Footprints

When I was in high school, I was obsessed with the poem, "Footprints."  I still love the idea of the poem, but its meaning was deeper than the story of the poem.  Something about the poem and the title constantly reminded me of the footprints people were leaving on my life.  At that point in my life I had moved quite a bit, and something inside me told me I'd be moving more.

That has held true.

Somehow Facebook helps and, yet, I don't know that it does.  Through Facebook I am able to "stalk" those who left deep and permanent footprints on my life.  These are people that have influenced my personality to the point that I would be a completely different person if it weren't for them.  Yet, Facebook just reminds me of the distance...physical, emotional, time and space from who I carry with me on my heart.  To call someone up today to thank them would probably really freak them out.  To call them up and mention you saw they're having a bad day and you'd like to be there for them in a way they were for you ten plus years ago...that'd probably freak them out.  I also get the impulse to congratulate them; to tell them how happy it makes me that they found happiness in something big or small....that could probably freak them out too.

So, if you're reading this and you have known me at some point in time, please know this....thank you.  I am who I am because of who you were to me.  I still hold you dear.  And, if you're ever in the area, please look me up.  I would love to catch up over coffee, pizza, beer or wine. :)

Your footprints on me remain.

What I Learned at Chick-fil-A

I recently left a job at Chick-fil-A.  It was not the best work experience I have had, but I learned so much.  I spent the majority of my tenure at CFA as the night manager leading mostly teenagers.  Here's what they taught me...

1. Teenagers are much like dogs and snakes.  Like dogs they can be loyal to a fault.  Like snakes they will attack when they feel threatened.  Like both they can smell fear a mile away.
2. Teenagers are smart, hardworking and willing to do almost anything for a product, a person or idea they believe in.  With that in mind, they will not respond to a product, person or idea that is inauthentic.
3. Give a teenager respect first, and you will receive it back tenfold.  Do not demand respect from them or require it before you will respect them.
4. Teenagers will not just mimic but form themselves around who you are as a role model.  Be careful not just with your personal decisions but your words, actions and decisions around them all of the time.
5. Teenagers are between adult and child.  Give them responsibilities of an adult and then give them the attention of a child.  It will nurture their self-confidence and allow them to learn and grow with the security of your supervision.
6. Keep their best interests at heart as they may not.
7. Never assume you know them.  Never assume you know yourself around them.  Like all people, you're both changing while in relation with each other.  

I know they have changed me.  Thank you to each and every one of you.

Don't Be Fooled, History Will Repeat Itself

Have you ever considered what words you say that have already been said?  Or, maybe you wonder as you go through some action, if someone before has done the same thing.  If you look at the history of humankind we have a tendency to repeat our mistakes over and over again.  I to have made mistakes over and over again struggling to learn the lesson I'm meant to learn.

For example in the fourth grade on the third day of the school year, my friends and I were enjoying a pleasant lunch.  It was a Friday, so those of us required by our cruel and unusual parents to eat school lunches had the joy of at least drinking chocolate milk instead of the white milk served Monday through Thursday.  As I was sipping this refreshing chocolate milk, Rachel James said something hilarious.  Now, I wish I knew now what it was, but considering it was the fourth grade, I'm not sure I'd still find it funny.  Anyways, she was funny.  We all broke into laughter.  And, because I had not timed my chocolate milk consumption with the delivery of her punch line, as I laughed chocolate milk came out my nose.  For those of you who have not had this experience, let me spare you.  Chocolate milk burns the nose.

So, fast forward almost 20 years, and I have been fortunate to avoid this combination of humor and poorly timed nourishment.  That is until tonight.  Tonight as I ate a chicken sandwich with hot sauce and ranch on it, Susan just had to be funny.  She's usually just funny looking while I eat, which I can maintain my composure while I eat (I've practiced over the years).  But, tonight she timed her funny looks with her witty comments at the same time as my dinner munching.  Next thing I know, a tiny piece of chicken with hot sauce came out my nose.

Now, I know this story will not win me my future husband.  But, I'm hoping to protect those innocents still left out there.  There is no need to test this at home.  Chocolate milk and chicken with hot sauce both burn equally when passing through the nasal canal.  Oh, I don't remember what Susan said either.  However, both of these ladies are quite hilarious.  Final lesson, history will repeat itself even when least expected.

When You Find Yourself Through the Fingerprints of Others

Twenty-one years ago today, I received a bouquet of flowers and a balloon at school from my grandparents who lived 60+ miles away.  I remember wondering how they found a florist who would drive so far for a delivery.  We had moved to Richland Center, WI only a few months before, and that moment when I read the card was the first time I had felt like myself since moving there.

Please understand; the teachers and students were very welcoming and friendly.  In fact Rachel used to tell the story about how she and Jenny Larson argued about who would show me, the new girl, around on her first day.  Unfortunately, I only remember the girls' bathroom from that tour.  This move though was not my family's first, and I think they were just wearing me down.  That day though with the flowers and balloon; it was a turning point for me in Richland Center.

The following weekend I had my first and last birthday party of my childhood.  Yes, I had sleepovers with one or two friends for my birthdays growing up, but this was my only authentic birthday party.  For my 8th birthday, we invited Rachel James, Kelly Keene, Jenny Larson, Nicole Krug, Danielle Stussy, Marci Hill and Maria King to my house for games and cake.  I wonder if there is a picture of all of us somewhere.  I remember at one point crying in our fort because I thought people were having more fun with my aunt Pati than with me.  She did make a cool cake and rocked at tetherball.  I remember thinking though that the crying really made it my party.  "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore seemed to be influencing my understanding of a successful part.

Something about that birthday - the bouquet from my grandparents, my mom and aunt throwing me a party, the friends I had only known a few weeks coming to celebrate with me - has influenced how people permanently affect my heart and personality.  I wonder if people realize the emotional impact the connections we had have had on me.  I feel as though my heart and soul are much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd and Vine St; each person whom I've had a relationship with has left their mark - their fingerprints perhaps - on whom I am.

If you're reading this and have been a part of my life, I want you to know that I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you.  Thank you for touching my life.

*Note: If you were at my 8th birthday party and I didn't list you, please forgive me.  I'm getting old.*

Living Beyond the Television

Tonight slipped away before I even realized it.  As the afternoon wasted away, my roommate sat reading homework while I considered doing laundry or dishes.  We had discussed going to a restaurant or bar to watch the second half of the football game, Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears.  It's not that either of us is a huge football fan; but I'm from Wisconsin, she's from Illinois and this is only one of two games a season that we can agree to disagree.

Note: we need to go to a restaurant or bar to watch the game because we don't have television.  We have a television for DVDs, PS2 and such, but we don't get cable, dish, etc.

Then, it happens.  Up until this point we were following the game and score by checking online every so often, but this was to keep us in the loop before we got to watch some of it.  However my night was ripped away from me when the headline pops up on the computer screen about Taylor Swift winning her first moonman just to have Kanye West interupt to tell the world he thought Beyonce deserved the award.

Read More »

What to blog about...Web 2.0?

I am rarely consistent about my postings. Often when I do write, it is about how I don't write. I'd like to call it irony, but I think a more appropriate term is lazy.

So recently I've been pondering the wide array of topics I could write about. My blog does not have a theme, so there is no good reason for a lack of topics. I could address books I'm reading, recent movies I've seen, crazy or less intelligent people I interact with and so much more. Now, while I would like to address each of these entertaining topics, I want one that I can regularly turn to for an immediate blog post idea. Here is where Web 2.0 comes in.

I love the internet. I could spend all day on it. I read the news, browse Facebook and Twitter, track my calories, listen to music, and then go back to the news to start it all over again. I am spending most of my time interacting with what people call Web 2.0.

Now Wikipedia's article (linked to above) is a bit obscure as are most of the websites on Web 2.0. And, that's because it hasn't really been defined. That leaves you with my definition...in the past we used paper. There was an upgrade to computers with software. Internet connected us, but that was for surfing product sites, getting directions and stuff. Now, we've progressed to Web 2.0; we're not using software on our computers or paper notes. The websites themselves are interacting with us and serving as our tools for connectivity and communication. The desktop of the computer screen is no longer our "homepage," but the browser (what you're using to "browse" the web) is!

When I haven't finished a book or movie or run into some amusing characters on the street, I'm going to introduce you to another Web 2.0 tool I use and why. Perhaps it'll be something you've heard of or are using. But, there is always a chance I can introduce something new to you.

What tools do you use online that are most likely part of Web 2.0?

Dog Leash Confusion

I'm hoping someone reading this can explain it back to me. I have had a situation today that just isn't calculating, so I'm reaching out for help.

First, there are some points of clarification. I live in the City of Denver, the County of Arapahoe and the State of Colorado which require your dog, unless in a designated area (e.g. a dog park) to be on a leash. It's called a Leash Law.

Okay, so with that in mind I also want to clarify that my dogs, Maddie and Kodiak, while sweet and innocent most of the time, are extremely protective of our apartment and surrounding areas. These two dogs are well behaved towards friends and strangers alike everywhere but our apartment complex. Around our apartment complex they feel the need to bark and sometimes growl at most people and every dog. It's something we're working on, but with limited success.

Finally, the story that I need help understanding. This morning I take the two pups outside for a little walk to take care of their business. We're only out and about for a short while before a small Terrier-like dog approaches without a leash. I think to myself, well that sucks but it happens. While my dogs go ballistic, I try to keep a distance between this dog and my insane and out of control, barking and growling, pulling and leaping pets. The dog keeps about 4 feet between itself and them, but then comes another dog, a chocolate chihuahua who isn't as interested in keeping away from Maddie and Kodiak. With one are extended holding the leashes of Kodiak and Maddie, I'm trying to use the other arm to keep these two other dogs away from mine. A woman casually strolls up, apologizes, picks up the two loose dogs (neither is wearing a leash that I can see) and walks away.

Okay, folks, that was my daily freebie. I understand dogs get loose. I understand people bend the rules about the leashes. It drives me absolutely nuts, but I'm not going to get myself labeled and the "cranky dog lady" in the neighborhood over it.

Four hours pass. The dogs and I are again outside for their benefit. I'm not 100 yards from my door when the same small Terrier-like dog is running for Kodiak and Maddie, who are again going out of their mind. This time the owner is kind enough to jog over, and she again apologizes. I respond with "that's why there are leash laws." Her rebuttal, "I know. She just always runs away. She always does this." And, her dog is now running away from her with the lady in pursuit. Again, I see no leash on this dog.

Here's where my question lies. Does a leash not tether the dog and person together, so unless the dog is significantly larger than you, the person can prevent the dog from getting away from the owner? Orrr, is there a new leash available that is invisible? I'm fairly tech savvy; I'd even say geeky. I'd think I'd have heard of it somewhere, but maybe I missed something. If you've seen a web page about this invisible leash, please link to it in the comments; I'd love to invest in some for Kodiak and Maddie.

This woman and her dogs are starting to really get on my nerves! And, while I am seeking some clarification, I also wanted to vent about this inept neighbor of mine. Thank you for your thoughts, support and willingness to read this pathetic and frustrating story.

Can I have your fanciest most expensive car please?

Today I saw a man and his wife return two smartphones because they were "too much" for them.  Now, please do not immediately assume I am going to judge people to try another step beyond their comfort zone for technology.  I applaud that.  I encourage people to step a little outside of their comfort zone and try something new.  However, I think one should utilize the resources they have available to them to learn the new technology.  It drives me nuts when someone assumes that by touching their new toy telekinetically they'll know how it works - the user manual just uploading to their brain through touch.

Today's witnessed return and my personal resulting frustration with people's lack of desire to learn - the American need for instant gratification - made me wonder...what if we bought everything the way we buy technology?

Can you imagine someone walking onto a car lot and telling the salesperson they want whatever is the latest and greatest?  How many sports cars would be stalled before leaving the car lot?  How many would get on the interstate unable to handle the power of the engine?

Can you imagine someone wanting to learn how to shoot a gun?  They walk into the store telling the salesperson they want the one that does the most.  How many high powered semi-automatic guns with laser scopes and more be sold to people firing a gun for the first time?  Can you imagine the emergency rooms?  "The, uh, gun had a bit too much kick back for me."

Even sporting equipment could be an example.  High priced top of the line skis, snowboards, bicycles, golf clubs and more could all be bought for their name, their features, their price point and more simply being "too much" for the customer.

Here's my thing.  Don't buy anything you're not interested in learning how to use.  Don't waste a salesperson's time if you're not going to ask questions.  Don't buy something based on anything but your needs.  People, it is a waste of resources - all resources - to buy something just to return it a week later.  Ask questions, utilize resources provided to you, seek out additional resources and take the time to learn how to use what you bought.  Nobody buys cars, guns, sporting equipment or anything else simply because it's the newest one with the most features unless they have an idea of what they're doing with it.  Use the same common sense when buying consumer electronics.

Television Shows That Keep Me Entertained

Image via Wikipedia

Without actual television I watch a lot of "television" on dvd. Susan and I both buy seasons of television on dvd which has a number of pros and cons. For example is disappointing that I can't watch episodes when they air. This keeps me out of the loop when conversations about television are taking place. It is rare that someone discusses that one episode three years ago on 24. However, I can watch episode after episode without waiting a weeks time. There is also the amazing technology of pause and rewind. It's a crazy concept.

Looking over the television shows Susan or I own I've realized that I like two types of shows. One - I like crime shows. I spent most of my winter break this past December, when we did have television, watching immense amounts of CSI (all variants) and Law & Order (again all variants). There must be something about the basic formula of problem, discussion and solving that appeals to me. At least that's what I tell myself. It's that or I have a morbid sense of entertainment.

This is a great segway for the second type of television I enjoy. This one has less interest in the structure of the show and more focus on the script writing style. I like quick and flippant interchanges, and they get a special pat on the back if they integrate society and cultural references and quips. Top contenders include Gilmore Girls, Sports Night and Bones. And, while Bones is not my favorite show of all time, it holds a special place in the lineup as it is a crime show and has quick script with cultural quips.

I enjoy television because it's mindless. I appreciate the fact that my brain is used more when I sleep is a lovely bonus. However, I think I really like it to be intellectual in some way hence my interest in the two types of shows listed above.

What kind of television shows do you like? Oh, and if your answer is reality tv, not only am I not accepting that answer but maybe you should do some reflection as I have.

Giving it to God...at the Airport

I'll try to keep this concise...

Today a good friend of mine was traveling and sent me a text message in response to me wishing her safe travels. As with any international flight, there was a long leg of the trip she expressed grief over. It made me think back to when I was in college.

Soon after my sophomore year of college began, my family relocated from 4 hours driving away to 4 hours flying away. Needless to say I began a stretch of time where I was traveling fairly regularly to visit on breaks. It was during that part of my life standing in O'Hare Airport often with two flights and a layover ahead of me (2 flights are cheaper than 1 ironically), that I learned to give things up to God.

Some would argue I was giving up to which ever airline I was flying that day, but in hindsight I think I was giving up to God. I realized talking to the ticket agents and flight attendants that these men and women completely determined if I was going to get where I wanted when I wanted. The harder I fought, the less likely things were going to improve. I also realized, simply by watching other disgruntled travelers, that yelling, pouting, screaming and threatening the airline employees would not make the delays shorter, the flights quicker or the weather more clear. It got to the point where I would prepare for the whole day to be consumed with travel, sometimes more than one day.

My goal was to get to my destination. And, that was as complex as it got - I removed time and comfort from the equation. I paid a significant amount of money to a company to get me from Point A to Point B, and with that exchange of money I transferred all control and responsibility. I was to simply show up and do my best to not become emotionally involved in the process.

Looking back I think I was learning to give things up to God. I give God my life and try not to get too emotionally involved in the process, and God gets me from Point A to Point B on God's schedule on God's route with and without weather delays.

How does your travel habits reflect your relationship with God?