What resolutions have you made for the new year and why (or why not)?

I’ve never really made new years resolutions and I am not sure that I am ready to make them now necessarily. However, I do like to reflect on the previous year and work towards goals in the coming year. So, I perhaps that is a version of a new years resolution. It is not so much that I see these as items that will define my year to come as a success or failure. However, I think it is important to reflect and realign throughout life (and throughout the year!) We probably do this naturally if we are paying attention to the world around us, or sometimes we fly through and by things because we are so caught up in today that thinking too far into tomorrow or considering the events of yesterday becomes that daily task you slate for the next day (and the next and the next).

Some of the things I would like to work towards this year are as follows -

• Write daily even if the topic feels menial
• Catch up on globosapien travel writing (I used to love to do this while traveling in China and abandoned it after I returned because I didn’t think any travel here was worth it – which was/is a mistake)
• Strive to be more balanced between work and play
• Pay attention to health & wellness
• Forgive myself and others for pain/mistakes/the past
• Trust
• Improve professionally
• Pay more attention to the little things

Every year I hope to grow a little more, some years have been painful and some years have been extraordinary. Many have been somewhere in-between.

“Smile, for everyone lacks self-confidence and more than any other one thing a smile reassures them” (Andre Maurois)

Daily Writing Topic – Do you believe in magic? Where does it exist?

Magic… there are so many directions one could go with this. I grew up in the world of fantasy – elves, dwarfs, sorcerers, thieves (okay these exist in our world too but the rogues here are way cooler), and dragons. Dragons being the best of the best. I play(ed) AD&D, read Weiss and Hickman, Terry Brooks, George R. R. Martin, tales of Drizzt Do’Urden – you name it if it had to do with the world of fantasy I had to read it. To this day, my favorite video games, movies, shows and such have a central theme of the fantasy world.

A world in which elves exist and magic works offers greater opportunities to digress and explore.
Terry BrooksBut, the question is do I believe in magic… in the sense of supernatural forces that shape and change our world I do believe these things exist. Although, I think they are natural forces that are extraordinarily powerful (and uncontrollable for the most part). Do I believe that people have the power to place spells, curses and such onto others or their world? No. I think that anything we encounter in our world, even if it is extraordinary and feels supernatural, is simply our world and the energy that makes up our world. It may feel magical or mystical at times but that is just because it can be so beautiful and powerful.

Where perhaps my ideology borders on magical belief (or perhaps hippie) – I do believe that our world is made up of energy and that we shape and form that energy by our actions, behaviors, and attitudes. So, we are able to influence our world by the way we live. There isn’t anything magical about it though.

 

My mother was always into tarot readings, horoscopes, tea leaf reading, etc. And, I grew up watching her take part in these things and explain our world of ‘magic’ to me. When I was young, this idea was enticing and exciting – there was a way for us to tap into the future and see what lies ahead.

However, I think my practical nature or perhaps the practical nurture of my father and grandmother quickly turned these things  into parlor tricks or hobbies. 

I never did believe in ghosts or that supernatural world – although if I see those ghost hunting shows I do become addicted to the marathons hoping that in the NEXT episode they uncover footage that reveals a true, real ghost. But, they never do.

Perhaps this I guess reveals my true feelings of magic – I don’t really believe but I really hope that perhaps we will find proof of it exists.

Not to mention, dragons are awesome.

New Year’s Resolution – Write!

The picture is just because I got a new puppy – named Tesla (after the roadster although Derek says the coil is pretty awesome too). So, I figured all posts are better if they have a picture of a puppy and Tyler in them. My phone takes awesome pictures (lol).

Anyways – puppies aside -

I don’t really make new years resolutions but I do want to try and commit to write at least daily this year. I used to love to write (and I guess I still love to do it) but I simply don’t write. I work which involves writing emails, but I don’t actually write.

So, because I am kind of lame I have this app that will send me a topic of the day. And, I plan on writing on that topic.

I originally planned on doing this in a journal (with paper and pen) but after the first page I realized it was just too slow. So, I remembered that I have this silly thing and well, lets put it to use.

PS – My last post about potentially going on some motorcycle adventures really did come to fruition. We went up to Mackinac and then to Sturgis on our bikes. It was awesome. If one of the topics ends up being lame then I will have to write about those trips.

Rekindling the Passion

So, it’s been a long road these past couple years. Blogging is one of those odd things where it can feel weird to just type into space, especially if you do not have anything in particular to say.

I’ve tried to re-kindle this thing a few times but it never quite caught on for me. I think though that perhaps I may soon be able to find a subject/adventure to speak to.

I don’t even know where to start since its been forever, but I guess skipping over all the history and mess and yuck I will fast forward through the roller coaster part and skip to today. Life got really shitty for a while, but now its better. End Story.

Well, nothing is really happening today actually. Just work, which is what I do like 75% of my time.

I’ve acquired a new hobby – riding motorcycles. Yes, its awesome. Yes, I’m a total badass. Derek and I made our official entrance into the motorcycle community last year. And we did it right – we both ride 1200 sportsters. His is all black and angry, mine is all blue ahd chromey. It’s a good pair.

And, we’ve been rockin and rolling ever since. A few weeks ago we rode out to Chi-Town for a work conference. I was pretty sure chicago was ‘just a quick trip’ but it really was quite the haul. It was very cold on the way there, so that sucked a bit. but, the way home was beautiful.

I’ve been loving my bike and riding a ton. My mind is all over the place all day every day. With all of the personal ups and downs, the work craziness and everything inbetween I just can’t get my mind straight. But, I get on that bike and suddenly it all calms down and is focused. All I can think about is the road, the conditions, traffic, and the feeling of the bike under me and elements around me.

So, I’ve decided I want to give bike trips a shot. I know, sweet right! Or, more like, wow V you are crazy. I understand both feelings, just bare with me as I explore this new hobby.

Anyway, I’ve met a guy. I know I know, these things always start that way. And, this guy is very nice (yes I know, we’ve heard that one before). But, I think he might actually be very nice. Hey – don’t roll your eyes.

We are planning some motorcycle adventures together. This is where the rekindling of the blog comes in.

Our first trip will be to Mackinac. We are going to be camping (not on the island, but some camp ground elsewhere. Apparently it is very romantic, I have no idea). I’ve never been to Mackinac, which is strange since I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life. We are so psyched about this trip. It’s only four days and maybe a 5 hour ride. But, it will be an adventure.

This trip is in preparation for the big-boy trip. We are planning on heading to Strugis in August. We’ve both already requested the time off work. And, we have our camp site booked. We are going to start planning the details out soon.

Anyway, I think the biking trips will give me something interesting to blog about. So, stay tuned if you would like.

RtW – Diving In

Desert

Hot, sandy wide open space with rolling dunes and high winds. Animal life that somehow survives such harsh conditions – my favorite has always been the side-winder snake that leaves an S impression in the sand as it moves effortlessly through the dunes in search of prey. When I was little my favorite movie was “Animals are People Too” – this is how I was introduced to the side-winder sand snake. It introduced me to a lot of other quirky cool animals. It was also my first encounter with the idea of fermented fruit equaling alcohol. Yes, awesome topic to learn for a young kid right? It showed a single, lone fruit tree whose fruit had fermented and begun falling off the branches. Quickly, and eagerly, animals appeared to indulge in the fruit and eventually it was an animal party. The monkeys, as always, were the silliest but there were a few stumbling elephants and giraffes. Its’ odd because that movie is one of my favorite memories and its one my dad shares because every once in a while if he’s with me and talking about me to someone he mentions that movie too… like “Honey, remember that “Animals are People Too” movie… you really loved that movie. You watched it over and over and laughed and laughed…” and I’m always like “Yes dad, I remember…” When really I should say “Yes dad, I would STILL watch it over and over if I had a copy.” See, it’s no wonder I have such a huge heart for animals, I grew up learning that animals are people too. (See Derek, that totally explains Tyler.)

I don’t talk to my dad enough or tell him I love him or appreciate him. It’s sad actually, somehow we lost our relationship along the way. And, I miss him and that relationship. I feel life slipping away, even though I’m only 24 I think to myself… that’s nearly 25% of life if I live to 100! If only 75, I’m like 1/3 of the way through! Times a wastin!

Lost… desert… that is incredibly fitting right? The most common imagery of a desert includes a lost soul-searching for salvation. The search drags on and on until they see illusions, hopeful images that keep them going and ensure they press on. Sometimes they find what they need, not the illusion but the actual thing that they need… sometimes they die. Sometimes the illusions drive them crazy and lead them to self-destruction. Or give them false hope.

Such is life right?

Desert – the be alone and abandoned. Sometimes you can feel like that surrounded by people. Or, sometimes you can abandon yourself in search of what you think you want and need. Funny how I replace “you” with “I” as to avoid admitting perhaps I feel this way sometimes… oh psychology and your twisted ways.

But, one of the morals behind “Animals are People Too” is that even in the harshest conditions, the most barren wasteland of the world where you think there is no living creature. Just irritating sand and a beating sun draining the life from you… there is life. There is an entire ecosystem bustling in this environment – thriving as much as possible, surviving the lows and enjoying the highs (cough cough fermented fruit trees). See, I really am an optimist deep down – I just feel like in some areas of my life I’m in the middle of the desert… and I get lost even with GPS…

Honestly though, my favorite thing about desert is that it makes me think of dessert – my favorite of which is tiramisu.

Writers Block Sucks

So, I love to write – absolutely adore it – but I’ve been suffering from serious bouts of writers block for so long I can hardly call it writers block because that would mean I’m an writer actively attempting to overcome the block. Instead, I just don’t feel like I have much to say – so I don’t.

Not really say – I always have something to say – especially in a work related context. But, I mean – outside of work.

So, I’ve been meaning to do this for a while and if I made a new years resolution this would be it.

I found this book called “Room to Write” and it is from highschool according to the bar code that says “Plymouth-Canton Comm Schools.” I’m sure I didn’t steal it and that a teacher gave it to me – because I was such a good kid.

So, It has daily writing topics to try and open up the creative flow and get back into the writing groove.

Bear with me as I work through these – I’ve been bugging Derek to do this with me but we are so busy at work that I think we both feel like its just another assignment.

Rough Start But Going Strong

The week started a little bit rough – a post that I made on my recruitingblogs website regarding my frustration with the implementation process actually reached the company during a customer sevice/sales conference!

Our implementation team from the company was not happy. Negatively happy. Still unhappy actually.

Not that anything I said was not true, there have been some serious customer service issues. But, my leader is correct in telling me to think about it from their perspective. A random blog post about one of their clients shows up during a conference all about service/sales at the company. Not only would it be terribly embarassing but I’m sure the chat they had with their leaders was not pleasant.

I should not have been so short sighted in my post. I am still getting used to tailoring my professional voice to a professional audience without completing losing my personal voice. I do not want to lose my raw, sarcastic, sometimes cynical tone and style.

I need to find a happy balance between the two that will not put a conference up in arms nor put me on the other side of my bosses desk feeling like a jerk.

I also killed my car last night. So, this morning I had a pleasant surprise… dead GTI. After flagging down vehicles one finally had jumper cables and assisted me in my pitiful plight.

But, I made it to work a half hour early! Crazy.

Tyler chewed a decent portion of my door once again. Yay. (not) /sigh

No problem though, a few bumps in the road and some steam to release and I feel better. In fact, now my colleagues (including Derek) and I have more ownership in this project. And, more ownership equals a great challenge. I am kind of excited for it.

Another Relaxing Weekend

After this long, stressful week I was very happy to get to the weekend and attempt to relax and rest in preparation for another long, stressful week.

We are doing onboarding prototyping this week so it should be fun. I need to try and get into work super early tomorrow so I can prep for testing. I have meetings from 9-12pm tomorrow so its off to the races.

My brother and I kind of spend a bunch of quality time together. We went to my new favorite corner bar  (Howell’s Bar on Mason) in Dearborn, Jimmy (maybe the owner) makes the best darn bar burger you will ever taste. Plus, he hand cuts these thick fries then puts sea salt on them. Yum. I think I’ve been there almost every weekend lately.

Jimmy, the grill master, often works as both grill man and bartender. He pours a stiff drink which I dig and makes a mean burger.  After lunch I went to the boutique next door and found two purses for a great price. Then we went to the movies and saw the new Fast & the Furious. I loved the first one and got my first speeding ticket in my little honda del sol after it first came out.

The others inbetween (2 Fast 2 Furious and Tokyo Drift) were good but def. dvd movies. Since they brought back the usual crew I had to see the newest one.

Today Ben and I picked up Victoria – Justin’s daughter. She is something else. We went to see Aliens vs Monsters 3D. It was my first time seeing a 3D movie since I was young and had to wear those stupid blue/red cardboard glasses.

I was incredibly impressed with the 3d technology  it was crazy. The movie was really funny too. Very enjoyable as far as kids movies go.

We then went to one of my favorite restaurants in Detroit – Slows. Great ribs and best darn mac-n-cheese you will ever taste. Yummy. Victoria enjoyed it.

I have a ton of homework to do and even more work-work. /sigh

I am hoping to maybe go down to Tennessee this weekend. I miss Justin terribly.

It IS Friday…Not Feeling Much Better

I have been one huge stressball this week. Have not been a big fan at all of the week. My major project is not going well and it is super frustrating. Grrr.

I was a road warrior this week. Spent Thursday in Flint  at Kettering and Friday in Ypsi at Eastern Michigan University. We are hiring Information Technology interns this summer so these two events are our final push to get a great batch of students in front of our leaders over the next few weeks.

Wedding is all set (yay) and we are simply counting down the days. The after party planning is not really going that well. It’s not going poorly but its not really going anyway. We have a location, I’ve made invitations and will be sending them out this weekend because I think I have all my addresses ready at this point.

I need to connect with Justin’s parents to start discussing food and such. I am definitely not a party planner. Not at all.

The logistics of moving to VA and the army trasnfer are a little nutty. Justin has been running around, going from office to office, collecting paperwork, forms, making arrangements… it’s been a rough week for him too.

We just keep smiling and saying “Soon we’ll be together, under one roof, happily ever after.”

Is it Friday Yet? No… Just Tuesday? /sigh

Two days of this week have passed, discluding Sunday because I think in business weeks (sadly), and I already feel like I’ve clocked 40 hours. It’s sad when 16 feels like 40.

For 1.5 (ish) days I have been working on a report in taleo’s business objects xi reporting tool. There was a bug in one of my prompts causing the report to misbehave.

When I asked my colleague who knows BOXI about this I said “My report is misbehaving” and he said “You should place it in time out.” Then, after webexs and staring contests (the report won) he confirmed that my report was in fact misbehaving.

A call to taleo support only reconfirmed that something was broken. They did provide a work around. So, the report is done. My brain just feels mushy.

The day ended well though. I went to dinner with Derek and Ken. We ate at Fishbones. I had my third go at Sushi and really enjoyed it. My first bout with Sushi was undeclared, my second was only a small tasting (with Ken) and my third was the best experience yet. I officially like sushi.

Little sushi though. I dislike huge sushi that is not one bite-sized. This is not only less enjoyable to eat but very unpleasant to watch. One can be assured of that.

I pulled my wordpress blog into linked in. I originally made all of my posts public to linked in but then decided that was not an awesome idea. So, now I have to tag linked in I think for it to work. I will test that with this post as well.

I’ve also joined a different blogging community focused more on the recruiting/hr profession. I am quickly becoming a fan of that very active, welcoming community.

I have never attempted to maintain two blogs at the same time so this should be very interested.

LinkedIn has been taking up a lot of my time lately.

Also, Ken and I had an interesting debate on whether the Detroit PeopleMover was a train or trolley or peoplemover. I feel pretty strongly that the peoplemover is not a train. It calls itself an automated guideway system or something. I don’t know what that means. lol

My eyes are sleepy. The great company, strong drinks and tasty sushi really relaxed me. Now, I get to curl up with my stinky pit bull and dream sweet dreams.