Talent and Effort

Baxter's Buzz

I'm a big sports fan. I understand that these professional athletes are the best in the world. I was watching the Fab Five documentary on ESPN last night when I saw Grant Hill in his Duke jersey. I wondered if people remember how great of a player he was for his years in Detroit as a Piston.

He was blessed athletically, but he also was one of the hardest working guys, if not the hardest working guy. Of course injuries cost him many years so who knows how much better he would have become.

The one thing I know is that he showed up every year better than he was before. There were people nowhere near as talented as Hill but failed to get the most out of their talents. The same can be said for some who were more talented. "Leaving much more in the tank".

How can anyone allow a person who's naturally more gifted than them also out work them?

I feel that many guys in the NBA got the most out of their talent. Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and John Stockon to name a few, squeezed everything they had out of the talent they were given. Some guys like Vince Carter, Shaq, Chris Webber, who were immensely talented, never "pushed it" to see how great they could truly be.

Do you push yourself on a daily basis to be great? Are you a talented slacker who is skating by on natural gifts alone? If so, why haven't you attempted to shoot for the stars? Are you an average talent who is always one step from being out the door because not only are you not the gifted, you're lazy?

Do you care about trying to make up the performance gap between you and your more talented coworkers? Do you plan to do anything different?

I know I haven't gotten the most out of my talent and it frustrates me to no end when I still have so much give. But at what point does potential go out the window and you just are who you are? When you go from a "coulda been" to a "never will be"?

EGO

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #20


I am an optimist. I always believe that things will work out. I am very "excitable" when it comes to things I'm involved in. You won't see me bouncing off the walls, but if my manager or my teammate is inspired and sharing that with me, I tend to be inspired as well.

But if you're blowing smoke up my behind and lying too much (I say too much because bosses always lie a lil bit), then I start to zone you out and you lose credibility with me.


Some people are not meant to work for others. They'll never work as hard as they should because they feel they should be getting a bigger slice of the pie. The problem is only a small number of THOSE people will actually go out and start businesses of their own. Most of them will float from job to job, thinking they're the smartest person in the room, with nothing to show for it. A small number will actually have the drive to start a business. And an even smaller number will have success in those businesses.


My wife was talking about work today and prefaced her comment with, "I hate to think that I have an ego but..." Ego is not always bad. Ego can push you to become the best in the department and ultimately get that promotion. Ego may propel you during presentation for the VP. Ego can force you out of a comfortable job because you feel like you deserve more. Don't get me wrong: Ego has gotten many people in trouble, but so has idleness and complacency.


You have to have balance, weighing pros and cons before making a huge decision. Deciding what the risks are versus the rewards. And of course, take time to pray and ask God to help lead you.

Weekend In Review

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #21


This weekend was pretty uneventful for the most part. I contemplated going to hang out for a friend's birthday party. I wasn't invited officially so there was nobody to call/text to say I wasn't coming. I talked to my brother and a friend of mine and decided to just relax with the wife. I slept well and woke up very late. Much later than usual. Started to think about the next few months and how I envisioned things happening.


I've been thinking about the non profit and scholarship that my friends and I discussed over a year ago. As you think about the immediate concerns that you have, it is difficult to draw up a plan to help others. Terribly difficult. I sat here all weekend and while I washed some dishes and did laundry, I tried to organize my thoughts and think of a way to breath life back into this scholarship project.


I've realized that focus for me involves: No television, no texting, and no twitter/facebook. I was able to finish studying for my test on Monday, however, this scholarship needs more time. I plan to spend more time this week on this endeavor. Have ideas? I'm open to them.

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #22


While I Was Here


The Lord told me that my day was coming


I'd be able to stand tall


Hard times has a way of numbing


Your senses where you don't feel at all


I'm appalled to think that I chose this life


I wanted what you wanted, a good job and a wife


Couple of kids. White picket fence


But when reality strikes, it strikes quick and don't miss


I made bad choices and here I am


God calling me saying it time to come with Him


But I said, "Lord if you give me another hour I'll dedicate that hour to you."


God told me that I had 7 more years, and if I fell off the path I wouldn't have that


So as I change lanes, I'm trying to keep my hands on the wheels


God forgives, but then gives us free will


But don't take His grace for granted find that balance


Try to do better. Try to repair damage


So as my time nears I have no fear


I just hope I made Him proud while I was here

Seasons of Change

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #19


Seasons of change can't be avoided
They called me paranoided because I planned for the worse
My fear is to work for a crew full of jerks
That waive power over your head like they're masters of the universe
When bills are overdue, the papers turn pink
They worry about private school tuition, you're washing clothes in the sink
You wanna stop existing and actually do some living
Walking, talking dead though we think we're doing more
Seasons are about to change for sure
When they change, it'll be for the best. But when they'll change again is anybody's guess

Holiday Party

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #22


I am down to the final stretch of blogging everyday and I am really happy to see all the people who have visited the site to check me out.


Today our holiday "party" was at a bowling alley..


I was talking to one of my new coworkers and realized that he was a big basketball (NBA) fan. I was really excited to know this, being that I enjoy myself some basketball too. Then came the bad news: Not only is he NOT a Detroit Pistons fan, he hates them! Not cool, but this could be an interesting winter.


He talked about how he follows another team and subscribes to the NBA cable package in order to follow them. It appeared that he has received a lot of flack from his friends because he had all of these great rationales for not following his local team. I thought it was kinda cool, although, I'm not sure if I could follow a team besides the Pistons if I lived in another state. I like other teams. I am a Kobe fan so I root for the Lakers, but I don't watch ALL of their games, but it would be less frustrating that the Pistons the past few years. Because I watch 95% of Pistons games.


I started to think what other team would I follow. That wouldn't be a bad idea if I could just find the right team. I'm not ready for the that though. I'll stick with my Pistons...for now anyway.

As I start to remember all of the new names and faces at the new job, I am gaining confidence. I am realizing that everyone leans on everyone there and nobody knows everything. The sooner I jump in, the sooner I can be one of the helpers and not the helpee.


Bowled for the first time in my life today. My score was 102. I wasn't the worst...by far. And the more regular bowlers told me I did good by breaking 100. Once I realized that I wasn't going to throw gutter balls, my competitiveness kicked in and I wanted to do well. I do believe that it won't take another 30 years for my next appearance.

10 Things Thursday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #23


These are 10 of the thoughts that went through my mind today. I hope you enjoy:


1. These professional sports teams are handing out a crazy amount of money. Will there ever come a time when it is hard for us to root for these guys?


2. My wife is awesome. She brings a sweetness to my life that I've never experienced. She is genuine and that is hard to find. I sometimes get mad because folks will take advantage, but I wouldn't change her.


3. There are companies being run by some selfish, scared bullies. They will take the path of least resistance, alienating their employees along the way.


4. The further you're removed from interacting with the people/common folks as a leader of a company, the colder you become. Its the same reason these politicians are so out of touch. They don't listen to real people. Too much insulation. Many times deliberate insulation.


5. There was a shooting in Ferndale today at my old elementary. I remember playing football at lunch, playing basketball on the monkey bars, and having these crazy "boxing matches" far enough from the school that staff couldn't see us.


6. There is a holiday party at my new job tomorrow. I believe that it will be a good opportunity for me to have a beer and get to know some of my coworkers. I'm also willing to bet that someone will have more than one and embarrass themselves. If they're anything like my old coworkers...haha.


7. I really enjoyed the people I worked with at my last gig. I truly believe that I'll stay in touch with many of them. More than facebook. We shall see.


8. I've been really tired this week. I haven't gotten used to my new job. Just going to a place different than the one you've gone to for the past 3+ years is weird. I've forgotten my vitamins, not drank enough water, and missed breakfast too many days the past 2 weeks. I need to do better.


9. One of my friends is really struggling with their relationship and they've done a TON to make it right. I'm at the point where my friend's partner needs to decide that enough is enough. If I mess up, make me beg a little. Then decide if you want to continue on. If not, so be it. If you do, then LET IT GO!


10. I am really trying to enjoy my wife. We got married during the great recession and it has limited our funds and what we've been able to do. Stability is what I believe to have now. Time to take advantage.

#24

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #24

I am down to number 24! I have posted a blog everyday since October 31st. By the way, I love the number 24. I've always loved even numbers but when I saw the maze jersey that Jimmy King wore with the number 24 on it, I've never liked a number more.

When you think about the crazy feelings you had as a kid, it has to make you laugh. I remember saying that I'd always shave my facial hair when I start growing it. Absurd! I was in 7th grade when I started growing a mustache and I can count on one hand how many times I've completely shaved it. As a matter of fact, I had never shaved it until new years eve of 2008. I've done it twice more since and my wife and I hate it every time.

I remember grown folks laughing at me when I was going through girl problems as a kid. My dad's friends would tell me I'd survive but it never felt like it at the time. As an adult, of course those things were funny because I did survive and am better for the stupid stuff from my past.


The old folks told me that girls would be there and to ignore them and focus on my school. I thought that I would go on to play college basketball at the University of Kentucky. Needless to say, I never ignored the girls and I didn't play ball at UK.


As I talk to my nephews and nieces, I try to pass on the advice that I neglected to follow. I see them trying to be respectful, trying not to roll their eyes, but we all need to learn lessons differently. Many, if not all of them when they go older have told me how they should have listened to me earlier, and I'm sure they'll pass on those lessons to the next generation. Hopefully they listen more than they don't.


I really appreciate all of the visitors that have checked out my blog. Just keep reading and I'll keep writing.

Take a Moment

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #25


Are you underpaid? Do you feel like you're being underpaid? Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought your compensation matched the work you do? Probably not.


As the NBA gets ready to start their season, and the millionaires and billionaires can get back to business as usual, there are still millions of people that are struggling mightily. My heart goes out to those families that are truly doing the best that they can, only to fall short of the bills every month.


I work in sales. Recently I left the best job that I ever had for (hopefully) a new job that will claim that title. I have done some things that are much more physically taxing and much less pay. I'm sure most you can relate.


If you are not happy with your current wages, work towards improving that. But be thankful for a job, because there are many people out there who'd trade places with you in a heartbeat. Not saying to be completely satisfied, but take time everyday to appreciate what you have.

Poems by Bax

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #26


Common Exchange


The more things change, the more they stay the same


Joy and Pain is a common exchange


Ain't much in between but dreams


We all want to be on stage, but the real work is behind the scenes


I had a dream I fell off. You know, off my path


Tough people hold strong but tough times don't last


We all will fall, you gain strength when you rise again


Don't make all your mistakes on your own


Some of those lessons are taught by wiser men


Just when they've counted you out is when true character is developed


Be humble enough to learn from elders when they tell it

Reviewing the Tape

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #27


There are always issues that arise in life. I am a person that takes very little time worrying about WHY the issue is the issue. I want to know what caused it and how I can improve moving forward.

When my friend and I coached middle school basketball, we'd spend entire nights talking about strategy. This would be after a win or a loss. This is the same friend who I'd talk to about life in the same way. All of my close friends and I are always evaluating and re-evaluating our lives. It is a gift and a curse.


In life we should always be battling against par, so to speak. Meaning we shouldn't be comparing ourselves to others, but to the goals we set for ourselves.

There has to be a balance between satisfaction with the direction you're headed and striving to where you'd like to be. We should always review the tape to pat ourselves on the back and to correct mistakes.

Fluff

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #28

I'm an idiot. Not too long ago I asked if women can ever be satisfied. This time I'd like to focus on me(n) and the stupid things I/we do. I believe that I am very considerate and thoughtful, but I drop the ball like everyone else. Maybe not as often as some, but more often that I'd like. I don't think (enough) before I speak. I am trying to understand that I cannot talk to my wife the way I want someone to talk to me. I don't like having to cipher through fluff when someone talks to me, but my wife, and most other people, need more fluff.

My friends will tell you that I don't have a problem saying what is on my mind, but many times I DON'T say what I'm feeling. I understand that the truth doesn't work most of the time, so instead I say nothing.

I need more fluff in my vocabulary. Although I despise the thought of including more fluff in my life, I'll do it to keep my wife happy with me.

Professional

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #29


Desean Jackson is a professional athlete. He plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and is one of the best at his position. He is on last year of his contract and they haven't given him a new contract yet. This is a very sensitive issue for NFL players because their contracts are not guaranteed and their careers don't last very long. One of the things the NFL team can do is "franchise" the player once the player's contract ends. That gives that particular player a salary of the top 5 players at his position. Sounds good right? Its only a 1 year contract and it deters other teams from signing that player because of the type of compensation they'd have to give up. So essentially, they are forced to sign a 1 year deal with the team that didn't give them a long-term deal to begin with.


We are all looking for security and a series of 1 year "deals" wouldn't make any of us happy, especially an NFL player, who's average career spans 3 years. With all of that being said, Desean has not represented himself in a professional manner.


Unless some things change drastically for me, I'll never make millions in a year. I have been in situations where I felt very disrespected by management, but I'd NEVER act in that manner! It does no good. I think about how I've gone about things when I have had problems, and famous or not, I cannot see myself going against my moral code, but also embarrassing myself and ruining my reputation.


How do you handle disputes in your job when you feel like you're being underpaid?

10 Things Thursday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #30


These are 10 thoughts that entered my brain today...Enjoy


1. Not having a cell phone makes me feel like I'm always missing something.


2. Having friends at a job speeds up the process of making new friends.


3. There is always a person trying to hard a work. I have already identified the assailant..haha


4. There are many styles that work in sales. You just have to be genuine.


5. I like to dress nice. I don't need to wear a tuxedo. But I like to be shaved, dressed well, and smelling good.


6. I-696 frustrates me to no end. The morning and afternoon drives suck evenly.


7. The industry you work is so important to you, but probably grossly unimportant to your
loved ones.


8. You can be respected and taken seriously without being a stick in the mud. Taking yourself
too serious has to be awful.


9. Whenever you have a chance to meet someone important in your company, go out of your way to shake their hand if nothing else.


10. Marriage is job that never ends. Regardless of the type of day you've had, your significant other needs to be doing well when you get home or NONE of it matters.

Whoever Shows Up

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #31


I just want to state for the record: This is my 31st day in a row blogging (Patting myself on the back). I have stayed the course so far and I am pretty proud of me :-)


Phone Deprivation - This is my first day and second night without a phone. Very weird feelings throughout the day. I kept feeling like I was missing something...and I was, I just couldn't get to it right away.


Whoever shows up - Some of my friends came out tonight to celebrate me leaving my old job. These are all people I've worked with and I am truly humbled by the turnout. At one point I thought, "I wonder who will show", but that is a waste of energy. My wife's Granny (RIP) would always say, "Whoever shows up are the people that were supposed to show up." I couldn't agree more. As I sit around as the "new guy" at work this week, I think about leaving a position where

I was one of the more tenured folks. These people think (some of them anyway) that I'm there because I needed a job. Not so fast, my friend. I see an opportunity for me to succeed. That is why I am here. I am not just happy to be there. I am there on a mission!


Back to my friends: I really want to thank you all for showing up. If you could not attend, no hard feelings. I understand that things happen. I just hope that I can stay in touch with them all.

Toughing It Out

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #32


I don't remember how life was without a cell phone. Well, actually I do, but its hard for me to remember anything before pagers. I think about mapquest/gps, email/texts, facebook/twitter and how people managed without these things. Did they have to talk to their children more? Maybe even talk to their parents?! How did we survive without knowing everything that was
going on everywhere every second of the day?? Hard times, huh? (haha)


My phone decided it was time for me to replace it. But until then, I have no loaner phone. I have the option of getting one and it may take up to 5 days for my new phone to arrive at the store. I am strongly considering just going without one. Spend some more time writing. More time thinking. And more time praying during this period and see how things play out.


I just may finish writing my first book, read my first book in some time, or at least make some significant progress towards both of those goals. Part of me is almost scared to not have a phone, but the other part of me is excited at what comes out of it.

Wish me luck.

Prove It!

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #33


My first day at work today started pretty rough. I came outside of my house to find a flat tiren on my car. Of course the gas station that I went to initially, had no air! Now it could have been one of those days where I didn't see something that was in my face (It wouldn't be the first time), but I don't think they had a freakin' place for air!


An old lady yelled at me while I was in the second gas station, buying some fix-a-flat, then later apologized. Not to mention that I-696 was crazy as usual this morning and I wondered if I would be "that guy" making an excuse for why I was late on my first day at my new job.


Prior to that craziness I was one facebook, early this morning, arguing about religion with some people who don't believe in God. The Bible talks about arguing with fools..lol. Needless to say, it was a losing battle. So I made it to work and everything went fine...until I found my car tire flat again. I was hoping to have just a slow leak, instead I found a nail in my tire. Luckily I was very close to a Discount Tire.


This gentlemen told me about my two front tires (Neither of them had the nail) that were balder than bald! There were actually starting to come apart on the sides. With me driving on the freeway, it could have gotten really ugly really fast. I ended up replacing those tires, spending money that I didn't wanna spend.


Oh yeah, I went to get a burger while they fixed my car, only to spill ketchup on my sweater! Once they were finished, I was an hour late to class.


Yeah, one of those days...


As I decided to cut my losses and head home, the weather was getting bad. It was very rainy and difficult to see. I even saw a couple of accidents on my route home. I thought about how my tires were just a bump away from disaster, and while driving in these crappy conditions, I started to smile. I could have been one of the cars on the side of the road, or worse yet, in a ditch.


Back to Facebook - This morning as I said my parting shots to my facebook "friends", I mentioned that the believers see God in everything. Those who don't believe will try to poke holes in the faith that they cannot wrap their brain around. One guy commented, "Baxter, I have two words for you: prove it". A day like this strengthens my faith, while I'd never be able to "prove it", I know it to be true in my heart. And that's all that matters.

Count Your Blessings

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #34


As I continue my streak of consecutive posts, I think about how many changes that have occurred in my life since I started my blogging streak on October 31. I am truly blessed to have a good head on my shoulders and I am thankful for God's grace, even when I don't deserve it.


There are times when I want something from Him that is very specific. When He doesn't deliver when I want Him to, I get frustrated. But I have to stop myself and remember everything He HAS provided.


I have sat around pretty much all holiday weekend in the house that I purchased close to a year ago. When I was coming up, I didn't know many homeowners. I didn't know many married people. Hell, I didn't know many people who went to a job each morning. I really didn't know what dysfunction within a family was until I started comparing my upbringing with The Cosby Kids. Not a fair comparison.


I am blessed to have friends to lean on to help me through these unfamiliar circumstances. I knew what to expect when looking for a home because I had friends who purchased home before me. I had friends married before me. Now whenever God (ahem) blessed my wife and I with a child, I have friends to lean on with that also.


I am nowhere near where I expect to be in 5 years, but I am appreciative of my current position. My goal is to help children understand that there's more to life than what they see everyday. I want them to strive for more than they've seen done. I want to introduce them to occupations that they may not be familiar with. Expectations are paramount when it comes to achievements and I want to remove the ceilings of their limitations so that there is nothing they feel is beyond their reach.


I thank God that I have made it this far. I know many that were brought up like me who didn't make it and I want to improve the statistics. The children are our biggest resource and we must invest in them if we want our future to be bright. We owe it to ourselves to invest time and/or money into the next generation.

Now I need to figure out my plan of action for the new year and how to invest in our future.

What Did I Do?

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #35


I remember when I announced my engagement to my friends and acquaintances. Some congratulated me. Others said, "Don't do it". Others told me to stay single as long as I could. "Women are never happy and can't be satisfied".


I've been married for 3 years and I'm not sure how I feel about marriage sometimes. It A LOT of work! I'm not interested in other women. I don't believe another woman could truly come between my wife and I. My issue is with the amount of work it takes.


I'm really not sure if my wife will be completely happy. I'm not sure if I will, but I would like to think that I have less concerns about my happiness and more concerns about HER happiness. Are women ever happy?


A friend of mine made some mistakes in his marriage. Not "cheating" per se, but he did entertain the thought and has been in the doghouse with his wife every since. It almost appears that she's enjoying being mad at him more than she enjoys being WITH him. Is this something that she'll get over? Or will she keep this incident locked and loaded for times when she has nothing else to rag on him about?


It can be an exhausting task keeping your woman/wife happy. Do women feel the same way about us? Is there some common ground; somewhere in the middle that we can agree on?

Ladies, I am really interested in what you have to say. Do you feel like you complicate things? Do you feel like men are never satisfied?

Gentlemen, please feel free to chime in as well.

Rest and Relaxation

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #36


I have enjoyed my break so far and I'm looking forward to two more days of rest and relaxation before my new job starts on Monday.


As I think about this new opportunity, I get excited. No preconceived notions from anyone, just a clean slate. On my last day of work this week at my new job, I spent a lot of time with the newest member of the sales team. I enjoying teaching and passing along my knowledge to those who appreciate it. I have a lot to offer and I am hopeful that I will get more chances in my new role to eventually mentor some of the less tenured folks.


Teamwork is important and even during my interview, I felt good about the two managers and was able to pick up some positives vibes from them. So as I chill and enjoy my house and my wife, I have one eye on Monday. I'm sure the situation won't be perfect, but the next perfect situation that I encounter will be my first. Perfection isn't realistic, but making the best out of every situation is very doable. I hope that I can keep my enthusiasm. Fingers crossed.

Thanksgiving

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #37

First Things First - As I sit here, full on Thanksgiving dinner that my wonderful wife prepared, I am happy and a little sad. Thanksgiving marks the 1 year anniversary of my sister-in-law being murdered. RIP Fredricka. You produced 3 wonderful children and your legacy will continue on with the kids.



Kiss the Cook - Wifey wanted to cook a full meal (as usual) especially to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in the new house. We ended up with more company than anticipated, but we are blessed to have enough room in our home and food in our kitchen. Wifey also made desert. Everything was good. Kiss the cook.

Toothless Lions - As I watched the Detroit Lions today, trying not to have my day ruined with their ineptness, I asked myself what that team is missing. I watched Aaron Rodgers dissect our defense and wondered if Matt Stafford has/will ever have that type of grasp of his offense and skill. Later in the day I watched Tony Romo follow a great play with a dumb play and I can imagine Cowboys fans' frustration. Is this what Lions fans have to look forward to?

Thank You - I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday weekend. You probably feel things can be better, but take time to think about you're thankful for. Thanks again for reading. Make sure you login to become a follower.

5 Things (Bar Night Edition)

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #38

These are 5 of the thoughts that crossed my mind while hanging out on the (allegedly) biggest bar night of the year.


1. I really enjoy hanging out with new people. Its nice to know a variety of folks, because the world has more types of people than those you typically hang out with.

2. Just because you haven't spoken with someone (besides facebook) since high school doesn't mean you don't have things in common.

3. Love is crazy, but lust is even crazier. When you're pursuing or dating someone, make sure you have similar intentions.

4. I have coworkers than genuinely like me. I had fun tonight hanging with friends from a million years ago AND some coworkers that I've only known for a little while. Good times.

5. I love my wife. There were many pretty girls out tonight and there's no way I'd trade the Mrs.for any random chick. No matter how hot she may be.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope it is safe and fun for you and yours. God bless.

Last Day

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - 39


So tomorrow's my last day at the job I've been at since I moved back home in 2008. I think about my last day at work before moving back here. I packed my car the night before, went to work, then hit the road, headed back to Metro Detroit. The next day I started my new job after spending the night on a futon. Didn't take one day to unpack or get my brain to switch gears. There was no time.


We moved back in August of 2008 and we were in the middle of planning a wedding that was in October. Crazy, right? I know.


So I left a job in Lansing where my boss and I had a mutual respect, worked well together, and were, and still are real friends. Why did I leave then? Why does anyone do anything? Money. A better opportunity. My wife wanted to move back home. The experience I would get would be invaluable. Oh yeah, and the money. I'm not sure if I mentioned that.


I left a comfortable situation where I enjoyed my job and had the respect of my coworkers and my boss. I made the move because I didn't see myself there long term. Not enough opportunity to grow. I saw a wonderful position and jumped at the chance to take it. I go into every job looking for a career. I'm an optimist and truly envision myself having a long career at all of my stops. I am prayerful that I will one day find the right combination.

New Gig

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #40


As I think about my next career move, I have no real anxiety. I'm excited at the chance, and very much looking forward to what's next. I remember starting this current job and nobody really speaking to me. It was actually kinda funny. I figured that salespeople came and went so quickly there, it didn't make much sense to get familiar with someone who was probably on their way out. My wife and I actually joked about how I couldn't even get a "God bless you" when I sneezed. Its a room full of cubicles for goodness sake! Ah, the good ole' days.


I've always been friendly and never really took the blatant behavior personally. Actually, when folks did start to speak to me, I wished most of them had never said one word. The sales team is much more friendly now than when I started over 3 years ago. I'd like to think that part of that is because of me. I've always extended myself to the new people. But also, the current team isn't full of jerks like it once was. Just a few. Hey, it wouldn't be sales without a few know-it-all, "I'm better than you", jerks.


The amount of money someone makes doesn't impress me. I'm impressed with genuine people that have thoughts and views that I share and those who have much different thoughts, but can communicate those respectfully. If I ever decide to run a business, I will encourage a friendly environment and will not tolerate pompous a**holes, regardless of how many widgets they sell per quarter. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I will encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and I'll focus on mentoring and building leaders from within. I guess that's all I have to say about that.


I want to say thank you to all of those who continue to check out the blog. It really means a lot. I am proud of myself for posting everyday and I love the fact that you guys actually take the time to read it.

Lessons from Kevin Smith

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #41


Some chances appear to be clear cut "second" chances, but we have chances everyday. Kevin Smith from the Lions was literally on his couch 3 weeks ago as an unemployed football player. He worked out 5 days a week, for several hours per day waiting for his phone to ring. When asked what his routine was back home in Florida was, Smith replied, "Wake up at 7, kiss my son and go work out. Come back at 12 and play with my son". Wash. Rinse. Repeat.


We think about the actual chance when he was given a chance to workout for the Lions, but if he doesn't put in the work prior to that workout, he has no chance of success. Kevin Smith had his best game ever today with over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Your next "chance" may not be on national television, but everyday you will have a chance to improve upon your situation.

Congratulations to the Detroit Lions for winning another game. Please don't play with my emotions on Thanksgiving afternoon by getting down early to the Packers.

Make Your Next Move Your Best Move

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #42


I really appreciate those who check in periodically to read my randomness. I'd love to have a million hits daily, but I'd rather have the handful of daily visitors who truly enjoy my postings.


I am starting a new job very soon and I'm very excited. I have been with my current employer for over 3 years and I am forever grateful for the chance to prove myself. They've hired some real clowns over the years, but right now, the sales team is the strongest in time I've been there.

I've enjoyed talking trash and competing with those folks over the years. Are there people that I don't really care for? Sure, but why waste time talking about them?

There was a woman at work who completely lost her cool and gave everyone, including the CEO, a piece of her mind. That's not my style. Regardless of how much truth there was to her claims, ultimately no real good comes out of it. It does however, let the rest of us "professionals" (or chickens) to live vicariously through that person. I think people are so used to saying things that are not true and getting away with it, they are taken aback when someone calls them out on it. I have so many plans and I am ready to start this next chapter in my life.


I pray that this move is beneficial, but ultimately, attaining my college degree is my goal. I will continue to go to school until that goal is achieved. I have made things quite difficult for myself with this "uneducated" tag I have. Sometimes talent alone isn't enough to get a chance and I am blessed to be making another move with a team that recognizes what I bring to the table. Hopefully my next move is my best move.

Week in Review

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #43


Poem by Bax


Crazy week baby
Baby are you there?
New opportunities arrived, at first weren't there
We grinded, cried, and prayed all week
They prey on the weak
But they're not preying on me
Consistently striving, waiting on results
Please remain patient the jury is still out.
And as this week ends and we turn the page, God willing we have more trails to blaze.

5 Things on Thursday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #44


These are 5 of the thoughts that ran through my head during work today:


1. How should you treat new people when they arrive? Should you treat them like you were treated? Or should you treat them worse/better? If you're in sales, do the same rules apply?


2. Do leaders produce a great team or does a great team produce great leaders? A coach can only get so much out of the talent they have. If you're in sales, do the same rules apply?


3. When you leave a job you should leave there with at least one friend you didn't have when you started. If you're in sales do the same rules apply?


4. Respect and professionalism go a long way. People notice, believe it or not.


5. If someone only speaks to you when others are around, but have nothing to say when you see them alone...they don't care for you. Or they may believe you don't care for them.

2 Sides of a Coin

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #45


As long as you're alive, there will be obstacles. My last post was about opportunities. There are opportunities disguised as failure. a friend of mine was let go from her job today. she may consider that a failure, however, there are experiences that will prepare her for the next job.


Another friend of mine entered an agreement with his employer about 6 months ago. The plan was for him to work as an independent contractor and eventually hire in. Well, as he started to work with these folks, he learned some things that he wasn't thrilled about. It is probable that he and this organization will part ways sooner than anyone had expected. Some would view this as failure, however, he AND the employer has benefited from this partnership. It has truly been a win-win regardless of how it ultimately ends.


Understand your role with your employer. Understand that the employer may not share your opinion on the value of you and your particular position. The experience, money and any additional perks are what you receive in exchange for your work. Make the most of those things before it is too late. Because you may not be aware of their plans.

Who Is It?

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #46


Opportunity knocks everyday. We have to keep our ears to the ground for it. Every opportunity isn't a good one though. We have to be selective and prayerful when we're deciding if this is right for us. Sometimes we are so excited for AN opportunity to present itself, that we end up taking ANY opportunity.


Eye of the Beholder - Today's taco can be tomorrow's taco salad. Your donation can be my living room sofa. Every pretty girl is some one's ex-girlfriend. Pay attention. I read somewhere recently that "The grass can be greener if you take time to water it!" Don't be afraid to leave what you have, just be sure that you've done all you can before looking for greener pastures. Its typically harder than it seems.

How does this affect me?

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #47


When we hear bad news or good news for that matter, we eventually (some of us sooner than later) think about how this is going to affect us. Is it selfish? Definitely. Is it wrong? I don't think so. We're naturally self centered so there are no surprises there.


As I sat in class today, I learned about the growing disparity between the rich and poor. I think about how much money is enough. I wonder what the "haves" think about the "have nots". Most of them couldn't care less. They're too concerned with themselves, like we all are.


If my wife is going through something that is difficult, I'm concerned. I'm also thinking, "Doesn't she know I don't need this right now". If anyone says that haven't had that thought enter their brain, I'd almost call them a liar, but instead I'll say "Good for them".


I heard some news from a dear friend of mine today. I will keep their family in my thoughts and prayers and I WILL NOT worry about myself tonight. But tomorrow I'll be thinking about how my friend's news affects me. Although I feel a bit of guilt by saying this, it doesn't deny it is a true statement. I'm human. I can't help it.

Here we go again

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #48

As I sit on my couch watching Dexter, I try my best to not think about Monday morning. To think about our Monday morning sales meeting and how we intend to pull another rabbit out of our hat to salvage the month.

I love it and hate it at the same time! I love the competition, the challenges that come with every new month, and the newness of each day. This is the stage of my life. This is my role until further notice. Tomorrow is Monday: Here we go again.


To dog the Detroit Lions and their pitiful effort would just be too predictable. I'll let the extreme fans/bandwagon riders play that card. It should be a looong week listening to Detroit sports radio.

Simple Saturday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #49


Sitting around today trying to relax today. Watched some football and enjoyed some time with the wife. My cousin came by today. It had been quite a while since we've spoken and he hadn't been by the new house. He didn't even know where I moved to.


Things change as people grow. Most of the time people are not avoiding, just like you're not avoiding them. With jobs and kids and marriage, and everything else, the days can get away from you. Those who don't have as much going on seem to be more upset when visits between friends become infrequent. I've been the friend who gets more upset about things.


I have a small circle of friends who have become my family. Because my circle is so tight, I put a lot of pressure on them. Its not fair, but what is? We all have a responsibility for the relationships that we're a part of. We must choose how active of a role we want to play. Sometimes that means calling when they don't call or visiting when they don't visit. Sometimes you have friends that become closer than your family. And sometimes you have friends that you consider family because you have no other category for them. They were closer than family for years and now they're part of the family regardless of how active they've been in keeping the bond intact.

If you haven't spoken with someone, call or email. Hell, even write on their facebook wall. Let them know that you still care even though you guys don't speak often.

Happy Friday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #49


Happy Veterans Day. I never have a problem blogging. This everyday posting really isn't this hard for me. My mind is very rarely not going 100 miles per hour.


I woke up this morning with this sense of peace. It was truly surreal. I normally dream every night. I fall asleep with a million things on my mind and wake up with another million topics running through my brain. The peace I felt this morning was another validation of how good God is. "Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble."

This is my 12th day in a row blogging. I really appreciate the support and I hope that I can continue posting topics of interest

Fear of the Unknown

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #50


Fear of the unknown. Its a really weird thing. We're faced with change on a daily basis and we take the easy way out many times by resisting change. Some of us are still married/dating someone that we really don't like anymore. God forbid if the next person is even worse! "At least

I know his/her problems" is the way they'll justify their stagnation.

Jobs are the same. "Well Jenny let's me make up my time when my kid makes me late to work". Or, "Brian is really cool. He doesn't bother me at all". They failed to mention that Jenny talks to them like they're stupid and repeatedly belittles them in front of others. They failed to mention that Brian has no idea what he's doing and is not a good manager at all.


No situation is perfect. It is up to us to determine what imperfections that we'll tolerate. Some of us operate out of fear and others operate out of the excitement of the unknown. Which one are you?

5 Things

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #51


These are 5 of the thoughts that crossed my mind while in a meeting today:


1. When you're in a meeting, the questions people ask is many times more important than the answers.


2. People ask stupid questions...sometimes


3. Sometimes its not everyone else. It is YOU! Stop being so moody.


4. People are always "sizing you up". Pay attention.


5. Ask yourself if you're replaceable at work. The answer is yes. But how easily can you be replaced is the real question.

Social Mobility Part 2

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Month's of Buzz - #52


"Climbing the economic ladder is harder in the US than most countries in Europe," says an article from Dan Froomkin. As I mentioned in part 1 of this topic, odds are, if you were poor born in America, you'll die poor. There was a study done by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that stated that 47% of the economic advantage that high earning fathers have over low earning fathers is transmitted to their sons. Compared to 19% in Canada. So even though this is the land of opportunity, the opportunity is extremely difficult to find.


The main cause, based on the report, seems to be educational opportunity. Froomkin was quoted as saying, "It turns out that America's school system rather than lifting children up, is instead holding them down".


The solution is more of a social mix within schools. Although most schools in The States are not legally segregated, they are still very much separate. It is difficult to learn from others who don't know much more than you. We learn from each other just as much as the teachers. There have been some studies that say that "more of a social mix appears to boost performance of the disadvantaged youth without any apparent negative effects on overall performance".


I was raised in the Ferndale, Michigan school district. Because of the mix, I know that I was more prepared after high school than people who attended an all black or all white school. With there being so much disparity in the educational system from city to city, we're are setting not only are children back, consequently, we're setting back our future as a country. "Lack of equal opportunity may affect the motivation, effort, and ultimately, the productivity of citizen".


Why would you train half of your military better than the other half? Doesn't make much sense, huh? As the rich make laws that keep their children rich while disregarding everyone else, the United States is being dominated by other countries when it comes to education. Children are the greatest resource of every nation. We need to start investing accordingly.


I mentioned Ferndale Schools as being an advantage for me, but they even have a lot of work to do, as do most schools outside the super wealthy districts. For those that argue the whole "survival of the fittest" thing. Just know it's not just hurting that underprivileged white kid from that rural town or that brown or black kid from the inner city. You are hurting your country's ability to compete in this global economy.

Manic Monday

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #53


I feel like sometimes I lose myself in the everyday grind. I feel like the stress of work wears me down and I'm not as upbeat as I'd like to be. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not easily excitable. I'm a pretty laid back dude, however I do enjoy being silly and having fun. I speak slowly, think quickly, and typically am not surprised by much. I feel like there are some people that I deal with on a daily basis who steal my vigor. I don't particularly care for them and that tends to sour my mood. Most of the time I'm not even conscious of it until I reflect back on it.


I feel that the people that know me enjoy my presence (most of the time anyway), and I enjoy when I can be myself. I'm a very serious person in many ways but I LOVE to crack jokes and talk trash too. I am going to make a genuine effort to enjoy myself at work. Hell, I'm there more than anywhere else so I may as well make the best of it.

Do Your Homework

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #54


I really enjoy people. I can small talk and chat it up with the best on em'. I believe 99 percent of people can find at least one thing in common. Most of us interact along the lines of the commonalities. I've always been drawn to people that have their own opinion. I love being challenged AS LONG as you can back up your view. Intelligent conversations helps you grow.


There's a guy at work who I owe a lot to. See, when you grow up poor and black, you're expected to be a democrat. The left side of the isle is where my loyalties were. This guy that I work with is a hard line, right winger. His problem was, and is, he doesn't have much reason behind his views, besides that was all he knew. He uses the same arguments that Republicans have been using forever. I didn't respect his views because you couldn't reason with him. There would be things that I'd agree with him on, but he'd never agree with anything that appeared to be a liberal view. He forced me to research my own views because of his ignorance.


I realized that many of us are in that same ignorant boat. We do and say what everyone around us does and says. No longer will I be in that boat. We need to be responsible for the words that come out of our mouth. And just because Rush Limbaugh or Keith Olberman says it, doesn't make it so. We're better off saying nothing than repeating what we here on tv like a parrot.

Randon Saturday Buzz

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #55


No Homo -how do you feel about gay people? Truly? The manly response is, "I don't care as long as they don't hit on me." The religious response, "They're going to hell." The black community: Forget about it! I think that people's hard stance is softening.

Politically, the homosexual community is influential because there's quite a bit of money. We know many more celebrities that have "come out" as being gay. This is just my opinion but I feel people have enough problems of their own and don't care much either way. People are broke and unemployed. Who would waste their time worrying about how someone lives their life, when there are much, much bigger fish to fry?


Good, Bad, and Ugly - My friends and I went down to Kalamazoo last weekend. I spent my first several adult years in that city. The colleges seem to be thriving. Downtown has been upgraded and looks great. But there are many people in that city who are struggling. Just like pretty much every other city in the US: The good and the bad. I see some of the kids from the Boy's and Girls Club on facebook. But they ain't kids anymore. Some have gotten into trouble. Some are doing some good things. Some of them fit in both categories.


Try to show a little more patience this week. If someone doesn't take off immediately after the stop light turns green, or the person at the register is having technical difficulties, or if the customer service person can't grant your request right away: Be cool. Don't act like you've never been on the other side of that coin.

Social Mobility Part 1

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #56


Well, here it is. This is my fifth day in a row blogging. I haven't done this since I first started this. Discipline is what I struggle with.

When I was younger I didn't have anyone really pushing me in any direction. Part of me is really disappointed by that. Sometimes I feel like I have underachieved because of that.


I wrote my cousin a pretty harsh letter a few years ago because I was upset that he was in prison and not here to help me along. I gave a presentation in class recently about how hard it is to move up the social class ladder in the U.S. Whenever you start to talk about how many people are at a huge disadvantage, you have people that believe that "hard work" and "not being lazy" will get you ahead in life. Not so fast, my friends. It is never that simple. There are exceptions to the rules and I am proud that I happen to be one of them. There was a lot that had to go right for me to be where I am today.

Thanksgiving Season

Baxter's Buzz - 60 - 2 Months of Buzz - #57


Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the food associated with it. I love the Detroit Lions games. I love the Fall season. Did I mention the food? While I lived in Kalamazoo, I spent two Thanksgivings with a really good friend and her mom. I remember not being able to go home and feeling disappointed the first year. The second year? I was looking forward to Thanksgiving in K-zoo.


I think about being home with a plate of collard greens, dressing, and ending the night with family and some sort of dark liquor in my hand. When I was still in high school, a couple of my friends spent every Thanksgiving with me and my family. They actually helped me become closer with my family because I appreciated my friends feeling comfortable enough with me. "Here comes Baxter and his entourage." Is what my brother would quip. "Hide the food!"

Last thanksgiving was unlike any other. My ex sister-in-law was shot and killed by her boyfriend last year. I become sad when I think about how that whole thing went down. I think about her and my brother's children, not having their mom around anymore. There are many cowards in this world. I believe that we all should go and seek therapy. You don't have to be "crazy" to see a therapist. As a matter of fact, I've thought about seeing someone myself recently. If you have these strong feelings and you're having a hard time dealing with them, don't try to drink/smoke/drug them away. Go see the pastor at your church, a good friend. Somebody!

I've written a lot about relationships lately. They are important to me because, what else do we have?

What are you thankful for? We shouldn't just ask ourselves during this time of year. We should ask this everyday. And thank God for our answers.

The One That Got Away

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #58


There are times when we all ask the "what if" question. "What if I wasn't chasing after that bozo and gave him a chance?" "What if I would have paid her more attention?" Some of us have those thoughts every now and then. And some of us kick ourselves every day because we feel like we blew an awesome opportunity.


A good friend of mine was telling me about a mistake she felt she made years ago in college. A guy who was there for her all the time, but she ended up dating this more "bad boy" type. She eventually married someone else, and now is divorced. Her path has crossed with her neglected friend from yesteryear. Now what? "Bax, what do I even say?" She begs me for the right words.


Sometimes I think about the mistakes that I made. Neglecting good girls. I've also been on the other side of that coin. Prior to marrying my wife, I spoke with a woman that I dated. I thought about the women that I neglected and poured a lot into this particular woman, almost trying to make my past right by treating my current lady "extra" good. It didn't work. We were at two different stages in life and she neglected me. Karma is a bitch, huh? Anyway, when I spoke to her, she apologized for the way she treated me. By this time I understood and accepted why it didn't work.


I wish I had the chance to say my apologies, but I'm sure they're doing just fine without it. I am very blessed with the wife I have, by the way. She was too good for me and I knew it. I thank God that she was still available when I finally screwed my head on straight!


So as my friend tries to reconnect with her college friend, struggling to find the words to say, appreciate your friends, past and present. If you have a chance to correct a mistake, do it. You don't wanna speak of this person in the past tense about the one who got away.

What Are You Lookin Forward To?

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Month's of Buzz - #59


Yesterday was our first Halloween at the new house. Or should I say at our first home? I had class after work, but was able to make it home for the last handful of trick-or-treaters.


My wife loves the thought of all the sentimental stuff. The things that I don't pay much attention to, she brings them to the front of my mind and helps me appreciate them. Next on the list is Thanksgiving. Then Christmas and New Years. We bought the home in January so we're closing in on our first year.


I guess life is about having something to look forward to. Regardless of if you're married, single, if you own or rent, there's always an experience that's new. I guess it's all about perspective. What are you looking forward to?

Last Day of the Month

Baxter's Buzz - 2 Months of Buzz - #60


Hello there! First of all, I'd like to welcome you guys back. My intentions are to post every-single-day until December 31. I'll call it "2 Months of Buzz." Today will be number 60.


Last Days - A friend of mine was recently read his last rights at the beginning of a sales month. Like myself, he is in sales and he was expected to hit his quota or else. That is a tough position that nobody wants to be in. There is such stress in most sales roles that it creates this constant uneasiness. There is a definite adrenaline rush when you experience success, and that is why many of us do it. Oh yeah, we also like the thought of making more money!


Sales is sorta like basketball. Of all the sports, it is the most accessible because there are so many courts around and all you need is a ball. There's always a need for salespeople. And there are a lot of "salespeople". We all think we're better than we are and we pattern our "game" after what we see on tv. Many times, we develop bad habits.

Today was a tough day. The last day of the month at my job typically brings a lot of excitement. The key is being a part of it and not just spectating. Today I was a spectator. It is really hard not to get down when your month doesn't go as planned. The key is dusting yourself, learning from your mistakes, and doing it all again the next month.

My thoughts are prayers go out to a close friend of mine who buried her father today. Also, my neighbor lost his dad on Friday. Life is too short. Spend it with your loved ones and leave a legacy with people before you leave. Pass along memories, laughs, and wisdom.

God bless,

Baxter

Random Buzz

Hello All! Here's some randomness for you all!

Random Buzz

Not Cool - I don't agree w anyone peeing on toilet seats anywhere but there are, should I say, special circumstances where we might be forced to do that (at a bar or something). But if you pee on the toilet seat at work, there should be an investigation and once they find the culprit, they should stand them up at an all-staff meeting and let people take turns slapping them on the back of their head. Man or woman.


No free lunch - So I ended up at the store, shopping for clothes for my entire lunch period and when I ran to Wendy's to grab something, it was way too crowded. I came back to work and a coworker asked me if I wanted the rest of her chicken club (after hearing that I was scrounging for food). The first bite left tomato juice ALL over my shirt sleeve. Taking to the dry cleaners immediately.

That Guy - I don't ever want to offend people with my cologne. There's always some old dude with way too much cologne on. Not cool. As I get older, I find myself spraying that one extra spray on in the morning. Next year will that be two extra sprays? I don't ever want to be "that guy."

Tis The Season - School is back in and I'm excited. I love to stay busy and know that I'm using my time wisely. Its easy to say that you'll do more when you don't HAVE to, but most of us don't. I guess that's why most of us are not where we want to be in life.

Resolution - The end of September marks the end of the third quarter of the calendar year. Think about your New Year's Resolution and where you stand 9 months later. Have you stayed with it? I need to get my stuff together.


Just a Thought - Help someone this week accomplish a goal of theirs. Nothing makes me feel better than to help people. Print out a resume for them, drive them to an interview, download their free album. Pay it forward.

Keep Shining

Baxter's Buzz


I'm a HUGE sports fan. As the NFL has returned, there are players signing new contracts for big, big money. Once a player signs a contract, that changes the market value for other playing his position. In the regular world, we don't sign for millions of dollars, but we still allow folks that run our companies to put values on us.


You are worth more than they're paying you. You have to recognize that your worth doesn't come with what shows on your pay check.


My wife has a beautiful engagement ring. Depending on the lighting, it can look even more beautiful or not as nice. And when she goes to it cleaned, it looks like it did when she first received it out the box.


My Aunt called me this week and read me a letter that I wrote her over 7 years ago. I was surprised about a few things. I was so confident at the time. I had many things going on at the time but I was excited about them all! I was also surprised about how well written the letter was. (Its different hearing someone else read YOUR writing). My aunt's call was much needed. Life has a way of "scuffing up" your self image. We may be around the wrong people and the lighting won't allow us to shine like we know we can. Being around positive and supportive people and those who will challenge you, helps you keep your shine. Strengthening your relationship with God helps you shine.

Being around people who don't have a good outlook on their own lives takes away from your shine, believe it or not. Have you ever seen beautiful diamonds together on one ring? The shine of one helps the shine of the other. Surrounding yourself with people who are striving, helps you to strive.

Hearing that letter reminded me of the person I want to become. The person I have shown that I can be at times: Confident, energetic, focused and disregarding obstacles like a small fly on the face of a black bear.

God has a way of finding you wherever you are and delivering His message and I am thankful for that. I've hit some bumps along my road recently, but now I'm shining again! Don't let anyone take your shine. Thanks Auntie!

A special prayer to those who sacrificed their life on September 11, 2001 and those consequently went to war because of those events. And also to the families that have lost anyone. Ever.

Peace and Quiet

Baxter's Buzz

So I didn't have super exciting plans for Labor Day. I wanted to do some reading and writing is what I told the people who asked. The wife and I got much more than we bargained for when our electricity was knocked out because of a terrible storm. Power went out about 9pm on Saturday and as I write this on Monday, about 8pm, it has yet to be restored (editors note: Power returned abou 9m).

As we complained all Saturday night and Sunday morning, we decided to run out for some things. Once we started to drive down our street, we noticed how much damage this storm actually caused. There were huge trees that had been torn from the ground, some even falling on houses. There was even a telephone pole that had fallen into someones new SUV. Life is about perspective: No damage had been done to our home or car. As I struggled with an extraordinarily difficult week (and blogged about it) a couple of weeks back, there are folks who'd LOVE to have my problems.

So when a storm enters your life, don't be upset about its arrival because storms are inevitable. Be thankful that your storm wasn't as bad as it could have been.

R.I.P to Tom "Killer" Kowalski. He was a beat writer for the Detroit Lions for over 30 years. To call him a beat writer doesn't do his true justice. He was the fan's direct line to the Lions through print and radio. He will truly be missed.

What's Your Definition of Success?

Labor Day Buzz

"Can you imagine being their age and working here?" Was a question that I'd get from a young coworker every time they'd bring in a new, middle-aged employee. Every time he'd ask that, I'd picture myself as this middle-aged guy starting a new job. Scary! I follow all of these folks on twitter and they share these awesome quotes. Sometimes their own quotes or sometimes famous quotes. I read one this morning, "The purpose of leadership is the create more leaders, not more followers."

What are YOU here for? - Everyone has their own race to run, but I am starting to understand what God has intended for me. I have been put here to help people. In my current role, there are times when I can absolutely help someone out, but my calling stretches far beyond a sales role. Your calling? Who knows.

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it."

There are plenty of ways to contribute to society. I applaud any person that makes it to work everyday and taking care of their responsibilities. That may seem common to you, depending on your perspective. There are people that have NO INTENTIONS to do anything legal. The only occupations that they're familiar with are from the streets. 1 in 8 black men in their twenties is in prison or jail. And 1 in 3 black males born today is expected to go to prison. (According to Martin Richard).

So regardless of how much money I make, if I can't do my part in decreasing those numbers, I am not doing what I feel is necessary for ME to feel satisfied. If I'm building walls around myself and removing myself from the people that need me the most...it's all for naught.

Crazy Week

Baxter's Buzz


It has been a really interesting week for me. I am a professional with a capital P. I come to work every day, work hard, and don't make any waves. I feel like those simple things are appreciated at some jobs, but not all. I have backed myself in a corner because I don't have a degree. I am constantly reminded of that fact. My options will start to increase as I continue to move towards my degree.


Bad Bosses - I am so thankful for all of the people that I've had the pleasure (or displeasure) to work with. Some really good people, some snakes, and some people that believed they knew more than everyone around them. I'm not a loud or boisterous person but I feel like I get my point across. My brother IS loud and boisterous and I've seen his mouth get himself in trouble a bunch.


It's not that he's been wrong 100% of the time, but he never cared about the politics of situations. I'm very, very conscious of those things. I have a good feel for how things are perceived and I am very sensitive to those things. Sometimes I want to go off on people, but that's not my personality AND you get more bees with honey than with vinegar. I have awesome intuition. I see things and understand what people's intentions are, whether good or bad. If you are trying to deceive me, it really burns me up when I cannot remove myself from you and the situation. I don't deal with people in my personal life that I can't trust. What if the person I don't trust happens to be my boss? Not so easy to "not deal" with them, right?


I genuinely care about people, and very rarely have an angle that I'm playing. When I was 20 years old, I was betrayed by my boss. I was straightforward about my plans to move away for school. He then proceeded to cut my hours in half, literally! I was disappointed and I spoke with my dad about it. I said, "I was just trying to be honest." His reply, "You can't be honest when nobody else is being honest."

10 years later and I continue to hope that my father was wrong, but as time moves on, I realize his words ring truer than ever.


I titled this blog "Crazy Week" but my professionalism will not allow me to go into detail :-)

What I've realized is that most people don't root for your failure. They are just so selfish and worried about their pursuit of tangible items that couldn't care less about how that pursuits effects anyone around them.

Golden Ticket

Baxter's Buzz


Last week I watched Willy Wonka for the first time...well the first time all the way from start to finish. This concept of the "golden ticket" was eye opening to, in a way. I was at work and a coworker of mine was telling me about this "Power Ball" lottery that she was entering. "Come over here let me show you," she excitedly says to me. "If I could just win..."It doesn't matter what your job is or what department you're in, we all fantasize about hitting it rich. We want our situations to be better. We want our options to be plentiful.


My wife had an interview this past week and not only were we excited about her opportunity to work in that particular field, we thought what we could do with the additional funds she'd see each check. We think about getting that big promotion or hitting the lottery and all of our worries disappearing. Oh, if it were that simple.

The new job, whether it be with another company or a promotion with your current company, or maybe you start your own business, are all realistic possibilities. Winning the lottery: Probably not going to happen.


The American Dream is waking up everyday and feeling like you matter. Money is important. It has its place, but feeling like you are making a difference, like you're missed when you are away, like you are making an impact. That's truly the golden ticket.

Me Too!

Baxter's Buzz


My last blog talked about my three year anniversary and how I am currently learning valuable lessons every single day. I work with people that make a lot of money. I understand the term "a lot of money" is relative, but in my book, at this time in my life, it is a lot of money.


When folks tell you to go to school and work hard to be successful, it is immediately thrown out the window when you actually get to a work setting. Some people are working their tails off and others seem to be working hard at not working. You see the politics that are involved and you realize that many lessons have to be learned through experience.


"I'll start coming in on time when everyone else starts to come in on time," was an email that my wife's coworker sent to her boss after the boss, reminded her of the expected start time for the work day. Good for her! We can all live through an email like that. One of the first things people realize when they start a job is how certain rules don't apply to certain employees. The biggest mistake we make is assuming that we, as a newbie can disregard rules. That causes enormous resentment and when you start complaining with the others (who've been there longer and have much more bitterness) who aren't allowed certain privileges, the resentment grows.


The bottom line is: Life is unfair. People who you deem undeserving will be allowed to do things and achieve more success than you. I work with some people that are not the favorites of many at my job. There are employees like that at most, if not every job. So if you change jobs, don't change because of favoritism. Change for a better opportunity not because Jim can show up late and you cannot. And let's remember whose to blame. Jim is just doing what he's been allowed to do, but Jim's boss is the one allowing it.

Continue to work hard (I'm assuming you work hard) and focus on you. You have to run your own race. Make decisions based on what makes sense, for now and in the future and don't get caught up with petty personal stuff. You're better than that. Plus, right or wrong, you just seem bitter.

It's My Anniversary

Baxter's Buzz


I've struggled a TON for the past few weeks at work. Whenever you have a bad month in sales, it has an effect. I really hate the fact that a bad month can ruin my mood. And not just my mood, it happens to the best of us. When you work in most fields, you may have a bad day every once in a while. In sales, you have a bad month or a bad quarter! Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through this stress everyday. I love it and I hate it at the same time.


Saturday, August 6, marked my 3 year anniversary at my job. This has been a great experience. All the good and bad have been valuable learning experiences. I am very appreciative of the opportunity that I was given 3 years ago because I didn't have the ideal "education" for this sales position. Since then, however, I believe that I've proven myself to be more than qualified for this role. As a matter of fact, there have been many salespeople who have come to the company, fitting the "education" profile, but couldn't sell their way through a wet paper bag. It really annoyed and angered me at one time because I felt like management didn't have a good idea of what made a successful account executive in our industry. But it's not management's fault, per se. Education is suppose to separate the winners from the losers (for lack of a better phrase). That should make interview process easy, right?


Education is very important, however, it has to be a mix of worldly education and experience. It cannot be what someone has learned strictly in a book at school. It is much tougher to recognize if someone "has it" if you do not have "it" yourself. Also, there are many intangibles that are associated with successful people, but education and work experience is more tangible, and therefore, easily recognized because it's sitting on a piece of paper.


How do you separate yourself from all of the other people with same experience/education as you? As an employer, what will I see in your resume that will make an impression on me? The answer is nothing. You need to meet people and shake their hand. Ask them real questions to get to know them. Not some crap you've been asking people from some corporate script. Interact with candidates and go into these meetings/interviews with clear mind, omitting any preconceived notions. As employees, we need to network. We need to introduce our uniqueness so that people will recognize it in the next person. We need to share our stories so that we become real people and not some piece of paper with a cheesy cover letter attached.


I wrote sometime back about me applying for a management position at my company. I applied, but wasn't given the opportunity. Will that stop me from applying again? Only if I feel like the leadership cannot see past those pieces of paper. If their mind is already made up before I sit down, what's the use?


I'm actually silly enough to believe that I should be offered the opportunity to become a manager because I am the opposite of what we typically see. I have graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. I will continue to study there, and I am hopeful that in my leadership positions, I'll be able to pass along much needed advice to my employees as well as my peers. We shall see.


I just want to take time out to pass along prayers and well wishes to a friend of mine who lost her daughter recently. Please do your best to have a positive impact on people. Leave them with something they can learn from or at least, smile about as they reflect.

The Park

Buzz of the Day
This past Saturday I went to the park where I grew, to play some basketball. It had been years since I was there to play and it brought back all types of memories. I basically spent half of my life there. I was always at the park, playing basketball. I learned a lot about life. I learned about the hierarchies of my neighborhood and where I fit in the food chain. The park also helped me deal with immediate pressure. Trash talking, a small audience, game on the line. The great thing about the park was: there was always a next day. You always had the opportunity to redeem yourself. Whether it was the next shot, next game, or the next day, I knew that I'd have another crack at winning or continue my winning ways from the previous day. Much of my quiet intensity and ability to forget a negative experience (but learn from it) came from the park. For that, I'm forever grateful.


Random Buzz
I understand that you have to do a little butt kissing in the corporate world. Most of the time it is not enough to just do your job. Although I understand that, I don't do a good job of "playing the game." The people that I talk to, I genuinely like. Let me get my chap stick ready!

I had a conference call this evening with some of my closest friends. My brother Deon is doing another tour in the armed forces. We decided to get on the phone and just do what we do: Talk trash and reminisce. We had some good times and I pray to God that our times together only get better.

We are having a housewarming this month. I'm excited about opening my home to my friends and family. This has given my wife and my mother-in-law something to plan for this summer. My wife loves to entertain. It should be a good time. The issue is: Who should I invite. There are certain people that you just gotta invite. Then those others folks who never show, but they'd be offended if you didn't invite them. That is very much, not my department, but somehow I am expected to make these important decisions that may dictate who we get invites and/or holiday cards from. Whatever

Halftime

Buzz of the Week


Home - As we get ready to return to work, I realized we just finished the second quarter of the year. So I'm taking a few moments to review the proverbial tapes of the first half, attempting to have a stronger finish to the year. I am over 100% of my quota so far this year, and still, I feel I have much to improve on. My wife and I have been in our home since January and houses are ALWAYS a work in progress. No baby on the way...yet and I am starting to feel the pressure my wife has been feeling for a while now. I remember when I was young, being deathly afraid of having a child too young, prior to marriage. Then you get married and the clock starts ticking. And as more of your friends start having kids, the faster the clock ticks.


You know those movies where a team is trying to defuse a bomb? Then they pull the wrong wire and the clock starts to move faster? That's my life. I understand that God has a plan, He doesn't let us in on it and its tough.

Work - August marks my 3 year anniversary at my job and change has been the only constant during my tenure. I started this job thinking this was it! This is where I'd make my mark. I had two job offers in the area and after weighing the options, I chose New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. I am proud of the company I work for, and the training that we provide. I'm not sure how long I'll be there. There has been so much movement, I'm not sure if they'll deem my time is up there before I'm ready for my next challenge.

I have the respect of my colleagues (I believe so anyway), but in our sales business model, hard work doesn't always pay off. Because there are companies that have more of a history with us and have bigger budgets, the sales that are made in that realm don't always tell the whole story.

But how else do you judge a salesperson if not by sales?

I believe at least part of management understands that, but I don't expect any of them to say it aloud. I do believe that I will really make my mark with this org, although history may disagree.

To sum up this all up: I'm in pretty good shape. I beat myself up almost every day about what I could be doing better. That will probably never change. I need to push harder while taking time to appreciate that hard work. At halftime I'd say I'm winning. Only by a narrow margin though. I guess I have plenty of work to do...

Thanks again to those who visit my site. One day the page will be cooler looking, but I'm not sure if the writing will ever improve :-)

Is This the One?

Buzz of the Day

We've all been single and on the dating scene. At least somewhat. As you get older you need to figure out if this person has potential to be "the one" or not, so you can stop wasting your time if they don't have that potential. Some of us feel like we can make a not so great situation work. And we waste time trying to turn someone into something they're not, and don't want to be. At the same time we're trying to convince ourselves that this is what we want to do. But most of the time, that's not the case. Granted, there's always some work that needs to be done but the question is: How much work is too much?

Why Do We Stay - Many of us stay for comfort. We stay for the safeness of routine, even if that routine ain't the best. This same example can be said for the job that we work at. Some positions are stepping stones (i.e., a summer fling) and some can be a true career move (i.e., wifey material). Evaluate your situation and make that determination. Not when you've had a tough day at work or a fight with your partner. Assess your situation with a clear mind and then act accordingly once you know what's truly in front of you. You owe it to you and your pursuit of happiness.

I appreciate the new readers. If you guys keep reading, I'll keep writing. Thanks for the love.

Random Thoughts and Notes

Baxter's Buzz

Hello All. I'll be posting at least 3 times this week so please check back in through the holiday weekend. Also, feel free to read some of the archive posts. I wanted to share some random thoughts with you to get your week started off right.

Ex Girlfriend - How do you handle dealing with ex girlfriends/boyfriends? These are people that were a significant part of your life at one time and then...nothing. How does your current significant other feel about those types of things? Personally, I don't deal with hardly anyone I used to date. I may see someone of facebook or something but that's about it. Granted, I didn't do much, ahem, dating. I guess it depends on what your definition of dating is.

Who's the Boss - Work has been pretty strange for a couple of reasons, the main reason being our new manager. He's just different. Not better or worse, necessarily, just different. I was talking to a friend of mine about their boss and how much of a jerk he is. My advice to him and to anyone else dealing with difficult boss: Let them push you up (promotion or being the best) but not out unless you're ready. I guess that is advice for anyone who's working with a difficult boss or a great boss.

Sports Buzz - The NBA draft was this past Thursday. I feel pretty good about the moves that the Pistons made. Now its about the new coaching search and trades. And the probable lockout that is approaching because these players and owners can't decide how to divide their extremely large pie. Speaking of lockouts, sources say the NFL players and owners will come to an agreement soon. Hopefully, the Lions have a chance this season. It would be a shame to lose time when we're becoming a respectable franchise.

Tweet of the week - "You can find inspiration anywhere because God is everywhere."
ReTweet of the week - "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Rev Run

Money vs. Manny

SHUT UP AND LISTEN
by Deon Carson

Listen to me: YOU HAVE BEEN HOODWINKED, bamboozled, led astray, run amuck. Bob Arum (owner of Top Rank Boxing, and promoter of Manny Pacquiao) has fooled you. I know that a lot of you love Mr. Manny Pacquiao and a lot of you hate Mr. Floyd Mayweather Jr, but let's discuss the facts.

People say that Floyd carefully selects his fights and that Manny will fight anyone. If this is the case then how come until his upcoming fight with Juan Manuel Marquez Manny has fought guys whose records are a combined 0-6-1 in their last major fights (not counting a tune-up fight a guy may have taken) 3 (Hatton, Cotto, Margarito) were coming off of getting knocked out. On the other hand Floyds' last opponents including his upcoming with Victor Ortiz have all been coming off of KO victories and in some cases career defining wins i.e. Shane knocking out Margarito or Ortiz beating an undefeated Andre Berto. His last 6 opponents are 6-0 coming into the fight with one (Ricky Hatton) undefeated 44-0 at the time.

Now let's look at who really wants the fight between Manny and Floyd. As soon as rumors began to surface that Floyd was going to come out of retirement in 2009 to possibly fight Manny, Bob Arum immediately stated during an interview "The question with a Mayweather fight is at what weight? That's the big question. At 140, I don't think there's any problem making that fight," said Arum. (Bob Arum interview 2009 w/Doghouse boxing). Now Arum having promoted Floyd when he moved up from 140lbs knew damn well Floyd could not drop to that weight. Allow me to continue with Manny's trainer Freddie Roach he stated "At the right weight? No problem. At 147? Forget it," Roach said. "Manny doesn't need it. Manny's best weight is 140."(Freddie Roach interview with philstar.com). Now here are two guys that have the power to make the fight asking for something they know cannot happen now does that sound like someone that wants to fight.

Not to mention they already fought De la hoya at 147. Oh you need more convincing, well allow me to educate you a little more on the issue. October 7th 2009 in an interview with www.Boxingscene.com when asked about a Floyd vs. Manny fight after Floyd shuts Juan Manuel Marquez out. Bob stated "the fight that should be made is Mosley vs. Floyd but Floyd won't take that fight". They say they want to fight but after Floyd shuts out the guy who some think won beat Manny Bob Arum wants Floyd to fight a different fighter.

November 2008 Top Rank sends a contract for Floyd to fight Manny. This contract has several stipulations including one that Floyd pays $1 million per pound that he comes in over 147lbs, Top Rank would also chose the gloves, and the ring size, this was a ploy hoping that Floyd would not sign the contract buuuuuuut. Dec 1 2009 (Kevin Iole of yahoo sports) breaks the news that Mayweather has AGREED to all terms set forth by Pacquiao and has signed the contract to face him 13 March 2009. Freddie Roach states in an interview with www.fighthype.com that "March 13 is too fast." "I'd like to have more time". (Note Manny ended up fighting Joshua Clottey on that date and Roach had no issue with it.) Now Manny, Roach, and Arum would have you to believe that it's Floyd that is holding the fight up but Manny has never signed the contract.
Dec 22, 2009 it comes out that Floyd asked that both he and Manny submit to "random Olympic style drug testing". Dec 23rd 2009 Top Rank releases a statement "Team Pacquiao is only willing to do 3 non-random drug tests" (www.fighthype.com). They demand a 30 day cutoff for testing. Dec 28, 2009 a video surfaces of Manny taking a blood test less than 30 before the Ricky Hatton fight in which he won by 2nd round KO. Jan 7th 2010 Mayweather reveals a 14 day cut off was offered but Manny refused.

You can flip it anyway you want to but the FACT is Manny never signed the contract and Floyd did, Manny turned down a 50 million dollar fight and took an 8 million dollar fight instead just to avoid a drug test. It is also a FACT that Cotto, Margarito, Clottey, and Shane (only for 1 fight) were all under the same promoter as Manny. None of those fighters could move and counter punch they were all stationary fighters who would be there for Manny to hit. The last counter puncher that Manny fought was Juan Manuel Marques in 2008. Who got off the canvas 3 times in the first round and ended up fighting a Manny to a controversial draw.

I swear so called sports fans are like lemurs just following the masses straight off of a cliff. When the facts are right in front of your face to see you still allow outside influences to form your opinion for you.

Forget and Forget?

Baxter's Buzz of the Week

I always joke around about how I have ADD because I am so easily distracted. A few months ago I was watching a segment on 60 minutes and they were talking to these folks who've never forgotten anything in their life! They could pick a particular date in a particular month (Like February 22 in 1997) and remember exactly what happened. Amazing! It must be pretty hard to let go of things too. For example, does your heart ever heal from a breakup? Not sure.

I get so frustrated sometimes because I have so much on my mind and I'll lose my train of thought from time to time. When I think about my wife, it seems like she remembers everything. No, not just the things I do wrong (haha), but she just remembers pretty much everything that someone has said or done to her. Sometimes she gets so focused on the past, it begins to make her upset. She is such a sweetie, that she's also very naive.

I read the paper and see these critics talking about the people they cover on a daily basis. How would I react if I were a politician or an athlete that just got torn apart by a person from the media on t.v. or on some talk show? Would I grant this person an interview the next time they requested? What about a friend or family member who said some things about you that hurt? Should you pick up the phone the next time they call?

People always claim to want to know the truth, but can we really handle it? I believe that wounds can heal, but you truly have to forgive. You need to almost forget, but not totally forget. You should store it in a folder on a flash drive. We shouldn't save it to the desktop, getting fired up every other day because of something that reminds you of the moment is mentioned.

My wife had a falling out with one of her best friends about 3 years ago and they haven't spoken since. They've shared a few facebook messages (3 to be exact). Something like, "I saw this in an old folder and you're the only one who'd appreciate it." These messages were initiated by my wife's friend. Although my wife misses her like crazy, she keeps replaying this falling out in her head and can't bring herself to reach out. Well this past week, my wife's friend reached out again, basically saying that she's been through so much over the past years, she can't even remember why they stopped speaking. She was reaching out this time to let my wife know she missed her and wanted to talk.

Last week, my post talked about communication. I think this problem could have been resolved much sooner if they'd continue to talk. I guess the bottom line is they are taking steps to repair their relationship.

Because of my ahem, lack of concentration at times, coupled with the fact I don't care about certain things, I very rarely remember exactly what someone said to did to me. I always remember how I felt, but if I choose to continue dealing with this person, I try to remove any animosity. Now if I feel the situation is irreconcilable, I'll cut them off and not think twice about. And with my mind in so many places, something will soon take this person's place.

The trick is knowing what's worth working on and what needs to be dismissed. My answer: It's a case by case thing, no equation to plug in to simplify things.