Your best ideas tend to come when you least expect it

Nothing like a nighttime stroll to give you ideas. ~J.K. Rowling, "The Egg and The Eye," Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000, spoken by the character Mad-Eye Moody

Your best ideas tend to come when you least expect it.  As such, it's always wise to keep a notepad or other means of recording your thoughts before you forget.  Often a moment of brilliance will glow brightly but only for a moment.  You're deceiving yourself in believing you'll be able to recall the details later.  Like a wonderful sunset the most brilliant of ideas will fade from your memory more quickly than the sun vanishes from the sky.  Relaxation may help you recall your thoughts or come up with superior ones.  The best ideas that are not acted upon are equal to no ideas at all.

A better place to live

I've had the flu for longer than normal.  I'll be the first to admit, I don't take very good care of myself.  My daughters are all quite busy but take the time to call me to check on me.  I suppose I must concern them.  Yesterday my youngest dropped by after class.  Today my oldest was called off work.  She dropped by and spent time with me.  I spoke with my other daughter (who has to work) both yesterday and today on the phone.  I had lunch with my niece the last few days.  They're all too kind and look out for me.  They also do their best to keep my spirits high.  I've always been grateful to my family and friends.  I suppose the best way to summarize all my family and friends do for me is "The only true test of values, either of men or of things, is that of their ability to make the world a better place in which to live." - Henry Ford, Ford News  I wouldn't be where I am today without the caring and support of my family and friends.  They create the most favorable existence for me.

The true art of deceiving oneself lies in not over-analyzing the situation

"I lie to myself all the time, but I never believe me." - S.E. Hinton

"I'm fine" is probably the biggest lie I tell myself.  Back in January of 2012, I fell and hit my Dad's storage chest.  My ribs hurt.  I told myself and everyone else I was fine for three months.  By then, I developed pneumonia.  When I saw my doctor, he did a chest X-ray.  I broke three ribs.  He wasn't happy with me.  I broke three ribs the preceding year on the other side of my chest.  I was fine then as well.

Why do we lie to ourselves?  It's not intentional.  It's a reflex or a reaction.  It's something you do without thinking about it.  Admitting certain things bother us is a sign of weakness.  It says there is something in this world you can't handle on your own.  Your mind goes into defensive mode.  In this case this was odd for me, since I'm neither afraid of doctors or hospitals.  I just don't think of myself as weak.  It bothers me.  If I would've given myself the opportunity to think about it, I'd know I wasn't fine.  However, the true art of deceiving oneself lies in not over-analyzing the situation.

Avoidance is another reason to lie to yourself.  If you have a dreaded meeting you're trying to avoid and your mind tells you it's Wednesday instead of Thursday so you miss the meeting.  You've effectively lied to yourself to avoid an uncomfortable situation.  In truth, you most likely only postponed it.  However, your stress level decreases as you reschedule for a much later date.  In truth, if you would've thought about it, glanced at the calendar on your phone or in your planner, you'd know the day and date.  The art of avoidance through deception didn't allow it.  Your mind likely told you that you were too busy.

Intentionally deceiving others is unconscionable.  Deceiving oneself isn't possible without the suspension of disbelief.  I lie to myself all the time.  "No.  I won't be late."  If I hit traffic, this is a less than comforting lie.  I have however successfully deceived myself.  On those occasions my mind found an ulterior motive on it's own.  I broke my ribs in January after my Dad passed away.  I was needed at home.  After everyone returned to their homes, I started feeling ill.  I went to the doctor.  Apparently, I broke three ribs and developed pneumonia because it went untreated.

I would agree the quote is true unless your will is strong.  There are many ways to successfully deceive yourself.  There are many positive reasons to do so, for example:  convincing yourself the room is empty or contains one person so you aren't nervous during a speech.  The key is to identify whether or not it's necessary.  If it's not necessary you won't believe yourself anyway.  However, if it's important don't over-analyze and keep yourself busy. 

Profile Blocked

You request me as a friend.

I check your profile. Well... Alright... Honestly, I may know you. I may not. I leave you in my requests for later. After all, you gave me no details. Most people who have the slightest notion I may not remember do.

Last week you changed your profile photograph. This is not unusual. It looks nothing like the previous photo. Perhaps it is a relative. Same name. Same profile. It is not a private one. I looked. It still doesn't ring a bell.

Yesterday you changed your name. People do that. Weird. It isn't your name at all...

Today when I looked in requests...  Different photograph. Different name. Different profile... Alright I definitely don't know you. Profile blocked.


On every social network that allows it, I have a public page and a personal profile.  I don't add people I don't know to my personal profile.  I can tell you how I know everyone on my personal profile.  I wrote this several years ago on Facebook.  I still don't add random people to my Facebook.  I still know everyone on my profile.  That's my real name and my real photograph.  My family is on Facebook.  My friends are on Facebook.  My former classmates are on Facebook.  My coworkers, colleagues, and peers are on Facebook.  Very rarely do I receive a strange request but when I do, it's a particularly suspicious one.  It's never concerned me.  After all, that's why there's a block function.  I never understood the people who fail to utilize it.    

Misinterpretation

Never hold your head high with pride or ego.
Remember...
Even the winner of a Gold Medal gets the medal only when he puts his head down!
-Unknown

Regardless of how remarkable your achievement, you should always be courteous and respectful.  You should never be arrogant.  It's not a complicated message but in my opinion, often many people take simple statements and attempt to twist them to their own advantage.  It's not just a puzzle game for fun.  It's a deliberate and intentional assignment of meaning where there isn't any evidence suggesting such a meaning exists.  It's one thing to analyze words or to engage in word play and quite another to take them out of context altogether.  It always makes me uncomfortable to see a great quote attached to an awkward picture, drawing, or meme giving it another meaning.  I've seen many.  However, this one lends itself to misinterpretation.  I'm not saying my interpretation is the only correct one.  Nor am I saying I disagree with all other interpretations of this quote.  I'm simply stating that intentionally distorting something for your own personal agenda is wrong.  You'd be better off finding something else that is more agreeable to your cause or making an outright statement yourself.

hum·ble

[huhm-buhl, uhm-] Show IPA adjective, hum·bler, hum·blest, verb, hum·bled, hum·bling.

adjective

1.

not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.

2.

having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.

3.

low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a humble home.

4.

courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.

5.

low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.

verb (used with object)

6.

to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.

7.

to destroy the independence, power, or will of.

8.

to make meek: to humble one's heart.

Origin:
1200–50; Middle English  ( h ) umble  < Old French  < Latin humilis  lowly, insignificant, on the ground. See humus, -ile

It's putting an identity out there for others to recognize

Note:  I originally posted this on Facebook.  I omitted the name.  It's an amusing albeit embarrassing anecdote.

x: Where did you get that?
Me: Get What?
x: That!
Me: What!?
x: That car!
Me: umm sweetie I don't drive. You mean my daughter's car?
x: No I mean THAT car [name's car].
Me: (confused) What?
x: You know [names car] from [game].
Me: Oh. That's a promo item for that game.

I alpha and beta test many games.  However, in all the years I've been testing this is definitely new.  Many people play to relax and escape the pressures of everyday life.  In some MMORPG's, you can travel.  You can visit real places.  For a while, I was a tour guide.  This was challenging.  To be honest, I greatly preferred the fantasy side over touring realistic sites.  For me, it's simpler to memorize a storyline with a plot than to learn basic facts about historic monuments.  I noticed it doesn't matter whether or not the players are in a real setting or a fantasy setting.  The fact is they become very attached to their role and their avatar.  Sometimes when it's time to turn off the monitor and return to real life these people are stuck in a sort of limbo.  They're halfway between reality and fiction.  

It reminds me of a joke my daughter has with a few of her friends on Facebook, "pics or it didn't happen".  This is because on Facebook, unless you're using a third party application or mobile chat, you can say anything and no one can prove otherwise.  Who really knows for certain where Alyssah and I were the other day when we were chatting with Danny.  Apparently Danny does because mobile chat told him just the same way it gave away his location.  In social media, people create identities for themselves whether they intend upon doing so or not.  If it's intentional, it's branding.  It's putting an identity out there for others to recognize.  People create brands and roles to establish themselves.  When it's time to power off the monitor and return to real life, those who have truly adopted roles in social media can't do so and always have some form of technology giving notifications.  It's a part of who they've become.  They're halfway between the virtual world online and reality.   

The importance of a backup tree

(Arleenah's Phone) Buzz...
(Arleenah) Sleeping...
(Arleenah's Phone) Buzz...
(Arleenah) Sleeping...
(Two Hours Later - Arleenah's Voicemail) Arleenah! Let Me into Lovelace I Forgot My Keys!
(Arleenah) O.O
(Arleenah - calls back...) I'm so sorry. I was asleep and I'm not even home...
(Arleenah's Friend [laughing as he cuts her off]) Oh it's okay. I found my keys in my pocket.

All my daughters were home for break.  Apparently this young man has many acquaintances.  His "friends" invite him to parties, to go out in general, out to eat, to play video games, pretty much anything social.  However, when it comes down to something important like his studies, work, needing to talk, or an emergency, he has one friend on campus -- my daughter.  This brings up a rather obvious subject, the need for a back up plan.   Since my daughter went home, had he not found his key, his options would've been limited.  It was during break.  There were fewer students and staff.  He would've been waiting a long time.  I'm certain his response would've been his key card is his primary means of entry.  My daughter is his back up plan.  To which my response would've been that he needs a backup to his backup or a backup tree.  Therefore if one branch fails he can move to the next branch until he meets with success.  As a side note, I've seen the "how to get into each apartment / home" in case of emergency tree each of my daughters has in her planner.  It's not unreasonable.  My youngest has access to not only her apartment if she loses her own key but also her older sister's apartment, her oldest sister's home, my aunt's home and my home as do her sisters and my niece.  It's not only important to have a backup plan but a backup to your backup as well.  It ensures success should something unpredictable occur in life, education, and business.     

Motive makes a difference

Alyssah: Mamma smell my hair
me: (smells her hair)
Alyssah: What does it smell like?
me: meat?
Alyssah: No! (runs out of the room then back in with a tube of leave in hair conditioner, opens the lid and says) like this!
me: it smells pretty, like you after a bath.
Alyssah: Yuss! 

I'm an extremely honest person.  If you don't want an honest opinion, don't ask me.  However, if I would've known her motive for asking this particular question, I might've answered differently in the first place.  It's not that I would've lied.  Dishonesty is such an ugly thing.  Knowing people's motives helps us to better understand them and their behavior.  My family has very thick hair.  Everyone's hair retains strong scents easily.  One of my daughter's hobbies is cooking.  She was making lasagne.  She had been browning ground beef and spicing it.  Her sisters and cousin were teasing her about smelling like meat after she put dinner in to bake and had changed clothes.  She was feeling a little sensitive.  I should've responded with empathy instead of confusion.  However, I'd been busy and was unaware of the situation.  I responded honestly without knowing her motives.  Sometimes brutal honesty isn't the best policy.  It's of benefit to learn motive first then respond accordingly in life and in business.  A simple "why do you ask" would have sufficed.  In this situation the outcome wasn't tragic or painful and had no negative repercussions but that isn't always the case.  It's always advantageous to use your best judgement in how to respond with integrity after learning the motive for the inquiry.          

Times have changed

It's not unusual for people to photograph their meals.  In all likelihood, the photograph is for Instagram, Foursquare, or even Facebook.  Years ago, I used to photograph my meal for some very different reasons.  My family is in the habit of ordering something large and sharing or many of us would end up ordering the same entree`.  If we decided to visit again or after some time had passed then I had a dated photograph and notes to answer the "what did we order the last time" question.  Also, there are a plethora of unusual food related allergies in my family in varying degrees with a diversity of results.  Therefore, having exact records of what we ate and when is always useful.  Back then, "So you enjoy photography" was a common question.  Today, it's assumed I'm taking a photograph for Instagram.  Times have changed.  What was once viewed as foreign behavior has now become the norm.

The importance of writing things down and reading it

I'm a large proponent of writing down items of importance.  I've carried a journal since I was young.  My first was a gift from my Dad to write down important things.  When I started college I switched to a planner.  When I entered the work force, I started using Franklin Covey.  While I prefer Franklin Covey, I'm alright with a good day planner.  It's always a good idea to be prepared.  You can't be prepared, if you haven't planned for it.  It's just that simple.

Yesterday my youngest daughter called and advised me she would be dropping in from college.  She's starting work study and requires certain documents.  Dutifully, I retrieved these documents from our safety deposit box in the bank and awaited her visit.  She's always very thoughtful with her visits and makes certain I don't need anything.  We went to lunch and ran errands.  She's delightful company.  Of course, I wrote down why she drove home previously when she called me.  She knew why she drove home.  However, by the end of her visit she hugged me good bye, kissed me on the cheek and drove away.  I'm always contently tired after her visits.  As I lay napping, I had an awful feeling I was forgetting something.  I forced my eyes open.  There on my desk was the envelope I removed from the bank for Alyssah.  Oh snap.

I called Alyssah.  She was a half an hour away already but she needed those documents for school.  She took the next exit and turned around.  My Alyssah also carries a planner.  She also wrote down not to forget to retrieve the documents.  The point is often when you are enjoying yourself, items of importance will slip your mind.  Although both my daughter and I wrote down this particular item of importance, neither of us thought to look at our planners before she left.  That's unusual.  We normally plan another lunch or dinner in advance.  It's not only significant to acknowledge what should be noted and write it down accordingly but it's equally if not more so important to refer to your journal, notes, or planner.  It's of no use to have it written down, if no one ever sees it.    

If you wait to act you'll be left behind

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. - Chinese Proverb

If you haven't already done so, do it.  It's of no use to procrastinate.  Although, an argument can be made that it could've been done before therefore it can be done later, this logic is flawed.  Often it must be done now because it should've been done sooner and waiting will be too late.  This law applies to many things.  It's not just limited to nature.  In business if you wait to act you'll be left behind.  Waiting until the last minute with finances or benefits could cost you in the end.  With your health, if you ignore warning signs, don't take precautionary measures, or wait when you feel ill, you may place your life in danger.  Life's lessons from a tree, sow the seeds you should have already grown today for a better tomorrow. 

Personal satisfaction and growth can be achieved by doing your best

Lunch with Alannah
Alannah:  Hello.  I'd like two double cheeseburger meals, one with a sweet tea and one with a Dr. Pepper and a grilled chicken salad with a sweet tea.
Person taking our order:  K. So that's two double cheeseburger meals, a sweet tea and a salad.
Alannah:  Yes but that's a grilled chicken salad.
Person taking our order: Do you want crispy or grilled chicken on that salad.
Alannah:  (stares blankly in frustration for a moment then repeats slowly) grilled chicken salad
Person taking our order:  (sounding chipper and pleasant) So crispy or grilled chicken?
Alannah:  (loses it) Why would you put crispy chicken in a grilled chicken salad?! Grilled.  I want grilled.  (gives me her patented can you believe that look)

Lunch with Hailey
Hailey:  Hi!  I want a McChicken, no mayo and a double cheeseburger, no pickles and two sweet teas.
Person taking our order:  McChicken, no lettuce, double cheeseburger, no ketchup, two sweet teas.
Hailey:  Wait.  No.  Repeats our order -- I might mention it took three times for this poor person to get it punched in correctly.  Hailey checked the bag before leaving and had to return the sandwiches.  For some reason, they were determined to give us the no mayo/no ketchup order.  My niece is pretty persistent about getting the correct order if we haven't already left the premises.  Hailey has her incredulous are you serious eye roll for these situations.

I probably should also mention that during both these lunches we went inside to order as the drive though lanes were crowded.  

Other than the fact that I enjoy having lunch with my daughters and niece, you might be curious about the point of these two particular instances.  It doesn't have as much to do with my family as it does with those who served us.  If you don't enjoy your job or stand nothing to gain from it, you're less likely to do your best.  Except in the drive through, it was surprisingly not particularly crowded those two lunch days.  I recall thinking the employees looked bored.  When Alannah and I went to lunch, there was an employee meeting in the booth behind us.  I recall noticing when we were through and leaving the restaurant.

I understand the transitional nature of work at fast food places.  There are few incentives.  Yet, they are fortunate to be employed.  There are many who aren't as well off.  It seems ungrateful not to put forth your best effort in anything you attempt just because you've been graced with the opportunity.  It's an opportunity that is sadly out of reach for many.

In life there are so many things taken fore granted because it's something to which you're accustomed.  You're accustomed to having food and beverages when you want them, running water, electricity, transportation, a means by which to earn currency, a home, communication, and technology among other conveniences.  What do we do with all we have and how do we give back.  Many people take all they have fore granted, always want more, are never satisfied, don't put forth their best yet expect to be rewarded, and complain when they're inconvenienced.  There is a quote by Theodore Isaac Rubin that says "Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best."  While I'll agree not all tasks are difficult, I still believe a great deal of personal satisfaction and growth can be achieved by doing your best.  

 

Eighty percent of success is showing up

Eighty percent of success is showing up. - Woody Allen

Some children believe they can fail to report to class and still succeed.  That's simply not the case.  School and college are supposed to prepare young people for the real world.  Attendance at your place of employment is crucial for lateral and upward mobility, advances in pay grade and title or rank, evaluations, and even the approval of optional benefits and scheduling flexibility.  To succeed in life, you must be present to participate.  

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, “I’m possible!” - Audrey Hepburn

This is only so if you believe it.  If you believe it's possible, you'll try it until you achieve it.  However, if you believe it's impossible, you'll likely become discouraged and give up.  It's all in your attitude.  "I'm possible" is a great way to motivate yourself.  It's a wonderful manner by which to remind yourself that you can do anything you set your mind on doing.  Without self motivation or the motivation of others, long or difficult tasks become tedious and complicated.  It's too simple to procrastinate until you're so far behind it's almost futile attempting to get caught up in a timely manner.  If this occurs, instead of giving up resign yourself to the fact that you must start over.  Often a fresh start will give you a new perspective on things.  It also lightens the heavy load of being behind because you're back to day one.  While that may seem daunting, think of it as starting fresh with a lot of experience behind you.  Never give up.  Always believe in yourself and nothing will be out of your reach.

Life isn’t a television show or a video game

I don’t watch television.  My daughter sends me links on Facebook that say, “Watch this one next.  You’ll like it….” I look it up on Netflix and stream the entire series in the background while I work.  If it’s interesting enough to cause me to want to actually watch it, I’m pretty impressed with the writers.  Most shows she sends me are pretty consistent in content. 

I find a character like this occurs in pretty much all of them (animated or not).  Typically, the figure is shadowed, feared, and has power of some sort.  Therefore, unless you watch the show, I could conceivably post a glowing eyed scary individual from any of them and you’d think, “hmm, interesting bad guy.”  While I’m on the subject, if you play video games, you probably have the same opinion.  I would imagine, it’s because you’ve seen this glowing eyed individual in a cut  scene or fought him/her/it on a boss level.  Of course as a gamer your opinion is likely leaning toward evil as opposed to interesting.  In any case powerful, glowing eyed, shadow person is a bad guy. 

This a common perception.  However, not all intimidating figures are bad or intentional antagonists.  I suppose we’re brought up in a world with preconceived notions of good and evil.  However it’s not always the case.  Life isn’t a television show or a video game.  It would be far simpler that way.  People don’t follow scripts or behave according to predetermined patterns.  You don’t have the insight from a flashback, flash fore ward, or a cut scene. You have to deal with real uncertainty and unpredictability.   On the topic of reality, your boss, co-worker, parent, or relative isn't evil and doesn't have some hidden agenda.  The barista didn't try to poison you this morning.  The driver of that car was just reckless.  No one tried to intentionally kill you.  If you're thinking this way in the back of your mind, you might consider a vacation from technology.  Otherwise, if you are so inclined for a little while, you can visit another place created in the mind of a writer or developer.  It’s almost always an interesting trip. 

On the subject of trips, this is certainly something I'd recommend.  Whether it's in a car, on a train, plane, just around the block, in a book, on television, through your computer screen, tablet, console or by closing your eyes at some point everyone requires rest to properly handle daily life.  Your state of mind influences your decision making process.  Therefore when you're faced with uncertainty or something unpredictable occurs you're well equipped to properly manage the situation.  Being rested also impacts your senses and memory.  Having control of your faculties ensures you don't over look items of importance.  Having a sharp memory allows you to learn from past mistakes so you can truly move fore ward.  There is no rewind or reset on life.  However, if you learn from your past both good and bad, manage not just your uncertainty but also your time and your small victories, remember your decisions are your own, and take responsibility for all your actions -- you don't need them.  You'll do fine.    

Education is a necessity

Dad: Whose is this?
Me: Mine
Dad: You never went here.
Me: Yes I did.
Dad: Nooo... (confused)
Me: Yes.
Note to self: Frequent moving confuses my family.
I don't move my entire household as frequently as I did in my twenties. I'm far more reliable now.  Some things change and some stay the same.  Education is a necessity.  It always shall be of great importance.  Fortunately, I enjoy it greatly.  I admit I probably should have stayed with one university.  However, often it's impractical.  My extremely large collection of old alumni cards is certainly interesting.  My viewpoint is that if I'm capable of keeping my skills up to date as well as learning new areas of expertise, it will ultimately benefit my future.  “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”- George Bernard Shaw  I'd have to agree with Mr. Shaw.  The best way to continue moving fore ward is by improving yourself and to always continue learning. 

Certain words trigger certain responses regardless of logic

Alyssah: I'm not going to be in class tomorrow.
Teacher: Come here
Alyssah: (moves closer)
Teacher: No. Here.
Alyssah: (moves closer)
Teacher: Now what is so important that you have to miss my class?
Alyssah: Well I have to go to court...
Teacher: (moves quickly away) ...What did you do!
 
When my daughter was still in high school, she decided she wanted to change her surname to mine. That was back in 2011.  I find it humorous and interesting because most people had the same reaction to the words "I have to go to court" although my daughter is an honor student who has never been in any trouble.  It's almost a reflex reaction.  Certain words trigger certain responses regardless of logic.  In having such knowledge regarding what the general public will react to as well as what certain sub groups are more certain to react favorably towards, individuals could potentially make use of this information to his or her benefit both in a public speaking forum or in a private interview.

It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well

It is not enough to have a good mind -- the main thing is to use it well.
-Anonymous

I love this quote.  It reminds me of my Dad.  When my Dad used to get angry with us over something foolish we'd done he'd always say, "use your brain".  I believe we frustrated him so much because he knew every single one of us was intelligent enough to know better.  Therefore, when one of us crossed over into what I refer to as "unwise territory" that one not only worried Dad but also irritated him.  As he put it, we're all well educated and intelligent, there is no reason for this to happen.  I love my Dad.  He had a good point.  There are many brilliant, knowledgeable, well informed people in this world.  What use is it to have a good mind, if it's not properly utilized?  What good is this knowledge or information if it's not put to use or shared?  Will their brilliance continue to shine or will it fade from lack of use?  Use your brain but use it well or your mind will be no good to anyone.

::For My Dad - Love Ana   

Choose your path to take control of your future

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. – Latin Proverb

Life doesn't always give ideal conditions.  One can wait and see what happens next or take control of the situation.  By taking control of the future you determine the probable outcome because you choose your path.  You decide which direction to take.  You're not simply adrift at the mercy of the changing winds of life.  It's far simpler to overcome great obstacles, even unforeseen challenges when you're in control.   

Ultimately the decision to act and follow the crowd or to stand for something less popular lies with each individual

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” - Mark Twain


I'm reminded of lemming, wildebeest, and salmon.  Of course, nature and genetics account for their follow behavior.  As much as people like to anthropomorphize animal behavior, there isn't a comparison to human actions.  Animals act on instinct.  People act by choice.  While it's possible to get swept up in the commotion of things, ultimately the decision to act and follow the crowd or to stand for something less popular or different lies with each individual.  People aren't genetically predisposed one way or the other.  Nature doesn't make people leaders or followers.  Individuals choose to nurture those tendencies within themselves and whether or not to act upon them.

Without experience, life becomes filled with pre-packaged emptiness

Often convenience makes people lazy.  This isn't an arbitrary statement.  I've been observing this for sometime.  To be honest, my family has been doing construction on various parts of our home for a while now.  No contractors, just family.  It can be a bit overwhelming.  Convenience foods fill a need.  My family lacks time.  Fast food may not be ideal but we're eating.  This condition has improved considerably as of late.  Our Mom  has decided to make use of the copious amounts of vegetables and herbs from our gardens. 

The only reason I even brought up the whole issue of convenience food is at this particular moment in time we have graham crackers and marshmallows in our home.  I know, I bought them.  We have many varieties of suitably delicious chocolate as well, my brother bought the chocolate.  All the ingredients are irresistibly sitting in the kitchen.  Therefore, it somewhat confuses me that we have pre-made s'mores.  I won't argue the product is good.  They're just not as good as the home made variety but they'll do for a quick snack. 

However, I question their existence in the first place.  I timed it.  It doesn't even take a minute (approximately thirty to forty five seconds depending on how quickly you work) to make a s'more the lazy way in the microwave.  It takes just a bit longer (not much) if I insist upon using a heat source or an existing open flame to toast the marshmallow before assembling the s'more. 

Half the fun of living is in the experience.  If you remove the involvement, it may still taste good, look good, feel good, but you are only perceiving what the brand wants you to see.  Without contact, life becomes filled with pre-packaged emptiness.  You just don't realize how empty it is because you've never had the opportunity to experience what it's supposed to be like first hand.

I must have appeared just a bit crazy

The one thing I can honestly say about social media is you have the opportunity to meet some fascinating individuals.  A few people I've had the opportunity to engage with have the interesting profession of voice actor.  I suppose the main quality that impresses me the most is the ability to convey emotion with nothing but the sound of his or her voice.  It's impressive.  On one occasion I was listening intently to "bloopers" while Pinteresting.  I've seen the show in question.  I honestly don't need to watch it to know at what point in the script the actors are reading.  In any case, I was enjoying the missed lines and errors.  I thought I was alone.  I've been accustomed to wearing headphones for some time.  However, it's normal for me to be involved in a chat (video or otherwise), in a class, seminar, webinar, or listening to music.  This day I was doing none of those and I felt as if I was being watched.  As I turned around, my Mom slowly pulled her hand away.  She'd intended on tapping me on the shoulder.  I realized I must have appeared just a bit crazy.  It obviously seemed as if I was laughing for no reason.  Mom just wanted to know if I wanted anything for lunch.  However, there's no telling how long she had been standing there puzzled by my unusual behavior.  Way to go - me.  Lesson learned, either be more attentive or cut back on the multi-tasking lest I appear to be something I'm not.  I would suppose this lesson applies both online and off.  Although I admit this is the first time I've honestly been concerned with offline perceptions due to my online activities.  Usually it's the other way around.      

I enjoy quality time with my family

I enjoy trying new things.  One Social Media Network that facilitates this is Pinterest.  My daughters and I find many projects to try there.  One such project involved dessert cuisine.  It was for Reece's Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip.   On a week end when all my daughters were home for our annual garage sale, I purchased the ingredients.  The results were fantastic.  I very much enjoy trying new things but more than that, I enjoy quality time with my family. 

Changes

Fall is a busy time.  I'm auditing a few classes.  My schedule has significant changes.  I honestly don't want to be inconsistent with my blogging.  In an effort to establish a schedule, I'm changing this from a daily post to a weekly post.  I'll publish consistently every Friday at 4pm CST.  I'll publish extra content as I'm able.  However, I wanted to establish a consistent time of publication.  Any additional content will also be scheduled for publication at 4pm CST if I'm able to write it.  Otherwise (just to be clear), my regular publication day and time for this blog is every Friday at 4pm CST.  I thank you for reading.

Ana

 

Life is what you make of it

Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. – John Maxwell

The truth of the matter is even if you do nothing, life will go on without you.  The most mundane of errands can be fulfilling, exciting, annoying, aggravating, or make you angry.  Life is what you make of it.  When someone indicates they've had "a bad day" or "a good day", it's just a matter of perspective.  People who treat life as a foe to be beaten are going to have more "bad days" than those who consider life a friend or a journey.  In life there are only experiences.  You decide whether each experience is positive or negative, what impact it has and how much it honestly alters your life.    

There is a Price to Pay for Every Action Whether You are an Open Book or Hide in the Shadows.

I’ve noticed the anonymity of being online emboldens people.  Some people are braver or driven to do things they wouldn’t otherwise do in real life.  Real life has repercussions.  People know who you are in real life.  People can see you in real life.  People talk in real life.  It’s uncomfortable.  There is a certain safety when you are anonymous.  There are those who feel as if they are capable of so much more.  Some people even feel as if they are capable of anything.  For some, being behind a computer screen is akin to wearing a mask.  Sadly many do not realize that there is a price to pay for every action whether you are an open book or hide in the shadows.

Don't miss the doughnut by looking through the hole

Don't miss the doughnut by looking through the hole. 
-Author Unknown

I find this quote interesting.  Essentially if you're looking or trying too hard, you'll miss what you're looking for to begin with or your goal.  It was right in front of you all along.  The reward would've been sweet had you only seen it.  Unfortunately in your zeal to find something better or a better way, you overlooked it.  You should simplify your strategy.  You should clarify your goals.  You should avoid over complicating your actions and procedures.  Don't fail to notice your objective because you're staring at a passing light.   

You Determine Your Own Path

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
-Bilbo Baggins
The Lord of the Rings, Farewell speech, Chapter 'A Long-Expected Party'.

Often I believe people are quick form opinions of others based on appearance, reputation, or the opinions of others.  It's like being a character in a book.  Everyone seems to know your past, everything about your present, and assumes how you'll be in the future as if it's already written.  It's unfair that most people only know you half as well as they should; and still judge you more than you deserve.  It's up to you to decide whether you'll remain stereotyped into a predetermined role or if you determine your own path.

If it doesn't look like advertising, you may actually respond to it.

I follow Chris Pirillo on Tumblr.  This was one of his posts.  It made me laugh.  Many companies use this marketing strategy.  If it doesn't look like advertising, you may actually respond to it.  Using an AI to predict what you'll favor based on past interactions has become commonplace.  Generating natural language so the communications seem familiar as if they comes from a friend, makes people more receptive to the message.  Most recommendations come from friends and family.  While you may not trust companies, you certainly remember and trust an old friend.  When you glance at an application and see, "Check out..." it's easy to assume that recommendation came from a friend. 

Respect and Trust aren't Granted. They are earned.

I had a discussion with a friend. He complains no one respects their elders, superiors, or authority. I comprehend his point of view but don't subscribe to it. I don't expect respect because of age, occupation or experience unless it's shared. Respect is earned by those who've earned your own. In a perfect world, I'd agree but the world isn't perfect. It isn't how others act, it's how you do.

I wrote this years ago.  It's regarding a colleague of mine.  He's an older gentleman.  When I started working with him I was in my twenties.  He was older than my Dad at the time.  Yet he never treated me any differently than if we were the same age.  He didn't care much for many of the younger people who worked with us.  Admittedly they were easily intimidated and infuriating.  Even people ten or twenty years older than me were afraid of him.  They said he was always in a foul mood and never smiled.  That by the way isn't true.  I used to eat lunch with him on many an occasion.  He loved to laugh.  

Often people go into situations with preconceived ideas and notions.  These sabotage their ability to form normal connections and relationships.  In their minds, for one reason or another whether they're aware of it or not it's already a certain way.  These are the types of people who although they may love their jobs somehow feel limited at work.  They see no lateral or upward mobility.  They feel confined.  Some of them perceive imaginary career doors, walls, and ceilings.  Eventually many of them move on.  It's not out of unhappiness but to seek new or better opportunities.  

From my personal experience of having to utter the words "He or She isn't that bad or doesn't hate you." or "Of course you're appreciated or respected." many times in the past, it's a communication issue.  More than communication, it's an interaction and trust issue.  When you work with others, it's important to trust them.  Trust like respect is earned.  You can't earn either if you're unwilling or afraid to interact and engage your co-workers, colleagues, subordinates and superiors.  Do so openly and honestly.  Everyone is there to accomplish the same greater goals.  No one will want to work with you if they feel you aren't being genuine and trustworthy.  Remember, someone working under their own private agenda isn't someone people will want to place their faith in nor depend upon.