This book is all about this one man in his search for wisdom. He is middle aged, on the brink of elderly, and wants to find all the wisdom he can before he gets there. Interviewing everyone from ordinary citizens to politicians to authors, he searched high and low. He found people that didn’t think they were really all that wise nor have anything to contribute, but he also found others who couldn’t say enough.
Old people are in a hurry. Have you ever noticed this? They are always ready, getting up and gearing to go! You’d think that at their age they would have acquired patience and calm… but instead it’s the opposite. They feel like they never have enough time.
How many elderly people do you know that you could just listen to for hours, talking about their life and how they lived it? If you know a lot.. this book is for you. This book was a long list of a man’s personal life story combined with a lot of interviewing of those fascinating elderly people. My favorite was Granny D, the 97 year-old women who walked across the country to pass a bill in the senate. Wow. She was determined.
As I was reading this book, at work no less, my coworkers just couldn’t understand. I got so many questions such as “WHY?” or “Are you trying to change your life or something?” or something else along those lines. Another attribute to the wisdom and humor of the elderly, while one of my coworkers was questioning me about this book, an elderly gentleman walked by. The conversation between the two of them solidified everything in this book.
Marcus, my coworker: “Do you need some help with something, Sir?”
Man: “Hmm. Some people say I do.” (Proceeds to walk out of store)
It was such a simple comment, but it was something that I can only imagine an older gentleman coming up with. Are they just more clever? or do they just have more time to come up with that sort of thing.
On this same thought… old people are so much more thoughtful for the people they care about. For example, there is a farm behind my house that is run by a 4 foot tall, 90+ year old woman. She is just this tiny thing, packed full of energy to work out on that farm. She still has chickens and sheep, and still plants crops and harvests them every fall. This past week I heard a loud tractor REALLY close to my house and I went outside to investigate. This little old lady was climbing off of the tractor and grabbing two big bags full of recently shucked corn for my family. We hardly talk to her, but she still was driving around giving all of her neighbors some food from her harvest. Even in her old age, she is one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever met.
More than anything, this book makes me just want to get out there and meet more old people. Or people in general. I want to find people that want to make a difference and who have a life story to tell. Everyone has something to say; they are just waiting for someone to listen to them. This was a great book for the content and message. Read it!
September 28, 2009
September 24, 2009
The Office Clutter Cure
Now before I start writing this, let me tell you that I am a very messy person. Unfortunately I dont have a picture for the before... because I just didnt think that far ahead. My desk always has papers, notebooks, books, and clutter galore on it. I really don’t have that much stuff, but I always seem to have some sort of mess or clutter around me. But then I read this book… and it changed everything! (Well, not everything… but it did help.)
Even though I have gone through and read “The Office Clutter Cure,” I am obviously not cured. I have bought new organizers, bookshelves, post-its, and all sort of new things to help me tackle my clutter. I have always been the type of person to have lots of stuff around me. I’m an organized clutter maniac.
I never really thought about my space (desk/office) as being a reflection of me, just a place with my stuff in it. But Don Aslett points out “what if your boss came and looked at your desk” or your office… would he be impressed? Frightened? Did you know that being messy in your workplace can lead to missing out on promotions and moving up the ladder because people view messy people as irresponsible or undependable? Wowza. That makes me want to clean up right there.
This book gives you tip after tip (some are good and some are cheesy) to tackle that messy desk or office. It starts from square one, with all of your piles of papers and mess… and ends with a bright, clean, sorted space. Follow it to a T and you will be clutter free in no time. I suggest leaving this as a weekend project if your space is a major mess… mine, just being a desk was an evening project.
This book also deals with mental clutter (why you have clutter, what makes you be messy, cluttered/unorganized thoughts) and how to STAY clutter free after you get your space clean. This part was a total bore, seeing as I really don’t have any mental clutter or anything like that. And as far as keeping it clean…. I’ll keep you posted on that.
This is my desk now!! Aren’t you proud??
Even though I have gone through and read “The Office Clutter Cure,” I am obviously not cured. I have bought new organizers, bookshelves, post-its, and all sort of new things to help me tackle my clutter. I have always been the type of person to have lots of stuff around me. I’m an organized clutter maniac.
I never really thought about my space (desk/office) as being a reflection of me, just a place with my stuff in it. But Don Aslett points out “what if your boss came and looked at your desk” or your office… would he be impressed? Frightened? Did you know that being messy in your workplace can lead to missing out on promotions and moving up the ladder because people view messy people as irresponsible or undependable? Wowza. That makes me want to clean up right there.
This book gives you tip after tip (some are good and some are cheesy) to tackle that messy desk or office. It starts from square one, with all of your piles of papers and mess… and ends with a bright, clean, sorted space. Follow it to a T and you will be clutter free in no time. I suggest leaving this as a weekend project if your space is a major mess… mine, just being a desk was an evening project.
This book also deals with mental clutter (why you have clutter, what makes you be messy, cluttered/unorganized thoughts) and how to STAY clutter free after you get your space clean. This part was a total bore, seeing as I really don’t have any mental clutter or anything like that. And as far as keeping it clean…. I’ll keep you posted on that.
This is my desk now!! Aren’t you proud??
September 21, 2009
100 Quick Fixes to Overcoming Stomach Churning Fears
When this book says it has 100 QUICK fixes to your everyday fears… it means it. Quick is the best way to describe what this book is. I dont think I have any one tremendous fear but I know a lot of people who do... and think that they should get the courtesy of having a resource, yes?
The organization of this book is down to a science:
1) Give phobia name
2) Tell characteristics
3) Symptoms
4) Tips for getting over it
5) Other resources and books to help you
One of my manager’s at work, Lee, is terrified of flying. Absolutely petrified, stomach churning, can’t even think about airplanes kind of fear. She is the real inspiration for reading this book. Everyone has a fear about something, whether it is spiders, the future, or whatever. Mass appeal, yes? I showed her this book and she flipped right to the “Fear of Airplanes” page. (Yes, page. One page to help this woman, deathly afraid of planes.) Needless to say, it didn’t really do much for her.
The best part about the book wasn’t the fixing portion. Blah blah blah... Advice this, tip that. You know that saying "A penny for your thoughts"? Yeah.. it's a penny's worth, alright. But anyhow, it was actually the reference, resource and other helpful sources section that made this any bit worthwhile. Here it offered up better places to actually get help. This is where Lee and I both learned that some airports actually have programs and classes for people who are afraid to fly and help them try to get over it. (She didn't know this, and her husband even works for the airport!) This is totally the information I expected to find in this book. Wished there was more about it
The organization of this book is down to a science:
1) Give phobia name
2) Tell characteristics
3) Symptoms
4) Tips for getting over it
5) Other resources and books to help you
Did I mention that all of this is covered over two small pages?? Yeah, quick fix indeed. For the majority of the fears and phobias the description and symptom portion was larger than the part that was supposed to help you get over it.
One of my manager’s at work, Lee, is terrified of flying. Absolutely petrified, stomach churning, can’t even think about airplanes kind of fear. She is the real inspiration for reading this book. Everyone has a fear about something, whether it is spiders, the future, or whatever. Mass appeal, yes? I showed her this book and she flipped right to the “Fear of Airplanes” page. (Yes, page. One page to help this woman, deathly afraid of planes.) Needless to say, it didn’t really do much for her.
The best part about the book wasn’t the fixing portion. Blah blah blah... Advice this, tip that. You know that saying "A penny for your thoughts"? Yeah.. it's a penny's worth, alright. But anyhow, it was actually the reference, resource and other helpful sources section that made this any bit worthwhile. Here it offered up better places to actually get help. This is where Lee and I both learned that some airports actually have programs and classes for people who are afraid to fly and help them try to get over it. (She didn't know this, and her husband even works for the airport!) This is totally the information I expected to find in this book. Wished there was more about it
Covering 100 fears is a lot for such a tiny book. I should have seen it coming when it didn’t live up to what I was expecting, but I like to go into books with an open mind. Most fears take therapy and lots of help and time to get over. Hoping a little book could tell me some great ways to do so was a tad too much to ask for, even despite the title. Again, great for finding better resources but as an actual help… not so much. Not everyone finds help coping with their fears....
But I wish you the best of luck with finding some for yours!
September 17, 2009
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man Cont'd
So I’ve already told you about how men define themselves and how men love, which was a horizon broadening experience in itself, I’m sure. I started applying the things I was learning about men into my life, and began to see things in a totally different light. I have always had a hard time understanding my father and my ex’s perspective on a lot of things, particularly about how they love. Being a woman I have always known to love openly and plainly, and its what I expected in return. However this book showed me what my real expectations should be. Not that I lowered my standards or expectations out of consequence of reading it… I just learned what would be realistic. I have a much better understanding of both of the men in my life and can better communicate with them because of it.
And the rest of the book is just as riveting.
Steve Harvey makes the comparison of men dating to sport fishing. Some go around the lake getting any fish they can, holding it up like a prize, and then releasing it back until they find the perfect fish. Similar to how men date women. They go from woman to woman, not caring or taking feelings into consideration until they find the one. I find this to be a perfect comparison. Men are creatures of habit, yes? So fishing… dating… hunting… all the same thing to them.
One chapter has the best title ever. “Men Respect Standards: Get some.” This chapter basically tells women that they will never get anyone but a thug/bum until they do. Yay for all the classy ladies of the world! We are finally put on a pedestal. Women have been bombarded through the past few decades that slutty women always get the man because they give them what they want. Now, here is a man telling us that we don’t have to be that way, and that us being that way is most times UNATTRACTIVE!!! No man wants to have kids or a full time relationship with a woman who is loose and runs around all the time.
How is this a how-to? Well, a how-to understand men book… of course! (Don’t worry guys, a review of a how to understand women book will soon follow. I’m all about fairness.) All in all, Steve Harvey’s first book was an overall success in my eyes. It was really funny too, being that he’s a comedian and all. My synopsis and overview of his book is absolutely nothing compared to how he says it all. I have heard all of this advice over and over again through friends, movies, other books, even men… but reading it in this book made something in my head click. But Steve says it best in this book… women would always be more prepared and know what to expect if they “Act like a Lady, Think like a Man.”
And the rest of the book is just as riveting.
Steve Harvey makes the comparison of men dating to sport fishing. Some go around the lake getting any fish they can, holding it up like a prize, and then releasing it back until they find the perfect fish. Similar to how men date women. They go from woman to woman, not caring or taking feelings into consideration until they find the one. I find this to be a perfect comparison. Men are creatures of habit, yes? So fishing… dating… hunting… all the same thing to them.
One chapter has the best title ever. “Men Respect Standards: Get some.” This chapter basically tells women that they will never get anyone but a thug/bum until they do. Yay for all the classy ladies of the world! We are finally put on a pedestal. Women have been bombarded through the past few decades that slutty women always get the man because they give them what they want. Now, here is a man telling us that we don’t have to be that way, and that us being that way is most times UNATTRACTIVE!!! No man wants to have kids or a full time relationship with a woman who is loose and runs around all the time.
How is this a how-to? Well, a how-to understand men book… of course! (Don’t worry guys, a review of a how to understand women book will soon follow. I’m all about fairness.) All in all, Steve Harvey’s first book was an overall success in my eyes. It was really funny too, being that he’s a comedian and all. My synopsis and overview of his book is absolutely nothing compared to how he says it all. I have heard all of this advice over and over again through friends, movies, other books, even men… but reading it in this book made something in my head click. But Steve says it best in this book… women would always be more prepared and know what to expect if they “Act like a Lady, Think like a Man.”
September 14, 2009
Think Like a Lady, Act Like a Man
I have a lot of things that I have not done in my short 20 years of life so far on this planet. I have not ever gone sky diving. I have not been to all 50 states. I have not won the lottery. In short, I have done too little already. But anyway, that’s not the point.
But really… the only things that matter in this instance are that I have NOT seen any of Steve Harvey’s comedy routines, nor have I figured out the male species. (At least, these are the most important while I’m writing this.)
Steve Harvey recently wrote a book which has been on display in my place of work (a very non-busy clothing store), where I have had my eye on it for quite some time. “Think Like a Lady, Act like a Man” is a title that just makes you go… “Huh??” I just had to know what this book was about. And guess what? Its for all of those women who have absolutely no clue about men. Ding Ding Ding: this book is totally for me. So far, the book has been very helpful and thought provoking.
There are two points that Harvey makes during the first half of the book that, quite frankly, are absolutely obvious. They are obvious to women around the world every single day, including myself. However, I know for a fact that we just DON’T stop to think about it.
1. Men get their identity from how they define themselves.
2. Men love differently than women.
Again… Duh. We know this. But then, no we don’t. I have never thought about how men think, other than the fact that it’s very simple. No muss, no fuss kind of thinking. They don’t do gossip, big plans, or ridiculous things… they are just simple guys. So why would how they love or define themselves be any different? Simple is the key word here.
Men define themselves in a very different way than women. It is all about three main things.
1. His job title (Who He Is)
2. How he gets his title (What He Does)
3. How much he makes (What He Is Rewarded For What He Does)
Unless they have their balance in these three things, there is no room for a woman in a man’s life. They won’t be happy with themselves, and because of this they won’t be ready for a relationship. Looking back on all of my relationships and their failures, I see a lot of them that have ended due to the fact that there wasn’t a balance in my men’s lives with these three things. I’m starting to see a connection.
Next, how men love. Simply, if a man truly loves you, he will PROFESS, PROVIDE AND PROTECT. And I know that most of you are saying “Excuse me, but what exactly does that mean?” Let me tell you.
Professing: If a man loves you, he will tell others that he loves you. He will introduce you as his girlfriend and bring you around his friends/family. It may sound like a little thing to us girls, but to a guy claiming you as his is a big step.
Providing: It is engrained into a man’s brain from the time that he is a child that it is his job to take care of the women in his life, be it mother/sister/relative. If a man truly loves you, he will do everything within his power to make sure that you have everything that you want. Make sure that you are provided for.
Protecting: This one is short and simple… A man who loves you will try to protect you in any way, shape and form. He will stand between you and any danger, always.
Women love passionately and unconditionally, through thick and thin. When a woman loves a man, you can SEE it, and when men don’t return the feelings in the same way we always get upset. All women, me included, want to SEE their feelings being reciprocated. However we don’t realize that this (all that is mentioned above) is all men feel that they are required to do, not because they are lazy or don’t really care about us… but because it’s a lot of work professing, providing and protecting us. And they feel by doing all of these things, it should be more than enough to please us. (Steve Harvey explains this much more thoroughly than I do.
Even halfway through the book, I am learning a lot about men. And wishing that I read this book two years ago. Its already a keeper. Stay tuned!
But really… the only things that matter in this instance are that I have NOT seen any of Steve Harvey’s comedy routines, nor have I figured out the male species. (At least, these are the most important while I’m writing this.)
Steve Harvey recently wrote a book which has been on display in my place of work (a very non-busy clothing store), where I have had my eye on it for quite some time. “Think Like a Lady, Act like a Man” is a title that just makes you go… “Huh??” I just had to know what this book was about. And guess what? Its for all of those women who have absolutely no clue about men. Ding Ding Ding: this book is totally for me. So far, the book has been very helpful and thought provoking.
There are two points that Harvey makes during the first half of the book that, quite frankly, are absolutely obvious. They are obvious to women around the world every single day, including myself. However, I know for a fact that we just DON’T stop to think about it.
1. Men get their identity from how they define themselves.
2. Men love differently than women.
Again… Duh. We know this. But then, no we don’t. I have never thought about how men think, other than the fact that it’s very simple. No muss, no fuss kind of thinking. They don’t do gossip, big plans, or ridiculous things… they are just simple guys. So why would how they love or define themselves be any different? Simple is the key word here.
Men define themselves in a very different way than women. It is all about three main things.
1. His job title (Who He Is)
2. How he gets his title (What He Does)
3. How much he makes (What He Is Rewarded For What He Does)
Unless they have their balance in these three things, there is no room for a woman in a man’s life. They won’t be happy with themselves, and because of this they won’t be ready for a relationship. Looking back on all of my relationships and their failures, I see a lot of them that have ended due to the fact that there wasn’t a balance in my men’s lives with these three things. I’m starting to see a connection.
Next, how men love. Simply, if a man truly loves you, he will PROFESS, PROVIDE AND PROTECT. And I know that most of you are saying “Excuse me, but what exactly does that mean?” Let me tell you.
Professing: If a man loves you, he will tell others that he loves you. He will introduce you as his girlfriend and bring you around his friends/family. It may sound like a little thing to us girls, but to a guy claiming you as his is a big step.
Providing: It is engrained into a man’s brain from the time that he is a child that it is his job to take care of the women in his life, be it mother/sister/relative. If a man truly loves you, he will do everything within his power to make sure that you have everything that you want. Make sure that you are provided for.
Protecting: This one is short and simple… A man who loves you will try to protect you in any way, shape and form. He will stand between you and any danger, always.
Women love passionately and unconditionally, through thick and thin. When a woman loves a man, you can SEE it, and when men don’t return the feelings in the same way we always get upset. All women, me included, want to SEE their feelings being reciprocated. However we don’t realize that this (all that is mentioned above) is all men feel that they are required to do, not because they are lazy or don’t really care about us… but because it’s a lot of work professing, providing and protecting us. And they feel by doing all of these things, it should be more than enough to please us. (Steve Harvey explains this much more thoroughly than I do.
Even halfway through the book, I am learning a lot about men. And wishing that I read this book two years ago. Its already a keeper. Stay tuned!
September 10, 2009
Kiss and Run: The Single, Picky, and Indecisive Girl’s Guide to Overcoming Her Fear of Commitment Cont'd
So after finishing this book, I have found that I am a “Serial Dater” and “Free Spirit” all wrapped up in one package. A Serial Dater is someone who juggles multiple partners and/or jumps from one short-lived (a week to three months) relationship to the next.” A Free Spirit, in this book are said to be easily bored, needing lots of friends, activities and diversions to satisfy their wanderlust. A Free Spirit is someone who hates the thought of someone impeding in their independent life and taking away things that they love.
All of what I read in the book was pretty helpful in determining what I was doing and why I was doing it. It was really crazy. It all sort of morphed around me that I had the problem, I was the problem here. I picked the wrong men, I sought the wrong things, and most of all I didn’t know that I was even doing it.
A quote from this book really got me thinking:
“For some reason, the media get off on making you study your man like a lab rat in a cage. They usually fill your head with tips on how to use that knowledge to ‘get’ him to commit to you.
“I really believe that all of us would be much better off if women would just stop trying so hard to figure men out. If you’re constantly worrying about what your man wants, thinks, and is doing, how much time does that leave for you? That’s right. The one thing these tomes of wisdom don’t talk about it you. There are no quizzes for find out if you’re really into him, no advice on how to tell if you’re ready for a commitment, or anything remotely helpful about finding out how you are.”
I think it is simply brilliant, to say the least.
Many of my friends, when told about this book, rolled their eyes. One friend goes, “Well, Duh! Everyone has a commitment phobia. Who wants to be with someone forever? Why do you think marriage rates are so fucked up?” That’s an interesting thought…
I pondered on what he said for a bit, and I can’t help but agree with him. Marriages are starting to begin later and later in life, and end shorter and shorter. People are treating marriage like dating, and trying to make it not be so permanent. What is happening to the world? Is it becoming a world where marriage and monogamy are going out of style? We shall see.
But I definitely recommend this book to any woman who has any doubts about her relationships and love life. If you are "Single, Picky, and/or Indecisive"… or even just think you might be having a “love slump”… this is definitely a book for you.
All of what I read in the book was pretty helpful in determining what I was doing and why I was doing it. It was really crazy. It all sort of morphed around me that I had the problem, I was the problem here. I picked the wrong men, I sought the wrong things, and most of all I didn’t know that I was even doing it.
A quote from this book really got me thinking:
“For some reason, the media get off on making you study your man like a lab rat in a cage. They usually fill your head with tips on how to use that knowledge to ‘get’ him to commit to you.
“I really believe that all of us would be much better off if women would just stop trying so hard to figure men out. If you’re constantly worrying about what your man wants, thinks, and is doing, how much time does that leave for you? That’s right. The one thing these tomes of wisdom don’t talk about it you. There are no quizzes for find out if you’re really into him, no advice on how to tell if you’re ready for a commitment, or anything remotely helpful about finding out how you are.”
I think it is simply brilliant, to say the least.
Many of my friends, when told about this book, rolled their eyes. One friend goes, “Well, Duh! Everyone has a commitment phobia. Who wants to be with someone forever? Why do you think marriage rates are so fucked up?” That’s an interesting thought…
I pondered on what he said for a bit, and I can’t help but agree with him. Marriages are starting to begin later and later in life, and end shorter and shorter. People are treating marriage like dating, and trying to make it not be so permanent. What is happening to the world? Is it becoming a world where marriage and monogamy are going out of style? We shall see.
But I definitely recommend this book to any woman who has any doubts about her relationships and love life. If you are "Single, Picky, and/or Indecisive"… or even just think you might be having a “love slump”… this is definitely a book for you.
September 7, 2009
Kiss and Run: The Single, Picky, and Indecisive Girl's Guide to Overcoming Her Fear of Commitment
I chose this book not for the fact that I feared commitment… but just because it looked interesting, and I know a lot of people are interested in reading about relationships! I am only halfway through this book, but I felt compelled to go ahead and write about it. It is already making such an impact!!
I, my friends, am admittedly a serial dater. I haven’t ever really dated anyone very seriously and I have actually only had one relationship in my life last longer than 3 months. My friends will tell you that with the men I date, I am an absolute flake. I cancel dates, change my mind often, and get bored with them faster than it would take a normal person to drive a car around the block. My dating elasticity only goes so far, and then springs back almost instantaneously.
I have always blamed this on being far too busy, getting bored, not finding what I want, or that they guy is just definitely NOT my type. So the words “Single, Picky, and Indecisive” in the title really got me going. You have to understand, I really am this way in the majority of things in my life. It takes a lot to hold my attention for longer than 5 minutes with anything that I do. Unless it’s something I am really passionate about and really love being a part of. Single, picky and indecisive are words that have been used to describe me on more than one occasion.
However, this book (even halfway in) has given me a bit of insight. I have given credit to my on-again off-again dating to my not having found the right person, but now I am beginning to see things more clearly. I have taken a stint off of dating (sworn it off) for the past six months, trying to figure things out… and now I see why I was doing this.
I AM A COMMITMENT PHOBE.
Yes, I said it… and I honestly believe it now. It’s an odd feeling to see that the problem might actually have something to do with me… me and my problem. They often say that admitting you have a problem is the first step, so I’m making progress.
More to come when I finish reading! Stay tuned.
I, my friends, am admittedly a serial dater. I haven’t ever really dated anyone very seriously and I have actually only had one relationship in my life last longer than 3 months. My friends will tell you that with the men I date, I am an absolute flake. I cancel dates, change my mind often, and get bored with them faster than it would take a normal person to drive a car around the block. My dating elasticity only goes so far, and then springs back almost instantaneously.
I have always blamed this on being far too busy, getting bored, not finding what I want, or that they guy is just definitely NOT my type. So the words “Single, Picky, and Indecisive” in the title really got me going. You have to understand, I really am this way in the majority of things in my life. It takes a lot to hold my attention for longer than 5 minutes with anything that I do. Unless it’s something I am really passionate about and really love being a part of. Single, picky and indecisive are words that have been used to describe me on more than one occasion.
However, this book (even halfway in) has given me a bit of insight. I have given credit to my on-again off-again dating to my not having found the right person, but now I am beginning to see things more clearly. I have taken a stint off of dating (sworn it off) for the past six months, trying to figure things out… and now I see why I was doing this.
I AM A COMMITMENT PHOBE.
Yes, I said it… and I honestly believe it now. It’s an odd feeling to see that the problem might actually have something to do with me… me and my problem. They often say that admitting you have a problem is the first step, so I’m making progress.
More to come when I finish reading! Stay tuned.
September 3, 2009
Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible
Have you ever met one of those people that have those crazy/odd conversations with strangers, that normal people would never have with pretty much anyone? I’m totally one of those people. My mom and I have ALWAYS had people who love to talk gravitate toward us… even if they don’t know us. At gas stations, grocery stores, football games, or pretty much anywhere, there is always someone that strikes up an interesting conversation with either of us. I guess we just look too friendly to resist it. For whatever reason that these people choose to talk to us, I don’t care; I simply adore it.
Why do I mention this, of all things, in my latest blog? Well, today I went to get my tires rotated. (Yes, my life is so interesting that even going to the mechanic is an adventure!) I was reading my latest How-To book, when the mechanic that runs the office said to me “Oh! You brought us something interesting to read?” I was the only one in the office and he wasn’t a bit busy, so I closed my book to talk to him and told him the title and a little bit about it. I said that I wasn’t sure he’d find it all too interesting… Just a book about religion and the bible that most people would say is sin.
But when I said “religion” and “bible” he instantly became intrigued (not the normal reaction I get when I mention the bible). He proceeded to stop whatever busy work he was doing and pay sole attention to me and our conversation. My car hadn’t even been put up on the jack yet at this point, so we had quite some time to discuss our topic. We talked a little about the book itself, and immediately jumped everywhere from Catholicism and Mormons all the way to Buddhism and Taoism! He told me story after story about Jehovah Witnesses that he knew and two young Mormon girls who had taught him the real meaning of polygamy. When I say we talked about everything, I do mean EVERYTHING. It was one of the most interesting conversations I’d had in a long time.
When my car was finally done, we talked about 20 minutes more (that’s over an hour total!). He finished a few more stories and told me a little about his religious habits, and asked about mine. Then the phone rang, abruptly ending our long and drawn out conversation on this fabulous topic. I waved goodbye and bid him good day, feeling jazzed about the delightful banter I’d just been engaged in. He was one of the few people I’d met that could talk about religion without going into HIS beliefs, and just simply discuss it! I reveled in it.
So, why is this important for you to know? Why does my wonderful conversation with a local mechanic matter to your experiences with a How-to book? It is good for you to know that these books will bring enlightenment and hopefully open-mindedness into your life… and perhaps even (like in my case) conversations about topics with strangers that you would have never dreamed you would have. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Who knows what the rest of this book (I’m only halfway done!) holds in store for me…
Why do I mention this, of all things, in my latest blog? Well, today I went to get my tires rotated. (Yes, my life is so interesting that even going to the mechanic is an adventure!) I was reading my latest How-To book, when the mechanic that runs the office said to me “Oh! You brought us something interesting to read?” I was the only one in the office and he wasn’t a bit busy, so I closed my book to talk to him and told him the title and a little bit about it. I said that I wasn’t sure he’d find it all too interesting… Just a book about religion and the bible that most people would say is sin.
But when I said “religion” and “bible” he instantly became intrigued (not the normal reaction I get when I mention the bible). He proceeded to stop whatever busy work he was doing and pay sole attention to me and our conversation. My car hadn’t even been put up on the jack yet at this point, so we had quite some time to discuss our topic. We talked a little about the book itself, and immediately jumped everywhere from Catholicism and Mormons all the way to Buddhism and Taoism! He told me story after story about Jehovah Witnesses that he knew and two young Mormon girls who had taught him the real meaning of polygamy. When I say we talked about everything, I do mean EVERYTHING. It was one of the most interesting conversations I’d had in a long time.
When my car was finally done, we talked about 20 minutes more (that’s over an hour total!). He finished a few more stories and told me a little about his religious habits, and asked about mine. Then the phone rang, abruptly ending our long and drawn out conversation on this fabulous topic. I waved goodbye and bid him good day, feeling jazzed about the delightful banter I’d just been engaged in. He was one of the few people I’d met that could talk about religion without going into HIS beliefs, and just simply discuss it! I reveled in it.
So, why is this important for you to know? Why does my wonderful conversation with a local mechanic matter to your experiences with a How-to book? It is good for you to know that these books will bring enlightenment and hopefully open-mindedness into your life… and perhaps even (like in my case) conversations about topics with strangers that you would have never dreamed you would have. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Who knows what the rest of this book (I’m only halfway done!) holds in store for me…
September 2, 2009
The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use
This is one of, if not the best, career advice book I have ever read. It’s funny, interesting, and true to its title, it’s stuff you can actually use! Pretty much anything bad that can happen at work or any problem that could arise… It happened to this woman. So she definitely knows what shes talking about.
This woman, or “Working Girl” as she calls herself, has had quite the exciting life from what she tells in this book. The 59 short chapters in this book are all dedicated to one of her 59 jobs that she had during her lifetime. Being a seamstress, nanny, freelance writer, assistant manager, etc was all a part of her grand life. In each chapter there is a lesson to learn from the mistakes that WG made, and some pretty solid advice along with it.
Here’s a few of the very important things:
1) Your title is important. No matter what you are doing, whether its slinging poop off of the sidewalk in a resort, you had better have the title of “Best” or “Professional” poop slinger.
2) You can turn most anything in a job your way, if you show people that they need you. Tell your boss exactly why you think you’re perfect for the job. He might not have thought about it the way you are, and it could land you with the job plus major bonus points!
3) Anytime you quit, quit with grace.
Karen Burns (author) spent the majority of her life trying to figure out what to do with her life, and admits that she didn’t find a job she absolutely loved until #51. (That’s A LOT OF JOBS!!) I really enjoyed this book because being a college student means that I am still trying desperately to figure out what my future holds… and this book make me realize that it’s okay that I don’t have it all figured out.
This book is actually the book that inspired me to write this blog… Can you believe it? To me, this book said “How To Find What You’re Really Supposed to Do With Your Life.” Not that I'm meant to blog forever, but it showed me how to turn a passion into something productive. Whether its just for myself or to share with others, I really don't care... just that I'm doing it!
So what do I think the lesson with this book is? Well, for me, it was definitely that when reading about careers, even someone else’s career, you could learn a lot of things about what you definitely do and do not want to do with your life. Every book is an opportunity
to learn something, either directly or indirectly. I know this isn’t meant to be a how-to book, but that’s how it turned out for me! Who knows what you’ll learn?
This woman, or “Working Girl” as she calls herself, has had quite the exciting life from what she tells in this book. The 59 short chapters in this book are all dedicated to one of her 59 jobs that she had during her lifetime. Being a seamstress, nanny, freelance writer, assistant manager, etc was all a part of her grand life. In each chapter there is a lesson to learn from the mistakes that WG made, and some pretty solid advice along with it.
Here’s a few of the very important things:
1) Your title is important. No matter what you are doing, whether its slinging poop off of the sidewalk in a resort, you had better have the title of “Best” or “Professional” poop slinger.
2) You can turn most anything in a job your way, if you show people that they need you. Tell your boss exactly why you think you’re perfect for the job. He might not have thought about it the way you are, and it could land you with the job plus major bonus points!
3) Anytime you quit, quit with grace.
Karen Burns (author) spent the majority of her life trying to figure out what to do with her life, and admits that she didn’t find a job she absolutely loved until #51. (That’s A LOT OF JOBS!!) I really enjoyed this book because being a college student means that I am still trying desperately to figure out what my future holds… and this book make me realize that it’s okay that I don’t have it all figured out.
This book is actually the book that inspired me to write this blog… Can you believe it? To me, this book said “How To Find What You’re Really Supposed to Do With Your Life.” Not that I'm meant to blog forever, but it showed me how to turn a passion into something productive. Whether its just for myself or to share with others, I really don't care... just that I'm doing it!
So what do I think the lesson with this book is? Well, for me, it was definitely that when reading about careers, even someone else’s career, you could learn a lot of things about what you definitely do and do not want to do with your life. Every book is an opportunity
to learn something, either directly or indirectly. I know this isn’t meant to be a how-to book, but that’s how it turned out for me! Who knows what you’ll learn?
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