Don't Go Cockeyed

It's easy to become overwhelmed when you sit down and think of everything you have to get done not only in your business life, but also in your personal life. What can be even more stressful is focusing on the past or what you wish you would've done differently.

Instead of trying to complete everything at once, try breaking up tasks into a to-do list that will help you stay focused on your goals for today. We all have deadlines and goals for the future, but they become much easier to accomplish when you remember life only comes one day at a time.

Here's the way I see it: If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you're going to be cockeyed today. We'd love to take a few projects off your plate – give us a call to see how we can help!

When I Whine

I’ve always found inspiration reading stories about or meeting people who have faced challenges and overcame them. I recently read the following and wanted to pass it along:

Forgive Me When I Whine, by Red Foley

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her - she seemed so gay - and oh, I wished I were so fair.  When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle, She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet - the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm; He seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm. I said, "It’s nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find."  He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!" And I saw that he was blind.  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes - the world is mine.

Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue. He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do, I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don’t you join the others, dear?"  He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew; he could not hear.  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears - the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I’d go, with eyes to see the sunset’s glow,  With ears to hear what I should know: I’m blessed indeed, the world is mine;  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

Here’s the way I see it: Next time you focus on insignificant problems, think about Mr. Foley’s poem and remember how truly blessed you are.

Because, Because

No matter what goal you make for yourself, it is the reason behind your goal that signifies why it is truly important. Think about the impact behind these two examples: "I want to quit smoking" versus "I want to quit smoking because I want to live long enough to see my grandchildren get married."

The word "because" is very important in our belief system. It provides an emotional meaning and logical reason to be believed. It also allows your mind to accept information more readily because it is believable and justifiable.

Here's the way I see it: Larry Elder once said, "A goal without a plan is just a wish." We look forward to providing important printing services to help your business reach your goals.

What Do You Expect?

I came across an interesting article about a young woman who was struggling with disappointment from the actions of her various friends, family, and coworkers. It included a few examples of what she expected from others and why she was disappointed. She noted how she always strives to do her best and expects the same back from others, but that wasn't always the case. When she asked a friend for advice, she was told: "Maybe if you expect less from people, you won't be disappointed." She was left speechless, but was also inspired to retain her high expectations.

Here's the way I see it: Nobody rises to low expectations. The less you expect, the less you will receive in return. No matter your expectations of our printing firm, we promise to surpass them!

Lesson of a Lifetime

We've all had one of those days that we know is going to be rough getting through. But it's unlikely that anything we've experienced can live up to the story of 33 Chilean miners who survived being trapped underground for more than two months.

No one in history has survived being trapped underground as long. No one even knew whether they were alive the first 17 days. They could've easily given up hope and turned on each other. But they didn't just survive - they thrived as much as they could after bonding together for support. The miners' endurance, unity, and amazing rescue have inspired the world.

Here's the way I see it: Christopher Reeve said it best, "Once you choose hope, anything's possible." We wish you success in all your business endeavors, and are available anytime you need printing help along the way.

Want to Change the World?

Who hasn't thought about changing the world? If you've ever wanted to change someone or something, the following inspirational story written by a monk in 1100 A.D. offers a piece of wisdom many of us may overlook.

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation, and I could indeed have changed the world."

Here's the way I see it: Mahatma Gandhi said it best, "Be the change you want to see in the world." And please keep us in mind if your print documents could use a change.

Do It Anyway

I came across this poem by Mother Theresa (a revised version of The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith), and thought I’d pass it along since we can all use a little inspiration in our day.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.

What you spend years building could be destroyed overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt;
Give the world your best anyway.

Here's the way I see it: Try your best in everything you do. Even if you don't succeed, you'll be happy you tried your hardest. We promise to give you our best and look forward to being your partner in business success.

Vincent Hvizda

Community Service

We are pleased to announce the result of our annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign benefiting the Cleveland Food Bank.
Thanks to the effort of our associates and the support of our vendors, we successfully raised more than $3,700 (over $100 per employee) to help those in our community who needed it most.

The fund drive ran through the month of March. Harvest for Hunger is an annual community-wide food and funds drive and one of the largest in the nation. It raises critical resources for local hunger relief organizations in nineteen counties. Last year, the dollars and food donated through school, supermarket and workplace fundraising efforts as well as sponsorships and special events enabled four regional food banks to distribute enough food for nearly 10 million meals for local individuals and families in need. Over the years, our employees have been very generous to those less fortunate members of our community.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Virtual Food Drive: Shop on-line in the virtual pantry and make a donation directly using your credit card. Please visit Virtual Food Drive to make your on-line donation in Admiral Products’ name.

I am proud to be a part of this important annual fund raising event and I hope you will feel the same way too.

Vincent Hvizda

Hold MY Hand

From Arpil 5, 2011

A young girl and her dad were crossing an old, rickety bridge. Her dad said, "Please hold my hand so you don't fall into the river." The little girl replied, "No, dad, I want YOU to hold MY hand." Puzzled, the dad asked, "What's the difference?" She replied "There's a big difference. If I hold your hand, I may stumble and accidently let go. But if you hold my hand, I know that no matter what happens, you will never let go."

Here's the way I see it: The essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. Look no further for printers you can trust every step of the way.

Vincent Hvizda

I Can vs. IQ

From March 15, 2011

Have you ever heard the saying, "I CAN is more important than IQ?" In today's world of competitive business strategies, determination is often the key factor which enables individuals to succeed.

Who cares if you didn't earn a perfect score on your SATs? Numbers aren't responsible for your future – you are. Determination helped get you where you are today, and will also influence where you'll be tomorrow.

Here's the way I see it: If you give the world the best you have, the best will come back to you. We have endless ideas for creative printing documents to help your business become more profitable. Together, we can help your business succeed.

Vincent Hvizda

Life is Like Whipped Cream

From March 1, 2011

We often hear that life is like a box of chocolates, but sometimes I think it's more like whipped cream. If you've ever made homemade whipped cream, you know you have to beat it several minutes while waiting patiently for results. Many people quickly become frustrated and give up because they can't see results fast enough, when in actuality it only takes a little longer until the cream becomes thick and heavy, crawling up the beaters.

Here's the way I see it: The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. While you may need to pull over occasionally to fill up on gas, you'll never reach your destination unless you keep driving. If you're in a creative rut and need new marketing ideas that will provide results, stop by today. We're here to help!


Vincent Hvizda

Bend... Don't Break

From February 15, 2011

As I was flipping through a magazine the other day, I came across a photo that reminded me of one of my favorite childhood memories. I used to love sitting on the riverbank watching the water rush downstream and listening to the rustling of the trees. I was always amazed at how trees would bend under pressure from the wind, appear to be reaching their breaking point, and then gracefully return to their original position after the wind died down.

As I've gotten older, I now realize that there are many types of "winds" that can make us feel like we are about to snap or reach our breaking point. Whether we experience bad luck, make poor decisions, or encounter unfair circumstances, it is resilience that helps us through tough times and bounce back.

Here's the way I see it: Life is a mixture of good times and bad times. The next time the going gets tough and you are close to your breaking point, bend but don't break. Show resilience and try your best not to let the situation get the best of you. Next time you're under pressure for a big printing project, look to us for graceful help reaching your deadlines.

Vincent Hvizda

Don't Be a Crab

From February 1, 2011

Vincent Hvizda

No matter where we look, competition surrounds us. Here's a great piece of advice I'd like to pass along that may prove helpful during your next competition: If you want to be incrementally better, be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better, be cooperative.

For a great example of this, watch the motives of a crab. You probably guessed that if you put a crab in a bucket, it will easily reach up over the lip of the bucket and succeed in climbing out. However, if you have two or more crabs in the same bucket, they take turns trying to climb out while the other crabs pull the 'successful' crab back down into the bucket.

Here's the way I see it: If you see someone reaching for success, don't be a 'crab.' Instead, offer your encouragement by patting them on the back, and save your energy for your next climb out of the bucket. Look to us for print materials that will help you succeed!

The Cube of Life

From January 18, 2011

Did you have a Rubik’s cube when you were younger? While I’ve never been able to solve a Rubik’s cube, they bring back many fond memories and remind me of the fascinating, multi-dimensional challenges that keep our daily lives interesting.

While it can be challenging and frustrating to juggle time, money, obligations, appointments, goals, or hobbies, it is also rewarding to find ways to twist, jumble, and enjoy the hectic puzzle we call life.

Here’s the way I see it: Whether you learn to solve the puzzle, or simply peel off and reorganize the stickers, life can often be enjoyed to its fullest when you marvel at the journey. Look to us next time you need printing – no project is too puzzling for our team of printing experts!

Vincent Hvizda

Bank Account of Life

From January 4, 2011

Did you wake up today eager to greet a new day, or grumpily pull the covers back over your head? Whether you realize it or not, happiness is often something we decide on ahead of time. This little story is a great example of how a positive attitude can change your outlook on life.

A legally blind 92-year-old man who was moving into a nursing home waited patiently in the lobby until a lady said his room was ready. As they walked down the hall, she gave him a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that covered his window. "I love it!" he declared. "But you haven't seen the room yet..." she started to say, when he said, "It doesn't matter. Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. For example, instead of waking up each day cursing the parts of my body that no longer work, I am thankful for the ones that do. Instead of focusing on all the potential negatives, I think about the blessings I have enjoyed through the years."

Here's the way I see it: Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. No matter your age, we'd be happy to help with your next printing project so you can spend more time depositing happiness in your bank account of memories.

Vincent Hvizda

Law of the Garbage Truck

From December 21, 2010

Has the behavior of someone else ever spoiled your attitude? If you've ever encountered an impatient driver, a rude co-worker, or an unappreciative family member, you know how easy it is to let their behavior affect your mood.

Next time this happens to you, remind yourself that sometimes people act like garbage trucks. They plow around full of frustration, anger, and irritation and are constantly looking for a place to dump it. If you let them, they may dump it on you. The trick to dealing with this behavior is to brush it off, smile, and move on, without picking up their garbage along the way.

Here's the way I see it: Treat everyone politely, even those who are rude to you... not because they are kind, but because you are. If your print projects need a pick-me-up, we invite you to dump your creative frustrations with us and leave with a smile.

Vincent Hvizda

The Golden Ticket

From November 16, 2010

If you've ever seen the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," you know that finding a rare golden ticket could lead to an experience of a lifetime… but it can also open your eyes to the blessings you already have. Would more money or moving far away really make you happier if it meant leaving everyone and everything behind? If you were given a golden ticket that could give your life a fresh start, would you redeem it?

Here's the way I see it: Orison Swett Marden once said, "Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them." Look to us when you need help developing or revising print materials that create opportunities.

Vincent Hvizda