One of my favorite online sites is 43 Things. What I love about it the most is how easy it makes it to be an encouragement to other people. Encouraging those who have doubts and building up those who can see the vision but who can't quite see themselves holding the prize is one of my passions. So I just adore how easy they make it.
For example, one of the items on my list is buy a stranger something from their Amazon wishlist every month. I started out fine with this, purchasing something for two separate people but then I found myself in a financial situation that wouldn't allow me to continue. Well, I'm finally back to a point in my life where I can take part in this again and that's what I did today. I bought a lady named Amber from Brighton, Illinois, something from her Amazon wishlist and she should receive it some time this week.
You can probably guess how awesome this makes me feel. It was definitely worth the fourteen or so dollars it cost me to have it shipped.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
What's Happening
Long Absense
In poetic form.
I re-a-lize it's been a while
since I last have blogged.
Oops.
Forgive me, but I didn't know
I deserved to be flogged.
Whew!
It seems my mental plumbing has
become a little clogged.
Nuff' said.
New Job
On February 11th, I started a new job working for Xerox at IBM here in Rochester, Minnesota. My responsibilities include: managing print queues, coordinating the deployment of network printers, and assisting with reproduction. I enjoy the work, but I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
Poetry Group
Thanks to the determination of local poet, Paul Walsh and others, we have started an official chapter of the League of Minnesota Poets (LOMP) in Rochester. We chose the unassuming name of Southeastern Minnesota Poets, and meet the third Saturday of the month. We had our first meeting in January. At our second meeting, we voted for officers. I was elected president. As such, I attended the spring convention in Roseville, Minnesota and was allowed to sit in on the business meeting. To honor the creation of our group, the board of directors awarded us the challenge of hosting the fall convention. One of my first orders of business will be to coordinate the event.
Chapbook
Another order of business for our poetry group is to publish a chapbook of member poetry. We are shooting for 96 pages and hope to have it available by the fall convention.
Karaoke Contest
I had such a great time judging BAM Karaoke's contest last fall that I agreed for a second go. The contest took place from the last weekend in January until the second weekend in April. And boy was it fun. We followed a similar format as the previous contest, five weeks of qualification and five weeks of elimination, and boy did we see the talent. We awarded the winners on April 12th.
In poetic form.
I re-a-lize it's been a while
since I last have blogged.
Oops.
Forgive me, but I didn't know
I deserved to be flogged.
Whew!
It seems my mental plumbing has
become a little clogged.
Nuff' said.
New Job
On February 11th, I started a new job working for Xerox at IBM here in Rochester, Minnesota. My responsibilities include: managing print queues, coordinating the deployment of network printers, and assisting with reproduction. I enjoy the work, but I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
Poetry Group
Thanks to the determination of local poet, Paul Walsh and others, we have started an official chapter of the League of Minnesota Poets (LOMP) in Rochester. We chose the unassuming name of Southeastern Minnesota Poets, and meet the third Saturday of the month. We had our first meeting in January. At our second meeting, we voted for officers. I was elected president. As such, I attended the spring convention in Roseville, Minnesota and was allowed to sit in on the business meeting. To honor the creation of our group, the board of directors awarded us the challenge of hosting the fall convention. One of my first orders of business will be to coordinate the event.
Chapbook
Another order of business for our poetry group is to publish a chapbook of member poetry. We are shooting for 96 pages and hope to have it available by the fall convention.
Karaoke Contest
I had such a great time judging BAM Karaoke's contest last fall that I agreed for a second go. The contest took place from the last weekend in January until the second weekend in April. And boy was it fun. We followed a similar format as the previous contest, five weeks of qualification and five weeks of elimination, and boy did we see the talent. We awarded the winners on April 12th.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Karaoke - Qualification Round 1
My second karaoke judging experience is under way. Just like before, I can tell it's going to be a blast. We have three judges, my brother Ron, my friend Jenean, and myself. My brother's playing Randy, Jenean's playing Paula, and I once again am playing Simon. And let me tell you, I had some patently Simonesque opportunities this evening.
First though, let me go over the rules. This time around we are having five weeks of qualification and five weeks of elimination. During qualification, if the singer is good enough, we give them the thumbs up signal and they are in the contest. If they didn't do so hot, we tell them what they need to improve and they can try again during one of the other qualification weeks.
All those who qualify go onto the elimination rounds. That's where the real judging happens. Depending on how many survive qualification, we may be having to get rid of two, three, four, or more contestants each week. We will have pared it down to five for the final night.
Tonight was the first qualification round and also the first time we judges had worked together so we're still getting a feel for things, but overall it went very well. Of the eleven who participated eight were given the go ahead and three were asked to try again.
One of the three was simply too drunk to sing. It was funny and fun to watch, but it didn't have any musical merit at all. The second person eliminated was tone deaf. And I'm not sure she realized it. She really seemed to think she had done a great job, but she sang the entire song with the same note. When it came time to critique her, being that I was playing Simon, I asked her if that was her best song. When she told me it was, I simply reminded her that the American Legion has bingo as well and that maybe she'd be better suited for it. She took it well.
The final lady who was eliminated had a good voice but chose a song that she couldn't sing. We gave her some suggestions for songs that were more in her range and encouraged her to try again next week.
Mark, Deb, and Kelly, the staff from BAM Karaoke, did a wonderful job running the contest. All in all, I can tell that just like my first judging experience, this is going to be something that stays with me for the rest of my life.
First though, let me go over the rules. This time around we are having five weeks of qualification and five weeks of elimination. During qualification, if the singer is good enough, we give them the thumbs up signal and they are in the contest. If they didn't do so hot, we tell them what they need to improve and they can try again during one of the other qualification weeks.
All those who qualify go onto the elimination rounds. That's where the real judging happens. Depending on how many survive qualification, we may be having to get rid of two, three, four, or more contestants each week. We will have pared it down to five for the final night.
Tonight was the first qualification round and also the first time we judges had worked together so we're still getting a feel for things, but overall it went very well. Of the eleven who participated eight were given the go ahead and three were asked to try again.
One of the three was simply too drunk to sing. It was funny and fun to watch, but it didn't have any musical merit at all. The second person eliminated was tone deaf. And I'm not sure she realized it. She really seemed to think she had done a great job, but she sang the entire song with the same note. When it came time to critique her, being that I was playing Simon, I asked her if that was her best song. When she told me it was, I simply reminded her that the American Legion has bingo as well and that maybe she'd be better suited for it. She took it well.
The final lady who was eliminated had a good voice but chose a song that she couldn't sing. We gave her some suggestions for songs that were more in her range and encouraged her to try again next week.
Mark, Deb, and Kelly, the staff from BAM Karaoke, did a wonderful job running the contest. All in all, I can tell that just like my first judging experience, this is going to be something that stays with me for the rest of my life.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Come on Nader, Fess Up
Hey Nader, dude, just come out of the closet already -- admit you're a republican. It's OK. We're not going to think any less of you. At least this way, your run for the presidency will have context and make sense.
2008 is the year that the democrats almost can't lose. I say almost for two reasons. One, nothing is a sure bet in politics and two, the democrats have an uncanny knack of blowing those bets that are almost sure. Your run, mixed with good old fashioned democratic bungling, could be the one thing that keeps the republicans in charge of the white house. And even though I'm disgusted with Bush's eight years of mismanagement, I think it might be a good thing for four more years of republican rule.
If the democrats take the white house, they will have control of both the executive and the legistlative branches of the govenment. The republicans would still have a slight edge in the judicial and the Cheney branch would hopefully be dissolved altogether. The problem is that a lot of damage can be done when one party has control of both the executive and the legistlative branches as it takes quite a long time before a dangerous situation makes it to the judicial branch to be (hopefully) fixed.
So quit toying with us Nader. Even if you're not a republican. Even if you're just bi-partisan-curious, fess up. We'll still love you and you might be doing our country a favor this time instead of taking revenge on your old democratic cohorts.
2008 is the year that the democrats almost can't lose. I say almost for two reasons. One, nothing is a sure bet in politics and two, the democrats have an uncanny knack of blowing those bets that are almost sure. Your run, mixed with good old fashioned democratic bungling, could be the one thing that keeps the republicans in charge of the white house. And even though I'm disgusted with Bush's eight years of mismanagement, I think it might be a good thing for four more years of republican rule.
If the democrats take the white house, they will have control of both the executive and the legistlative branches of the govenment. The republicans would still have a slight edge in the judicial and the Cheney branch would hopefully be dissolved altogether. The problem is that a lot of damage can be done when one party has control of both the executive and the legistlative branches as it takes quite a long time before a dangerous situation makes it to the judicial branch to be (hopefully) fixed.
So quit toying with us Nader. Even if you're not a republican. Even if you're just bi-partisan-curious, fess up. We'll still love you and you might be doing our country a favor this time instead of taking revenge on your old democratic cohorts.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Karaoke's Calling
Just like last November, I’m going to be teaming up with BAM Karaoke and serve as a judge for a local karaoke contest. It was such a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to get started. The first qualification round is this Friday, February 1st.
This time my brother is going to serve as a judge as well. He’s no stranger to music. He plays guitar and writes his own songs and music. This will be the first time we’ve collaborated on a project. I hope it’s not the last though. Wish us luck!
This time my brother is going to serve as a judge as well. He’s no stranger to music. He plays guitar and writes his own songs and music. This will be the first time we’ve collaborated on a project. I hope it’s not the last though. Wish us luck!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Secret of Happiness
From my paper journal, dated June 20, 2004:
Don’t live to impress other humans. If you live to impress God, consider just doing your best instead. The key to being happy is recognizing that God loves us. Other factors to being happy are:
1. Know your limitations.
2. Learn to say no without anger or frustration or guilt.
3. Always strive for your best, but recognize that sometimes, maybe most times, your best won’t be ‘the best’.
4. Always be happy for other people’s successes.
5. Always be sad for other people’s difficulties.
6. Never say, “I told you so” or imply it by your actions or gestures.
7. Remember that only you can affect your own emotions. Other people can only attempt to affect them.
8. Forgive freely; both yourself and others.
9. Never seek revenge.
10. When seeking justice, make sure it is justice and not revenge you are seeking.
11. Always double check your motives
12. Never distrust the motives of others.
13. Always try to err in favor of others.
14. Work at appearing reasonable.
15. Never gossip.
16. Set goals, both long and short term.
17. Wait for one night to pass before sending out any correspondence you fear may be taken the wrong way.
18. Use a spell checker in all correspondence.
19. Never expect perfection from yourself or others.
20. Never do things solely for recognition.21. Always do charity anonymously.
22. Surprise people with gifts of kindness.
23. Strive to always say “Please”, “Thank You” and “You’re Welcome”.
24. Never take the easy way out and give money to a beggar; buy him or her a meal or clothes instead.
25. If someone offers to work for food, keep them to their promise.
26. Never hold a grudge.
27. Laugh at other people’s jokes.
28. Try to find something positive to say about everybody you know.
29. Try to forget the negative you could say about everybody you know.
30. Never stop dreaming.
31. Never feel you are too old to play.
32. Exercise your mind; read quality literature.
33. Splurge from time to time.
34. Never spank your children, teach them the difference between right and wrong instead.
35. Never pop someone else’s bubble.
36. Take pictures of your loved ones and give them copies.
37. Take the time to go through your photos from time to time.
38. Practice empathy.
39. Clean a part of your residence every day, even if it is just a small part.
40. Fold clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer.
41. Limit the amount of time spend watching TV.
42. Say “Thank You” at every meal even if you don’t think anyone is listening.
43. Look people directly in the eyes.
44. Smile profusely.
45. Doodle.
46. Write poetry.
47. Send out a “Thank You” card for every gift, card or significant gesture.
48. Keep a journal.
49. Exercise at least once a week.
50. Be patient with the elderly.
51. Be patient with children.
52. Get to know one new person every month.
53. Keep your eyes open for greeting cards your loved ones might enjoy receiving.
54. Never expect recompense for kind acts.
55. Never refuse the kind gesture of a loved one.
56. Keep your bedroom the neatest place in your house.
57. Learn how to organize drawers and closets.
58. Clean the sink, counters, stove top and dining table every time you do the dishes.
59. Be alert for positive music.
60. Never allow your neighbor to hear your music from their place.
61. Hold the door for the person walking behind you.
62. Say thank you when someone holds the door for you.
63. Throw all trash in the proper receptacle.
64. Don’t judge people by the job they have, the car they drive or the clothes they wear.
65. Firmly believe that ALL problems have a workable solution.
66. Use sarcasm sparingly.
67. Have at least one clean joke memorized at the ready.
68. Give others the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.
69. Keep your promises, even when it is to your disadvantage.
70. Always try to be early.
71. Avoid unnecessary competition.
72. Find time to take care of a pet.
73. Always clean up after your pets.
74. Plant flowers in front of your house.
75. Don’t try to outdo your neighbor’s house.
76. Dress modestly.
77. Bathe regularly.
78. Use deodorant daily.
79. Save your pocket change.
80. Keep a camera and film in your car.
81. Collect something: books, spoons, pictures of owls; something.
82. Iron your clothes.
83. Develop a firm handshake.
84. Believe in yourself and others.
85. Don’t belittle other people’s beliefs.
86. Keep your head up when you walk.
87. Be alert to the beauty of your surroundings.
88. Never pass on spam email.
89. Never involve others in chain letters, chain email, etc.
90. Keep moist towelettes in your car.
91. Keep your car neat, inside and out.
92. Clean your shoes regularly.
93. Try different foods, even ones you know you don’t like.
94. Always ask people if they want your advice before giving it.
95. Never give advice to those who don’t want it.
96. Respect people’s personal space.
97. Always try to leave people in a better mood than what you encounter them in.
98. Clean up small messes right away.
99. Avoid impulse buying, especially with expensive things.
100. Get the oil in your car changed regularly.
101. Always help your loved ones with the household chores.
Don’t live to impress other humans. If you live to impress God, consider just doing your best instead. The key to being happy is recognizing that God loves us. Other factors to being happy are:
1. Know your limitations.
2. Learn to say no without anger or frustration or guilt.
3. Always strive for your best, but recognize that sometimes, maybe most times, your best won’t be ‘the best’.
4. Always be happy for other people’s successes.
5. Always be sad for other people’s difficulties.
6. Never say, “I told you so” or imply it by your actions or gestures.
7. Remember that only you can affect your own emotions. Other people can only attempt to affect them.
8. Forgive freely; both yourself and others.
9. Never seek revenge.
10. When seeking justice, make sure it is justice and not revenge you are seeking.
11. Always double check your motives
12. Never distrust the motives of others.
13. Always try to err in favor of others.
14. Work at appearing reasonable.
15. Never gossip.
16. Set goals, both long and short term.
17. Wait for one night to pass before sending out any correspondence you fear may be taken the wrong way.
18. Use a spell checker in all correspondence.
19. Never expect perfection from yourself or others.
20. Never do things solely for recognition.21. Always do charity anonymously.
22. Surprise people with gifts of kindness.
23. Strive to always say “Please”, “Thank You” and “You’re Welcome”.
24. Never take the easy way out and give money to a beggar; buy him or her a meal or clothes instead.
25. If someone offers to work for food, keep them to their promise.
26. Never hold a grudge.
27. Laugh at other people’s jokes.
28. Try to find something positive to say about everybody you know.
29. Try to forget the negative you could say about everybody you know.
30. Never stop dreaming.
31. Never feel you are too old to play.
32. Exercise your mind; read quality literature.
33. Splurge from time to time.
34. Never spank your children, teach them the difference between right and wrong instead.
35. Never pop someone else’s bubble.
36. Take pictures of your loved ones and give them copies.
37. Take the time to go through your photos from time to time.
38. Practice empathy.
39. Clean a part of your residence every day, even if it is just a small part.
40. Fold clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer.
41. Limit the amount of time spend watching TV.
42. Say “Thank You” at every meal even if you don’t think anyone is listening.
43. Look people directly in the eyes.
44. Smile profusely.
45. Doodle.
46. Write poetry.
47. Send out a “Thank You” card for every gift, card or significant gesture.
48. Keep a journal.
49. Exercise at least once a week.
50. Be patient with the elderly.
51. Be patient with children.
52. Get to know one new person every month.
53. Keep your eyes open for greeting cards your loved ones might enjoy receiving.
54. Never expect recompense for kind acts.
55. Never refuse the kind gesture of a loved one.
56. Keep your bedroom the neatest place in your house.
57. Learn how to organize drawers and closets.
58. Clean the sink, counters, stove top and dining table every time you do the dishes.
59. Be alert for positive music.
60. Never allow your neighbor to hear your music from their place.
61. Hold the door for the person walking behind you.
62. Say thank you when someone holds the door for you.
63. Throw all trash in the proper receptacle.
64. Don’t judge people by the job they have, the car they drive or the clothes they wear.
65. Firmly believe that ALL problems have a workable solution.
66. Use sarcasm sparingly.
67. Have at least one clean joke memorized at the ready.
68. Give others the benefit of the doubt whenever possible.
69. Keep your promises, even when it is to your disadvantage.
70. Always try to be early.
71. Avoid unnecessary competition.
72. Find time to take care of a pet.
73. Always clean up after your pets.
74. Plant flowers in front of your house.
75. Don’t try to outdo your neighbor’s house.
76. Dress modestly.
77. Bathe regularly.
78. Use deodorant daily.
79. Save your pocket change.
80. Keep a camera and film in your car.
81. Collect something: books, spoons, pictures of owls; something.
82. Iron your clothes.
83. Develop a firm handshake.
84. Believe in yourself and others.
85. Don’t belittle other people’s beliefs.
86. Keep your head up when you walk.
87. Be alert to the beauty of your surroundings.
88. Never pass on spam email.
89. Never involve others in chain letters, chain email, etc.
90. Keep moist towelettes in your car.
91. Keep your car neat, inside and out.
92. Clean your shoes regularly.
93. Try different foods, even ones you know you don’t like.
94. Always ask people if they want your advice before giving it.
95. Never give advice to those who don’t want it.
96. Respect people’s personal space.
97. Always try to leave people in a better mood than what you encounter them in.
98. Clean up small messes right away.
99. Avoid impulse buying, especially with expensive things.
100. Get the oil in your car changed regularly.
101. Always help your loved ones with the household chores.
Monday, January 21, 2008
My First Joke
My family has always told jokes around the kitchen table. One day, when I was four, I wanted to be a part and tell a joke too. So, sitting on my dad's lap, I told everyone to be quiet so I could tell my joke.
Silence fell over the normally boisterous table as my family waited to hear my brilliant offering. Milking the moment for all I could, I stood up on dad's chair and looked around at my brothers, sisters, and mom. The thrill of having their complete attention energized me. I held my little, white sippy cup in the air and I called out, "Take a cup and cup it up."
My family burst out laughing but I didn't find out until later that my joke wasn't funny and that they laughed simply because it came from the baby.
Silence fell over the normally boisterous table as my family waited to hear my brilliant offering. Milking the moment for all I could, I stood up on dad's chair and looked around at my brothers, sisters, and mom. The thrill of having their complete attention energized me. I held my little, white sippy cup in the air and I called out, "Take a cup and cup it up."
My family burst out laughing but I didn't find out until later that my joke wasn't funny and that they laughed simply because it came from the baby.
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