They did everything together... Tom and Sarah. Today, they were meeting for lunch at the new sandwich joint on the wharf. There aren't many in the area, usually any type of restaurant offers seafood only. When Sarah pulled up, call it karma or whatever, a spot opened up and she pulled right in. It was an outdoor, walk-up window for ordering at and then picnic tables to sit at. Tom was already in line and gave a little wave to her. She walked over and gave him a hug. They were the best of friends, the kind that know they would never date each other (because they tried for a very brief moment after they had known each other for a short time) and that the other's love life was off limits for discussion or criticism. Otherwise, they talked about everything.
Sarah Keagan, 36 years old, had a demanding look about her. She always dressed business casual in oxford shirts, sometimes a jacket, and any type of slacks other than jeans. She saved those for weekends or anytime other than work. She stood 5' 9" on the money and was obsessed with maintaining proper posture. She had seen how her grandmother's height shrank and the curvature to her spine would cause discomfort and at times was downright painful. Sarah had her grandmother's crystal blue eyes, sandy blonde hair, and thin frame... being thin partly came from genes and partly from high metabolism and a nervous energy. She was always on a mission. Hyper-vigilant at times and just plain curious more often than not.
Tom Schafer was 10 years her senior and offered a balance of cool, calm, collectedness that Sarah's drive lacked. She could bounce ideas and theories around without fear of debilitating criticism but knew the responses she would get would come from a place of understanding and pure encouragement, even if the response wasn't what she wanted to hear. It was always straightforward and honest. She appreciated this quality immensely and hoped someday she would meet someone who would be similar to Tom in that nature.
Tom was slighty taller than 6' and had dark hair and very dark brown eyes. He was a medium build, about 200 pounds, not a thin structure, but definitely toned from being committed to working out 3-4 times a week. He wasn't a fanatic about it but wanted to maintain a level of fitness to some extent. When he was out hiking or hunting he didn't want to be wheezing nor sore after the activity. His father had passed away from a heart condition just 3 years ago and had never been a healthy active individual.
The line at the sandwich shop was moving along quickly and the menu was posted on the wall above the ordering window. Sarah chose a grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich with a little honey mustard, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Tom ordered a Philly Cheese Steak with all the grilled veggies on top. After ordering, they moved to the right and backed up to make room for others to pick up their orders. Sarah was on Tom's left and as she glanced around the parking lot and picnic tables, she recognized a co-worker, Evelyn, who was a rumor mill all on her own. Sarah cringed when she thought of all the things she'd heard Evelyn say about others in their agency... not just their immediate co-workers or even their individual office, but the entire agency. Sarah had been warned about the rumor mill but had always held a belief that people create that environment all on their own.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
It starts with Your Imagination...
Imagine yourself tomorrow... a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. Can you see it? It's very difficult for me to imagine the future.
I've never been very good at setting a goal and then actually making a plan and checking steps off of the list. I'm trying to change that now. It's not a New Year's Resolution, because obviously it's October. It's a step in the right direction though. I saw an anecdote that said: "No matter how far wrong you go, you can always turn around." I understand the concept but also realize that even if you turn around from any path to choose another route, things will be different. You should be one of them.
Another saying: "The definition of insane: Repeating the same thing expecting a different result." I cannot keep doing what I've been doing and expect a better, or different, outcome.
Some of the items on my list that I'm currently working on:
Getting up earlier every day than I have previously. I've always been a night owl so this is very new and I struggle more with getting to sleep early than I do with getting up early. I just need to create a new routine at bedtime as well. The main purpose of this, is to dedicate 30 minutes to writing every day. I'm about 1/2 way there because I have been getting up earlier every day and writing for 30 minutes 3 times a week. Now I just need to ease into writing every day for 30 minutes every morning. I'll be giving that more attention next week. Wish me luck!
Another one is becoming more physically active. I bookmarked the "Couch to 5k" website and completed the first day of training... that's one baby step but if I don't set a specific time to get on the treadmill, there will be no tread marks. So, I believe the next step would mean getting up even a little earlier and either writing for 30 minutes then 20 minutes on the treadmill or vice versa.
Another one involves creating a budget and sticking to it. It always feels like we're living paycheck to paycheck but we are very wasteful and also spoiled with some material things. I'd really like to see how much we could cut back and how much we could actually save if we are determined to do so. Aaahhh... that's another issue. We. It should be easier to maintain and work toward a goal if you have a partner in crime with the same, or at least similar, agenda. Hoping I can get my family on board to see the importance, not only in living more conservatively, but also the value in the peace of mind knowing you are doing better for the future.
So, three fairly concrete goals for me. The fourth and last one is to maintain the goals in my thoughts and actions every day, so I will make notes for myself and blog at least once every two weeks on my progress. I believe that positive things will happen as goals are set and a path will become clear as long as the first step is taken.
I've never been very good at setting a goal and then actually making a plan and checking steps off of the list. I'm trying to change that now. It's not a New Year's Resolution, because obviously it's October. It's a step in the right direction though. I saw an anecdote that said: "No matter how far wrong you go, you can always turn around." I understand the concept but also realize that even if you turn around from any path to choose another route, things will be different. You should be one of them.
Another saying: "The definition of insane: Repeating the same thing expecting a different result." I cannot keep doing what I've been doing and expect a better, or different, outcome.
Some of the items on my list that I'm currently working on:
Getting up earlier every day than I have previously. I've always been a night owl so this is very new and I struggle more with getting to sleep early than I do with getting up early. I just need to create a new routine at bedtime as well. The main purpose of this, is to dedicate 30 minutes to writing every day. I'm about 1/2 way there because I have been getting up earlier every day and writing for 30 minutes 3 times a week. Now I just need to ease into writing every day for 30 minutes every morning. I'll be giving that more attention next week. Wish me luck!
Another one is becoming more physically active. I bookmarked the "Couch to 5k" website and completed the first day of training... that's one baby step but if I don't set a specific time to get on the treadmill, there will be no tread marks. So, I believe the next step would mean getting up even a little earlier and either writing for 30 minutes then 20 minutes on the treadmill or vice versa.
Another one involves creating a budget and sticking to it. It always feels like we're living paycheck to paycheck but we are very wasteful and also spoiled with some material things. I'd really like to see how much we could cut back and how much we could actually save if we are determined to do so. Aaahhh... that's another issue. We. It should be easier to maintain and work toward a goal if you have a partner in crime with the same, or at least similar, agenda. Hoping I can get my family on board to see the importance, not only in living more conservatively, but also the value in the peace of mind knowing you are doing better for the future.
So, three fairly concrete goals for me. The fourth and last one is to maintain the goals in my thoughts and actions every day, so I will make notes for myself and blog at least once every two weeks on my progress. I believe that positive things will happen as goals are set and a path will become clear as long as the first step is taken.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Accomplishment and Self...
After some self-contemplation and visiting with a couple of friends, I've come to a better understanding of what makes people feel good about themselves, including me. When you go to work and start a project, you are playing connect the dots most of the time. You expect an order, a flow that makes sense, and of course, every job has obstacles. Detours are an unavoidable element because things will never be ideal or perfect.
The most frustrating thing about the obstacles and detours are when they occur because of someone else's negligence, unknown need, or inept ability to follow the protocol. These elements are beyond your control and create anxiety. You feel like you're always putting out a fire, and sometimes it's the same fire over and over again because things just aren't flowing smoothly.
The other issue here is that your co-workers or counter associates in other agencies may have other issues that are more pressing, in the workplace, at home, medical issues... the obligations and distractions that each individual faces on any given day are various and multiple. Some courtesy and compassion can take you far in your requests of others.
The same thing occurs in our personal lives every day pertaining to household matters. Ideally every member of the family will put their dirty laundry where it belongs, put dirty dishes, empty cans, and garbage in their proper receptacles. They would put various tools/items back in their proper homes after each use. They would wipe down the top of the stove and the inside of the microwave after each use.
It's called CAYG!!! Clean As You Go!!! Oh boy... I'm on a soapbox now...
I recommend the following remedy, for personal sanity and satisfaction:
First, recognize the fact that you cannot control others. Realize that how you react is up to you. Do you like to complain? Do you like to create drama? Does your heart race when you get worked up? Do you feel your face begin to get hot when someone puts a wrench in your plan? You are internalizing your inability to control others. Once you recognize these facts, you are better able to address your feeling of failure, i.e. lack of accomplishment due to elements out of your control.
Second, just do it... it doesn't matter if it's creating a new habit, breaking a bad habit; it is about checking it off of your to-do list. If you do it, you'll feel better. Start by listing 10 things, right now, today, that are bugging you or that need to be done but you just haven't been motivated. Your list could be compiled of chores, personal in nature, business related, or even that "someday" repair list...
It doesn't matter what the context is, what matters is crossing items off of the list and adding new ones. The sense of accomplishment can start with: Getting out of bed earlier today than yesterday... doing something you set your mind to feels good. Fixing something that's broke feels good. Cleaning something that's dirty feels good.
Before you know it, your to-do list will be full of things you want to do instead of being lop-sided with things you need to do.
The most frustrating thing about the obstacles and detours are when they occur because of someone else's negligence, unknown need, or inept ability to follow the protocol. These elements are beyond your control and create anxiety. You feel like you're always putting out a fire, and sometimes it's the same fire over and over again because things just aren't flowing smoothly.
The other issue here is that your co-workers or counter associates in other agencies may have other issues that are more pressing, in the workplace, at home, medical issues... the obligations and distractions that each individual faces on any given day are various and multiple. Some courtesy and compassion can take you far in your requests of others.
The same thing occurs in our personal lives every day pertaining to household matters. Ideally every member of the family will put their dirty laundry where it belongs, put dirty dishes, empty cans, and garbage in their proper receptacles. They would put various tools/items back in their proper homes after each use. They would wipe down the top of the stove and the inside of the microwave after each use.
It's called CAYG!!! Clean As You Go!!! Oh boy... I'm on a soapbox now...
I recommend the following remedy, for personal sanity and satisfaction:
First, recognize the fact that you cannot control others. Realize that how you react is up to you. Do you like to complain? Do you like to create drama? Does your heart race when you get worked up? Do you feel your face begin to get hot when someone puts a wrench in your plan? You are internalizing your inability to control others. Once you recognize these facts, you are better able to address your feeling of failure, i.e. lack of accomplishment due to elements out of your control.
Second, just do it... it doesn't matter if it's creating a new habit, breaking a bad habit; it is about checking it off of your to-do list. If you do it, you'll feel better. Start by listing 10 things, right now, today, that are bugging you or that need to be done but you just haven't been motivated. Your list could be compiled of chores, personal in nature, business related, or even that "someday" repair list...
It doesn't matter what the context is, what matters is crossing items off of the list and adding new ones. The sense of accomplishment can start with: Getting out of bed earlier today than yesterday... doing something you set your mind to feels good. Fixing something that's broke feels good. Cleaning something that's dirty feels good.
Before you know it, your to-do list will be full of things you want to do instead of being lop-sided with things you need to do.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Presentation is everything...
Call it bedside manner or what you will, but how information is presented is everything.
Telling a joke? Of course timing matters, tremendously, but even if timing is perfect, it can't cover up the lackluster presentation that comes across duller than a fence post.
Introducing yourself? Presentation matters... your body language, tone of voice, choice of words... could be the difference between successful networking and that polite grin, wrinkled brow, and "uh huh," with a nod of the head that says, Ok, now go away...
I may not be an expert on the issue, but I do know one thing about people in general: how they react, more often than not, depends on presentation. Presentation can manipulate, to some extent, reactions of the audience.
Think of the last time someone criticized you... Criticism is not generally a positive experience, even for people who are open-minded, confident, and make a practice of using it to their benefit. The reality is that it is still criticism. But, how did you respond to the criticism? Did you internalize it? Did you start to berate the critical eye of the person you received the criticism from? Or, did they present the criticism in a way that encouraged you to make mental notes of what you could do better? that encouraged you to ask questions so that you could better fulfill the expectations of whatever your task was?
What would that look like? What would it feel like? How would it sound? I believe some people are labeled as brash, or cold-hearted, or a jackass because they've never learned to finesse their presentation. Some people think of this practice as walking on egg shells or using Kid-gloves because the receiving party is just too damn sensitive, taking any information or criticism that is not presented in a "touchy-feely" kind of way as a personal attack.
My belief is that every encounter between two people is more genuine when the whole person is taken into account. They do have feelings, they may be having a shitty day, they may have made errors or bad choices, they may have personal issues that are preventing them from focusing as much as they need to or would like to. If you think you know someone who can totally banish all facets of their personal life while at work or all facets of their work life while at home, you are sadly mistaken. They may be able to keep up the facade to all external eyes, but internally, in the subconscious, the gears are still turning, trying to unravel whatever mess or mayhem they are a party to.
There are plenty of other reasons to self-edit when presenting information of any kind in any format. Some of the personally gratifying things are: presenting great information in an equally great manner, presenting not so great information in a way that produces the least amount of anxiety or distress for the receiving party - trying to be a compassionate human, presenting encouraging information in a way that is just that: encouraging and with a boost that sparks the receiving party into action instead of into a dismal feeling of failure...
I have never been perfect about presentation nor claim to be, but I do try to make every encounter a little more tactful than the last, a little more insightful with an upswing, a little more thought provoking and motivating. This I will always strive to do.
Telling a joke? Of course timing matters, tremendously, but even if timing is perfect, it can't cover up the lackluster presentation that comes across duller than a fence post.
Introducing yourself? Presentation matters... your body language, tone of voice, choice of words... could be the difference between successful networking and that polite grin, wrinkled brow, and "uh huh," with a nod of the head that says, Ok, now go away...
I may not be an expert on the issue, but I do know one thing about people in general: how they react, more often than not, depends on presentation. Presentation can manipulate, to some extent, reactions of the audience.
Think of the last time someone criticized you... Criticism is not generally a positive experience, even for people who are open-minded, confident, and make a practice of using it to their benefit. The reality is that it is still criticism. But, how did you respond to the criticism? Did you internalize it? Did you start to berate the critical eye of the person you received the criticism from? Or, did they present the criticism in a way that encouraged you to make mental notes of what you could do better? that encouraged you to ask questions so that you could better fulfill the expectations of whatever your task was?
What would that look like? What would it feel like? How would it sound? I believe some people are labeled as brash, or cold-hearted, or a jackass because they've never learned to finesse their presentation. Some people think of this practice as walking on egg shells or using Kid-gloves because the receiving party is just too damn sensitive, taking any information or criticism that is not presented in a "touchy-feely" kind of way as a personal attack.
My belief is that every encounter between two people is more genuine when the whole person is taken into account. They do have feelings, they may be having a shitty day, they may have made errors or bad choices, they may have personal issues that are preventing them from focusing as much as they need to or would like to. If you think you know someone who can totally banish all facets of their personal life while at work or all facets of their work life while at home, you are sadly mistaken. They may be able to keep up the facade to all external eyes, but internally, in the subconscious, the gears are still turning, trying to unravel whatever mess or mayhem they are a party to.
There are plenty of other reasons to self-edit when presenting information of any kind in any format. Some of the personally gratifying things are: presenting great information in an equally great manner, presenting not so great information in a way that produces the least amount of anxiety or distress for the receiving party - trying to be a compassionate human, presenting encouraging information in a way that is just that: encouraging and with a boost that sparks the receiving party into action instead of into a dismal feeling of failure...
I have never been perfect about presentation nor claim to be, but I do try to make every encounter a little more tactful than the last, a little more insightful with an upswing, a little more thought provoking and motivating. This I will always strive to do.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Early am...
Today is my youngest daughter's 17th Birthday... holy crap how time flies when you're having fun! I hope she has a wonderful day filled with smiles and laughter~ Love you Brandi!!
Waking up at 4:30 am is not my forte... I'm not much of a morning person... at all really... but today? Hmmm... I have been trying to convince myself to get up early for the one and only purpose of writing every day. What made today different? I have no friggin' idea but I've been up for about an hour and a half trying to rack my brain and come up with something worth writing... er reading...
I saw a quote or anecdote or something that has been the focus of my attention for a couple of weeks at least and I hope to use it to my advantage:
I want to focus on the doing. I want to do something that feels productive, is satisfying to the soul, something that matters and that will influence others in positive ways. I don't know what that is yet...
The most productive thing I've done in my life thus far (at least by my own standards) is raise two very beautiful, intelligent, healthy daughters. They are as different as night and day in some respects and very similar in others. If they are all I ever have to offer to the world, I am proud to be their mom and am certain they will do great things in their futures.
Until I know what I'm going to do worth writing, I'll continue to write, hopefully some stuff worth reading, hopefully more often than not, and hopefully re-train myself to getting up earlier to do so. The first step is planting the butt in the chair, so to speak, and putting the words on paper. That much I know.
Waking up at 4:30 am is not my forte... I'm not much of a morning person... at all really... but today? Hmmm... I have been trying to convince myself to get up early for the one and only purpose of writing every day. What made today different? I have no friggin' idea but I've been up for about an hour and a half trying to rack my brain and come up with something worth writing... er reading...
I saw a quote or anecdote or something that has been the focus of my attention for a couple of weeks at least and I hope to use it to my advantage:
"Write something worth reading or do something worth writing."Not sure who's quote it is or where I saw it but it sure makes sense. Write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Either one is a tall order.
I want to focus on the doing. I want to do something that feels productive, is satisfying to the soul, something that matters and that will influence others in positive ways. I don't know what that is yet...
The most productive thing I've done in my life thus far (at least by my own standards) is raise two very beautiful, intelligent, healthy daughters. They are as different as night and day in some respects and very similar in others. If they are all I ever have to offer to the world, I am proud to be their mom and am certain they will do great things in their futures.
Until I know what I'm going to do worth writing, I'll continue to write, hopefully some stuff worth reading, hopefully more often than not, and hopefully re-train myself to getting up earlier to do so. The first step is planting the butt in the chair, so to speak, and putting the words on paper. That much I know.
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Stump Speech
Defending Our Own... Criminals Will Fail.
Neighborhood Watch anyone?!
I'm irritated as hell with all of the break-ins, robberies, and seemingly sly hands that have infiltrated our town. Not that this is a new crime we're being exposed to by any means. I just believe it's time we take our homes, our property, and our neighborhoods back.
I don't think we should fall victim to these common criminals and be holed up in our homes. So for me and mine, we will defend our property. I'm envisioning some sly work of our own. Strategically placed security cameras? Maybe. I think more appropriate would be the kind of snares, traps, and trickery that Macaulay Culkin used in Home Alone, only Montana style. We've got boots with spurs, branding irons, horse shoes, cattle prods, firearms, and my favorite: fireworks. I think Neighborhood Watch should make a huge comeback, maybe even with competitions to see who catches how many? Wouldn't it be great to watch 'em scatter not knowing what the hell's going on? They wouldn't know which homes actually have firearms for self defense.
I'd really like to know what makes these idiots think they won't get caught... give 'em enough rope and they'll hang themselves, and depending on the rope's placement as home defense, that could be literal. Leave your doors open with only the screen door as a deterrent? Crazy you say? Properly placed fireworks that explode with just the right friction... hmmm. A drill plugged in to an outlet that turns on when the door is opened? Wouldn't that be a fun story? Place "snaps" under things that invariably get stepped on... A frying pan hung in an inconspicuous place, a bag of marbles dumped on hard wood or laminate flooring, man that would be a riot... catching THEM off guard. My daughter even gave me an idea from something she tried when she was about 10... polish the linoleum with pledge... just try walking across that unawares... flat on the ass is where the crook would end up.
Why not? Let's get creative. Think inside the box ('er your home...) and put an end to this bull crap.
Neighborhood Watch anyone?!
I'm irritated as hell with all of the break-ins, robberies, and seemingly sly hands that have infiltrated our town. Not that this is a new crime we're being exposed to by any means. I just believe it's time we take our homes, our property, and our neighborhoods back.
I don't think we should fall victim to these common criminals and be holed up in our homes. So for me and mine, we will defend our property. I'm envisioning some sly work of our own. Strategically placed security cameras? Maybe. I think more appropriate would be the kind of snares, traps, and trickery that Macaulay Culkin used in Home Alone, only Montana style. We've got boots with spurs, branding irons, horse shoes, cattle prods, firearms, and my favorite: fireworks. I think Neighborhood Watch should make a huge comeback, maybe even with competitions to see who catches how many? Wouldn't it be great to watch 'em scatter not knowing what the hell's going on? They wouldn't know which homes actually have firearms for self defense.
I'd really like to know what makes these idiots think they won't get caught... give 'em enough rope and they'll hang themselves, and depending on the rope's placement as home defense, that could be literal. Leave your doors open with only the screen door as a deterrent? Crazy you say? Properly placed fireworks that explode with just the right friction... hmmm. A drill plugged in to an outlet that turns on when the door is opened? Wouldn't that be a fun story? Place "snaps" under things that invariably get stepped on... A frying pan hung in an inconspicuous place, a bag of marbles dumped on hard wood or laminate flooring, man that would be a riot... catching THEM off guard. My daughter even gave me an idea from something she tried when she was about 10... polish the linoleum with pledge... just try walking across that unawares... flat on the ass is where the crook would end up.
Why not? Let's get creative. Think inside the box ('er your home...) and put an end to this bull crap.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Stump Speech...
Had a very good evening watching a couple of episodes of BookTV that I recorded off of C-Span. The first one was an author named Katie Pavlich speaking on her book, Fast and Furious. She dove head first into a government scandal during Obama's presidency that surrounds an attempt to "regulate" small gun dealerships, in/near border states specifically, out of business. It was rather fascinating and alarming at the same time. My 20 year old daughter and I watched it together, paused when we had points of interest or queries to debate along the way, and overall agreed that we want to keep our right to bear arms as law abiding citizens as opposed to becoming victims to criminals and a government who are above (or below) the law.
The second episode spotlighted Kevin Bleyer and his new book, Me the People, an attempt at rewriting the Constitution, a satirical attempt at that, but nonetheless. Bleyer is a writer for The Daily Show, with Jon Stewart. He has a very lighthearted approach to his view on the lack of ownership we have of our Constitution, especially in the last hundred years. He also promotes changing that aspect, promoting knowledge and maybe amendments that would be more applicable today.
Have you ever read the Constitution? Are there specific parts you've memorized from your fourth, fifth, or sixth grade teacher standing at the front of the room with a yard stick dangling near by? (Ok, I've dated myself here... you could even get spanked at school in my day!) Do you know what year the Constitution of the United Stated was written? Do you know who wrote or helped guide the writing of the Constitution?
I will probably buy each of these books as well as get a copy of the Constitution, full or abridged, because it struck me that we all should know, practice, and appreciate the rights we have, the rights we earn, the rights that belong to us as law abiding citizens.
One of the last things discussed during his interview was the idea of a Stump Speech. A Stump Speech is the "canned" speech of a political candidate. Stump Speeches got their name when the candidates would travel around and stand on a stump in the town square, or where ever to present their campaign. They presented their views/ideas/agendas to so many different audiences that the Stump Speech was the best way to ensure a consistent message. So, Bleyer was challenged by his interviewer to come up with a Six Word Stump Speech. His reply: "Follow the Constitution; Read the Constitution."
I've thought about this for a bit now and believe that is an acceptable challenge. Put yourself to the test. Can you come up with a six word stump speech that would encompass your request of our government or your fellow citizens? I'll have mine figured out for tomorrow's post.
The second episode spotlighted Kevin Bleyer and his new book, Me the People, an attempt at rewriting the Constitution, a satirical attempt at that, but nonetheless. Bleyer is a writer for The Daily Show, with Jon Stewart. He has a very lighthearted approach to his view on the lack of ownership we have of our Constitution, especially in the last hundred years. He also promotes changing that aspect, promoting knowledge and maybe amendments that would be more applicable today.
Have you ever read the Constitution? Are there specific parts you've memorized from your fourth, fifth, or sixth grade teacher standing at the front of the room with a yard stick dangling near by? (Ok, I've dated myself here... you could even get spanked at school in my day!) Do you know what year the Constitution of the United Stated was written? Do you know who wrote or helped guide the writing of the Constitution?
I will probably buy each of these books as well as get a copy of the Constitution, full or abridged, because it struck me that we all should know, practice, and appreciate the rights we have, the rights we earn, the rights that belong to us as law abiding citizens.
One of the last things discussed during his interview was the idea of a Stump Speech. A Stump Speech is the "canned" speech of a political candidate. Stump Speeches got their name when the candidates would travel around and stand on a stump in the town square, or where ever to present their campaign. They presented their views/ideas/agendas to so many different audiences that the Stump Speech was the best way to ensure a consistent message. So, Bleyer was challenged by his interviewer to come up with a Six Word Stump Speech. His reply: "Follow the Constitution; Read the Constitution."
I've thought about this for a bit now and believe that is an acceptable challenge. Put yourself to the test. Can you come up with a six word stump speech that would encompass your request of our government or your fellow citizens? I'll have mine figured out for tomorrow's post.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
So, it's a first...
A first attempt at a blog, that is. I'm a writer. I've always been a writer but have that innate fear of putting my writings out in front of others. I also haven't been disciplined enough to write every day for the sheer reason of writing. It seems I'm constantly arguing with myself about the content, the audience, the genre, the tone, the plot... gee, maybe that's because I'm not a fiction writer.
I find truth stranger (and most times more interesting) than fiction any day of the week. There are, of course, a few exceptions and I definitely have favorite fiction and science fiction authors that I love to read. I have also found that writing fiction in tandem with someone makes it much more enjoyable and productive... there's always a new twist each person takes. It may be the first work of fiction I share when it's finished.
So, being inspired recently by a very positive, driven individual pursuing her dream in Chicago, I'm determined to at least write every day. I will need to get over the fact that it may be meaningless drivel to me or anyone who may read it and just try to improve day by day... finding interesting questions and issues that I enjoy researching.
Every morning, I will wake with the inspiration of: Being better than I was yesterday, last week, last month, last year. It's up to us to learn from our actions and reactions every day... whether that means trying to leave the house five minutes earlier, or procrastinating less, or being more diligent in some area or relationship that really matters. Maybe it's trying to use more tact in our interactions with others... it's not so much about walking on egg shells because so-and-so needs to be treated with kid gloves, but more about this: "You must be the Change You Want to See in the World." Mahatma Gandhi
We'll see what tomorrow brings~ rain or shine, I'm grateful to just be.
I find truth stranger (and most times more interesting) than fiction any day of the week. There are, of course, a few exceptions and I definitely have favorite fiction and science fiction authors that I love to read. I have also found that writing fiction in tandem with someone makes it much more enjoyable and productive... there's always a new twist each person takes. It may be the first work of fiction I share when it's finished.
So, being inspired recently by a very positive, driven individual pursuing her dream in Chicago, I'm determined to at least write every day. I will need to get over the fact that it may be meaningless drivel to me or anyone who may read it and just try to improve day by day... finding interesting questions and issues that I enjoy researching.
Every morning, I will wake with the inspiration of: Being better than I was yesterday, last week, last month, last year. It's up to us to learn from our actions and reactions every day... whether that means trying to leave the house five minutes earlier, or procrastinating less, or being more diligent in some area or relationship that really matters. Maybe it's trying to use more tact in our interactions with others... it's not so much about walking on egg shells because so-and-so needs to be treated with kid gloves, but more about this: "You must be the Change You Want to See in the World." Mahatma Gandhi
We'll see what tomorrow brings~ rain or shine, I'm grateful to just be.
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