Another week, another trip. This week was Amarillo - marking the official start of 2011 for the company. A new start, a fresh beginning. Every year starts with optimism, but this year feels different.
Reflecting on the success of the meeting, I determined the outcome of the meeting had a direct correlation to the effort put into it. Is life any different? The more you pour into life, the more you can expect out of it.
What about friendships? Relationships? Love? You can't expect a positive outcome without putting in effort.
Flying high after the meeting - could have made it back to Waco without a plane.
Challenge to myself: Pour everything I have into every day.
No Regrets.
By the way....Jack is Back. I was sitting in the Starbucks line in Amarillo while talking on the phone with Carla. In a moment of confusion, I told Carla "Thank you, have a good day." At the same time telling the Starbucks lady, "I love you. See you tonight." Jack may have a restraining order against him.
Don't even get Jack started on the Sonic girl.....
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
What I Want
I was recently asked to participate in an exercise to develop a compensation package. The form was simple in design – “What do you want? Rank from “A” to “C.”
At first, the thought of filling out the form was exciting - "tabula rasa.” But it soon became difficult – then impossible. What can start as compensation can quickly become handcuffs.
After I submitted the document, I begin to formulate a list of what I REALLY want.
I want to be the husband my wife deserves.
I want to be the father my children need.
I want to be the son my mother has earned.
I want Christian men for my two daughters when they are ready to date.
I want to earn the respect of my co-workers.
I want to control my free-will.
I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when my journey is done.
I want patience.
I want to listen with my heart when a friend talks.
I want to not be quick to judge.
I want the ability to forgive as easily as I ask for forgiveness.
No Regrets.
At first, the thought of filling out the form was exciting - "tabula rasa.” But it soon became difficult – then impossible. What can start as compensation can quickly become handcuffs.
After I submitted the document, I begin to formulate a list of what I REALLY want.
I want to be the husband my wife deserves.
I want to be the father my children need.
I want to be the son my mother has earned.
I want Christian men for my two daughters when they are ready to date.
I want to earn the respect of my co-workers.
I want to control my free-will.
I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when my journey is done.
I want patience.
I want to listen with my heart when a friend talks.
I want to not be quick to judge.
I want the ability to forgive as easily as I ask for forgiveness.
No Regrets.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Secret to My Success
No particular order....
My Dad who taught me the work day begins at 6 am and ends at 8 pm.
My Wife who forgives and forgets.
Jesus who died for my sins.
Mr. Bostick who taught be attitude and ability will lead to success.
Brooke who shared the wisdom "If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen."
Mr. Mathis who told me "Money is a pacifer, the job is the satisfier."
My kids who remind me what is really important.
David Byrd who affirms my Spititual Walk.
God who has already set my path.
My Mom who taught discipline and love with the same hands.
To be continued.....
My Dad who taught me the work day begins at 6 am and ends at 8 pm.
My Wife who forgives and forgets.
Jesus who died for my sins.
Mr. Bostick who taught be attitude and ability will lead to success.
Brooke who shared the wisdom "If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen."
Mr. Mathis who told me "Money is a pacifer, the job is the satisfier."
My kids who remind me what is really important.
David Byrd who affirms my Spititual Walk.
God who has already set my path.
My Mom who taught discipline and love with the same hands.
To be continued.....
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Treasures on Earth
I have decided that in this life on earth, this worldly existence, it all comes down to family/friends.
I understand the significance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I agree with the basic needs (Physiological and Safety) - but they are just that basic, obvious. For me, it all starts and stops with "love and belonging" - family/friends.
Furthermore, I understand the importance of Faith. The undeniable truth of a supreme being that guides our path.
But as I navigate through this earthly realm - it is people, relationships that define my daily experience. I am enriched (or harmed) by the relationships I make, pursue, nurture or neglect.
My lowest points are when I realize I have hurt my spouse, ignored my children or wronged a friend. Sunday School lessons are built on the premise of "you can't take your treasures with you." Is that true? If your treasures are the connections you make with other people - will they pass on to the afterlife?
Look at the definition of "friend":
1. A person you know well and regard with affection and trust.
2. An associate who provides cooperation, support or assistance.
How is a new car better? What use is an extra bedroom? What would you do with an extra $5 an hour?
I treasure my family and friends more than earthly possessions. They are my treasure on earth.
"Lord, Help me treat my family and friends with the respect they deserve. Never let them question my feelings or be concerned about my intentions. Bless each of them as they have truly blessed me."
No Regrets.
I understand the significance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I agree with the basic needs (Physiological and Safety) - but they are just that basic, obvious. For me, it all starts and stops with "love and belonging" - family/friends.
Furthermore, I understand the importance of Faith. The undeniable truth of a supreme being that guides our path.
But as I navigate through this earthly realm - it is people, relationships that define my daily experience. I am enriched (or harmed) by the relationships I make, pursue, nurture or neglect.
My lowest points are when I realize I have hurt my spouse, ignored my children or wronged a friend. Sunday School lessons are built on the premise of "you can't take your treasures with you." Is that true? If your treasures are the connections you make with other people - will they pass on to the afterlife?
Look at the definition of "friend":
1. A person you know well and regard with affection and trust.
2. An associate who provides cooperation, support or assistance.
How is a new car better? What use is an extra bedroom? What would you do with an extra $5 an hour?
I treasure my family and friends more than earthly possessions. They are my treasure on earth.
"Lord, Help me treat my family and friends with the respect they deserve. Never let them question my feelings or be concerned about my intentions. Bless each of them as they have truly blessed me."
No Regrets.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Lost and Found
A few hours after my last post I settled in to watch the next episode of Lost. I am rewatching the series from start to finish - and enjoying every minute. When you REALLY watch the series, you will find fundamental truths about life. It is more than just a show.
In this episode there was an exchange between Locke and Sun. Locke makes the comment, "I used to get angry, even frustrated." He goes on to say. "That was when I was lost." Locke ends by saying to find what he was missing, "I quit looking".
My first reaction was "Seek and you shall find." If you quit looking, how will you find?
Must me something more. He is not talking spiritually - he is talking worldly.
So I asked "What makes me angry and frustrated?" Bingo!
Last week I was frustrated - why? I realized the truth in what Locke was saying. I get angry and frustrated when I am "lost" in worldly problems. Too many task, not enough time. So this week - I quit looking. I'm not looking for the extra time to finish tasks. I'm not looking to solve every problem.
Stay grounded and focused - find what has been lost.
To all the people who felt my anger and frustration last week - I apologize.
No Regrets.
In this episode there was an exchange between Locke and Sun. Locke makes the comment, "I used to get angry, even frustrated." He goes on to say. "That was when I was lost." Locke ends by saying to find what he was missing, "I quit looking".
My first reaction was "Seek and you shall find." If you quit looking, how will you find?
Must me something more. He is not talking spiritually - he is talking worldly.
So I asked "What makes me angry and frustrated?" Bingo!
Last week I was frustrated - why? I realized the truth in what Locke was saying. I get angry and frustrated when I am "lost" in worldly problems. Too many task, not enough time. So this week - I quit looking. I'm not looking for the extra time to finish tasks. I'm not looking to solve every problem.
Stay grounded and focused - find what has been lost.
To all the people who felt my anger and frustration last week - I apologize.
No Regrets.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A resort of last resort
Why am I sitting at home at 11:30 pm instead of reading a book by the fire in a cabin? Well, I'm glad you asked.
The day started as planned - up at 8 and on the road by 10am. Car loaded, bags packed and anticipation riding high. Great Mexican lunch on Buchanan Lake (Emily ordered nachos - classic(see other post)). While Carla and I shared cheese enchiladas with cheese sauce. As I told the waitress, you can't get enough cheese.
Anyway, back on the road for the 2.5 hour drive to the Frio River. On the way, we made jokes like "What if the river is dry?" Surely rivers don't dry up.
We finally make it to our destination - River Rim Resort. Oh the sound of it, RIVER - nice, cool and refreshing. RIM - a vista of the Hill Country. Resort - pampered.
Here is where the story unravels.
1. "The resort is $250 a night." Hmmm, my confirmation says $200. The lady proceeds to tell me that "it is never $200 a night." So, let's look at the webpage - $210 a night peak.....this is TUESDAY.
Clarence - don't worry. An extra $150 for three nights will be ok...(Clarence is soft).
2. "The pool is an extra $10 per person." Hmmm, where was that on the website? Nope, not listed.
Clarence - Calm down, there is a river. Who needs a pool?
3. "Your cabin is not at this property it is down the road."
Clarence - Get in touch with Jack.
4. We drive the half mile to the "cabin" (actually an old house)and found it had not been cleaned by the staff. To make matters worse, the "romantic fire pit" was a circle of old rocks (full of empty beer cans). The family Bar-B-Que area was a rusty old oil drum. And the house smelled like cat urine - no offense to urine.
Jack - Get in the car.
Had the drive back to the office taken more than 5 minutes, there would have been bloodshed (you know I was packing heat).
Jack - Go take care of this.
Jack storms into the office. "We will not be staying at your "resort." This is totally unacceptable." Don't be rude Jack. They still have your credit card. "We are not at all satisfied with the situation." Full refund. Good job Jack.
Back to the car. Back home.
And yes, the river did have water.
No Regrets.
The day started as planned - up at 8 and on the road by 10am. Car loaded, bags packed and anticipation riding high. Great Mexican lunch on Buchanan Lake (Emily ordered nachos - classic(see other post)). While Carla and I shared cheese enchiladas with cheese sauce. As I told the waitress, you can't get enough cheese.
Anyway, back on the road for the 2.5 hour drive to the Frio River. On the way, we made jokes like "What if the river is dry?" Surely rivers don't dry up.
We finally make it to our destination - River Rim Resort. Oh the sound of it, RIVER - nice, cool and refreshing. RIM - a vista of the Hill Country. Resort - pampered.
Here is where the story unravels.
1. "The resort is $250 a night." Hmmm, my confirmation says $200. The lady proceeds to tell me that "it is never $200 a night." So, let's look at the webpage - $210 a night peak.....this is TUESDAY.
Clarence - don't worry. An extra $150 for three nights will be ok...(Clarence is soft).
2. "The pool is an extra $10 per person." Hmmm, where was that on the website? Nope, not listed.
Clarence - Calm down, there is a river. Who needs a pool?
3. "Your cabin is not at this property it is down the road."
Clarence - Get in touch with Jack.
4. We drive the half mile to the "cabin" (actually an old house)and found it had not been cleaned by the staff. To make matters worse, the "romantic fire pit" was a circle of old rocks (full of empty beer cans). The family Bar-B-Que area was a rusty old oil drum. And the house smelled like cat urine - no offense to urine.
Jack - Get in the car.
Had the drive back to the office taken more than 5 minutes, there would have been bloodshed (you know I was packing heat).
Jack - Go take care of this.
Jack storms into the office. "We will not be staying at your "resort." This is totally unacceptable." Don't be rude Jack. They still have your credit card. "We are not at all satisfied with the situation." Full refund. Good job Jack.
Back to the car. Back home.
And yes, the river did have water.
No Regrets.
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