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Live Life I’m not one to sugarcoat things, so I’m going to tell it to you straight: These last few months haven’t been easy. I’m 53 years old, and I’ve seen a lot, but I never could have predicted the chaos of this pandemic, complete with the crazy preppers and the run on toilet paper. It’s been a wild, unpredictable ride, and I’ve had to make some tough calls, but I’m happy to report that my team and I are still here and printing. We’ve even added customizable protective face masks to our lineup of products! If you need anything now or when this all blows over and you need to get your planned events back on track, we’re here to help. Personally, I’m lucky enough to be riding this pandemic out in relative comfort. Even with the extra pressure, life right now is a whole lot better than I’d have imagined growing up in the projects. Still, the reality of what’s happening outside the doors of my house has me thinking a lot about things that aren’t usually on my mind. There’s something about a global crisis that makes a guy ask himself, “What really matters when the chips are down?” So, I’m here to share some revelations with you. What really matters is this: my health, my family, and my nest egg. I think we’re all going to emerge from this craziness with a better appreciation for those things or whatever else matters to us. First, health. If you’ve been paying attention to these newsletters over the last few months, then you know that Cheri and I are what some might call fitness junkies — we work out every day, go on walks, and even train for races and competitions. But it wasn’t always that way for me. There was a time, not too long ago, when I was seriously out of shape and about 50 pounds heavier than I am now. My back hurt, my knees hurt, and I generally just felt like crap, mentally
WHAT WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC A BRIGHT SPOT IN THE DARKNESS
and physically. I remember getting worn out just walking around the block with Cheri and still thinking, “Man, I can’t wait to go home and eat some ice cream.” Reality really hit me when I went to a business event and had to run out at the last minute to buy a pair of 38 pants because all of a sudden I couldn’t fit into my 36s. I came home from that trip and thought, “I’m done being this way.” Then I took a leaf out of my wife’s book and turned my life around. After that experience, I thought I’d stopped taking my health for granted, but it turns out a global pandemic puts it in even better perspective. Staying active has helped me stay positive during this craziness, and I’m sure it’s a big reason why Cheri and I haven’t gotten sick. If I could give you one life tip — apart from what I told you a few months ago about never touching your seed money — it would be to take care of yourself. Eat right. Work out. It matters when the chips are down.
locked in with during a crisis than Cheri. Sticking to our routine and keeping each other positive has been just what the doctor ordered, and I’m glad she has my back. Third, the nest egg. This goes back to that lesson about seed money, but right now, I’m really grateful for the money I’ve been putting away my whole life for a rainy day. At a time when everyone in America is tightening their belts, we’re doing alright because we live below our means on a regular basis, eating mac and cheese with hot dogs and saving our change. If this crisis has taught me anything, it’s that living low-key is the way to ride out a crisis. I hope you’re doing the same. If this rambling has helped give you some insight about what’s important in your own life, that’s just about all I can ask for. Now’s the time to remember the good things, set goals, and keep your chin up.
Second, family. This one is pretty self- explanatory, but there’s no one I’d rather be
Here’s to your health!
–Jeff Saxby
“There’s something about a global crisis that makes a guy ask himself, ‘What really matters when the chips are down?’”
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TIMES THEOLYMPICSWERE CANCELED
German Empire was supposed to host the games in Berlin, but by the time 1916 rolled around, Europe was deep in the trenches of WWI. Many nations had sent their athletes to fight in the war, so the games were canceled. World War II caused the next two cancellations. The 1940 Olympics were initially scheduled to be held in Tokyo. It would have been the first time the games were hosted by a non-Western country, but Japan forfeited the right to host when they invaded China in 1937. The games were then rebooked for Helsinki, Finland, but after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and started WWII, those games were scrapped as well. Since the fighting hadn’t ceased by the time the games were supposed to happen in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 1944, the Olympics were canceled again. Though the Olympics have happened on schedule since the end of WWII, the United States has not always participated. In 1980, when the U.S. boycotted the Olympics that were held in Moscow, Russia, in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, 64 other nations followed suit. However, those games still went on as planned and 80 countries participated. The fact that major global conflicts are the only other events that have been catastrophic enough to affect the Olympics might be distressing and elevate anxiety about our current global health crisis. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Olympics have only been postponed this time, not canceled. We’ll still get to cheer on our favorite Olympians next year.
In late March, amid the global spread of COVID-19, the International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. They were slated to take place in Tokyo, Japan, this summer, but they will now happen in the summer of 2021. While this is an unprecedented decision, it’s not the first time that major global events have affected the Olympic Games or which countries participated. Since the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, they have been outright canceled three times — 1916, 1940, and 1944. The first cancellation of the Olympic Games happened during World War I. The
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT:
FANNIN PREGNANCY CARE CENTER
So far in this newsletter, you’ve met a lot of race organizers — folks who use our shirts to outfit racers raising money for everything from medical bill compensation to bike infrastructure. We love working with these amazing people, but we have to give the crown for the most creative race theme to Fannin Pregnancy Care Center (FPCC). This year in Bonham, Texas, the center’s racers will pull on shirts featuring Baby Yoda’s adorable, internet-famous face for the FPCC Baby Yoda Crawl 5K & Walk for Life. “Last year, our theme was ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ because we held the race on ‘Star Wars’ Day,” says Terri Rountree, the center’s executive director. This year, even though the event was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Rountree and the faith-based nonprofit stuck with the theme. Baby Yoda is cute year-round, after all! The money FPCC raises at the race will fund its many services for girls struggling with unexpected pregnancies. “We offer free pregnancy tests and free sonograms, and we have prenatal classes that are free, along with parenting classes, Bible studies, and any kind of counseling that they might need,” Terri says. “All of our services
are free. When the girls do classes, they earn points to be used in what we call our ‘boutique,’ where they can buy formula, diapers, wipes, and baby clothes. Anything a baby needs, we have it here or can access it for them.” The Baby Yoda Crawl will be our fifth race working with FPCC, and we’ve had an excellent partnership since day one.
“Lynnpro was suggested to us by one of our volunteers whose sister had used them before, and they’ve been just amazing,” Terri says. “They help us design the shirts, and we can just give them a heads up and they’ll get it done in a week. It’s so timely and extremely reasonably priced! I haven’t found anyone better priced, and as a nonprofit, that’s a biggie.” FPCC is a great resource for girls in need, and we’re proud to help the organization with their races. If you’re in the Bonham, Texas, area and want to learn more about their services or join their next race, send an email to FanninPregnancyCC@gmail.com.
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ABIRTHDAY PARADE FOR BRADLEY
HOW A LYNNPRO EMPLOYEE’S NEIGHBORHOOD TURNED OUT FOR HER SON’S BIG DAY Our sales consultant, Becca Tate Richardson, and her husband, Steve, started homeschooling their two young kids, Bradley and Amber, when the coronavirus closed Iowa schools back in March. Most days were uneventful, with Becca heading into work in our office and Steve helping the kids through their assignments. But on April 24, Bradley’s eighth birthday, that all changed.
“The neighborhood gave Bradley a birthday parade!” Becca says. “A bunch of people from town came by in their cars and threw out balloons, little presents, and toys. It was a blast! My dad got involved, so the kids got to see Grandpa come by, and the police even joined in.” Seven-year-old Amber enjoyed the festivities, too, because she’d had to cancel her own birthday party back in March. Both kids ran outside to wave at the cars and yell hello to their friends and neighbors amid a storm of honks and cheers. Here in Clinton, Iowa, birthday parades have been popping up since spring. Without the option of big gatherings, parents had to get creative to make their kids feel special. “I’ve seen like seven parades so far. They’re doing multiple every day,” Becca says. “Somebody here in town created a Facebook page and started doing it. Now they’re organized, and I see a schedule pop up every day of which
kids have birthdays and where they’ll be. It has really added some fun to this difficult time.”
In addition to the parade, Amber and Bradley got to unwrap presents and enjoy their favorite birthday treats. Amber dug into a Blarney stone cake (pound cake dipped in frosting and rolled in roasted peanuts) for her big day, and Bradley got a tablet for his gift. Well, he actually got a photo of a tablet — because shipping is slow right now, the actual gadget was still on the way.
“When I went to work the next day, he was sleeping with the photo on his chest! I thought that was pretty sweet,” Becca says.
This double birthday story made us all smile, and hopefully, it does the same for you! In this crazy time, we can all do with a bit more positivity.
Paleo Sausage Frittata
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INGREDIENTS
Inspired by SarahFragoso.com
• • •
3 tbsp coconut oil
• • •
4 green onions, diced
1 lb mild Italian sausage
10 eggs, whisked
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated
Black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. 2. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned.
3. Add sweet potato and cook until tender. 4. Add green onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Spread this mixture evenly throughout the skillet. Pour eggs over mixture and sprinkle black pepper over top. 6. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes or until bubbly. 7. Transfer skillet to oven and cook under broiler on low until frittata is cooked through.
SUMMER BARBECUE SUNSHINE GEMINI
FATHER’S DAY BEACH HOT PEARL
ROSE SOLSTICE
GRILL PRIDE
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inside this issue
1
Jeff’s Takeaways From the Coronavirus Pandemic
2
Have the Olympics Ever Been Postponed Before?
Our T-Shirts, Baby Yoda, and Girls in Need
3
A Birthday Parade for Bradley
Paleo Sausage Frittata
4
A Day to Honor Doughnut Lassies
Get ready to treat yourself because June 5 is National Doughnut Day! Contrary to popular belief, National Doughnut Day wasn’t created as an excuse for Americans to eat more doughnuts. The celebration was actually started by the Salvation Army in 1938 to honor “Doughnut Lassies,” the women who served doughnuts to soldiers on the front lines during World War I. The Salvation Army still celebrates National Doughnut Day by delivering doughnuts to veterans across the country. The earliest version of the doughnut is believed to have come to North America with Dutch settlers in the 17th century. The Dutch brought with them balls of fried, sweetened dough called olykoeks , which translates to “oily cakes.” Though they were tasty, we don’t think many people would be eager to pick up a dozen oily cakes for the office. According to Smithsonian Magazine, the word “doughnut” was coined in the 19th century by a woman named Elizabeth Gregory. Her son, Handon Gregory, was a New England ship captain. She began making deep-fried dough treats with nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon
rind for her son and his crew. She would put hazelnuts or walnuts in the center of the pastry where the dough might not cook through, so she called her creation “doughnuts.” Handon Gregory also gets some credit for making doughnuts recognizable: He was the one who first put the hole in the doughnuts, though the exact reason is unclear. Some say it was to use fewer ingredients, while others suggest he created the hole by accident after skewering the pastry on the spokes of the ship’s wheel when he needed to steer with both hands during a storm. Whatever the reason, that hole is still part of a classic doughnut to this day. There are lots of ways to celebrate National Doughnut Day. Recognize the history of the holiday by donating to the Salvation Army or by sending a box of doughnuts to a veteran in your life. You can also order from your favorite local doughnut shop or fry up some homemade doughnuts with your family. There’s a pretty great recipe at SallysBakingAddiction.com/how-to- make-homemade-glazed-doughnuts.
GLAZED GOODNESS
THE SWEET HISTORY OF NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY
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