IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS...

Taste and Smell

2011-02-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a "little thing" to appreciate. The taste and smell of an orange. Seriously! Have you in recent days actually taken a moment to smell and taste your food? Most often I'm rushing to the next thing and forget to enjoy the experience of eating. I dare you to take a moment today to truly enjoy one thing.

Lesson learned:

Using your senses enhance quality of life. Taking a moment to enjoy that is a chance to make some happy. ;-)

Birthdays & Family

2011-02-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Had my big 4-0 party on Friday. Loads of fun and many great friends showed up. I felt loved and I will not take that for granted!

I also had a visit from my father and step-mother. They came to visit me around 4 1/2 years ago. We've chatted a bit here and there, but to be honest I felt a little nervous about what we would do or talk about. To my surprise, the visit was superb! We had conversations, laughed, and generally had a good time. This is a great step to building a more solid relationship with my father. Things have been so distant and weird for so long. I will be holding on to this weekend for a little while. ;-)

Lesson learned:

Appreciate the support and love sent your way
People and things change, be open to it

Doctor Love

2011-02-11T08:15:00.001-05:00

Here's a surprise. I set up my doctor's appointment for the middle of February for my big 4-0 check-up. My doctor contacted me via email and suggested I move my appointment from Duke to her office in Southpoint to save money by avoiding a building fee. One, a building fee? Two, how awesome is she?

Now that is a little thing to appreciate.

Lesson learned:

People can surprise you. Notice and appreciate. ;-)

Half full

2011-02-08T07:19:00.000-05:00

Haven't been feeling very inspired, which is a lesson in itself. The little things have been escaping me lately. I believe this means I need to open my eyes and heart a little more. With turning the big 4-0 this Sunday, I am paying more attention to what is in my life. I just need to turn those focuses on what's positive.

In fact, my goal for this week is to find just one tiny little thing and let it in. I'll let you know what I find.

Lesson learned:

Try to keep eyes peeled to the positive things. So often we can get in the habit of focusing on then negative.

First day

2011-01-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of second semester classes and it has started out really well. The nature of the course I'm teaching, Small Business Entrepreneurship (Honors), brings a certain type of student and vibe. I've had such a rough time of it with some behavior problems last semester that this is a nice break. Makes me remember that in order to appreciate the positive things in our lives we need to negative. If all was perfect all the time, we'd be bored.

Lesson of the day:

Appreciate the good and bad, they both have their place in life.

Inspiration from a Cartoonist

2011-01-13T08:33:00.000-05:00

For those that don't know, I teach an online class through LearnNC based out of UNC. Most of the classes have been fairly routine with not much in the way of inspiration. Today was different. All students at the beginning of the course are to state three good things in the forums. Today a student posted a story from Chicken Noodle Soup For The Soul. The story spoke of a young man who was bit by the cartooning bug. He loved drawing cartoons and wanted to pursue this as a career. On a fluke he wrote a cartoonist about how to go about pursuing this goal. To the young man's surprise the cartoonist replied and provided that information with some inspiration as well. Years passed and the young man did get discouraged and quit. Again on a fluke the cartoonist wrote the now older young man asking if he stuck to his dream. This really inspired the man and he pursued his dream again to great success.

After reading this story, a number of students began replying with their own experiences. It truly touched me and helped move me toward not just spotting the little things, but acting on them as well.

Thank you students for inspiring me. ;-)

Brian

Drooooid!

2011-01-07T07:50:00.000-05:00

I have happily received a new phone after two years yesterday. Super excited! I know this isn't a huge deal for most and there are more important things going on in the world right now, but man, I love this phone.

Lesson learned:

This is a little thing to appreciate and that's okay.

Listen...

2011-01-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

Been off work during the holidays. Spent most of the break laying around, playing video games and just being lazy. Started to feel guilty about it toward the end of the break. Regardless, I did get to hang with my friends somewhat. Seems that I appreciate friends and family more around the holidays. Wish this is something I didn't take for granted most of the year. Why do we do that? The world would be a much better place if we valued those we spoke to on a regular basis. Guess life and personal dramas get in the way.

Lesson Learned:

Take the time to listen and truly value the person I'm with at that moment.

Yes or No to Tradition?

2010-12-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

I've been having a discussion with my other half about Christmas dinner. I want handmade dishes that require a bit more work and my other half wants easy dishes. There's good reason for both. The easy dishes give you more time to play with your new presents, but the homemade dishes can ignite tradition and a sense of home. I guess my point is that tradition is missing in much of today's families. I crave tradition more because I grew up in a military family where everything changed so often that any kind of repetitive family moments are welcomed.

My little thing moment is that making an extra effort makes the "little thing" happen.

Lesson learned:

Respect tradition and if you don't have one. Make it!

Friends

2010-12-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

Last night I performed with my group The Last Unicorns. Really Special People and CHIPs also played. Was a really fun night. My "little thing" moment was sitting in one of the booths with a big group of friends. We were all laughing and picking on each other. At one moment I stepped outside myself and saw the experience from the bigger picture. These people and I choose to spend our precious moments together. That is truly a gift. I'm so grateful.

Lesson learned:

Take those precious moments and appreciate them. These are the moments that define you as a person and who you are to those around you.

Speaking from the heart

2010-12-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

A couple of young female students stayed in my room for lunch yesterday. These are two of my 2nd block students. They are always spot-on with their work and do some real critical thinking. I struggle to get any student to do that! They are also saying how much they love the class and come in as forces of nature with a positive twist.

As I was listening to them talk I felt a twinge of paternal instinct come on and I had to tell them how much I respect them and appreciate who they are as people. They both became bumbling sweeties of appreciation. One had tears in her eyes. Felt good.

Lesson Learned:

Even though someone might think you're a big ole softie, tell them how you feel. Could really make someone's day.

What's in a name?

2010-12-09T11:05:00.000-05:00

So last night I went to my improv coaching gig with a fresh long form improv team called, Hang in Their Baby. I was really tired, but it was worth it. Watching a group of people let loose and create is a great experience. My golden moment was stopping a scene (which I hate to do) telling a performer to adopt a male NYC chauvinist attitude. He blossomed! He took that character and began responding more freely than he ever has before. It was the first time I've ever seen him perform that well.

Lesson learned:

Helping someone achieve goal instead of chastising them should be the goal.
Helping people feels good!

What's positive about having the flu?

2010-12-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

I've been sick with the flu this past week. Coming back to the world of the living is taking a lot of energy, but I'm up for the task. I'm sitting here considering what can I take as a positive learning experience from this. The key thing that sticks out is how amazing and comforting my partner has been. The moment I came home sick he grabbed me some Theraflu, wrapped me up in a blanket, and made everything quiet. When I woke up he had made chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. The next few days I received the same treatment and am truly grateful. The key thing is even though I was sick I still said thank you. That's important to me. He needs to know I appreciate his effort.

Lesson learned:

Treat your loved ones with respect as they are the ones that will love you when you're at your worst.

Helping others

2010-11-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

My mother is having a tough time financially, which kills me. I want to help her out so badly. I do what I can, but I would feel much more comfortable if she lived closer to home. She wants to live here in Raleigh, but saving money is difficult right now. I'm going to make it my goal to get her here. Fact is she is the only person that knows me inside and out. She knows all my little screw ups and darkness that has peeked out in the past and I know hers. We chat about everything...and I mean everything. Things weren't always great, but man am I grateful for our relationship now.

Lesson learned:

Appreciate the powerful relationships you have, cause life is short.

The Sounds of Silen...uh...Cats

2010-11-29T11:25:00.000-05:00

I love the sound of a cat purring. When petting my cat named Maddy, I can't help but put my ear close to her. The sound just seems to calm me. There is a science devoted to this. Check out this site: http://www.suite101.com/content/cat-purring-heals-humans-too-a301041

Lesson learned:

Listen

Duh! It really is the little things that count.

2010-11-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

Every morning I wake to coffee being brewed and a love note. How many folks in a relationship can admit to someone doing this for them every work day? Problem is I don't think I say thank you enough, so when I get home today I'm going to give a big thank you!

I wonder what other 'little things' I miss throughout the day? Do I do enough 'little things'?

Lesson learned:

Do something wonderful for someone today, even if they don't see it.

Singing the Blues Away

2010-11-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend I performed with my musical group, Hotel Principality. This was the next to the last performance as I am taking a break for awhile. I can honestly say I truly enjoyed the show. When I'm singing, I pull from something in my soul. I feel it deeply. This doesn't happen with every song, but almost every show I have one song I feel a deep connection to. I believe singing is something that is embedded in who I am as a person. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some fantastic singer that could make a living at it. But, I do feel it should somehow be a part of my life.

Regardless, most people have some part of themselves that wants to share their voice. The next time you feel it, go for it! The next time you're alone in the house, belt it out! The next time your in the car and want to sing to the song, go for it and screw the neighboring cars!

Lesson learned:

Find your bliss and do it!
Don't be embarrassed to express yourself

The Possibilities Never End

2010-11-19T08:53:00.000-05:00

Today I've been searching for the next big challenge in my life. As I've been a little bored with teaching, I was checking out the possibilities. I've thought of something in IT as a possibility. I think I'd be happier with IT support as I like working with people, but I love solving problems even more. What is great is that I am hitting the big 4-0 in a couple months and I still feel cool with making big changes. I've noticed a number of folks that act and feel old at 40. Get over it!

Lesson learned:

You are NEVER too old to learn something new and be challenged. ;-)

Visualize a Balloon Popping

2010-11-17T11:45:00.001-05:00

Ever feel like you're putting way too much pressure on yourself? I do! For some odd reason I've been putting pressure on myself to get busy. I've only just lightened my load a little in my free time and now I feel the need to fill the time up. Why do we do that?

An important personal goal I now have is to enjoy the free time I have gifted myself. After fulltime school and work, I went and filled up the time with fulltime work and fulltime improv. Now it's time to stop and smell the roses. I gift myself that and I hope you do as well. ;-)

Lesson learned:

Lay off yourself!
Enjoy the time you have as it goes so quickly.

The Moment of Crisis

2010-11-15T08:34:00.000-05:00

Took a wonderful walk with my friend Bryan this weekend around Lake Johnson. Talked about science, health, and home stuff. Was truly a refreshing and friendship filled moment. Left Bryan to go to the parking lot, got in my car, and heard a loud crunching sound. Looked to my right and saw a car literally gliding on the guard rail. The car was just 4 cars over and I didn't react with panic, but with wonder. The thought did cross my mind that I hope it wasn't going to go over the ledge and hit other cars or God forbid a person.

After the car had landed with its back wheels up in the air and its front wheels on the road, I got out of the car to see if the person was okay. By that point 4 or 5 people were running over and I decided to hang back as there were too many people there already. They guided the driver, a young, dapper gentlemen, out of the car and sat him on the guardrail. All was fine.

My goal lately has been to see the little things, so of course the obvious was that he was alright and no one was hurt. But, I've been thinking. We have no clue when something tragic could happen. Accidents happen all the time and people die. Life is so fragile.

Lesson learned:

We truly should be doing everything we can to make the world a better place and to live in the moment. It all could go in a flash.

Teaching moments (Thanks, Oprah)

2010-11-12T11:57:00.000-05:00

Today I'm teaching markups, markdowns, and invoice terms (3/10, net/30 EOM, etc.). This unit is one that I dread as I teach an elective course and the make-up of elective students is from the lowest academic level to the highest. Teaching math is something most students just groan about before I ever get started.

Today was no different. The students struggled, but I stayed on them. When they turned in their work I made them explain EOM, ROG, and extended date, and it worked. Those that somewhat got it, got it when they turned in their sheet and I walked them through it. Feels good.

Lesson learned:

Pushing people to understand is hard, but can reap some awesome rewards that last.

Cha...cha...cha...changes

2010-11-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

The world has been a bit colder, at least in my eyes. Once known for my patience, I've got little tolerance for silly things. Things like drivers pulling out in front of me and flipping me off. Things like people that you respect being two-faced. Things like...blah...blah...blah. I recognize the tension. My shoulders are raised and my brow is creased. Too much on my plate has left me frigid and sometimes intolerant.

Time for a CHANGE! I'm slowly making changes in my life. Have skimmed back on performing improv and that has been a passion of mine for almost eight years. This week I informed my musical improv group that I was stepping away and wasn't sure when or if I would be back. I've also not signed up for the shortform improv troupe this past month and probably won't sign up until next year sometime or not at all. There's been too much petty behavior, favoritism and singling out. What was once a haven of love and friendship has morphed into something that brings out the ugly in me. Hurts to say this, but I am a blunt person.

What will I do to fill the void? I'm going to focus on my health/body. Years ago I spent time meditating and exercised regularly. I've found a beginner fitness boot camp and I'm going to check that out. I'm also focusing on a career change. Teaching has been great, but I'm ready to move toward something that sparks passion. Might do some classes on technology and get certified. Whatever! The world is my oyster. (What does that mean?)

Lesson Learned:

If you're going to bitch about something, at least do something about it!

Look At Me!!!!

2010-11-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

The alarm sounded at 5:45 a.m. as it does every workday. Got up, showered, ironed my work clothes and headed downstairs to pour some coffee. Grabbed my travel mug for coffee and just happen to look down. Surprise! I had a guest visitor from the outdoors, a caterpillar. How this guest entered the house I had no idea. I said hello, grabbed a paper towel and carefully led it onto its temporary home. I then took it outside and placed it on a bush.

What's interesting is that I heard a story years ago about a Buddhist reincarnated as a caterpillar. This story has stuck with me for years. Anytime I see a caterpillar or butterfly I associate this insect with a human soul. I'm not a full-on Buddhist, but I pull bits of religion and agree or disagree. I can relate this reincarnation idea to Einstein's theory that humans are electrical beings and energy can not simply disappear. The energy must go somewhere. So I believe we could go into a pool of electrical energy or we could come back as a human again or some living creature. Who knows?

My point is we have no idea what happens to us and we should respect all living creatures. Heck, this being could be a relative!

Lesson learned:

Sometimes little things are put in your path to entice thought and/or bring you outside of yourself. Notice them, appreciate them and learn from them.

Roleplay!

2010-11-03T11:39:00.001-04:00

Back on the topic of the little things. A friend of mine who is a number of years younger than me is currently in grad school in England. She writes a blog that I absolutely love. First, I love the United Kingdom and it's not just because my stepmother and sister are British. I love the UK for its landscape, ancient architecture, and tell-it-like-it-is mentality. And second, have you partied with the British? Total let-loose experience.

Anyway, my friend Kate is describing her experience living in the UK in detail via her blog. Truth is I am living through her! Every day I go looking for her post and imagine the interior of her dorm, the smells in the cafeteria and the British accents of her new found friends. This is the guilty pleasure I have every morning. This past week she was exploring China Town and I tell you I love me some Asian food. There is a bit of jealousy here. ;-)

Lesson learned:

Know what gives you pleasure. This may be a clue into your life and dreams. Hmmmm...how can I live in the UK for a year?

Letting Go...

2010-11-02T10:21:00.000-04:00

This is a bit personal, but I feel is important to get out. I've come to the realization that my father has been lost to my brother and I for over 20 years. This isn't a slam or insult toward him, it just is what it is. I come to this realization this past week and over years of experience. As you know, this past week my brother was deployed to Iraq. My mother, niece and great nephews went to Georgia to surprise him. Was a great visit and truthfully a heartfelt journey with my brother. My father, on the other hand, went on a cruise with his wife. He never called my brother and did not take a hand in sharing his experiences in being deployed to the Vietnam War years ago.

I did something I'm not proud of, but felt necessary. I called my father and purposely made him feel bad about it. I shared that we went and surprised my brother the weekend before he deployed. I then said something that was very hard to say, but needed to be said. I told my father that I'm sure he could relate to what my brother was going through as he went through the same thing. My father got very quiet. We spoke a short bit longer as he said my stepsister just pulled up and he had to go. And that was it. That was the moment I knew that he has been gone for years. His second family has replaced the first and that is where his priorities lie.

I'm sad about it, but it's time I move on. Blood relatives, in my experience, are not always family. Sometimes they are someone you share a history with and some residual feelings of love. I love my father and I care what happens to him, but I can't put my expectations of what I think a father should be on him. He is not that man and that is okay.

Lesson learned:

Realities are sometimes hard to face, but they help to heal wounds and forge new paths.

Day 18 - The future?

2010-10-28T12:34:00.001-04:00

Was chatting my mother yesterday about life and such. We got on the subject of prayer and I had to admit that I do occasionally pray, but not in the traditional sense. I have a different belief than my mother. She takes the christian 'Jesus' approach and I believe there is some life force (like karma) that steers things in one direction or the other. There is no scientific proof either way. Regardless, I've been a little stressed over my job lately and on my trip back from Georgia I took a minute to look in the heavens and ask for help. There was a feeling of peace after and I left it at that.

My 'stop and pay attention' moment came on the phone with my mother. I found that I should not feel silly or stupid for praying as who knows what's going on above our ability to sense. Who knows?

Lesson Learned:

Be who you are without fear of others not approving. This is our one life, so live the way it makes you happy!

Day 17 - A day of rest

2010-10-27T14:14:00.000-04:00

Was so tired after traveling to Georgia and back over the weekend. Got to spend the evening after work just relaxing and playing video games. I also completed some coursework in a class I'm taking with LearnNC about teaching in a virtual world. This is the first class in a while that has peaked my interest. Imagine the future of education! Students come to their virtual world classroom. The teacher begins giving audio information related to the curriculum. At various points a game pops up to reinforce the information or a quiz question pops up to assess the student's understanding of the material. There are so many opportunities for learning!

Lesson Learned:

Be open to change and technology. A whole new world could open up for you.

Day 13 - 16 - Surprise...not!

2010-10-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

Spent Friday to Monday at my brother's house in Georgia as he is headed out to Iraq this coming weekend. This is a sensitive matter and the family is being super supportive. My brother, for those that don't know him, is a bit of the strong, silent type. He doesn't like to share feelings and such. Regardless, you could see the happiness exude off of him when we all showed up to surprise him. Well...some of us surprised him.

So here's the deal. I headed down to Georgia Friday morning and posted a message on my Facebook about it. Duh. Forgot my brother has Facebook and the surprise was ruined! He calls my sister-in-law in the afternoon when I am there and asks what she is doing. She says nothing and he responds by saying, "Next time Brian wants to surprise me with a visit, tell him not to post it on Facebook." LOL! Luckily, I didn't ruin the surprise that my mother, brother's daughter, and his grand kids were there. That surprise was priceless.

Anyway, throughout the weekend my brother was laughing and rubbing it in my face. After listening to my bro berate me, I thought about how this would be a memory that we could draw on for years. We won't necessarily remember eating the delicious grilled dinner or the conversation we had about video games, but we will remember the goof I made.

Lesson Learned:

Sometimes a mistake you make is a gift to others. Learn to not take a mistake as a negative and laugh it off. You may make a memory to hold on to for years.

Day 12 - A Strong Shoulder

2010-10-21T10:14:00.002-04:00

Yesteday I felt amazingly needed. Called my mother after work and she was in tears. I won't go into the details, but let's just say she needed to get some things off her chest. We talked it through and luckily we got some perspective on the situation. She was feeling better.

Before we got off the phone a man asked if I would give him a jump. I am happy to report that I said yes without missing a beat. I didn't feel put out and it never crossed my mind. I got off the phone with my mom and helped this man. This is a great step in getting back to who I was pre college graduation. I want to be giving and I want to help people. Yesterday I had the pleasure of helping someone I love and a stranger.

Holla!

Lessons Learned:

The world does not revolve around you.
Helping people feels good!

Day 11 - Support

2010-10-20T11:39:00.000-04:00

Had an awesome experience yesterday at work. Here's a little back story. Found out my brother is headed to Iraq next weekend and not in November like we thought. So my mother, niece, great nephews and I are heading down to Georgia to surprise my brother before he goes. This visit is a bit emotional for the reasons you can guess. Anyway. I emailed my boss about taking either Friday or Monday off to give a little room for travel and visiting. Surprisingly she came out of her way to speak to me individually. She told me to thank my brother for his service and to please take both days off. What?!

Lesson:

Have higher expectations for people. Sometimes the people you do not think have your back, do.

Day 10 - Strength

2010-10-19T08:55:00.001-04:00

If you know me, you may or may not know that growing up I experienced violence and terror. Although I have baggage from those experiences one positive personality trait came out of it. I am one strong motherf'er! Bad things happen and I can move past them quickly after the initial shock wears off. Also, I can have 400 things going on at once and be able to cope without a hitch.

Yesterday someone I know had some issues with a school program he was about to enter. The head honcho and alumni that have graduated from the program fed negative visions of what the program was going to be like in his head. They said forget about a life for two years and if you have an extra job or kids, forget it. He didn't take this well and considered quitting the program. I completely understood as I went through this when I worked full time and went to school full time at Marshall University. The difference is I took the negative influence as motivation to prove them wrong and I did it. I was the first in my family to graduate from college! My mother says this is not normal. Not everyone can handle the stress. This got me thinking and brought a little bit of pride about myself. Not often do we toot our own horns, but hell...I did it.

Lesson Learned:

Give strength to others when they need it.
Don't be afraid to toot your own horn on occasion. Others need to know your strengths, so they can pull on that when they need to.

Day 8 & 9 = Chilled Weekend

2010-10-18T08:41:00.001-04:00

I had two moments that made me appreciate the little things. On Saturday I went to The Raleigh Times to celebrate a friend's birthday. Surprise, surprise, the waitress turns out to be a young lady I taught in the ComedyWorx workshops. She's uber cool and really fun to be around. Throughout the gathering she would come by and put her hands on my shoulders or pat my arm. No big deal normally. But this act made me think about how comfortable you must be and the trust you must have to touch someone. Have you ever thought about that? We don't touch just anyone. And have you thought about what a gift it is to touch? I won't be forgetting this anytime soon.

The second moment was onstage during the Hotel Principality show. This moment occurred when two other cast members and I were holding the door closed to keep our 'sibling' from escaping. We burst into song about 'Stranger Danger' and it truly felt collaborative. We were in what improvisers call the group mind. We knew what each other was going to sing before we actually did it. The result was cool harmonies and a neat beat. I love that when this happens.

Lessons Learned:

Do not underestimate the power of touch and give it whenever you can.
Try to connect on a deeper level and listen with your mind and not just your ears.

Day 7 - Relationships

2010-10-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

Came home yesterday to a gift of miniture roses and my favorite treats. Was super sweet and really needed. Made me think about this thing called relationships. They are so complex, but so very needed. So often for a successful relationship to work you have to live outside your personal bubble and anticipate the needs of your partner. With this super sweet gift, I need to up my game!

Lessons Learned:

Even when life is pulling you down, notice and be thankful for the ones who lift you up.
Don't dismiss the power of thoughtful gifts.

Day 6 - Oh boy...

2010-10-14T09:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days professionally. A student had to be forcibly removed from my class and it was not a pretty picture. After I calmed down and had time to think, I tried to put myself in the student's shoes. She has led a fairly charmed life and appears to have a good home life. Her mother is a doctor. She has a history of behavior issues going years back, so this is not a first for her.

My guess is that she has some mental instabilities and this is not a laughing matter. Years ago I worked in child and adolescent psych and I've seen this type of behavior before. I feel for her. Life must be really difficult when you think people are out to get you and every reaction is manic.

Today's Lesson:

In the moment it is very difficult to see other's points of view. Try to do that next time you're in that situation.

Day 5 - Anxious

2010-10-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

Today is weird one. I'm feeling anxious. The reason could be the near-death experience with the deer last night, and yes I'm exaggerating. Could be my mother is trapped in Biloxi, Mississippi with little interaction with the world. My niece lives there, but she's a bit focused on herself. I just wish I could get her up to Raleigh! Could also be my brother in the military being sent to Kuwait. He's pretty chill about it, but I know it's got to get to him a little.

Regardless, I'm lucky in my little corner of the world as all is well. That is one thing for which to be very grateful.

Today's Lesson (s):

Have the will to set aside the things I can't change and focus on what I can do to help them in whatever way I can.
Take time to pamper and decompress

Day 4

2010-10-11T21:44:00.001-04:00

Hit a deer on the way home just about 20 minutes ago. Pretty shaken up about it really. I still remember accidentally closing a car door on a cat's tail when I was 12 and the guilty emotions come right back. I imagine this will live with me like that for years. There was nothing I could do really, but it's haunting me right now.

Lesson:

Drive slower

Weekend - Day 2 & 3

2010-10-11T09:42:00.001-04:00

This weekend was a busy one. Had three shows and an improv workshop with NYC's Neil Casey. Also had a walk around the lake on Sunday. A few things stuck out.

When walking around the lake I saw a family obviously from another country. Normally I would walk by and not give it a second thought. On this day I took a moment to discuss how difficult it must be to be a transplant from another country with my friend Dawn. In my mind I put myself in their shoes. Being in a country with different customs, foods and language must be enriching and scary at the same time. Most, I believe, are moving for a better life. Imagine what they've escaped from.

This workshop I took with Neil Casey was enlightening, but not for the reason you think. I took a moment to appreciate the people in the workshop and their talent. We really have some talented people at ComedyWorx. There is drama and there are clicks, but if you dig in you will find some real gems. I'm grateful to be a part of this group.

Lessons I will take from this:

Keep in mind others hardships and appreciate the things that have come easy for you.
Also remember that long term relationships are like a roller coaster, you have your ups and downs.

Day 1 - Call for help

2010-10-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

Today a student of mine stopped by before school to chat about her future career. Normally I wouldn't give it a thought, but with this blog I'm trying to see things differently.

Isn't it cool that a person, a being, would want to share their hopes and dreams with you? She has not had a perfect upbringing and she has struggled through school, but she has big dreams. She wants to design shoes or be a chef. I took an effort to sit with her and look at realistic design and culinary schools. I really enjoyed the time spent with her and sharing in her dreams.

Today's lesson for life is two-fold.

Believing in someone is a gift.
Take time to listen.

Welcome to my new blog!

2010-10-08T08:48:00.000-04:00

Seems I've been spending a large portion of my time thinking about what I do not have or what I want. This blog is to force me to keep an eye out for the little things that make me feel. I'm not looking to change the world, just get myself to have a new perspective.