confuses say, you so stupid.

There is currently a reality TV show about a family dealing with economic upset.  Really, a show about people dealing with real life.  This is absurd.  It is not a drama or sitcom.  It's not like "Good Times", with Florence and the kids dealing with living in the projects.  It is real life.

There used to be a day, when writers would write a show and sometimes it would work, other times it wouldn't.  But there was a certain amount of creative process that was involved.  It seems to me that they come up with a rough idea and throw a camera crew in the general direction.  When is it enough?  When we have an interactive facebook that records everything in your life so that people can tune in?

At least with movies they are trying their best to rework the same ten movie plots.  I am positive there is a room full of executives that throw darts at a wall full of random ideas.  First dart: missing limb, second dart: dolphins.  "Let's make a movie about a dolphin with a missing fin!" 

This lack of effort has slowly crept into our lives and I will not stand for it.  Fortune cookies should have fourtunes in them.  Even if they are not even close to being accurate, give it a try anyway.  I opened one up the other day, and it had a statement.

 No fortune, just a statement or observation.  You are not trying!!!  It could have easily said, "you have a pulse" and been just as relevant. 

We should always put our best foot forward, don't settle for middle of the road and more importantly, do not watch reality TV.

Belle?

No, thank you.

Chivalry is not dead...it is in hiding

As I dropped off my daughter this morning, I saw a parent and child that I was not familiar with.  In day care circles this means that the person is new or they are "off cycle".  Everyone comes around the same time every day.  You get accustomed to seeing the same kids and parents.  We don't know each others names, but only as "so-and-so's" mom/dad.  When you are "off cycle" then you have some schedule changes that force you coming at a different time.

This mom was definitely dealing with schedule changes.  She interacted with the teacher, knew them by name (which is a hell of a lot better than me).  Her and her son seemed very nice.  After saying my good bye's to my daughter,  and telling her what's for dinner (she needs to know what's for dinner), I head to my car.

As I am leaving the parking lot, I see her walking up the street.

This it the dilemma:
If I don't ask her if she needs a ride, I look like a complete douche.  If I do ask her, then I look like a creepy guy.  I am going the same way as her, her son goes to the same school as my daughter, she saw me with my daughter in the school.

So I gave her a ride.  Upon entering my car she felt obliged to tell me that she never excepts rides and I in turn needed to tell her I never offer.  I never offer, because I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or seem like a creepy guy.

I feel like I have to explain all this in detail, and am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.  Look people, chivalry and good manners has not gone the way of horse driven carts.  It is very much alive and well.  It is hard to pull over and offer someone help, and they look at you like you are an axe murderer.  I know that everyone should be cautious, and don't want to change that.  I just want everyone to be aware that there are men out there that have good intentions.  Despite the uncomfortableness of helping someone, I will continue to offer.  Until I get a face full of mace, then you are all on your own.

Epilogue...
She needed a ride to an office located on Magnolia.  This is the biggest street in our city.  No problem, she said that it was just down the street.  9 miles later, we arrive at our destination.  Good thing it was in the opposite direction from my work.

Life, death and the important stuff in between.

Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a dear friend.

Angie and her family gave me my first job.  This is where I learned the basis of the leadership that I use every day.  This is where I grew up.

In the past few years, I was the pole bearer for her husband Mike.  Who taught me to keep your nose to the grind stone, never ask anyone to do anything, you don't know how to do and the harshest management style known to mankind.

Her son Chris was my first mentor.  He taught me customer service, dedication and how to be a true leader.  He was a good friend and I miss him dearly.  He passed away about a year ago.

Angie was the foundation for the whole family.  She was prim and proper in a sea of dirt and grease.  She believed in me, no matter what.  She always made sure I knew, I was family.

This was a huge loss and sent me into a sad state.  It wasn't just that Angie passed.  It was like Mike and Chris dying all over again.  To see the other family members, and offer my condolences.  I felt like I was saying sorry, for ALL the losses.  This was very apparent when one of the surviving sons, broke down with me.  We sobbed for everyone.

My wife is very supportive, and lets me deal with my sadness my own way.  I love the memory of my friends and carry on their legacy in everything I do.  I am fortunate that I am in a position that allows me the opportunity to teach other people leadership fundamentals.  This is how I repay them, for all they did for me.

After the services, I took off my suit jacket and we picked up our kids.  When we got home, I stayed in the garage to take some things out of the car.  In order to save time, I put on my jacket and walked in the house.  My daughter turned around and says: "Why are you so dressed up?  You look very handsome."

In one simple conversation, everything is right in the world.  Everything will be ok.

The Punisher

I saw this chair at a retirement community. 

I was shocked.  This has to be one of the most openly dangerous chairs in the universe.  It is inviting someone to have a very embarrasing accident.  Or maybe this chair is typically purchased by people that WANT to have that special kind of accident.

Or maybe I am just reading too far into it.  It's just a chair that has acorns on the arm rests.  It's all in my head.

Nope, this chair is ALL wrong.

Home hunny, I'm high!

There are things that go hand in hand.  If you see cereal, then you have milk.  Now, you may be temporarily out of milk, but you do keep it in stock.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you have black light posters, incense and a bunch of snack foods, then you smoke pot.  That is fine, knock yourself out.  Me, I don't need a reason to eat more snack foods. 

Apparently Wal-mart understands this concept and admits that this will give you a happy home.

I found this in the front check out lane, near the chocolate and chips.  That my friend, is outstanding merchandising!