Life is like a giant puzzle

Several years ago I came across this quote and I believe it has great insight to inspire all of us as we head into our next New Year.

Life is like a giant puzzle. Though our futures may not be clear or turn out exactly as we expected, each of us has the strength inside to put the puzzle together; we just have to look for the right pieces.

My own life has had many turns that lead me to believe that I am still searching for the right pieces. I am confident that in 2012 I will find some of them and they will fit perfectly. The puzzle itself has not an end in 2012, but definite patterns will emerge and some pieces presented may not fit. I will have to decide if they are needed at all, are to be discarded permanently, or saved for later use in my puzzle.

New Years' resolutions tend to lose their vigor as quickly as they are recited.

In the spirit of well wishes and positive affirmations I say to all of you...

I hope you find the proper pieces and ensure their placement in your own puzzle by utilizing all of your resources and that 2012 is your greatest year yet. No matter what happens, just don't quit! We all deserve nothing less!!

Happy New Year
Light and Love to All!!!

that's The Brick Way...

PTO Day 5: Sometimes Asking is All It Takes

Those of you that have been to my house have all encountered the very vocal dog next door. A few of you, like me, on many occasions jump in fear of him coming right through the fence. He has, in the short time of being there, managed to tear away a couple of fence slats just enough to poke his head through and be even that much more scarier than if he just growled from the other side. Looking at him, you know he wants to get through and tear you to bits.
Last night, at the nudging of a friend, I decided to call my neighbor Gary, the dog owner, and see if we could discuss a solution. He didn't answer so I left a very detailed voicemail.  I mentioned who I was and that I'm sorry we had never met yet. We both have Harleys so I mentioned a possible future ride as well.  I told him that I was nervous sitting out in back when I smoke my cigars, and that I was also concerned that his dog might hurt himself on the damaged fence slats. Gary happens to be a local handyman, at least that is what the sign said on his truck, so I proposed that he might fix the fence between our yards. I even said I was renting and if the repair was and/or the fence was my landlord's that I would get their approval to pay for it. I left my cell number and went to dinner.
During dinner, Gary called back. I was eating so I had to retrieve the message later. In the message Gary left, he simply acknowledged that he got my message. That was all he said.
Today, while I was getting ready to go about my day, I heard some unusual noises coming from my backyard.
When I peered through the mini blinds to see what was going on, I was pleasantly surprised to see that while I was in the shower, Gary had replaced two of the three fence slats and was finishing the third.
Had I not asked, it is difficult to determine whether Gary would have done it at all, or that it would have been after an unfortunate incident for either me or the dog. I'm glad I called.

Sometimes asking is all it takes

that's The Brick Way...

PTO Day One: Positive Thoughts

Take a stand against the negativity that surrounds you. This is not as easy a task as you may think. Many times the negativity is unavoidably in your path, but look for alternate routes. 

One thing, you can and will need to continue to do as you purge, is to remove those FB "friends" that continue to bring negativity to the forefront. Its time we use the social media network for its intended purpose of socializing and not point fingers and complain about everything in our lives. This doesn't mean you shouldn't vent occasionally, but let's stop the bickering and rude comments and instead offer insight and alternatives when a "friend" is venting a frustration.

Focus on the positive people and experiences in life everyday and smile as many times as you can. Each opportunity to frown is another opportunity to decide not to. Each moment of frustration is a chance to discover new strength that will help overcome any obstacle that gets in the way.

And never be ashamed or too proud to apologize when you are wrong! 

I've been wrong plenty this year and I will use this PTO I have to reflect, resolve, and move forward...

that's The Brick Way...

Just NOT Getting It

No matter what people say, it is painfully obvious that they may want to solve an existing issue and they may want to look outside of their normal resources to do it, but when push comes to shove they will ultimately break and return to what they are comfortable with. The problem is that most of the time they will not solve the original issue at all and sometimes they create additional ones in the process.
It is a common thread in the breakdown of communication that continually proves, people are just NOT getting It.

When did it become okay to set a standard and then be the one that not only ignores it of others but be the one to break it as well?
Why do people ask you to do something a certain way and then later want to use that against you?
What will it take before the realization occurs?
How do you make an impact on anything if those that are responsible of supporting you are just NOT getting It?

Of course, maybe I am wrong. Maybe I am the one just NOT getting It. If conformity to mediocrity is what you are after then count me out because I am just NOT getting It!! I won't accept it!

that's the Brick Way...

Only One

There is Only One that has always been there for me. Only One that lifts me and protects me. Only One that teaches me and guides me. Only One that really understands me. Only One that truly appreciates me. Only One that stands with me unconditionally. Only One that does not judge me. Only One that sees everything I see and understands why I perceive it the way I do. Only One that rides with me on my Harley. Only One that enjoys the cigar while I enjoy the cigar or the martini as I sip it. Only One to praise me when I accomplish a goal and Only One to place fault when I fail. I take full responsibility for me; I am Only One.

There is Only One that understands my struggle being separated from my children for long periods of time. Only One reflecting on the decisions that caused relationships to fade. Only One battling the effects of let downs and disappointments. Only One celebrating the triumphs. Only One arguing both for and against on who to confide in. Only One feeling the pains in my heart and in my soul when a trust has been broken. Only One that sees the effects of my perceptions through my eyes. I am Only One.

I am not denying a higher power exists, in fact, I believe strongly that the Universe challenges me to see how I will respond. I am not denying that family and/or friends aren't important but that they are external from me and therefore not truly there as is Only One. Lastly, I am certainly not implying that I am lonely but that I am alone. With or without a Partner/Significant Other/Girlfriend/Wife; all of my reality is experienced by Only One. 

I am Only One.

and That's The Brick Way... 

My Review of BRICK HOUSE ROBUSTO NATURAL

Originally submitted at Thompson Cigar

Mix ANY 5-pack!One’s lonely, two’s company, and three is a crowd… but five, well, five is a freaking party! Get ten, fifteen, even twenty and then you’re in imminent danger of having a good time (and perhaps having the cops called). Unless, of course, we’re talking about cigars instead of house par...

BRICK HOUSE ROBUSTO NATURAL

Brick House judged The Brick Way

By Brick from Columbus, GA on 10/15/2011

 

5out of 5

Pros: Great Flavor, Good Draw, Well Constructed, Undamaged Wrapper, Easy To Light

Best Uses: Special Occasions, Everyday, Gifts

Describe Yourself: Aspiring Aficionado, Cigar Aficionado

I was so impressed with this stick that I have given them to others as gifts. This way I don't have to share my personal inventory.

(legalese)

Best Uni ever!

Wow! I am in Carlsbad, CA and I found the Best Uni ever! The place is called Tomoyama and it is located off of El Camino Real on the second level of a strip mall.
They do some crazy discount pricing from 5:30-9:30 on some of the more traditional orders like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail.
I had an Octopus sashimi and an Uni sashimi. Look closely at the pictures to see how many pieces came with my order.
Then the chef made me a spicy yellowtail hand roll and a garlic albacore hand roll. Both were very good and very packed.
The edamame were perfectly salted and the ginger was dye free (traditional pale).
I'm still drinking hot tea but the chef convinced me to try a quail egg shooter and I was not disappointed. The sake he used was awesome.
Lastly, the chef gave me a sample of a creation he was making for some other people. It was Ika (squid) wrapped around chopped salmon and eel with eel sauce.
I highly recommend this place!!
By the way, the meal was under $50.
Those that know sushi should really appreciate that!

That's the Brick Way...

First time flyer

Guy boards the plane with a huge pack. First he tries to cram it in the overhead bin. Wait, this is a CRJ200 so THAT is not happening. He looked worried so I suggested he use the under-seat area because on this plane it is actually wider. He attempts to push it under HIS seat and again is frustrated. I motion to the seat in front of him and finally his pack is stowed. He is assigned to the Exit Row and starts asking how to open the doors. I am a little worried as he reaches toward the handle but he only simulates as he is reading the safety card.
Then as the attendant approaches us to get verbal confirmation that we are all willing and able to assist, he spits in a large water bottle.
The flight attendant, completely off guard, jokingly says " you did not just spit right in front of me?"
The guy, thinking he offended her, apologizes for spitting in front of her. He, at this point, still doesn't realize he is not allowed to use smokeless tobacco. Once he realizes he is not allowed to have it and she seems satisfied that he understands, she returns to front of plane and begins her safety notice to the passengers.
I'm not sure if he swallowed it or he just waited with patience but he did not spit again.
He was the first one off the plane.
Guess it's a good thing this was a short flight.

Thanks for reading. Comments welcome.

That's the Brick Way...

A public service announcement

October 5, 2011
19B
Dear 19B,
On behalf of all the passengers on today's flight, we apologize for the inconvenience you were caused by having to wait to use your laptop and iPad. We realize you must be under a lot of pressure at work to put whatever it is you needed to do above the safety of you and the rest of us. We sincerely hope you seek employment elsewhere so that your well being is more important than the PowerPoint presentation you had to work on.

As a matter of reference, having your lid closed is not the same thing as turning your equipment off. Furthermore, having all your equipment piled on your lap is not the same as stowing all personal belongings under the seat in front of you. And lastly, knowing all of that, as I know you do, since you deliberately hid what you were doing from the flight attendants, doesn't make you a bad person, but it does mean you will compromise what's right for what you want.

That in and of itself is a sad fact.

May all that you do on an airplane never impact negatively on you or to anyone else also on that same airplane.
Sincerely,
19A

A public service announcement...

That's the Brick Way

too much on T.V.

It's amazing how DVR has actually increased the amount of programs I follow. Fall Premieres began earlier this month and my DVR hard drive is sitting at 39% full. Part of the reason is that I have 6 movies I saved that I thought we would watch before the premieres started, but something else was always on that kept us from doing that. Now I have Castle, Survivor, Glee, and Modern Family that I record as well several other programs I watch with Laura like X Factor and Fringe.

This year I am also recording Tera Nova, a new show with dinosaurs in it. I am almost afraid to watch a preview of anymore new shows because I may want to add them to our already way too long list.

I am also one of those few that did not watch Lost when it was on the network but I am deep into the 3rd Season thanks to my Blu-Ray Player. Laura and I are borrowing Dexter Season 5 from a friend and we are half way through that.

Throw in college football on Saturdays and NFL and NASCAR on Sundays and one can easily hypothesize that I spend too much time in front of a television.

Sometimes it interferes with a nice day for riding or an opportunity to relax on the deck and smoke a cigar.
Don't misunderstand me, please. I am not complaining per se, but I do wish sometimes for fewer shows and I occasionally get excited when there are reruns and I don't have to worry about an episode missed.

On a side note, I am exercising regularly during the week. I have been walking 30-50 minutes and doing 40-50 Push-ups per day, Monday through Friday. I just started about 2 weeks ago after taking a break for almost a year.

I should be tired right now but my body is restless. I will lay down and hope my Narcolepsy kicks in so I am not awake for long.

Less than 15 minutes to get to REM Stage...

That's The Brick Way

Change Changes Everything

Change impacts so many in so many different ways that sometimes I think we forget to consider what that impact is.

For example: public schools decide to adjust the start time for classes to start in the morning by 30 minutes. This seemingly minor adjustment impacts the entire community even those without children.
First, the bus schedule needs revisions; this means the bus driver's schedule is impacted.
Traffic patterns will be affected and the crossing guards and the traffic light timers and placards will need to reflect this Change. What about the parents? Now their schedule is impacted because this could mean a later start time to their job. And what does that do to the employer and their production? If I wanted to carry this out, I could show you how Everyone is impacted by adjusting the start time of public school by 30 minutes. Hopefully, you get the idea.

This concept applies to any Change of any kind.

Above all else, make sure that the Change is well communicated and whenever possible in advance of the Change taking place.
Consider my example above.
What would happen if that 30 minute adjustment was announced on the first day of school?
Chaos!
What about during class registrations?
Better!?
During the Summer, the schools publicized the Change through local media?
Yes, that would be fantastic. That would give everyone the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Change.

We are experiencing a lot of changes at work right now. Some are minor with minimal impact on a few while others are major and could potentially create Chaos if not properly communicated.

Did I give you reason to change your way of thinking about Change itself? Will you communicate it in advance? As I conclude, ponder what impact Change you create will have and what impact Change you experience will have. Either way, one thing is certain, Change changes everything!

that's The Brick Way

Three Years in the Books

Wow! Tomorrow will mark three years that I have been a member of Field Force Development (FFD). When I took this position with Aflac three years ago, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew a few of the employees from various functions and training classes I attended. I knew it was the best place for me to continue my learning process and get deeper involved with helping people on a larger scale.
In three years I have learned a vast amount of material about our business, about the industry, and about the varied cultures and climates spread across the country. (Climate is not a reference to weather patterns).

Of course Columbus isn't great to me just because of my job. My personal life has gained by meeting Laura. Not only is she beautiful and smart, but she also makes sure (literally) that when it is time to travel I will have the right room and transportation as needed.

I have been fortunate enough to meet some great people all over the country and have been able to partner with the Aflac Elite since moving to Columbus. FFD is a very large complex family. We have relatives spread all over the country and we constantly adopt more as some find their way out of the nest. I have had the personal satisfaction as recent as yesterday knowing what I share with the field has value, is appreciated, and can impact lives. It is a huge responsibility I take very seriously. I am excited every time I schedule my next opportunity to execute and deliver. FFD is taking on more members and although not all the roles have been clearly defined yet, I am thrilled to see what FFD, Aflac, and the Universe have lined up for me!

Just one more thing before I go...

Passengers will congregate in front of a TSA closed gate as much as one hour before a scheduled flight and TSA doesn't open and start the screening process sometimes until as late as 30 minutes prior to departure.

Happy Tripp Anniversary to Me with FFD!

that's The Brick Way...

First official entry

So I am sitting at home, that alone is most unusual with all the traveling work has had for me this summer, and I am racking my brain for just the right way to kick this off. A newbie at this blog thing, I am not sure yet how to add pics or how to invite readers for that matter. So this first entry is really just a test to see what I can figure out on my own...

Hmmm. If this works I may have the first part figured out quicker than I thought...

Awesome!

I will weave the past into my entries as they are appropriate to the topic I write about as I attempt to share the goings on no less than once a week.

I will include photos as much as possible and should the urge come over me to shoot video for something I may include that here as well.

And that's The Brick Way...