It is time to unplug yourself from Facebook page and Twitter account to go out and actually meet people. Real relationships trump online friends any day.
Category: Life
You Want The Cute? You Can’t Handle The Cute.
One of the best times of day for me is when I put our toddler down for the night. No, not because it is a chance to have some free time for myself, (although it does help). Daphne gets super cuddly, lays her head on my shoulder and we’ll sing softly, give hugs and kisses and just share the moment together. After tucked in, she’ll softly say “I love you daddy”.
Cute.
This image is clearly not her at her current age but I just had to share it as well
Sicko
This whole being-sick-since-Christmas thing has got to go. I wish I could throw it away like a used tissue. It has thrown off all of my best laid plans of renewal and revival. Not to mention a longer than usual cold streak here in Houston has brought me down too.
I don’t do cold weather or cold sickness very well.
Let’s Do Something
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We cannot keep doing what we are doing and expect change. Come to think of it, we cannot expect hope and change from those who would promise better things. The time is coming and has now come that we go back to what made us strong. Hard work. Are you as tired as I am with the status quo? Are you exasperated that for some time now you feel like you have lost control? Our households will not get better by themselves. Your bank accounts will not increase by themselves. The careers we have will have to be dictated by us, not at the whims of over-extending bigwigs. It’s time to wake up, Uh-merica. This year I am resolving to get back control over myself.
For far too long I have sat back and watched as the waistline increased, my brain cells decrease and my personal happiness go bye-bye. In 2010 I will be healthier, smarter and happier with the help of hard work and determination.
Because I have lost control of myself I have allowed outside forces to take control. I will reclaim my independence and start working harder and smarter for me & mine. I have never been afraid to work hard, I just have forgotten how. Time to relearn.
I enjoyed Chris Brogan’s article on making construction sexy. “Get your hard hat. Get your blue prints. Find your crew. Let’s make construction sexy. You with me?”
* Thanks to Hugh at Gaping Void for the illustration inspiration
Where Ya Headed, Buddy?
I hear this question a lot during interviews: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Well five years might as well be fifty. At the pace our society and technology are going we need to shorten that down to a maximum of two years.
If you haven’t asked yourself this question now (end of year) may be the best time. Time to start planning your goals for 2010 and maybe even to 2012. For me this includes not only my personal life but one for the photo business as well.
If we fail to do so it will be as if we are on a road trip with no destination in mind. All of a sudden you have to pull over for a pit stop and realize you have no idea where you are, where you are going, how to get back, and are out of fuel with no way to pay for it.
Plan your journey to get to where you want to go.
It’s My Birthday Today
Stress Management & The Art Of Relaxation
I had mentioned in a previous article about my desire to relieve stress from my world. I wanted to share some tools I have discovered that may be useful to others. I started off with my basic issue of sleep deprivation and discovered some great apps for my iPod Touch. These apps are mostly sound-based such as WhiteNoise which plays a variety of background noise such as wind chimes, rainfall, airplane travel and more. Another discovery and one that was a little awkward to get use to is iBrainWave which allows you to “tune your brain”. It is a binaural brain stimulator by playing constant tones at frequencies you choose, you can sleep, meditate, or relax. If you need energy, just simply raise the megahertz frequency.
I have even downloaded a few yoga and meditation apps to guide my breathing, posture, stretching and body/mind relaxation. I’ve even downloaded a few relaxation/meditation podcasts that incorporate verbal instruction as well as soothing music to help relieve stress.
Perhaps as a new year resolution to self I will pursue light yoga as a means to stretch and relax my body more. In the past I will admit I had had reservations about these techniques but when I hear of professional athletes using these as a means to stay healthy in addition to their workouts…well, it deserves consideration. I will avoid all references to Eastern spiritualism as I know it is not relevant in my world. Instead I will probably meditate on God’s Word just as the writers of Psalms instruct.
I’ll be honest when I say that this is an endeavor I will struggle with and could use some support and guidance. How do you manage your stress?
Take Advantage Of Opportunity
Smart people plan ahead for whatever economic issues are going on. In times of plenty and poverty we should always be thinking of opportunities to generate more income. I am not talking about get rich quick schemes or programs to help you live the life of your dreams. No, what I am talking about will be just enough extra income to have your passion pay for itself. If what you love to do helps you make money and provide value to someone else, why not explore your options?
These are a few opportunities I am looking at as a means to generate income outside of a regular paying gig. By all means, take what you will and make it yours. Heck, feel free to share your ideas here as well. We’re all in this together, right?
- freelance photography,
- citizen journalism
- stock photography
- consulting services
- personalized merchandise
- fine art prints
- ebooks are a big deal these days (if done right)
- affiliate advertising on your website
- downloads such as stock images, desktop wallpaper
- Etsy, Deviant Art
- online courses
- tech support
Its a safe bet that if you use tools that you already own and the savvy to produce it, you can create something of value. Be willing to explore your options and even think outside of your niche for opportunities. I’ve witnessed a few friends earning extra cash just for a minimal investment.
Ask your immediate network of their interest to gauge the needs/wants and expand from there. Market yourself again, using all the tools at your disposal. Try not to be pushy or spammy. The content or service will speak for itself. Do ask for feedback and testimonials as this will go far in establishing yourself as someone who can deliver.
And remember what my mother always told me:
Be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity…
Again, I’d love to hear more ideas if you are keen on sharing them. I’d even consider a collaborative project too if we can swing it. Best regards and much success to you!
Wasted
I cannot tell you how much time and energy have been wasted on things that do not matter. I can tell you that this will change starting now. I am tired of missing opportunities because I haven’t been prepared. Details to come as soon as I sort them out.
Homeless
I’ve got a roof over my head. My family is healthy and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for. What I mean by homeless is that I feel like I’ve lost my way these past few years. Spiritually I am homeless as well as mentally. Do you ever feel like that?
I want to go home now.