So, the Broncos have been pulling out the wins. Typically speaking the end of seasons always look better for the Broncos, historically. Why so much hubbub this season? The media chase of the elusive Tebow.
The Boy-Wonder who was destined to bring the Broncos back up to their potential.
The kid that is moreso known for his religious stance than his throw.
The young man that is famous for the newly coined term, "tebowing".
I asked an older gentleman on a recent trip, what his impression was of this young man and why everyone is jocking him so much. I mean, really, he's just a kid. Every year there are first round draft picks that go on to do well...or not. Every year the media likes to pick on one up and coming athlete and make an example of him, whether good or bad. This conservative, religious gentleman responded, "the liberal media is making him a big deal because he is the only openly Christian athlete". Well. OK.
I wondered how many other, bitter disillusioned conservatives are so pissed off at the media that they spew this kind of ignorance.
Tebow is hardly the first openly Chritian anything.
As long as I have been watching professional sports, there have always been pro athletes dropping down on one knee, raising their arms to the skies after a touchdown, thanking Jesus himself during a press conference after a win.
So, no. That is not why.
My opinion.
This kid is too good to be true, and the media's job is to find the dirt. So, why do they ride him like the paparazzi chases Lohan? Because they are waiting for him to misstep. This has nothing to do with his game.
It has to do with the taste of scandal. The hungry, blood thirsty sharks out there with cameras and a laptop. The break. The hidden story. The opportunity to nail someone to the cross...we've been doing it for hundreds of years, and now the masses build the crosses for the persecutors.
So watch out Tebow. "They've" got their eye on you.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Keeping Hope Alive
I read an article in USA Today written by Joyce King, a freelance writer, on the topic of keeping hope alive in this tough job search market.
In tough job search...
Funny enough, I was in this tough market 2 years ago; myself, my friends, quite a few people in my city, so I understand this market.
I also understand her point, that some people simply give up after receiving rejection after rejection. Personally, I am not a quitter, and I have 2 kids to raise, so it is unlikely under any circumstances that I would give up. What are the options at that point? Become homeless? Beg? Live on welfare? I do not see any option which seems reasonable or acceptable FOR ME.
Then I notice, there are jobs available on the market, still. Not desirable jobs to me, but jobs.
I recently read another article on jobs Americans won't take. I think there is an interesting correlation between the two articles. One, there are jobs out there. Yes, the market is competitive, even for the shitty jobs that no one wants, but as an alternative to being hungry, who has the audacity to turn down anything?
The problem with this entitled country and it's unemployed population is their perception of their self.
Yes, when I lost my job, I initially only looked for jobs with salaries in the same compensation range which I was accustomed to. I had the savings and the credit to be choosey at that time.
A year later, I had to lower my standards a bit.
Finally, 18 months, 2 maxed out credit cards, and an empty savings account later, I just had to apply for anything and everything that came along. Whether I was qualified or not.
Whether it paid dollars or stones, I needed a job.
I had to reevaluate my system of applying process.
I had to rethink how to get back on the train (the money train that is).
I had to decide how to start over and reinvent myself, for the benefit of my family.
So, when the opportunity to get my foot in the door at my current company showed up. I took it. I did not care that the beginning salary was one fourth of what I was used to. I did not care that I would work doubles to simply pay rent and eat. I did not care that I had to wear a uniform and be treated like crap by masses of people who have no manners and think customer service agents are peons on the chain of life. The same people I stood with, two years previously, with my disdain for customer service work. My arrogance had finally caught up with me.
This was the best thing that could have happened to me. Not only to be forced to swallow my pride and step off my high horse, but to have to work from the bottom up... all over again.
Honestly, I put a smile on every day because I realized this was the opportunity I had waited for my entire life. It wasn't about the money. It was about re-learning to be humble. It was about treasuring every penny. It was about learning to budget little, to no, money. It was about having pride, regardless of title. It was about learning to grow all over again.
I reminded myself every week for 18 months that while my grandmother worked her way through nursing school, she scrubbed toilets; worked as a maid - something I would never do, to attain her goals. She did whatever it took. And this kept me focused.
I could see a great future with this company. It didn't matter where I started. I knew there was growth and opportunity ahead of me, and I just needed to batton down the hatches and dig my heels in and take it.
Here I am two years later, making twice as much money, loving the transitions I have made in the company, and still seeing a future brighter than any. The money has come, and it will only get better, but what I've gained that is even greater, is the experience of knowing that I will never give up. I will never lose hope, and I have what it takes, when the going gets tough.
When Americans figure out that no one is giving them anything in life that sometimes they have to work for it, from the bottom up, they will find a far clearer picture of a positively rewarding future.
In tough job search...
Funny enough, I was in this tough market 2 years ago; myself, my friends, quite a few people in my city, so I understand this market.
I also understand her point, that some people simply give up after receiving rejection after rejection. Personally, I am not a quitter, and I have 2 kids to raise, so it is unlikely under any circumstances that I would give up. What are the options at that point? Become homeless? Beg? Live on welfare? I do not see any option which seems reasonable or acceptable FOR ME.
Then I notice, there are jobs available on the market, still. Not desirable jobs to me, but jobs.
I recently read another article on jobs Americans won't take. I think there is an interesting correlation between the two articles. One, there are jobs out there. Yes, the market is competitive, even for the shitty jobs that no one wants, but as an alternative to being hungry, who has the audacity to turn down anything?
The problem with this entitled country and it's unemployed population is their perception of their self.
Yes, when I lost my job, I initially only looked for jobs with salaries in the same compensation range which I was accustomed to. I had the savings and the credit to be choosey at that time.
A year later, I had to lower my standards a bit.
Finally, 18 months, 2 maxed out credit cards, and an empty savings account later, I just had to apply for anything and everything that came along. Whether I was qualified or not.
Whether it paid dollars or stones, I needed a job.
I had to reevaluate my system of applying process.
I had to rethink how to get back on the train (the money train that is).
I had to decide how to start over and reinvent myself, for the benefit of my family.
So, when the opportunity to get my foot in the door at my current company showed up. I took it. I did not care that the beginning salary was one fourth of what I was used to. I did not care that I would work doubles to simply pay rent and eat. I did not care that I had to wear a uniform and be treated like crap by masses of people who have no manners and think customer service agents are peons on the chain of life. The same people I stood with, two years previously, with my disdain for customer service work. My arrogance had finally caught up with me.
This was the best thing that could have happened to me. Not only to be forced to swallow my pride and step off my high horse, but to have to work from the bottom up... all over again.
Honestly, I put a smile on every day because I realized this was the opportunity I had waited for my entire life. It wasn't about the money. It was about re-learning to be humble. It was about treasuring every penny. It was about learning to budget little, to no, money. It was about having pride, regardless of title. It was about learning to grow all over again.
I reminded myself every week for 18 months that while my grandmother worked her way through nursing school, she scrubbed toilets; worked as a maid - something I would never do, to attain her goals. She did whatever it took. And this kept me focused.
I could see a great future with this company. It didn't matter where I started. I knew there was growth and opportunity ahead of me, and I just needed to batton down the hatches and dig my heels in and take it.
Here I am two years later, making twice as much money, loving the transitions I have made in the company, and still seeing a future brighter than any. The money has come, and it will only get better, but what I've gained that is even greater, is the experience of knowing that I will never give up. I will never lose hope, and I have what it takes, when the going gets tough.
When Americans figure out that no one is giving them anything in life that sometimes they have to work for it, from the bottom up, they will find a far clearer picture of a positively rewarding future.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks
Today is Thanksgiving, 2011.
I could make a list of things I am thankful for today, this year, in life. Looking with clarity at my job, my lifestyle and the opportunity to make money and support my family. I am blessed that today, my children are safe, I am traveling, yet will get a wonderful spread of all the turkey day fixings(free of charge) from the hotel which is housing us today. Flight crews are treated very well, I must say. This evening, I will treat myself to a walking tour of a new city. This I gift to myself, via my awesome job, and again, I am thankful.
This blog is actually about the day itself and all those who are required to work because of their industry. I have the choice to work today. I choose to make double time pay. I choose to fly around instead of sitting at home. My kids spend this holiday with "Dad", so instead of bidding this day off, or giving it away, I choose to work. Everyone is not that lucky.
Please keep in mind this Thanksgiving, everyone in a service industry, or retail industry that is required to work today or tomorrow. This 4 day "weekend", which most take for granted is not a given for everyone.
Target Stores have taken a lot of heat for opening today instead of tomorrow. Black Friday now starts on Thanksgiving Day itself, and most of those workers do not want to work today. Cashiers, and stockers, and salespeople would rather be home with their families...just like you.
Let me also say, if this country ceased shopping on holidays, these people could have the day off as well, but like Target spokespeople have said, they have to be competitive in an industry (and a day and age) where if you aren't open, you are losing money.
Understood. People are broke. Businesses are failing, but we as a country need to stand up for each other? Why does anyone need to get out and shop after the turkey gorge fest to buy a TV? When did buying stuff become so f'ing important? Who are we?
That said, if you are out and about today for whatever reason, please consider those who had their day cut short with their families so they could serve you.
Please think about giving thanks to those who are serving you today. Even if they are ringing up your gas at the service station, or bagging your last minute groceries this morning, or helping you find that perfect bottle of wine at the liquor store - these people drew the short end of the stick.
If you are at a bar, please "holiday tip".
If a cab has to drive you home tonight, please "holiday tip".
If you eat out, please "holiday tip".
If you must go shopping, please thank those who are not fortunate enough to get a day off...one day where most of the country is home, watching football, playing with their kids, overeating, celebrating a tradition of America.
#thinkThanks
I could make a list of things I am thankful for today, this year, in life. Looking with clarity at my job, my lifestyle and the opportunity to make money and support my family. I am blessed that today, my children are safe, I am traveling, yet will get a wonderful spread of all the turkey day fixings(free of charge) from the hotel which is housing us today. Flight crews are treated very well, I must say. This evening, I will treat myself to a walking tour of a new city. This I gift to myself, via my awesome job, and again, I am thankful.
This blog is actually about the day itself and all those who are required to work because of their industry. I have the choice to work today. I choose to make double time pay. I choose to fly around instead of sitting at home. My kids spend this holiday with "Dad", so instead of bidding this day off, or giving it away, I choose to work. Everyone is not that lucky.
Please keep in mind this Thanksgiving, everyone in a service industry, or retail industry that is required to work today or tomorrow. This 4 day "weekend", which most take for granted is not a given for everyone.
Target Stores have taken a lot of heat for opening today instead of tomorrow. Black Friday now starts on Thanksgiving Day itself, and most of those workers do not want to work today. Cashiers, and stockers, and salespeople would rather be home with their families...just like you.
Let me also say, if this country ceased shopping on holidays, these people could have the day off as well, but like Target spokespeople have said, they have to be competitive in an industry (and a day and age) where if you aren't open, you are losing money.
Understood. People are broke. Businesses are failing, but we as a country need to stand up for each other? Why does anyone need to get out and shop after the turkey gorge fest to buy a TV? When did buying stuff become so f'ing important? Who are we?
That said, if you are out and about today for whatever reason, please consider those who had their day cut short with their families so they could serve you.
Please think about giving thanks to those who are serving you today. Even if they are ringing up your gas at the service station, or bagging your last minute groceries this morning, or helping you find that perfect bottle of wine at the liquor store - these people drew the short end of the stick.
If you are at a bar, please "holiday tip".
If a cab has to drive you home tonight, please "holiday tip".
If you eat out, please "holiday tip".
If you must go shopping, please thank those who are not fortunate enough to get a day off...one day where most of the country is home, watching football, playing with their kids, overeating, celebrating a tradition of America.
#thinkThanks
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Sixth Sense
“When one is pretending, the entire body revolts.” ~ Anaïs Nin
This is the sixth sense I have tried to alert people to for the last 43 years of my life. Even as a child I knew when something was wrong; when people were different.
I knew when my father was lying, I knew when my mother was uncomfortable, I knew when my Nana was withholding information from me. For whatever reasons, when people find themselves avoiding (or disguising) their natural responses, their body reacts, and IF you are paying attention, you will see it clearly.
Women love to talk about their intuition. Why do we discuss women's intuition and not men in the same context? I believe it has something to do with the innate need to nurture. I have female friends who never notice anything about the character of other's. When I try to point out a strange behavior, or a weird incident, they are always surprised, "You think so!" Always. So, intuition isn't designated to women, and it isn't limited from men.
Naturally, women are more inclined to care about the feelings of others and want to take care of people. Whereas, men tend to be more concerned with gathering food and fire - the natural tendencies of man. Men are quite capable of this intuition when they pay attention, sit and analyze, or evaluate, but many tend to find it less important.
"When one is pretending" - it is such a simple statement. When one is pretending to care. When one is pretending to engage. When one is pretending to love. When one is pretending alliance. When one is pretending loyalty.
The body is one's own worst enemy in light of discovery.
Common signs such as sweating, enlarged pupils, or a fast heart rate are easily detectable. Even the police and criminal agencies use those telltale signs to weed out "pretenders". But it's the small, unnoticeable signs that most of the public would never pick up on, but those who know you intimately smell before it's even released. The slight eye movements, the rubbing of one's face, the slight pause in answer which usually does not exist. Is women's intuition nothing but the sociological observations of the one(s) they love?
My son lied to me the other morning and it wasn't the small lie that struck me as eye-opening, it was his smirk. The tiny smile as he let the untrue words slide out of his mouth. The "I'm about to get away with something" grin which reminded me so much of my father that I felt physical distaste for my son in that moment.
People seem so surprised to be discovered. I always respond, "because you don't think I know you, because you don't think I love you enough to notice, because you underestimated my feelings for you...you did not think I would notice the difference."
Your underestimation of people in the world, and their capacity for love is what keeps you from the most open and gracious relationships in your lifetime. When you free yourself to believe that that love exists for you, you will stop being surprised when it shows up.
This is the sixth sense I have tried to alert people to for the last 43 years of my life. Even as a child I knew when something was wrong; when people were different.
I knew when my father was lying, I knew when my mother was uncomfortable, I knew when my Nana was withholding information from me. For whatever reasons, when people find themselves avoiding (or disguising) their natural responses, their body reacts, and IF you are paying attention, you will see it clearly.
Women love to talk about their intuition. Why do we discuss women's intuition and not men in the same context? I believe it has something to do with the innate need to nurture. I have female friends who never notice anything about the character of other's. When I try to point out a strange behavior, or a weird incident, they are always surprised, "You think so!" Always. So, intuition isn't designated to women, and it isn't limited from men.
Naturally, women are more inclined to care about the feelings of others and want to take care of people. Whereas, men tend to be more concerned with gathering food and fire - the natural tendencies of man. Men are quite capable of this intuition when they pay attention, sit and analyze, or evaluate, but many tend to find it less important.
"When one is pretending" - it is such a simple statement. When one is pretending to care. When one is pretending to engage. When one is pretending to love. When one is pretending alliance. When one is pretending loyalty.
The body is one's own worst enemy in light of discovery.
Common signs such as sweating, enlarged pupils, or a fast heart rate are easily detectable. Even the police and criminal agencies use those telltale signs to weed out "pretenders". But it's the small, unnoticeable signs that most of the public would never pick up on, but those who know you intimately smell before it's even released. The slight eye movements, the rubbing of one's face, the slight pause in answer which usually does not exist. Is women's intuition nothing but the sociological observations of the one(s) they love?
My son lied to me the other morning and it wasn't the small lie that struck me as eye-opening, it was his smirk. The tiny smile as he let the untrue words slide out of his mouth. The "I'm about to get away with something" grin which reminded me so much of my father that I felt physical distaste for my son in that moment.
People seem so surprised to be discovered. I always respond, "because you don't think I know you, because you don't think I love you enough to notice, because you underestimated my feelings for you...you did not think I would notice the difference."
Your underestimation of people in the world, and their capacity for love is what keeps you from the most open and gracious relationships in your lifetime. When you free yourself to believe that that love exists for you, you will stop being surprised when it shows up.
Friday, November 18, 2011
What would you do for love?
"Stay tuned..."
Original post dated October 12, 2010: 6:21p
empty page...
I had no idea why this sentence and topic was driving my thought process(a year ago today), well, maybe I do have one idea. The man I thought was the genuine love of my life was up to his old tricks again, and I couldn't imagine my life without him. So, at that time, what was I willing to do for love?
I should have composed a list of questions for myself:
Are you willing to sacrifice your knowledge of self for love?
Are you willing to live with the knowledge that the man you have chosen does not know how to be faithful?
Are you willing to interpret and re-interpret his version of the truth, for love?
Are you willing to give up your values and morals for love?
Are you willing to be the role model for your children who says, "do as I say, not as I do" for love?
Are you willing to be miserable in the light of someone who does not deserve you, for love?
Are you willing to ignore the disrespect of other women, and undoubtedly this man, for love?
Are you willing to give yourself completely to someone who has ...who can't give them-self to you, for love?
Are you willing to be miserable, for love?
Are you willing to be alone, for love?
Are you willing t second guess your own judgement which as been diligently faithful to you, for love?
Are you willing to give up one more day of your fantastic and sun filled life, for love?
Th answer was, and still is, NO.
Original post dated October 12, 2010: 6:21p
empty page...
I had no idea why this sentence and topic was driving my thought process(a year ago today), well, maybe I do have one idea. The man I thought was the genuine love of my life was up to his old tricks again, and I couldn't imagine my life without him. So, at that time, what was I willing to do for love?
I should have composed a list of questions for myself:
Are you willing to sacrifice your knowledge of self for love?
Are you willing to live with the knowledge that the man you have chosen does not know how to be faithful?
Are you willing to interpret and re-interpret his version of the truth, for love?
Are you willing to give up your values and morals for love?
Are you willing to be the role model for your children who says, "do as I say, not as I do" for love?
Are you willing to be miserable in the light of someone who does not deserve you, for love?
Are you willing to ignore the disrespect of other women, and undoubtedly this man, for love?
Are you willing to give yourself completely to someone who has ...who can't give them-self to you, for love?
Are you willing to be miserable, for love?
Are you willing to be alone, for love?
Are you willing t second guess your own judgement which as been diligently faithful to you, for love?
Are you willing to give up one more day of your fantastic and sun filled life, for love?
Th answer was, and still is, NO.
San Antonio natural art - Vlog
My view of San Antonio
I have been lucky enough to wander upon many great moments. Connect with really genuine people...
I have been lucky enough to wander upon many great moments. Connect with really genuine people...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Denver School of the Arts
Another Middle School Tour this morning, followed by the ooohs and aaahhs of my fifth grader who is looking forward to Middle School almost as much as Christmas.
As we toured the campus today I got to relive some of my moments of "school love". The film equipment, the literature, the camaraderie I found in University all came rushing back to me as we moved around the campus.
The cinema program here is outstanding. I can't believe 6th graders have access to some of the equipment used here - equipment I didn't see until after I graduated college and moved into TV world. The opportunities that kids get these days is awe-inspiring.
Today, one of the feelings that overwhelmed me was the ability to actually help my child through his middle and high school process. My knowledge of the area he would be studying. The thought of being able to help write a treatment, draw a storyboard, to actually help my child design a program that creatively will draw the foundation of a career I miss.
I have felt overwhelmed with the "new" academics kids are learning these days. Outside of literature and language there isn't much I know about what my kids are learning in school today. It can make a parent feel a bit inept. But today, I felt the need to hold my excitement so as not to impact my son's choices. I dn't want my excitement about this program to influence which school he chooses if it comes down to his personal choice.
But, man the energy in this school brought a flood of emotions. His excitement alone made me proud and happy to be nurturing education, no matter what the choice, but I had no idea how these visits and choices would affect me personally.
As we toured the campus today I got to relive some of my moments of "school love". The film equipment, the literature, the camaraderie I found in University all came rushing back to me as we moved around the campus.
The cinema program here is outstanding. I can't believe 6th graders have access to some of the equipment used here - equipment I didn't see until after I graduated college and moved into TV world. The opportunities that kids get these days is awe-inspiring.
Today, one of the feelings that overwhelmed me was the ability to actually help my child through his middle and high school process. My knowledge of the area he would be studying. The thought of being able to help write a treatment, draw a storyboard, to actually help my child design a program that creatively will draw the foundation of a career I miss.
I have felt overwhelmed with the "new" academics kids are learning these days. Outside of literature and language there isn't much I know about what my kids are learning in school today. It can make a parent feel a bit inept. But today, I felt the need to hold my excitement so as not to impact my son's choices. I dn't want my excitement about this program to influence which school he chooses if it comes down to his personal choice.
But, man the energy in this school brought a flood of emotions. His excitement alone made me proud and happy to be nurturing education, no matter what the choice, but I had no idea how these visits and choices would affect me personally.
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