#BaxtersBuzz
Go and out and see the world! That would be my advice, though I have yet to follow it. I've never done much traveling. My Dad never took me out of town and never promised to do so. I didn't think much of it. He was in his mid 4o's when I was born, so he'd done much of his traveling. He was in the Army, serving in the Korean War, and being stationed in multiple locations during his time.
I was always surprised when my friends would be traveling. They'd say, "We're going to Florida." I'd be like, "Really!?" I would just stay around town and think nothing of it. Sure, my Dad would take me up north to Baldwin, MI. I'd go visit my family in Ohio. And that was pretty much it. This "not traveling" stuff is going to end this stinkin' year!
I believe exposing children to different things early gives opens their eyes to the possibilities of the world. Whether it's traveling, volunteering time, or talking about expectations at dinner , children who are able to experience that see things through a different set of eyes. I'm 29 years old and have learned things this year that many teenagers have known since they were tykes. Typically, you can link certain experiences (or lack of experiences) to family income. There are exceptions. Overall, those with money are commonly exposed to more. Children who don't leave their surroundings, may not understand that there is so much more in the world. I was in Farmington Hills this past weekend watching my 10 year old twin nephews play baseball. They were the only 2 black kids on their team. Heck, I think there were 4 total of the 4 teams playing. Exposure is what is most important. Resources and exposure are very important to the development of us all.
Meeting a person who's in a profession we'd like to pursue or seeing people from our neighborhood become a productive member of society breeds confidence and inspires. Maybe if young kids, especially from the inner cities, could turn on the television and see lawyers doctors, or engineers instead of athletes and musicians, there would be more children looking to emulate them. What does this all mean? I'm not sure. It all comes down to everyone doing their part by going out of their way to invest in our children. I'm attempting to do more. Who will do the same?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Baxter's Buzz
Buzz of the Week
Slow and Steady - This past week has been refreshing for me. My online class started last week and I am very excited to see how I perform. Not how I perform in the class per se, but how I structure my time. Organized is something that I am working very hard to be. I have improved greatly, but I still have a long way to go. I am planning to take more classes online IF I'm able to manage my time. I feel like the more idle time I have, the less productive I am... sometimes.... That drives me mad, but nobody can change it but me. So my plan is: One class this spring, two classes this summer, and three to four classes this fall. That plan is contingent on me taking care of my business and being organized.
My networking group (Greenmen Group) has planned our first mixer/meet and greet for the beginning of next month. We are trying to recruit new members to become part of what we are building. Slow and steady wins the race. We have been meeting at least once a month since September of 2008. There have been people who had the best ideas in the world, but they are no longer involved. Don't come in here with all these great ideas with no idea how to execute, and worse yet, no even following through.
I have failed at a few things in my lifen (maybe more than a few) and the biggest reason for my failure is having too big of an idea with no way to quantify or measure progress. Since we've started meeting, I have labeled myself the "rain on the parade"guy. I wanted to make sure that we continued to take baby steps and remain consistent in our effort. That way we didn't just attempt to "one up" each other's ideas without a way to see it through.
Well, I am excited because things are taking shape and our diligence has paid off. This approach works when you have long-term and (sometimes more important) short-term goals. This group has been a great example for me to follow in my personal life. Taking one class doesn't seem like much, but when you've been out of school as long as I have, one class is a great start.
You will reap what you sow. If you want a small crop or two to pop up, be "iffy" with your effort. If you want a full harvest, have a plan in place and execute it. Consistency is what separates us many times. One of my good friends told me just recently, "Don't worry about the time you've already wasted, just understand that you don't have anymore time to waste."
Set your goals, short and long termed. Create a plan of execution. And get after it.
Slow and Steady - This past week has been refreshing for me. My online class started last week and I am very excited to see how I perform. Not how I perform in the class per se, but how I structure my time. Organized is something that I am working very hard to be. I have improved greatly, but I still have a long way to go. I am planning to take more classes online IF I'm able to manage my time. I feel like the more idle time I have, the less productive I am... sometimes.... That drives me mad, but nobody can change it but me. So my plan is: One class this spring, two classes this summer, and three to four classes this fall. That plan is contingent on me taking care of my business and being organized.
My networking group (Greenmen Group) has planned our first mixer/meet and greet for the beginning of next month. We are trying to recruit new members to become part of what we are building. Slow and steady wins the race. We have been meeting at least once a month since September of 2008. There have been people who had the best ideas in the world, but they are no longer involved. Don't come in here with all these great ideas with no idea how to execute, and worse yet, no even following through.
I have failed at a few things in my lifen (maybe more than a few) and the biggest reason for my failure is having too big of an idea with no way to quantify or measure progress. Since we've started meeting, I have labeled myself the "rain on the parade"guy. I wanted to make sure that we continued to take baby steps and remain consistent in our effort. That way we didn't just attempt to "one up" each other's ideas without a way to see it through.
Well, I am excited because things are taking shape and our diligence has paid off. This approach works when you have long-term and (sometimes more important) short-term goals. This group has been a great example for me to follow in my personal life. Taking one class doesn't seem like much, but when you've been out of school as long as I have, one class is a great start.
You will reap what you sow. If you want a small crop or two to pop up, be "iffy" with your effort. If you want a full harvest, have a plan in place and execute it. Consistency is what separates us many times. One of my good friends told me just recently, "Don't worry about the time you've already wasted, just understand that you don't have anymore time to waste."
Set your goals, short and long termed. Create a plan of execution. And get after it.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Buzz of the Week
What Do I Owe You? - Do public figures like athletes and entertainers have a responsibility to speak up about anything? I mentioned last week the law in Arizona essentially, giving police officers the right to racially profile. 2011's MLB all star game is in AZ. There was a particular player (Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres) that said he'd boycott the game. There were people who said they'd boycott him and the team he plays for. Wow! If you are an athlete, should you not have an opinion? The show that I was watching (Mike and Mike in the morning) applauded those notoriously un-involved athletes like Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, and Tiger Woods. Now there will be some that mention their charities and how much money they give. Kudos to them, but is that enough? Imagine the impact Jordan or Woods could have if they made statements that tackled important social issues in America and all over the world. Imagine the effect on the youth that look up to these guys. Also, imagine the future stars who grew up idolizing them, who felt like it was their responsibility to also speak up when they had a platform to do so. Us "regular" folks should do more also.
We all have a responsibility to be well informed and reach out and make one another more aware.
I stopped blogging for a long time because I was so frustrated about what was going on in my life. I didn't want to share certain feelings for fear I may come across entirely negative. I also didn't want to share certain views fearing that somehow my job or future job could be in jeopardy.
I have not been sent here to be some one's robot. I have an opinion, and I plan to share it with those who care to listen. Many times when you're young, you don't speak up as much as you'd like because you haven't developed the confidence. Then you get older and you have more responsibilities (i.e., spouse, mortgage, children) and you are afraid to speak your mind, afraid that you may lose your ability to support/pay for these things. So you keep all these things pent up until you become old. Then you become that old dude that nobody likes because they don't think before they speak.
In my opinion, that is no way to live. My very first job, I worked with a lovely lady named Faye. She would always say, "You were eating before you got here, you'll be eating when you leave." Needless to say, Faye wasn't afraid to speak her mind. You can't say everything that comes to your mind. Don't get me wrong. But there are those who bet on you not speaking up and that is how they take advantage of you. It is a very thin line and your reaction to events should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Our responsibility is to those who have come before us and those who will come after us.
Sports Buzz
Loooong Goooone! - I'd just like to say rest in peace, Ernie Harwell. He has been such an important part of so many people's lives. I am always amazed at the stories that people have of him. He seemed like the definition of a class act. If we all would treat those around us like Ernie Harwell treated people, the world would be a much better place.
Also, I'd like to wish everyone a happy mother's day! There are woman working 2 and 3 jobs, trying to provide for their family. There are also men playing the role of mom and dad. Shout out to them all! May God bless them and their families.
I appreciate the 4 people (including myself) who visit and read my blog. As long as you keep reading (even if you don't), I'll keep writing.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I'm Back Buzzing
Baxter's Buzz
Well, I've never stopped buzzing. I just stopped sharing. My plan is to have a weekly blog that touches on a number of topics that I've thought about during the week.
Peter Pan - There are so many "Peter Pans" out there that don't want to grow up. How does that effect the people around them? Children, family, and friends are all affected by our actions. I know people who are doing things almost identically to what they've done historically. Whether it's shunning responsibilities or just making silly choices. There are those out there sleeping around with anyone that will sleep with them. There are people selling drugs. More are using drugs. These are extreme examples. Maybe it doesn't hit home with everyone.
What about not looking for a job because you're receiving unemployment? What about expecting people to be available when you need them, but being absent in their lives? What about complaining so much about things, that people don't want to answer the phone when you call? What about blaming others for things that you can control? Are we on the same page yet? Good.
We all make mistakes. I make mistake pretty much every day. I believe that you separate yourself from the pack by learning from and correcting the mistakes you make. The phrase is "Know better, do better," but it's easier said than done. Bad habits die hard and doing the right thing is always tougher than doing wrong. We all want these great things, but not willing to put in the work. There are great sacrifices necessary to achieve great things.
What will change for you this year? Anything? Nothing? Everything? I believe that if you trust in God, and sow the right seeds, you'll be fine. Things won't be perfect, but you'll understand what is truly in your control and what isn't. It's like when you were a child and your parents wanted you to keep your room clean, do your homework, and miscellaneous chores. They did everything else. We had faith that they'd take care of us and while we didn't get everything that we wanted, they had our best interest at hand... I hope you understand the metaphor.
Ridiculousness of the Week
Papers, Please - There was a law passed in Arizona this past week that essentially allows police officers to stop any person that has a "reasonable suspicion" of being in the U.S. illegally. There's no provision of probable cause so the police have been given the green light to racially profile. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but Arizona is still part of the U.S., and that goes against all that we stand for. Can anyone say Nazi Germany?
Sports Buzz
Forever Young - If you've read my blogs, you know that I am a sports fan. Earlier in the blog, I talked about those people who don't want to grow up. I am a firm believer in giving people opportunities. I look at the first month of the Detroit Tigers season and I see 3-4 rookies in the starting lineup on any given day. Yes, they are going to make mistakes, but if they are truly the future...the future is now. I look how the Detroit Pistons had 3 rookies on their team that didn't get as many opportunities and I disagree with that approach. I am much more tolerant of rookies and young players making mistakes compared to predictable mediocrity from veterans. I look at the Tigers and wish the Pistons would have done more "on the job training." You take your lumps, learn, and move on. That is in sports and in life.
Happy New Years
On April 16, I celebrated my 29th birthday (Praise the Lord). I consider that my new years. I look at my life and I believe I have much more to give. I want to make an impact on this world before my number is called. I don't need fame or anything. I am just hopeful that I can do my part. Every day is another opportunity. There are people who didn't wake up this morning. There are people who never made it to the age that you are now. Let's be inspired by that and just do our part. If any just does their part, I think we'd be surprise at the progress we could make.
Well, I've never stopped buzzing. I just stopped sharing. My plan is to have a weekly blog that touches on a number of topics that I've thought about during the week.
Peter Pan - There are so many "Peter Pans" out there that don't want to grow up. How does that effect the people around them? Children, family, and friends are all affected by our actions. I know people who are doing things almost identically to what they've done historically. Whether it's shunning responsibilities or just making silly choices. There are those out there sleeping around with anyone that will sleep with them. There are people selling drugs. More are using drugs. These are extreme examples. Maybe it doesn't hit home with everyone.
What about not looking for a job because you're receiving unemployment? What about expecting people to be available when you need them, but being absent in their lives? What about complaining so much about things, that people don't want to answer the phone when you call? What about blaming others for things that you can control? Are we on the same page yet? Good.
We all make mistakes. I make mistake pretty much every day. I believe that you separate yourself from the pack by learning from and correcting the mistakes you make. The phrase is "Know better, do better," but it's easier said than done. Bad habits die hard and doing the right thing is always tougher than doing wrong. We all want these great things, but not willing to put in the work. There are great sacrifices necessary to achieve great things.
What will change for you this year? Anything? Nothing? Everything? I believe that if you trust in God, and sow the right seeds, you'll be fine. Things won't be perfect, but you'll understand what is truly in your control and what isn't. It's like when you were a child and your parents wanted you to keep your room clean, do your homework, and miscellaneous chores. They did everything else. We had faith that they'd take care of us and while we didn't get everything that we wanted, they had our best interest at hand... I hope you understand the metaphor.
Ridiculousness of the Week
Papers, Please - There was a law passed in Arizona this past week that essentially allows police officers to stop any person that has a "reasonable suspicion" of being in the U.S. illegally. There's no provision of probable cause so the police have been given the green light to racially profile. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but Arizona is still part of the U.S., and that goes against all that we stand for. Can anyone say Nazi Germany?
Sports Buzz
Forever Young - If you've read my blogs, you know that I am a sports fan. Earlier in the blog, I talked about those people who don't want to grow up. I am a firm believer in giving people opportunities. I look at the first month of the Detroit Tigers season and I see 3-4 rookies in the starting lineup on any given day. Yes, they are going to make mistakes, but if they are truly the future...the future is now. I look how the Detroit Pistons had 3 rookies on their team that didn't get as many opportunities and I disagree with that approach. I am much more tolerant of rookies and young players making mistakes compared to predictable mediocrity from veterans. I look at the Tigers and wish the Pistons would have done more "on the job training." You take your lumps, learn, and move on. That is in sports and in life.
Happy New Years
On April 16, I celebrated my 29th birthday (Praise the Lord). I consider that my new years. I look at my life and I believe I have much more to give. I want to make an impact on this world before my number is called. I don't need fame or anything. I am just hopeful that I can do my part. Every day is another opportunity. There are people who didn't wake up this morning. There are people who never made it to the age that you are now. Let's be inspired by that and just do our part. If any just does their part, I think we'd be surprise at the progress we could make.
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