Big Mac, Comrade?

On January 31, 1990, the first McDonald's opened it's doors in Russia. The iron curtain had fallen only a few years before and McDonald's was one of the first corporations to take advantage the Soviet collapse.

People stood in line for hours upon hours to spend their hard earned wages on a Big Mac, fries, and a drink. I'm not talking about a simple $5 here. Many people were so poor in Russia that they spent as much as two days wages to be one of the first to eat at McDonald's in Moscow!

That was 18 years ago today. In the Untied States it's hard to imagine waiting in line for 20 minutes for fast food and not being pretty hacked off. In fact, if I finally got to the front of the line and they told me it would cost me my previous two days wages I'd walk right out the door without my food.

All of this leads me to this question. How bad would things have to get in your life that when a McDonald's opened, you'd gladly do what many did in Russia years ago?

Are you having problems paying your bills? Are you getting frustrated with things and believe the economy is bad? Then why not do something about it in your life? Why not take steps to downsize your lifestyle? Do you really need most things in your life? No, seriously, you really need them?

Consider how bad things were in Russia, post Soviet Union, and just how the grand opening of a McDonald's inspired many there to splurge for a Big Mac. Now, I encourage you to read this article by Stephanie Simon of the Los Angeles Times titled Public Senses an Economy Going South, and tell me what is wrong with our thinking today.

Here was one excerpt that I actually had to read twice. It blew my mind.

"In Atlanta, Bernadette Smith, 31, has watched her credit-card debt climb to nearly $40,000. That's more than her annual take-home pay, though she works 13 hours a day at two jobs. Once obsessed with the latest style of designer jeans, Smith now shops for clothes only at Wal-Mart, or maybe Target. She has come to consider a dinner at Ruby Tuesday a splurge."

I'd say we should just be thankful we aren't standing in line for hours to eat a McRib, much less splurging occasionally at Ruby Tuesday. Right?

4 Ways To Enjoy Your Lunch Hour

The other day I accepted an invitation for lunch. Unless there is specific business to discuss or I am already good friends with the person, I try not to accept these invitations. It's something I started doing about a year ago, for one specific reason. Lunch with fellow co-workers, in any job, can often turn into a gripe fest. It's not productive and can harm one's reputation.

I recommend making the same decision in your work life. Sure, you may miss out on all the latest workplace gossip, but you'll be much better off for doing something else on your lunch hour. Here are some suggestions (and they don't involve eating).

1. Work on your fitness. All of us usually feel like we could work out more, lose a little more weight, or be a little more active. Well, now is your chance! Many employers provide a gym or workout equipment these days. If yours doesn't, go for a walk or run. I've learned from experience that nothing will help you get through the rest of the afternoon feeling more energized than a hard workout on your lunch.
   
2. Take a power-nap. In today's world those who nap are often viewed as lazy and unproductive. However, many successful people take a power-nap during the day. There's even such a thing called a caffeine nap, that has the same result of a power-nap with the extra kick of caffeine afterwards. Taking 15-20 minutes to nap will often energize the body and cause you to be more alert the rest of the day. For those of you who say that this suggestion only takes 15-20 minutes of your lunch, read on...
   
3. Read something. Have you been meaning to read more, but just can't seem to find the time? Whether it's a book, newspaper, or magazine why not spend your lunch hour reading? Stimulate your brain a little and you will not be disappointed. Besides, reading can be a great escape from the stresses that can come with your job.
   
4. Work on your hobby. Got a hobby you enjoy? Why not wrap yourself in it for an hour during the day? It will take your mind off the work day and relax you. For me, I love photography (in case you couldn't tell) and writing. So I do both of these things on my lunch from time to time. Be sure to watch the time though! It can be easy to get caught up in a project and lose sight of the time constraints of your lunch hour.

3 cats enjoying their lunch hour.

Do You Realize?

Just Appeared There One Day..., originally uploaded by drewmaniac.

My senior year in high school was spent actually enjoying classes. It was the first time in a long time I was doing that. In fact, it was the first time I didn't stress too much about getting my work done. Not because I didn't do it, but because I was able to do it and have fun. I had enough credits to graduate early, but I chose to take classes I thought I could learn by having a little fun with. So I took things like World Foods where we cooked food from all over the world, and then ate it! I also took a creative writing class. This was one of the more enjoyable classes I had. My teacher allowed me to let loose. He challenged us each day by reading what we had wrote the night before on the subject he wanted us to write on, and then assigning another in class writing project. Our pencils went to work, and it was always entertaining to hear what people came up with. Each day, I found myself looking forward to 6th hour.

Blogging has had me flashing back to that class from time to time. I like the freedom. I look forward to crafting my next post. I like the ability to assign myself something, and get to work on it through the written word. In the beginning I was worried about all sorts of things. I wasn't letting go and just writing. So, in the coming months I want to write posts that are valuable to you, the reader. I like taking observations from life, history, and other areas and finding some way to express them with the written word that will be beneficial to everyone.

Do I expect my posts to always be exceptional or even beneficial? No. Well, I expect it but I am a realist. I know sometimes you're going to read a post (maybe this one) and ask yourself where those last couple of minutes of your life just went. In the end, however I hope to simply help you take a break from the doldrums of life itself.

In the coming weeks and months I have a few projects up my sleeve. Believe it or not, I am not writing to just scream my thoughts to the world. I have had some goals and ideas in mind from the very beginning. It was just a matter of crafting my master plan (it doesn't involve taking over the world, although that would be nice). Some things have happened recently that have me realizing I can achieve these goals.

In the meantime, I hope to continue to provide content that is worth your time. I always welcome suggestions and helpful hints. I have always believed it's a good thing to receive a little constructive criticism from time to time. It can be very beneficial and open your eyes to new opportunities.

Alright, I am through taking up your time! Carry on as you were!

Dog Park Inn

As some of you know, I'm getting married this year. I am presently in the hunt for the perfect honeymoon spot. What about Cottonwood, Idaho and the Dog Park Inn Bed & Breakfast?* No?




* Honey, I'm only kidding...

Foto Finish Friday

// SuperEXXXtragravitY [battiato_was_a_newbie] #3/v, originally uploaded by //bwr - Hieronymus Karl Frederick.

*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.

Recipe For a Great Day!

Today I received a compliment that wasn't meant to be a compliment. I was told, "... that truly doesn't bother you does it? You're just Mr. Positive aren't you? You make me sick!"

What sparked that remark has escaped me now. I guess they were right. I wasn't bothered by it. I did however consider what had just been said to me. I appreciated that I was viewed as a positive force, as opposed to a negative one.

So what is it that can help you have a better day, and help you come across as a positive and pleasant person to others? There are many things we could go on about, but here's three simple acts I always make a conscious effort to focus upon.

1. Smile.
   I realize it's simple, but truth be told we don't do enough of it do we? It might be hard initially, but after a few times of purposely smiling at someone you will feel just a little better about your day. Besides, it might make someone's day. If making someone's day isn't reason enough for you, it's actually good for your health! Here are 10 Reasons to Smile by Mark Stibich Ph.D. if you need more convincing.
   
2. Stop and Think.
   No, it's not Hammertime. Stop and consider your surroundings. Are they positive? If not, are you allowing them to affect you? If so, maybe it's time to relocate. If relocating isn't an option, maybe it's time to start focusing on being more positive yourself. It really does rub off on others.
   
3. Laugh.
   People have told me that I laugh quite often. Usually right after that they're telling me I have a very loud, distinct laugh. I know I do. I've heard it nearly all of my adult life. I am glad that is something people like and remember about me. You don't have to have a distinct laugh, but finding reasons to smile and even laugh should be a daily pastime. There's no reason to go through life with a poor disposition, rarely smiling.

Make an effort each day to do just these three simple things, and you'll find you won't have much of a choice but to be positive. We can't always have great days, but there's no reason to make our days more difficult by refusing to smile, think positively, and laugh.

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright

It's The Economy, Stupid

TAWAN 01
Originally uploaded by Schiller34

Much of the beginning of this year is reminding me of 1992. When a Clinton was running for president, a Bush was on his way out the door, and it was all about the economy. More to the point, it was all about the economy, stupid. Back then, I was just a young whipper snapper. I didn't really understand what a recession was. I was more concerned about playing baseball, chasing girls, and convincing myself I knew it all.

I am not here to tell you my opinion of the possible economy troubles coming our way (note, I said possible) here in the United States. I certainly have my opinions on the matter. I just wanted to offer up some easy saving tips. Last week, I had originally planned on writing a short list all my own. Then the blog, Dumb Little Man posted 30 Easy Ways to Save Money (and No, you are not doing them all!). I don't usually do this on here, but I am going to recommend you read this article. They say it far better than I could. Besides, I need to go read up on it too...

Jesse James, Heath Ledger, and Flashbulbs

On April 3, 1882, notorious outlaw Jesse James walked into his living room with Robert and Charley Ford. The following is Robert Ford's rendition (in dramatic fashion, no doubt) of the events of that morning to Governor of Missouri Thomas Crittenden:

"He walked over to the bed, and deliberately unbuckled his belt, with four revolvers in it, and threw it on the bed. It was the first time in my life I had seen him without that belt on, and I knew that he threw it off to further quiet any suspicions I might have. He seemed to want to busy himself with something to make an impression on my mind that he had forgotten the incident at the breakfast table, and said: "That picture is awful dusty." There wasn't a speck of dust that I could see on the picture, but he stood a chair beneath it and then got upon it and began to dust the picture on the wall.

As he stood there, unarmed, with his back to me, it came to me suddenly, 'Now or never is your chance. If you don't get him now he'll get you tonight.' Without further thought or a moment's delay I pulled my revolver and leveled it as I sat. He heard the hammer click as I cocked it with my thumb and started to turn as I pulled the trigger. The ball struck him just behind the ear and he fell like a log, dead."

The assassination, or murder depending upon your view of the events, of Jesse James drew crowds of people into his little house in St. Joseph, Missouri. All of them gawking at the dead outlaw's body. Some even clipped some of his hair for a keepsake. The Ford's made no effort to hide their involvement in his death, and were soon arrested.

Jesse James' body was put on display for many to view in Kearney, Missouri. Laid upon ice in order to preserve it, many proudly had their photos taken with his lifeless body. Photos of his body were a well sought after novelty. The nation, even the world, was fascinated by Jesse James and the grand events surrounding his death. At one point Robert Ford went on tour, performing reenactments of his assassination. Often performing to sold out crowds in New York and other places.

This afternoon, Heather Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment. The cause of his death has yet to be determined. I'll be the first to admit I wasn't a Heather Ledger fan, but it is always a tragic thing when someone passes on before what seems to be their time. What strikes me is no matter how civilized, modern, or how far we think we've come we always seem to go back to our most basest of human reactions to things. Call it curiosity if you may, but there's something morbid to me about crowds forming outside Heath's apartment, and everyone waiting to snap a photo of his body being taken out to the ambulance. There's even video of it, if you are so inclined to watch.

When it comes right down to it, we're not much different in 2008 than they were in 1882 are we?

The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread!

On January 18, 1943 Washington announced that from that point forward there would be a ban on all pre-sliced bread. In other words, sliced bread was on the chopping block (I know, that was a horrible joke) in favor of freedom and the war effort. To better understand why, you have to understand that during World War II many goods and products were being rationed. Nearly everything was being sacrificed across the nation in an effort to win the war. The United States government figured it needed metal for airplanes more than it did for the machines to slice bread. So for three months (the ban was lifted in March of 1943) everyone had to go back to slicing their bread on their own.

Sliced bread, or better stated the bread slicing machine, was patented in 1928. A man by the name of Otto Frederick Rohwedder in Chillicothe, Missouri started slicing bread then and the rest is history. There's been very little invented since that has been greater than sliced bread, so they say.

Today bread is sliced every which way. Washington sees no reason to ban the slicing of bread anymore. We have an over abundance of nearly everything we could possibly desire. Everything is sliced and diced whenever and however we want it. It would seem we don't have a care in the world.

Maybe that's part of our problem these days. We're complaining that the economy is about to be in a recession, the housing market is brutal (to put it in the most arcane of ways), and we're all in debt. Many are looking at the president and wanting to know what sort of stimulus package he has to bail them out of the consequences of their poor spending habits.

Yet I have to wonder, what if we started rationing a few things in our life? Sliced bread is pretty cheap these days, but if we can't make our mortgage payment why not cut back on the X-Box 360 games? I realize our president encouraged all of us to go to the mall and spend lot's of money shortly after 9/11, but maybe that wasn't the best approach. Instead of instant gratification, why shouldn't we work on saving some money? I am somewhat concerned with people's attitudes these days. If many are not careful, there's going to be quite a few of us thinking our grandparents weren't so crazy for stuffing money in the mattresses. I'd even wager quite a few of them even sliced their own bread back then.

We could all stand to look at our lifestyles and make the decision to slice our own bread for a while.

Foto Finish Friday

IMG_5663, originally uploaded by Crismateski.

*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.

Even Superman Had a Weakness

It never ceases to amaze me at how incredibly blind we (myself included) can be when it comes to our weaknesses. I realize that deep down inside we can often be honest and identify them, but we rarely choose to acknowledge them to the point of doing something about them.

I'll confess, I have a few weaknesses. I know, hard to believe, right? One that I'll willingly divulge to the entire Internet world is my lack of organization. I try and I try to organize everything. I can even do a decent job at it for a while, but soon I look around and everything is amiss once again. I'm just the type of person that would rather jump in and get things done quickly and move on. I don't care much about the details. Yet when it comes to organizing, I have to pay attention to the details. Even doing simple things like writing a grocery list is something I rarely like to do. I'd rather walk in and get what I need. I'll remember, right? Not usually.

Realizing this, I know I accomplish much more when I am around those who are well organized. They help me stay focused a little more on the details. This is a positive thing.

It can be tempting to pretend we can do it all. However, I think it is a much wiser person who can identify their weaknesses and then surround themselves with people who will strengthen them in those respective areas. Especially if overcoming that weakness proves to be difficult. Some of the most successful people have figured this out.

If we could all look at what we are really good at, focus on that, and allow others to help us in the areas we are weak we would all be more successful in our endeavors. I've heard it explained before like this: A wrench will never be a screw driver, and a screw driver will never be a wrench. Look into your tool box and figure out how best to use your tools.

One of my weaknesses is organization, but I'm not too shabby in other areas. Your weakness may be something entirely different, but you are good at organizing. Got a hammer?

The Conference Call Handbook

I've worked in the corporate world for some time now. I understand that meetings and TPS reports are probably always going to be a necessary evil in this world. Conference calls on the other hand are a different story. They should be limited. In fact, there should be a conference call handbook that all corporations should hand out when potential employees are being interviewed. What's that? You can't guarantee you'll abide by the Conference Call Handbook? Well I can't guarantee you will be leaving this interview with a job. It needs to be that simple. It also should be stressed that all CEO's, presidents, vice presidents and what have you will especially be expected to follow the rules in the Conference Call Handbook. Here's a look at a few of the guidelines I propose for this handbook:

1. Limit the Number of People on the Call - This is a huge problem sometimes. Large corporations, which shall remain nameless for fear of retribution (let's be clear, not the one I work for), sometimes like to schedule calls with multiple companies all at once! As a result there are upwards to thirty people on them! People are talking over each other. No one really knows who is talking to whom. Sometimes people just get frustrated and hang up. Then there's me. I hit mute and discuss other matters of business with my fellow co-worker having to suffer through this with me. Got something to say to fifteen different companies? Send an e-mail and avoid the utter chaos.
2. Only One Conference Call Per Day is Allowed - End of story and don't ask questions.
   
3. Know Why You Are Joining, or Calling - Do not create or join in a conference call without first knowing why in the world you are doing so. Unless of course your plan is to remain silent the entire time. I know it would seem like this is common sense, but too often people get on unprepared and clueless.
   
4. No Shout Outs or Calling Out - Save your shout outs for the local FM radio station. The last thing I need to hear is some VP doing everything but dedicate a song to one of the people on the line. Was that necessary? What kind of a nickname was that? Are you serious? "Pookie"? While we're on the subject of the unnecessary, it would be a good idea to call out someone for being a failure in a different setting other than a conference call. I'm just saying.
5. If You Don't Have To, Don't - Anything that can be handled without a conference call (which is most things) should be handled without a conference call. I'm guessing Alexander Graham Bell didn't join many conference calls, and he seems to have done alright for himself. Why are you any different?
   

Quotables of January

IMG_0001 (!)
Originally uploaded by Mareen Fischinger

A while back I created a post entitled Quotables. This is like that one. From here on it is my intention to have one post a month with just a few quotes about various things. Profound, inspirational, or funny I have always been one to write down a good quote. I like it when something gets my brain cranking, especially if it's a quote. Sometimes I don't even agree with what the person said, but he or she said it in such a way that I said, "Wait just a minute..." and then my brain was off and running. Maybe I'll stumble across some that are worth your while as well. So without further delay, here is this month's quotes.



“Most of the important things in the world have been accompanied by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” ~ Dale Carnegie

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ~ Mark Twain

“The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Foto Finish Friday

Essence of me......(Father and Son. Selective HDR), originally uploaded by Faborito.

*Each Friday an interesting photo is selected to end the week on.

Sky Blue Sky

Coxies In Santa Cruz
Originally uploaded by drewmaniac

I'm growing restless. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with my job. I'm happy with where I am at right now in my professional life. I look back and remember where I was just a little over two years ago (broke, a low paying job, and not much direction) and am very thankful for the opportunities I have. The job I have now has helped me gain a little bit of stability. Stability that was badly needed.

My current employment certainly wasn't where I expected to ever end up (trucking? Seriously?), but it's helped me along quite nicely so far. Which is why I'm beginning to examine some other avenues. I have big dreams. I'm not going to lie. Probably many of them unattainable, but I see no need not to work hard for some of them. I have finally figured out some things I love to do. I'm told I am not too bad at them either, and I'm just foolish enough to believe it. Which helps in setting some goals for the future. I don't feel like delving too much into all the details for the time being, but they involve writing professionally for one.

I know, a starving artist. It's true I would be very fortunate to get a job that allowed me to write full time, and paid the money I make now. However, I see no reason I should not try my hand at it on the side and see what doors may open along the way. After all, that's how I got the job I have now. I had a door opened for me, and I walked through. I have some doors opening again, and I'm thinking I should take the plunge...

Any feedback on this post is welcome. Tell me I'm crazy. Tell me I should go for it. It will be interesting for me to hear it from you. Not to mention, it would be helpful as well.

iPod

Baby..., originally uploaded by Tata Qtr.

I killed my iPod. I don't feel like talking about it.

Sleep Now In The Fire

No energy? I'm the same way sometimes. I've been taking steps of late to increase my energy level and after just a short time, I have to say it's worth it. In case you are interested, Dumb Little Man has an informative post on things you can do to increase your energy. All of them very simple, but very good.

My biggest foe in the quest of maximizing energy is not getting enough sleep. I've heard it all my life. A person needs at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be healthy. I never wanted to believe it. There was always something else that was much more interesting going on than sleep. I even convinced myself I didn't need as much as other people, and at times I probably didn't. However I would always have those nights where I'd crash, and crash hard for hours upon hours. Sleep is boring and uninteresting. Why would I want to do that?

3 Ways I'm Taking Back Sleep

1. Eliminating the snooze button. This has been one of the hardest things for me to do. I can tell myself and tell myself I'm not going to do it the night before, but as soon as that alarm goes off an entirely different rationale comes into my mind. "Just nine more minutes. What's nine more minutes?" The problem with this is nine more minutes becomes eighteen, then twenty-seven, and on some mornings it goes on and on. I've just been forcing myself to get up as soon as the alarm goes off, wander aimlessly into another room, and focus on something productive to do. So far, so good...
   
2. Same time every morning. I've figured out a certain time I will awake every morning (except Saturdays and Sundays - 8AM). My time is 5 AM, yours might be a different time. Five in the morning comes whether I went to bed at 9 PM or midnight. So I awake at five no matter what (of course this eliminates the snooze option, and forces me to go to bed earlier). It gives me plenty of time to organize my day, think about what it is I need to accomplish as the day moves on, and best of all I don't have to rush around doing everything last minute before work. Mornings are more pleasant and not nearly as dreadful.
   
3. Keeping a morning routine. I have certain things I have started doing in the morning. You probably have certain things you could accomplish in the morning before work too. I wrote down a list of tasks I could get done in the mornings, and went with that. It's been great so far. By the time I get to work, I not only feel well rested, I have gotten quite a bit accomplished.
   

Your options may be different. But these are some things I've done to try and capture enough sleep and regain some energy. It takes commitment, but you will feel much better for it in the end. I'm not perfect yet, but I see the edge of the woods. I just have to keep ignoring that snooze button!

Maximizing Our Effort

"In sports, the only thing a player or coach can truly control is effort. The same applies to business. The only thing any entrepreneur, salesperson or anyone in any position can control is their effort." ~ Mark Cuban

He's absolutely correct. Too often in our jobs we worry about things that are completely out of our hands. Why does my supervisor do this? Why is so and so not working? Why was that decision made on this or that? Can't they see they're going to cause more problems for us all? And the questions could go on and on.

All we can do sometimes is put our best foot forward and hope for the best outcome. The best doesn't always happen in return, which is why we want to control the situation even if it is beyond our control. In business, as in life, sometimes fairness escapes us. You have to learn to roll with it and work around the unfair hand you believe you have been dealt.

Too many however become bitter and angry. We need to refocus things when this happens. Examine what it is you can truly do about the situation. Does it require more effort on your part? I have to say that often when I catch myself irritated about a decision made in my job that was beyond my control, I find myself deciding I should put a little more time and effort in my performance. Guess what? Even if things don't get much better about the business dealings I was so concerned about, I find myself happier with things as a whole. Learning that I can't control everything in business, life, and otherwise has gone a long way in helping me focus on those things I can and should take control of.

So let's learn to control the effort we put forth in all endeavors in our lives. We might just find ourselves eliminating a little stress from our lives.

The Greatest and Best Blog Ever in the Whole Wide World

Ever notice how some people tend to overstate things? Me too. "I'm starving to death!", is an example of this. Funny, I've never been with someone in Ethiopia when they said that to me.

Many times when I hear someone talking about something and inserting grandiose phrases or words, I find myself becoming skeptical. Politicians are masters of the overstatement. A while back President Bush vetoed a bill. I am not even sure what it was about, because to be quite honest for once I wasn't paying attention. The one thing I did take note of was his opponents reaction to his veto. "President Bush wants children to die!" was the popular sentiment. Wow. I'm thinking if there was a line in that bill that said, "Children will die if this bill is not signed into law." then I am all for the line item veto. Just saying.

If you must exaggerate facts, make over the top statements, or use scare tactics that blow things out of proportion (yeah, I know, I said the same thing three times) then just how secure is the position you are taking? Or how solid is the story you are telling? Convince me of your ideas or positions with simple facts. Don't overstate yourself in a faulty attempt to sell your story. When you do this, you become like a child who really, really, really really, really, really, really wants you to believe their story. See what I mean?

Steering clear of what I like to call all encompassing words like "always" or "never", is key to making sure you don't overstate things. We've all (all encompassing?) been guilty of it at some point I am sure. I've heard people say, so and so is, "never on time" for example. Well, I seriously doubt that is true. If it were, how does he hold down a job? For that matter, how did he ever finish school? I'd say he's been on time a few times in his life. I'm just saying.

You probably think I am being nit picky about this, and in some ways I am. However, I do think it is very important to beware of the overstatement. When it is being used on you, and especially if you tend to use it. Overstating your case will sometimes harm your case more than help it, because many people won't buy it.

So what to do when you're pretty sure you're being inundated by a blatant overstatement? We should take a cue from Joe Friday when he would remind the occasional witness in Dragnet, "Just the facts, ma'am."

Foto Finish Friday

A New Path, originally uploaded by jurvetson.

Happy New Years... a few days late.

Down With The Sickness In The New Year

2008 is here. I got home from Oklahoma City (where I spent the New Year's weekend) and promptly became sicker than I've been in years. You name the ailment, I have either done it or had it in the past 24 hours. I haven't eaten a thing in over 24 hours. Primarily because I can't keep anything down. Well, the fever has broke, so I'm going to write.

Many people will start the new year by making resolutions to change this or that within their lives. While that is a good concept, many will not keep them. Identifying things to change, and actually resolving to change ones attitude (thereby causing true change) are two entirely different things. I prefer to set my resolutions any time of the year. It's probably better to set goals to change as soon as one identifies a problem or change that is helpful, any time of year.

All of that said, I realized a little while ago I have no point to this post. My apologies. I'll blame the sickness. I just got on here and started writing. Happy 2008 everyone!