So I'm sitting in a marketing conference which is total culture shock for an IT person. Everything is flashy, and service, and a journey, and the customer, and etc...
While marketing folks see these themes everyday, it's not always obvious to the back office team. At first I was skeptical about attending this conference (because it's marketing, right...), but I have learned a great deal. Not just marketing strategies, which I still don't care about, but how to support the marketing team in their efforts and seeing a much bigger part of the entire picture.
In conclusion, take an opportunity to look outside your box in order to better understand someone elses.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Look outside of your box
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Random questions. Feel free to answer:
- Do people still blog?
- Is the flu shot safe?
- When is the best time to overseed my yard?
- Why can't the really fun careers have easier barriers to entry or pay really well?
- What is the best fall beer?
- Do you have a good chili recipe?
- Do you share it?
- Why do we take so long to realize that we should not squander youth?
- Is religious faith nurture or nature?
- Who else shares my hatred of bill riders? (see HR627, Sec 512. What does one have to do with the other?)
- Who else shares my hatred of politics in general? (You are a dem, you're wrong. No, you're a rep, you're wrong!")
- Are politics really just an extension of our own personal values and most people will never bend, nor be able to see past their own noses (ability to understand an opposing viewpoint)?
- Is HDTV really that much better?
- Boxers? Briefs? Jockeys?
- Why do athletes credit God for their achievements, but blame themselves for failure?
- Do people still blog?
- Is the flu shot safe?
- When is the best time to overseed my yard?
- Why can't the really fun careers have easier barriers to entry or pay really well?
- What is the best fall beer?
- Do you have a good chili recipe?
- Do you share it?
- Why do we take so long to realize that we should not squander youth?
- Is religious faith nurture or nature?
- Who else shares my hatred of bill riders? (see HR627, Sec 512. What does one have to do with the other?)
- Who else shares my hatred of politics in general? (You are a dem, you're wrong. No, you're a rep, you're wrong!")
- Are politics really just an extension of our own personal values and most people will never bend, nor be able to see past their own noses (ability to understand an opposing viewpoint)?
- Is HDTV really that much better?
- Boxers? Briefs? Jockeys?
- Why do athletes credit God for their achievements, but blame themselves for failure?
Monday, January 26, 2009
From the Facebook 25 things note going around. Here's mine:
1) I am really pissed off! I was on 17 and accidentally hit back. So I'll try again.
2) I should be doing homework, but I'm hangin with Sam Adams and updating Facebook. At least I got the basement photos posted.
3) Speaking of basements, that is my single greatest accomplishment, aside from family of course. If you think college is, you've never built a basement by yourself.
4) I am a beer snob. If it's not "my favorite", I won't drink it. Unless it's free of course.
5) I really do like my job, I just need to be better at it.
6) My daughter is the greatest person I have ever known.
7) Mona is ok with #6, and encourages me.
8) I miss my friends from previous life(s). I use FB as a crutch, and justify it.
9) My new truck is one of the nicest things I have ever owned.
10) I wish I had talents that I don't have, and don't use the ones that I do have.
11) I secretly want a PHD just to go the distance, contrary to my everyday feelings. Besides, Mona would kill me. Literally!
12) I believe in karma and not in religion.
13) Politics amuse me. My guy is the best, and your's is an idiot.
14) I need to be tolerant like I used to. Annoying people really bother me now.
15) I don't get road rage.
16) I secretly wish I could ram a few idiots on the road now and again.
17) I am one of the most dimplomatic people you will ever meet.
18) I miss smoking sometimes. Only for about 5 seconds though.
19) I need to be more concerned about my health.
20) I used to be organized to a fault. Now I am disorganized, to that same fault.
21) I don't like "favorites". I have no favorite song, movie, or color.
22) Money should concern me more than it does.
23) I think public executions should be a "humane form of justice".
24) I believe my children will be smart because I am educated.
25) I should exploit my positives in this list, and work to rid the negatives.
1) I am really pissed off! I was on 17 and accidentally hit back. So I'll try again.
2) I should be doing homework, but I'm hangin with Sam Adams and updating Facebook. At least I got the basement photos posted.
3) Speaking of basements, that is my single greatest accomplishment, aside from family of course. If you think college is, you've never built a basement by yourself.
4) I am a beer snob. If it's not "my favorite", I won't drink it. Unless it's free of course.
5) I really do like my job, I just need to be better at it.
6) My daughter is the greatest person I have ever known.
7) Mona is ok with #6, and encourages me.
8) I miss my friends from previous life(s). I use FB as a crutch, and justify it.
9) My new truck is one of the nicest things I have ever owned.
10) I wish I had talents that I don't have, and don't use the ones that I do have.
11) I secretly want a PHD just to go the distance, contrary to my everyday feelings. Besides, Mona would kill me. Literally!
12) I believe in karma and not in religion.
13) Politics amuse me. My guy is the best, and your's is an idiot.
14) I need to be tolerant like I used to. Annoying people really bother me now.
15) I don't get road rage.
16) I secretly wish I could ram a few idiots on the road now and again.
17) I am one of the most dimplomatic people you will ever meet.
18) I miss smoking sometimes. Only for about 5 seconds though.
19) I need to be more concerned about my health.
20) I used to be organized to a fault. Now I am disorganized, to that same fault.
21) I don't like "favorites". I have no favorite song, movie, or color.
22) Money should concern me more than it does.
23) I think public executions should be a "humane form of justice".
24) I believe my children will be smart because I am educated.
25) I should exploit my positives in this list, and work to rid the negatives.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Testing blackberry blogging
Going to get back into blogging and testing this method. I can post to facebook and twitter, why not blog as well...
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A long month...
It's been a month since I've posted, if you've been keeping up, sorry about that. You'll see why as you read on.
Random Thoughts
Friends in the new era. I have had alot of friends in my years. Several to be exact. I had friends from all different cliques, backgrounds, and interests. I had friends in High School, College, Fraternity, work, and elsewhere. It's not so true any more. Don't get me wrong, I still have lot's of friends. I had a 15 year class reunion, and all my old friends were still there, and we essentially picked up where we left off (a sign of true friendship BTW). I saw Fraternity brothers at homecoming. Again, we took up where we'd left off. Colleagues and other friends are still near and dear as well.
However, we are not the same friends we were in the past. My everyday friends have been reduced to a mere few. I'm certain it's because of lifestyle changes. Some of us choose to start families, or have careers, or some other focus in life. All of the above in my case. My wife and beautiful daughter are my new best friends. My career is a focus, and most recently, school is a front runner.
To pose the question, do we reduce our everyday set of friends because of a difference in traits, ideals, and outlooks? Or does the cliche hold true, "I am too busy"?? Alternatively, do we shift our focus in life from friendship to the other things? I'm still not sure, but it makes me sad at times. I sometimes wish Campbell Street, midnight hockey, and Ken's parties were things of the present rather than the past.
At any rate, I am confident that my true friends will remain so forever. Regardless if we became friends in 4th grade, or last month.
Maybe it's perfectly normal that I miss my youth...
Anyhow, that's my random thought for this post.
(If any of my current, old, or ex friends are reading, I meant nothing negative about my comments. I trust that if you are a true friend, you understand)
Events / Encounters
Where do I begin? In the past month I have endured or experienced work, real life, 2 classes, 2 exams, assignments, a trip to the parents, a class reunion, a visit from the FIL, bar nights, and most importanly time with my daughter (no offense to the wife of course ;-)
Out of the list, I'll hit the highlights.
1) Time with my daughter - Wow, a great experience everytime I see her. Her new vocabulary, her new actions, her moods, her personality. Simply amazing!!
2) My wife - what a trooper! She put up with me finishing my bachelors, and is now living through my masters. She has earned both degrees, twice over. (THANK YOU!!)
3) Class reunion - now this was a trip. Everyone was still the same, but different. I was most impressed by the dicks that are now cool. Some of my least favorite people were genuinely nice, and eager to shake my hand. I remain impressed, and happy to have seen them again. On the flip side, my old gang was intact. I was very anxious to see them, and they did not dissappoint. Unfortunately there were some absences, but what can you do...
4) Exams. 2 800 level exams in a week. I haven't studied like that in a long time, if ever. 1 was even a blue book! So glad that's over. Ask me about telecom theory and you will either get your ear talked off, or physically abused. Ask at your own risk.
5) Real life. After all the above, it turns out that laundry, dishes, and cleaning still need to be done, crazy eh...
And last but not least:
Suggestions
Patience and understanding (PAU) are the words for today. I have a wife and a little girl. I obviously have to be a PAU person (Disclaimer: I recognize that others need PAU with me as well). I have learned, through quite an ordeal of trial and error, that PAU can get you through. With the wife, I realize that we are neither the same, nor perfect. Therefore I realize that we will have a little scrum now and then. I can blow my top as easy as the next, but a little PAU can go a long way. Relax, let her do her thing, then address it. I hope she does the same with me. We can try at least...
With the little girl, PAU is crucial, if not absolutely necessary, to not losing your mind. When she wants to throw her bowl on the floor, screaming WILL NOT help the situation. Staying calm and giving a simple "No No" will suffice. If she keeps up, PAU comes into play. Realizing that she is less than 2 years old, and really doesn't know better is a very important step. PAU my friend...
Also, this mindset works in other situations as well. Picture being behind a slow or erratic driver. Do you get all bent out of shape and ruin your day? Or do you display a little PAU, pass when appropriate, and go on to have a great day? That's my suggestion for today.
To conclude: "You know, Bill, there's one thing I learned in all my years. Sometimes you just gotta say, "What the f***, make your move." (Bonus points if you can name the movie)
Random Thoughts
Friends in the new era. I have had alot of friends in my years. Several to be exact. I had friends from all different cliques, backgrounds, and interests. I had friends in High School, College, Fraternity, work, and elsewhere. It's not so true any more. Don't get me wrong, I still have lot's of friends. I had a 15 year class reunion, and all my old friends were still there, and we essentially picked up where we left off (a sign of true friendship BTW). I saw Fraternity brothers at homecoming. Again, we took up where we'd left off. Colleagues and other friends are still near and dear as well.
However, we are not the same friends we were in the past. My everyday friends have been reduced to a mere few. I'm certain it's because of lifestyle changes. Some of us choose to start families, or have careers, or some other focus in life. All of the above in my case. My wife and beautiful daughter are my new best friends. My career is a focus, and most recently, school is a front runner.
To pose the question, do we reduce our everyday set of friends because of a difference in traits, ideals, and outlooks? Or does the cliche hold true, "I am too busy"?? Alternatively, do we shift our focus in life from friendship to the other things? I'm still not sure, but it makes me sad at times. I sometimes wish Campbell Street, midnight hockey, and Ken's parties were things of the present rather than the past.
At any rate, I am confident that my true friends will remain so forever. Regardless if we became friends in 4th grade, or last month.
Maybe it's perfectly normal that I miss my youth...
Anyhow, that's my random thought for this post.
(If any of my current, old, or ex friends are reading, I meant nothing negative about my comments. I trust that if you are a true friend, you understand)
Events / Encounters
Where do I begin? In the past month I have endured or experienced work, real life, 2 classes, 2 exams, assignments, a trip to the parents, a class reunion, a visit from the FIL, bar nights, and most importanly time with my daughter (no offense to the wife of course ;-)
Out of the list, I'll hit the highlights.
1) Time with my daughter - Wow, a great experience everytime I see her. Her new vocabulary, her new actions, her moods, her personality. Simply amazing!!
2) My wife - what a trooper! She put up with me finishing my bachelors, and is now living through my masters. She has earned both degrees, twice over. (THANK YOU!!)
3) Class reunion - now this was a trip. Everyone was still the same, but different. I was most impressed by the dicks that are now cool. Some of my least favorite people were genuinely nice, and eager to shake my hand. I remain impressed, and happy to have seen them again. On the flip side, my old gang was intact. I was very anxious to see them, and they did not dissappoint. Unfortunately there were some absences, but what can you do...
4) Exams. 2 800 level exams in a week. I haven't studied like that in a long time, if ever. 1 was even a blue book! So glad that's over. Ask me about telecom theory and you will either get your ear talked off, or physically abused. Ask at your own risk.
5) Real life. After all the above, it turns out that laundry, dishes, and cleaning still need to be done, crazy eh...
And last but not least:
Suggestions
Patience and understanding (PAU) are the words for today. I have a wife and a little girl. I obviously have to be a PAU person (Disclaimer: I recognize that others need PAU with me as well). I have learned, through quite an ordeal of trial and error, that PAU can get you through. With the wife, I realize that we are neither the same, nor perfect. Therefore I realize that we will have a little scrum now and then. I can blow my top as easy as the next, but a little PAU can go a long way. Relax, let her do her thing, then address it. I hope she does the same with me. We can try at least...
With the little girl, PAU is crucial, if not absolutely necessary, to not losing your mind. When she wants to throw her bowl on the floor, screaming WILL NOT help the situation. Staying calm and giving a simple "No No" will suffice. If she keeps up, PAU comes into play. Realizing that she is less than 2 years old, and really doesn't know better is a very important step. PAU my friend...
Also, this mindset works in other situations as well. Picture being behind a slow or erratic driver. Do you get all bent out of shape and ruin your day? Or do you display a little PAU, pass when appropriate, and go on to have a great day? That's my suggestion for today.
To conclude: "You know, Bill, there's one thing I learned in all my years. Sometimes you just gotta say, "What the f***, make your move." (Bonus points if you can name the movie)
Monday, September 24, 2007
A whirlwind, to say the least
Random Thoughts
The world is changing, I just noticed it. The problem is, I don't know how to keep up. Things are different than they were before, and I just realized that this is not unique to me, or my lifetime.
My parent's saw civil rights and Vietnam. My grandparents saw Henry Ford, 2 wars, and the question of alcohol. When we run into things and we question "Why is that new law there?" or "Why do we have a new procedure?" It's because things have really changed.
Take for instance copyright laws. 10 years ago, nobody cared if you copied a CD or a VHS tape. With the technological changes we've seen in the last decade, copying , downloading, or redistributing any copyrighted media is generally considered illegal. Unheard of as a kid...
I have really had a problem with this change lately and I can't figure out if I have just reached a point in my life that I've hit critical mass (family, career, education, etc) Or have I hit an upper limit of my acceptance of change? Not sure, but one thing is for certain, I have to get used to it.
To conclude, I have a suspicion that "technology" is behind the whole thing. I intend to do my thesis on some flavor of this idea, I'll keep you posted...
Events / Encounters
The last week has taken it's toll on my soul. To begin, I had a problem at work I had to address and I had to stand tall in front of the man to report on this problem and fill him in. The research and info gathering was taxing to say the least. Friday afternoon brought a conclusion to this issue and I put it behind me.
During all of this work stress, I had to write / prepare a presentation on a "Scholarly Article" regarding globalization in networks / telecommunications. Monday evening (about 2 hours ago) brought a conclusion to this issue and I put it behind me.
Unfortunately I didn't get a single blade of grass cut, or a single speck of spackle (taping / mudding) done in the basement. This week will be dedicated to that.
The weekend brought a much needed break in the form of family. I had an Aunt in town from Mississippi for her 50th class reunion. 50 years out of high school? Wow! My 15th is in 2 weeks and I think that is ridiculous.
Any way, my aunt was in town so we made a weekend of heading back to the Port Huron area. My parents house was full of family visiting all weekend and my mom was loving every minute. We caught up, talked / watched football (Go state!), and ate too much. My daughter (22 months) had a ball seeing everyone and impressed them all with her animal vocabulary. She knows most of them but monkey and elephant are definitely the best!
Sunday night brought more home work and a late bedtime...
Suggestions (quite philosophical, beware!)
Drama, Stress, Negativity, and your "Soul".
I'll start backwards. I'm not a praying man, nor do I have a clue about the whole God / Jesus / intelligent design thing. I don't think I'm smart enough to figure it all out, and I can't just take it all on faith (maybe more on this later), but the soul I refer too is the universal sense of self you have. Some days it's great, other days it's worn pretty thin. Take care to keep yours from stretching thin. It's not a good feeling, but a relaxing weekend, or a hug from your child can help.
Negativity, keep it away, make it go far away. You do not need negative people in your life or near your family. If you are a negative person, I urge you to double check things. Life really is better than that.
Stress, see negativity.
Drama, see stress and negativity. This one I don't get because the people that say that they don't want drama are the ones who have the most. Always something going on, always bellyaching about someone else, always keeping the rumor chatter going. Ugh...
Ok, this is the end of today's post. I think It was quite a mouthful. Now I understand how these things get so long. Stay tuned next week for another adventure into my life and times.
To conclude...Be excellent to each other, and party on dude...
The world is changing, I just noticed it. The problem is, I don't know how to keep up. Things are different than they were before, and I just realized that this is not unique to me, or my lifetime.
My parent's saw civil rights and Vietnam. My grandparents saw Henry Ford, 2 wars, and the question of alcohol. When we run into things and we question "Why is that new law there?" or "Why do we have a new procedure?" It's because things have really changed.
Take for instance copyright laws. 10 years ago, nobody cared if you copied a CD or a VHS tape. With the technological changes we've seen in the last decade, copying , downloading, or redistributing any copyrighted media is generally considered illegal. Unheard of as a kid...
I have really had a problem with this change lately and I can't figure out if I have just reached a point in my life that I've hit critical mass (family, career, education, etc) Or have I hit an upper limit of my acceptance of change? Not sure, but one thing is for certain, I have to get used to it.
To conclude, I have a suspicion that "technology" is behind the whole thing. I intend to do my thesis on some flavor of this idea, I'll keep you posted...
Events / Encounters
The last week has taken it's toll on my soul. To begin, I had a problem at work I had to address and I had to stand tall in front of the man to report on this problem and fill him in. The research and info gathering was taxing to say the least. Friday afternoon brought a conclusion to this issue and I put it behind me.
During all of this work stress, I had to write / prepare a presentation on a "Scholarly Article" regarding globalization in networks / telecommunications. Monday evening (about 2 hours ago) brought a conclusion to this issue and I put it behind me.
Unfortunately I didn't get a single blade of grass cut, or a single speck of spackle (taping / mudding) done in the basement. This week will be dedicated to that.
The weekend brought a much needed break in the form of family. I had an Aunt in town from Mississippi for her 50th class reunion. 50 years out of high school? Wow! My 15th is in 2 weeks and I think that is ridiculous.
Any way, my aunt was in town so we made a weekend of heading back to the Port Huron area. My parents house was full of family visiting all weekend and my mom was loving every minute. We caught up, talked / watched football (Go state!), and ate too much. My daughter (22 months) had a ball seeing everyone and impressed them all with her animal vocabulary. She knows most of them but monkey and elephant are definitely the best!
Sunday night brought more home work and a late bedtime...
Suggestions (quite philosophical, beware!)
Drama, Stress, Negativity, and your "Soul".
I'll start backwards. I'm not a praying man, nor do I have a clue about the whole God / Jesus / intelligent design thing. I don't think I'm smart enough to figure it all out, and I can't just take it all on faith (maybe more on this later), but the soul I refer too is the universal sense of self you have. Some days it's great, other days it's worn pretty thin. Take care to keep yours from stretching thin. It's not a good feeling, but a relaxing weekend, or a hug from your child can help.
Negativity, keep it away, make it go far away. You do not need negative people in your life or near your family. If you are a negative person, I urge you to double check things. Life really is better than that.
Stress, see negativity.
Drama, see stress and negativity. This one I don't get because the people that say that they don't want drama are the ones who have the most. Always something going on, always bellyaching about someone else, always keeping the rumor chatter going. Ugh...
Ok, this is the end of today's post. I think It was quite a mouthful. Now I understand how these things get so long. Stay tuned next week for another adventure into my life and times.
To conclude...Be excellent to each other, and party on dude...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Me and Gilbert
I finally got around to find the picture of me and Gilbert Gottfried.
(and it gives away the vendors from my previous post I just noticed)
(and it gives away the vendors from my previous post I just noticed)
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