Buzz of the Day
When I moved away, I didn't get much support from my family. Financial or otherwise. I had saved up money so even when I was in Kalamazoo with no job, I was okay...for a while.
I don't recall the exact moment. Probably because it was probably more of a series of events that led to me hitting rock bottom. It was when I realized that nobody would come to extend a hand if I fell flat on my face. That was a terrible time. But it was also very liberating! Once you hit rock bottom, there's no way to go but up. You understand that either you'll pull yourself off the ground or you'll just stay there. That moment should be experienced by everyone. It was the beginning of my real independence.
I was talking to a guy last week who said he never treat his kids like his parents treated him. They didn't treat him bad. It was actually the opposite. He feels like they never let him fail. When he screwed up, they'd tell him it was ok and they'd give him money. He is very much an adult now and they still pay for many of his expenses. He is a successful professional, but he still receives an allowance! He has a false sense of what the real world actual entails. He doesn't blame his parents, he just wishes that things were not always handed to him. I think it's safe to say that he has never hit rock bottom. Will he be able to overcome this or will he eventually land flat on his face without a clue of how to pull himself up? I don't know. I think that all depends on the person. I don't know about everyone else, but it did wonders for me.
I plan to have the resources to spoil my children very much when they arrive. But I also plan on letting them figure things out on their own for the experience. I'd like them to learn how it feels to hit rock bottom and hopefully they become even more appreciative of the things they have.
I'm sure it is difficult to let your children fail, especially if you can prevent it. But those "real life" experiences, in my opinion, is one of the best gifts that we can give.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I Do?
Buzz of the Day
Why do men get married? Is it the same reasons that women get married? And no, I'm not having regrets about my marriage. Thank you very much.
I was just looking at some pics on facebook of a guy I know and he looks so happy. The only thing is, I know the truth.
When my wife and I went to pre-marriage counseling, the reverend said that many people get married for other things besides love. That was very interesting. I got married because I love my wife and I plan on spending the rest of my life with her. Period.
A guy I know who's contemplating marriage has been asking me questions about being married. Questions like how many events do you have to attend on a monthly basis that your wife drags you to. I'm sorry to say, but those are things are minute. There will definitely be bigger issues than that. If that is all you have to worry about, you have a life many people would love to have.
Why do men get married? Is it the same reasons that women get married? And no, I'm not having regrets about my marriage. Thank you very much.
I was just looking at some pics on facebook of a guy I know and he looks so happy. The only thing is, I know the truth.
When my wife and I went to pre-marriage counseling, the reverend said that many people get married for other things besides love. That was very interesting. I got married because I love my wife and I plan on spending the rest of my life with her. Period.
A guy I know who's contemplating marriage has been asking me questions about being married. Questions like how many events do you have to attend on a monthly basis that your wife drags you to. I'm sorry to say, but those are things are minute. There will definitely be bigger issues than that. If that is all you have to worry about, you have a life many people would love to have.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Training Camp
Buzz of the Day
July 31 marks the beginning of another Detroit Lions training camp. What does that mean? Well, it depends on who you ask. I believe in learning from your mistakes, making adjustments, and doing your best to avoid prior mistakes while not being afraid to make new ones.
Sometimes we get so passive because we don't want to make mistakes. I am definitely guilty of this. I am going to work on that. I'm going to work on really studying history, current events, and my profession. In my field, there is no training camp. You adjust on the fly, from your first day to your last. The easier that you can adjust, the more successful you'll be.
So as I root for the Lions this year (yeah, I'm still a fan), I am hopeful that changes to the players and coaches bring about a new result. So as I root for the Lions and their improvement, I will be busting my butt, doing my best to improve on a daily basis.
July 31 marks the beginning of another Detroit Lions training camp. What does that mean? Well, it depends on who you ask. I believe in learning from your mistakes, making adjustments, and doing your best to avoid prior mistakes while not being afraid to make new ones.
Sometimes we get so passive because we don't want to make mistakes. I am definitely guilty of this. I am going to work on that. I'm going to work on really studying history, current events, and my profession. In my field, there is no training camp. You adjust on the fly, from your first day to your last. The easier that you can adjust, the more successful you'll be.
So as I root for the Lions this year (yeah, I'm still a fan), I am hopeful that changes to the players and coaches bring about a new result. So as I root for the Lions and their improvement, I will be busting my butt, doing my best to improve on a daily basis.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Slightly Distracted
Buzz of the Day
I've been extremely distracted for the past couple of weeks. My wife had an opportunity with one of the employment agencies to get a full-time position. The benefits were better than mine (I'll leave it at that) and the salary would have allowed us to have more freedom financially. Well, the long and short of it is this: She didn't get it. I was disappointed more for my wife than "our" situation. She is an extremely hard worker, very smart, and loyal to a fault. She went and graduated in 4 years (just like they tell you to), and hasn't gotten many breaks while pursuing full-time employment. Sometimes you feel like you can't get a break. My wife hasn't gotten one and my heart hurts because this job was another opportunity that slipped through her fingers.
I was so nervous during her interview process that it was hard for me to concentrate on my job! So naturally she's been down since and so have I. It has taken me weeks to pull myself together. I've interviewed for jobs, only to come up just short and it sucks! The biggest thing is I'm tired of telling her things are going to be fine. I know they will, but she needs someone to just listen right now. I like to solve problems, so with my hands tied, it really bothers me. So I'll let her vent and...you know what? It does stink that she's tried to do things the right way her entire life...God has a plan and very rarely (if at all) does our plan coincide with His. Especially the timeliness of things.
For all of you who are facing obstacles from everywhere...stay strong. I believe if you stay in the game long enough, good fortune will come your way. As I think about "bad luck" that my wife and I have had, I can't help but be grateful for all of the wonderful blessings that God has given us.
I've been extremely distracted for the past couple of weeks. My wife had an opportunity with one of the employment agencies to get a full-time position. The benefits were better than mine (I'll leave it at that) and the salary would have allowed us to have more freedom financially. Well, the long and short of it is this: She didn't get it. I was disappointed more for my wife than "our" situation. She is an extremely hard worker, very smart, and loyal to a fault. She went and graduated in 4 years (just like they tell you to), and hasn't gotten many breaks while pursuing full-time employment. Sometimes you feel like you can't get a break. My wife hasn't gotten one and my heart hurts because this job was another opportunity that slipped through her fingers.
I was so nervous during her interview process that it was hard for me to concentrate on my job! So naturally she's been down since and so have I. It has taken me weeks to pull myself together. I've interviewed for jobs, only to come up just short and it sucks! The biggest thing is I'm tired of telling her things are going to be fine. I know they will, but she needs someone to just listen right now. I like to solve problems, so with my hands tied, it really bothers me. So I'll let her vent and...you know what? It does stink that she's tried to do things the right way her entire life...God has a plan and very rarely (if at all) does our plan coincide with His. Especially the timeliness of things.
For all of you who are facing obstacles from everywhere...stay strong. I believe if you stay in the game long enough, good fortune will come your way. As I think about "bad luck" that my wife and I have had, I can't help but be grateful for all of the wonderful blessings that God has given us.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Buzz Kill
Buzz of the Day
Things are not fair. They never have been. They never will be. Should there be an attempt to level the playing field somewhat? If you say yes, who should do that?
Those people who have the power and influence don't see a problem with things the way they are. My co-worker said, "Get a job and have your employer pay for your insurance." I replied, "What if you can't get a job?" To which he replied, "Too bad." Wow. That will be the last conversation that we have regarding things of that nature. It is crystal clear to me that he's not budging in his stance.
I don't know what the right way is to handle things. But my co-workers that I've been talking to are soooo against free education and universal health care. My question is, "So what do we do then?" And they give me that look like, "Nothing."
God forbid their fortunes ever change, but I wonder what their opinion would be if the shoe was on the other foot.
Things are not fair. They never have been. They never will be. Should there be an attempt to level the playing field somewhat? If you say yes, who should do that?
Those people who have the power and influence don't see a problem with things the way they are. My co-worker said, "Get a job and have your employer pay for your insurance." I replied, "What if you can't get a job?" To which he replied, "Too bad." Wow. That will be the last conversation that we have regarding things of that nature. It is crystal clear to me that he's not budging in his stance.
I don't know what the right way is to handle things. But my co-workers that I've been talking to are soooo against free education and universal health care. My question is, "So what do we do then?" And they give me that look like, "Nothing."
God forbid their fortunes ever change, but I wonder what their opinion would be if the shoe was on the other foot.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Has There Been Any Blacks In Space?
Buzz of the Day
Well, hello there. I feel awful that it's been almost a week since my last post. I have some good stuff today though. Hopefully this will make up for it:
The last time I posted, I talked about some race relations type of conversation I had with my co-worker. Well since that day, I've had about 3 more conversations with 2 of my co-workers. I don't care to get into what our conversation entailed. Not because I'm so upset or offended. Because I think we've all heard it before....Well, let me just give you the premise:
I tried to explain how history cannot be ignored and it plays a bigger part than people want to believe currently. The two white guys (co-workers) that I was talking to said that black people should just not worry about the past. What's done is done. I realized that I was wasting my breath. Coming from their perspective, growing up like they have, they can't wrap their brain around certain things.
I also realized that it is important to know the past. It is important to know how this country was built and the groundwork that was laid for us to get to this point.
I am not one to make excuses because I'm black. "Well, the man is holding me back." Never. I also won't defend those that make excuses. I will do my best to explain circumstances that you may not be familiar with. Paint a picture for you.
As I write this, I can't get my words together. How do you attempt to explain something that started 400 years ago? The civil rights movement? How they had dogs attack us, beat us with clubs, and then arrested us...because we wanted to vote. Because we wanted to be treated like human beings. How do you explain slavery? How do explain things that you were not alive for? Things that you should know more about yourself?
I believe there are psychological scars that we still carry (some are more visible than others) to this day. Although black people will not get a free pass from me if they are lazy, unmotivated, and/or breaking the law. We, as black people need to take more responsibility of our youth. We must set better examples for them to look up to. We must remind those who came after us the struggles that we've face and continue to face. That will make them understand their responsibility as a black person (because it took a lot for us to get here), realize that the built-in excuses are lame, and hopefully work hard to dispel stereotypes and become productive members of society. We owe it to our ancestors to not take our freedom for granted and pass along excellence and high expectations to those who come after us.
One more thing: Although history plays a part is today's times, that story is getting old. We need to fully take advantage of our opportunities and continue to show that we are more than athletes and entertainers. Those black lawyers and doctors and engineers need to show the kids that those professions are possible as well. They need (shoot, I need it too) to see successful people that look like them. They need to have greater expectations placed on them. And after that, they need support.
What do you think?
Well, hello there. I feel awful that it's been almost a week since my last post. I have some good stuff today though. Hopefully this will make up for it:
The last time I posted, I talked about some race relations type of conversation I had with my co-worker. Well since that day, I've had about 3 more conversations with 2 of my co-workers. I don't care to get into what our conversation entailed. Not because I'm so upset or offended. Because I think we've all heard it before....Well, let me just give you the premise:
I tried to explain how history cannot be ignored and it plays a bigger part than people want to believe currently. The two white guys (co-workers) that I was talking to said that black people should just not worry about the past. What's done is done. I realized that I was wasting my breath. Coming from their perspective, growing up like they have, they can't wrap their brain around certain things.
I also realized that it is important to know the past. It is important to know how this country was built and the groundwork that was laid for us to get to this point.
I am not one to make excuses because I'm black. "Well, the man is holding me back." Never. I also won't defend those that make excuses. I will do my best to explain circumstances that you may not be familiar with. Paint a picture for you.
As I write this, I can't get my words together. How do you attempt to explain something that started 400 years ago? The civil rights movement? How they had dogs attack us, beat us with clubs, and then arrested us...because we wanted to vote. Because we wanted to be treated like human beings. How do you explain slavery? How do explain things that you were not alive for? Things that you should know more about yourself?
I believe there are psychological scars that we still carry (some are more visible than others) to this day. Although black people will not get a free pass from me if they are lazy, unmotivated, and/or breaking the law. We, as black people need to take more responsibility of our youth. We must set better examples for them to look up to. We must remind those who came after us the struggles that we've face and continue to face. That will make them understand their responsibility as a black person (because it took a lot for us to get here), realize that the built-in excuses are lame, and hopefully work hard to dispel stereotypes and become productive members of society. We owe it to our ancestors to not take our freedom for granted and pass along excellence and high expectations to those who come after us.
One more thing: Although history plays a part is today's times, that story is getting old. We need to fully take advantage of our opportunities and continue to show that we are more than athletes and entertainers. Those black lawyers and doctors and engineers need to show the kids that those professions are possible as well. They need (shoot, I need it too) to see successful people that look like them. They need to have greater expectations placed on them. And after that, they need support.
What do you think?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Joy and Pain
Ridiculousness of the Day
Let me just start by saying...Whew! Today was a day I thought I'd never survive. It started early this morning when I didn't want to get out the bed. Once I was up, I grabbed my phone and called my bank to make sure my check had posted. Uhhh, no! As my phone started to ring, I was redirected to Sprint's payment center. My phone had been turned off! Are you kidding me? So once I realized what was going on and called the bank, my check hadn't posted! This is all before 630am! I was not a happy camper. Oh and by the way...I had to void about 1/3 of what I've sold this month. Not a happy camper. So I decided that I'd just stay at my desk all day and just hit the phones like crazy.
There was nothing I could do to change what was happening, so I just tried to make up the money I lost by...selling more. I saw hurdles and decided to just run them over. I didn't get the results I wanted today, but I know I'm moving in the right direction.
I also had a very interesting conversation with a co-worker today in regards to racism in America. He's a white dude...very interesting. LOL...I will be posting earlier tomorrow to share that with you. I want to put this out immediately and hopefully you'll comment and give us some insight.
Let me just start by saying...Whew! Today was a day I thought I'd never survive. It started early this morning when I didn't want to get out the bed. Once I was up, I grabbed my phone and called my bank to make sure my check had posted. Uhhh, no! As my phone started to ring, I was redirected to Sprint's payment center. My phone had been turned off! Are you kidding me? So once I realized what was going on and called the bank, my check hadn't posted! This is all before 630am! I was not a happy camper. Oh and by the way...I had to void about 1/3 of what I've sold this month. Not a happy camper. So I decided that I'd just stay at my desk all day and just hit the phones like crazy.
There was nothing I could do to change what was happening, so I just tried to make up the money I lost by...selling more. I saw hurdles and decided to just run them over. I didn't get the results I wanted today, but I know I'm moving in the right direction.
I also had a very interesting conversation with a co-worker today in regards to racism in America. He's a white dude...very interesting. LOL...I will be posting earlier tomorrow to share that with you. I want to put this out immediately and hopefully you'll comment and give us some insight.
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