The Virtue of Predictability December 22, 2011
Posted by TimTheFoolMan in Communication, Learning, Movies.2 comments
As an ENFP, I’m hardly what you would call predictable or prone to monotony. Far to the contrary, I’m always on the lookout for a new or different way to do the repetitive tasks that make up the substance of life.
However, there are situations where doing things exactly the same way, every time is absolutely essential, and potentially life-saving. Consider the longitivtiy-enhancement of putting on your seatbelt, washing your hands after going to the bathroom, or putting your foot on the brake before you putting an automatic transmission in Drive. (To be fair, the second one is a bit dated, since the “unintended acceleration” accidents that brought the demise of the Audi 5000 pressured most automakers to install shift interlocks that force this behavior.)
In less serious realms, this notion of boring repeatability can not only promote good habits, it can reduce stress on those you work with. This past week, I was reminded of this when I was thrust again into the team environment of a movie production crew.
Why You Should Blog December 11, 2011
Posted by TimTheFoolMan in Blogging.3 comments
One day when my youngest son was sitting in class at his High School, the subject of bloggers and blogging came up. One of his friends said, “What kind of weirdos blog?”
My son said, “Weirdos like my Dad,” with a laugh. While I appreciate the fact that not everyone has the desire to write a blog, I think everyone should. Here’s why:
- Because it helps you verbalize/organize your thoughts/opinions
a. Shape your opinions based on voices outside AND inside your own head, don’t be a “ditto-head”
b. If you write for an audience that may not agree with you, you’ll make a more coherent argument
c. In the process of organizing your thoughts, you’ll learn things you wouldn’t have otherwise - Because it contributes something
a. Link to: http://www.herecomeseverybody.org/2008/04/looking-for-the-mouse.html
b. Contributing anything helps us move out of a “consumerism mode” - Because it makes you a better writer
a. The only way to get better at something is to do it, and by blogging, you get to write about what YOU think is important
b. Over time, readers will discover what you’ve written and will give you feedback - Because it’s “live”
a. In sharp contrast to TV, and in much the same way as we find with live theater, feedback from an audience (even if you don’t engage them in extended conversations) adds depth to the experience
b. As people respond, if you engage them in discussion, you have the opportunity to learn even more, or possibly just expand further on a topic than you had originally thought was appropriate.
That, my friends, is why you should blog.
Prodigal Love November 10, 2011
Posted by TimTheFoolMan in Commitment, Family, Forgiveness, Friends, Love, Parenting/Children, Relationships, Religion.add a comment
In the Gospel of Luke 15:11-32, we see the story of “The Prodigal Son.” As I re-read this today, I was reminded of the Prodigal’s father, who I’ve always found fascinating.
“I am thankful your path crossed mine” November 3, 2011
Posted by TimTheFoolMan in life, Love, Memories, Relationships.add a comment
I posted the above quote in Facebook this morning, and then thought more about why this has been such a powerful statement for me to read, as has been my practice, daily. Being the nerd that I am, I found that disassembling it grammatically was helpful in locating some of its power. Having lost this friend forever some time ago, the phrase has taken on new meaning for me. (more…)
Commitment, Breakups, and Occupational Infidelity October 1, 2011
Posted by TimTheFoolMan in Commitment, Friends, Love, Relationships, Self-Worth, Work.2 comments
Recently, I experienced a breakup. Even when we started the relationship, we knew that it would end, and we knew that the end of the relationship would bring pain, regardless of which one of us initiated it. Although she knew, without question, that my heart was divided, and not exclusively hers, we entered into the relationship with eyes wide open and plunged forward. There was no formal commitment (though a relationship as deep and strong as this one would typically be the foundation of a serious commitment), but there was definitely the implication of one.
Having had a variety of relationships, both great and horrible, this breakup might not seem like the kind of thing that would impact me deeply. Hadn’t I, going from one relationship to another, and sometimes being in more than one at a time, become a “player”? Such types don’t get deeply or emotionally involved, but instead use their partners for selfish and self-serving motives, and tend to move on to greener pastures with little thought to those they leave in their dust.
Why then, has this been such an emotional thing for me? Why did I delay the last moments in this relationship, dragging them on for as long as possible? Why was I feeling so… defeated by this? (more…)
