Baxter's Buzz
Life is tough. Its full of ups and downs. Regrets and awesome memories. Most of the time, the memories are attached to relationships. Friends, family, boyfriends, girlfriends, and random people that we've connected with temporarily (open for interpretation). When it is all said and done, and folks get the news that you have died and passed away, what will they remember about you?
Those memories will be based on their relationship with you. Sometimes we are chasing these tangible things, disregarding the bonds that we have with people close to us. A simple gesture by us could mean the world to someone else.
On Friday, I was able to get my first student signed up for a program at my job (great news!), while my granny-in-law was being rushed to the hospital (awful news). Bittersweet is not the appropriate word. Bitter is the word. Granny, is one of the sweetest people in the world. I give my mother-in-law all of the credit for why my wife is so sweet, but Granny deserves much of the credit also.
So the following day, I went with the Mrs. to visit Granny. She was not looking good at all. She's weak and not eating much. She's been diagnosed with cancer.
While on the way home from the hospital, my twin nephews called to invite me to their birthday party, which happened to be less than a mile from where I was. We decided to stop by, sing happy birthday, and shoot the breeze with my sister and the rest of the adults that were in attendance. I was able to spend a little time with one of nephews, Blake. He calls me quite often and does his best to let me know what's going on in his world.
Their mom, my sister Lynne, is who I lived with as a young teen, until I went away to school. We've never been terribly close, but even her and I got a chance to kick it Saturday for a few minutes. I stood in the kitchen while she finished up dinner. As she talked to me, I realized something...Lynne misses me! It dawned on my because every time we talk, she shares her thoughts. Rarely do we have small talk. It is typically some heavy stuff that's on her mind, and I am always blown away. Blown away because we speak so rarely, not due to anything else. I think about how I'd like to be in my nephews' lives more than I am and maybe my sister needs my support as well. This is going on minutes after we left Granny in the hospital. It was two extremes: Someone who has lived such a long life, winding down; and two 11 year old kids, full of energy, just learning about this world and themselves.
I sat in the kitchen while my mother-in-law shared news with my wife and I. All three of us were shaken up. It had always been my wife, Shayla, her mom...and Granny. They've done everything together and the thought of losing her was too much to contemplate.
Relationships are what we're on earth for. I want to have more meaningful relationships with my loved ones before its my time to go. Relationships similar to what my wife and mother-in-law share. So as I live in this moment, closer in age to my 11 year old nephews than Granny, who's been on this earth over 86 years, I want to have the energy of the kids, and the wisdom of the elders. I want to be building meaningful relationships the entire way, so people will have something to remember me by.
Note: This post was mostly written over a week ago. Granny is still with us and we thank God that she is in very little pain. The sadness that we feel as we think about life without her is important because of what she has meant to us (especially my wife and mother-in-law). Even though we are sad, the fond memories allows us to smile through our tears.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
I've Got to be Me (Part 2)
Buzz of the Day
I thought I knew a little about Sammy Davis Jr., but I knew very little. He came up in the 1940's and 50's. Years before the Civil Rights Movement. He headlined in places where he couldn't even walk in the front door at. I've started to read more about him online and I am very impressed with his courage. The man was talented! He sang and danced. He was an actor and musician. But I'm more impressed with his courage. The things he had to endure during those times...He paved the way for African American entertainers.
I am also very impressed with Frank Sinatra. He helped Davis Jr. break some of those barriers, by putting himself on the line because he knew the discrimination was wrong. Sinatra had a great deal of influence and he used it for good and bad. I think influence is a wonderful thing. And if we have just a little, or Chairman of the Board type of influence, we should do our best to help others.
I thought I knew a little about Sammy Davis Jr., but I knew very little. He came up in the 1940's and 50's. Years before the Civil Rights Movement. He headlined in places where he couldn't even walk in the front door at. I've started to read more about him online and I am very impressed with his courage. The man was talented! He sang and danced. He was an actor and musician. But I'm more impressed with his courage. The things he had to endure during those times...He paved the way for African American entertainers.
I am also very impressed with Frank Sinatra. He helped Davis Jr. break some of those barriers, by putting himself on the line because he knew the discrimination was wrong. Sinatra had a great deal of influence and he used it for good and bad. I think influence is a wonderful thing. And if we have just a little, or Chairman of the Board type of influence, we should do our best to help others.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I've Got to be Me (Part 1)
This is a post from about 1 year ago. Happy Holidays and Enjoy
Buzz of the Day
A couple of months ago, I watched the 'Rat Pack' movie. It was released in 1998 and Ray Liotta played Frank Sinatra and Don Cheadle played Sammy Davis Jr. As some of you may know, I love biographies. I love stories. Especially true ones. All of these movie stars and entertainers are people, like you and I. Most of them have a talent or skill that most of us "regular" folks don't. But most of them also have a tremendous amount of self confidence and a tremendous amount of drive.
Don't forget discipline. We see the wonderful performances on the football field or basketball court, but we don't see the hours with a personal trainer in the off season, the practices and the film study. We attend the outstanding concert, but we don't see the months of rehearsal.
We may not have the talent, but what keeps us from being as successful as we could be, is the lack of drive and discipline. It's the classic argument of nature vs. nurture. Now I don't think I could be the next American Idol if I had more drive, but maybe I'd be in a better position in my chosen profession.
I think experts say that geniuses use about 15% of their brain. What percentage of effort do we use daily in our lives? How much more do you have to give?
Buzz of the Day
A couple of months ago, I watched the 'Rat Pack' movie. It was released in 1998 and Ray Liotta played Frank Sinatra and Don Cheadle played Sammy Davis Jr. As some of you may know, I love biographies. I love stories. Especially true ones. All of these movie stars and entertainers are people, like you and I. Most of them have a talent or skill that most of us "regular" folks don't. But most of them also have a tremendous amount of self confidence and a tremendous amount of drive.
Don't forget discipline. We see the wonderful performances on the football field or basketball court, but we don't see the hours with a personal trainer in the off season, the practices and the film study. We attend the outstanding concert, but we don't see the months of rehearsal.
We may not have the talent, but what keeps us from being as successful as we could be, is the lack of drive and discipline. It's the classic argument of nature vs. nurture. Now I don't think I could be the next American Idol if I had more drive, but maybe I'd be in a better position in my chosen profession.
I think experts say that geniuses use about 15% of their brain. What percentage of effort do we use daily in our lives? How much more do you have to give?
Monday, August 30, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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