Buzz of the Day
Yesterday, I talked about us citizens who've voted these people into office. Our voices together, along with organization can do great things. But it takes so much effort. Effort that we feel can be used doing "other things." Well, those other things become surfing the net, watching television, and sitting on our behinds.
We all have some influence. But we'd have much more if we coordinated and worked together. These words that you're reading ain't ground breaking at all. But sometimes we need to be reminded of those simple things.
There is a new girl at my job. We spoke briefly yesterday. Just small-talk about the radio. I told her that we hear the same songs all day long. She said, "Well, what have you guys done? Have you written a letter or sent an email?" I said, "Actually, we've sent a couple of emails." That seemed to satisfy her because she replied, "Well, good. I hate when people complain about something, but they don't do anything to change it." And that comment seemed to satisfy me!
There are so many "back-seat drivers" and "Monday morning quarterbacks". Criticize from afar, but they don't have the guts to change. Or even make steps toward change.
It all starts with an idea. Then a plan has to be developed. Then action. Rinse, and repeat as often as needed.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fair Weather Fans?
Buzz of the Day
Happy holidays...again. I'm going through some sort of holiday hangover so I apologize for not posting consistently. I'll be back everyday...I promise.
As you may or may not know, Detroit Lions fans are buzzing about the new quarterback, Matt Stafford. One of the radio guys spoke yesterday about he didn't like the selection of Stafford, but he'll be rooting for him because Detroit needs a winning football team. I thought he made a great point. But it got me to thinking: Are Republicans rooting for Obama to fail so they can say, "I told you so." I think the answer is yes for many of them.
If they most qualified candidate in my opinion happens to be a Republican, I'll vote for him/her. If the person that I vote for doesn't win the election, I will be behind that person and this country regardless because: WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM!
I don't think people think of it that way. We are all affected by what happens, not just the Democrats or just the Republicans. We should question things that we don't think is right, but we should keep an open mind. We put these "public servants" in office, but at times, we forget. And many times, these government officials, all the way to the local level forget it was us who put them where they are. Power to the People! Speak up. Ask questions. We are in this together and are main goal shouldn't be to wish failure on our government, regardless of who has the majority vote in Congress.
Happy holidays...again. I'm going through some sort of holiday hangover so I apologize for not posting consistently. I'll be back everyday...I promise.
As you may or may not know, Detroit Lions fans are buzzing about the new quarterback, Matt Stafford. One of the radio guys spoke yesterday about he didn't like the selection of Stafford, but he'll be rooting for him because Detroit needs a winning football team. I thought he made a great point. But it got me to thinking: Are Republicans rooting for Obama to fail so they can say, "I told you so." I think the answer is yes for many of them.
If they most qualified candidate in my opinion happens to be a Republican, I'll vote for him/her. If the person that I vote for doesn't win the election, I will be behind that person and this country regardless because: WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM!
I don't think people think of it that way. We are all affected by what happens, not just the Democrats or just the Republicans. We should question things that we don't think is right, but we should keep an open mind. We put these "public servants" in office, but at times, we forget. And many times, these government officials, all the way to the local level forget it was us who put them where they are. Power to the People! Speak up. Ask questions. We are in this together and are main goal shouldn't be to wish failure on our government, regardless of who has the majority vote in Congress.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Outside Influence
Buzz of the Day
Happy holidays to all. I've been thinking about this topic for a while, but I didn't know how to put it into words: Are there people who are directly/indirectly affecting your life, but they have no idea? Normally it's one of friend's boyfriend/girlfriend. They put this person through so much drama, that it affects your relationship with your friend. Well, I have one that is slightly different. My mother-in-law is dating someone and I have to hear about every time he does something, because my mother-in-law tells my wife.
He seems like a decent guy. I've met him several times. But now, I don't really like the guy! He's made some critical comments about me to my mother-in-law. Nothing too bad. I figure, he's an old guy, and that's what old people do. They question things, so it never bothered me. But when he says things or does things that upset my wife's mom, then I have a problem. Because my wife hears about it, and then I have to hear about it.
I saw him a few weeks ago and I tried to be polite, And I was. But I think he felt some of the resentment that I have for him. This guy has no idea of the crap I have to hear about because of him. And more importantly, my wife's mom is s wonderful person and I don't like when she's not being taken care of.
How do you treat someone when you know things about them that you shouldn't? We all are far from perfect, so you can't hold that against them. But once you know something, how can you act like you don't? I don't know if there really is a right answer.
I understand that I'm flawed. Trust me. I beat myself up all the time. I guess the bottom line is this: I will do my best to treat everyone with respect, because I make mistakes every day. As long as they show respect to me and my loved ones, that's all one can ask for. You don't know what people do behind closed doors, and if you do know... it's okay. As long as they're not abusing people, killing, or committing some other crime, I'm going do my best to be cool.
We shouldn't be upset about who others are dating, it's they're choice. If they are okay with it, so be it. I have my own home to worry about.
Happy holidays to all. I've been thinking about this topic for a while, but I didn't know how to put it into words: Are there people who are directly/indirectly affecting your life, but they have no idea? Normally it's one of friend's boyfriend/girlfriend. They put this person through so much drama, that it affects your relationship with your friend. Well, I have one that is slightly different. My mother-in-law is dating someone and I have to hear about every time he does something, because my mother-in-law tells my wife.
He seems like a decent guy. I've met him several times. But now, I don't really like the guy! He's made some critical comments about me to my mother-in-law. Nothing too bad. I figure, he's an old guy, and that's what old people do. They question things, so it never bothered me. But when he says things or does things that upset my wife's mom, then I have a problem. Because my wife hears about it, and then I have to hear about it.
I saw him a few weeks ago and I tried to be polite, And I was. But I think he felt some of the resentment that I have for him. This guy has no idea of the crap I have to hear about because of him. And more importantly, my wife's mom is s wonderful person and I don't like when she's not being taken care of.
How do you treat someone when you know things about them that you shouldn't? We all are far from perfect, so you can't hold that against them. But once you know something, how can you act like you don't? I don't know if there really is a right answer.
I understand that I'm flawed. Trust me. I beat myself up all the time. I guess the bottom line is this: I will do my best to treat everyone with respect, because I make mistakes every day. As long as they show respect to me and my loved ones, that's all one can ask for. You don't know what people do behind closed doors, and if you do know... it's okay. As long as they're not abusing people, killing, or committing some other crime, I'm going do my best to be cool.
We shouldn't be upset about who others are dating, it's they're choice. If they are okay with it, so be it. I have my own home to worry about.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Take Care of your Business
Buzz of the Day
Recently, I talked about having balance. Having other things going on so you don't feel so bogged down by that "one thing" in your life. I talked about doing things outside of work to obtain/maintain some balance.
Another thing that is extremely important is knowing your business, and taking care of your business.
These are two different things: Knowing your business at work is vital. You need to have an understanding of what goes on at your place of employment. I'm an account executive. I have a "book of business" that I manage. It is an absolute must that I understand the organizations that I provide training solutions to. How can I recommend a solution if I don't understand their business needs? I also must understand how things work within my own organization. From an operational standpoint, I must know the expectations of everyone.
Understand your business! Don't come in there with tunnel vision, because you will be lost regarding the grand scheme of things. Learn as much as you can. That's how you improve your performance and make yourself more valuable, and maximize your experience.
The second part of that is taking care of your own business. I will work all day, completing/submitting proposal for clients, making phone calls, and attending meetings. But when I get home, I don't feel like blogging or working on other projects not associated with work.
Not cool...We have to set aside time to do things that we need to do for ourselves! When you hear those financial advisers, they talk about "paying yourself first." The same thing applies to ventures outside of work. Dedicate time to yourself as if you were working for yourself. It sounds simple enough huh? However, we neglect ourselves and break our back for our employer.
I wrote a few lines in 2002 that explain it very well:
Promises are the hardest when they're made to ourselves,
But we break our back for the man cuz we gotta pay the bills.
The moral of the story is this: Stay on top of your game. Know what you're doing at work so you can understand the big picture, not just your picture. Take time for yourself and if you have projects away from work, give them the same effort as you would if it was for work.
Recently, I talked about having balance. Having other things going on so you don't feel so bogged down by that "one thing" in your life. I talked about doing things outside of work to obtain/maintain some balance.
Another thing that is extremely important is knowing your business, and taking care of your business.
These are two different things: Knowing your business at work is vital. You need to have an understanding of what goes on at your place of employment. I'm an account executive. I have a "book of business" that I manage. It is an absolute must that I understand the organizations that I provide training solutions to. How can I recommend a solution if I don't understand their business needs? I also must understand how things work within my own organization. From an operational standpoint, I must know the expectations of everyone.
Understand your business! Don't come in there with tunnel vision, because you will be lost regarding the grand scheme of things. Learn as much as you can. That's how you improve your performance and make yourself more valuable, and maximize your experience.
The second part of that is taking care of your own business. I will work all day, completing/submitting proposal for clients, making phone calls, and attending meetings. But when I get home, I don't feel like blogging or working on other projects not associated with work.
Not cool...We have to set aside time to do things that we need to do for ourselves! When you hear those financial advisers, they talk about "paying yourself first." The same thing applies to ventures outside of work. Dedicate time to yourself as if you were working for yourself. It sounds simple enough huh? However, we neglect ourselves and break our back for our employer.
I wrote a few lines in 2002 that explain it very well:
Promises are the hardest when they're made to ourselves,
But we break our back for the man cuz we gotta pay the bills.
The moral of the story is this: Stay on top of your game. Know what you're doing at work so you can understand the big picture, not just your picture. Take time for yourself and if you have projects away from work, give them the same effort as you would if it was for work.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Do You Ever Wish?
Ridiculousness of the Day
Man, this is a great story: The Associated Press that a 61 year old man, annoyed with a crying baby in Wal-Mart slapped the 2 year old 4 times! He told the mother of the child who was crying, "Shut that baby up, or I'll shut her up myself." After he hit the baby at least 4 times, he said, "See I told you I'd shut her up."
How many times have you wanted to do the same thing? I always think the parent should be hit because he/she is allowing this. But you don't go around hitting some one's baby! That old man needs to get a whooping after that though. Funny. Very funny but wrong. : 0
Man, this is a great story: The Associated Press that a 61 year old man, annoyed with a crying baby in Wal-Mart slapped the 2 year old 4 times! He told the mother of the child who was crying, "Shut that baby up, or I'll shut her up myself." After he hit the baby at least 4 times, he said, "See I told you I'd shut her up."
How many times have you wanted to do the same thing? I always think the parent should be hit because he/she is allowing this. But you don't go around hitting some one's baby! That old man needs to get a whooping after that though. Funny. Very funny but wrong. : 0
10-year Reunion
Buzz of the Day
Man o Man... I'm having a problem. I had second thoughts about sharing this post. I didn't want anyone to read it and be persuaded. But this is what I'm buzzing about:
I have been looking forward to my reunion. I think it will be good to see people, network, and all that good stuff. But when I realized that it would be $50 per person or $100 per couple, I really was forced to evaluate how high of a priority it is.
The good thing is I can afford the $100 for my wife and I. I just know many other things that could go towards. With the sacrifices that we've made with cable and all that stuff, it seems a little foolish. I've gone back and forth with the decision. One of my good friends is on the planning committee and he believes there are those looking forward to seeing me. I'm sure there are a few, because there are a few people that I'd like to see (actually many more than a few). I just don't think it would be life or death for anyone. As a matter of fact, I know it wouldn't be.
We've made many sacrifices in the Hall household! I don't have cable for the first time in my life, just to name one that people can identify with.
What does this $100 dollars include? 2 diners and and 4 drinks for 2 people...In my opinion, not enough to warrant $50 per person. Especially these days. Part of me feels guilty for considering skipping this thing. There are just things that we'd like to add to our apartment that seem more important to me.
I think about going to this thing, and talking to the people that I already talk to frequently. I think about trying to see so many people and chat, that I end up neglecting my beautiful wife, and essentially paying $100 for my wife to be mad at me.
I also think about seeing wonderful friends that I haven't kept in touch with. Networking and redeveloping friendships that were lost 10 years ago. I think about the memories of this particular night and the memories that we'll share from high school. I think about finding my next business partner! All great things. But how much is that worth? What do you think?
Man o Man... I'm having a problem. I had second thoughts about sharing this post. I didn't want anyone to read it and be persuaded. But this is what I'm buzzing about:
I have been looking forward to my reunion. I think it will be good to see people, network, and all that good stuff. But when I realized that it would be $50 per person or $100 per couple, I really was forced to evaluate how high of a priority it is.
The good thing is I can afford the $100 for my wife and I. I just know many other things that could go towards. With the sacrifices that we've made with cable and all that stuff, it seems a little foolish. I've gone back and forth with the decision. One of my good friends is on the planning committee and he believes there are those looking forward to seeing me. I'm sure there are a few, because there are a few people that I'd like to see (actually many more than a few). I just don't think it would be life or death for anyone. As a matter of fact, I know it wouldn't be.
We've made many sacrifices in the Hall household! I don't have cable for the first time in my life, just to name one that people can identify with.
What does this $100 dollars include? 2 diners and and 4 drinks for 2 people...In my opinion, not enough to warrant $50 per person. Especially these days. Part of me feels guilty for considering skipping this thing. There are just things that we'd like to add to our apartment that seem more important to me.
I think about going to this thing, and talking to the people that I already talk to frequently. I think about trying to see so many people and chat, that I end up neglecting my beautiful wife, and essentially paying $100 for my wife to be mad at me.
I also think about seeing wonderful friends that I haven't kept in touch with. Networking and redeveloping friendships that were lost 10 years ago. I think about the memories of this particular night and the memories that we'll share from high school. I think about finding my next business partner! All great things. But how much is that worth? What do you think?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What is Friendship Worth?
Buzz of the Day
What sort of thing can end a friendship? Money? Women? What about accusations?
We have basically one neighbor in our apartment building. Just so happens that my wife and our neighbor went to the same high school. She seems like a nice girl. Her and my wife didn't remember each other from school, but they had mutual friends.
They started to become close that she asked my wife to check in on her kitten while she went out of town. My wife went into our neighbor's apartment to feed the kitten and when she had packages (she always has something coming from online shopping) my wife would put them in the kitchen.
Everything went well the first time, but the second time she asked my wife to check on "Annabelle," there was a certain package that never came. UPS told our neighbor that the package was left at the apartment...So she asked my wife about it. My wife didn't see a package, and was pretty offended by the question.
Can you blame our neighbor for asking? I don't think so. Can you blame my wife for being offended? Nope....So where do we go from here?
Well, a pretty uncomfortable meeting anytime they meet in the hallway. It's obvious things are not the same, but how does one repair this relationship? It takes one person to apologize. One person to say, "Hey we should talk." But if the relationship didn't get a chance to really grow, so now, it's nothing. There wasn't enough history. The foundation wasn't strong enough. No more invites to the bar. No more visits to see how things are. And definitely no more checking on Annabelle.
Are you being the stubborn one in broken friendship? Are you able to repair things with a call, but too proud to do so? We've been here for just over a year, so the bond between my wife and our neighbor hadn't been created.
But we treat family and good friends that way sometimes, and those bonds are from 10's of years.
I guess the question is: What's it worth to you?
BTW, my wife didn't steal her package. And no I don't know what ever happened...LOL
What sort of thing can end a friendship? Money? Women? What about accusations?
We have basically one neighbor in our apartment building. Just so happens that my wife and our neighbor went to the same high school. She seems like a nice girl. Her and my wife didn't remember each other from school, but they had mutual friends.
They started to become close that she asked my wife to check in on her kitten while she went out of town. My wife went into our neighbor's apartment to feed the kitten and when she had packages (she always has something coming from online shopping) my wife would put them in the kitchen.
Everything went well the first time, but the second time she asked my wife to check on "Annabelle," there was a certain package that never came. UPS told our neighbor that the package was left at the apartment...So she asked my wife about it. My wife didn't see a package, and was pretty offended by the question.
Can you blame our neighbor for asking? I don't think so. Can you blame my wife for being offended? Nope....So where do we go from here?
Well, a pretty uncomfortable meeting anytime they meet in the hallway. It's obvious things are not the same, but how does one repair this relationship? It takes one person to apologize. One person to say, "Hey we should talk." But if the relationship didn't get a chance to really grow, so now, it's nothing. There wasn't enough history. The foundation wasn't strong enough. No more invites to the bar. No more visits to see how things are. And definitely no more checking on Annabelle.
Are you being the stubborn one in broken friendship? Are you able to repair things with a call, but too proud to do so? We've been here for just over a year, so the bond between my wife and our neighbor hadn't been created.
But we treat family and good friends that way sometimes, and those bonds are from 10's of years.
I guess the question is: What's it worth to you?
BTW, my wife didn't steal her package. And no I don't know what ever happened...LOL
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