Merry Christmas to All!

In the next three weeks, many of us will take extra time off from work to spend with family and friends as we celebrate this special season.  It's a good practice for us to step back from the immediacy of the routines that engage our lives, and to savor each moment, each interaction, and the beauty of the creation around us.  

2013 White House Christmas Card

Listen to your life:  Life is short and fragile, and Christmas draws us to live our lives in the moment.  May we remember, not just during these special days ahead, but in the year ahead, to hug our loved ones with a stronger embrace, to verbalize our love and appreciation for family and friends, to slow down and smell the flowers, to breath deeply of the fresh air, to look for the things in our lives for which we are thankful (even the little things), and to see our daily challenges from a longer term and eternal perspective.  

3 week break from the blog:  I will be taking a break from writing this blog for the next three weeks, and will be back in early January.  To the many readers of this blog, thank you for your words of encouragement about how the blog has helped you do a better job in public procurement and contracting throughout the year.  I'm glad to try to provide helpful information that will stimulate conversation and result in improved practices.

Reminder on free book drawing on January 1:  In my blog of December 9, 2013, I wrote a review of a new book that tells the story of the major reconstruction of the White House in the 1950s during Harry Truman's presidency.  The Hidden White House is a fascinating and fun book to read (and good Christmas present for someone you know who is interested in history and/or construction).  I'll be drawing names from a hat on January 1, 2014 to give away three free copies of the book.  All you have to do is sign up for an email subscription to my Presidential History Blog at http://PurdysPresidentialHistory.blogspot.com, and you'll be entered into the drawing.

Merry Christmas:  Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate together.  See you next year!

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog
© 2013 by Michael E. Purdy Associates, LLC
http://PublicContracting.blogspot.com