Recently I played a pickup game of basketball and it got my mind going. Here I was taking these guys to the hoop over and over again. Keep in mind I haven't played in about a year but the game was coming easy for me. I was passing the ball around off the drive, hitting turnaround fadaways and beating people off the dribble like it was my job. Suddenly, I slowed up. Not because I was tired or injured but because I didn't want to kick the other people's butts that much. This got me thinking: do I do this is my normal life as well?
As stated I love attention. I want people to come up to me telling me how good I am at something, but everytime I get it I always seem to shy away from it instead of embrace it. It's like I have this need to look like I'm being humble. Just like in that basketball game when I decided to ease up, I find that I do that with everything.
Perhaps it's my way of wanting others to like me that I try not to be too full of myself, but this also leaves me with an empty feeling of wanting to go for it. I mean I push myself hard to be really good at something and once I get to a certain point where I am better than average I tend to slow down not wanting to put myself fully out there.
The way I see it is, if I am better than average then people will see how good I am... but if I am really good then I am afraid I will open myself up to criticism and that is hard for me to take. When it all comes down to it I am just scared of letting my true self be seen and judged.
Just once I want to push myself to be the BEST... not just better. To go for the everlasting goal instead of the short term accomplishment and show myself that I can do something without always worrying about what others feel about it. The problem is I am a perfectionist in my own way. I tend to overthink my course of action to avoid mistakes when really I just need to take a step out into that world of uncertainty and let it rain. Maybe this is also a reason why I feel I have unfinished business in the acting world.
My mind is brewing and soon I think it is about to explode with a creative nature that I have never seen or experienced before. Hopefully I will push myself to the limit wanting to be great instead of settling for just being good.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sianara
Well, my month long continuation of this blog has done it's purpose. It's been fun getting to the bottom of my thoughts at times and perhaps I will continue in the future. But for now I will take a break.
NO BLOG TODAY!!!!
I am making a quick blog to say that there will NOT be a blog today. Because it's Valentine's Day!!!!!
So anyone expecting a blog today will just have to wait for another day. I have home made Cordon Bleu and appetizers to make. It's going to be a hunger-less night for sure.
So anyone expecting a blog today will just have to wait for another day. I have home made Cordon Bleu and appetizers to make. It's going to be a hunger-less night for sure.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Proud of My Boy
Today I was able to see my son excel at baseball. This is his first year playing at 10 (soon to be 11) years old. For the past few years he has wanted to try out but his eye was a bit on the lazy side. He went through 2 surgeries and last year it finally took (good as new). So last October he states he wants to do it this coming year.
He has only had a few practices and the season doesn't officially start for another 3 weeks but I can see the fire in him to want to do better. From last week to this he has already improved on seeing the ball, throwing and most importantly having fun. That truly makes me a proud dad all around. Especially when he hit a line drive down the 3rd base line.
He has only had a few practices and the season doesn't officially start for another 3 weeks but I can see the fire in him to want to do better. From last week to this he has already improved on seeing the ball, throwing and most importantly having fun. That truly makes me a proud dad all around. Especially when he hit a line drive down the 3rd base line.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Temptation is A 5 Letter Word
Ugggghhhh. I hate this feeling. You know... that feeling of wanting something that you know you don't really need!
5 years ago I purchased a brand new Mazda RX-8. I spend hours working up a deal on that car and getting them to lower the price and the APR to almost nothing. I even got the managers involved with the deal as I worked them to death. In the end we were $500 away from my asking price and I was not budging. Finally I told them that I know they are spending x amount of dollars in interest to have this car just sitting on their lot and it has already been there for several weeks. I told them if they don't drop the price another $500 then they will spend more than that in taxes alone. Might as well give it to me now and save them the hassel. Sure enough they did just that AND gave me a 0.9 interest rate to boot.
For about a year I enjoyed driving that car everywhere I went. Even got it up to 135 mph on the highway once just to see what it could do. Sadly though I got rid of it. With the gas hike in 2007 I realized I really didn't need that kind of car nor the bad gas mileage it gave me.
Here I am 4 years later still craving that car. The Mazda dealership sent me a flyer in the mail yesterday and I made the mistake of logging into their website to see if they had any RX-8s in stock and sure enough they had one. It just starred at me with that pitiful look daring me to go to the dealership and buy it. Knowing I was heading down a dangerous path I quickly exited from the dealership website, but unfortunately the image is still in my head.
Out of all of the cars I have owed THAT was the one I miss the most. Bad part is I can easily afford it. I could go to the dealership now and pay them in full to own the car outright. But my will power must succeed. I am very comfortable with my current car now and have no need in getting a new one. But the human in me WANTS what it WANTS. UUGHHHHH!!!!
The main thing stopping me is that I promised my daughter that I would give her my current Nissan in 3 years (when she is ready to get her drivers license). But even she said she'd rather me get the Mazda again. Maybe she thinks she would eventually get that RX-8 in the future but hell no to that.
3 more years..... 3 more years..... 3 more years.....
5 years ago I purchased a brand new Mazda RX-8. I spend hours working up a deal on that car and getting them to lower the price and the APR to almost nothing. I even got the managers involved with the deal as I worked them to death. In the end we were $500 away from my asking price and I was not budging. Finally I told them that I know they are spending x amount of dollars in interest to have this car just sitting on their lot and it has already been there for several weeks. I told them if they don't drop the price another $500 then they will spend more than that in taxes alone. Might as well give it to me now and save them the hassel. Sure enough they did just that AND gave me a 0.9 interest rate to boot.
For about a year I enjoyed driving that car everywhere I went. Even got it up to 135 mph on the highway once just to see what it could do. Sadly though I got rid of it. With the gas hike in 2007 I realized I really didn't need that kind of car nor the bad gas mileage it gave me.
Here I am 4 years later still craving that car. The Mazda dealership sent me a flyer in the mail yesterday and I made the mistake of logging into their website to see if they had any RX-8s in stock and sure enough they had one. It just starred at me with that pitiful look daring me to go to the dealership and buy it. Knowing I was heading down a dangerous path I quickly exited from the dealership website, but unfortunately the image is still in my head.
Out of all of the cars I have owed THAT was the one I miss the most. Bad part is I can easily afford it. I could go to the dealership now and pay them in full to own the car outright. But my will power must succeed. I am very comfortable with my current car now and have no need in getting a new one. But the human in me WANTS what it WANTS. UUGHHHHH!!!!
The main thing stopping me is that I promised my daughter that I would give her my current Nissan in 3 years (when she is ready to get her drivers license). But even she said she'd rather me get the Mazda again. Maybe she thinks she would eventually get that RX-8 in the future but hell no to that.
3 more years..... 3 more years..... 3 more years.....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Movie Script is Born
Today I have been inspired to write another script. For years I have been sitting on a script based upon a portion of my life and have literally done nothing with it. Sure I have a manager that occasionally calls me to say there is interest but that's about it. I just do not have the energy to shop it around at this point in my life.
Since then though I have had numerous ideas for another one but put it on the back burner until I felt ready to write it. Main reason being, the script I am starting to write now is based on a true American story. Of course I am not going to reveal what the story is about here on this blog.... because that would be suicide... but I will tell you if I can do it right and capture the essence of the film then I think James Cameron would be quite interested in ripping the idea from me. Then perhaps I could sue him and get a few hundred thousand dollars.
Seriously though, I am just getting tired of sitting on this idea. The hardest part is the research and just creating a good beginning so last night I sat down and brainstormed. Suddenly an idea was born and I began writing. This will take me some time to finish I am sure (especially to get all the details right), but just starting the script has made me feel like I am on the right path. A dream of mine would be to sell this script, make some good money, and have my other scripts pushed through because of it. All it really takes is one to get you in the door.
Since then though I have had numerous ideas for another one but put it on the back burner until I felt ready to write it. Main reason being, the script I am starting to write now is based on a true American story. Of course I am not going to reveal what the story is about here on this blog.... because that would be suicide... but I will tell you if I can do it right and capture the essence of the film then I think James Cameron would be quite interested in ripping the idea from me. Then perhaps I could sue him and get a few hundred thousand dollars.
Seriously though, I am just getting tired of sitting on this idea. The hardest part is the research and just creating a good beginning so last night I sat down and brainstormed. Suddenly an idea was born and I began writing. This will take me some time to finish I am sure (especially to get all the details right), but just starting the script has made me feel like I am on the right path. A dream of mine would be to sell this script, make some good money, and have my other scripts pushed through because of it. All it really takes is one to get you in the door.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Letter to My Complex Manager
Recently I had a run-in with the security guard at my complex. Below is the actual letter that I wrote to management explaining the situation.
2/5/2011
To Management:
On the night of February 4th shortly after 10pm the security guard came to Pool #1. There were about 7 to 8 of us just sitting around talking when the Security guard told us to leave. Without anyone saying a word we got out of the pool. As we were leaving he asked who was a resident here because we should know better. This was uncalled for and extremely rude behavior on the guards part. He even accused me of having a glass at the pool even when I told him it was plastic.
As I was toweling off the guard approached me and said “If this happens again I will have to take names”. Excuse me, but if WHAT HAPPENS? All the security had to do was simply say it’s time to leave and we are always ready to. Especially at Pool #1 where we just socialize and relax. There is no need for intimidating tactics of any nature. The guard was acting like he was trying to start a fight.
This started getting the people at the pool upset, because everyone was already leaving the area and we all felt that his constant berating us was uncalled for. One person told him “He didn’t have to be a dick about it” and the security guard began following that person out of the pool area causing the resident to state “Don’t follow me”.
This is not the first time this security guard has been rude and abrupt in his tone. I am writing to inform management that this behavior by any staff is not warranted and unnecessary. I would hate for this complex (which is a nice community to live in) to end up with bad reviews and a not so favorable reputation because of the security staff. You guys have worked hard to keep this complex looking and feeling nice and comfortable to have one person throw it off balance.
I am sure you do not want your residents to feel intimated to relax at the pool and hot tub areas at all. I am afraid if this rudeness continues with your security that it will only add more conflicts in the future and could lead to police action if it ever got out of hand. I know nobody wants that.
Thank you for your attention in this matter
Jeff
Monday, February 7, 2011
Religion Smeligion....
Thought I'd start today off right with a controversial topic. RELIGION!!!! Oh, you can hear people's butts puckering already. Just the word itself can bring self proclaimed powerful people to their knees.
I am not here to bash nor endorse religion to others by any means. But something has to be said for being realistic and truthful to yourself. For instance: I am glad people have something to believe in. Can you imagine the world without fear of some supreme being that can wipe us out at any moment? It would be a million times worse than what it is now. People would raid the streets without any kind of recourse and kill anything and anyone they choose. Not to mention it brings all the whack jobs off the street at least 1 morning a week. Because face it: there are many (and I mean MANY) people in this world that only go to church because their addictions would take them over otherwise. And that is a good thing. Sex, drugs, alcohol, anger and any other kind of addiction that can possibly exist can all be tamed down if that person feels there will be a consequense to their actions. It's like the worlds biggest rehab clinic.
However, the heart of the matter is not whether it is helpful to some but how accurate it really is. I find it very strange how people can claim their religious beliefs as the one truth of life and yet not a single person in this world was alive when the ancient books were written. All people have to go on is some words written and passed down for generations. I find this very hard to believe as concrete evidence that ANY of what we have heard is fact. So this is where the "Faith" rebuttal comes in. But why is it that when it comes to the real world faith is seen as foolish but in religion it's suddenly okay? Imagine a pilot flying blindly into storm clouds telling the passengers that FAITH will see us through this. If the plane falls are we supposed to just believe that it was gods will? Now I am not suggesting a person should never do something on instinct but when it comes to patterning your life after something then I would think that FACT would have a big part into it.
Secondly, there would absolutely be so much less violence in the world if people just respected each others position on religion and not try to make THEIR'S the winning combination. Just because it may work for you and your addictions are under control doesn't mean that it will work for everyone. People are different from the clothes they wear to the places they call home. Just because one person believes that a fat little buddha figure is the answer they've been looking for doesn't mean they are any less of an intellectual human being. It's simply pathetic how far we have grown in society and yet religion is one area that people will never understand how to make peace with.
WHO CARES what your god looks like or how he makes you feel. Religion is a personal journey not a public highway. If you are preaching to the world that your religion is the only true religion then you are no better than the telemarketers that call and beg you to switch your services over to them. It's the same thing!
I am a spiritual person in my own rite. I don't go to church because I don't feel the need to. I do pray because in someways I do believe their is some sort of higher power out there, but I am not naive enough to pinpoint exactly what that is. Could be aliens for all I know. I also refuse to believe that I will be judged for the god I prayed to or the church I attended or how many people I have converted over to my way of thinking. How a person can be so ignorant to believe that those who don't believe in one thing are going to HELL is beyond me.
The fact of the matter is that religion as we know it today is a far cry from what it was originally intended to be. And right now most are just a bunch of rumors that have been spread around for thousands of years being embellished foolishly from parent to child and believed as FACT. Maybe there is a one true god, but until the day comes when I am faced with him in the afterlife I will continue to believe that my good actions in this world is what counts more than any cross, any statue or any book that I could bow to.
I am not here to bash nor endorse religion to others by any means. But something has to be said for being realistic and truthful to yourself. For instance: I am glad people have something to believe in. Can you imagine the world without fear of some supreme being that can wipe us out at any moment? It would be a million times worse than what it is now. People would raid the streets without any kind of recourse and kill anything and anyone they choose. Not to mention it brings all the whack jobs off the street at least 1 morning a week. Because face it: there are many (and I mean MANY) people in this world that only go to church because their addictions would take them over otherwise. And that is a good thing. Sex, drugs, alcohol, anger and any other kind of addiction that can possibly exist can all be tamed down if that person feels there will be a consequense to their actions. It's like the worlds biggest rehab clinic.
However, the heart of the matter is not whether it is helpful to some but how accurate it really is. I find it very strange how people can claim their religious beliefs as the one truth of life and yet not a single person in this world was alive when the ancient books were written. All people have to go on is some words written and passed down for generations. I find this very hard to believe as concrete evidence that ANY of what we have heard is fact. So this is where the "Faith" rebuttal comes in. But why is it that when it comes to the real world faith is seen as foolish but in religion it's suddenly okay? Imagine a pilot flying blindly into storm clouds telling the passengers that FAITH will see us through this. If the plane falls are we supposed to just believe that it was gods will? Now I am not suggesting a person should never do something on instinct but when it comes to patterning your life after something then I would think that FACT would have a big part into it.
Secondly, there would absolutely be so much less violence in the world if people just respected each others position on religion and not try to make THEIR'S the winning combination. Just because it may work for you and your addictions are under control doesn't mean that it will work for everyone. People are different from the clothes they wear to the places they call home. Just because one person believes that a fat little buddha figure is the answer they've been looking for doesn't mean they are any less of an intellectual human being. It's simply pathetic how far we have grown in society and yet religion is one area that people will never understand how to make peace with.
WHO CARES what your god looks like or how he makes you feel. Religion is a personal journey not a public highway. If you are preaching to the world that your religion is the only true religion then you are no better than the telemarketers that call and beg you to switch your services over to them. It's the same thing!
I am a spiritual person in my own rite. I don't go to church because I don't feel the need to. I do pray because in someways I do believe their is some sort of higher power out there, but I am not naive enough to pinpoint exactly what that is. Could be aliens for all I know. I also refuse to believe that I will be judged for the god I prayed to or the church I attended or how many people I have converted over to my way of thinking. How a person can be so ignorant to believe that those who don't believe in one thing are going to HELL is beyond me.
The fact of the matter is that religion as we know it today is a far cry from what it was originally intended to be. And right now most are just a bunch of rumors that have been spread around for thousands of years being embellished foolishly from parent to child and believed as FACT. Maybe there is a one true god, but until the day comes when I am faced with him in the afterlife I will continue to believe that my good actions in this world is what counts more than any cross, any statue or any book that I could bow to.
Falling On Deaf Ears
I have found this blog to be quite therapeutic. I started out writing to see what the future had in store for me. Perhaps once I relay the stored info of my brain to cyberspace then I could decypher the code that has been tormenting me all these years. Lately though I have found it easier to write about what is just on my mind.
Cool thing is I don't have to worry about anyone really giving a shit because I have maybe 2 people (not including my wife or myself) that actually read these blogs. So that gives me free reign I guess. Feels quite libertating.
Sometimes I have wondered why nobody else seems to care or read what I have to say... but then it hit me. WHO REALLY CARES! It's not THEIR life they are reading about so why would I expect anyone to take the time to look into it. I mean sure I have a million things in my head to say.... not to mention a world full of adventures that I am sure not very many people on this planet have experienced. But I would be naive to think that it mattered to someone else just the same as it did to me.
While I'm on this subject, "Why is it that people don't care?" I ask this in the most rudimentary way because I do the same thing. There are many times I don't take the time to see what makes others tick. Maybe that is something I should do more of. It's hard though to change who you are. I have gone through so much in my life that I could literally relate to almost anything that someone talks to me about. And it is hard to keep my mouth shut and just listen sometimes when I have a good follow up story to tell.
So I've learned to throw a bone at people to see if they bite, and if they don't then I don't mention it again. For instance: I am very proud of my travels around the world but I am also very aware of how others might perceive my enthusiasm for rubbing it in. Especially if others are not as fortunate financially as I have been. So I might throw in something about an experience I had and start it with "When I was in Spain...". If they seem interested and ask about the trip then I will talk about it but if not then it's quickly forgotten.
But to truly understand WHY I am the way I am you have to know where I am coming from. See, I don't have a "best friend" (yeah yeah boo hoo) type of person to talk with. My wife is literally the closest friend I have and I am perfectly okay with that. And to be honest I have lived so long being my own psychologist that I really don't miss having one. But every now and then it does feel good to share things to someone that is interested. Perhaps that is why I feel so artistic. It's just a way to express my feelings out without having to seek someone to listen to them. If someone is interested then they can look at my work and respond accordingly. If not then they will walk right on passed it.
I won't lie it's hard to live a life like that sometimes. I crave attention from others and want so bad to just express my feelings to everyone. But deep down inside I know that it would all be for not. What's the point? You speak your mind... someone else pretends to listen... end of story. If you continue to speak your mind about things to that person then you become a drama queen. Who needs or wants that reputation.
So, I find it easier just to be to myself. Why not... it's comfortable here in my own brain. I could easily be a hermit in life and lock myself away from anyone that isn't my immediate family and it would not bother me. Many times in the past that is exactly what I've done. Of course I would like to have friends to count on to talk with or call up out of the blue to hang out, but that hasn't happened for me. The way I see it, if nobody really cares enough to get to know me then why should I even try. I reserve my most intimate details of my life for those who want to know about it.
Cool thing is I don't have to worry about anyone really giving a shit because I have maybe 2 people (not including my wife or myself) that actually read these blogs. So that gives me free reign I guess. Feels quite libertating.
Sometimes I have wondered why nobody else seems to care or read what I have to say... but then it hit me. WHO REALLY CARES! It's not THEIR life they are reading about so why would I expect anyone to take the time to look into it. I mean sure I have a million things in my head to say.... not to mention a world full of adventures that I am sure not very many people on this planet have experienced. But I would be naive to think that it mattered to someone else just the same as it did to me.
While I'm on this subject, "Why is it that people don't care?" I ask this in the most rudimentary way because I do the same thing. There are many times I don't take the time to see what makes others tick. Maybe that is something I should do more of. It's hard though to change who you are. I have gone through so much in my life that I could literally relate to almost anything that someone talks to me about. And it is hard to keep my mouth shut and just listen sometimes when I have a good follow up story to tell.
So I've learned to throw a bone at people to see if they bite, and if they don't then I don't mention it again. For instance: I am very proud of my travels around the world but I am also very aware of how others might perceive my enthusiasm for rubbing it in. Especially if others are not as fortunate financially as I have been. So I might throw in something about an experience I had and start it with "When I was in Spain...". If they seem interested and ask about the trip then I will talk about it but if not then it's quickly forgotten.
But to truly understand WHY I am the way I am you have to know where I am coming from. See, I don't have a "best friend" (yeah yeah boo hoo) type of person to talk with. My wife is literally the closest friend I have and I am perfectly okay with that. And to be honest I have lived so long being my own psychologist that I really don't miss having one. But every now and then it does feel good to share things to someone that is interested. Perhaps that is why I feel so artistic. It's just a way to express my feelings out without having to seek someone to listen to them. If someone is interested then they can look at my work and respond accordingly. If not then they will walk right on passed it.
I won't lie it's hard to live a life like that sometimes. I crave attention from others and want so bad to just express my feelings to everyone. But deep down inside I know that it would all be for not. What's the point? You speak your mind... someone else pretends to listen... end of story. If you continue to speak your mind about things to that person then you become a drama queen. Who needs or wants that reputation.
So, I find it easier just to be to myself. Why not... it's comfortable here in my own brain. I could easily be a hermit in life and lock myself away from anyone that isn't my immediate family and it would not bother me. Many times in the past that is exactly what I've done. Of course I would like to have friends to count on to talk with or call up out of the blue to hang out, but that hasn't happened for me. The way I see it, if nobody really cares enough to get to know me then why should I even try. I reserve my most intimate details of my life for those who want to know about it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Why Am I Addicted to My Smart Phone?
A few days ago, as mentioned in a previous blog, I dropped my Palm Pre in the hottub. It was out of warranty so I had to get a new phone. I got on the Sprint website, found the new EVO phone at a good price and waited 2 days for shipping.
It arrived today and I couldn't have been happier. I quickly called up Sprint to activate it and they told me they will add a $10 premium data charge to my bill EVERY MONTH. What? I asked why and they stated they are doing that on ALL smart phone that have been added after January 30th.
So I asked what if I bought an old Palm Pre from ebay and added the phone and they stated it would still have an extra $10 charge. Why? I would be switching out a Palm Pre for the same Palm Pre, how can that add a fee to my bill?
So I did some thinking, "Do I REALLY need a smart phone" and thought back on how much I actually use the web and email function and how much was for personal and how much for business use. I realized in fact I did not need the smart phone after all. After doing some refiguring on my bill I found if I downgraded my phone to a non smart phone (like a Rant or Seek) then I could actually save $65 A MONTH on my cell phone bill. That's $780 a year!!!!
I was instantly sold, and after telling my wife she also was onboard with downgrading her phone so we could take advantage of downgrading off the data plan as well. We got on the internet, found the phone we wanted and now are ready to get the "brand new" downgraded phone tomorrow. But then it hits me... I am going to really miss using my phone.
A part of me wants to downgrade to save the $780 a year and show Sprint where to stick it. I mean I am basically doing this because of them initially trying to charge me the $10 more a month. For every customer that does what I am thinking of doing Sprint would have to have 7 people on board with the $10 upgraded fee to make up for it. However, the other part of me wonders how I am going to get through without being able to check my email on my phone when I'm away from the house, or check the sports scores for my favorite team.
Am I really that addicted to my phone now that makes it almost impossible to regress back? Have we gone so far in our technology that having a smart phone is the norm? 10 years ago I barely even owned a cell phone and here I am now acting as though I will be living out of a paper bag without one that has internet.
Maybe this is just the beginning of reevaluating what is necessary and what is not needed in my life. Perhaps others will soon follow suit and realize they too are spending way too much on gadgets that they have been tricked into believing were necessities.
All I know is tomorrow I am going to downgrade my phone. Whether the world will end because of it is all up to the universe.
It arrived today and I couldn't have been happier. I quickly called up Sprint to activate it and they told me they will add a $10 premium data charge to my bill EVERY MONTH. What? I asked why and they stated they are doing that on ALL smart phone that have been added after January 30th.
So I asked what if I bought an old Palm Pre from ebay and added the phone and they stated it would still have an extra $10 charge. Why? I would be switching out a Palm Pre for the same Palm Pre, how can that add a fee to my bill?
So I did some thinking, "Do I REALLY need a smart phone" and thought back on how much I actually use the web and email function and how much was for personal and how much for business use. I realized in fact I did not need the smart phone after all. After doing some refiguring on my bill I found if I downgraded my phone to a non smart phone (like a Rant or Seek) then I could actually save $65 A MONTH on my cell phone bill. That's $780 a year!!!!
I was instantly sold, and after telling my wife she also was onboard with downgrading her phone so we could take advantage of downgrading off the data plan as well. We got on the internet, found the phone we wanted and now are ready to get the "brand new" downgraded phone tomorrow. But then it hits me... I am going to really miss using my phone.
A part of me wants to downgrade to save the $780 a year and show Sprint where to stick it. I mean I am basically doing this because of them initially trying to charge me the $10 more a month. For every customer that does what I am thinking of doing Sprint would have to have 7 people on board with the $10 upgraded fee to make up for it. However, the other part of me wonders how I am going to get through without being able to check my email on my phone when I'm away from the house, or check the sports scores for my favorite team.
Am I really that addicted to my phone now that makes it almost impossible to regress back? Have we gone so far in our technology that having a smart phone is the norm? 10 years ago I barely even owned a cell phone and here I am now acting as though I will be living out of a paper bag without one that has internet.
Maybe this is just the beginning of reevaluating what is necessary and what is not needed in my life. Perhaps others will soon follow suit and realize they too are spending way too much on gadgets that they have been tricked into believing were necessities.
All I know is tomorrow I am going to downgrade my phone. Whether the world will end because of it is all up to the universe.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Are You Consumed By Negativity?
My cell phone drowned today. I would like to call it a suicide attempt but really I just forgot it was in my swimsuit pocket. It was dark, I had other things on my mind, and well face it... I was just negligent. I'm such a bad user I know. Funny thing is I've been meaning to get a new cell phone anyway. Which made me think about how things happen for a reason.
So many times we focus on the negative things in life and not enough on everything else. For instance: a person wakes up late because their alarm didn't go off. Suddenly, they are rushing around to get ready and everything that could go wrong actually starts to. The toaster burns your bread; you spill jelly on your shirt; your gas tank reads empty on the way to work and so on. Before you know it you are blaming everything you go through on having a bad day. But in reality it's not the day that has gone sour but your way of thinking.
There are many times in life when you stub your toe, drop something on the floor or forget your keys and you think nothing of it. You simply just shake it off and go on your way. But when they happen in a row suddenly you become so aware of it that you let the rest of the day be ruined by your negative thoughts. That not only effects you but others around you.
The key is to recognize when these toughts start to enter your mind and to find a way to change them immediately. If you left your lunch at home, don't dwell on the fact that you are miserable but think of a way to get around it and move on. If you begin to notice a few bad things in a row then start to focus on what good things happened that day (or even near misses that you escaped from). Don't focus on the coffee you spilt but perhaps the near accident that you eluded on the way to work. Maybe next time when your alarm doesn't sound and you end up late to work you can be relieved that you made it there safe without even a speeding ticket on your record. Or if you did get a speeding ticket it was to warn you to slow down because an accident was just ahead.
It's these simple ways that can change your perspective from a dreaded "get out of my way" day to a more pleasant one. Not only will you start to see the stress lifted from your life but others will notice the change in you as well.
So many times we focus on the negative things in life and not enough on everything else. For instance: a person wakes up late because their alarm didn't go off. Suddenly, they are rushing around to get ready and everything that could go wrong actually starts to. The toaster burns your bread; you spill jelly on your shirt; your gas tank reads empty on the way to work and so on. Before you know it you are blaming everything you go through on having a bad day. But in reality it's not the day that has gone sour but your way of thinking.
There are many times in life when you stub your toe, drop something on the floor or forget your keys and you think nothing of it. You simply just shake it off and go on your way. But when they happen in a row suddenly you become so aware of it that you let the rest of the day be ruined by your negative thoughts. That not only effects you but others around you.
The key is to recognize when these toughts start to enter your mind and to find a way to change them immediately. If you left your lunch at home, don't dwell on the fact that you are miserable but think of a way to get around it and move on. If you begin to notice a few bad things in a row then start to focus on what good things happened that day (or even near misses that you escaped from). Don't focus on the coffee you spilt but perhaps the near accident that you eluded on the way to work. Maybe next time when your alarm doesn't sound and you end up late to work you can be relieved that you made it there safe without even a speeding ticket on your record. Or if you did get a speeding ticket it was to warn you to slow down because an accident was just ahead.
It's these simple ways that can change your perspective from a dreaded "get out of my way" day to a more pleasant one. Not only will you start to see the stress lifted from your life but others will notice the change in you as well.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Valentine's Day Poem (circa 2000)
With this being the month of Valentine's Day I thought I would share a poem I wrote 11 years ago. It was a special day when I wrote this because we were on the verge of knowing whether our second child was going to be a girl or a boy. Man, how time flies!
FIRST LOOK
From that first look in your eyes
My heart melted inside
'Cause I knew you were the only one;
With one look at your face
Such beauty and grace
My search for love was done.
When I first felt your hair
How will I ever dare
Ask for your hand in mine;
But as time grew on
And our love got strong
I knew it was finally time.
As we walked the isle
It seemed like a mile
Before we vowed to be king and queen;
Still to this day
I pinch myself and say
"Thank God it wasn't only a dream."
With one look at your smile
My emotions went wild
When the next step finally came;
We brought into this world
A beautiful baby girl
And we gave her the perfect name.
Now at the dawn of the day
We'll find out either way
What our next angel will be;
Whether a girl or boy
My heart is filled with joy
Knowing only time will see.
Through all the trials of life
You'll always be my wife
No matter what else is to come our way;
As time sees us through
I'll always love you
And make everyday Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
For Those Stuck in Egypt
After seeing all the demostrations going on in Egypt I can't help but feel for the people going through this ordeal. I also can only imagine what the American tourists and businessmen are going through as well.
Not too long ago I went to Egypt for an extended trip. During my stay I went all along the Nile river between Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. The time spent there was simply mind blowing in regards to their culture and the ancient ruins. Not to mention the people there were very friendly. I absolutely had no problems walking around the streets to get a first hand feel of living in Egypt.
With that said, there were times in Cairo when it was advisable to take a guide around the city due to the crazy day to day chaos of people on the streets and in their cars. We relied on tour guides for several days to get us to Alexandria from Cairo and to the Pyramids... as well as to Abu Simbel from Aswan and around the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. If it was THAT difficult for a tourist to get around Egypt during normal times then I can only imagine the chaos felt right now for the Americans that are stuck in their hotels not being able to enjoy their time away. And feeling fearful for what events that might unfold.
So this blog is dedicated to hoping that peace is sulidified in Egypt soon and that all people (Egyptian and foreigners alike) are able to get through this trying time unharmed.
Not too long ago I went to Egypt for an extended trip. During my stay I went all along the Nile river between Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. The time spent there was simply mind blowing in regards to their culture and the ancient ruins. Not to mention the people there were very friendly. I absolutely had no problems walking around the streets to get a first hand feel of living in Egypt.
With that said, there were times in Cairo when it was advisable to take a guide around the city due to the crazy day to day chaos of people on the streets and in their cars. We relied on tour guides for several days to get us to Alexandria from Cairo and to the Pyramids... as well as to Abu Simbel from Aswan and around the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. If it was THAT difficult for a tourist to get around Egypt during normal times then I can only imagine the chaos felt right now for the Americans that are stuck in their hotels not being able to enjoy their time away. And feeling fearful for what events that might unfold.
So this blog is dedicated to hoping that peace is sulidified in Egypt soon and that all people (Egyptian and foreigners alike) are able to get through this trying time unharmed.
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