Sunday, June 14, 2009

At least I can watch the Lakers..

Buzz of the Day

We finally received our coupons for the converter box. It's a $40 coupons and the box was on sale for $49.99...you also need an antenna. Prior to getting the box, we couldn't even watch regular tv because we didn't have rabbit ears. I feel like I've done more since I've haven't had the option of television. Maybe you should try it.

My wife had been interested in the W. movie since it went to theaters. Well last weekend we started to watch it...not exactly what she thought. She sealed the Netflix up and it's on the way back to the warehouse. We didn't even finish watching it! Oh well.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

It's Been Too Long

Buzz of the Day

I talked about my cousin before. He was a really big influence in my life when I was younger. He's in prison now, and has been for the past 15+ years. Every now and then, I'll have a dream that feels super real. I always assume those are the days that he's dreaming about me too.

I've written him several letters, but I haven't mailed a single one off since I've moved back home. I have no idea why, but I'm upset with myself. My plan is to write him once a week from now on.

He gave me so much confidence back in the day. He brought me out of my shell and made me tougher. He was the big brother that I never had, and I hate that he's away...there's no excuse why

I haven't sent him a letter. I have wedding pictures that he needs to see too.

Every now and then I think about where I've come from and the people who have been a part of my life; small or large. I sometimes feel that I have to do well in life because others don't have the opportunity. They're either in jail, dead, or mentally so gone that they can't wrap their heads around the idea of certain things.

If people respect your opinion, you should give them responsible information. The things that you say to someone may stay in their brains forever. And if you know better, do better. The truth is like the sun; you can turn your back to it; put shades on; but it is still there. If you know better, do better. You owe it to those who may not be as aware of their actions.

I mentioned that my cousin was a big influence. He still is an influence. I have to make sure that I reach out and solicit those jewels of wisdom. And then pass those jewels on for those that respect what I say.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The C Word

Buzz of the Day

Many years ago, when I was a senior in high school, I had a conversation that I'll always remember. It was a friend and basketball teammate of mine. We were in the media center during a study-hour prior to basketball practice.

He really had an interesting perspective on his future...and mine. He is a white guy (is that significant? Depends on who you ask), who was extremely charismatic and an all around good guy. He told me that he'd always have a job because of his family. He wasn't too much worried about the future. He also told me that I would always land on my feet because of my personality. My charisma would ensure my success, or so he thought. I understand what he meant, however I don't know if I agree.

Every now and then I'll think about that and wonder...What do you think?

Monday, June 8, 2009

Adapt or Die

Buzz of the Day

If you've ever watched the series "24" (my favorite by the way) you've probably seen different people sneaking and talking...away from their desk having private 2 person meetings. You don't know who to believe sometimes. Well we have some of that behavior at my job. People are whispering and the look on their faces and the vibe that I feel is...let's just say not a good one.

Things are changing at my job and maybe a 'newbie' like me doesn't mind as much as a person who's been there when things didn't change so much. I don't know... I told a coworker of mine last week that I'm still new and I don't have many complaints. And maybe when I've accomplished more, I'll have more to say. I don't feel a right to complain about certain things because: That's really not my thing anyway. If I have issues, I talk to people who can help me solve them. Trust me, if I feel it's important enough I'll say what's on my mind. There's so much negativity from a worldly standpoint, I believe complaining focuses your energy on the wrong thing.

I expect other things to change...not sure what. I'm also not sure how people will react to the changes. Personally, I don't care. And no matter how long I'm at my job, that will never change. I have too many worries myself to be worried about yours. Don't get me wrong, there's more than one way to skin a cat. My way is not the only way or the best way necessarily. If you complain and threaten to get things done, more power to you. I'm not judging, just given you my humble viewpoint. And this is Baxter's buzz, not your buzz...

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Fred G. Sanford...the G stands for...

Buzz of the Day

I'm just enjoying a wonderful Saturday, watching Sanford and Son DVDs. Since we got rid of our cable, we've subscribed to Netflix. 5 bucks a month I can handle. We have the movie "W." to watch tonight or tomorrow.

We were at a birthday party yesterday for a good friend of ours. They've been in my life more than most of family so I consider them my family. (When I say they I mean my dear friend and his wife. They've been an item since we were 15 yrs old. So there it is. I've been knowing him since 3rd grade and her since 7th grade.

I've been so excited because I love challenges. And with my wife and I trying to find a way to save some money we've: Changed our cell phone plan; turned our cable off; and we're looking for another apartment. I'm excited because I know we'll be better off because our sacrifices. I love having a plan. I love doing difficult stuff because I know it will pay off. I want my wife to really let her struggles sink in and then destroy them with perseverence!I try to worry about solutions to my problems and not get so caught up with the problems themselves. Struggle is so important in our development. I'm not crazy about it but I understand it's necessary sometimes.

I told you before that I was looking for a new apartment because my current place didn't want to talk to me about any incentives for staying...well that has changed. For those of you who know me personally, know that I'm very persistent. Let's just say that I was able to get in front of the right person. LOL... So I'm staying in my current community. We are going to downsize our place and save a decent amount of money per month.

I understand how important goals are. My wife and I have some individual and some collaborative goals. We started this month and I'm looking forward to see if we're up for the challenge! I think it is important to achieve goals that you set for yourself. From a mental standpoint, to pick a goal and achieve it...It's very empowering.

One of my goals is to spend more time with you guys here. I'm going to the YMCA to work out 3 days a week, and I'm taking my a** back to school also. You know I'll keep you in the loop!

**I appreciate your support. For those that check in to see what I'm up to and what's on my mind, I'm very flattered. I'm really enjoying this. I hope you are as well.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Unhappy Campers

I think people know that the economy is not booming and things are tough. Especially tough for those of us who depend on people spending money to make our money. I love my job. There's no "but" in there. I am on board with the vision and technology isn't going anywhere.

Small sales Pitch: We provide companies (and individuals) with opportunities to become more efficient in these ever changing times. Project Managers; IT Professionals; Human Resource Managers; and everyone in between have benefited from training provided by New Horizons... my point is (outside of the shameless plug) I feel good about what I do. I'm not selling a crappy product or service. It's a good feeling and personally, I could never sell something that I didn't believe in. I know there are many people who couldn't care less about that.

Money rules the world and most people view it as a scale of respectability: The more you have, the more respected you are, and the less you have, the less respected you are.

My father told me many years ago that, "You can put a suit on a pig, but it's still a pig." It doesn't what your title is, how much money you have. You are who you are when nobody's looking. The way you treat other people, will always go a long way with how I perceive you.

I Am Very Happy to be Here!

Buzz of the Day

Hello and Happy Friday to you all! I'm excited to finally be back! I've been reading other people's blogs and commenting on some and haven't submitted an entry to my own! There has been so much going on! Between drama at work and drama in the world. I've almost had too much on my mind and thought I might burst if I didn't put something on my blog today. I don't really have time to really dig into things right now. (I try to work really hard on Fridays so the day move by faster). But I will say that desperation brings out the worst in people sometimes.

Later today, I'll be blogging about: My wife's birthday; changes at work; and the fact that everyone has a friggin' secret and probably more than one. I'm going to share one of mine.