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Current Stuff
What’s going on here and now? Kevin takes a look at present situations with wit and wisdom. Probably in that order.
Yes, I finally violated my conscience and signed up for Twitter. It always seemed like a stupid little communication device: “@ store buyn wtrmelon.” Who cares? Yet, it can be an effective way to reach out to people, quickly and painlessly.
Actually, it makes sense on the ’50 States’ trip. Awesome view? Tweet it. Great restaurant? Oh, yeah. Terrible one? Probably so. Somebody know a road to take? Cool. One to avoid? Weather issues?
We interrupt this '50 States' preparation to celebrate the 300th blog. Wow, time and events fly by.
We began with 'My favorite Things' (3/-8) and traveled around the countryside since then. Indianapolis (complete with a 1,032 mile day- whew!), Death Valley (5/10), San Diego (5/11), and last November, Iowa to Vegas, where the Little Woman and I dang near froze to death. Since then you haven't heard us complain about the high price of the electric suits, have you?
When planning an event as big as ‘50- States in 50 Weeks’ with a motorcycle and pop top trailer, some things simply must be done before leaving.
That would be the Solvang Century.
I wanted to do a hundred mile bicycle ride before our trip, and this weekend provided the opportunity. Perhaps I asked for too much.
"I'd like a pack of Ma_____os."
"Pack or box?"
"Uh, box." I don't know! I haven't bought cigarettes in 42 years.
So why am I buying the smokes? Back up the time machine a day or two:
These days the preparations for a wedding supersede everything- injuries, illness, family squabbles, even death itself, perhaps. Yet my wonderful only daughter A my held up well preparing for the Big Day. And on the Really big Day, she maintained her composure.
As I pedaled along the bike trail, something shot out from the left of my peripheral vision. A coyote!
First, to clarify this book review, the author Aron Ralston, is an idiot. He set a goal to summit all 53 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado. That's a noble goal, but he decided to do it in winter- and solo.
This man has cheated death- literally- numerous times. Yet on a simple hike (for him) in Utah, he experienced a freak accident and his right arm got caught by a rock in a chasm. Again, being an idiot, he had neglected to tell anyone where he was going, so no search started for days.
There’s nothing funner (Funner? Perhaps ‘more fun’) than skiing a run that’s freshly groomed and untouched. Brain Head, Utah provided myriad opportunities for fresh snow skiing.
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and things change rapidly, whether you like it or not.
I multitasked this morning, speaking on the phone while opening a two liter Diet Pepsi. As I got the lid loose and the gasses released, I dropped the bottle in my lap. First, remember I'm scooting around the tiles in an office chair with the broken foot. Instead of simply reaching down and grabbing the bottle I watched as it bounced to the floor and really sizzled, then rolled away, spraying the wall and floor with the sticky brown goo.
I rolled in the lake and picked up the bottle. Half empty. I set the bottle in the sink and looked at the crazy tracks of liquid that tracked off my wheels.
Beautiful!
Instead of writing, blogging and working on a speech, I dove into the Pepsi Mess. I mopped up the largest share of the pop, then pondered the dilemma; I needed to wait for the floor to dry, but must clean the walls before they turn to crust. Fine. I cleaned up the walls while doing my best to keep the cast dry. Next I wet mopped the floor.
Because of my limitations, this took over an hour. Why am I writing about this?
Life can throw things at you, suddenly. A Pepsi Mess is nothing more than a nuisance. However, lately two friends have experienced sudden and painful deaths of loved ones. Priorities line up quickly, and not much else is as important as the friends and family around us.
We get caught up in day to day behavior and routine. Let's remember what's important
Toastmasters- Product Placement
Warning! Product placement.
Four years ago, I joined Toastmasters to improve my speaking skills. Did you know that public speaking is peoples' number one fear, even in more than death?
Someone did a study years back. Who would have thought?
Toastmasters not only trains speakers, but is a great tool to generate leaders too. Members take turns doing different jobs in the meeting to help it run smoothly. The Toastmaster must get the assigned people confirmed and run the meeting, starting on time and following a strict schedule.
Another job is General Evaluator, who manages the evaluation portion of the speeches and judges the overall quality of the meeting.
The grammarian brings a word of the day, and posts it. Members must use it during Table Topics.
The Table Topics Master brings a subject and calls people to speak extemporaneously on it for 1-3 minutes.
Should you be terrified of speaking in public, Toastmasters is the place for you. People are friendly and supportive, and as Darren Lacroix, world champion of speaking says, "Toastmasters is a great place to screw up." Then when out in the marketplace (or wherever life takes you), you can speak with ease and poise.
Go ahead. Take a risk and check it out.
Now that second thing you're afraid of? Don't sweat it. It only happens once.
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©Copyright 2007 - 2012 Kevin B. Parsons All Rights Reserved. Site designed by  Graphic Web Design
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my book
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Latest News
50 States In 50 Weeks On a Motorcycle
Monday, 07 May 2012 05:11
We are on our way! Follow us on our adventure across America at www.50statesin50weeks.com. Enjoy the ride!
50 States Last Supper and Moving
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 20:24
Last night our good friends Keith and Melody had us over for the Last Supper. And brace yourself: She took our plants. Incredible. Those plants will actually live and perhaps even thrive. While the plants live under our care, it can’t be credited with much more than survival. I think the plants got a much better deal than the dog. I just hope none of the plants try to blog. Too weird.
Read more...
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