I don't remember the exact quote but it is something like, "Success is 90% preparation and 10% execution". If there is no such quote then I want credit - LOL
Anyway -- this is post is NOT about big preparation stuff like a daily itinerary for your two week vacation or getting your taxes done by March 1st or anything grandiose like that, in fact, for that stuff I am a spontaneous go with the flow guy (especially when it comes to tax prep!).
What I am talking about is the little stuff that REALLY gets under my skin. The biggest of them all might very well be the TOLL BOOTH!
Let's see, whether it's on the highway, the airport, or a parking garage you KNOW IT IS THERE! I can not stand pulling up behind someone who is completely unprepared. Seriously, at least have your ticket handy. Yesterday I was at a seminar and was stuck in parking garage for nearly 20 minutes. As I was THREE cars away I noticed the person at the cashier was 'fishing' for their ticket. Ok, if the lot was empty and you just cruised on up this makes sense, not for me, I would be ready with ticket and money in hand, but I'm ok with it. But really, you just sat there for 20 minutes, couldn't you have done the whole purse search while you were waiting (this just happened to be a woman, I am not judging or making a generalization I assure you). So, Car A gets done and I am now just one away. I pull up and realize that the driver of Car B is about to begin the same 'dance' as HE pulls up to the window. Are we serious? Is time that useless to everyone? This dude though takes the cake...not only can't he find his ticket for at least 90 seconds he has NO cash! Ummmm...ok, lots of people stopped carrying cash, but again, didn't he KNOW this when he pulled up and couldn't he have had his credit card ready? Unbelievable.
My other FAVORITE toll booth past time is the 'one coin at a time dropper'. You know the person, they pull up to the EXACT CHANGE toll booth and feed in ONE coin at a time. I have decided this happens for one of two reasons:
1. They are 2 minutes from death (elderly) and they don't realize you can throw a shit ton of coins in and the machine will actually count them OR
2. and this is the BAD one --- you are looking for a 'free ride' so you toss small coin in after small coin in hoping that somehow either you will 'game' the machine or the random person in front of you actually tossed in too much money.
In either scenario I have been able to do some 'profiling' to try and avoid these people in front of me (and yes I have a TOLL TAG, but it doesn't work anywhere I travel to for work). Scenario ONE you actually can avoid with some preparation. Avoid being behind cars where you can only see knuckles on the steering wheel in front of you and MAYBE a shock of grey hair. You can also get a good read from the vehicle...does it have one of those thingies on the antennae like a tennis ball?
Scenario TWO is tougher because you often can't spot them until they are actually at the booth, however, if this happens be prepared to take 10 DEEP BREATHS --- the window does NOT roll down and they have to open the car door to 'toss coins' in. Statistically accurate within a +/- of 5%, 80% of these people are 'coin feeders' and you will be waiting.
These are just two examples of small amounts of wasted time. Each might only be 5-10seconds but that adds up, plus you have no idea if that 5-10 seconds could have saved your life down the line or cost you an opportunity to meet someone special.
Think about, next time your in line at the grocery store, have your credit card ready, half the check written or whatever else you can do to facilitate a quick and efficient exit and let the next guy get moving --- he may be more impatient than me, but I doubt it :-)
ILU VM
Friday, March 6, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Assignment #3 was a 'retread' but a goodie
Last I left you, I was going to use 'Ear hair' as my topic. Didn't do it. Tried putting pen to paper and out came nothing. I really wanted a 'rant' and I wanted to show off my 'individuality' and quite frankly the last week has been one of the worst ones I can remember from a desire to do anything but bury my head and heart in the sand, except for the basics.
So, I went back and realized my 'Starbucks" post was pretty good, let me just turn that in.
And that is what I did...copied here are the Instructors remarks and then below that I am pasting in the post again for those that might have never read it...
ILU VM
Intrsuctor's Note
Gil,
We’ve reached the midway point, and our “individuality” exercise. I was happy to see you really get into this one.
Firstly, and most prominently, I must comment on how honest this piece was—you really set everything out, directly, for the reader. I felt a real connection between author and reader with this short exercise. You are both hilarious and honest. I think that you’ve prepared the groundwork, perhaps, for a longer nonfiction piece exploring this topic. You bring so much entertainment to the subject, and that is a good thing. Did I mention you’re hilarious?
Secondly, I wanted to comment on the “you” in this piece. There is a lot of “Gil,” and your personality really came through in full force. I want to see you bring some of this humor and honesty to every piece. Your writing has been strong thus far, but I think that bringing some more “you” into your writing will be of benefit (honestly, it is for most of us). Keep that energy and passion, no matter what you’re writing. You’ve managed to write about something honest—keep that strength!
Again, great work, Gil. Keep it up. I am really enjoying reading your work.
Best,
Danny
Starbuck's Blog
Coffee – I really don’t drink coffee. I think I’m supposed to drink coffee. As a kid, all the adults drank coffee; to me it was a sign of maturity. I went to college and everyone was drinking coffee – hey you’re on your own, you’re not really a grown up but we can act like grown up, let’s drink coffee. Not me, but I was sure that when I finally grew up I would one day drink coffee.
Inherently though I’m lazy, at least as far as coffee goes. Here’s the deal. Coffee is a pain in the ass to make. You have to put the filter in, put the coffee in, dump in the right amount of water and then wait, then you pour it out and have to add in milk and a sweetener, and to top it all off you have to clean up. What the fuck, that’s a lot of work just to get pumped up for your day, so in my inherent laziness and ingenuity I pop a Diet Coke as I walk out the door and voila I have caffeine…this isn’t rocket science kids.
So I’ve lived my adult life that way. Sure, I’ll drink coffee, but it’s at a business meeting, a client breakfast or after dinner with dessert, you know, basic adult stuff…but the key here is I do not work to get the coffee, so why not drink it.
This is all good until I encountered Starbucks. Now, Starbucks has been around a long time and I have avoided it like the plague. The few times I have ventured or been forced in it has been VERY uncomfortable. I had NO idea what to do and there was no one willing to help. The Starbucks aliens that work there are very friendly to their ‘kind’ but you introduce a human being to the counter that can’t say “Venti, decaf, quad something, something with a this or that” and they think you just landed. So, on the few times I had to go I just say “medium coffee” and I could feel the entire line and staff just laughing their asses off.
All of this changed in the winter of 2007. We were visiting my brother-in-law’s family in South Florida and I need to run out to the store for some wine, wine by the way I do thank you very much, and my sister-in-law says she’s dying for Starbucks can I get her something. "Sure, no problem they are right next door to each other, WRITE DOWN what you want… no way am I approaching that counter without written directions". So I walk in and wait my turn, rehearsing my lines…”Grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte, Grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte”. It’s my turn and I nail it, like I’ve been doing it all my life. I’m freaking Michael Jordan hitting an 18 ft. jumper to win the NBA Championship; I’m Tiger Woods…never mind.
I strut out of the Starbucks, head held high, with Melissa’s grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte and I feel I need to take a sip…uh oh…I like it, I mean really like it. Here I am now two years later and 3 or 4 days a week going to Starbucks and ordering a grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte. I even giggle when some yahoo can’t figure out what to order. I’ve become the alien, assimilated into the borg….the kicker…I have NO CLUE WHAT THE FUCK I AM DRINKING…to this day, and I’m not asking.
So, I went back and realized my 'Starbucks" post was pretty good, let me just turn that in.
And that is what I did...copied here are the Instructors remarks and then below that I am pasting in the post again for those that might have never read it...
ILU VM
Intrsuctor's Note
Gil,
We’ve reached the midway point, and our “individuality” exercise. I was happy to see you really get into this one.
Firstly, and most prominently, I must comment on how honest this piece was—you really set everything out, directly, for the reader. I felt a real connection between author and reader with this short exercise. You are both hilarious and honest. I think that you’ve prepared the groundwork, perhaps, for a longer nonfiction piece exploring this topic. You bring so much entertainment to the subject, and that is a good thing. Did I mention you’re hilarious?
Secondly, I wanted to comment on the “you” in this piece. There is a lot of “Gil,” and your personality really came through in full force. I want to see you bring some of this humor and honesty to every piece. Your writing has been strong thus far, but I think that bringing some more “you” into your writing will be of benefit (honestly, it is for most of us). Keep that energy and passion, no matter what you’re writing. You’ve managed to write about something honest—keep that strength!
Again, great work, Gil. Keep it up. I am really enjoying reading your work.
Best,
Danny
Starbuck's Blog
Coffee – I really don’t drink coffee. I think I’m supposed to drink coffee. As a kid, all the adults drank coffee; to me it was a sign of maturity. I went to college and everyone was drinking coffee – hey you’re on your own, you’re not really a grown up but we can act like grown up, let’s drink coffee. Not me, but I was sure that when I finally grew up I would one day drink coffee.
Inherently though I’m lazy, at least as far as coffee goes. Here’s the deal. Coffee is a pain in the ass to make. You have to put the filter in, put the coffee in, dump in the right amount of water and then wait, then you pour it out and have to add in milk and a sweetener, and to top it all off you have to clean up. What the fuck, that’s a lot of work just to get pumped up for your day, so in my inherent laziness and ingenuity I pop a Diet Coke as I walk out the door and voila I have caffeine…this isn’t rocket science kids.
So I’ve lived my adult life that way. Sure, I’ll drink coffee, but it’s at a business meeting, a client breakfast or after dinner with dessert, you know, basic adult stuff…but the key here is I do not work to get the coffee, so why not drink it.
This is all good until I encountered Starbucks. Now, Starbucks has been around a long time and I have avoided it like the plague. The few times I have ventured or been forced in it has been VERY uncomfortable. I had NO idea what to do and there was no one willing to help. The Starbucks aliens that work there are very friendly to their ‘kind’ but you introduce a human being to the counter that can’t say “Venti, decaf, quad something, something with a this or that” and they think you just landed. So, on the few times I had to go I just say “medium coffee” and I could feel the entire line and staff just laughing their asses off.
All of this changed in the winter of 2007. We were visiting my brother-in-law’s family in South Florida and I need to run out to the store for some wine, wine by the way I do thank you very much, and my sister-in-law says she’s dying for Starbucks can I get her something. "Sure, no problem they are right next door to each other, WRITE DOWN what you want… no way am I approaching that counter without written directions". So I walk in and wait my turn, rehearsing my lines…”Grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte, Grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte”. It’s my turn and I nail it, like I’ve been doing it all my life. I’m freaking Michael Jordan hitting an 18 ft. jumper to win the NBA Championship; I’m Tiger Woods…never mind.
I strut out of the Starbucks, head held high, with Melissa’s grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte and I feel I need to take a sip…uh oh…I like it, I mean really like it. Here I am now two years later and 3 or 4 days a week going to Starbucks and ordering a grande nonfat 2 Splenda latte. I even giggle when some yahoo can’t figure out what to order. I’ve become the alien, assimilated into the borg….the kicker…I have NO CLUE WHAT THE FUCK I AM DRINKING…to this day, and I’m not asking.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Man who changed my life
Tomorrow we celebrate Pop-Pop's 67th birthday, to me he is Dad.
I have TWO father's but only ONE Dad. I no longer have the big misgivings about how my childhood turned out, in fact, I am grateful. I have had the gift of a father that loved me to the best of his ability and I have had a Dad to guide me through the difficult and akward years: he has been a mentor, a teacher and most importantly a friend, that listens first and gives freely.
Art is a quiet man, but it doesn't take much for you to understand where he is coming from --- it just takes a look and maybe a grunt.
My greatest memory growing up in the Slomsky house:
When we still lived in Philly and my parents were dating at the time, Art took me to the 'shore' to set up for his summer job. It was April and we were in Aunt Sybil and Uncle Denny's Dark Green van. Art took me, just me, to help set up the T-shirt store he had on Million Dollar Pier. It was FREEZING and the van was also our 'hotel room'. I remember that first night, we went to see HAIR at a movie theater and then we went for coffee at the Pink Flamingo. He knew almost everyone, especially theses ladies that were dressed really funny (later I would learn they were the famous AC Hookers, but I digress). I don't remember too much else from the trip except we ate lots of cheesesteaks and worked on the Pier.
I remember that Summer and the gypsy kids, spending time with Todd & Tara, who would become my brother & sister and running all over the pier, playing skee ball, messing with the Gorilla Woman's kids and generally staying out of trouble.
Soon after we moved to Florida and the t-shirt shop was no more, and the Pier was torn down and turned into a mall, but that summer stayed with us for YEARS as we had the worst wardrobe of iron-on t-shirts for a very long time. It still kills me that my parents let Tara run around with "IBTC"(and I hope you know what that means)t-shirt on at the age of like 10!
There are so many other great memories of my childhood thanks to Art.
You did what no man 'has to do'. You raised someone else's kids as your own, you worked 3 jobs to make ends meet, you kicked our butts to work around the house and most importantly you taught me what it means to be a man and a REAL FATHER.
I love you and am thankful that you CHOSE to be DAD and never settled for anything less.
Happy Birthday!
I have TWO father's but only ONE Dad. I no longer have the big misgivings about how my childhood turned out, in fact, I am grateful. I have had the gift of a father that loved me to the best of his ability and I have had a Dad to guide me through the difficult and akward years: he has been a mentor, a teacher and most importantly a friend, that listens first and gives freely.
Art is a quiet man, but it doesn't take much for you to understand where he is coming from --- it just takes a look and maybe a grunt.
My greatest memory growing up in the Slomsky house:
When we still lived in Philly and my parents were dating at the time, Art took me to the 'shore' to set up for his summer job. It was April and we were in Aunt Sybil and Uncle Denny's Dark Green van. Art took me, just me, to help set up the T-shirt store he had on Million Dollar Pier. It was FREEZING and the van was also our 'hotel room'. I remember that first night, we went to see HAIR at a movie theater and then we went for coffee at the Pink Flamingo. He knew almost everyone, especially theses ladies that were dressed really funny (later I would learn they were the famous AC Hookers, but I digress). I don't remember too much else from the trip except we ate lots of cheesesteaks and worked on the Pier.
I remember that Summer and the gypsy kids, spending time with Todd & Tara, who would become my brother & sister and running all over the pier, playing skee ball, messing with the Gorilla Woman's kids and generally staying out of trouble.
Soon after we moved to Florida and the t-shirt shop was no more, and the Pier was torn down and turned into a mall, but that summer stayed with us for YEARS as we had the worst wardrobe of iron-on t-shirts for a very long time. It still kills me that my parents let Tara run around with "IBTC"(and I hope you know what that means)t-shirt on at the age of like 10!
There are so many other great memories of my childhood thanks to Art.
You did what no man 'has to do'. You raised someone else's kids as your own, you worked 3 jobs to make ends meet, you kicked our butts to work around the house and most importantly you taught me what it means to be a man and a REAL FATHER.
I love you and am thankful that you CHOSE to be DAD and never settled for anything less.
Happy Birthday!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lunch with the President of Chick-Fil-A, Dan Cathy
One of the best parts of being part of Leadership Atlanta, www.leadershipatlanta.org, is the access to amazingly successful Business Leaders in very personal settings. The Organization set up these "few on one" meetings with about 15 of Atlanta's Finest. I signed up for two, today's with Mr. Cathy and then I am meeting with the new CEO of Home Depot in late March. I chose these two for very specific reasons. Mr. Cathy because the Chick-Fil-A(CFA) story is truly legendary in Atlanta and I had heard him speak to a large group and he was very charismatic. I chose the Home Depot meeting because I have always specialized in turning organizations around and this is truly a company that needs to be doing that.
So we arrive at CFA's Campus which is South of the city by the airport and it is a gorgeous drive from the gatehouse to the main building. I park and meet my fellow classmates in the sprawling lobby. In the lobby is a collection of Dan's (yes we had to call him Dan, not Mr. Cathy) father's antique car and motorcycle collection. It was breath taking to walk through Model T's to Rolls Royce's and a few magnificent Harley's. From there we were taken down to the 'cafeteria' which was more like the Buffet at Bellagio! Of course, along with fish, pasta, salad bar and dessert there was also Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich's for the taking. The best part --- it is ABSOLUTELY FREE for ALL...not just employees, but contractors, guests, vendors...even the maintenance guys that come in to fix things do so around lunch time so they can enjoy. We took our lunches to a conference room for our meeting with Dan.
First thing you should know, if you don't know Chick-Fil-A, is that Dan and his family are very religious. This is something I had heard and was anxious to see how I would deal with it. Sometimes, as a Jew, my radar goes up about being proselytized too so I was a little worried about being uncomfortable. To tell you the truth, Dan's story is very spiritual and certainly one of Christianity and the service of Christ, yet he told it in a fashion that did NOT make me uncomfortable at all!
So, what Dan wanted to talk to us about was Leadership and Service; two of my favorite topics and with me moving into a leadership role in a new company I was looking forward to a 'refresher course'.
Dan likes to use metaphors and examples and we received each one of his metaphors as actual gifts to keep! Here were Dan's Five Gifts:
1. A SMALL jar of Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter - Dan explained how he LOVES PB (I'm with him)! He had us unscrew the top and look at the freshness seal. He asked us what we though of as we peel of that freshness seal and we all agreed it was the fresh aroma of new PB. Dan said this was metaphor #1 - STAY FRESH! He also said he only buys the small jars so he can have that experience more often --- how cool? So with this he gave us a couple of nuggets about staying fresh
- Always be learning
- Always be thinking
- When a student is ready, a teacher will appear (how cool)
- Be BOLD and AGGRESSIVE with people you want to spend time with (hmmmm)
2. A silver baton (like the ones used in track & field) - the metaphor --- Success is built on SUCCESSION. What a powerful message and what a way to deliver it. It is one thing to be successful, it's a completely other thing to help make someone else successful and carry on a legacy in a smooth transition.
3. A railroad spike, with 'Stay on Track' engraved on it --- this is fairly obvious but it is the yin to the Peanut Butter's Yang. It's one thing to be bold and always fresh; it's an entirely different thing to stay grounded and focused on what you do best.
4. A starch white towel with a monogram on the bottom that says "Great Leaders SERVE" on the bottom. Dan explained by showing how the WHITE towel can be a sign of service when draped correctly over the left arm versus tucked in your back pocket with a Spray Bottle dangling from it.
- Great leaders have an attitude of service
- Be humble, gracious, generous and genuine
5. A shoeshine Brush -- Dan actually got down on the floor and buffed one of our shoes. Again tying the lesson of service Dan told the story of how at the Last Supper Jesus actually washed the feet of his disciples. What struck me was not the story per se but Dan's genuineness as he worked on Pat's boots. The care he took with her pants cuffs and the hug he gave her when it was over. I actually was moved watching him.
I also picked up a few great lines:
- We were designed to lead challenging lives; full of love, health and generosity. If you aren't getting this you need to find it to be fulfilled.
- God Built is for service
- The handshake of the host directly affects the taste of the roast ---now that is BANADICULOUS!
All in all it was a great 2 hours on a day that I needed inspiration greatly
As always --- ILU VM
So we arrive at CFA's Campus which is South of the city by the airport and it is a gorgeous drive from the gatehouse to the main building. I park and meet my fellow classmates in the sprawling lobby. In the lobby is a collection of Dan's (yes we had to call him Dan, not Mr. Cathy) father's antique car and motorcycle collection. It was breath taking to walk through Model T's to Rolls Royce's and a few magnificent Harley's. From there we were taken down to the 'cafeteria' which was more like the Buffet at Bellagio! Of course, along with fish, pasta, salad bar and dessert there was also Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich's for the taking. The best part --- it is ABSOLUTELY FREE for ALL...not just employees, but contractors, guests, vendors...even the maintenance guys that come in to fix things do so around lunch time so they can enjoy. We took our lunches to a conference room for our meeting with Dan.
First thing you should know, if you don't know Chick-Fil-A, is that Dan and his family are very religious. This is something I had heard and was anxious to see how I would deal with it. Sometimes, as a Jew, my radar goes up about being proselytized too so I was a little worried about being uncomfortable. To tell you the truth, Dan's story is very spiritual and certainly one of Christianity and the service of Christ, yet he told it in a fashion that did NOT make me uncomfortable at all!
So, what Dan wanted to talk to us about was Leadership and Service; two of my favorite topics and with me moving into a leadership role in a new company I was looking forward to a 'refresher course'.
Dan likes to use metaphors and examples and we received each one of his metaphors as actual gifts to keep! Here were Dan's Five Gifts:
1. A SMALL jar of Jiff Creamy Peanut Butter - Dan explained how he LOVES PB (I'm with him)! He had us unscrew the top and look at the freshness seal. He asked us what we though of as we peel of that freshness seal and we all agreed it was the fresh aroma of new PB. Dan said this was metaphor #1 - STAY FRESH! He also said he only buys the small jars so he can have that experience more often --- how cool? So with this he gave us a couple of nuggets about staying fresh
- Always be learning
- Always be thinking
- When a student is ready, a teacher will appear (how cool)
- Be BOLD and AGGRESSIVE with people you want to spend time with (hmmmm)
2. A silver baton (like the ones used in track & field) - the metaphor --- Success is built on SUCCESSION. What a powerful message and what a way to deliver it. It is one thing to be successful, it's a completely other thing to help make someone else successful and carry on a legacy in a smooth transition.
3. A railroad spike, with 'Stay on Track' engraved on it --- this is fairly obvious but it is the yin to the Peanut Butter's Yang. It's one thing to be bold and always fresh; it's an entirely different thing to stay grounded and focused on what you do best.
4. A starch white towel with a monogram on the bottom that says "Great Leaders SERVE" on the bottom. Dan explained by showing how the WHITE towel can be a sign of service when draped correctly over the left arm versus tucked in your back pocket with a Spray Bottle dangling from it.
- Great leaders have an attitude of service
- Be humble, gracious, generous and genuine
5. A shoeshine Brush -- Dan actually got down on the floor and buffed one of our shoes. Again tying the lesson of service Dan told the story of how at the Last Supper Jesus actually washed the feet of his disciples. What struck me was not the story per se but Dan's genuineness as he worked on Pat's boots. The care he took with her pants cuffs and the hug he gave her when it was over. I actually was moved watching him.
I also picked up a few great lines:
- We were designed to lead challenging lives; full of love, health and generosity. If you aren't getting this you need to find it to be fulfilled.
- God Built is for service
- The handshake of the host directly affects the taste of the roast ---now that is BANADICULOUS!
All in all it was a great 2 hours on a day that I needed inspiration greatly
As always --- ILU VM
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Diet Coke
"Hi my name is Gil W. and I am compulsive Diet Coke drinker."
"Hi Gil"
My last drink of Diet Coke was February 15th at 6:00 PM. This morning I had a 'slip up' so I guess the last one was now Tuesday, February 24th. In actuality I only had about 1/2 a can but a slip is a slip right? A heroin addict can't shoot up half way? The guy who pounds a half a bottle of Cab a night to take the edge off doesn't get by with just one glass. So, I broke my ban on Diet Coke but I am resolute on the goal.
People have asked this last week why give it up? Can't you cut back? What's wrong with it anyway?
First of all, I don't think there is ANYTHING wrong with it, I just didn't like the amount I was drinking and looking back on how my body felt this past week without it, I have realized I didn't like how it made me feel. I have no scientific proof and I don't get into all the 'Internet theories' but I can share this with you: after the 24 hour withdrawal headache subsided (and no i have never done hard drugs to know what true withdrawal is) I have NEVER felt 'healthier'. Healthier in that I am not having energy dips and spikes throughout the day. Healthier in that I banged out 5 miles on Saturday and came back Monday and did another 5 and it was faster than Saturday. Healthier in that I 'feel' lighter even if the scale only shows .8 lbs. I also seem to have lost a craving or two. My biggest craving, a stress one, is Burger King Cheeseburgers, and yes I specifically mean BK ones. I could pound 3 of them in less than 5 minutes and still not feel sated. Right now, in a situation that is begging for a BK run...I am ok...not ok with the overall picture but ok in that I don't need the cheeseburgers. Is this related to the DC's I don't know.
The second part --- cutting back. Yes, I think I could just 'cut back' and have 1 to 2 a day and feel fine and be completely justified...but why? Am I drinking it for the taste...really? After drinking nothing but WATER for 8 days I realized, this morning after drinking the half a can, that the taste ain't all that great and in fact WATER tastes good, especially freezing cold, like I am drinking right now. So, for me, for now I don't need to cut back. Am I pretending that I will never drink a DC again? Absolutely not! For now, I am trying hard to not be dependent on it.
So, in the fashion that started this post off ---
God, grant me the serenity to accpet the things I can not change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
ILU - VM
"Hi Gil"
My last drink of Diet Coke was February 15th at 6:00 PM. This morning I had a 'slip up' so I guess the last one was now Tuesday, February 24th. In actuality I only had about 1/2 a can but a slip is a slip right? A heroin addict can't shoot up half way? The guy who pounds a half a bottle of Cab a night to take the edge off doesn't get by with just one glass. So, I broke my ban on Diet Coke but I am resolute on the goal.
People have asked this last week why give it up? Can't you cut back? What's wrong with it anyway?
First of all, I don't think there is ANYTHING wrong with it, I just didn't like the amount I was drinking and looking back on how my body felt this past week without it, I have realized I didn't like how it made me feel. I have no scientific proof and I don't get into all the 'Internet theories' but I can share this with you: after the 24 hour withdrawal headache subsided (and no i have never done hard drugs to know what true withdrawal is) I have NEVER felt 'healthier'. Healthier in that I am not having energy dips and spikes throughout the day. Healthier in that I banged out 5 miles on Saturday and came back Monday and did another 5 and it was faster than Saturday. Healthier in that I 'feel' lighter even if the scale only shows .8 lbs. I also seem to have lost a craving or two. My biggest craving, a stress one, is Burger King Cheeseburgers, and yes I specifically mean BK ones. I could pound 3 of them in less than 5 minutes and still not feel sated. Right now, in a situation that is begging for a BK run...I am ok...not ok with the overall picture but ok in that I don't need the cheeseburgers. Is this related to the DC's I don't know.
The second part --- cutting back. Yes, I think I could just 'cut back' and have 1 to 2 a day and feel fine and be completely justified...but why? Am I drinking it for the taste...really? After drinking nothing but WATER for 8 days I realized, this morning after drinking the half a can, that the taste ain't all that great and in fact WATER tastes good, especially freezing cold, like I am drinking right now. So, for me, for now I don't need to cut back. Am I pretending that I will never drink a DC again? Absolutely not! For now, I am trying hard to not be dependent on it.
So, in the fashion that started this post off ---
God, grant me the serenity to accpet the things I can not change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
ILU - VM
Friday, February 20, 2009
Assignment #3 topic
got some really good input and was reminded how good it feels when someone knows you even better than you know yourself at certain times.
I have narrowed it down to two choices; ONIONS and 'Ear hair - and other true signs of aging'.
As I look back at the assignment and the other things I have written about; this is really a chance for me to change courses and rely on my lighter and funnier (notice I said funnier and not funny) voice. For that reason I am going with EAR HAIR, not that there's anything wrong with it - LOL.
Hopefully I will have some time tonight to free write and I know I'll have plenty of time Sunday morning while I sit at a Panera I found here in Atlanta that actually has ORANGE SCONES - it's a bit of a hike but worth every minute!
I have narrowed it down to two choices; ONIONS and 'Ear hair - and other true signs of aging'.
As I look back at the assignment and the other things I have written about; this is really a chance for me to change courses and rely on my lighter and funnier (notice I said funnier and not funny) voice. For that reason I am going with EAR HAIR, not that there's anything wrong with it - LOL.
Hopefully I will have some time tonight to free write and I know I'll have plenty of time Sunday morning while I sit at a Panera I found here in Atlanta that actually has ORANGE SCONES - it's a bit of a hike but worth every minute!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Week #3 Writing Assignment
So up until now I have posted the assignment and then my creative piece off of that.
This week I am struggling a bit and I am not sure why. Here's the assignment:
Make a list of five things you hate. These can be grand things, such as world leaders who lie, or these can be relatively minor things, such as carpet. Try to include one or two “hates” that no one else is likely to think of. Feel free to be petty or politically incorrect.
Pick the “hate” on your list that you find most interesting. The most eccentric choice might be best.
Then write a short piece presenting your “hate”—what it is, why you hate it. Write this very much as you would talk to someone you know. If you end up with some “telling,” that’s okay for this kind of thing. And if you find yourself launching into a rant, that’s fine, too.
But try not to go over 500 words.
You'd think this would be easier for me since I can go on a rant and exude some great hate, but maybe I've become more of a lover in my old age - LOL!
Tonight I plan on opening a bottle of something and putting pen to paper but if anyone has some good outrageous 'hates' you'd like me to explore --- FIRE AWAY!
This week I am struggling a bit and I am not sure why. Here's the assignment:
Make a list of five things you hate. These can be grand things, such as world leaders who lie, or these can be relatively minor things, such as carpet. Try to include one or two “hates” that no one else is likely to think of. Feel free to be petty or politically incorrect.
Pick the “hate” on your list that you find most interesting. The most eccentric choice might be best.
Then write a short piece presenting your “hate”—what it is, why you hate it. Write this very much as you would talk to someone you know. If you end up with some “telling,” that’s okay for this kind of thing. And if you find yourself launching into a rant, that’s fine, too.
But try not to go over 500 words.
You'd think this would be easier for me since I can go on a rant and exude some great hate, but maybe I've become more of a lover in my old age - LOL!
Tonight I plan on opening a bottle of something and putting pen to paper but if anyone has some good outrageous 'hates' you'd like me to explore --- FIRE AWAY!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Random thoughts from the middle of the week...
-- Things really do happen for a reason! I am back in my 'old' chair at my 'new' desk and realize that the world does work if you let it.
-- Three days plus of ZERO Diet Coke's and I am alive - who'd have thunk it!
-- The other day I was reminded of something VERY IMPORTANT -- I am a DREAMER. At first I took this as a negative but I have realized in the last day or two that I am a dreamer and I am proud of it. We would still be stuck in the Middle Ages if it weren't for dreamers, from the Wright Brothers to Walt Disney it is the dreamers that make REALITY. In doing research I came across this quote by Brian Tracy, whom I have gotten to work with in Sales Seminars in the past, "All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day towards that distant vision, goal or purpose". Sums it up nicely I think.
-- Dealing with LICE sucks!!!! Thank God someone started an in home service as this past weekend could have been a lot worse!
-- A-Rod can't tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
-- Being around really creative people sparks creativty.
-- I'd like to spend an hour with P!NK talking about her music and how she writes.
-- Three days plus of ZERO Diet Coke's and I am alive - who'd have thunk it!
-- The other day I was reminded of something VERY IMPORTANT -- I am a DREAMER. At first I took this as a negative but I have realized in the last day or two that I am a dreamer and I am proud of it. We would still be stuck in the Middle Ages if it weren't for dreamers, from the Wright Brothers to Walt Disney it is the dreamers that make REALITY. In doing research I came across this quote by Brian Tracy, whom I have gotten to work with in Sales Seminars in the past, "All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day towards that distant vision, goal or purpose". Sums it up nicely I think.
-- Dealing with LICE sucks!!!! Thank God someone started an in home service as this past weekend could have been a lot worse!
-- A-Rod can't tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
-- Being around really creative people sparks creativty.
-- I'd like to spend an hour with P!NK talking about her music and how she writes.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I'm being haunted
no, this is not a creative writing piece ---- YET!
Literally, every night for the past 10 days or so I keep waking up from the same dream/nightmare. In actuality the dream changes somewhat but the basic premise is the same:
I am driving in my car with my father, mind you he is dead and the dream is in 'present time' hence why I know he is still dead. I don't remember the specifics of the conversations, just little threads, but EVERY time we are having a phone call with someone (this is the only part that changes) on my BLUETOOTH. On occasions the conversations have been 'funny' enough to make me laugh in my sleep and other times they have been downright scary to where I wake up in a cold sweat.
I have no idea what it means or how to make it stop -- or even if I want it to because maybe he is 'here' trying to help me work 'things' out --- I have no idea, but I do think it is odd that he hasn't asked me how my car can talk to me like KNIGHT RIDER yet since all this 'technology' should be new to him.
Oh well --- it is making for some good 'free writing' in my notebook.
Literally, every night for the past 10 days or so I keep waking up from the same dream/nightmare. In actuality the dream changes somewhat but the basic premise is the same:
I am driving in my car with my father, mind you he is dead and the dream is in 'present time' hence why I know he is still dead. I don't remember the specifics of the conversations, just little threads, but EVERY time we are having a phone call with someone (this is the only part that changes) on my BLUETOOTH. On occasions the conversations have been 'funny' enough to make me laugh in my sleep and other times they have been downright scary to where I wake up in a cold sweat.
I have no idea what it means or how to make it stop -- or even if I want it to because maybe he is 'here' trying to help me work 'things' out --- I have no idea, but I do think it is odd that he hasn't asked me how my car can talk to me like KNIGHT RIDER yet since all this 'technology' should be new to him.
Oh well --- it is making for some good 'free writing' in my notebook.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Creative Writing Assignment #2
Here is the assignment and my first pass. As I told my 'editor' and friend I might rewrite this one with several different stories but this was my first pass:
Loretta and Mick were driving down a lonely highway one winter night. The car hit something, making a loud noise. Loretta and Mick bickered about whether he was driving drunk or not, then they got out to see what was hit. They peered into the darkness, seeing nothing.
Rewrite this episode, showing what happens. You should stick to these events and stick to the start and end point, but you may add in anything you like. Turn this into a scene that unfolds moment by moment. It will probably include some dialogue. Also strive to include descriptions that are specific and sensory.
Loretta and Mick are driving down a lonely highway one winter night. Like most nights in this part of the world darkness is total. With only Mick’s headlights to guide them and the wind and snow blowing around them, Mick’s cherry red ‘vette (his REAL love) feels more like a coffin with each passing moment. They weave down the center line crossing through imaginary gates like a downhill skier.
The night has gone all wrong for Loretta. She was hopeful that tonight they could start over, find the common ground that their relationship once had. By 11:00 Loretta knew that Mick was drinking too much. Loretta knew all the signs, she watched a parent slip into the cocoon of alcohol as a child. She still loved Mick, but now, 10 years later she was tired, exhausted actually, and the love she feels has turned into anger, self pity and guilt over how she has let her life get this way.
Loretta asks Mick to slow down, she even offers to drive. Mick scoffs, “as if I would let you drive my baby”. Loretta steams inside but knows better than to carry on any further at this point, in her mind she keeps repeating “just get me home safely so I can kiss MY babies and hopes the pain and lonely feeling dissipates, if even for a little while”.
Mick could feel the tension in the air as well. He knows all of the issues and his role in how the way things are turning out. He knows he is out of control with the drinking, he loathes how he feels but nothing else dulls the pain. He has tried focusing on his job and then getting back in shape and even went out of his way to spend extra time with the boys but even in those moments of pleasure there was always the haunting in the back of his mind.
Mick knows all the buttons to push on Loretta yet can’t stop himself, like the driving the car comment --- he knows he shouldn’t be driving; he trusts Loretta yet the crazy shit just comes out. His mind starts to drift, he too knows they love each other but wonders how did they get here and is there too much damage done.
Mick shakes his head to clear his mind so that he can focus on the road. Fifteen miles from home and he knows the weather is getting worse as they near the coast and his head is now pounding and feverish. He rounds a big curve and his eyes begin to close. Quietly, hoping Loretta doesn’t notice, Mick slaps his left cheek to keep himself awake, as his left hand returns to the wheel the car slides across the pavement and they hear the sickening sound of metal crunching the front end of the sports car.
Mick pulls over and the two share a glance that is filled with fear and concern. They open their doors and peer into the darkness and see nothing.
Loretta and Mick were driving down a lonely highway one winter night. The car hit something, making a loud noise. Loretta and Mick bickered about whether he was driving drunk or not, then they got out to see what was hit. They peered into the darkness, seeing nothing.
Rewrite this episode, showing what happens. You should stick to these events and stick to the start and end point, but you may add in anything you like. Turn this into a scene that unfolds moment by moment. It will probably include some dialogue. Also strive to include descriptions that are specific and sensory.
Loretta and Mick are driving down a lonely highway one winter night. Like most nights in this part of the world darkness is total. With only Mick’s headlights to guide them and the wind and snow blowing around them, Mick’s cherry red ‘vette (his REAL love) feels more like a coffin with each passing moment. They weave down the center line crossing through imaginary gates like a downhill skier.
The night has gone all wrong for Loretta. She was hopeful that tonight they could start over, find the common ground that their relationship once had. By 11:00 Loretta knew that Mick was drinking too much. Loretta knew all the signs, she watched a parent slip into the cocoon of alcohol as a child. She still loved Mick, but now, 10 years later she was tired, exhausted actually, and the love she feels has turned into anger, self pity and guilt over how she has let her life get this way.
Loretta asks Mick to slow down, she even offers to drive. Mick scoffs, “as if I would let you drive my baby”. Loretta steams inside but knows better than to carry on any further at this point, in her mind she keeps repeating “just get me home safely so I can kiss MY babies and hopes the pain and lonely feeling dissipates, if even for a little while”.
Mick could feel the tension in the air as well. He knows all of the issues and his role in how the way things are turning out. He knows he is out of control with the drinking, he loathes how he feels but nothing else dulls the pain. He has tried focusing on his job and then getting back in shape and even went out of his way to spend extra time with the boys but even in those moments of pleasure there was always the haunting in the back of his mind.
Mick knows all the buttons to push on Loretta yet can’t stop himself, like the driving the car comment --- he knows he shouldn’t be driving; he trusts Loretta yet the crazy shit just comes out. His mind starts to drift, he too knows they love each other but wonders how did they get here and is there too much damage done.
Mick shakes his head to clear his mind so that he can focus on the road. Fifteen miles from home and he knows the weather is getting worse as they near the coast and his head is now pounding and feverish. He rounds a big curve and his eyes begin to close. Quietly, hoping Loretta doesn’t notice, Mick slaps his left cheek to keep himself awake, as his left hand returns to the wheel the car slides across the pavement and they hear the sickening sound of metal crunching the front end of the sports car.
Mick pulls over and the two share a glance that is filled with fear and concern. They open their doors and peer into the darkness and see nothing.
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