Baxter's Buzz
Fact: I am getting old. I struggle between watching ESPN and MSNBC in the morning. On the weekends, I'm watching 60 Minutes instead of NBA basketball. I still enjoy my sports, don't get me wrong, but I struggle with the decision, and many times choose to take a walk with my wife instead of sitting on the couch.
This is just part of my evolution. There are so many hours in a day and so much to be done. Studying, planning, and quality time with your loved ones. I am now adding even more to my plate that I'll share at a later time. My idle time is dwindling, but I'm more excited about where my time is going than ever before.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
6 Things Thursday
Baxter's Buzz
These are six of the random thoughts that have filled my brain this week. Enjoy
1. I logged into my Gmail account this week and Google asked for my phone number. You know, just in case I forgot my password. Pretty sure they know everything about me.
2. I'm celebrating my birthday very early this year. I always approach April 16th like New Years. I have great feeling about what the next 12 months will bring.
3. Just because you're realty, really good at your job doesn't mean you can manager others. Two separate skillsets. You want to reward these overachievers but if they are not built for that type of job, it is going to be tough. Very few can truly learn to lead without having the trait to begin with.
4. I'm working really hard on growing a beard. I always give up too soon but this time is going to be different.
5. Sometimes I'm very naïve about how racist and mean spirited people are in this world. When I saw some of the tweets directed toward Spike Lee, I cringed. I asked myself who'd even be friends with someone that posted such hateful words. I mean who would hire these people?
6. Will Trayvon Martin's death be in vain? Will we ever be able to have the conversation of race/racism on a national level? There are so many levels to pull away once the convo starts that people would rather leave the entire subject alone. It really is a shame.
These are six of the random thoughts that have filled my brain this week. Enjoy
1. I logged into my Gmail account this week and Google asked for my phone number. You know, just in case I forgot my password. Pretty sure they know everything about me.
2. I'm celebrating my birthday very early this year. I always approach April 16th like New Years. I have great feeling about what the next 12 months will bring.
3. Just because you're realty, really good at your job doesn't mean you can manager others. Two separate skillsets. You want to reward these overachievers but if they are not built for that type of job, it is going to be tough. Very few can truly learn to lead without having the trait to begin with.
4. I'm working really hard on growing a beard. I always give up too soon but this time is going to be different.
5. Sometimes I'm very naïve about how racist and mean spirited people are in this world. When I saw some of the tweets directed toward Spike Lee, I cringed. I asked myself who'd even be friends with someone that posted such hateful words. I mean who would hire these people?
6. Will Trayvon Martin's death be in vain? Will we ever be able to have the conversation of race/racism on a national level? There are so many levels to pull away once the convo starts that people would rather leave the entire subject alone. It really is a shame.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Spring Buzz Part 2
Baxter's Buzz
I continue to reflect on my life, on a daily basis as of late, and I believe I'm slowly turning the corner. My complacency gets the best of me at times and simultaneously, I'm hating myself for not cranking it up a notch.
I wore my Underdog t-shirt to work last week and I started to seriously think if I considered myself a "favorite" or an underdog. That is a very interesting question. Quite honestly, I'm not sure of my conclusion. I believe that because of my circumstances at birth, I was considered by many, an underdog. Black male, born out of wedlock, mother dying before I completed third grade. I was screwed, right? But through God's grace and some caring people being placed in my life, I defied the odds. I am now a productive member of society, with a mortgage, and no breaks in work since the age of 19. At 30 years old, I've managed to do pretty well for myself.
Now I'll be 31 in April with no college degree(yet). I'm a black male who's options are limited because I have put myself in not the greatest of positions. I am smart, thoughtful, and hard working, but I don't have any papers backing up how great of an asset I can be so I am overlooked for roles that I know I'd kick ass in.
I said ALL OF THAT to say this: I am an underdog that's been living like a favorite. I have the skills of a champ and the credentials of a chump. When my effort is in line with my know-how, I have been able to achieve some pretty cool things.
But many times my effort reflects someone who is expecting a handout. And although I've never been given a handout, I get pissed when some great opportunity doesn't just fall into my lap. I have to remind myself that regardless of what I believe I deserve, I have to go out and earn it.
God has blessed me with so much, it would be a shame to not squeeze every ounce of potential out and hopefully inspire others of what can be done, even if you're the only one expecting great things from you.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Spring Buzz Part 1
Baxter's Buzz
I want to apologize to my three followers for being absent from my blog. Sorry I left you. Haha. I'm not sure where to begin. I've written about 25 drafts that haven't made it to this site. I'm not sure why.
Job Stuff - My new job is better than I could imagine. I left my last job and after being there a while and somewhat successful, it had been time to move on. I knew it was time to go, but I wouldn't leave without finding an opportunity I felt 100% comfortable with. This new job has been a real blessing. My comfort level is top notch so far and I couldn't be happier.
Because we have some younger salespeople, its interesting to see them start their sales career. I remember thinking I wanted to be in sales forever. The company has done a great job hiring and it shows. There are some really cool and interesting folks there. As always, I want to out perform everyone, but I wish them all the best too.
I see the politicking that goes on at all jobs and all ages, but I just want to come to work, bust my butt, crack a few jokes and go home. I am hopeful that my numbers/work ethic will speak enough for me.
Home Life - Speaking of home, there is no baby to report of. Just me and Wifey...and my homework. As I continue to take these classes, I'm reminded of why I have a love/hate relationship with school. I love to learn. I love the interaction with the people in class. I hate the cost and the classes that I have no interest in taking, but are part of my program. Oh well, I'll continue to catch you up tomorrow.
I want to apologize to my three followers for being absent from my blog. Sorry I left you. Haha. I'm not sure where to begin. I've written about 25 drafts that haven't made it to this site. I'm not sure why.
Job Stuff - My new job is better than I could imagine. I left my last job and after being there a while and somewhat successful, it had been time to move on. I knew it was time to go, but I wouldn't leave without finding an opportunity I felt 100% comfortable with. This new job has been a real blessing. My comfort level is top notch so far and I couldn't be happier.
Because we have some younger salespeople, its interesting to see them start their sales career. I remember thinking I wanted to be in sales forever. The company has done a great job hiring and it shows. There are some really cool and interesting folks there. As always, I want to out perform everyone, but I wish them all the best too.
I see the politicking that goes on at all jobs and all ages, but I just want to come to work, bust my butt, crack a few jokes and go home. I am hopeful that my numbers/work ethic will speak enough for me.
Home Life - Speaking of home, there is no baby to report of. Just me and Wifey...and my homework. As I continue to take these classes, I'm reminded of why I have a love/hate relationship with school. I love to learn. I love the interaction with the people in class. I hate the cost and the classes that I have no interest in taking, but are part of my program. Oh well, I'll continue to catch you up tomorrow.
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