looking back

Tags

culture, Education, Life, Travel

I was reading a post from a fellow blogger Mo and it made me look a little different at today.  (if you stop by her blog be sure and wish her a Happy Birthday!)

Often, I wake up, I know my plans and my work schedule and off I go.

I work hard, focus on success, and what will come next.

What I do not do is look back at some of the amazing things I have done and the beautiful things around me.  I tend to worry about the little things I cannot control and also spend time wondering about what I do not have.

As I get ready to turn 40 in a few weeks, I want to look back a little…take stock and see what an incredible life I have had thus far and how my experiences have shaped me.  My wife, daughter, career, family and friends and faith.  My story.

If you think it or not, we all have amazing stories to tell.

We have been given an amazing gift by living in this world no matter our background.

We meet people from all over the world with different beliefs, values and stories.

We experience travel, cultures and education.

We see vivid colors in trees and plants and smell the fragrance of that growth.

We laugh, cry and get angry at all different things and people we run across.

We get and give hope and get and give love.

We create friendships that last lifetimes.

So here is what I want to do today….take a look back.  What have you done in your life that you should remember?  What experience have you had that has made you a better person for having it?

my life slump

Tags

birthday, Life, mentor

I really had not planned on writing today.

In fact, I had not planned on writing for a while.

I am in a slump of sorts.

Not feeling my best, not motivated, not really feeling like I usually do.

I am at a crossroads heading into my 40th birthday that I know some things need to change but I am not completely certain where to start.  No, I am not in a midlife crisis, just a slump.  I do not want a Porsche or Motorcycle (although I have always wanted a Scooter).  I do hate driving a mini van but it is what I use for my job…no a mid life thing.

I really need…..

I really need a career mentor.  Someone to guide me to the next level.  I am successful, but now need a huge push to the top.  I need someone to let me know where that is and how to get there.

I need someone to listen.  A friend who does not need me to listen.  A change of role for me but none the less, it is where I am.  For the last several years, I have been the one in the other chair at Starbucks, listening, consoling, lifting…..I need a break.  I need to be the one talking for once.

I need a fitness mentor.  Someone to inspire me to better health and get me back on track physically.

I need a spiritual friend.  Someone to help me understand better what i do not.  And I need this without judgment.  I have a couple of friends who attempt this but do so with critique instead of teaching.

Please do not get me wrong here, my life is pretty dang good.  I have an amazing family, great job and good health.  I travel a lot and experience what most cannot or will never.  I am truly blessed.

Something is just itching in me and put me into a slump.

What do you need right now?  How are you feeling?  Any ideas?

Are You Plugged In or Un-Plugged?

Tags

Career, habits, Life, Politics, Starbucks

A lot of mornings I will sit at Starbucks before my busy day and just watch people.

Watching people can tend to reveal a lot.

A lot about people’s lives, careers, family, habits and politics.

It is amazing to me what people will reveal in public. You can hear arguments over finances, spouses frustrated over the lack of involvement of their significant other with the kids, bible studies, and even the occasional “catch” up between friends.

In Nashville I will hear about the Tour they are preparing to leave on or the one just finished. The video just shot the new artist that is just not panning out.

The thing that usually strikes me as most is that all of these people tend to think they are “plugged in” to life. Plugged into a social circle that rewards their discussion and in their eyes betters their life.

But are they really “plugged in”?

I too find myself seeking those social connections a lot of days. Looking for someone to catch a word or two with and have some interaction that is not work related or tied to my 6 year old. I especially look for this on the tough days. On the days when I feel my life is un-plugged and falling around me.

What about you? How do you “Plug In”? When do you feel most vulnerable or “Un-Plugged”?

True Fan or Poser?

Tags

Life, NFL, Sports, Superbowl, volunteering

I sat in a party last night with about 2 dozen people who could have cared less who won the SuperBowl.

At the same time I could not help but think about my good friend Rick, a die hard Steeler’s fan, and the emotional roller coaster he had to be on.  Rick is a true fan.  He doesn’t want a party during the game.  He wants to emurse himself into the game, and watch it without interuption.  Maybe an occasional text from me to give him crap during timeouts but other than that…game only.  Rick delights in every aspect of the viewing all the way down to the cleverly placed and world famous commercial spots that are the NFL SuperBowl and will be ready to discuss the next morning along with key plays from the game.

Then there are the fans, who I place separate from the true fans or fans of the sport, called Posers.

Posers are those that at the beginning of the season did not care who won or was in route to going, but decided to buy all the gear, show up at a party and act like a fool during the final game to show their love for the team.

Posers are in every sport.  They are the people who are the most avid fans during the good times and then don’t care when times get tough.

Life is full of True Fans and Posers isn’t it?

People who jump on a political bandwagon because it seams cool but when it comes down to the tough choices and holding your candidate accountable, their political badge is somewhere lost in the closet.  They no longer care.

When times get tough or there is a need for volunteerism, those that protested for certain rights or actions, are the last ones you see in line to help those in need.  In fact, usually they are no where to be found.

Then there are the Rick’s of the world.  Those who champion a cause and when it gets tough are the first in line to help provide assistance or a solution.

They don’t shy away from adversity, struggle or criticism.  They harness the adversity and put a plan into action and show what kind of person they really are.  They celebrate when times are good but let their sadness and frustration show when times are bad.

So my question to you…Are you a True Fan or a Poser in life? Who would you list as a True Fan?

Stop Whining and Get A Life

Tags

Education, election, Life, McCain, McDonalds, Obama, Starbucks, UPS, Walgreens

Today I ran across one of my favorite books.  Stop Whining and Get a Life.  After glancing through it for a few minutes and refreshing my memory on the content, I want to share some things…

I don’t have a job- STOP WHINING- there are jobs out there, the question is do you want them.  Don’t complain that you cannot work.  McDonalds, UPS, Starbucks, Walgreens, Blockbuster, Car Dealers to name a few are ALWAYS hiring.  It might not be the tech job you had, but it is something.  And when you have a job, your personality shines and it is easier to get the job you want.

The government is not doing what I want it to- STOP WHINING- take a stand and vote for someone who will work under your values.  I find it absolutely amazing that 85% of Americans were against the bailout and completely pissed at a congress with a 14% approval rating but yet in almost no congressional race did an incumbent lose.  We re-elected these idiots.  Way to do something about it people!

Public schools are not educating my child- STOP WHINING- this one always gets me.  I hear people every day whining about the school their kid is in and how they are not getting this or that.  One simple question for you- When is the last time you volunteered in the classroom?  Never?  Then stop whining.  You are not doing anything to help fix it so you have no ground to stand on to complain.  And, PS….you have to do some of these things at home.

Barack Obama is going to “change” the world- GET A LIFE.  Politicians don’t change the world.  You do.  Enough said.

John McCain didn’t get elected so the world is going to end- GET A LIFE.  See above.

I think I have probably made my point now it is your chance to make yours.

What do you think people need to STOP WHINING about and GET A LIFE about?

Life In The Fast Lane

Tags

instant message, Life, McDonalds, Nascar

45 Seconds- Average serve time at McDonalds

15 Seconds- 4 tire pit stop and fuel on a Nascar pit stop

.2 Seconds- Time it takes to send an instant message

1 word- Time it takes to kill a political career

We definitely live our lives in the fast lane.  We shop on-line to save time, we want our food fast, we want our meetings now and we very rarely accept the luxury of time.

Why is it that our society is so consumed by FAST?  Faster internet, faster service and a faster life. 

I think it is time we start slowing down and making better decisions…enjoy our life, family and faith.  Slow down and learn what is really important in our world.

Today, I am going to take 30 minutes away from everything to just think.  It is how I am starting my new journey to slow thins down.

How woud you slow things down?  What might you do to enjoy a slower life and what do you think the benefits will be? 

Kids And The Political Press

Tags

congressman, government, governor, kids, Life, McCain, media, Obama, Palin, Politics, press, senator

I can safely say I agree with Barack Obama.

Leave the kids out of this political race.

The press has just gone insanely crazy over the breaking news of Gov. Palin’s daughter’s pregnancy.  Why?  How is this truly going to change how she manages government? 

Now, I am still out on if I like Palin or not and mainly because I do not know her politics to date.  I know the basics and she seems like a pretty decent leader as do the others in this race.  I can also safely say they all have skeletons in their closet. 

What I am curious about is how will the press coverage of this piece affect the race?  Do people really care about this or what her stances are on key issues?  I personally think we are becoming an uneducated bunch of nincompoops when it comes to electing our politicians.

So my question to you is this….Do you think the press should back off the kids?  If so why and if not are Obamas kids fair game?

Does this piece affect how you feel about Palin?  Do you feel it designs how she governs?

What Would You Do If?

Tags

church, debt, homeless, Life, questions

I am always curious to peoples answers about random questions.  I always wonder if the answers that people give are strictly based on their faith, are off the cuff, or are based on an emotional link.

So here are some questions I would love an answer from you all on….curious to see how we might be alike.

What would you do if you knew you only had one day to live?

What would you do if your church closed?  (And I mean the really cool church you attend!)

What would you do if you found out your dearest and most trusted friend was a missing and wanted fugitive who had changed their name and life?  What if he/she was the most respected philanthroper in your community?

What would you do if you found yourself homeless?

And finally, What would you do if you found out your spouse had run up thousands of dollars in debt you did not know about?

Curoius about your answers…leave me a comment on any or all.

Does My Church Need Me?

Tags

church, friends, frustration, Life, volunteering

What do you do when you feel your church doesn’t care about your ideas or help?

I am currently struggling with this right now.  I love my church and all of our friends that attend as well as the staff.  And I need to state on the front end, I don’t think my church is doing this intentionally or even realize I am feeling this way.  I am not even sure it is their responsibility to know such.

My frustration comes in as of late because I have tried to do some new things to help our church and they have fallen on some deaf ears.  For one, I really wanted to set up a scholarship program for our youth where I would write 3, $500 scholarships per year to kids in the youth group who really exemplified positive character, great grades and went over and above to volunteer and demonstrate to other teens and kids what a role model should be.  Several emails and phone calls- no luck and no interest I guess.  I understand it is not a lot of money but I would figure someone could have used it.  I sent the money elsewhere.

Second, I have sent in requests several times to volunteer in different areas of the church.  Not a single time have I been contacted regarding this.

So my questions are this…Do I just attend on Sunday then go my way through the week?  Do I bother to try and re-introduce these things again to see if a better result comes about?

I am not a complainer so I do not wish to really be viewed as such.  I am just not sure where to go with this?  Very frustrated. 

Solutions wanted.

What Do You Whine About?

Tags

economy, Life, whining

Today is sunny and 85 degrees, low humidity.

I am alive, healthy and have an amazing family.

I am gainfully employed, no debt and really do not have anything to whine about.

Am I that much different than everyone else?  I hear more and more people whine about everything from how little money they have, Barack and McCain, the weather (don’t get this except for lack of rain), children, economy, etc.etc..

Why?  Why do people whine so much?  Does it help things?

Now, please don’t confuse what I am asking with having a bad event or day.  I am asking it in the most general sense.  Our society has become a group of whiners.  Why?

Maybe I live in an unrealistic world by not feeling it is worth my time to whine.  I don’t feel it provides a solution to a problem.  If anything, I think it exaggerates it.

So let me know…What is worth whining about?  Do you whine and if so about what?