WE DO REMEMBER

September 2nd, 2010

Each year I struggle to put into words the feelings of deep sorrow and loss felt in my heart for the devastation suffered on 9/11/2001.

Truthfully, silence maybe the only way to convey the great pain still felt by so many even today.  Each year in writing this special memorial, my mind goes back to that day, as I stood in stunned silence as the planes were flown into the towers and those buildings collapsed to the ground. My feelings of living in a ‘safe’ environment were gone forever.

Some facts about 9/11 that you might not know about that I wanted to share are listed below.  Some will break your heart, and some will make you feel blessed.

Did you know the youngest person to loose their life on 9/11 was a little 2 year old girl name Christine Hanson of Groton Mass? She was with her parents in the plane who crashed into the south tower.

Did you know the oldest was a Mr. Robert Norton of Lubec Maine who was on a plane who crashed into the north tower?

Did you know that 3,051 children were left without parents that day?

Did you know that 1609 people were left without partners and spouses?

FEMA donated $970 million to the emergency, while private citizens from all over the world donated $1.4 BILLION to 9/11 charities.

We lost almost 3,000 people that day from all walks of life, but 15,000 were saved.

Estimated amount of insurance paid worldwide related to 09/11 was $40.2 BILLION.

Peace Corp applications increased 40% after 9/11.

Age of greatest number who died? Between 35 and 39 years old.

Estimated units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center? 36,000.

If you are wondering why I would bring up all these statistics, it is to remember what a horrible loss it was and still is. A little girl’s chance to grow up and go to school, college and get married some day, all gone because of hate.

A dad, grandpa, uncle, and husband’s life gone, again all because of hate. 2819 stories just like the stories of these two people who all lost their lives because of hate or because they were trying to save the lives of the others.

Perfect example of good and bad.  Human beings attacking other human beings out of hate without a care of who they were or what family member would miss them. . Other human beings rushing in to save out of love for all human kind without a care as to who they were. Just knowing it was their brother, or sister, or fellow American and they counted and were loved .

As we continue to remember the people who lost their lives that day, let us also be grateful for the lives that were saved. Make each day count toward making a positive difference in the lives of one another.

That is what the firefighters, police, and just normal everyday people did on that horrible day. They gave of themselves in service to others, even to their last breath.

Do you think if they were with us today they would like  what we have become? Do you think they would  feel their sacrifice was worth it?

If you answered that question to say ‘Yes’ they would be proud, then you feel we are all moving in the right direction.

If you answered’ No’ then lets get busy and change it. Let the memory of all they sacrificed be the fuel that empowers us to make positive change in our world.

Please, whatever you think or whatever you do, let it be demonstrated in a way that is peaceful, loving and will show that we are a Great Nation of loving, caring, and giving people where the majority still knows and understands that even if the walls crumble around us, God is still in charge, and in the end, knowing that is all we really need to know .That  love has been proven to be stronger than hate time and time again, and will always win in the end. 

Sincerely,

Dianna

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Do you love those Commercials? Good, Cause you are paying for them!

June 9th, 2010

We all see the billboards  , the commercials and hear the advertising on the TV all day long, on average about every minute or so. If you are a channel surfer like me, you might hear it more often. ’15 minutes can save you 15 %.  ‘It’s so easy a caveman can do it’. Your in good hands.’  and the big one,’ Like a Good neighbor’, constantly reminding you that they are a big insurance company and can take care of all your needs.

I love the commercials and these companies have been around a long time, and yes they have a ton of clients. But are they really what YOU need and are they SAVING you as much as possible?

Who is paying for all that awesome advertising that can be funny, or make you get the tissue . Well my friends,  YOU are. So I hope you enjoy those commercials.

Did you know there are a TON of great , financially sound auto insurance companies doing business  and HAVE been doing business since Moses was a baby, that are A rated by AM Best that  wants your business and CAN really save you a ton of money and guys I have them ALL! 

As an independent agent, I run in to a few of the same objections when asking them if i can quote the auto insurance. The answer I get is’ I have been with them since I was 16!”

Ok, now that you are all grown up and can make up your own mind, how about calling to see if what you had then is what you really need now? Lifestyles change, companies change, and most of all, auto RATES change. They go up and they come down. Why continue to stay with status quo if it could be costing you hundreds of dollars?

It amazes me the way we all think sometimes or the things we will do to save a nickle, but completely miss looking for the big savings on our biggest expenses.

Now in saying that, the idea of having all these different companies, the ‘big well known ones’ includes, is because  competetion is GOOD for business! Come on, do you really think 3 different auto companies can take care of every single person’s need? We are a very DIVERSE community and our needs as individuals and families is as different as each snowflake  that will ever fall to earth. Ok so not to many snowflakes in Florida, but you get my meaning.

This is not our parents life, so why should your  insurance be taken care of as if it were?

I hope I have given you food for thought!

P.S  Immitation is the best form of flattery, but if you choose to use my info, remember to give me props! :)

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Remove Fear, Take Risk, Be Happy

December 23rd, 2009

Most of us will agree, 2009  was not one of the best years. As a matter of fact, some of us would have liked to have skipped it completely.

While 2009 was a rollercoaster for me personally, it did teach me a lot of valuable lessons . It forced me into making life changes that  I would not have made if the pressure had not been on  so hard.

Ever had to break a bad habit? I have been working on breaking 3 just in the last few months. One in the last few weeks. The want to break  free from those habits  became stronger than the fear of status quo. Realizing that if I kept going status quo, my likelihood of fighting to cure cancer would be more on the side of me getting chemo, than helping those who were receiving chemo.

I also learned that children need to leave your home.  When they start telling you they are grown and want to live their own lives their way and for us to ‘butt out’,,, then by all means parents; help them pack right then and show them the door. :)   We taught them right from wrong, so let them go and apply all that knowledge to living their ‘own lives’.

Lastly, I am going into 2010 with the attitude of no fear, take a chance. Dont accept the status quo. Go for the great, instead of the ok. Being willing to feel the full range of happiness and joy as well as sadness , and not just staying in that safe’ middle lane, but keeping my eyes focused on those goals and checking them off as I go, celebrating with gusto with every small victory.

I do hope you all will join me. Shake off 2009. It is gone. Start making those changes you want to see happen in 2010 right now. New Years Resolutions are easily broken, and rarely accomplished.

It all starts with you making a personal decision. Do I remove fear, take the risk  and be happy, or do I stay safe in my status quo?

As for me, I am welcoming 2010 with open arms, and a lot of faith that no matter what, I just need to stay focused on where I am going, and not what I am going through while I get there.

Merry Christmas,

Dianna

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Things you don’t want to hear during surgery:

November 2nd, 2009

Better save that. We’ll need it for the autopsy.

Someone call the janitor – we’re going to need a mop.

“Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness!”

Spot! Spot! Come back with that! Bad Dog!

Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what’s that?

Hand me that…uh…that…uh…..thingie.

Ok I am glad to say I heard none of those during my surgery, as Dr. Venegas  is an awesome doctor!

After almost 3 weeks of sitting on my bootie and watching TV, I am here and ready to work.

This whole ‘surgery thing’ has been tougher than I thought.  Mainly because I am not a sitter, or a TV watcher , even on pain meds.

The plans to catch up on reading, studying, blogging, and twittering went by the way side, as the drug induced naps kept me from doing anything but drooling the first week.

As Erma Bombeck says ‘ If you can’t make it better , laugh at it. so hence the little jokes above.

Thank you to all of you how have called, sent emails, prayers, cards, flowers,,, I am completely overwhelmed with the love and care all of you have shown.  Simply amazing, and just humbled by it all.

Have a blessed day, and I look forward to getting back into Protecting Your Assets, as mine have now healed! :)

Dianna

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Lots of auto insurance discounts, BUT for WHO?

October 14th, 2009

There are countless auto companies writing business in Florida, so how do you know which one is best for you?

Well to tell you the truth, it boils down to who wants you, not who do you want!  That sounds horrible, and frankly it ticks me off too that companies use many factors to decide what they will charge you for auto insurance and very little of it has to do with your driving history.

First, did you know that you receive discounts for owning a home? Ok, most people know that, but did you know that some auto insurance companies will not even write you a policy if you do not own a home?

Did you know you receive discounts for

1 Being married

2. Having an email

3.Type of car you drive

4. Car safety features

5. Driving record

6. Paid In Full discounts

7. EFT or automatic withdrawal payments discounts

8. Drivers education

9. 7 day quote advance

10. College education

11. Low mileage

12. Accident free for 3-5 years

13. continuous coverage with same carrier

14.  Multi Policy discount such as auto , boat, and rv

But did you know that the companies that you give you all those great discounts may not write you if you have

1. Had an accident in the past 3 years
2. medium to bad credit, even if it is medical bills.

3. Don’t own a home

4. Have less than 100/300 Bodily Injury coverage

5. Do not have 5 years continuous coverage

6. Have a vehicle that is not accepted by their underwriting guidelines.

7. Had no prior insurance, even if you did not own a vehicle

8. Are single and under 25

There are so many factors that can work in your favor or against you when it comes to auto insurance.  Call me or Virginia and we can make sure you get the best possible coverage for the best possible rate for your specific needs. 813-886-4446

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Protecting Our Greastest Asset

October 5th, 2009

My first child , Michael, was born on July 14th 1986 with the help of midwives in Dundee Scotland. We were stationed there courtesy of the US Navy.

I was 6.5 months pregnant, barely 20 years old, and living an ocean away from family except my husband Mic. Trust me, when I say he was not much help. :) Mainly because he worked 12 hour shifts that switched from days, mids and eves. Those of you who are retired military understand that wording for schedules.

I had flow in to Heathrow Airport in London. My first time ever on a plane, and low and behold there was a security issue that shut down the airport for several hours. So here I am 6.5 months pregnant, surrounded by strangers and someone is trying to blow up a plane. GREAT! NOT! It is a date in history if you want to check out April 16, 1986.

I give you all this background information so you understand how scary it is to start a family that young, far from home with no family, very broke, and not realizing just how fast we were going to have to grow up. We now had a new life we were bringing into this world and if something were to happen to either of us, who would take care of Michael? Three days after Michael was born I brought him home and I proceeded to do what all new mom’s do. I had the mommy breakdown. Who would take care of him if  Mic and I died? Who would feed him, love him, tell him stories, or put him on the bus to his first day of school? Watch him as he walked across the stage to graduate from high school and then sent him on to college? Talk about having a mommy melt down! I certainly had one!

Do you know the only way to erase that scary mommy breakdown is to plan NOW in the event you do not live to see them through all of those wonderful stages of life?

Mic and I decided to purchase life insurance so we could protect our most precious asset. Our son Michael.

Are you planning on starting a family? Do you have children now? A mortgage? Do you have the money to make sure the people in your life will not be left to pay off your debts?

Do you know that for LESS that $16.00 a month you can make sure your child will have every advantage in this life, even if you are not in it? Life insurance is for the living! Do you want to leave a legacy of debt, stress and a child feeling abandoned or do you want to leave a legacy that says’ I Loved You Enough’ to protect your quality of life , even to my last breath.

Please call today at 813-886-4446 and let’s get started on helping you protect your most valuable assets. Your Children.

Dianna

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