Tampa Bay Appraiser's Blog

Recently, I watched the movie “Gandhi” starring Ben Kingsley.  It was as if the movie kept beckoning me since many of the motivational speakers and authors I frequently listen to and read, speak of this extraordinary man whom I knew so little about.  He was at one time a prominent attorney until he gave it all up to serve others.  I highly recommend the movie as well if you haven’t seen it.   He is one of the most influential people of all time because of his passion and service for the greater good.  Gandhi is a universal symbol for persistance, focus, and humility.   continue reading…

About Lauren’s Kids

Lauren’s Kids was founded by child abuse victim, survivor and educator Lauren Book-Lim. The organization educates adults and children about sexual abuse topics through an in school curriculum, a 24-hour Crisis Hotline and speaking engagements around the country. The ultimate goal is to raise funds for the creation of a Crisis Center for Children and their families coping with the aftermath of sexual abuse.

Lauren’s Story

Lauren Book-Lim, a victim and now a Survivor of child abuse, is nurturing hope for kids and their families by telling her story:

http://www.laurenskids.org

Here is a recent email from Lauren about the All-Star Game.  We are very proud of her passionate dedication to raising awareness of this kind.    continue reading…

Former president George Bush Sr. gives us a great example to aid in avoiding any potential future embarrassment when speaking with others.  We have all no doubt had embarrassing moments.  Mr. Bush’s happened while suffering from the flu.  While dining with the Prime Minister on beef steak (French-style), he became violently ill and projectile vomited all over then Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa.  You may ask what does this have to do with anything!?!  No doubt this was one of George Bush’s most embarrassing moments.  This is what it has felt like when someone will not stop talking and listen to what we are saying.  They are SO unaware and intent to tell you what they know, they simply spew all over us.   

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It’s 500 miles from Aventura, FL and Tallahassee. It’s hard to imagine anybody walking that distance, but Lauren Book-Lim took off on that journey Friday, April 2^nd 2010. She’s walking to raise awareness about sexual abuse  commited against children and is expected to arrive in Florida’s State capitol on April 20^th, where she, along with her foundation, Lauren’s Kids, will host a rally to encourage and support passage of all pending legislation to protect children from sexual abuse and assault.  

This is an issue very near to her heart. Lauren Book-Lim was a victim and now a Survivor of child abuse, who is nurturing hope for kids by letting them know that “It’s Ok to Tell” and that they will survive – and thrive – just like she did. Lauren is a true Floridian. She was born and raised in South Florida and currently resides with her husband Kris Lim who is a professional golfer. Lauren graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Creative Writing, and she is currently working on a Masters Degree in Elementary Education at Nova Southeastern University. Lauren has been recognized for her outstanding contribution to education on child sexual abuse and for her work educating the community.   continue reading…

MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL has responded to the recent earth quake disaster in Haiti by sending 13 members of Air Force’s 6th Medical Group in support of the humanitarian mission to provide critical medical care to survivors on the island nation. The team sent is made up of personnel whose expertise is in critical care treatment.

Since the earthquake struck Haiti, the response from the U.S. military and other governmental agencies, along with an out pouring from the private citizens and groups has been overwhelming. Various contingents located at MacDill AFB, have been vigilant and preparing to deploy and provide assistance when called upon. The team consists of nurses, administrators, medical and administrative technicians. All of the team members are trained to provide crucial medical treatment on site, load patients onto an aircraft and stabilize them during transportation to a designated medical location. continue reading…