed me. Most important, they taught me the most vital values to live and enjoy the eighty-plus years I have experienced, instilling in me principles such as kindness, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, all of which have shaped who I am today and guided me through life’s many challenges and triumphs.

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National Dress Up Your Pet Day is celebrated every year on April 11th. It’s a fun, lighthearted holiday dedicated to dressing up your furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends in cute, comfortable outfits and showing off their style. Whether it’s a dog in a tiny sweater, a cat rocking a hat, a guinea pig in a gown, or even a bird with a little accessory, the goal is to have fun, bond with your pet, and share adorable photos.

Quick Facts

• Founded in 2009 by Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist (she’s also behind National Dog Day and National Cat Day).
• The day encourages pet owners to pamper their animals with safe, comfy costumes while promoting pet adoption and animal welfare — many of Colleen’s holidays aim to spotlight homeless pets.
• It’s not just for dogs and cats; bunnies, hamsters, reptiles, and more can join in if the outfit fits safely.

How to Celebrate

• Pick out (or make) a costume that’s safe: It should fit properly, not restrict breathing, movement, vision, or hearing, and avoid anything that could overheat or irritate your pet.
• Have a mini photoshoot or “catwalk” moment at home.
• Go all out with matching outfits for you and your pet (because why not?).
• Share pics online, social media blows up with these every April 11th!
• If your pet hates costumes, no pressure — just give them extra treats and love instead.

I’ve been blogging at tomt2.com since 2006, and that’s really where my creative journey began. Over the years, I’ve expanded into writing books, paperbacks, and magazines—many of which are available through Amazon and Blurb.

Along the way, I’ve also experimented with video content on YouTube and stayed active on the usual digital platforms like email, X, and Facebook.

I don’t expect to land on a bestseller list or build a massive following, and that’s perfectly fine. I create because I enjoy it. Writing, posting, and exploring new ideas keeps my mind sharp, my curiosity alive, and the whole process continues to be a lot of fun.

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I am addicted to M&M’S dark chocolate, and I am not ashamed of it. I have been indulging in these delightful treats since the announcement of the dark chocolate variety, which has only deepened my love for them over the years. I still remember the catchy saying, “M&M’s melt in your mouth, not in your hand!” that perfectly encapsulates the joy of savoring these little morsels without the worry of messy fingers. M&Ms originated during World War II when the fighting forces had a pressing need for a chocolate that could withstand the rigors of battle without melting away. The M&M was created not just to fulfill that craving for chocolate among soldiers but also to solve the age-old problem of chocolate melting, thus ensuring that these sweet bites could be enjoyed in any condition. Since then, M&M’s dark chocolate has not only become a favorite snack for many but also a nostalgic reminder of love, comfort, and the enduring spirit of creativity that turned a simple idea into a beloved treat across generations.

After writing this post I must go grab a handful of M&M’s MMMMMM Good

Start a business and offer conversation time as a unique service to clients seeking companionship or guidance. You could make it a walk-in session, allowing for spontaneous interactions in a comfortable setting, or offer scheduled appointment sessions to ensure a more personalized experience. Alternatively, you could travel to the prospect’s home address, providing a convenient option for those who prefer a familiar environment or have mobility challenges. This flexible approach not only caters to various preferences but also builds trust and rapport through meaningful conversations that can significantly enrich the client’s daily life.

In my career days, for a period, I called on many single individuals living alone, and I discovered that a substantial number of them were starving for human interaction. Many times, during my visits, I had a difficult time leaving because they expressed such deep longing and yearning for connection. These individuals were often found within the senior citizen category, as well as among handicapped people confined to their homes, who faced the daily challenges of isolation. Additionally, I encountered numerous mid-life women who, in their struggle against loneliness, shared heartfelt stories about their experiences and desires for companionship. However, it became evident that many of these individuals were seeking more than just casual conversation; they yearned for genuine relationships and meaningful engagements that could enrich their lives and alleviate the solitude they experienced. The need for social interaction transcended simple chat; it was a profound longing for empathy, understanding, and the warmth of human connection that each of us craves, especially in times of loneliness.

The outcome can be unexpected or a total failure. As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed my sexual desire has decreased, changing how I connect with others. Still, the need for human interaction remains strong but has evolved into something deeper. I now find comfort in companionship, engaging conversations, and the joy of shared experiences, which are more valuable than just physical attraction. This shift has moved my focus from physical desire to emotional and intellectual connections, where meaningful conversations and laughter matter more than short-lived romantic encounters, showing me that human relationships are far richer and more satisfying than I once thought.

Since I am over eighty years old, I would say I qualify to post on this subject. As long as I am able to get around and be relatively healthy, I am all for living a long time on this earth, embracing each day with gratitude and joy. The experiences and wisdom I have accumulated over the years have enriched my life in countless ways, allowing me to cherish the moments spent with loved ones, explore new passions, and reflect on the beauty of existence. However, on the other hand, if my health declines to the point where I become immobilized and handicapped, requiring constant care and assistance, I hope that I do not have to endure pain and suffering in this vegetative state. It is a sobering thought to consider the quality of life we maintain as we grow older, and I sincerely hope for a peaceful and dignified transition, surrounded by the love and support of my family, should that inevitable time come.

Almost three years ago, I encountered a profound near-death experience that changed my perspective on life and existence forever. During that fleeting moment, I was granted a preview of what lies beyond this earthly realm, and the insight I received about life after death was both illuminating and comforting. This transformative experience removed all fear and anguish from my heart regarding the inevitable passage of time that we will all face at some point in our lives. I came to understand that death is not an end but a transition, a journey into a new phase of existence where love and light prevail. In sharing this perspective, I hope to alleviate the anxiety that many feel towards mortality, encouraging others to embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.

Since I am over eighty, my biggest challenge is to stay healthy and alert, which requires me to be more mindful of my daily habits and routines. I focus on maintaining a balanced diet. Additionally, engaging my mind through reading, puzzles, and social interactions like blogging, helps me stay mentally sharp and connected to the world around me. It’s a continuous journey that demands dedication and resilience, but I believe that by prioritizing my health, I can enjoy my golden years to the fullest.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

NO, I DIDN’T CELEBRATE LAST NIGHT. I WAS ASLEEP BEFORE 11PM !