i am still sorta confused by this institutions. they are like early morning bars, but without the booze. or, maybe a library with absolutely no volume control. maybe, it is the fact that i really don't like coffee or tea.....well, i like tea but i guess i don't understand paying like $8 for one. is that on the high, maybe $6.50. but, to each their own.
i never went to one until i had to start networking and doing all that job-search stuff. i mean, really why go to a coffee house if you are NOT going to drink coffee. sorta, the same as going to a bar but not to have an adult beverage.
where was i going? i guess sometimes you just have to try something new, or revisit something to see the joy of it. really, the coffee house is just another venue where folks can meet and talk with with old and new friends. and, isn't that what it is really about? making those connections with folks that make our life and hopefully theirs better.
so, i guess i am going to keep re-evaluating situations and looking for those opportunities to make positive impacts. side note, gave a speech today in toastmasters about the "twitter revolution". however, i spoke about it as a name for the 2011 egyptian revolution and i am happy to say that i gave folks some new information. i was very happy about that.
find something, learn something, and then pass it along.
just a thought.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
President's Day
i remember when we used to say Washington's and Lincoln's Day. can you imagine trying to be compared to those icons of the POTUS fraternity? first, you have the FATHER and then you have the SAVIOR of the country. that got me thinking of what a tough job POTUS must be, and what a hugely scrutinized position. no matter what you do, you can be assured that at least 1 in 2 people are gonna be pissed. also, funny how this role, which is the extension of the executive branch, has actually becoming the more powerful of the 3 branches. while, they are all supposed to be equal, the Founding Fathers had really wanted the legislative branch to be the more powerful of the three, still putting the people in charge.
anyways, i got side-tracked. the idea that came to me was how we tend to "hate the man", rather than his plan or politics. to often, it seems like we forget the sacrifice these men have made. i mean, it isn't like they aren't set for life after but i do believe they make sacrifices of their privacy and more importantly their family. and, i know that everyone of them was doing what they thought best for the country. so, i say "hate the politics but NOT the man". i think this is wonderful idea to keep in mind when dealing with anyone. i know i struggle with this. it is harder to hate the politics, plan, situation, anything but the man. why? i think because it is quicker, we don't have to take the time to learn anything. it is the easy way.
so, for me, i will try to not pass judgement on the man OR at least give some pause before i do. i guess, i would want the same if i was in their shoes.
just a thought.
anyways, i got side-tracked. the idea that came to me was how we tend to "hate the man", rather than his plan or politics. to often, it seems like we forget the sacrifice these men have made. i mean, it isn't like they aren't set for life after but i do believe they make sacrifices of their privacy and more importantly their family. and, i know that everyone of them was doing what they thought best for the country. so, i say "hate the politics but NOT the man". i think this is wonderful idea to keep in mind when dealing with anyone. i know i struggle with this. it is harder to hate the politics, plan, situation, anything but the man. why? i think because it is quicker, we don't have to take the time to learn anything. it is the easy way.
so, for me, i will try to not pass judgement on the man OR at least give some pause before i do. i guess, i would want the same if i was in their shoes.
just a thought.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sun ALWAYS makes it better!
Sunny days during winter, even without snow are awesome. The warmth of the sun and the promise of what spring will bring.
The best part of our own 'winter' is the bring our 'spring'.
The sun and just reminded me, spring will be great BUT I have stuff to finish this winter. :)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Just Try It
usually, i want to try and write this sooner in the day. oh well, at least i am getting it done.
so, i am trying to change how i am starting my days. i decided to add a calendar item for everyday.
it lists a few things for me to do; read a passage from a book on meditation, write a brief blog/ comment, and perform some basic yoga/stretches. the idea was to have this ritual incorporated into my day, EVERY DAY. there is a statement, "if you want new results, then change your system". well, that is what i am trying to do. it has worked in the past, and sometimes you just have to remind yourself of what you can do.
one thing i have noticed is it seems like we are becoming a society where everything is one-way. my way or the highway. it seems like we want to take images, videos, content from the net but make no real commitment to give something back. again, this is just my opinion and i hope that i will be shown that is not the case. but, maybe we can all stop for a second and think of how we can give something back to anyone. it could be just really listening to a person.
just a thought.
so, i am trying to change how i am starting my days. i decided to add a calendar item for everyday.
it lists a few things for me to do; read a passage from a book on meditation, write a brief blog/ comment, and perform some basic yoga/stretches. the idea was to have this ritual incorporated into my day, EVERY DAY. there is a statement, "if you want new results, then change your system". well, that is what i am trying to do. it has worked in the past, and sometimes you just have to remind yourself of what you can do.
one thing i have noticed is it seems like we are becoming a society where everything is one-way. my way or the highway. it seems like we want to take images, videos, content from the net but make no real commitment to give something back. again, this is just my opinion and i hope that i will be shown that is not the case. but, maybe we can all stop for a second and think of how we can give something back to anyone. it could be just really listening to a person.
just a thought.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Twitter Revolution
i guess this is just the most recent think on my mind this morning. very likely, because i was researching a speech and choose this event. oops. maybe, i should back up just a second. i am referring to Egyptian Revolution that just happened. i heard this phrase on a news program while an activist was interviewed on skype or something.
anyways, it was pretty amazing to go back and read about this history in action. but, again it shows just the power and reach of the social networking phenomena. sometimes, i think i get depressed when i just see vapid, banal, and otherwise useless tweets, blogs, or facebook updates. it goes to show the power of any tool when used to truly impact people's lives in a positive manner.
so, with all of that said, i am going to try to keep my online presence in a positive manner or at least in a way that makes people think.
ok, just wanted to get a thought out.
whatever, it is worth.
-thomas
anyways, it was pretty amazing to go back and read about this history in action. but, again it shows just the power and reach of the social networking phenomena. sometimes, i think i get depressed when i just see vapid, banal, and otherwise useless tweets, blogs, or facebook updates. it goes to show the power of any tool when used to truly impact people's lives in a positive manner.
so, with all of that said, i am going to try to keep my online presence in a positive manner or at least in a way that makes people think.
ok, just wanted to get a thought out.
whatever, it is worth.
-thomas
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"NoTitle"
i thought i had something important to put to "paper". maybe, this is just another venue to allow me to vent, purge that extra energy that i seem to have lately. while the energy is wonderful, i just can't seem to exercise it in a useful manner. that would include running, yoga, studying for my pmp, developing speeches for toastmasters, volunteering.... i think we can get the idea.
however, i think that it is important that i try to re-establish some routines in my life. maybe, a quick blurp about a thought or a dream or whatever, maybe help. if you don't like the results, then you got to change the process/system. somebody alot smarter than me said, "Every system delivers the exact results it was designed for." so, you want new results, than change the system.
also, i need to get used to writing again. i want to try to capture as much as i can via blogs/ pictures/ etc over the next few months. it is an opportunity to allow myself to open to others, and let them share in my travels. or, worse case, they can get an idea of where i am AND that i am not in "to much" trouble.
ok. so, this felt good. i think i amm on to something.
just one thing to think about. should there be more filtering in the use of computers in libraries? (note: i write this from a library pc)
i am not talking about content, what you look up on the internet rather, what you are using the computers for. most folks are productive but i can't help to notice these guys playing "video games" on systems.
just seems to me another example of able-bodied folks enjoying the benefits of a free and productive society. again, this is a small sample but i can't shake the feeling of how prevelant this "could" be.
just an observation. i try to stay impartial, and if this prompts me to be more proactive then all the better.
thx-thomas
however, i think that it is important that i try to re-establish some routines in my life. maybe, a quick blurp about a thought or a dream or whatever, maybe help. if you don't like the results, then you got to change the process/system. somebody alot smarter than me said, "Every system delivers the exact results it was designed for." so, you want new results, than change the system.
also, i need to get used to writing again. i want to try to capture as much as i can via blogs/ pictures/ etc over the next few months. it is an opportunity to allow myself to open to others, and let them share in my travels. or, worse case, they can get an idea of where i am AND that i am not in "to much" trouble.
ok. so, this felt good. i think i amm on to something.
just one thing to think about. should there be more filtering in the use of computers in libraries? (note: i write this from a library pc)
i am not talking about content, what you look up on the internet rather, what you are using the computers for. most folks are productive but i can't help to notice these guys playing "video games" on systems.
just seems to me another example of able-bodied folks enjoying the benefits of a free and productive society. again, this is a small sample but i can't shake the feeling of how prevelant this "could" be.
just an observation. i try to stay impartial, and if this prompts me to be more proactive then all the better.
thx-thomas
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thank You, Pam Grier!
I don't normally sing the praises of the books I read to other folks. Usually, I will read a book, enjoy it, but I don't sing praises of the book. I do list the books I will read on LinkedIn, but usually my comments are kept to myself. I mean who really needs to hear what I think, right. (anyone, see the irony in that last sentence?)
But, I have to admit that I was really moved by Ms Grier's book, FOXY My Life in Three Acts. Now, I think everyone know Pam Grier or one of her characters; Foxy Brown, Coffy, or Jackie Brown. I am never been a person to take a whole lot of satisifaction in reading or following another person's life. Don't we all have our own life to live and experience. However, I have always loved history because I love to learn how people have overcome obstacles in their lives, regardless of who or what put those obstacles there. And, I have always felt that Pam Grier was a hotty. Her characters always had this mix of sex appeal, power, and smarts. These are the same qualities that I have always looked for in women that I want to have in my life. So, it would seem only fitting that I would pick up her book...at the library. :)
WOW!. This book really reasonated with me, it was such an honest and straight-forward delivery of her life story. It talked about obstables she overcame or is still working to overcome; how she has fallen in love, had the relationship die, and still continues to find love; beating cancer; her trimuphs and her regrets.
I think the part that really connected with me was when she talked on using yoga to help her quite her mind and get in touch with her body. To be honest, I think I used those same words to describe why I started my practice of yoga.
Upon finishing reading this book, I really thought about sending fan mail to her. I have never done that, I don't ask for autographs or clammer to see them. ( Yes, even Van Halen) But, I did look for a way to express my gratitude to her, the best I could find was a twitter and facebook account. Well, we are in a new time of media-connectivity. Who knows yet, what I will do. But, I feel this is a good start, and maybe somebody will read this and find her book.
It seems like there was so much more in my head when I finished reading the book. Guess, you really do have to put it to paper as soon as it pops in. Pick it up, give it a read. Make your own informed opinion, I know that would be something Ms. Grier would do. She struck me as a very open-minded person who tried to connect to people on a real level. And, that is something that I need to keep working on. Because it ain't about the quanity, it is the quality.
Again, thank you Pam Grier.
-later
But, I have to admit that I was really moved by Ms Grier's book, FOXY My Life in Three Acts. Now, I think everyone know Pam Grier or one of her characters; Foxy Brown, Coffy, or Jackie Brown. I am never been a person to take a whole lot of satisifaction in reading or following another person's life. Don't we all have our own life to live and experience. However, I have always loved history because I love to learn how people have overcome obstacles in their lives, regardless of who or what put those obstacles there. And, I have always felt that Pam Grier was a hotty. Her characters always had this mix of sex appeal, power, and smarts. These are the same qualities that I have always looked for in women that I want to have in my life. So, it would seem only fitting that I would pick up her book...at the library. :)
WOW!. This book really reasonated with me, it was such an honest and straight-forward delivery of her life story. It talked about obstables she overcame or is still working to overcome; how she has fallen in love, had the relationship die, and still continues to find love; beating cancer; her trimuphs and her regrets.
I think the part that really connected with me was when she talked on using yoga to help her quite her mind and get in touch with her body. To be honest, I think I used those same words to describe why I started my practice of yoga.
Upon finishing reading this book, I really thought about sending fan mail to her. I have never done that, I don't ask for autographs or clammer to see them. ( Yes, even Van Halen) But, I did look for a way to express my gratitude to her, the best I could find was a twitter and facebook account. Well, we are in a new time of media-connectivity. Who knows yet, what I will do. But, I feel this is a good start, and maybe somebody will read this and find her book.
It seems like there was so much more in my head when I finished reading the book. Guess, you really do have to put it to paper as soon as it pops in. Pick it up, give it a read. Make your own informed opinion, I know that would be something Ms. Grier would do. She struck me as a very open-minded person who tried to connect to people on a real level. And, that is something that I need to keep working on. Because it ain't about the quanity, it is the quality.
Again, thank you Pam Grier.
-later
Saturday, August 28, 2010
More Thoughts
ok, just have a few more ideas rolling around in the ole noggin.
1
so, yesterday i had the chance to help out my friend and some strangers. i did a volunteer shift for Hood to Coast. ( i am not gonna go into it, but if you don't know it then google it, amigo). yeah, it was like 2am to 6am on Friday, before my normal workday. and, yes i did drag most of the day.
but, it was a really good time. i mostly helped to facilitate parking lot efficiency. that is, getting people parked and exited in a timely manner and with NO accidents. it was very easy and really fun. i got to talk with some folks, saw some funny ass costumes, and surprisingly was thanked on several occasions by ALOT of the participants. to be honest, and probably to sound cheesy that was really worth it. also, looking back on it...that volunteer shift was the most fun, enjoyable, substantial part of my day. that notion really surprised me. not, sure what that is telling me but i know that i am gonna say, if you can look for a way to help or volunteer.
2
have you ever noticed how the word "BUT" is used? i don't think that i have ever heard something good come after it.
WAIT, HOLD THAT! I AM FULL OF SHIT ON THAT ONE. you hear it all the time, " your dad was in an accident BUT he is fine."
sorry, about that guess i was just focusing on negative news. well, at least i recognize it and now i can work to try and stay positive. yeah, guess i have been use the negative but. (so, would that be a tiny butt or a big butt....guess that depends on how you feel about jlo. that would be the litmus test)
what? did i just use the political term, litmus test in reference to asses? maybe, that isn't so bad. i am pretty sure that most folks think politicians and their pundits on tv are a bunch of asses. yeah, i said it.
i really don't have anything else. but, i do feel better.
t
1
so, yesterday i had the chance to help out my friend and some strangers. i did a volunteer shift for Hood to Coast. ( i am not gonna go into it, but if you don't know it then google it, amigo). yeah, it was like 2am to 6am on Friday, before my normal workday. and, yes i did drag most of the day.
but, it was a really good time. i mostly helped to facilitate parking lot efficiency. that is, getting people parked and exited in a timely manner and with NO accidents. it was very easy and really fun. i got to talk with some folks, saw some funny ass costumes, and surprisingly was thanked on several occasions by ALOT of the participants. to be honest, and probably to sound cheesy that was really worth it. also, looking back on it...that volunteer shift was the most fun, enjoyable, substantial part of my day. that notion really surprised me. not, sure what that is telling me but i know that i am gonna say, if you can look for a way to help or volunteer.
2
have you ever noticed how the word "BUT" is used? i don't think that i have ever heard something good come after it.
WAIT, HOLD THAT! I AM FULL OF SHIT ON THAT ONE. you hear it all the time, " your dad was in an accident BUT he is fine."
sorry, about that guess i was just focusing on negative news. well, at least i recognize it and now i can work to try and stay positive. yeah, guess i have been use the negative but. (so, would that be a tiny butt or a big butt....guess that depends on how you feel about jlo. that would be the litmus test)
what? did i just use the political term, litmus test in reference to asses? maybe, that isn't so bad. i am pretty sure that most folks think politicians and their pundits on tv are a bunch of asses. yeah, i said it.
i really don't have anything else. but, i do feel better.
t
CASH ONLY
i don't usually go to farmer's markets all that often. but, i found myself at one this morning and i was reminded of why i don't usually go (haha) but then i noticed something pretty amazing. it sorta threw me for a second and then put a big smile on my fiscally-conservative face. NO CREDIT CARDS. CASH ONLY transactions. holy shit. i mean it was like i was in vegas or nyc or hell back in college. see, i never had a credit card in college. hell, i didn't have a damn bank-atm card. i used to have to go to the bank, up to a tell, and give them my bank statement book. all transactions were there for the world or rather my parents to see. no hidden fees in those days. :)
why do i bring this up? well, it seems to me that we, the country are still obsessed with "easy or plastic money". the night before, i was out for something or another. a bill came, and then it was time to do the plastic dance. you know the one, put X on my card, and Y on that card, and this cash will go toward the grand total. holy f, i watched in a bourbon stupor, as one gal at the table decided to play enron with the bill to figure what goes on what card. i think that whole procession took like 30minutes or at least til i finished getting this little story formed in my head. does anyone even read this shit? :) well, i write it for me.
ok, so now we flash back to the farmer's market. it was nice to see ( at least i hope) people making purchases that they maybe had to take pause on before completing. maybe, they stopped and asked do i really need this? or, damn i bought this basket of peaches, now i can't buy a burrito. fyi, i usually buy the burrito then i am upset that i can buy something else. but, it really become very evident on how we need to fix our economy, or at least our own personal part of the solution. yes, you and me, each have a part that we play. and, it goes like this: DON'T BUY SHIT YOU REALLY DON'T NEED. UNDERSTAND THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS TO EVERY FINANCIAL TRANSACTION YOU MAKE. WAKE THE HELL UP AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING. AND, THEN IF YOU DO FUCK UP WELL TAKE SOME DAMN ACCOUNTABILITY.
didn't mean to yell. so, that is a great little sermon, but talk without action is just hot air. so, i am going to start only doing cash transactions. i am going to carry cash to make my purchases; that would be lunch/dinner, my daily transit passes, and little purchases along the way. gonna try this and see how it goes. i know it will be painful, but i do believe that only thru pain do we truly make changes/improvements.
what are you gonna do?
why do i bring this up? well, it seems to me that we, the country are still obsessed with "easy or plastic money". the night before, i was out for something or another. a bill came, and then it was time to do the plastic dance. you know the one, put X on my card, and Y on that card, and this cash will go toward the grand total. holy f, i watched in a bourbon stupor, as one gal at the table decided to play enron with the bill to figure what goes on what card. i think that whole procession took like 30minutes or at least til i finished getting this little story formed in my head. does anyone even read this shit? :) well, i write it for me.
ok, so now we flash back to the farmer's market. it was nice to see ( at least i hope) people making purchases that they maybe had to take pause on before completing. maybe, they stopped and asked do i really need this? or, damn i bought this basket of peaches, now i can't buy a burrito. fyi, i usually buy the burrito then i am upset that i can buy something else. but, it really become very evident on how we need to fix our economy, or at least our own personal part of the solution. yes, you and me, each have a part that we play. and, it goes like this: DON'T BUY SHIT YOU REALLY DON'T NEED. UNDERSTAND THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS TO EVERY FINANCIAL TRANSACTION YOU MAKE. WAKE THE HELL UP AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING. AND, THEN IF YOU DO FUCK UP WELL TAKE SOME DAMN ACCOUNTABILITY.
didn't mean to yell. so, that is a great little sermon, but talk without action is just hot air. so, i am going to start only doing cash transactions. i am going to carry cash to make my purchases; that would be lunch/dinner, my daily transit passes, and little purchases along the way. gonna try this and see how it goes. i know it will be painful, but i do believe that only thru pain do we truly make changes/improvements.
what are you gonna do?
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