Fast Food Friendly

The best way to end the day is with a good laugh, and tonight I found mine at the local Taco Bell. Drive-thru food is a treat for me, and I am always in high spirits to eat after a long day of work and school.

My Taco Bell cashier today asked me if I wanted sauce. I replied with a definitive "hot sauce, please." He continued to ask if I was sure that was what I wanted. So, I jokingly threatened with a "if I find a mild packet in my order, there'll be some words." He gave in and said that he'd better not pull anything or I'd call the customer complaint hotline on him. I had to smile when I got home to find a mix of mild and hot sauce in my bag.

Tonight I realized that my drive-thru orders typically involve some bantering and joking with the cashier. Either I don't know what to order or I know exactly what I want, which is all solid premise for a little conversation fun. It is reassuring that people working in fast food still have the playful attitude after a day of dealing with demanding and hungry customers.

This situation should not be confused with flirting either. It is being friendly. Let's accept friendly conversation and human interaction as an exhibit of a healthy communication foundation. Judging others who have conversations with their grocers or while standing in line is easy to do, but a one minute conversation could brighten someone's day or even make them smile and laugh.

To paraphrase an insightful professor: Sharing true laughter with people is experiencing a moment with one another. It is a moment when no one is thinking about the past or the future, but only enjoying that very second.

Dream Book

I sat in the lobby waiting for my group to arrive. Out of habit of not knowing how to relax, I fidgeted through the nearest magazine on the coffee table. I dizzily scanned the photos of houses in New Home magazine while I thought about what I need to do an hour from now, what I need to do tonight, and what I need to do this weekend. My racing thoughts were interrupted by the security guard asking, "You looking at the dream book?" I looked up completely confused and noticed he was chuckling to himself. He was obviously joking. Looking back down at the magazine, I realized he was referring to the home magazine as a dream book.

My first thought was, "Are the items in this book that unattainable?"

My second thought was, "I wouldn't call this my dream book, but that's interesting that he sees it that way."

For most people, buying a home is a huge decision and sometimes an accomplishment. The ability to purchase a home can be a sign of discipline in saving money and the ability to provide comfortable shelter for yourself, a family, or a dog. As a fan of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I understand the positive impact a home can have on people.

... but this is not my need or dream. This is not for everyone right now.

Buying a home is a lot like being in a relationship. As my friend, trinity garcia, explains, relationships require 50% work, 30% timing, and 20% compatibility. Owning a home is no different to me. Although the market tells me it's time, I know the timing is all wrong.

That leads me to think what is my dream book? I am not sure. It could be my growing lack of imagination or a sign of being where I want to be in life. I also like to entertain the idea that my dreams cannot be described with photos of materialistic products. My dreams are ideas, adventures, experience, and strong relationships.

Making a list of To-Do items or a list of life goals is easy. Making a list of dreams is much harder than expected, but it is still worth considering.

Power Play

Mistake #1: Judging a business by its building.
Mistake #2: Judging a business by its website.

Redemption #1: Giving the business a try, anyway.
Redemption #2: Giving the business positive reviews.

Thanks to the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and my workplace, I was able to enjoy all I can eat, drink, and play for $10 at Power Play. I was in heaven. Power Play is a "family entertainment center" full of arcade games, a bowling alley, go-karts, tilt-a-whirl, and so much more I didn't have time to discover.

At first, I was leery to attend a professional event in such a goofy environment. Their website (powerplaykc.com) reeks of cheesy jingles and flashy graphics. I'm not sure when I thought I was too cool for this, but I was probably the most un-cool as I went crazy on the arcade games. I'm sure I had that look in my eyes. You know, that crazy look.

I never in my life thought someone would give me a play card and say, "You can play anything you want for free for the next few hours." Despite the fact that I had this shopping spree, I've concluded that I've enjoyed my time at Power Play much more than any other experience at Dave and Busters in KC. The game selection was more extensive at Power Play and so were the activities. I didn't feel overwhelmed at Power Play. I'm unsure if they toned down the bells and whistles for the event, but I did like the layout of the place.

At the end of the night, I indulged in one my favorite, yet unsatisfying games- The Crane Game. Tonight's potential prize... a 6-inch white teddy bear wearing an ICEE t-shirt, and I wanted it bad. I came home with this instead...

... it's a fish that expands 600% in size.

Power Play is definitely worth a return visit.

Fear of Status Quo

I choose not to be the living dead.

I write this in a zombie-like state. After an 8 to 5 day at work followed by an evening class, I know I will repeat the same pattern tomorrow. Going through the motions like a zombie from Night of the Living Dead, I am at least glad I don't feed on other people's brains. My salvation at the end of the day: food, books, internet, people, tv. Tonight it is food, a book, and the internet. I've waited 13 hours since I woke up to enjoy my two hour window of choice.

This pattern is a trap that is so entrenched into everyone's lives that people don't recognize it or know how to change it. I don't know how to change it. Yet.

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
-Mark Twain

Everything popular is wrong.
-Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

This is why I read. People have figured out how to escape this trap before, and they hide it in books.

Fireplace

After two years in my apartment, I am finally using my fireplace. It is absolutely wonderful.

I Choo-choo- choose you.

Valentine's Day is in three days. So, when I prepared to watch the CBS Sunday Morning News(one of my favorite shows), I expected at least one segment highlighting the holiday. I expected a segment discussing the holiday's origins or maybe discussing the holiday's commercial influence on the economy. I smiled when I learned that the Valentine's Day segment was about marriage and divorce.

Not that marriage is funny or that divorce is funny. Nooo... they are both very serious. However, it was funny that a news program that focuses on good news was taking a reality check.

Here are a list of statistics the segment provided that I found interesting:

- 50% of married couples get divorced
- Or if you glass is half full, 50% of married couples stay together
- The divorce rate doubled from 1960 to 1980
- The divorce rate has been stable since the 1980s
- The average male gets married at 27 years
- The average female gets married at 26 years
- 85% of Americans get married
- The 3 contributors to a lasting marriage: Education, Stable Family, and Income

I could write an essay for each of the bullets above, but tonight is not the time.

Here is a link to the article summarizing the segment: Un-tying the Knot .

... and one more thing, Happy (early) Valentine's Day to everyone. It is not just a holiday for just one significant other, it is for family and the dearest friends also.

Footaction

I am ready to talk about it now. I wanted to chew on it before saying anything, but it has been two weeks since it has happened. I got my first pedicure.

After years of declining all invitations to get a pedicure, I was cornered by my two best friends in unfamiliar territory (Dallas, TX). I had a choice to continue to be stubborn, decline again, and ruin the flow of conversation or experience another first in my life and make peace with my friends. I caved in and decided to temporarily tuck away my conflicted feelings and reasons for past declines.

My primary fear from having a pedicure is forming a habit from the experience. I decided before embarking into this point-of-no-return, I would only have another pedicure under very special circumstances (such as celebrating becoming a multi-millionaire) or simply never having another pedicure at all.

Overall, the experience was extremely relaxing. It was more than getting my toe nails painted, as I expected. It was a massage and spa treatment for my lower legs and feet.

I am still mulling over how I feel about pedicures now. I had a tough time telling my family I got one. There was no hiding it. It was obvious. They know I lack the skills and equipment to do such a good job on my toes. It is not that I am seeking their approval, but it is a feeling of guilt. I still feel uneasy about spending money on little luxuries, such as pedicures, knowing my parents work so hard for their paychecks and still support the family. I doubt they are concerned about this, but this train of thought helps me budget. Alas, I digress.

I admit, I have enjoyed staring at my toes for the past two weeks. Pretty toes make shoe shopping more fun and dangerous too. Nearly all open toed shoes or sandals look great. I have captured this moment of indulgence with a new pair of sandals I got this weekend. Now, I can stare at my pretty toes anytime I want.

An Unrecognizable Face

I still Facebook. In fact, I mySpace too. Between updating profiles, I blog. The point of this entry is not all the time I spend online, but how these social networks have evolved, particularly Facebook.

I had referenced in a past entry that entering mySpace has the same sensation as entering a casino with its flashing lights and sounds. Entering Facebook now is similar to entering a bar for the first time. It's familiar, but distinctly different because something is always changing, whether it be the people or the drink specials. Facebook still has the same feel, but the web network has gone add-on crazy. A new invitation to join a Fight Club team or a request to participate in the Oregon Trail has left me confused every time I log onto my homepage. I don't know what will happen once I join, but I bet I'll have a difficult time removing it from my profile page.

I also have not figured out when I receive a mass invite, request, or message- so I can ignore it. Can a true friend really not send a personal message that takes 2 minutes? Mass-texter-haters, and you know who you are, this is your worst nightmare. I've warmed up to the idea of mass phone text messages. There are situations where that is appropriate, but to dedicate a song to all of your 150 Facebook friends is a bit impersonal.

Despite the changes, I am still a huge Facebook fan. It has given me every reason to not attend my high school reunion. I know exactly what everyone is already doing.

I now leave you with a mySpace comic a friend sent to me.

In My Defense

We are all selfish. We are all selfless. It is all human nature.

My generation has been deemed the 'i' generation. Thanks to Apple, everyone is proud to say it too. The media has been pushing stories on the influences of product personalization and specialization on young people's ideology. The media blames business advertising, such as Burger King, who campaigns to "have it your way" as messages promoting self-centeredness. I call it customer service at a fast food joint, which is fantastic. The booming economy of convenience is a source of distractions people must deal with today. It is easy to be swept away with all these desires for more and more personal conveniences. This does not make a generation selfish. That's just how the world works now.

People, regardless of age, all want the best for themselves.

One Week

School is out. Work is out. I had one, glorious week to do as I pleased. I feel human again after spending time with my family, friends, and the tv. Yes, the tv. I zoned out to Season One of Heroes (two thumbs up), The Heartbreak Kid (two thumbs down), Marie Antoinette (two thumbs down, way down), I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (one thumb up), and Little Miss Sunshine (two thumbs up). That is a lot of time in front of the tube, but nothing is better than staying up to 2 a.m. watching Heroes with my mom.

Aside from bumming around my parent's house, I spent time with a handful of my best friends. I don't typically post personal photos, but I can no longer resist. I am too proud of them and miss them already. I had not seen some of my friends in months and even over a year. That was just too long.

This was Christmas Eve with my best friend since fifth grade. I have spent Christmas Eve with her and her family since I met her. That's about thirteen years now.

This was taken at a wedding I attended with a best friend from college. Although he was great to study with, it was even better to just have fun with him.

I also met his friend. He is a great guy too. This photo expresses their hilarious bickering with one another all evening. My friend's friend also works on a music website that I just discovered and really like. Check it out: http://www.betterpropaganda.com/.

This is the Cookie Party that I almost missed. I can be so lost without my planner. It would have been a shame to miss out on seeing four of my best friends spanning from high school to college. The cookies were incredible, and the company was top notch.

The good news is that I still have two more full days to spend my time my way.

Home of the Chiefs

Given the opportunity to attend three Chiefs games this season, I'm finding myself warming up to football. Having a team to cheer for has a lot to do with this change. I used to think I was gaining three productive hours on Sunday while the rest of the city halted to watch the football game. Look at me now. Conforming. That makes me cringe.

Then again, I do appreciate that the football team generates a temporary boost in the economy as out-of-towners drive into the city for entertainment. Games also encourages camaraderie among fans.

Here are a handful of the photos I took during the games. My favorite game is the one saluting the Veterans this past weekend. This tribute had the best half-time show, and nothing compares to seeing the B2 Stealth Bomber fly over Arrowhead Stadium during the National Anthem.

Burnt Out on a Night Out

I should have been home eating a bowl of ramen and falling asleep to PBS Friday night. This would have been better than witnessing the dynamics of people at the local bar. Tonight might have been an isolated case or I am beginning to view my world differently. Watching the Zeros play at Raouls was supposed to be guaranteed fun. No doubt I enjoyed the company of my dearest friends and the live music, but surrounding us were strangers with their own agendas. Women and men fronting confidence to hide their true expectations in meeting the right person.

The idea of the right person is often different for people. For most, it seems to be a short-term person and for others, it seems to be a long-term person. One thing remains the same, the evening often ends in uncertainty or disappointment if someone walks in with high expectations.

Tonight I left feeling that this bar scene is not right. This unsettling feeling is not new, but wavering. I am riding the downward slope in my view of people's trust and integrity. People should not be treating others the way I have seen them. Many people have accepted this behavior. Others have stood up against it and have found themselves in the same place. I wonder what it was like twenty years ago for singles. Courtship has lost its luster and few people are fighting for it.

Earth Club- Apply Now

In third grade, I sported a button on my backpack declaring that I belonged to Earth Club. This grassroots effort focusing on recycling newspapers and cans at my elementary school was led by my endearing, third grade teacher, Mrs. Hurley. My "Go Green" fashionable accessories did not stop there. My pink, blue, and white Reebok tennis shoes came with a tag that read, "SAVE THE ELEPHANTS" that I also attached to my backpack. Nearly 15 years ago, people and companies were already advocating environmentalism, and this advocacy has begun far before I was born with the inception of Earth Day in 1969.

Today, the "save the earth" mindset is booming. What took so long to make everyone care about the environment? Several factors beyond my knowledge play into this answer, but the most obvious one is the media. I wonder how much Al Gore contributed to this media push. He was a huge stakeholder in it after releasing An Inconvenient Truth and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He is a great example of how I think politicians should handle issues more often. Focus. Gore has focused on one specific issue, which has resulted in worldwide awareness and the idea to change. Politicians often advocate solutions on multiple issues to appeal to multiple groups of people. Then, they do not accomplish any of their goals very well.

The environmental push is also generating ideas in new technology. The technology industry will benefit from this peaked interest and need to innovate alternative energy sources. This new green wave in technology could be as big and influential as the computer era.

3:10 To Yuma

Hollywood has put its cowboy hat back on. 3:10 to Yuma, originally a short story and now has two movie versions out, was my first full exposure to a westerm movie. Before tonight, the closest I got was City Slickers, and I doubt that counts. With a star cast, 3:10 to Yuma has successfully put western films back in the public light. The movie has western film fans out in the theaters as well as appealing to the younger audience.

Blood Diamond also made it in my schedule this weekend. Oddly enough, 3:10 to Yuma and Blood Diamond have a huge parallel in story lines.

My Opinion About Opinions

As the 16th most visited site on the planet, Facebook has attracted an enormous crowd... of youngsters. The WSJ published an article discussing Mark Zuckerberg's (facebook founder) options in dealing with his business's finances. The article revolved around David Bohnett's (founder of GeoCities) advice. Bohnett comments on focusing on a young audience. He says, "Those kids tend to get older and maintain some connection with an online community. You've got to capture that early adopter, young audience."

EARLY ADOPTER. I know I studied this in Marketing. There is even a graph to go with it.

Look at the size of that gap between early adopters and early majority. It shows the large margin of people willing to try new things versus the ones who do not.

The early adopters are typically the young audience. That is probably why I saw IPODs in college years before they hit mainstream and why I was playing DDR years before Brian Williams did a story on this "new" craze. Marketers know who to target.

This made me wonder what happens to people when they grow up? Their mindset changes, and often closes slowly without them realizing it. Why would this happen?

As people grow older and begin working in a profession, they are expected to always have an opinion. Now, they are the decision makers. People are trained to have opinions ALL THE TIME. It has to be this one way. Opinions are different than a point of view. It seems that a point of view is open-ended. It acknowledges that other viewpoints exist, whereas, opinions are mostly associated with my personal opinion. Negative effects can stem from this opinion syndrome. People become so engrossed in their opinions, they stop listening and experimenting. When those two key mindsets of listening and experimenting freezes, the learning process also ceases.

I used to have a sense of pride being known as part of the early adopters, but the Marketers are no longer chasing for my business. I am 25 now. Apparently, that is the cutoff into adulthood. So, adults, I have a mission for all of us. Have the mindset of an early adopter. Have a viewpoint, but listen to others. Try it out before all the young'ens have all the fun.

Einstein Bros. Not So Smart

... not with their lunch menu, at least. I can't speak for their bagels, but my first lunch at Einstein Bros. Bagels was a disappointment. The empty seats should have given it away, but I was excited to try something new. Their selection was much more extensive than I expected, but the food was over-priced for its quality and quantity. I felt robbed actually. $7 + tax for a tuna sandwich and small side of potato salad. Its sandwich competitors offer much fresher food. Well, now I know. Their food was average and not worth the money. For that same price (actually a little less), I'll stick with Panera.

Juniors 16-24

Law contracts are vague. Relationships have grey areas. The answer to any academic business question is "it depends." So, why does the Juniors section of a Macy's department store need to be so definitive?

As I browsed through Macy's this weekend checking out their fall clothing selection, I found myself in front of a sign hanging from the ceiling that read, "Juniors 16-24." What? Let me read that again, "Juniors 16-24." I planted myself right in the middle of the aisle and wondered should a 25-year-old dare cross that sign into the section that she had been so familiar with all these years or is it time to move on?

I did the 360 visual scan of the area, partly to see if anyone was standing guard to check my ID before entering, but mostly to see who else was shopping in that area. One woman was combing through a nearby clothing rack. I would estimate she was in her early 30s, so I bravely cross the line into the Juniors section, and life was normal again.

I couldn't shake the thought that an age range was assigned to the clothing section. Stores don't put height limits on the Petite signs. I admit the age range is fairly accurate. I rarely discover good finds in the Junior section anymore. My clothing tastes have transformed and matured since I started working full-time, but I still check out the Juniors section. As far as defining age ranges for types of clothing, similar to many situations in life, it is not the age that matters but where a person is in life that determines ones tastes.

I propose the lower limit to change from 16 to "when your parents think it's okay to wear this" and the upper limit to change from 24 to "be careful what you pick, but take your time... you look great no matter what you wear."

Macy's, I think it's time to take the sign down. I don't think you understand what it feels like to grow up.

I <3 Cake

My friend sent me this link after giving me a HUGE slice of carrot cake. What a great day.

The Floral Shop

Building the financial statements and identifying business risks for a fictional floral shop is one of my projects this semester. I could have chosen any type of business to model and several ideas did pass my mind, but one idea came as a Blink and stuck with me.

A floral shop. A place that sells expensive things that die. That is what practical me would have said five years ago. One conversation with a friend completely changed my view of flowers. I never understood why people would spend so much money on something that wilts within a week. Actually, that is how the conversation started...

Me: I never understood why people would spend so much money on something that wilts within a week.

Friend: (smiles) Yeah. Flowers can get expensive, but guys will do it.

Me: I still don't get it. Isn't that just a waste of money?

Friend: I guess, that's why you buy flowers. When you care for someone enough that you buy something you know is a waste of money.

My friend's statement completely changed my perspective on flowers. For the record, this was a male friend who brought this profound concept to my attention. Impressive, indeed. This perspective made sense, and I never recognized it on my own. Fortunately, I do have a memory where I can pull out all the instances I did receive flowers. Oddly enough, I appreciate those flowers more now than during the time I received them knowing what I know now. For your entertainment (and for my personal recordkeeping), here is a synopsis of my memorable flowers (in order of occurrence):

1. I received my first flower as a Valentine's Day gram during gym class in eighth grade. It was from my Navy best friend (not the color, but the military kind). I was so surprised because I was not expecting anything. Just when I thought it wouldn't get any better, I realized that she had given me two carnations, not just one.

2. It was the first time on my own, for the summer at least. My family had just finished moving me for my summer internship and left to go home. That's when the realization of not knowing anyone in the new city hit me. Just then, the phone rings. My friend calls to get ideas on indoor plants so she can send one to a friend. I give her ideas. The next day, I find a bouquet of peace lillies at the front door.

3. College graduation is over, and I'm packing the last boxes to leave Stillwater. My "Wicked" best friend calls to come over. She walks in with a bouquet of flowers, one for each year we've known each other.

It may have been a male friend who made me realize the importance of flowers, but it was all my female friends who got them for me. Interesting.

As a gift, flowers are classic, classy, and unforgettable. You can't go wrong with flowers, well, unless you give black ones. Don't give black ones.

Now that I have shared my most poignant flower experiences, I am convinced that I will have fun with this floral shop project. A huge part of business is doing something you are passionate about, even if it is a school assignment.

Six Months

Yes, time flies, but people often forget how much change can happen as time is flying by. Take a six month snippet of your life (think back to February), and I bet some event, some decision, or some experience in this short timeframe of your overall existence to this point has transformed the way you think or act today.

The past six months have been interesting for me, but I stumbled upon a website that one person has had a much more impacting life snippet. Go to www.mynameisbill.com. Bill Bowles traveled around the world for six months documenting his experiences. Sounds quite trite at first glance, but a handful of his approximately three minute videos are something to think about. I recommend watching The Coffee Shop, Just Another Brick, Suvdaa's House, and Believe in Dreams. I think he offers a great perspective that so many overlook and an eloquent way of communicating it. I am impressed with his ability to befriend so many people in different cultures and different ages.

I originally saw a video sample of mynameisbill on CNN. All this stir from just one man who decided to do what so many others say they wish they would do.

So, the next time you hear someone say "time flies" or you catch yourself saying it, don't follow it with a deep sigh admitting your defeat against time, but think of all you have gained in the past six months. Be glad someone reminded you that time does fly and take this moment to reflect on how you have invested your time in the six months.