Buzz of the Week
Love, Always - There are plenty of people in the world who are in love today. There are also people who are currently heartbroken, trying to do something to get their mind off of their ex boyfriend/girlfriend. The definition of Love is one of those things that is open to interpretation, but when someone feels they're in love, it is pretty matter of fact.
Many times we invest so much in our relationships that we lose ourselves in them. We lose our identity and feel incomplete without our significant other. I've experienced some of the most beautiful, wonderful people, become a replica of themselves, minus the confidence and self esteem. It happens to the best of us too. I remember my dad telling me, "Boy you ain't had your heart broken before." I didn't have plans for that , but as sure as the sky is blue, heart break happened to me too.
We have all these tangible things that are needed to validate us. But true happiness comes from within and not from some engagement ring or trophy wife.
It's hard being alone. Sometimes we put up with not so great relationships to avoid loneliness... Not the best move. We need to view ourselves as fortune 500 companies. When we "merge" with another company, it has to be a good fit. If it's not, okay, we are still doing great without the merger. But the most important thing is to experience happiness (or profitability for the sake of my metaphor) prior to any merger so that you understand YOUR worth. If it ain't a win win, take your business elsewhere.
Sorry about the one week delay...But I will be posting multiple times this week.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Please, Keep Me In The Loop
Baxter's Buzz
Did you get the memo? - How aware are you of things that are going on? What is your focus on? Is it Lindsay Lohan? Is it the Detroit Lions? What about the events going on in Washington D.C.? Or maybe it's your child's dance recital? The new gossip at work?
I think about all of the things that happen every day, and there's a lot going on. From sports, politics, entertainment, to family gossip/news. How in the loop are you? There are days were news of the Detroit Lions excite me to no end. There are days where all I do is watch the world news, observing how things play out politically. Some days, I'll get a call, catching me up on family matters that I had no idea about. How does one keep up?
There are so many things that I feel I need to be aware of, and I consider them all educational. Whether it's the race for governor, or American history and how it relates to current times, both of these things are worthy of a portion of your attention. We should always be learning something.
As I get older, I understand the importance of education. Not just a high school or college degree, but a true understanding of history and current events.
Post 911 Effect - I had a couple of meetings at one of other locations last week, and we share this building with many different business. As I was walking to the elevator, I saw a dude who looked a little suspicious. As we walked past one another, I thought about how helpless we are in situations like that.
Ridiculousness of the Week
Take this job and shove it - Steven Slater, a flight attendant for 28 years became somewhat of a national hero this past week when he quit his job. He didn't write a letter of resignation. He got on the intercom and cursed everyone out! "To the f-ing a-hole that told me to f-off, it's been a good 28 years!" He proceeded to grab two beers and jump down the emergency exit shoot. For anyone that has experienced difficult times at a job, hopefully Steven Slater made you smile a little.
Sports Buzz
Keep your eye on the ball - This guy has been labeled, "The Worst Boyfriend Ever" when he moved out the way as a foul ball hit his girlfriend. There are reports that she has broken up with him. Good for her!
Random Buzz
RIP to Nelson House, founder of the Woodward Dream Cruise. House died this past Thursday of colon cancer, on the heels of the 16th annual Dream Cruise on August 21.
I was in the checkout line this weekend and saw a magazine called Diabetic Living. I think it's awesome that there are resources for folks who have certain diet restrictions. Hell, we all could take a page out of Diabetic Living. Maybe it would add some years on our life.
Did you get the memo? - How aware are you of things that are going on? What is your focus on? Is it Lindsay Lohan? Is it the Detroit Lions? What about the events going on in Washington D.C.? Or maybe it's your child's dance recital? The new gossip at work?
I think about all of the things that happen every day, and there's a lot going on. From sports, politics, entertainment, to family gossip/news. How in the loop are you? There are days were news of the Detroit Lions excite me to no end. There are days where all I do is watch the world news, observing how things play out politically. Some days, I'll get a call, catching me up on family matters that I had no idea about. How does one keep up?
There are so many things that I feel I need to be aware of, and I consider them all educational. Whether it's the race for governor, or American history and how it relates to current times, both of these things are worthy of a portion of your attention. We should always be learning something.
As I get older, I understand the importance of education. Not just a high school or college degree, but a true understanding of history and current events.
Post 911 Effect - I had a couple of meetings at one of other locations last week, and we share this building with many different business. As I was walking to the elevator, I saw a dude who looked a little suspicious. As we walked past one another, I thought about how helpless we are in situations like that.
Ridiculousness of the Week
Take this job and shove it - Steven Slater, a flight attendant for 28 years became somewhat of a national hero this past week when he quit his job. He didn't write a letter of resignation. He got on the intercom and cursed everyone out! "To the f-ing a-hole that told me to f-off, it's been a good 28 years!" He proceeded to grab two beers and jump down the emergency exit shoot. For anyone that has experienced difficult times at a job, hopefully Steven Slater made you smile a little.
Sports Buzz
Keep your eye on the ball - This guy has been labeled, "The Worst Boyfriend Ever" when he moved out the way as a foul ball hit his girlfriend. There are reports that she has broken up with him. Good for her!
Random Buzz
RIP to Nelson House, founder of the Woodward Dream Cruise. House died this past Thursday of colon cancer, on the heels of the 16th annual Dream Cruise on August 21.
I was in the checkout line this weekend and saw a magazine called Diabetic Living. I think it's awesome that there are resources for folks who have certain diet restrictions. Hell, we all could take a page out of Diabetic Living. Maybe it would add some years on our life.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Buzz of the Week
Baxter's Buzz
Hello everyone. I'm back buzzing this week with a variety of topics. Enjoy!
Having Fun Yet? - I was watching one of the channels (Maybe CNN?) and found out that President Obama would be a guest on "The View". There have been folks saying that "The View" is beneath the president. I believe that you reach the people, wherever they are. I watched the interview and he said something very interesting. He talked about making tough decisions and how the things that the media talk about, many times isn't what he is dealing with.
Perception is reality and sometimes we have to appear mad to communicate to the masses that we're mad. As a Detroiter, and a Tigers fan, we've been waiting for the manager, Jim Leyland to lose his cool with his team...in front of the media. What's more important to you: Genuinely caring and working hard, or appearing to genuinely care and appearing to work hard?
When I first started at my current employer, there was a guy who worked there for several years. A real class act, good guy. After less than a year, Dan was leaving the company. We all went out for drinks, and before we parted ways, he gave me some advice: Don't feel bad about letting people know of your good deeds at work. In other words, toot your own horn every now and again. That is not my style, but sometimes when you are humble, you get overlooked...okay, most of the time when you're humble, you get overlooked. So when Obama doesn't get on television and pound his fist, or Leyland doesn't throw a tirade after a tough loss, they're criticized for not caring when that is light years from the truth!
I thinks it is a shame when we have to be WWE entertainers to get our point across. I tell myself all the time that I need to be more vocal, but there's only so much of that I can do. Earlier, I said that you reach the people, wherever they are. Does that mean put on a show to communicate that you're working. I'm not so sure that's what I meant. Good question though. It's actually something that I struggle with because I understand how perception works, and I've gone unnoticed many times because I have not gone out of my way to pat myself on the back.
Sports Buzz
Three's Company? - There is a lot of buzz that Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, will attempt to purchase the Detroit Pistons! That would be awesome in my opinion. Potentially moving the Pistons downtown, to share an arena with the Red Wings makes perfect sense. I went to Cleveland this summer with my wife and one of the things that I couldn't shake from my brain was: Why can't Detroit's downtown be this nice? The Pistons won't save downtown, but it would be a wonderful step in the right direction.
Ridiculousness of the week
5,4,3 - Has anyone seen those Quiznos commercials with the cats in those funky costumes?? I can't lie, I'm a notorious clicker, but when I see an ad that catches my eye, I watch. I haven't been able to turn those off....yet.
Once again, I appreciate the two folks that read and support this blog. There will be some changes coming soon, and I'll be sure to keep you two in loop.
Hello everyone. I'm back buzzing this week with a variety of topics. Enjoy!
Having Fun Yet? - I was watching one of the channels (Maybe CNN?) and found out that President Obama would be a guest on "The View". There have been folks saying that "The View" is beneath the president. I believe that you reach the people, wherever they are. I watched the interview and he said something very interesting. He talked about making tough decisions and how the things that the media talk about, many times isn't what he is dealing with.
Perception is reality and sometimes we have to appear mad to communicate to the masses that we're mad. As a Detroiter, and a Tigers fan, we've been waiting for the manager, Jim Leyland to lose his cool with his team...in front of the media. What's more important to you: Genuinely caring and working hard, or appearing to genuinely care and appearing to work hard?
When I first started at my current employer, there was a guy who worked there for several years. A real class act, good guy. After less than a year, Dan was leaving the company. We all went out for drinks, and before we parted ways, he gave me some advice: Don't feel bad about letting people know of your good deeds at work. In other words, toot your own horn every now and again. That is not my style, but sometimes when you are humble, you get overlooked...okay, most of the time when you're humble, you get overlooked. So when Obama doesn't get on television and pound his fist, or Leyland doesn't throw a tirade after a tough loss, they're criticized for not caring when that is light years from the truth!
I thinks it is a shame when we have to be WWE entertainers to get our point across. I tell myself all the time that I need to be more vocal, but there's only so much of that I can do. Earlier, I said that you reach the people, wherever they are. Does that mean put on a show to communicate that you're working. I'm not so sure that's what I meant. Good question though. It's actually something that I struggle with because I understand how perception works, and I've gone unnoticed many times because I have not gone out of my way to pat myself on the back.
Sports Buzz
Three's Company? - There is a lot of buzz that Mike Ilitch, owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, will attempt to purchase the Detroit Pistons! That would be awesome in my opinion. Potentially moving the Pistons downtown, to share an arena with the Red Wings makes perfect sense. I went to Cleveland this summer with my wife and one of the things that I couldn't shake from my brain was: Why can't Detroit's downtown be this nice? The Pistons won't save downtown, but it would be a wonderful step in the right direction.
Ridiculousness of the week
5,4,3 - Has anyone seen those Quiznos commercials with the cats in those funky costumes?? I can't lie, I'm a notorious clicker, but when I see an ad that catches my eye, I watch. I haven't been able to turn those off....yet.
Once again, I appreciate the two folks that read and support this blog. There will be some changes coming soon, and I'll be sure to keep you two in loop.
Monday, August 2, 2010
How Are Those Resolutions Going? (Part 1)
Baxter's Buzz
How are your New Year Resolutions going? Oh, wait, did you forget about them? It seems so long ago huh? Well, what now?
I struggle with enjoying myself now, while preparing for the future. Sometimes I'll see someone doing what I dreamed about years ago. What stopped me? The further away the goal is, the more things that could potentially distract you. If you were just heading around the corner, odds are you'd get there without a hitch. But if you were heading across country, there are plenty of obstacles that could deter you. As I get older, I don't too much worry about the 'coulda, shoulda, wouldas' unless I can still change them. I don't worry about the spilled milk, but I worry like hell about spilling it.
I used to think that I was afraid of nothing. Once I realized what I really was afraid of, I told few people. Well, for all two of my two readers; I'm going to let you in on a secret. I'm afraid of failure. I'm also afraid of success. I've been afraid of failure for many years, but my fear of success is an on-again, off-again thing. its not the success, its the consistency that is needed to maintain the type of success I want. So I have chosen to live my 29 years better than most, but not to my full potential, afraid that I won't be able to sustain that level.
How are your New Year Resolutions going? Oh, wait, did you forget about them? It seems so long ago huh? Well, what now?
I struggle with enjoying myself now, while preparing for the future. Sometimes I'll see someone doing what I dreamed about years ago. What stopped me? The further away the goal is, the more things that could potentially distract you. If you were just heading around the corner, odds are you'd get there without a hitch. But if you were heading across country, there are plenty of obstacles that could deter you. As I get older, I don't too much worry about the 'coulda, shoulda, wouldas' unless I can still change them. I don't worry about the spilled milk, but I worry like hell about spilling it.
I used to think that I was afraid of nothing. Once I realized what I really was afraid of, I told few people. Well, for all two of my two readers; I'm going to let you in on a secret. I'm afraid of failure. I'm also afraid of success. I've been afraid of failure for many years, but my fear of success is an on-again, off-again thing. its not the success, its the consistency that is needed to maintain the type of success I want. So I have chosen to live my 29 years better than most, but not to my full potential, afraid that I won't be able to sustain that level.
Monday, July 26, 2010
If You Love What You Do...
Buzz of the Week
I was at the mall last week, trying to resolve an issue with my wife's wedding ring. Outside of having to fork over money, the overall experience was...refreshing. The manager of the store was a younger guy. My wife thought he appeared nervous, while I got the impression of an extremely calculated and thoughtful sales person. I did not pick up on any deceit, although I am naturally skeptical. He explained everything too us and told my wife and I that he'd do everything in his power limit our out-of-pocket expenses.
On to the good part. Mark, the manager asked if we wanted to view some larger diamonds. I agreed solely because my wife was upset about the ordeal, and I knew she'd enjoy it. This is when Mark's passion for his job started to shine through. He played the level headed manager role in the beginning, but when he was able to sell, he was lethal! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, while omitting the slickness of a typical sales guy. I had been very dry towards Mark, but even I became increasingly excited as he described the clarity, style, and origin of particular diamonds. I'll tell you what, if I had money, I would have seriously considered buying something.
35 minutes later I had to pull my wife away so we could head home. On our way out, we decided to stop by Yankee Candle. There, we were greeted by the assistant manager. She talked about candles, of all things, with so much passion, I was just as impressed with her as I was with Mark. I will probably never buy a candle if it isn't a Yankee Candle.
I think about the ho hum folks I come across in every profession. I think its an absolute shame that people in the customer service business are generally not very customer service oriented. It is always refreshing to see those who genuinely care about their craft and the people they serve.
I think about my new position and how excited I am to help the displaced/unemployed people turned students. I am hopeful that my work is viewed as helpful, passionate, and as sincere as the folks at the mall last Thursday.
I was at the mall last week, trying to resolve an issue with my wife's wedding ring. Outside of having to fork over money, the overall experience was...refreshing. The manager of the store was a younger guy. My wife thought he appeared nervous, while I got the impression of an extremely calculated and thoughtful sales person. I did not pick up on any deceit, although I am naturally skeptical. He explained everything too us and told my wife and I that he'd do everything in his power limit our out-of-pocket expenses.
On to the good part. Mark, the manager asked if we wanted to view some larger diamonds. I agreed solely because my wife was upset about the ordeal, and I knew she'd enjoy it. This is when Mark's passion for his job started to shine through. He played the level headed manager role in the beginning, but when he was able to sell, he was lethal! He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, while omitting the slickness of a typical sales guy. I had been very dry towards Mark, but even I became increasingly excited as he described the clarity, style, and origin of particular diamonds. I'll tell you what, if I had money, I would have seriously considered buying something.
35 minutes later I had to pull my wife away so we could head home. On our way out, we decided to stop by Yankee Candle. There, we were greeted by the assistant manager. She talked about candles, of all things, with so much passion, I was just as impressed with her as I was with Mark. I will probably never buy a candle if it isn't a Yankee Candle.
I think about the ho hum folks I come across in every profession. I think its an absolute shame that people in the customer service business are generally not very customer service oriented. It is always refreshing to see those who genuinely care about their craft and the people they serve.
I think about my new position and how excited I am to help the displaced/unemployed people turned students. I am hopeful that my work is viewed as helpful, passionate, and as sincere as the folks at the mall last Thursday.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Recruit
Buzz of the Week
The Recruit - As I look at all the craziness surrounding LeBron James and where he'll play basketball for the next 5-6 years, I imagine what it would be like to be recruited. I am starting a new job in the coming weeks where I'll be working with folks who are looking to enter/reenter the workforce. I am very thankful for the opportunity and I believe my skill set will serve me very well there. With that being said, I wasn't recruited. Damn sure wasn't recruited like LeBron! Without special circumstances, 99.5% of us will never experience any recruitment similar to that.
You know what though? I want to be heavily recruited at least one time in my life! I know that my odds increase tremendously with a college degree. That is why I am working (again) towards a college degree. Maybe it's an ego thing for me...so what! Because I am "uneducated," I've been turned down many times from jobs I would have been great at.
It's one thing to have a particular skill set and it is another thing to have tangible proof that you possess a skill set. Because of my personality and laid back demeanor, there are those who think I've received everything I ever wanted. That couldn't be further from the truth. I very rarely show that I'm down, if I'm feeling that way, so folks assume that everything is okay with me...all the time. The silver medal has been draped around my neck plenty of times. Imagine someone telling you how great you are, but without a degree, they cannot hire you.
Maybe it will never happen, but I want to be wined and dined one day and offered an opportunity they others would kill for. Then again, there are those who'd kill to be in my current position (I have to keep that in mind). So although I am grateful for my blessings, I'm working hard to be recognized as a talent, worthy enough to be sought after. We shall see.
I really appreciate the new readers, as well as those who've been reading since day one. If you keep reading, I'll keep writing.
The Recruit - As I look at all the craziness surrounding LeBron James and where he'll play basketball for the next 5-6 years, I imagine what it would be like to be recruited. I am starting a new job in the coming weeks where I'll be working with folks who are looking to enter/reenter the workforce. I am very thankful for the opportunity and I believe my skill set will serve me very well there. With that being said, I wasn't recruited. Damn sure wasn't recruited like LeBron! Without special circumstances, 99.5% of us will never experience any recruitment similar to that.
You know what though? I want to be heavily recruited at least one time in my life! I know that my odds increase tremendously with a college degree. That is why I am working (again) towards a college degree. Maybe it's an ego thing for me...so what! Because I am "uneducated," I've been turned down many times from jobs I would have been great at.
It's one thing to have a particular skill set and it is another thing to have tangible proof that you possess a skill set. Because of my personality and laid back demeanor, there are those who think I've received everything I ever wanted. That couldn't be further from the truth. I very rarely show that I'm down, if I'm feeling that way, so folks assume that everything is okay with me...all the time. The silver medal has been draped around my neck plenty of times. Imagine someone telling you how great you are, but without a degree, they cannot hire you.
Maybe it will never happen, but I want to be wined and dined one day and offered an opportunity they others would kill for. Then again, there are those who'd kill to be in my current position (I have to keep that in mind). So although I am grateful for my blessings, I'm working hard to be recognized as a talent, worthy enough to be sought after. We shall see.
I really appreciate the new readers, as well as those who've been reading since day one. If you keep reading, I'll keep writing.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Random Buzz
Random Buzz of the Week
Dear John - Its weird how certain movies bring out certain moods in me. I'm not sure if everyone feels that way, but I immediately start to reflect. I was watching the movie Dear John on Saturday, and I was amazed at how perfect the girl, Savannah, seemed. I started to think about how perfect my wife is. Perfect for me, that is. She's actually too good for me.
When we first met (many years ago), I was amazed at how good of a person she was. It was like she didn't see the bad in any person. Where as I, I saw the bad in everyone. At that point, I realized that we had no future together. I'd been introduced to some harsh truths and it forced me to grow up sooner than most. My wife grew up without the radar for bullspit.
We are very good for one another. I am working on being less skeptical(unsuccessfully mostly), and my wife has developed her radar to deal with those who are less than honest regarding their intentions.
Fourth of July - As Independence Day 2010 nears, I reflect on what independence means to me. As I become much more wiser, and a little older, I have become more interested in current events, and in American history. I have also been more interested in my own family's history. I thank God for the struggles I've been able to face and overcome.
Sometimes a song or movies reveals feelings that I have. I am thankful that I am reminded from time to time of things that may get lost throughout the course of the day. We all should make time to reflect and count our blessings. And if we do not, hopefully, something will force us to take a second to smile.
FYI, I watched that movie, thinking it was an entire different movie. I thought...well who cares I'm happy I watched it.
Dear John - Its weird how certain movies bring out certain moods in me. I'm not sure if everyone feels that way, but I immediately start to reflect. I was watching the movie Dear John on Saturday, and I was amazed at how perfect the girl, Savannah, seemed. I started to think about how perfect my wife is. Perfect for me, that is. She's actually too good for me.
When we first met (many years ago), I was amazed at how good of a person she was. It was like she didn't see the bad in any person. Where as I, I saw the bad in everyone. At that point, I realized that we had no future together. I'd been introduced to some harsh truths and it forced me to grow up sooner than most. My wife grew up without the radar for bullspit.
We are very good for one another. I am working on being less skeptical(unsuccessfully mostly), and my wife has developed her radar to deal with those who are less than honest regarding their intentions.
Fourth of July - As Independence Day 2010 nears, I reflect on what independence means to me. As I become much more wiser, and a little older, I have become more interested in current events, and in American history. I have also been more interested in my own family's history. I thank God for the struggles I've been able to face and overcome.
Sometimes a song or movies reveals feelings that I have. I am thankful that I am reminded from time to time of things that may get lost throughout the course of the day. We all should make time to reflect and count our blessings. And if we do not, hopefully, something will force us to take a second to smile.
FYI, I watched that movie, thinking it was an entire different movie. I thought...well who cares I'm happy I watched it.
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