Respect, Integrity, and Vigilance
It has been eleven months since I switched careers from an unstable environment to a steady paycheck. In those eleven months, I have found a career that truly defines who I am as a person. The job requires me to always be alert, attentive to detail, and with the welcoming and caring approach.
Each and every day is going to be different, to think days are going to be the same, would be an understatement.
I’m in the bathroom yesterday, washing my hands, as a gentlemen stands behind me acknowledging my presence. He tilts his head with respect and waits his turn. He then begins to speak, “How is it in the security business?” I reply, “It’s pretty secure”. The gentlemen replies, “And it’s only going to get better…if you have a minute, I’d like to tell you a story…”
Security is a challenge, we as individuals will have to deal with for the rest of our lives.
• Don’t assume anything
Security is definitely not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, it is only going to increase as years go by. Security, as it would suggest, is to secure. However, there is a fine line between enforcing the rules and the customer service that is to welcome. We are not drill sergeants, but simply an elite class of individuals. I am the enforcer, viewed by others as Supreme. I take my job very seriously. All it takes is one second, one bad decision, and the entire foundation which integrity and trust is built upon is compromised.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Step Back
It is 23:23, and I used to think most people were sleeping at this hour. But truth is told doctors, security officers, patients, students, and people all across the world are up for various reasons:
• It’s our job
• We are sick and need medical attention
• We have a task to complete
Sometimes, as writers, our best work comes when we least expect it. An event that has taken place or simply a thought we would like to write down and expand on later.
As all of us have experienced or soon will, a relationship is a beautiful thing. But, it only works if both are passionate. In the moment, anxiety and excitement kick in. This is true for any type of situation, whether it is golfing with family, playing poker, or even as I mentioned before, relationships. You find someone that shares a common interest. You learn what and not to do.
However, a relationship is only as strong as the foundation it is built on. A relationship based on lust, is simply that, but one based on principles, morals, and the understanding that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, the ultimate partner will be there standing next to you. You feel a certain connection. If one loses focus or interest, the relationship or situation is automatically destined to suffer and fail. Trust and communication is what holds together any relationship.
A relationship is a full time, non-paying job, but pays great dividends. At the end of the day, you have to remember to always stay focused and in control. It’s ok to take a step back and re-group. Sometimes, you just can’t seem to do anything right. Call a timeout.
There’s nothing wrong with taking personal time in a relationship, as we all need to vent out sometimes. When we do things without the other person’s knowledge, although unintentional, the act of doing can be viewed as hurtful or negative. From a technological standpoint, we have each become a victim of text messaging and emailing as the substitute to actually picking up the phone and calling someone. It’s quicker and more efficient, however, lacks effort.
It’s not about quantity, it’s all about quality.
Thank you Fire!
;)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Having the Cake, and Eating it too
Over the past several months, I have experienced "it" through customer service, as well as having numerous conversations with small business owners.
Here is what we as a whole, have come up with.
Sales and Short Term Promotion
A dozen roses is regularly priced at $18.99, but for two, you are getting the second one for $1.01. People, that doesn't mean you can grab a dozen roses for $10.-
From a business standpoint, it's intended to be a sale or short term promotion, in an attempt to try and push inventory. Flowers have a very short life span, ranging anywhere from a few days to a week or even more.
Apples and Oranges
Do not try and compare ice cream to Gelato. Or Kabloom flowers to an arrangement you would pick up at the grocery store. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Another way of thinking about it, ice cream is to a Honda as Gelato is to a BMW. Do you really think you can get a BMW and pay the price of a Honda. It all depends on the quality of the product. The other day, someone comes into the store and says what can I get for $1.25. You look around and the cheapest product on sale is $3.25. What do you tell the customer? As sad as it sounds, you can only advise them to go someplace else or put up more money. Certain businesses will mark-up products in order to achieve profit and cover their overhead expenses and bottom line.
Here is what we as a whole, have come up with.
Sales and Short Term Promotion
A dozen roses is regularly priced at $18.99, but for two, you are getting the second one for $1.01. People, that doesn't mean you can grab a dozen roses for $10.-
From a business standpoint, it's intended to be a sale or short term promotion, in an attempt to try and push inventory. Flowers have a very short life span, ranging anywhere from a few days to a week or even more.
Apples and Oranges
Do not try and compare ice cream to Gelato. Or Kabloom flowers to an arrangement you would pick up at the grocery store. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Another way of thinking about it, ice cream is to a Honda as Gelato is to a BMW. Do you really think you can get a BMW and pay the price of a Honda. It all depends on the quality of the product. The other day, someone comes into the store and says what can I get for $1.25. You look around and the cheapest product on sale is $3.25. What do you tell the customer? As sad as it sounds, you can only advise them to go someplace else or put up more money. Certain businesses will mark-up products in order to achieve profit and cover their overhead expenses and bottom line.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I'm not like that - 2009
To my readers,
Thank you for reading...
There have been several things for which I am not proud of, and when it comes to family and friends, I'm sorry. Perhaps it's the expectations of living beyond myself, or always trying to be the best and compete with others, that I get hung up in the moment, forgetting about the basic principles of life. While you should have fun once in a while, you can not forget about responsibilities and commitments. However, without failure, I would never learn.
As my mother once told me, "When you aren't busy, you flounder...but when you need to, you put your head to the grindstone....well, sometimes". And the more I have thought about it, I am best under pressure, when "everything" is on the line. The problem is when I succeed, I flourish with pride and with "flying colors", but when I fail, I turn several heads in questioning "Who does he think he is?"
I make the choice to walk away if I don't feel comfortable or take whatever steps necessary to overcome any obstacle. And if you are reading this, that's not the best directive. "Talk things out, and communicate...if you are going to do something, don't half ass it, because it shows a flaw in just exactly what kind of person you are. In any situation, you should have a choice, and you carefully assess the situation as well as its surroundings. But sometimes, you don't have a choice, and it's generally based on lower risk or cost/benefit from someone else in a supervisory role. All it takes is one bad choice, for your life to change (promotion, laid off, fired, death among family and friends, auto incidents, personal injuries, and the list goes on). Recently, a few friends of mine have been feeling down, and it's encouraging to know they come to me for assistance. The greatest advice that I can not stress enough, is that the past is simply the past, you can not change history. What you can change is this second, the "NOW".
But sometimes the hole we have dug is too deep for us to bear, that the easiest thing to do is give up. Put together a game plan, talk to other people, and be open to change. What you were doing before didn't work, and look at this as a new beginning. This is "NOW", keep your chin up high, and stay positive.
Think of negativity as simply a fly on your shoulder, brush it off, and move on. Take a deep breath, and take it one day at a time. Baby steps. It took time to dig yourself into a hole, and it will take time to dig yourself out. But in doing so, you will come out a stronger and knowledgable person.
Thank you for reading...
There have been several things for which I am not proud of, and when it comes to family and friends, I'm sorry. Perhaps it's the expectations of living beyond myself, or always trying to be the best and compete with others, that I get hung up in the moment, forgetting about the basic principles of life. While you should have fun once in a while, you can not forget about responsibilities and commitments. However, without failure, I would never learn.
As my mother once told me, "When you aren't busy, you flounder...but when you need to, you put your head to the grindstone....well, sometimes". And the more I have thought about it, I am best under pressure, when "everything" is on the line. The problem is when I succeed, I flourish with pride and with "flying colors", but when I fail, I turn several heads in questioning "Who does he think he is?"
I make the choice to walk away if I don't feel comfortable or take whatever steps necessary to overcome any obstacle. And if you are reading this, that's not the best directive. "Talk things out, and communicate...if you are going to do something, don't half ass it, because it shows a flaw in just exactly what kind of person you are. In any situation, you should have a choice, and you carefully assess the situation as well as its surroundings. But sometimes, you don't have a choice, and it's generally based on lower risk or cost/benefit from someone else in a supervisory role. All it takes is one bad choice, for your life to change (promotion, laid off, fired, death among family and friends, auto incidents, personal injuries, and the list goes on). Recently, a few friends of mine have been feeling down, and it's encouraging to know they come to me for assistance. The greatest advice that I can not stress enough, is that the past is simply the past, you can not change history. What you can change is this second, the "NOW".
But sometimes the hole we have dug is too deep for us to bear, that the easiest thing to do is give up. Put together a game plan, talk to other people, and be open to change. What you were doing before didn't work, and look at this as a new beginning. This is "NOW", keep your chin up high, and stay positive.
Think of negativity as simply a fly on your shoulder, brush it off, and move on. Take a deep breath, and take it one day at a time. Baby steps. It took time to dig yourself into a hole, and it will take time to dig yourself out. But in doing so, you will come out a stronger and knowledgable person.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Still On The Same Road
Each and every person will travel down a different path in life. Some will have it easy, and others not so easy. An unknown to a self proclaimed millionaire. For the few that don’t even get to experience the journey of life, perhaps everlasting life will give them a second chance. Up until this point my path has been one out of destructive proportion; deliberately without any intention hurting those on my path.
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven”
Top 10 Reasons
1. Money doesn’t buy happiness; it only creates problems, if not affairs and family conflicts. Spend wisely and save for the future.
Attraction
2. At 90 miles an hour, the coast is clear, skies are blue, and life is looking up. For another, it was that adrenaline rush that caused the cardiac arrest.
For Better and for Worse
3. Additional Road Hazards / Issues to Contemplate
Career Change Age: 30 What have I done with my life?
Marriage/Education/Family
Mid Life Crisis Age: 50 My life is halfway over
Uncles and Aunts/Grandparents
Changes in Lifestyle
Bucket List Age: 80 Fulfillment in Life
Every Breathe You Take
4. All work and no play; alright to take a detour and enjoy life.
Little things in life
5. Don’t burn all your bridges; never know when you might need an ally
Ammunition
6. Friends are replaceable; Family is indispensable. At the end of the day there are contracts, offers and runner ups.
Trust but Verify
7. Wait for nothing; your time is priceless! Where you are and where you want to be. Limited Window of Opportunity
8. With experience comes knowledge. “You are excellent in what you do”….BUT…then there is that other part of you. Where would we be without constructive criticism? Motivation to Succeed
9. Money doesn’t grow on trees; you want it, you have to earn it.
Drive
10. “Grunt Work” Everyone starts at the bottom
Life isn't fair!
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven”
Top 10 Reasons
1. Money doesn’t buy happiness; it only creates problems, if not affairs and family conflicts. Spend wisely and save for the future.
Attraction
2. At 90 miles an hour, the coast is clear, skies are blue, and life is looking up. For another, it was that adrenaline rush that caused the cardiac arrest.
For Better and for Worse
3. Additional Road Hazards / Issues to Contemplate
Career Change Age: 30 What have I done with my life?
Marriage/Education/Family
Mid Life Crisis Age: 50 My life is halfway over
Uncles and Aunts/Grandparents
Changes in Lifestyle
Bucket List Age: 80 Fulfillment in Life
Every Breathe You Take
4. All work and no play; alright to take a detour and enjoy life.
Little things in life
5. Don’t burn all your bridges; never know when you might need an ally
Ammunition
6. Friends are replaceable; Family is indispensable. At the end of the day there are contracts, offers and runner ups.
Trust but Verify
7. Wait for nothing; your time is priceless! Where you are and where you want to be. Limited Window of Opportunity
8. With experience comes knowledge. “You are excellent in what you do”….BUT…then there is that other part of you. Where would we be without constructive criticism? Motivation to Succeed
9. Money doesn’t grow on trees; you want it, you have to earn it.
Drive
10. “Grunt Work” Everyone starts at the bottom
Life isn't fair!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Road of Opportunity
Call it cruel intentions, call it self-defense, whatever you call it, there’s nothing that will get back what was lost.
There have been many things in my life that I often regret, and some say it’s a learning process. However, what’s the name for making the same mistake. I have said many times “life is a highway…if you aren’t paying attention…snooze you lose!” You can lose a lot of money chasing women, but you don’t lose as much women chasing money. One can argue that growing up with two sisters, everyone joked at how I survived as a middle child, and my answer will always be the same, follow your passion and everything else will fall into place. Friends come and go, as do relationships. What will never leave you, is yourself. You have the power to create your own destiny and open doors that many could only dream of.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Every girl has a story to tell. So, what’s your story?
I find that what people write or say galvanizes my brain into hyper active overdrive. There is one person that I can say that growing up might have been beneficial to me, the lessons I have learned over the years, to his speaking of the mind. When looking back, I can see both points of view.
I am what you would consider unique; a large fish in a small pond. On one hand you have those that always look at the glass being half empty, while others see it as half full. But have you ever stepped back, and ask yourself, “I think I need a bigger glass”. Well of course you do if you love the taste of beer or wine. Seriously, I believe that no matter how large the glass, I am constantly seeking out a much larger one, never truly satisfied with life’s accomplishments, always feeling there is something missing, perhaps the passion to want more.
A friend once said I want to represent where I have come from. Some people wear the Boston Redsox hat with pride, others their colors of homeland nationality, but he had a different and more elaborate case in mind. If you cross paths with him, you’ll know…
Have you ever seen that Verizon commercial, where all they ever talk about, is “that’s what I want?” I want to meet a girl that is willing to meet up for lunch or a cup of coffee and talk about herself; her likes, her dislikes, even some of her favorite experiences. But then again wouldn’t that be a one sided conversation. Life is not a script but more so an improvisational dialogue and a series of events between many members of society; physical attraction is another story, yet a development over time.
I could go on and talk about the girl that seeks out Mr. Romantic, and the same girl who seeks Mr. Rebellious, but at the end of the day, it’s all about confidence. In fact I could even go on and list the many things that I can and can not stand in life, but again the greater the risk, the greater the reward and true love takes time.
Then comes the day where you finally find that glass, where everything you have been working your entire life for comes together like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. The glass is poured, and the liquor has aged remarkably. Tilt your head back, lift up your glass and let gravity take its course. Enjoy it.
One light
Life is short…
“As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever…Amen”
A friend lost to murder
A friend lost visiting a friend
A friend lost to cancer
A friend lost to a medical illness
A friend lost due to an infectious disease
A friend lost…
Moment of silence. Let us pray!
“As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever…Amen”
A friend lost to murder
A friend lost visiting a friend
A friend lost to cancer
A friend lost to a medical illness
A friend lost due to an infectious disease
A friend lost…
Moment of silence. Let us pray!
There is a time and there is a place, and an epiphany that predicts your fate; a dream, déjà vu, a sign in your passing. In either case, what you do now, can and may affect you in your later years.
Slipping off the side of a cliff, you lose your footing, and are hanging onto the edge with one hand, while the other dangling beside. The slightest shift in weight could cause you to fall freely thousands of feet. There is nothing to soften your fall, purely rock and stone beneath. You are afraid to breath.
A stranger notices you and decides to give a helping hand, but the only way to save yourself is to completely let go, do you trust them?
Slipping off the side of a cliff, you lose your footing, and are hanging onto the edge with one hand, while the other dangling beside. The slightest shift in weight could cause you to fall freely thousands of feet. There is nothing to soften your fall, purely rock and stone beneath. You are afraid to breath.
A stranger notices you and decides to give a helping hand, but the only way to save yourself is to completely let go, do you trust them?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Get your head in the game.
Live It! Eat It! Want It!
No distractions!
Waste of time if there is no passion!
Live It! Eat It! Want It!
No distractions!
Waste of time if there is no passion!
Do you want it?
One chance, one opportunity
Succeed or go home!
No second chances! Time is now!
One chance, one opportunity
Succeed or go home!
No second chances! Time is now!
Do you want it?
You hesitate, there’s doubt!
Leave nothing on the table! K.I.S.S
No regrets and don’t look back, eyes on the prize!
You hesitate, there’s doubt!
Leave nothing on the table! K.I.S.S
No regrets and don’t look back, eyes on the prize!
Are you ready!
Pause and you lose!
Flinch, weakness is exposed!
Show no mercy!
Pause and you lose!
Flinch, weakness is exposed!
Show no mercy!
I’ll ask you again…Are you ready!
It’s not going to come to you
Go after it, seize it; own it!
Time is ticking
It’s not going to come to you
Go after it, seize it; own it!
Time is ticking
Control the Tempo
Let me give you an example
Anything I haven’t touched upon
Growth/Opportunity
Let me give you an example
Anything I haven’t touched upon
Growth/Opportunity
Run out the clock
Live like there is no tomorrow
Comfortable in the Pocket
Failure is not an option
DO YOU WANT IT!
Comfortable in the Pocket
Failure is not an option
DO YOU WANT IT!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Great Advice
Growing up, I was raised in the middle, with an older and younger sister. Many have wondered, how I survived. When I look back at all those years, the countless times of battling with my younger sister, from the first hair being pulled to ending the fight either by exhaustion or parents order, shake hands and make up, there is a message. It was all part growing up, and it was expected that siblings would fight. Even today, tension is expected in any relationship. However, there is a major difference between fighting, confrontation, and debate.
Fighting is often physical.
Confrontation can be physical, typically more verbally in positioning a person in a corner
Debate is simply a discussion between two different points of view
It wasn't until a few years ago, that when living with one another, we laughed and even were reminded of how easy it was to get in a fight. A fight was started for a ridiculous purpose. My sister made dinner, I got up from the table and went to my room. I kissed a friend of hers. Although it never got physical, there was that confrontation.
A great friend reminded me that when you really know someone, you know exactly what buttons to push. Sometimes, they are pushed as a defensive mechanism, you feel threatened and you react. Other times you simply forget, and by that time its too late. The best solution is say sorry and move on. The problem is that once it is said, it can't be undone. (Somewhere in this blog is a reference to nails and a hammer). You can always remove a nail, but the damage to the wood will always be there.
Fighting is often physical.
Confrontation can be physical, typically more verbally in positioning a person in a corner
Debate is simply a discussion between two different points of view
It wasn't until a few years ago, that when living with one another, we laughed and even were reminded of how easy it was to get in a fight. A fight was started for a ridiculous purpose. My sister made dinner, I got up from the table and went to my room. I kissed a friend of hers. Although it never got physical, there was that confrontation.
A great friend reminded me that when you really know someone, you know exactly what buttons to push. Sometimes, they are pushed as a defensive mechanism, you feel threatened and you react. Other times you simply forget, and by that time its too late. The best solution is say sorry and move on. The problem is that once it is said, it can't be undone. (Somewhere in this blog is a reference to nails and a hammer). You can always remove a nail, but the damage to the wood will always be there.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Questioning the field of Accounting
Six months ago, things were pretty bad
When my review came knocking, I surely wasn’t mad
As weeks transpired, nothing came to rest
After all, I was far from reaching crest
My mind to the grindstone things were looking up
Funds rolling in, yet it was I holding the empty cup
Perhaps it was my attire that I would soon need to oppose
With one door closed, an opportunity arose
Don’t you worry, things happen for a reason
Soon enough, I’ll be entering another stress tax season
For the time being, stress free, able to count some sheep
Question I have, as an accountant, am I in way too deep?
When my review came knocking, I surely wasn’t mad
As weeks transpired, nothing came to rest
After all, I was far from reaching crest
My mind to the grindstone things were looking up
Funds rolling in, yet it was I holding the empty cup
Perhaps it was my attire that I would soon need to oppose
With one door closed, an opportunity arose
Don’t you worry, things happen for a reason
Soon enough, I’ll be entering another stress tax season
For the time being, stress free, able to count some sheep
Question I have, as an accountant, am I in way too deep?
Good Enough
Employees are provided a competitive compensation and benefits package which generally includes:
Medical & Dental insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Vision plan
Life / AD&D insurance
Supplemental Life insurance option
Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (provides confidential counseling and referral services)
Vacation
Maternity/Paternity leave of absence
Childcare/Eldercare Services
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance Program
401(k)/Profit sharing plan
Parking/Commuting Reimbursement
Employee stock purchase plan
Medical & Dental insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Vision plan
Life / AD&D insurance
Supplemental Life insurance option
Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (provides confidential counseling and referral services)
Vacation
Maternity/Paternity leave of absence
Childcare/Eldercare Services
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance Program
401(k)/Profit sharing plan
Parking/Commuting Reimbursement
Employee stock purchase plan
As you were
Compensation/benefits drives individual behavior. Francona is looking at incentives for leading the Redsox into the World Series, twice in a four year span. When the game is on the line, the coach is ulimately responsible for winning or losing. Take Tom Brady. A second string quarterback, who continues to get better as years go by. Is part of it the experience of Bill Belichick, or perhaps the time Brady endures to study his opposition and improve on his weakenesses. In reaching a 16-0 season, Brady mentioned, "Every game, one step at a time...Playing Philadelphia, we weren't focused on the Colts...When we played the Colts, we did not look back on what we did against Philadelphia. Wait, we won that game?" Records broken, memories relived. More importantly, rewards are compensated on performance. Beckett, a 20 game winner, will definitely be reviewed prior to next years salary allocation. Others, well, things just didn't work out.
In today’s world, there is no such thing as job security. Five months or two years. Everyone is dispensable. As long as you are physically and mentally able to complete a task or perform a function, you may still have a job. If you are in a job that you are not challenged, everyday on the edge of your seat, you aren’t in the right position. It’s like the saying, “live everyday as if it were your last”. Tomorrow, you may be unemployed. What about..., that was yesterday, what did you do today, and more importantly, tomorrow?
Attitude reflects leadership. There is no "I in team", but there is a "U in us". Roger Clemens to Pedro Martinez to Josh Beckett. Each at a different point in their career, some at prime, others past their mark. However, they too were in the rotation as a relief pitcher or fourth in the rotation. With experience, they have earned the recognition of being viewed as an "ace". It just doesn't happen overnight. Then again sports are sports.
In today’s world, there is no such thing as job security. Five months or two years. Everyone is dispensable. As long as you are physically and mentally able to complete a task or perform a function, you may still have a job. If you are in a job that you are not challenged, everyday on the edge of your seat, you aren’t in the right position. It’s like the saying, “live everyday as if it were your last”. Tomorrow, you may be unemployed. What about..., that was yesterday, what did you do today, and more importantly, tomorrow?
Attitude reflects leadership. There is no "I in team", but there is a "U in us". Roger Clemens to Pedro Martinez to Josh Beckett. Each at a different point in their career, some at prime, others past their mark. However, they too were in the rotation as a relief pitcher or fourth in the rotation. With experience, they have earned the recognition of being viewed as an "ace". It just doesn't happen overnight. Then again sports are sports.
Toppers
In Boston "Best of Boston 2007",
"A quick ferry ride from Straight Wharf drops Sunday gourmands at the Wauwinet, where the garden at the inn's restaurant, Topper's, isn't just for show".
"In the hours before the brunch rush, chef David Daniels...can be seen plucking herbs for his refined recipes...".
"Elegant yet comfortable banquettes and sweeping views of Nantucket Sound have encouraged many a brunch...sometimes all the way until dinner."
"A quick ferry ride from Straight Wharf drops Sunday gourmands at the Wauwinet, where the garden at the inn's restaurant, Topper's, isn't just for show".
"In the hours before the brunch rush, chef David Daniels...can be seen plucking herbs for his refined recipes...".
"Elegant yet comfortable banquettes and sweeping views of Nantucket Sound have encouraged many a brunch...sometimes all the way until dinner."
Guide to Nantucket
Nantucket
Architecture
"Architecturally speaking, most historic homes on Nantucket are built in a lean-to style"
Astrology
"The Nantucket sky provides astronomers with one of the best views of space on earth"
Calendar/Events
"The Nantucket Arts Festival takes place in October"
"March on Nantucket is affectionately called 'Hate Month' after enduring winter on the island"
Clothing
"Whale pants are a common, but unfortunate sight on Nantucket"
Food/Wine
http://www.nantucketfoodandwine.com/
"Nantucket's best burgers are at the Brotherhood, but watch your head on the way in"
Geography
"There are two adjoining islands to Nantucket: Tuckermuck and Musketget"
Information
"When looking for a place to live, or anything else on Nantucket, the bulletin board at the Hub might be your best bet"
"Pacific National Bank at the top of Main Street always has water and treats for visiting dogs"
Interesting Facts
"At one time, Nantucket had seven streets named Atlantic Avenue"
"The oldest living Nantucket resident is given the Boston Post Cane, an award they hold until their passing"
"Nantucket was the 3rd town in America to have an Historical District Commission"
"Nantucketeters moving to the mainland in the 18th century often disassembled their island homes and took them along off island"
"Cranberries were first cultivated on Nantucket in 1857"
Mascots/Animals
"The Cormorant bird is said to be Nantucket's official greeter"
"The piping plover, a small sandy-colored bird, is endangered and can be seen on Nantucket"
"For outstanding bird watching, go to Long Pond on Nantucket"
Tourism
"The oldest home on Nantucket is the Jethro Coffin House, built in 1686"
"Nantucket's Whaling Museum first opened in the summer of 1930"
Courtesy of Nantucket Nectars
Architecture
"Architecturally speaking, most historic homes on Nantucket are built in a lean-to style"
Astrology
"The Nantucket sky provides astronomers with one of the best views of space on earth"
Calendar/Events
"The Nantucket Arts Festival takes place in October"
"March on Nantucket is affectionately called 'Hate Month' after enduring winter on the island"
Clothing
"Whale pants are a common, but unfortunate sight on Nantucket"
Food/Wine
http://www.nantucketfoodandwine.com/
"Nantucket's best burgers are at the Brotherhood, but watch your head on the way in"
Geography
"There are two adjoining islands to Nantucket: Tuckermuck and Musketget"
Information
"When looking for a place to live, or anything else on Nantucket, the bulletin board at the Hub might be your best bet"
"Pacific National Bank at the top of Main Street always has water and treats for visiting dogs"
Interesting Facts
"At one time, Nantucket had seven streets named Atlantic Avenue"
"The oldest living Nantucket resident is given the Boston Post Cane, an award they hold until their passing"
"Nantucket was the 3rd town in America to have an Historical District Commission"
"Nantucketeters moving to the mainland in the 18th century often disassembled their island homes and took them along off island"
"Cranberries were first cultivated on Nantucket in 1857"
Mascots/Animals
"The Cormorant bird is said to be Nantucket's official greeter"
"The piping plover, a small sandy-colored bird, is endangered and can be seen on Nantucket"
"For outstanding bird watching, go to Long Pond on Nantucket"
Tourism
"The oldest home on Nantucket is the Jethro Coffin House, built in 1686"
"Nantucket's Whaling Museum first opened in the summer of 1930"
Courtesy of Nantucket Nectars
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Feel them Out
As a colleague of mine and I discussed the latest chapter in my book, he described the difference between a permanent and temporary position. With the understanding, I immediately compared it to a relationship.
" A date is simply a date" You aren't signing into a one-year agreement, nor do you have to spend the rest of your life with this person. It's more like a tenant at will but instead of having to give a months notice, you can simply walk away at any given time.
Out of college, a candidate is often looking for a job to jump start their career. Consider this a "first love". What is the probability that they will stay with that job long term? Well, factoring the individual, the job, the location, the chances are as slim to none. They will always remember their "first love".
What worked? What didn't? Certaintly the individual becomes a little bit more selective in the job search. Instead of jumping into a relationship, they may want to "feel" a company out as "temporary" and after a period of time, discuss the future and growth between the individual and the company, as well as the company and its market. Would a company be more interested in hiring a 50 yr old or a 26 year old. Productivity would lean towards youth, but with principles and knowledge, age would be the likely candidate.
See Rules of Corporate
Corporate Lessons
"Give a man a fish, he can eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he can eat for a lifetime"
Play well with others
Obey and respect chain of command
When uncertain, ask for clarification
Expect the unexpected
Remain un-biased, leaving personal emotions at home
So, what does that all mean?
On third and ten, you’re the Quarterback. Your team is down by 5 and the directive is given from the coach for a pass play down the side to one of your top receivers. You know it’s the wrong call, so you call a timeout.
“Coach, there’s 20 seconds left, I know if I pass the ball to the rookie down the middle, he’ll catch it in the end zone”.
There’s no room for error, protect the ball, look for your open man, and make a spiral throw to the receiver along the side, hopefully they catch it, and make it out of bounds to save time on the clock.
You run back onto the field, you call a different play, and the ball is snapped. You look right, you look left; wide receivers are open. You turn back to the middle, throw your arm back and launch the “Hail Mary” to your rookie. You’re rookie breaks, is at the 10, at the 5, touchdown! The fans go wild, you congratulate your teammate; the coach keeps his composure. The extra point doesn’t matter. Team wins!
After the game, you are benched for insubordination.
Play well with others
Obey and respect chain of command
When uncertain, ask for clarification
Expect the unexpected
Remain un-biased, leaving personal emotions at home
So, what does that all mean?
On third and ten, you’re the Quarterback. Your team is down by 5 and the directive is given from the coach for a pass play down the side to one of your top receivers. You know it’s the wrong call, so you call a timeout.
“Coach, there’s 20 seconds left, I know if I pass the ball to the rookie down the middle, he’ll catch it in the end zone”.
There’s no room for error, protect the ball, look for your open man, and make a spiral throw to the receiver along the side, hopefully they catch it, and make it out of bounds to save time on the clock.
You run back onto the field, you call a different play, and the ball is snapped. You look right, you look left; wide receivers are open. You turn back to the middle, throw your arm back and launch the “Hail Mary” to your rookie. You’re rookie breaks, is at the 10, at the 5, touchdown! The fans go wild, you congratulate your teammate; the coach keeps his composure. The extra point doesn’t matter. Team wins!
After the game, you are benched for insubordination.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
"Remember when we were like that"
A relationship is successful because of the individuals that comprise it.
At the center core, each one must want to be a part of the inner circle. Outside those perimeters, it's mostly about verbal communication, openness to be willing to communicate and talk about things, keep up a conservation, keep each other interested, throw in a few curve balls here and there, laugh at each others jokes, get to know the "whole" person and not just the looks or first impression, that at the end of the day still be able to make a rational decision.
I believe that chemistry develops over time, and that social interaction, family values, work ethic, family upbringing, and individual characteristics play an important role in the relationship also.
29 years ago seems like an eternity, when you put it into context. In less than a minute, that's all it would take for these newly weds to lock into a union for the rest of their lives. In almost every circumstance, it takes even longer to get out of it. "I do"
Surviving through the reception party and off to England, they were arguably at each others throat, contemplating on how such a union would last more than a day, a week, even a month. A year later they would be giving birth to a daughter. As every day went by, the two would focus on the big picture, putting the "foolishness" behind them. I understand now why they did what they did when they did. It's a day that the son/daughter become the parent, and the parent of the parent looks back upon the upbringing with smiles and tears. After all, that is their creation.
In defining success, its important to know the difference between growth and sustainability. Growth is simply a measurement between a starting point, where you were, and an ending point, where you are. Some people can see their future or goals and ambitions in life, and set a path to take them there. Others reach the top of the mountain, say they did it, and that's all they wanted to do in life. If you can look back upon your life, where you were and where you are, certainly there are things you would have done differently, maybe in a different order, but nonetheless, you have learned from your weaknesses, which has only made you that much stronger.
At the center core, each one must want to be a part of the inner circle. Outside those perimeters, it's mostly about verbal communication, openness to be willing to communicate and talk about things, keep up a conservation, keep each other interested, throw in a few curve balls here and there, laugh at each others jokes, get to know the "whole" person and not just the looks or first impression, that at the end of the day still be able to make a rational decision.
I believe that chemistry develops over time, and that social interaction, family values, work ethic, family upbringing, and individual characteristics play an important role in the relationship also.
29 years ago seems like an eternity, when you put it into context. In less than a minute, that's all it would take for these newly weds to lock into a union for the rest of their lives. In almost every circumstance, it takes even longer to get out of it. "I do"
Surviving through the reception party and off to England, they were arguably at each others throat, contemplating on how such a union would last more than a day, a week, even a month. A year later they would be giving birth to a daughter. As every day went by, the two would focus on the big picture, putting the "foolishness" behind them. I understand now why they did what they did when they did. It's a day that the son/daughter become the parent, and the parent of the parent looks back upon the upbringing with smiles and tears. After all, that is their creation.
In defining success, its important to know the difference between growth and sustainability. Growth is simply a measurement between a starting point, where you were, and an ending point, where you are. Some people can see their future or goals and ambitions in life, and set a path to take them there. Others reach the top of the mountain, say they did it, and that's all they wanted to do in life. If you can look back upon your life, where you were and where you are, certainly there are things you would have done differently, maybe in a different order, but nonetheless, you have learned from your weaknesses, which has only made you that much stronger.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Life Stops
For the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and every other low paying, less talented team out there, it's hard to bear that their season is over even before it begins. They can never say this is going to be the year, because as long as there are the Rockefeller's and the billion dollar executive committees at the helm, players are bought and traded like stocks in the NYSE. One minute you are a AAA prospect just making a major league debut, and the next day your locker has a note on it with a one way ticket from a team guaranteed in making a trip to the post-season.
However, winning a championship attributed with a mixture of talent and heart on and off the field can not be measured financially. Redsox of 2004 were simply the underdogs of the post-season, settling for the wild card, almost down and out against the Yankees, then meeting the heavy favorite Cards in the Championship. If MLB instituted a salary cap similar to the NFL, every team would have an equal opportunity to win it all. You may even see the Devil Rays as division champions.
In the spirit of the "hunt for October", eliminated MLB teams seek the "underdog upset", the "delay in the champagne celebration", and at the end of the day, it makes you wonder, what do they have to play for? The fun, the heart, the ambition, the way that America's favorite past-time was once orchestrated. Men put on the uniform and were "honored" to have a job. Now you have over paid athletes complaining about not making "five extra million dollars".
You never know when it's going to happen, but it does. You win the lottery, you lose your house, you pull your hamstring/groin, your pet passes on, for the better or for worse, your daily routine changes.
As I was driving home today, I could hear my mother's voice "when your father and I were your age, we were working until two in the morning"; they had gotten married, and were raising a kid, with another (me) shortly on the way.
24 hours in a day (today's standards)
* 1/3 is sleeping
* 1/3 is working
* 1/3 second job, hang out with friends, college/higher education,
family, vacation, relax
I look at some of my friends, and leaving the parents for the real world is something they just aren't ready to face head on. In a time to reflect, this was an email that was just recently sent to me:
" With age comes wisdom"
" Anyone can help you climb the ladder, however, only you will be able to pull yourself up"
" It is ok to fail, just as long as you learn from your mistakes"
" If you never try, to what degree can you truly measure yourself?"
" A failure to plan, is a plan set up for failure"
" Without goals, there would be nothing to look forward to"
" Quit now, you will never make it. If you disregard this advice, you'll be halfway there!"
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails
and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back
of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily
gradually dwindled down.
He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails
were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You
have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same.
When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry, the wound is still there. " A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.
However, winning a championship attributed with a mixture of talent and heart on and off the field can not be measured financially. Redsox of 2004 were simply the underdogs of the post-season, settling for the wild card, almost down and out against the Yankees, then meeting the heavy favorite Cards in the Championship. If MLB instituted a salary cap similar to the NFL, every team would have an equal opportunity to win it all. You may even see the Devil Rays as division champions.
In the spirit of the "hunt for October", eliminated MLB teams seek the "underdog upset", the "delay in the champagne celebration", and at the end of the day, it makes you wonder, what do they have to play for? The fun, the heart, the ambition, the way that America's favorite past-time was once orchestrated. Men put on the uniform and were "honored" to have a job. Now you have over paid athletes complaining about not making "five extra million dollars".
You never know when it's going to happen, but it does. You win the lottery, you lose your house, you pull your hamstring/groin, your pet passes on, for the better or for worse, your daily routine changes.
As I was driving home today, I could hear my mother's voice "when your father and I were your age, we were working until two in the morning"; they had gotten married, and were raising a kid, with another (me) shortly on the way.
24 hours in a day (today's standards)
* 1/3 is sleeping
* 1/3 is working
* 1/3 second job, hang out with friends, college/higher education,
family, vacation, relax
I look at some of my friends, and leaving the parents for the real world is something they just aren't ready to face head on. In a time to reflect, this was an email that was just recently sent to me:
" With age comes wisdom"
" Anyone can help you climb the ladder, however, only you will be able to pull yourself up"
" It is ok to fail, just as long as you learn from your mistakes"
" If you never try, to what degree can you truly measure yourself?"
" A failure to plan, is a plan set up for failure"
" Without goals, there would be nothing to look forward to"
" Quit now, you will never make it. If you disregard this advice, you'll be halfway there!"
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails
and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back
of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily
gradually dwindled down.
He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails
were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You
have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be
the same.
When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You
can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm
sorry, the wound is still there. " A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.
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