A Year Without News ended last month. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to write up until the last day. Not that I was not inspired, I was just too busy; too caught up in the day-to-day. But with the perspective allowed by time and distance, I can tell you the experiment was a success. I did, for the most part, what I set out to do. I am better. I changed. I do watch news now, but not obsessively. I want to know what's happening in the world, but I can survive without a propaganda IV plugged into my veins. That's progress any way you look at it.
What I got from the year:
- I am more positive. I have learned to look at the glass half-full.
- I am a more well-rounded person. AYWN freed up a lot of time, which I have spent on better things.
- I am more spiritual. More time in front of the bible and less time in front of the newspaper is good for you. I promise. Try it.
- I am clearer. My head is not so muddled with the media garbage I used to fill it with.
Now that I do take in some news, I realize nothing has changed. The left-wing slant is as bad as ever. People still can't admit that President Obama is doing an awful job, and the best thing the news losers can do is try to find something damning in Sarah Palin's emails. Why didn't Obama get this kind of scrutiny? Why isn't he getting it now?
We know about Anthony's Wiener. We know about Kate Middleton and Prince Whatever. There were tornadoes in the South. People are still homeless there, by the way. No criticism of the president for not flying home immediately to "survey the damage." I guess it was more important for him to barbecue with the elites of Europe. Don't get me wrong, I think a president - any president - surveying the aftermath of a natural disaster, is a disaster in itself. What good can they do? None. They can only cause problems by being there. You ever get caught in the traffic caused by a presidential motorcade? Imagine trying to bring needed supplies to people affected by a natural disaster while the prez is rolling past? Ridiculous. Keep on grilling, Barry. You're less likely to do damage that way - you can only burn yourself with a grill.
You see from the rant above why I should probably continue to stay away from the news. The bias, the BS, the nonsense. Our country is in trouble. Our debt is life-threatening. Our economy is wrecked. Our future is in peril. Should we really care about a man who looks like a penis showing a porn-star a picture of his penis? I guess we should, but maybe it's time we focused on what matters.
I got better in that year. Maybe that's why everything seems worse.
- Adolfo
Showing posts with label attitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attitude. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Days 236 - 247 - Fortitudine Vincimus
Fortitudine Vincimus: By Endurance We Conquer.
My schedule and unforeseen circumstances have kept me from my commitment to this blog and I am sorry about it. I had a great run... and then I stopped. My family suffered a tragedy, but I dishonored the memory of the departed by not continuing to write. It's what they would have wanted.
The title of this post comes from Sir Ernest Shackleton, the British explorer who came to within 96 miles of being the first man to reach the South Pole. When the pole was reached by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, Shackleton decided he would make a trek across Antarctica. He named the ship which took him there "Endurance." The Shackleton family motto is Fortitudine Vincimus. The Shackleton party was stranded on the ice for two years before Shackleton and a skeleton crew made an 800 mile, open-boat journey to get help. Shackleton brought his men home alive. They endured, and they conquered.
While most of us will never be stranded in Antarctica, it is easy to feel as if we have no shot, as if the odds are insurmountable, we can think of people like Shackleton, who faced incredible odds and prevailed. Nothing is impossible unless we designate it as such.
Sure, there is sadness and pain in the world. We will all face our share of challenges. These things do not define us. Rather, we are defined by how these challenges affect us, and how we meet and overcome them.
Make it a great day. I'll be back in a couple of days.
God bless you and thanks for the prayers and well wishes.
- Adolfo
My schedule and unforeseen circumstances have kept me from my commitment to this blog and I am sorry about it. I had a great run... and then I stopped. My family suffered a tragedy, but I dishonored the memory of the departed by not continuing to write. It's what they would have wanted.
The title of this post comes from Sir Ernest Shackleton, the British explorer who came to within 96 miles of being the first man to reach the South Pole. When the pole was reached by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, Shackleton decided he would make a trek across Antarctica. He named the ship which took him there "Endurance." The Shackleton family motto is Fortitudine Vincimus. The Shackleton party was stranded on the ice for two years before Shackleton and a skeleton crew made an 800 mile, open-boat journey to get help. Shackleton brought his men home alive. They endured, and they conquered.
While most of us will never be stranded in Antarctica, it is easy to feel as if we have no shot, as if the odds are insurmountable, we can think of people like Shackleton, who faced incredible odds and prevailed. Nothing is impossible unless we designate it as such.
Sure, there is sadness and pain in the world. We will all face our share of challenges. These things do not define us. Rather, we are defined by how these challenges affect us, and how we meet and overcome them.
Make it a great day. I'll be back in a couple of days.
God bless you and thanks for the prayers and well wishes.
- Adolfo
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Days 231 - 235 - Still Kickin'
I would have preferred to have written every day. After all, this is what I had committed to, but with recent events and an overwhelming workload and travel, it's become increasingly difficult to find the time and energy to create new content on a daily basis. I think anyone would agree that I had a great run, writing for over 200 consecutive days including holidays.
I intend to finish the 365 days, but I won't be writing every day anymore (as you can tell.) I will hopefully find useful or interesting tidbits to share with you from time to time and I will bring them to you right here.
The truth is my priorities are shifting. With the recent tragedy my family suffered, I find myself more cognizant of what really matters. As much as I love writing this blog, it's not my number one priority. My priorities are God and family. Everything else is a distant third. I hope that I will soon be able to re-balance my life and write every day, but if not, it matters to me that you, dear reader, understand that I am not ignoring my commitment, I am simply realigning things.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
I intend to finish the 365 days, but I won't be writing every day anymore (as you can tell.) I will hopefully find useful or interesting tidbits to share with you from time to time and I will bring them to you right here.
The truth is my priorities are shifting. With the recent tragedy my family suffered, I find myself more cognizant of what really matters. As much as I love writing this blog, it's not my number one priority. My priorities are God and family. Everything else is a distant third. I hope that I will soon be able to re-balance my life and write every day, but if not, it matters to me that you, dear reader, understand that I am not ignoring my commitment, I am simply realigning things.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day # 230 - Keep Moving Forward
I'm in a funk, as we all can be from time to time. I don't want to write, but here I am. It's been a long time, but I'm pretty sure I've written on this subject before. Why am I doing it? Because I committed to. Because this is something want and need to do.
It's easy to keep moving forward when the path is clear and the wind is at your back, but it's when you're in the dark and can't see your hand in front of your face that you must never give up. Rest during the easy times because you won't get a chance to during the rough times.
I find that the very nature I thought I had escaped, the dark, brooding, pessimistic side of my personality, tries to take over at the first sign of trouble. When I'm tired, it's easy to give in to it. It's like cheating on a diet: you know you shouldn't but it's easy and comforting. Odd that I should describe negativity as comforting, but what else could it be? Why else would our inclination be toward the self-destructive if it wasn't offering us some benefit?
Obstacles are what we see when we take our eyes off the goal. It's important you remember where you need to go, not where you are or what's hindering you or what's in your way.
Don't be afraid to reprimand yourself when you're off course, just as you should reward yourself for even the small victories. You're never too old for a little positive reinforcement.
It also helps to pray. It helps a lot. Don't be shy about asking friends and family to pray for you, and never forget to pray for them.
God bless you. Make it a great day and keep your eyes on the prize.
- Adolfo
It's easy to keep moving forward when the path is clear and the wind is at your back, but it's when you're in the dark and can't see your hand in front of your face that you must never give up. Rest during the easy times because you won't get a chance to during the rough times.
I find that the very nature I thought I had escaped, the dark, brooding, pessimistic side of my personality, tries to take over at the first sign of trouble. When I'm tired, it's easy to give in to it. It's like cheating on a diet: you know you shouldn't but it's easy and comforting. Odd that I should describe negativity as comforting, but what else could it be? Why else would our inclination be toward the self-destructive if it wasn't offering us some benefit?
Obstacles are what we see when we take our eyes off the goal. It's important you remember where you need to go, not where you are or what's hindering you or what's in your way.
Don't be afraid to reprimand yourself when you're off course, just as you should reward yourself for even the small victories. You're never too old for a little positive reinforcement.
It also helps to pray. It helps a lot. Don't be shy about asking friends and family to pray for you, and never forget to pray for them.
God bless you. Make it a great day and keep your eyes on the prize.
- Adolfo
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day # 223 - Surprise?
You ever try to plan a perfect evening - only to have something come up that made you change your plans? It happened to me yesterday. I didn't really plan an evening, that's not my thing, but I envisioned something that didn't work out the way I hoped. So, I made the best of it.
I had a very long day yesterday and didn't get home until about 8:00PM. I was hoping to come home to my lovely daughters running to meet me at the door yelling, "Daddy!" and my wife giving me a kiss and asking me about my day.
Because I was exhausted and dealing with several challenges, I pictured this as the reward, the light at the end of the tunnel. Until I got home... and there was no light... not a single, solitary light on in the house. They weren't home yet! I was suddenly more tired than before. The wind had gone out of my sails.
I sat down at my desk to get paperwork done and when they got home, I ran out to greet them, leaving the kids locked in the car while I kissed Abby hello. (They hate that - jealous little things they are.)
The rest of the evening was spent as a family, though it was soon time for the girls to go to bed.
It wasn't what I envisioned or planned, but it was all right with me. The important thing is to let the people you love know that you miss them when they are away and that the reunion means so much. It may seem like much if you're home every night, but think of how many people aren't. Think about troops, away in hostile places for months or longer, who don't get to enjoy the simple pleasure of being welcomed home every night. Time is a thief, and we must work against him to make all the memories we can because in the end, the memories will be all that matter. For you and for them.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
I had a very long day yesterday and didn't get home until about 8:00PM. I was hoping to come home to my lovely daughters running to meet me at the door yelling, "Daddy!" and my wife giving me a kiss and asking me about my day.
Because I was exhausted and dealing with several challenges, I pictured this as the reward, the light at the end of the tunnel. Until I got home... and there was no light... not a single, solitary light on in the house. They weren't home yet! I was suddenly more tired than before. The wind had gone out of my sails.
I sat down at my desk to get paperwork done and when they got home, I ran out to greet them, leaving the kids locked in the car while I kissed Abby hello. (They hate that - jealous little things they are.)
The rest of the evening was spent as a family, though it was soon time for the girls to go to bed.
It wasn't what I envisioned or planned, but it was all right with me. The important thing is to let the people you love know that you miss them when they are away and that the reunion means so much. It may seem like much if you're home every night, but think of how many people aren't. Think about troops, away in hostile places for months or longer, who don't get to enjoy the simple pleasure of being welcomed home every night. Time is a thief, and we must work against him to make all the memories we can because in the end, the memories will be all that matter. For you and for them.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day # 221 - Teeth, Men, Women
Emily is about to lose her first tooth. It's one of the front bottom ones. She's so cute, I can't stand it. I spent most of the day with the girls yesterday but the tooth didn't become a problem until mommy came home. Coincidence? I doubt it.
The irony is that I am the "leave it alone" parent. I don't mess with the tooth, I let nature run its course. Abby, on the other hand, brings out the explosives, hammer, and chisel and goes after the tooth. (Slight exaggeration.) You would expect the child to talk to me about the tooth and then button up when mom gets home. It doesn't always work that way. Mom is still Mom.
In this society, where so many would like to blur the roles of mothers and fathers, or men and women, it's amazing how nature always finds a way. Dad carries the groceries in from the car, cuts the lawn, and chases lizards out of the house; Mom takes care of the babies when they don't feel well. This isn't sexism, it's reality. They come to me when they're scared, they go to mom when they don't feel well.
Emily is only five. Is it early to be losing a tooth? The same happened with Melissa so I guess not. See, these are things dads don't know. All I know is I can't stand to see my little girls unhappy, so I will let that tooth hang on in there until it says, "Enough, I quit!" and walks out on it's own. Anything to not make her cry. Man, I'm a softie.
We all have a role to play; at home, at work, in society. There is no reason to blur the lines or consider it a bad thing to be what God intended you to be. A mother is a mother, and a father is a father. As Time Magazine figured out (the morons actually put it on the cover): There is a difference between men and women. Let's embrace it.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
The irony is that I am the "leave it alone" parent. I don't mess with the tooth, I let nature run its course. Abby, on the other hand, brings out the explosives, hammer, and chisel and goes after the tooth. (Slight exaggeration.) You would expect the child to talk to me about the tooth and then button up when mom gets home. It doesn't always work that way. Mom is still Mom.
In this society, where so many would like to blur the roles of mothers and fathers, or men and women, it's amazing how nature always finds a way. Dad carries the groceries in from the car, cuts the lawn, and chases lizards out of the house; Mom takes care of the babies when they don't feel well. This isn't sexism, it's reality. They come to me when they're scared, they go to mom when they don't feel well.
Emily is only five. Is it early to be losing a tooth? The same happened with Melissa so I guess not. See, these are things dads don't know. All I know is I can't stand to see my little girls unhappy, so I will let that tooth hang on in there until it says, "Enough, I quit!" and walks out on it's own. Anything to not make her cry. Man, I'm a softie.
We all have a role to play; at home, at work, in society. There is no reason to blur the lines or consider it a bad thing to be what God intended you to be. A mother is a mother, and a father is a father. As Time Magazine figured out (the morons actually put it on the cover): There is a difference between men and women. Let's embrace it.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day # 220 - The Wisdom of Children
Yesterday, we had to give our children some bad news. Never an easy thing to do. I won't go into what the news was because it is of a personal nature and it's irrelevant to the point I'm trying to make.
My daughters have rarely seen me cry. I am a bit of a cry baby, but I've managed to keep that side of me from them for a long time. Yesterday, as I spoke with them, I cracked. They saw me lose it. They were upset of course, but Melissa did something that amazed me: she walked away and came back with a little card I have on my desk that reads: Count your blessings not your worries. Of course, me being the tough guy that I am, this made me really start bawling.
The amazing thing is that children will go where you lead them. For the longest time, I have tried to teach my children certain values and attitudes. Positivity is something I want them to have. Given how negative I was most of my life, I find it important to teach them this while they are young, to make these beliefs a part of their nature. If it's my job to mold them into the women they will be one day, then I need to focus on nurturing the good, not whatever their nature may be.
I believe many of us are predisposed to certain attitudes, but I also believe that these attitudes can be replaced with different attitudes. Just as the happiest person can become jaded and angry with the pressures and worries of every day life, the darkest attitude can be lightened with practice.
Yesterday, Melissa made me proud. It's not the first time and it won't be the last. She is an amazing person. The credit for this goes to God, not to her earthly parents. I'm just glad I haven't screwed that up.
Teach your kids the right thing in every circumstance. Talk to them like your equals, not like inferiors. Show them to have confidence, and you never know when they will reward you.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
My daughters have rarely seen me cry. I am a bit of a cry baby, but I've managed to keep that side of me from them for a long time. Yesterday, as I spoke with them, I cracked. They saw me lose it. They were upset of course, but Melissa did something that amazed me: she walked away and came back with a little card I have on my desk that reads: Count your blessings not your worries. Of course, me being the tough guy that I am, this made me really start bawling.
The amazing thing is that children will go where you lead them. For the longest time, I have tried to teach my children certain values and attitudes. Positivity is something I want them to have. Given how negative I was most of my life, I find it important to teach them this while they are young, to make these beliefs a part of their nature. If it's my job to mold them into the women they will be one day, then I need to focus on nurturing the good, not whatever their nature may be.
I believe many of us are predisposed to certain attitudes, but I also believe that these attitudes can be replaced with different attitudes. Just as the happiest person can become jaded and angry with the pressures and worries of every day life, the darkest attitude can be lightened with practice.
Yesterday, Melissa made me proud. It's not the first time and it won't be the last. She is an amazing person. The credit for this goes to God, not to her earthly parents. I'm just glad I haven't screwed that up.
Teach your kids the right thing in every circumstance. Talk to them like your equals, not like inferiors. Show them to have confidence, and you never know when they will reward you.
God bless you. Make it a great day.
- Adolfo
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day # 219 - Changing
Too much happening at once can get the best of anyone. We can't all have the patience of Gandhi, or Mother Teresa, or whomever else happens to be patient. It's always been a weak spot for me. I have always been impatient and temperamental. My temper has often been violent. It used to be one of those blinding emotions. I would lose it to the point that I didn't know what I was doing. With time, I would still lose it, but I started hearing a voice trying to calm me. With more time, I've learned not to ignore the voice. I still get angry, of course, but it's under control.
In this time of resolutions, we hear about weight loss and quitting smoking. If this little project of mine has taught me anything, it's that we need to not look at symptoms but at the source of the problem. I found that much of the negativity I was feeling was a result of my obsession with things that made me unhappy, or aggravated. By eliminating news, then caffeine, then limiting the amount of junk I eat, I have slowly improved myself. I am not at my goal yet, but I am getting there. I am approaching a better me slowly and steadily, which means my gains will be sustainable.
If you want to lose weight, don't think in terms of pounds, think in terms of lifestyle. Do you sit on the couch with a bag of Fritos? Do you drink a lot of soda? Are you getting enough water?
Is money your issue? Do a budget. Yes, it's tedious, but it beats the snot out of being broke all the time.
Are you a negative person? Decide that you will be positive from now on. It is absolutely that simple. Decide that you will be happy and declare it out loud. Don't listen to negative words or music; read uplifting books. Accept and embrace the fact that life will give you lemons, then open up a lemonade stand and share the happiness.
The second day of the year is as good a time as any. Don't make resolutions, make the decision, the determination, and get to work. If you think self-improvement is hard, I can assure you it's easier than the status quo. It's just a matter of forming new habits - One at a time.
Let me know how it goes.
God bless you. Make it a great day. And remember the mantra: Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better.
- Adolfo
In this time of resolutions, we hear about weight loss and quitting smoking. If this little project of mine has taught me anything, it's that we need to not look at symptoms but at the source of the problem. I found that much of the negativity I was feeling was a result of my obsession with things that made me unhappy, or aggravated. By eliminating news, then caffeine, then limiting the amount of junk I eat, I have slowly improved myself. I am not at my goal yet, but I am getting there. I am approaching a better me slowly and steadily, which means my gains will be sustainable.
If you want to lose weight, don't think in terms of pounds, think in terms of lifestyle. Do you sit on the couch with a bag of Fritos? Do you drink a lot of soda? Are you getting enough water?
Is money your issue? Do a budget. Yes, it's tedious, but it beats the snot out of being broke all the time.
Are you a negative person? Decide that you will be positive from now on. It is absolutely that simple. Decide that you will be happy and declare it out loud. Don't listen to negative words or music; read uplifting books. Accept and embrace the fact that life will give you lemons, then open up a lemonade stand and share the happiness.
The second day of the year is as good a time as any. Don't make resolutions, make the decision, the determination, and get to work. If you think self-improvement is hard, I can assure you it's easier than the status quo. It's just a matter of forming new habits - One at a time.
Let me know how it goes.
God bless you. Make it a great day. And remember the mantra: Day by day, in every way, I am getting better and better.
- Adolfo
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day # 218 - Peer Pressure
I bought the girls a bottle of sparkling white grape juice. It's made by Welch's and looks like wine both in the bottle and when you pour it. The girls have seen Abby and I drink wine and always ask about it. I poured the glasses without them knowing what it was and when they commented, I put the glasses in front of them and told them they could have their first sip of wine.
At first they didn't believe it, then they were nervously excited, then just plain scared. Melissa was sure the police would come and arrest her parents if she took a sip of the forbidden beverage. I kept telling her it's okay because she has her parents' permission, but she kept telling me it's wrong. Finally, she broke down crying because her parents were trying to get her to do something bad. This was not my intention. I thought they would jump at the opportunity to drink some hooch. My children chose to do the right thing even when the people they trust most tried to convince them to do otherwise.
I feel a certain comfort at this. I believe my kids will be well-prepared for the world out there. I have never told them that if they drink alcohol they'll go blind or die or any other nonsense. I have told them that they need to be 21, and that drinking as a child can harm their still-developing brains. Simple. No need to talk to them like they're idiots. Talking to kids like people is a great way to show them you respect them and how to respect themselves.
We won't always be there to help them make decisions, but preparing them to make the right decisions is the next best thing.
God bless you. Happy New Year.
-Adolfo
At first they didn't believe it, then they were nervously excited, then just plain scared. Melissa was sure the police would come and arrest her parents if she took a sip of the forbidden beverage. I kept telling her it's okay because she has her parents' permission, but she kept telling me it's wrong. Finally, she broke down crying because her parents were trying to get her to do something bad. This was not my intention. I thought they would jump at the opportunity to drink some hooch. My children chose to do the right thing even when the people they trust most tried to convince them to do otherwise.
I feel a certain comfort at this. I believe my kids will be well-prepared for the world out there. I have never told them that if they drink alcohol they'll go blind or die or any other nonsense. I have told them that they need to be 21, and that drinking as a child can harm their still-developing brains. Simple. No need to talk to them like they're idiots. Talking to kids like people is a great way to show them you respect them and how to respect themselves.
We won't always be there to help them make decisions, but preparing them to make the right decisions is the next best thing.
God bless you. Happy New Year.
-Adolfo
Friday, December 31, 2010
Day # 217 - Out with the Auld
The year 2010 is about to end... Less than six hours to go. I resolve to not make any resolutions. It's so cliche, after all, everyone makes them and no one keeps them. So, I will be honest with myself. No New Year's Resolutions.
I will, however, promise myself to keep doing all the good things I've been doing, to stop my bad habits, and to lose more weight. I will not start smoking. I will not go out at night carousing, drinking, and hanging around with loose women. I will not gamble away the mortgage.
Come to think of it, I don't do these things now.
Okay, so I do have a resolution: I resolve to be a little less boring.
Have a great night. Don't drink and drive. Make 2011 your best year yet.
God bless you,
Adolfo
I will, however, promise myself to keep doing all the good things I've been doing, to stop my bad habits, and to lose more weight. I will not start smoking. I will not go out at night carousing, drinking, and hanging around with loose women. I will not gamble away the mortgage.
Come to think of it, I don't do these things now.
Okay, so I do have a resolution: I resolve to be a little less boring.
Have a great night. Don't drink and drive. Make 2011 your best year yet.
God bless you,
Adolfo
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Day # 216 - Life In The Way
2010 is about to end and what can we say about it? I can't say much about the year that was except for my own year because I've sort of insulated myself from the world. It's been a good year for me. I'm happier than I was when it started. The last 216 days have changed me. I'm glad I took this project on.
Of course, there is still the longing for more. In my case, I find myself wanting more time. I find myself learning to appreciate the things that truly matter and wishing I could go back in time and enjoy the things I was missing when I was trying to be a man, or when I was angry at things beyond my control. I want to go back to the times when I let life get in the way of my life and change that. But I can't. All I can do is make sure that from here on out, I find that balance. Regrets will never amount to anything. Nothing was ever accomplished by looking at the past, or the future for that matter, and wishing.
Right now, life is keeping me from sleeping, so I respond by living, not by lying in bed, cursing the darkness. I write, I read, I learn. The sun will be up soon and the day will begin; another chance to get it right.
Of course, there is still the longing for more. In my case, I find myself wanting more time. I find myself learning to appreciate the things that truly matter and wishing I could go back in time and enjoy the things I was missing when I was trying to be a man, or when I was angry at things beyond my control. I want to go back to the times when I let life get in the way of my life and change that. But I can't. All I can do is make sure that from here on out, I find that balance. Regrets will never amount to anything. Nothing was ever accomplished by looking at the past, or the future for that matter, and wishing.
Right now, life is keeping me from sleeping, so I respond by living, not by lying in bed, cursing the darkness. I write, I read, I learn. The sun will be up soon and the day will begin; another chance to get it right.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Day # 208 - A New Challenge
208 days of this and the complaint is still the same: I don't know what to write about. This may be the hardest thing I've ever committed to. And the next project just dawned on me: I am going to get organized. This is something I have half-heartedly worked on for a while, but now, I'm going to get serious about it.
I am a capable person. I believe I have a fair amount of talent, though I am not sure how to define my talent. I am a quick learner, a curious person. I could be great... if I could just remember where I left that piece of paper.
There is no doubt in my mind that I have lost deals or sales or money in my life time due to my lack of organization. Somehow that was never reason enough for me to straighten myself out. It should be reason enough, but even at this point it doesn't really motivate me. I want to organize myself because I know I should. Because it will make my life easier. Because it will make me more productive. Because my cluttered desk is making me bonkers!
So now the quest for neatness begins. I have already moved in this direction, but now I am being more serious and deliberate about it.
I'll let you know how it goes. Tomorrow and the day after, we'll talk about bridges.
God bless you. Make it your best, most organized day yet.
- Adolfo
I am a capable person. I believe I have a fair amount of talent, though I am not sure how to define my talent. I am a quick learner, a curious person. I could be great... if I could just remember where I left that piece of paper.
There is no doubt in my mind that I have lost deals or sales or money in my life time due to my lack of organization. Somehow that was never reason enough for me to straighten myself out. It should be reason enough, but even at this point it doesn't really motivate me. I want to organize myself because I know I should. Because it will make my life easier. Because it will make me more productive. Because my cluttered desk is making me bonkers!
So now the quest for neatness begins. I have already moved in this direction, but now I am being more serious and deliberate about it.
I'll let you know how it goes. Tomorrow and the day after, we'll talk about bridges.
God bless you. Make it your best, most organized day yet.
- Adolfo
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day # 207 - Frustration
Sometimes, when things are going exactly the way you want them to go, little things will pop up. You know, the little inconveniences that, if left unchecked, can ruin your entire day, or take away the happiness of the moment or the occasion that you should be enjoying.
We've all been there and unless you are pushing up daisies, you can expect to have more days like this. When those little things show up, smile. It's really that simple. Even if you don't feel like smiling... especially if you don't feel like smiling. It's one of those things. It's like exercising. You may not feel like running, but if you force yourself a couple times a week, soon it becomes a habit and you get to the point where the pain of not doing it far outweighs the pain of doing it.
Smile when things are going wrong, when there are a million challenges hitting you all at once, when the odds are stacked against you, all the time. Now, please don't make a fool of yourself. There are times that call for seriousness and you still have to be an adult, but in those moments, sit up straight, bright-eyed, and exude confidence and contentedness. You need to act the part if this is what you want for your life. No matter how stressed you may feel, keep smiling and expecting the best, and you'll get it.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
We've all been there and unless you are pushing up daisies, you can expect to have more days like this. When those little things show up, smile. It's really that simple. Even if you don't feel like smiling... especially if you don't feel like smiling. It's one of those things. It's like exercising. You may not feel like running, but if you force yourself a couple times a week, soon it becomes a habit and you get to the point where the pain of not doing it far outweighs the pain of doing it.
Smile when things are going wrong, when there are a million challenges hitting you all at once, when the odds are stacked against you, all the time. Now, please don't make a fool of yourself. There are times that call for seriousness and you still have to be an adult, but in those moments, sit up straight, bright-eyed, and exude confidence and contentedness. You need to act the part if this is what you want for your life. No matter how stressed you may feel, keep smiling and expecting the best, and you'll get it.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Day # 206 - Can't Sleep
My daughter Melissa loves to talk about how she's going to stay up all night watching movies. Every time she does this she ends up snoring by nine. Her regular bedtime is 8:30, so I don't sweat it. I fell asleep early last night, around ten, and here I am. If I'd gone to sleep at midnight and woken up at 5:00, it wouldn't bother me, but I've been up since two and I really had my heart set on sleeping.
Did I psych myself out? I don't think so. I fell asleep reading in bed, not because I went to bed to sleep.
I don't even know the point of what I'm trying to say here. Maybe I have no point.
I don't like pills. I could drink tea but I just don't feel like making it. I think I'll go back to sleep, or back to bed.
I always say that it's good to use this time, when you can't sleep, productively. It's a good time to read, pay bills, write a blog, operate heavy machinery, practice juggling chainsaws. Maybe skip the last two. But the truth is that although I am tired and cranky and complaining, these quiet hours are a gift. Everyone is asleep, the phone's not ringing, there is nothing urgent to deal with, and all there is is me and my thoughts. It's a productive time if used properly; destructive if not.
Hopefully, you're reading this at a decent hour. If not, go do something productive. Actually, whatever time it is, be productive. It's a sure ticket to happiness.
God bless you. Make it a great day. Sleep tight.
- Adolfo
Did I psych myself out? I don't think so. I fell asleep reading in bed, not because I went to bed to sleep.
I don't even know the point of what I'm trying to say here. Maybe I have no point.
I don't like pills. I could drink tea but I just don't feel like making it. I think I'll go back to sleep, or back to bed.
I always say that it's good to use this time, when you can't sleep, productively. It's a good time to read, pay bills, write a blog, operate heavy machinery, practice juggling chainsaws. Maybe skip the last two. But the truth is that although I am tired and cranky and complaining, these quiet hours are a gift. Everyone is asleep, the phone's not ringing, there is nothing urgent to deal with, and all there is is me and my thoughts. It's a productive time if used properly; destructive if not.
Hopefully, you're reading this at a decent hour. If not, go do something productive. Actually, whatever time it is, be productive. It's a sure ticket to happiness.
God bless you. Make it a great day. Sleep tight.
- Adolfo
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Day # 205 - Oh Well
I have to work today. My kids are on vacation. Aren't they lucky? I get a kick out of how kids complain about school. I used to do the same thing and now I'd kill to be back in school with no real responsibilities except doing your homework and being cool. For the record, I was no good at either.
Christmas is coming and Santa will bring them presents. We will enjoy and laugh and take pictures and video and then we'll trip over the toys and come November we'll give them away to make room for the new donations of the future.
I am going to Key West this week; not to party, to work. A night away from home. I don't have a problem with it, but the girls will probably be upset. I'll let you know if they're not, in which case, I will be.
I need to clean my garage. What a mess.
But first, I have to move my warehouse. Before that, I should have breakfast. Emily and I played the popcorn game this morning. She came to my room and laid down next to me. We pretend the popcorn ceiling is real popcorn and add butter, salt, cheeseburgers, whipped cream and all kinds of things one would never add to popcorn. Then we "eat" it and pop another batch. It occurred to me that she will always look at popcorn ceilings a little differently because of this game we play some mornings. This makes me smile. Then again, maybe she won't remember this. No matter, I will. Oh well.
Great, now I'm sentimental.
Make it a great day. God bless you. Enjoy your popcorn moments.
- Adolfo
Christmas is coming and Santa will bring them presents. We will enjoy and laugh and take pictures and video and then we'll trip over the toys and come November we'll give them away to make room for the new donations of the future.
I am going to Key West this week; not to party, to work. A night away from home. I don't have a problem with it, but the girls will probably be upset. I'll let you know if they're not, in which case, I will be.
I need to clean my garage. What a mess.
But first, I have to move my warehouse. Before that, I should have breakfast. Emily and I played the popcorn game this morning. She came to my room and laid down next to me. We pretend the popcorn ceiling is real popcorn and add butter, salt, cheeseburgers, whipped cream and all kinds of things one would never add to popcorn. Then we "eat" it and pop another batch. It occurred to me that she will always look at popcorn ceilings a little differently because of this game we play some mornings. This makes me smile. Then again, maybe she won't remember this. No matter, I will. Oh well.
Great, now I'm sentimental.
Make it a great day. God bless you. Enjoy your popcorn moments.
- Adolfo
Friday, December 17, 2010
Day # 204 - Bad Dream
I had an incredibly disturbing nightmare last night. I dreamt I was surrounded by people possessed by demons. It may have been congress, who knows? It was enough that when I awoke, I immediately started to pray. It helped quite a bit. I find that when I can't focus on praying, I repeat The Lord's Prayer (Our Father...) and it brings me the same peace.
They say dreams have meanings. I happen to agree with that. I don't believe they tell us the future or any such thing, but I believe they are our subconscious mind's way of venting... or something.
The great thing about bad dreams is the same as what's great about our good dreams: we decide whether they will come true or not. We decide what we will pursue, or attract, and what we will ignore.
Are you pursuing your dreams... or are they pursuing you?
- Adolfo
They say dreams have meanings. I happen to agree with that. I don't believe they tell us the future or any such thing, but I believe they are our subconscious mind's way of venting... or something.
The great thing about bad dreams is the same as what's great about our good dreams: we decide whether they will come true or not. We decide what we will pursue, or attract, and what we will ignore.
Are you pursuing your dreams... or are they pursuing you?
- Adolfo
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day # 202 - What Next?
I committed to a year of this because it had a nice sound to it. "A Year Without News" sounded better than a "couple of weeks," "six months," or "until further notice" without news. Just over halfway through my year, I can say I have improved in many ways. I have learned patience and positivity. I have become more organized, I have clearer goals. I am obviously committed (or should be... to an institution.) I think I am a better father than I was 202 days ago. I think I am a better husband, too. My family disagree, but you can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself. Rick Nelson was right about that, but I'm only kidding. My family is my number one priority. Always will be.
So, now that the positive thinking has started paying off; now that God and faith have seen me through the valley... what do I do with the next 163 days? What do I write about? What's my purpose in this thing? Do I continue writing about the lessons of each day? Book reports? My job is not fun to describe and if I did, it would only take about a paragraph. So... what else is there? I really don't know, and that's the beauty of this experiment. I've changed, but I am not done, not by a long shot. I am nowhere near being the person I am meant to be, the best person I can be.
I can still improve my attitude; I can improve myself physically; I can improve in my career, you know, climbing the old corporate ladder, I can grow spiritually. I guess the beauty of not knowing what's next is that I get to decide what it will be. I realize there are some things that are out of my control and I accept that. But the things I can control, I will control, and I will make them better in every way I can.
And that, my friends, is what's next.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
So, now that the positive thinking has started paying off; now that God and faith have seen me through the valley... what do I do with the next 163 days? What do I write about? What's my purpose in this thing? Do I continue writing about the lessons of each day? Book reports? My job is not fun to describe and if I did, it would only take about a paragraph. So... what else is there? I really don't know, and that's the beauty of this experiment. I've changed, but I am not done, not by a long shot. I am nowhere near being the person I am meant to be, the best person I can be.
I can still improve my attitude; I can improve myself physically; I can improve in my career, you know, climbing the old corporate ladder, I can grow spiritually. I guess the beauty of not knowing what's next is that I get to decide what it will be. I realize there are some things that are out of my control and I accept that. But the things I can control, I will control, and I will make them better in every way I can.
And that, my friends, is what's next.
God bless you. Make it your best day yet.
- Adolfo
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Day # 201 - A Good Omen
I started my new position yesterday. What an exciting moment! It's one of those times when the world seems to be wide open and you can step out and conquer it. That is, of course, as long as your van starts, and you can be entered into the system, and there's a wireless connection so your paperwork can be completed...
I was supposed to take my company vehicle yesterday but it wouldn't start. Also, it was leaking gas, lots of it, so I'm kind of glad it didn't start. Who knows? It was one of those days where everything that could have gone wrong, did. And you know what? I couldn't be happier.
My boss kept apologizing; I kept telling her not to worry, that this was a good omen, that all it meant was that great things were heading our way. Nothing as simple as a car not starting was going to ruin my first day at a great new company. She laughed at how I kept smiling. The truth is that I was happy. I felt no anger or disappointment. I have learned that these things are part of God's plan. I wasn't meant to go out today. Now, my van will be fixed up, the oil changed, tires rotated, new car smell re-introduced (okay, that was a stretch, it's pretty new already.)
It's been a recurring theme throughout this blog: don't let the little things steal your joy. I could have looked at this situation and told myself that I'd made a bad choice, that this was a disaster, that I should cut my losses and run, or, I could have simply let it sour my mood. No, instead, I decided to laugh about it, knowing one day, I'll write it all down, every detail, in a memoir of how the toughest year of my life was also the best year of my life, and how the rest and best of my life started on a day when everything seemed to go wrong.
Today, laugh at the little things. Learn not to worry about things that don't matter in the big picture. Develop a sense of perspective and accept that things happen for a reason and that while not all things may seem good, all things come together for good if you believe.
God bless you. Make it the best day yet.
- Adolfo
I was supposed to take my company vehicle yesterday but it wouldn't start. Also, it was leaking gas, lots of it, so I'm kind of glad it didn't start. Who knows? It was one of those days where everything that could have gone wrong, did. And you know what? I couldn't be happier.
My boss kept apologizing; I kept telling her not to worry, that this was a good omen, that all it meant was that great things were heading our way. Nothing as simple as a car not starting was going to ruin my first day at a great new company. She laughed at how I kept smiling. The truth is that I was happy. I felt no anger or disappointment. I have learned that these things are part of God's plan. I wasn't meant to go out today. Now, my van will be fixed up, the oil changed, tires rotated, new car smell re-introduced (okay, that was a stretch, it's pretty new already.)
It's been a recurring theme throughout this blog: don't let the little things steal your joy. I could have looked at this situation and told myself that I'd made a bad choice, that this was a disaster, that I should cut my losses and run, or, I could have simply let it sour my mood. No, instead, I decided to laugh about it, knowing one day, I'll write it all down, every detail, in a memoir of how the toughest year of my life was also the best year of my life, and how the rest and best of my life started on a day when everything seemed to go wrong.
Today, laugh at the little things. Learn not to worry about things that don't matter in the big picture. Develop a sense of perspective and accept that things happen for a reason and that while not all things may seem good, all things come together for good if you believe.
God bless you. Make it the best day yet.
- Adolfo
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day # 199 - Father License
I'm writing so late because I've been working since 6:00 this morning. We had a big event in Weston and I've been there all day. Today was an interesting day. I've done dozens of these events over the years and have seen all kinds of things, but today was the first time I ever had to deal with an abandoned child. The father came back, but it took a while. The kid was about eight years old, the age of my daughter, and he was terrified. He came to me, presumably because he recognized me as an authority figure, with tears in his eyes telling me he didn't know where his father was.
After a while of searching and even announcing the lost child over the P.A., the sperm donor was still nowhere to be found so we called the cops. The father eventually showed up with a stupid grin on his face acting as if nothing had happened. I wanted to beat him to within an inch of his life, nurse him back to health, and then beat him completely to death. The child was so nervous he couldn't remember his own last name.
In my business, I too often see parents who are willing to leave their kids in the care of other and because the kid is having fun, they call it quality time. I am not perfect, but I would never abandon my child, not for a moment. Who does that? What kind of beast? Even dogs take care of their young.
I don't know if there is a moral to this story. I just had to get it off my chest. Be a father. Be a mother. Be more than whatever is less than a common dog.
- Adolfo
After a while of searching and even announcing the lost child over the P.A., the sperm donor was still nowhere to be found so we called the cops. The father eventually showed up with a stupid grin on his face acting as if nothing had happened. I wanted to beat him to within an inch of his life, nurse him back to health, and then beat him completely to death. The child was so nervous he couldn't remember his own last name.
In my business, I too often see parents who are willing to leave their kids in the care of other and because the kid is having fun, they call it quality time. I am not perfect, but I would never abandon my child, not for a moment. Who does that? What kind of beast? Even dogs take care of their young.
I don't know if there is a moral to this story. I just had to get it off my chest. Be a father. Be a mother. Be more than whatever is less than a common dog.
- Adolfo
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Day # 195 - Being Happy is a Choice
I'm happy. I thought I'd share that with you. I love the cool weather. My kids are healthy. Life is good and getting better every day. I am happy and I want to share that with you.
It's important to be happy. If you're not happy, everything will stink. Happiness is a choice you must make. If you decide to be happy regardless of your circumstances, your life will improve. If you decide to be miserable come what may, what will come is what you deserve, which is what you expect.
I start my new career Monday and I couldn't be happier. It's a dream coming true and it's been a long time coming. I feel like a kid a couple of days before Christmas. I guess, in a way, I am a kid just before Christmas. I wanted to start this career earlier, but things got confused here and there and it's been delayed. No matter. I am happy in advance, and I can tell you that I will be happy when I start and I will be happy every day of my professional life. Like Warren Buffett, I plan to tap dance to the office every day. Why? Because happiness is not just a choice, it's my choice.
When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself you are going to be happy. Commit to it, and it will be so. Whatever happens, accept it graciously and happily and smile and find the bright side. When you stop worrying about things, you will soon run out of things to worry about. Worry, fear, and misery (and all the negative emotions) are like animals that must be fed if they are to live. Stop feeding them. Starve the bastards and don't even stick around to watch them die. Skip on down the Yellow Brick Road and be HAPPY!
God bless you. Make it your best and happiest day yet!
- Adolfo
It's important to be happy. If you're not happy, everything will stink. Happiness is a choice you must make. If you decide to be happy regardless of your circumstances, your life will improve. If you decide to be miserable come what may, what will come is what you deserve, which is what you expect.
I start my new career Monday and I couldn't be happier. It's a dream coming true and it's been a long time coming. I feel like a kid a couple of days before Christmas. I guess, in a way, I am a kid just before Christmas. I wanted to start this career earlier, but things got confused here and there and it's been delayed. No matter. I am happy in advance, and I can tell you that I will be happy when I start and I will be happy every day of my professional life. Like Warren Buffett, I plan to tap dance to the office every day. Why? Because happiness is not just a choice, it's my choice.
When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself you are going to be happy. Commit to it, and it will be so. Whatever happens, accept it graciously and happily and smile and find the bright side. When you stop worrying about things, you will soon run out of things to worry about. Worry, fear, and misery (and all the negative emotions) are like animals that must be fed if they are to live. Stop feeding them. Starve the bastards and don't even stick around to watch them die. Skip on down the Yellow Brick Road and be HAPPY!
God bless you. Make it your best and happiest day yet!
- Adolfo
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