Labor Day

I've been away this weekend visiting family. It's been a nice break and a refreshing change of scenery. Texas is great but the long hot summer just wears you down. On top of this I've been going through an intense period at work so a break really has been welcome.

More and more I am asking myself what I'd like to do with my career and life going forward. I guess this a natural part of (almost) being 40 and having a good amount of life experience under my belt now. Corporate life for the most part has been lucrative and interesting but I'm starting to think more regularly about doing something different like starting a franchise or maybe even college teaching. I'll explore these in more detail as things develop but it's the beginning of a process that hopefully leads to something fulfilling. Right now I have a lot more questions than answers.

I've also made a conscious choice to begin asserting myself more. Confrontation and standing up for myself have never been strong suits for me. In the past when I've done what I consider to be standing up for myself, it has led to negative consequences for the most part and this has made me a little scared to do it. What I've started to realize is that I have needs, a valid point of view, and the right to expect to be treated with respect. To expect loyalty in return from those who I give my loyalty. To expect that my needs are met, and if they are not, to change the situation to one where my interests match those of the other person(s) involved. I'm too old for second best at this point. I've also worked too hard to get where I am to tolerate being mistreated by people who are flat out not my equals, or to settle for less than what I need in a variety of aspects. Maybe it sounds selfish and maybe it is.. after all, I have no kids and really very little family other than some close relatives and my partner. Who else is going to look out for me? Seems like I have to look out for #1. What do you think?

Unfriending

From time to time I've thought of "unfriending" certain people on Facebook and other similar sites. I'm sort of concerned about backlash, but I'm also tired of wasting time and energy reading posts from people who are consistently negative, bitter, judgmental, and so on. Also, I frankly have Facebook friends that I don't care about and who have nothing to offer me. So why bother? I think some selective unfriending is about to start. Has anyone else tried this and is so, how did it go? Discuss.

Grr

Dear Interweb and Facebook People,

I don't want to watch a news video. I'd like to actually read a story instead.

I don't want to read your pro-establishment political diatribes. I'd like to hear how you are doing instead. 

I don't want to read yet another post about how great your life is. I'd like to hear about something - just one thing - just one time - that you did to make someone else's life better, not your own.

I don't care to see your umpteen thousandth "Hipstamatic" print. I'd like to see an original picture.

Thx,
BHS

Pleasant Family Shopping: A Charming Day at Wards

Pleasant Family Shopping: A Charming Day at Wards: "A brief look inside some typical Montgomery Ward stores of the mid-60’s, as shown in some official publicity photographs. The "Charm School" photo makes me want to sign up! I'd be more likely to be the teacher, though.

Some of you might know that my very first job, back in 1986, was at Wards. Most of the time I worked in men's apparel.

Summer Project and Emotional Afternoon

The sprucing up around the house has begun!  Old gutters were removed today, bad wood pulled down and replaced, crappy dilapidated screen enclosure torn out...fresh paint, nice new gutters and a big, open back patio are hopefully only a day or two away!

Of course, nothing in my life happens without drama. The contractors somehow managed to trigger the security system, which led to a scary phone call and me zooming home after lunch to make sure no one was breaking in to the house. Luckily it was a false alarm and everything is back to normal.

When I got back to work, things were very quiet. I started sorting through some old emails and came across one that my Dad had sent me back in summer of 2008. It was very emotional for me to read it. Luckily I was able to close my door and regain my composure.  Miss you Dad!

Deadmau5: Ghosts N Stuff