Sometimes I think that there's a lot of strange things that go through my mind. Most of it happens on the short runs I take around Lake Padden.
Like, on a recent run, I couldn't help but wonder what you'd REALLY get if Wu Tang raised you. I'd imagine that by a very young age you'd well versed in rolling the perfect joint, quoting Bruce Lee movies and hitting up the studio to drop 16 bars like nobody's business. Well, maybe I just better be thankful for good ole mom and dad.
Some people have said my blog lacks a REAL look into my personal experiences and that I don't get real enough and talk about the stuff people REALLY wanna hear. Well, it's about to get REALLY REAL people. Are you ready?
This year I got a year older and my body is letting me know it. When I turned 30 a few years back, my hair started thinning and I realized my youth was slowly fading. Since I don't have 10 grand to give Mr. Bosley to plug me with that perfect head of hair you see in the commercials, I pretty much just deal with it. It's part of life. You wear your hair a little different, invest in some hats and call it good.
But as I age ever closer to that ominous mid-life 40th birthday, my body is REALLY getting back at me for all that I put it through the last 36 years. It's letting me know loud and clear that I'm no spring chicken. I'm not sure how to put it exactly, but, this year I bought my very first tube of hemorrhoidal cream. Ya, the stress of opening my business to the public again apparently threw my body into a tailspin and I found myself at the Haggen in search of the magical ointment that would ease my pain.
Of course, one just doesn't go into the Haggen and buy hemorrhoidal cream. Naturally, I picked up a grapefruit, hot dogs, some hot dog buns (fitting, right?) and a bag of chips to bring to the counter and disguise my first mid-life medical purchase. There was a cute girl in check stand one, but for the first time in my life I opted for the older gal in check stand 2 who would be more understanding to the plight of the middle aged man.
Ya, life has gotten rather complicated lately. It's getting nasty and there's no stoppin' it. My youth is but a memory. I now have two mortgages that need to be paid every month. My niece and nephews are now driving cars and dating. Hell, I even have divorced friends starting their second families. I'm still guilty of living vicariously through the young people who enter my life, but my body definitely is no longer pulling any punches when it comes to those middle-aged reminders. I guess I should just embrace it and go along for the ride.
I suppose that I could always ask: What would Wu-Tang do? But I'm sure I'd be better off just giving mom and dad a call. Of course, something tells me Method Man just might have some insight into a quick hemorrhoidal cure. He might even keep it in the dollar box he keeps on top of the fridge. Just in case he needs to make a trip to the Haggen for "hot dog buns"...:)
Monday, May 27, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Is it okay to profit off the generosity of others?
I don't get angry very often, but every now and then someone says something that sets me off. For those of you who don't know, I run an online clothing store on eBay. For the past decade I've been finding deals at thrift stores and selling them online for profit. Well, as I loaded up on shoes at the Bellingham Goodwill, a lady came over to me and asked if I planned to resell those shoes. I politely told her I was going to resell them and she responded: "You shouldn't profit off the generosity of others."
When you work behind a computer most of the day, you tend to welcome conversation from strangers. It often is the only thing that gets me to think about stuff differently. And this lady's comment definitely got me thinking. At first it was: "The nerve of some people, why don't you mind your own business!!!" Then I channeled my father and thought, well, "Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one". It wasn't necessarily her comment that got me riled up, it was the tone in which she delivered it. As if to look at me and say "Tsk Tsk, shame on you!!!" If she only knew the time, money and energy it takes to turn a profit online these days. Ultimately, I let the comment slide without a reply and walked away from the shoe section in search of more deals. But I couldn't help replaying her statement in my mind and wondering if I really was morally at fault for profiting off the generosity of others.
It was something I'd never really thought about in all the time I've eBayed. I mean, when I think about the amount of money I've spent at Goodwill in the last decade, I'm sure they'd welcome my business. They money I spend at Goodwill helps train people to get back in the workforce and I'm sure my community is a better place as a result of my monetary contribution to Goodwill and other stores I frequent. Maybe this lady was just mad because I got to the shoes before she did. Then again, maybe she was just in a nasty mood and wanted me to think twice about snagging up all the good deals. As I thought about it more, I realized that if I was there profiting off the generosity of others, then so was she and we were actually both at fault. "Tsk Tsk lady!!!"
When it comes down to it, it's not like I'm begging on the street corner for money. I'm working a system that provides me and many others with jobs. I'm stimulating the economy, recycling goods, paying my taxes and living the American dream of self employment. Sure, sometimes I feel a little like I'm begging when I try to promote my businesses. But, in the end, I provide services and encourage people to take advantage of my services. Whether they choose to check it out or not is up to them.
So if I'm morally at fault for doing what I'm doing, I guess I'll have to meet my maker one day and make my argument. I just hope that when I die and the pearly gates open and I'm in line ready to plead my case to the Almighty; please don't let this lady be standing behind me in line. Test me once and I can walk away politely and bite my tongue, but if this lady is there to put her two cents in again, she might not like the verbal assault I'll have to unleash on her. Oh Lord have mercy...:)
When you work behind a computer most of the day, you tend to welcome conversation from strangers. It often is the only thing that gets me to think about stuff differently. And this lady's comment definitely got me thinking. At first it was: "The nerve of some people, why don't you mind your own business!!!" Then I channeled my father and thought, well, "Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one". It wasn't necessarily her comment that got me riled up, it was the tone in which she delivered it. As if to look at me and say "Tsk Tsk, shame on you!!!" If she only knew the time, money and energy it takes to turn a profit online these days. Ultimately, I let the comment slide without a reply and walked away from the shoe section in search of more deals. But I couldn't help replaying her statement in my mind and wondering if I really was morally at fault for profiting off the generosity of others.
It was something I'd never really thought about in all the time I've eBayed. I mean, when I think about the amount of money I've spent at Goodwill in the last decade, I'm sure they'd welcome my business. They money I spend at Goodwill helps train people to get back in the workforce and I'm sure my community is a better place as a result of my monetary contribution to Goodwill and other stores I frequent. Maybe this lady was just mad because I got to the shoes before she did. Then again, maybe she was just in a nasty mood and wanted me to think twice about snagging up all the good deals. As I thought about it more, I realized that if I was there profiting off the generosity of others, then so was she and we were actually both at fault. "Tsk Tsk lady!!!"
When it comes down to it, it's not like I'm begging on the street corner for money. I'm working a system that provides me and many others with jobs. I'm stimulating the economy, recycling goods, paying my taxes and living the American dream of self employment. Sure, sometimes I feel a little like I'm begging when I try to promote my businesses. But, in the end, I provide services and encourage people to take advantage of my services. Whether they choose to check it out or not is up to them.
So if I'm morally at fault for doing what I'm doing, I guess I'll have to meet my maker one day and make my argument. I just hope that when I die and the pearly gates open and I'm in line ready to plead my case to the Almighty; please don't let this lady be standing behind me in line. Test me once and I can walk away politely and bite my tongue, but if this lady is there to put her two cents in again, she might not like the verbal assault I'll have to unleash on her. Oh Lord have mercy...:)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Life Lessons Learned
As I edited soccer photos this morning, my mind wandered about the lessons a young adult learns from competing in sport. As I sat there and edited picture after picture of soccer players battling for possession of the ball, it hit me that there are significant life lessons that these kids are learning out there.
That ball is a symbol of what everyone wants. He who has the ball, has the glory. He has his shining moment before his peers. Maybe I'm able to catch him in an action photo with that ball and he's going to become Facebook famous for all his friends to admire. Then again, maybe he does the right things with that ball and it results in a goal that earns the team the win and gets his name in the newspaper. If you think about it, even the word goal is there. Ultimately, he's reached his goal.
As I looked over the photos this morning I realized that each one of those kids put in hours of hard work and preparation just to have a chance to earn that jersey and suit up to represent their school. Out of thousands of kids, only 11 had what it takes to rise to the top and earn a position on the field.
In soccer, like in life, for some kids the ball just falls at their foot. They're in the right position and have what it takes to deal with the situations in front of them. Still others have to work hard to get in the picture. Some kids ride the bench for years before getting a moment. And still others sit on the sidelines and wish they had the talent to compete with the elite 11 they admire from afar.
One of the most important life lessons sport teaches is the ability to communicate. In my 30 minutes shooting soccer at Meridian High School the other day, I watched the King's goalie holler at his defenders and also watched how the defenders responded to his communication. Some of them listened and responded to his suggestions, but there was the one kid who turned to him and said: "Really?" Well, I guess not everyone responds well to being hollered at. Not only do kids learn how to communicate with each other, they learn the importance of communication with referees, coaches and fans. If you want the glory, then you're gonna have to learn to communicate with authority figures. That's a lesson we all learn really quick. Respect and decorum are paramount in sport.
Everyone wants to feel like what they say and do in life is important. I know I do! They want to be significant in the lives of those around them and make positive impacts on others. That holds true on the soccer field. Sure, in "real" life it doesn't always work out that way, but it's what we all should strive toward.
Yes, these kids are definitely learning valuable life lessons. If they want to keep the ball, it takes work. It takes hustle, smart decisions and determination. Once these kids graduate, get married and buy a house, they'll know what it takes to earn the money to pay that mortgage each month. They'll know the time it takes to maintain a marriage, a friendship and a job. They learned it playing soccer. Maybe it's a bit of a stretch to say some kid's ability to kick a ball translates into all that, but it certainly doesn't hurt.
That ball is a symbol of what everyone wants. He who has the ball, has the glory. He has his shining moment before his peers. Maybe I'm able to catch him in an action photo with that ball and he's going to become Facebook famous for all his friends to admire. Then again, maybe he does the right things with that ball and it results in a goal that earns the team the win and gets his name in the newspaper. If you think about it, even the word goal is there. Ultimately, he's reached his goal.
As I looked over the photos this morning I realized that each one of those kids put in hours of hard work and preparation just to have a chance to earn that jersey and suit up to represent their school. Out of thousands of kids, only 11 had what it takes to rise to the top and earn a position on the field.
In soccer, like in life, for some kids the ball just falls at their foot. They're in the right position and have what it takes to deal with the situations in front of them. Still others have to work hard to get in the picture. Some kids ride the bench for years before getting a moment. And still others sit on the sidelines and wish they had the talent to compete with the elite 11 they admire from afar.
One of the most important life lessons sport teaches is the ability to communicate. In my 30 minutes shooting soccer at Meridian High School the other day, I watched the King's goalie holler at his defenders and also watched how the defenders responded to his communication. Some of them listened and responded to his suggestions, but there was the one kid who turned to him and said: "Really?" Well, I guess not everyone responds well to being hollered at. Not only do kids learn how to communicate with each other, they learn the importance of communication with referees, coaches and fans. If you want the glory, then you're gonna have to learn to communicate with authority figures. That's a lesson we all learn really quick. Respect and decorum are paramount in sport.
Everyone wants to feel like what they say and do in life is important. I know I do! They want to be significant in the lives of those around them and make positive impacts on others. That holds true on the soccer field. Sure, in "real" life it doesn't always work out that way, but it's what we all should strive toward.
Yes, these kids are definitely learning valuable life lessons. If they want to keep the ball, it takes work. It takes hustle, smart decisions and determination. Once these kids graduate, get married and buy a house, they'll know what it takes to earn the money to pay that mortgage each month. They'll know the time it takes to maintain a marriage, a friendship and a job. They learned it playing soccer. Maybe it's a bit of a stretch to say some kid's ability to kick a ball translates into all that, but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Jump, bad decisions, algebra & the orange wobble board
If you haven't heard, one half of the rap group Kris Kross died of an apparent drug overdose. I can't say I'm surprised to hear of his passing at age 34. I guess once you get some money and a taste for the good life, it's hard to turn down that next high. Can you imagine having your greatest achievement come when you're 13 years old? That's what happened when this duo of Krises started wearing their clothes backward and recorded "Jump" with super producer Jermaine Dupri.
I mean, think back to when you were in 8th grade. You weren't touring with Michael Jackson behind the power of a Billboard hit. You were probably handing notes to your crush and wondering if she/he would "go" with you, whatever that meant. Come on now, admit it, who didn't pass notes with the yes, no and maybe boxes. The worst thing that could happen in your life was that she'd check the "no" box and you'd have to shift your efforts to one of her friends.
It doesn't really surprise me when young people make bad decisions. Especially when they weren't given the adequate time to learn and grow into healthy adults. When you're on the road at age 13, just imagine all the algebra you miss out on. And everyone knows that algebra transforms you into that well-rounded adult who makes smart life choices. These days, I try to put my energy into positive endeavors that can turn a few bucks and keep me with a roof over my head. But even I fall victim to some dumb life choices. I guess I should have paid more attention to 8th grade algebra and my life could have turned out better.
As I think back to 8th grade, I remember having a big wobbly orange skateboard. We lived at the top of a big hill, so, of course, once I was able to stand on my board, I had to try and bomb the hill. I got that orange wobble board up to about 20 miles per hour and halfway into my hill ride, down I go, removing about half the skin on my right shoulder. There was no helmet, no pads, not even an extra layer of clothing. Just me, a thin cotton t-shirt and the cement. Good thing mom was just steps away with a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Man, I can still feel the burn. Yep, I'm sure I could have definitely used some algebra when calculating that life choice.
I mean, think back to when you were in 8th grade. You weren't touring with Michael Jackson behind the power of a Billboard hit. You were probably handing notes to your crush and wondering if she/he would "go" with you, whatever that meant. Come on now, admit it, who didn't pass notes with the yes, no and maybe boxes. The worst thing that could happen in your life was that she'd check the "no" box and you'd have to shift your efforts to one of her friends.
It doesn't really surprise me when young people make bad decisions. Especially when they weren't given the adequate time to learn and grow into healthy adults. When you're on the road at age 13, just imagine all the algebra you miss out on. And everyone knows that algebra transforms you into that well-rounded adult who makes smart life choices. These days, I try to put my energy into positive endeavors that can turn a few bucks and keep me with a roof over my head. But even I fall victim to some dumb life choices. I guess I should have paid more attention to 8th grade algebra and my life could have turned out better.
As I think back to 8th grade, I remember having a big wobbly orange skateboard. We lived at the top of a big hill, so, of course, once I was able to stand on my board, I had to try and bomb the hill. I got that orange wobble board up to about 20 miles per hour and halfway into my hill ride, down I go, removing about half the skin on my right shoulder. There was no helmet, no pads, not even an extra layer of clothing. Just me, a thin cotton t-shirt and the cement. Good thing mom was just steps away with a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Man, I can still feel the burn. Yep, I'm sure I could have definitely used some algebra when calculating that life choice.
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