Everyone everywhere is dealing with something right now. But I'm a true believer that there is nothing new under the sun. There may be things we haven't heard of anyone going through -- for several reasons including secrecy -- and things we haven't encountered yet and even situations that we may be able to avoid with proper planning and preparation. We've all experienced birth and death, we've confronted homelessness and unemployment, we've suffered illness and family/marital problems. It is our charge, as friends and family members, to support one another. But each situation is different.
I get tired of hearing this statement simply because it seems to be some sort of defense mechanism. It's almost as if folks don't wish to be consoled in their time of need -- as if what you're going through is something that no one else has ever dealt with in quite the same way with the same circumstances yada, yada, yada. Sometimes that really doesn't matter. So what if you're the only one who's had a home foreclosed on your first-born's first day of school before you had to take your mother in law to the hospital for surgery and get to work late only to see a pink slip on your desk. The best part about your situation is knowing you have friends and family surrounding you, praying for you, helping you, listening to you and basically pooling all necessary resources to help you do what you need to do to turn things around. It does no good to continue to say things like "this is different."
So, what do you do when you want to be empathetic and considerate? I have no idea. I'm in this situation and it's different.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Blog #5 - Good Ideas Gone Bad
Sometimes, in our constantly automating world, we think of new ideas that sound great and may even work but we don't think about the practicality of them. Let me give you some examples.
- Self-serve drinks @ fast food restaurants
Pros:
Mix flavors
Less/More ice
Cater to your special tastes
Cons:
Unattended/unruly children
Unkempt patrons (homeless)
Waste (ice and product)
Uncleanliness (the area around the drink machine is usually dirty, wet and sticky -- not very inviting) - Rolling Luggage
Pros:
Not having to carry 49 lb bags (no one goes over 50 anymore right?)
Ease of movement through terminals
Cons:
Tripping other pedestrians (stopping short; trailing behind)
Poor driving skills (rolling over people, getting stuck in large openings, etc.) - Online Applications
Pros:
Saves trees
Cons:
Each company has a different app, requirements and even passwords
No responses
Quite impersonal
Lengthy process
If interview is garnered, they re-ask the questions - Self Check Out
Pros:
Usually shorter line
Quick if you have one/two items
Cons:
Always a glitch (produce, coupons, etc.)
Not always user friendly
Volume too loud
Repeats commands even after you've followed them
These are just a few. I’m sure you have some to add, don’t you?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Blog #4 - What A Disgrace!
This is my Father's Day post. Yes, it's late and let me tell you why. I had my fingers all poised to type something inspiring in celebration of fathers, then I began seeing comments that left me in a state of disbelief. I can't understand how a day of celebration was transformed into a time of bashing and deprecation. It hurt and I'm still reeling from the effects.
I can understand and empathize with women who have been wronged by men, but this wasn't the proper time to address that. While maybe their fathers, brothers, and children's fathers may not have proven ideal and proper over the years, there had to be some positive male influence in their lives at some point -- especially if they are the strong black women they purport themselves to be. Blank stare.
Father's Day is a day of celebration and reflection. I have wonderful memories, childhood and adulthood, that include laughing with my father. I consider myself blessed but I know I'm not the only one. I've enjoyed several strong male role models over the years -- uncles, brothers, cousins, pastors, community leaders, teachers, mechanics, attorneys, entrepreneurs, bus drivers, friends, etc. -- and someone out there has too. It's easy to find fault but more mature to overlook it.
I could go on and on but why. So, while I can no longer remember what I was going to share about my dad and I on Father's Day, I'll share this picture that I took two years ago. I don't know this man or the child and I honestly don't even remember where I was when I took the picture. But I recall thinking, "I hope that child remembers this feeling for life." And when it comes to my relationship with my dad, I do.
I can understand and empathize with women who have been wronged by men, but this wasn't the proper time to address that. While maybe their fathers, brothers, and children's fathers may not have proven ideal and proper over the years, there had to be some positive male influence in their lives at some point -- especially if they are the strong black women they purport themselves to be. Blank stare.
Father's Day is a day of celebration and reflection. I have wonderful memories, childhood and adulthood, that include laughing with my father. I consider myself blessed but I know I'm not the only one. I've enjoyed several strong male role models over the years -- uncles, brothers, cousins, pastors, community leaders, teachers, mechanics, attorneys, entrepreneurs, bus drivers, friends, etc. -- and someone out there has too. It's easy to find fault but more mature to overlook it.
I could go on and on but why. So, while I can no longer remember what I was going to share about my dad and I on Father's Day, I'll share this picture that I took two years ago. I don't know this man or the child and I honestly don't even remember where I was when I took the picture. But I recall thinking, "I hope that child remembers this feeling for life." And when it comes to my relationship with my dad, I do.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Blog #3 - Do Thugs Grow Old?
This may seem like a rhetorical question to some and may seem abrasive to others. But I've been wondering now for awhile -- do thugs really grow old? I mean, I have images of Flava Flav at 80 straining to hold up a clock that no longer ticks on a neck riddled with wrinkles sharing a toothless grin as he wheezes "Yeah Boyyyy!" to a crowd of equally aged folks waving canes and shaking walkers or popping wheelies in their Hover-Rounds. Ok, maybe I took that way too far.
I guess I've reached a point in my life where I'm so in-tuned with family and professional (translation - career) growth that it's hard to fathom any one else being complacent in these areas. Those who have "arrived" are constantly striving for more, so it's logical to think that we're all striving as much as possible. That said, it's hard to see a man upwards of 40 dressed in "thug gear," speaking improperly waiting for "whatever" to happen.
Now before you begin to get your Politically Correct Panties bunched up, read on. Sure, we all have down time. I'm sure the VP of the bank has to mow his lawn, the attorney goes to Dave and Buster's with his kids, the accountant fixes his mom's TV, the mailman helps his dad in the basement and sometimes the working man just wants to chill with men his age (I think they call it bonding LOL). There are tons of reasons to take off the shirt and tie. There are even reasons to take off the polo and loafers and even the Dockers. But these are not the men I'm talking about.
I'm talking about the men who get up at 1pm and put on their Michael Jackson RIP T shirt that's 3 sizes too big, shorts that hang to their ankles and Tims just to stroll outside on the porch and talk to their boys. I'm talking about men who say they are going on job interviews with furry braids and dirty nails, a back pack filled with CDs and repeatedly saying "know what I mean youngsta."
If you're getting a bit upset at what I'm saying, stop and think. It could be for one of the following reasons. If so, there are certain actions you can take to make yourself feel better.
1. This description fits you. Option A - accept yourself and adopt a drive to do better. Option B - be yourself.
2. This description shows I'm biased. Option A - recognize that this is my blog and enjoy my opinions. Option B - Close the window and read something else.
3. This shouldn't be said. Option A - Are you kidding? How are we to overcome if we don't discuss our outcome? What was the point of slavery eradication and civil rights and ... well, what's the point of anything if we're going to continue wallowing in stupidity? So get over yourself, close the window and read something else. Option B - See Option A.
In a society where laid back is overwhelming mood and come as you are is acceptable, many have forgotten that your appearance affects your attitude which affects your altitude. So, what do we do next? In a phrase, grow up. Time to let go of the "look" that's ok in the hood. Time to hang up the lingo and lead by example. That means fathering your children, working and reading and giving back in your community. I know, that sounds like a lot to lazy thugs. But what's the alternative? A 75 year old with a furry Kangol and a dooky rope with gold fronts on the two teeth he has left and a four finger ring on his arthritic hand rolling down the street in a chromed out wheelchair with spinners and an iPod with speakers on his lap yelling "you kids don't know nothing 'bout this here!"
I can't handle it.
I guess I've reached a point in my life where I'm so in-tuned with family and professional (translation - career) growth that it's hard to fathom any one else being complacent in these areas. Those who have "arrived" are constantly striving for more, so it's logical to think that we're all striving as much as possible. That said, it's hard to see a man upwards of 40 dressed in "thug gear," speaking improperly waiting for "whatever" to happen.
Now before you begin to get your Politically Correct Panties bunched up, read on. Sure, we all have down time. I'm sure the VP of the bank has to mow his lawn, the attorney goes to Dave and Buster's with his kids, the accountant fixes his mom's TV, the mailman helps his dad in the basement and sometimes the working man just wants to chill with men his age (I think they call it bonding LOL). There are tons of reasons to take off the shirt and tie. There are even reasons to take off the polo and loafers and even the Dockers. But these are not the men I'm talking about.
I'm talking about the men who get up at 1pm and put on their Michael Jackson RIP T shirt that's 3 sizes too big, shorts that hang to their ankles and Tims just to stroll outside on the porch and talk to their boys. I'm talking about men who say they are going on job interviews with furry braids and dirty nails, a back pack filled with CDs and repeatedly saying "know what I mean youngsta."
If you're getting a bit upset at what I'm saying, stop and think. It could be for one of the following reasons. If so, there are certain actions you can take to make yourself feel better.
1. This description fits you. Option A - accept yourself and adopt a drive to do better. Option B - be yourself.
2. This description shows I'm biased. Option A - recognize that this is my blog and enjoy my opinions. Option B - Close the window and read something else.
3. This shouldn't be said. Option A - Are you kidding? How are we to overcome if we don't discuss our outcome? What was the point of slavery eradication and civil rights and ... well, what's the point of anything if we're going to continue wallowing in stupidity? So get over yourself, close the window and read something else. Option B - See Option A.
In a society where laid back is overwhelming mood and come as you are is acceptable, many have forgotten that your appearance affects your attitude which affects your altitude. So, what do we do next? In a phrase, grow up. Time to let go of the "look" that's ok in the hood. Time to hang up the lingo and lead by example. That means fathering your children, working and reading and giving back in your community. I know, that sounds like a lot to lazy thugs. But what's the alternative? A 75 year old with a furry Kangol and a dooky rope with gold fronts on the two teeth he has left and a four finger ring on his arthritic hand rolling down the street in a chromed out wheelchair with spinners and an iPod with speakers on his lap yelling "you kids don't know nothing 'bout this here!"
I can't handle it.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Blog #2 - Too Far Removed...
Why is it that we think we can sit around and discuss the actions of others as if our lives are visions of perfection?
Sure, a minister has had sex with boys, a celebrity has a love child, another politician has sent out pictures on the internet. Ok, so? Are they NOT human? Have we never done anything that we are not so proud of or was it so long ago that we've been absolved by those around us and can feel justified in pointing fingers at others who fall? What happened to loving our fellow man?
This, in my mind, is the epitome of judging; throwing stones when your house is not only made of glass but also built on shaky ground.
Q: Should Weiner resign?
A: For what? At what point did he show that he was no longer competent enough to perform his job duties? At what point did he abuse funds/time to participate in his private acts? Is he a perv -- sure. But that doesn't mean that whoever elected him is not getting what they wanted.
Q: Should he be reprimanded?
A: Definitely. It was an immoral act for someone in his office. I do believe it's ok to hold certain people to a bit of a higher standard but to get twisted out of shape when they show that they are as normal as you and I is going just a bit too far. If you worked at McDonald's and this happened to you, would you lose 1st Fry position? Think about it. Should he have lied? No, but he's a politician so was the truth ever really expected.
Do not misunderstand me, I don't deem his actions proper or necessary. But I am not petitioning for his resignation nor joining the ethical/morality lynch mob. This is the state of our society nowadays. I'm sure we've all got some very real skeletons in our virtual closets. A whole bunch of us surf the web and chat on FaceBook during work hours from work on work machines, etc. And that's stealing from our jobs. At night even, when the kids and spouses and families should have our undivided attention we're playing AngryBirds and Tweeting. So maybe before sounding off about the rights and wrongs about a person, without all of the facts involved, we should listen, reason and empathize with them. Who knows when our 15 minutes will come.
Sure, a minister has had sex with boys, a celebrity has a love child, another politician has sent out pictures on the internet. Ok, so? Are they NOT human? Have we never done anything that we are not so proud of or was it so long ago that we've been absolved by those around us and can feel justified in pointing fingers at others who fall? What happened to loving our fellow man?
This, in my mind, is the epitome of judging; throwing stones when your house is not only made of glass but also built on shaky ground.
Q: Should Weiner resign?
A: For what? At what point did he show that he was no longer competent enough to perform his job duties? At what point did he abuse funds/time to participate in his private acts? Is he a perv -- sure. But that doesn't mean that whoever elected him is not getting what they wanted.
Q: Should he be reprimanded?
A: Definitely. It was an immoral act for someone in his office. I do believe it's ok to hold certain people to a bit of a higher standard but to get twisted out of shape when they show that they are as normal as you and I is going just a bit too far. If you worked at McDonald's and this happened to you, would you lose 1st Fry position? Think about it. Should he have lied? No, but he's a politician so was the truth ever really expected.
Do not misunderstand me, I don't deem his actions proper or necessary. But I am not petitioning for his resignation nor joining the ethical/morality lynch mob. This is the state of our society nowadays. I'm sure we've all got some very real skeletons in our virtual closets. A whole bunch of us surf the web and chat on FaceBook during work hours from work on work machines, etc. And that's stealing from our jobs. At night even, when the kids and spouses and families should have our undivided attention we're playing AngryBirds and Tweeting. So maybe before sounding off about the rights and wrongs about a person, without all of the facts involved, we should listen, reason and empathize with them. Who knows when our 15 minutes will come.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Blog #1 - What Really Matters...
What's black and white but not read much anymore? If you said newspapers then you not only remember the old riddle but also the fact that many are going bust.
Brief disclaimer: I usually do extensive research prior to blogging (one reason that it takes me awhile to do it), but have decided against that. After all, a blog isn't a scientific paper. That said, please do not expect the exact facts, figures, quotations, etc. that you have grown to know and love. There will be plenty of guestimates and a whole lotta conjecture.
Who reads the paper anymore? We get a free, compact version of it on the subway but is it effective? Are we just wasting trees and paper? Is there anything interesting anymore? We can read our news online or watch news channels that stay on around the clock or even rely on our friends on FaceBook. Who is still around to waste time devising catchy headlines and bargaining about what goes "above the fold"?
I'll admit that I never was a heavy newspaper reader -- cover to cover NAH! -- but I appreciate certain sections. I don't know what to do without book reviews or the weekender or the letters to the editor. The Op-Eds are always interesting and I find something new to learn in the Obits as well. Yeah, that may be morbid but at least I'm reading.
I wish there were something I could do to save our nation's newspapers. A part of me feels like this is just life, the growth and change that we all must face as we get older. That whole "out with the old, in with the new" mentality. Maybe I'm just old enough to have something I'd like to hold on to without a care about all the new-fangled gadgets. I don't want to read the paper on my Kindle or my iPad or even online. But, what really matters....
Brief disclaimer: I usually do extensive research prior to blogging (one reason that it takes me awhile to do it), but have decided against that. After all, a blog isn't a scientific paper. That said, please do not expect the exact facts, figures, quotations, etc. that you have grown to know and love. There will be plenty of guestimates and a whole lotta conjecture.
Who reads the paper anymore? We get a free, compact version of it on the subway but is it effective? Are we just wasting trees and paper? Is there anything interesting anymore? We can read our news online or watch news channels that stay on around the clock or even rely on our friends on FaceBook. Who is still around to waste time devising catchy headlines and bargaining about what goes "above the fold"?
I'll admit that I never was a heavy newspaper reader -- cover to cover NAH! -- but I appreciate certain sections. I don't know what to do without book reviews or the weekender or the letters to the editor. The Op-Eds are always interesting and I find something new to learn in the Obits as well. Yeah, that may be morbid but at least I'm reading.
I wish there were something I could do to save our nation's newspapers. A part of me feels like this is just life, the growth and change that we all must face as we get older. That whole "out with the old, in with the new" mentality. Maybe I'm just old enough to have something I'd like to hold on to without a care about all the new-fangled gadgets. I don't want to read the paper on my Kindle or my iPad or even online. But, what really matters....
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
40 Adventures Before 40
At the close of another birthday celebration, I realize that I'm barely 365 days away from 40. Wow! Whatever shall I do? Well, I've decided to enjoy a Disney cruise for my 40th birthday but there are quite a few other things I want to enjoy on the way there. So, here goes -- I'll keep you posted.
- Blog once/week
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Make a quilt
- Jump off cliff at Rick’s Café
- Read the Bible
- Indoor Water Park
- Meditate
- Extreme Stock Car Driving
- Complete writing a novel
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Send a secret to PostSecret
- Kayak Tour
- Try Yoga
- Monument Photo Safari
- Join a book club and attend meetings
- Indoor Karting
- Belly dancing class
- White Water Rafting
- Complete design boards
- Glass Fusion
- Hot Stone Massage
- Diabetes – get involved and Step Out event
- Pottery
- Hang Gliding
- Lighthouse Tour Cruise
- Seaplane Adventure
- Discovery Helicopter Flight
- Murder Mystery Dinner
- Broadway Show
- Jet ski riding
- AIDS Walk
- Finish a puzzle book
- Complete writing a play
- 100 snapshot challenge
- Relay for the cure
- Complete scrapbook
- Plant a tree
- 200 sit-ups challenge
- 50 questions to free your mind
- Write about these experiences.
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