Work Friends

Baxter's Buzz

This past week has been awesome. It was my wife's birthday on Monday and I believe (fingers crossed) that she was happy with the way things turned out. We did a few things leading up to her actual day, and I'm proud of the way I handled things. I never feel like I've done enough for her; if it's a birthday or we're celebrating anything. I put a limit on the amount we could spend for Christmas this past year. I did it so we wouldn't spend too much and pay for it, but especially because I didn't want to be the cause of us going broke. I think most of us work so hard to make our partners happy that it can be exhausting at times. Then you throw children in that mix and 90% of your time is dedicated to making other people happy, with remaining 10% split between sleep and American Idol.

Later in the week my nonprofit was able to get away our first scholarship. It was an awesome feeling to see a light bulb turn on upstairs and then years later seeing your vision coming to fruition. My group, although small, is fantastic. We have a core group that is consistent in attending meetings and providing some great ideas with equal follow-through. We have some folks that have come and gone, but that is to be expected. Life happens and it isn't always easy to stick to your commitments. When the pressure comes, people have been known to leave mates, jobs, and even children behind. When you think of it that way, nobody feels much guilt in leaving commitments like softball leagues and a book clubs.

I am so noncommittal because I hate giving my word and then not following through. So when I give my word, you can count on it. If I have no intentions of attending an event I'll just say that. People aren't always thrilled, but I believe most of them respect the honesty. There are some who'd rather you lie to them about attending, because that is the way they handle things. They're the type to make plans and then not answer the phone on the day the plans are suppose to occur. 

The turnout for the event was great and the recipient of our first annual scholarship was extremely gracious, as was her family. The people that I work with were more supportive than my friends or family. These folks must like me because I've only been there for a little over 7 months and many of the people I talk to daily were as excited as anyone because they knew how important it was for me. I was used to coworkers only talking to you during the hours the office was open. Don't get caught in the middle of a story when 5 o'clock hits or you'd have to finish up the next day. I made a great decision by joining this company and I'm hopeful that I'll have some good friends when I leave.

I plan to blog a couple times this week to share some other things that have been on my mind. As always, I appreciate you guys reading. And as long as you keep reading, I'll keep blogging.

God Bless,
Baxter E.

Your Computer May Be at Risk

It appears to be always something. You take two steps forward and then one step back. Life is tricky like that. The news is scary, cancer can be caused by almost everything it seems. I read last week that exercise may be bad for you! Are you kidding me?? What is one to do? You're encouraged to do shopping online because there are deals there that you can't get in the stores. Then, they tell you how bad internet security is and it's not a matter of if, but when your identity will be stolen. Sheesh. I work everyday at a job where most of the people, even the higher ups are respectful. There is one rude s.o.b., but I don't have to see much of them so not a big deal. So even though my job is great, there are other opportunities to make more money, work closer to home, or some other opportunity/risk. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Money will NOT run my life. I understand its importance, but I won't become a slave to it. Will I listen to offers? For sure. I won't however, insert myself into a situation that I know will be awful for the sake of making a few extra dollars.

Week in Review
The Old College Try - There was a story of a man eating his roommate's heart and brains after killing him. I've had some roommates that have gotten on my last nerve, and although I may have thought of hurting them, never considered killing them and eating their organs. Seriously, was it the dirty dishes or the loud John Mayer music?

Riding Dirty - Nick Fairley, the knuckle head player for the Detroit Lions was arrested again this summer. This time for driving 100 miles per hour while being intoxicated. This is why it is difficult to be a fan these days. These guys make so much money that it is hard for us regular folks to understand whey they behave so stupidly. I don't go out of my way to watch sports like I used to, although I still watch my fair share. These guys are out there living their dreams so I need to take time for myself to pursue my own.


Ernie - The wife and I went to see "Ernie" downtown Detroit at the City Theatre on Saturday. Hockeytown Cafe was very average regarding their food, but the show was fantastic. It was about Ernie Harwell, the voice of the Detroit Tigers and his story. Learning about his story and how humble he was. That is someone that I can get behind, not these idiot athletes who contribute to the negative stereotypes. The show nearly brought me to tears. A God-fearing man who never felt like he deserved the spotlight for doing something he felt privileged to do.