Mom & Pop Stores

I love little mom & pop gas stations / stores. My wife and I used to get some of the best Fried Chicken at one in Lynchburg, VA. The feel and layout of the store is country and the service is unforgettable. It has the big barrels of sodas filled with ice that you can loose your arm in finding the right one, old school candy, and if you need worms and tackle for a day at the pond…look no further than the next aisle.

Last night I stopped in a store just like the one described above with my 3yr old daughter (Norah). They saw her when we walked in and said, “Hey…beautiful.” Of course, I answered back thinking it was me. I should have known it was all about Norah. On the way to check out, they asked if she wanted a flower and then handed her a pink carnation. I said thank you, asked how much that would be, and mentioned that it was okay to add the flowers to the total. Both women behind the counter answered, “Oh no, the owner hands out flowers to all the girls / women on Friday nights.” That is something I will always remember about that place. When was the last time you have been surprised by customer service?

Finish What You Start

I am forcing myself to get better at finishing what I start. I probably have (3-4) books that I have started and not finished. I may be in chapter 3 in some and chapter 6 in the others, but I have not finished any of them. I started this BLOG as a way of keeping something going that I have started (please keep me accountable if I go 3-4 days with out posting something). Of course, I have set goals to loose 20-30 lbs. I have not even come close to making that happen…I start for 2-3 weeks and then I fizzle my nizzle (don’t finish).

I think it is important to finish, but I find myself halfway done with a lot of things in my life. What is something you have not finished?

Education, Experience, or Networking

I am interested in the latest polls for various topics. The one that I love and hate to see is the “Top paying degrees,” or the “Top ten paid degrees.” These polls usually have MBA degrees as #1, #2, or at least in the top five. It is also great (sarcastic tone) to see the incomes and projected positions that are recommended for various degrees.

I would like to see a poll that shows the importance of education, experience, and networking when it comes to employment. I can say that I have earned more jobs with networking and interviewing well than with my education or experience. If I would have known that five years ago, I would have saved some family time by not going back to school for my MBA (that is not all true…it is important to me and it shows commitment).

After reseaching graduate degrees, I chose the MBA program thinking employers would be knocking on my door or bidding for my services. In the last few years, I have found myself wondering if it was worth the time. You always hear that education is something that can not be taken away from you, but if not put into practice does it loose value?

I Am Blessed

I need to take a moment today to let you know how blessed I am. I have a beautiful wife that prays for me, encourages me, and challenges me. When you think it could not get better, I now have two gorgeous daughters that I know in 12-16 years will bring my stress to new levels. I know this was random, but I needed to express it publicly instead of just keeping it to myself. I am generally open and quick to express hardships, discontentment, and other woe is me moments. However, this is a new day and I AM BLESSED!!

Disclaimers

What is really in a disclaimer? As I read BLOGS and run across various disclaimers I would recommend using a filter before throwing caution to the wind. To me, it is false protection. I can say that everything I write does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or ideas of my employer, but that does not release me to write freely. Wikipedia says the term “disclaimer” generally involves some level of uncertainty, waiver, or risk. It also mentions that, “The presence of a disclaimer in a legally binding agreement does not necessarily guarantee that the terms of the disclaimer will be recognized and enforced in a legal dispute.” I can provide a solid disclaimer, but what I write may impact the way you view me, my family, and my place of employment.

I will paraphrase one of my favorite lines in Tommy Boy for the benefit of what a disclaimer means to me: Because a disclaimer is a piece of crap. That’s all it is. Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it disclaimer, I will. I got spare time.

What are your thoughts on disclaimers and while we are on it…what is your favorite line in Tommy Boy?

IT IS OFFICIAL!

Yes, that is right, I have started a BLOG and first things first: What thought process went into giving your BLOG a title? Here are a few I know:
1. HISTORY IN THE MAKING
2. ON THE JOURNEY
3. prose vs cons – and the Balance of Opposites
What is your title and why did you choose it? Does it identify you? Does it explain your passion? Does it have true meaning to you? Does it give insight into what you will write about? Please, share your title and reasoning behind it.
I spent about 10 minutes thinking about it and then turned to my wife and asked, “What should I title my BLOG and What explains me?” She thought for literally 5 seconds and said, “I don’t know…maybe Early in my legacy.” More to come on the meaning and reason it made the cut.