On January 31, 1990, the first McDonald’s opened it’s doors in Russia. The iron curtain had fallen only a few years before and McDonald’s was one of the first corporations to take advantage the Soviet collapse.

People stood in line for hours upon hours to spend their hard earned wages on a Big Mac, fries, and a drink. I’m not talking about a simple $5 here. Many people were so poor in Russia that they spent as much as two days wages to be one of the first to eat at McDonald’s in Moscow!

That was 18 years ago today. In the Untied States it’s hard to imagine waiting in line for 20 minutes for fast food and not being pretty hacked off. In fact, if I finally got to the front of the line and they told me it would cost me my previous two days wages I’d walk right out the door without my food.

All of this leads me to this question. How bad would things have to get in your life that when a McDonald’s opened, you’d gladly do what many did in Russia years ago?

Are you having problems paying your bills? Are you getting frustrated with things and believe the economy is bad? Then why not do something about it in your life? Why not take steps to downsize your lifestyle? Do you really need most things in your life? No, seriously, you really need them?

Consider how bad things were in Russia, post Soviet Union, and just how the grand opening of a McDonald’s inspired many there to splurge for a Big Mac. Now, I encourage you to read this article by Stephanie Simon of the Los Angeles Times titled Public Senses an Economy Going South, and tell me what is wrong with our thinking today.

Here was one excerpt that I actually had to read twice. It blew my mind.

“In Atlanta, Bernadette Smith, 31, has watched her credit-card debt climb to nearly $40,000. That’s more than her annual take-home pay, though she works 13 hours a day at two jobs. Once obsessed with the latest style of designer jeans, Smith now shops for clothes only at Wal-Mart, or maybe Target. She has come to consider a dinner at Ruby Tuesday a splurge.”

I’d say we should just be thankful we aren’t standing in line for hours to eat a McRib, much less splurging occasionally at Ruby Tuesday. Right?

The other day I accepted an invitation for lunch. Unless there is specific business to discuss or I am already good friends with the person, I try not to accept these invitations. It’s something I started doing about a year ago, for one specific reason. Lunch with fellow co-workers, in any job, can often turn into a gripe fest. It’s not productive and can harm one’s reputation.

I recommend making the same decision in your work life. Sure, you may miss out on all the latest workplace gossip, but you’ll be much better off for doing something else on your lunch hour. Here are some suggestions (and they don’t involve eating).

1. Work on your fitness. All of us usually feel like we could work out more, lose a little more weight, or be a little more active. Well, now is your chance! Many employers provide a gym or workout equipment these days. If yours doesn’t, go for a walk or run. I’ve learned from experience that nothing will help you get through the rest of the afternoon feeling more energized than a hard workout on your lunch.
2. Take a power-nap. In today’s world those who nap are often viewed as lazy and unproductive. However, many successful people take a power-nap during the day. There’s even such a thing called a caffeine nap, that has the same result of a power-nap with the extra kick of caffeine afterwards. Taking 15-20 minutes to nap will often energize the body and cause you to be more alert the rest of the day. For those of you who say that this suggestion only takes 15-20 minutes of your lunch, read on…
3. Read something. Have you been meaning to read more, but just can’t seem to find the time? Whether it’s a book, newspaper, or magazine why not spend your lunch hour reading? Stimulate your brain a little and you will not be disappointed. Besides, reading can be a great escape from the stresses that can come with your job.
4. Work on your hobby. Got a hobby you enjoy? Why not wrap yourself in it for an hour during the day? It will take your mind off the work day and relax you. For me, I love photography (in case you couldn’t tell) and writing. So I do both of these things on my lunch from time to time. Be sure to watch the time though! It can be easy to get caught up in a project and lose sight of the time constraints of your lunch hour.

3 cats enjoying their lunch hour.

Just Appeared There One Day…, originally uploaded by drewmaniac.

My senior year in high school was spent actually enjoying classes. It was the first time in a long time I was doing that. In fact, it was the first time I didn’t stress too much about getting my work done. Not because I didn’t do it, but because I was able to do it and have fun. I had enough credits to graduate early, but I chose to take classes I thought I could learn by having a little fun with. So I took things like World Foods where we cooked food from all over the world, and then ate it! I also took a creative writing class. This was one of the more enjoyable classes I had. My teacher allowed me to let loose. He challenged us each day by reading what we had wrote the night before on the subject he wanted us to write on, and then assigning another in class writing project. Our pencils went to work, and it was always entertaining to hear what people came up with. Each day, I found myself looking forward to 6th hour.

Blogging has had me flashing back to that class from time to time. I like the freedom. I look forward to crafting my next post. I like the ability to assign myself something, and get to work on it through the written word. In the beginning I was worried about all sorts of things. I wasn’t letting go and just writing. So, in the coming months I want to write posts that are valuable to you, the reader. I like taking observations from life, history, and other areas and finding some way to express them with the written word that will be beneficial to everyone.

Do I expect my posts to always be exceptional or even beneficial? No. Well, I expect it but I am a realist. I know sometimes you’re going to read a post (maybe this one) and ask yourself where those last couple of minutes of your life just went. In the end, however I hope to simply help you take a break from the doldrums of life itself.

In the coming weeks and months I have a few projects up my sleeve. Believe it or not, I am not writing to just scream my thoughts to the world. I have had some goals and ideas in mind from the very beginning. It was just a matter of crafting my master plan (it doesn’t involve taking over the world, although that would be nice). Some things have happened recently that have me realizing I can achieve these goals.

In the meantime, I hope to continue to provide content that is worth your time. I always welcome suggestions and helpful hints. I have always believed it’s a good thing to receive a little constructive criticism from time to time. It can be very beneficial and open your eyes to new opportunities.

Alright, I am through taking up your time! Carry on as you were!

As some of you know, I’m getting married this year. I am presently in the hunt for the perfect honeymoon spot. What about Cottonwood, Idaho and the Dog Park Inn Bed & Breakfast?* No?

* Honey, I’m only kidding…

Today I received a compliment that wasn’t meant to be a compliment. I was told, “… that truly doesn’t bother you does it? You’re just Mr. Positive aren’t you? You make me sick!”

What sparked that remark has escaped me now. I guess they were right. I wasn’t bothered by it. I did however consider what had just been said to me. I appreciated that I was viewed as a positive force, as opposed to a negative one.

So what is it that can help you have a better day, and help you come across as a positive and pleasant person to others? There are many things we could go on about, but here’s three simple acts I always make a conscious effort to focus upon.

1. Smile.
   I realize it’s simple, but truth be told we don’t do enough of it do we? It might be hard initially, but after a few times of purposely smiling at someone you will feel just a little better about your day. Besides, it might make someone’s day. If making someone’s day isn’t reason enough for you, it’s actually good for your health! Here are 10 Reasons to Smile by Mark Stibich Ph.D. if you need more convincing.
2. Stop and Think.
   No, it’s not Hammertime. Stop and consider your surroundings. Are they positive? If not, are you allowing them to affect you? If so, maybe it’s time to relocate. If relocating isn’t an option, maybe it’s time to start focusing on being more positive yourself. It really does rub off on others.
3. Laugh.
   People have told me that I laugh quite often. Usually right after that they’re telling me I have a very loud, distinct laugh. I know I do. I’ve heard it nearly all of my adult life. I am glad that is something people like and remember about me. You don’t have to have a distinct laugh, but finding reasons to smile and even laugh should be a daily pastime. There’s no reason to go through life with a poor disposition, rarely smiling.

Make an effort each day to do just these three simple things, and you’ll find you won’t have much of a choice but to be positive. We can’t always have great days, but there’s no reason to make our days more difficult by refusing to smile, think positively, and laugh.

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” Herm Albright

TAWAN 01
Originally uploaded by Schiller34

Much of the beginning of this year is reminding me of 1992. When a Clinton was running for president, a Bush was on his way out the door, and it was all about the economy. More to the point, it was all about the economy, stupid. Back then, I was just a young whipper snapper. I didn’t really understand what a recession was. I was more concerned about playing baseball, chasing girls, and convincing myself I knew it all.

I am not here to tell you my opinion of the possible economy troubles coming our way (note, I said possible) here in the United States. I certainly have my opinions on the matter. I just wanted to offer up some easy saving tips. Last week, I had originally planned on writing a short list all my own. Then the blog, Dumb Little Man posted 30 Easy Ways to Save Money (and No, you are not doing them all!). I don’t usually do this on here, but I am going to recommend you read this article. They say it far better than I could. Besides, I need to go read up on it too…

It never ceases to amaze me at how incredibly blind we (myself included) can be when it comes to our weaknesses. I realize that deep down inside we can often be honest and identify them, but we rarely choose to acknowledge them to the point of doing something about them.

I’ll confess, I have a few weaknesses. I know, hard to believe, right? One that I’ll willingly divulge to the entire Internet world is my lack of organization. I try and I try to organize everything. I can even do a decent job at it for a while, but soon I look around and everything is amiss once again. I’m just the type of person that would rather jump in and get things done quickly and move on. I don’t care much about the details. Yet when it comes to organizing, I have to pay attention to the details. Even doing simple things like writing a grocery list is something I rarely like to do. I’d rather walk in and get what I need. I’ll remember, right? Not usually.

Realizing this, I know I accomplish much more when I am around those who are well organized. They help me stay focused a little more on the details. This is a positive thing.

It can be tempting to pretend we can do it all. However, I think it is a much wiser person who can identify their weaknesses and then surround themselves with people who will strengthen them in those respective areas. Especially if overcoming that weakness proves to be difficult. Some of the most successful people have figured this out.

If we could all look at what we are really good at, focus on that, and allow others to help us in the areas we are weak we would all be more successful in our endeavors. I’ve heard it explained before like this: A wrench will never be a screw driver, and a screw driver will never be a wrench. Look into your tool box and figure out how best to use your tools.

One of my weaknesses is organization, but I’m not too shabby in other areas. Your weakness may be something entirely different, but you are good at organizing. Got a hammer?

I’ve worked in the corporate world for some time now. I understand that meetings and TPS reports are probably always going to be a necessary evil in this world. Conference calls on the other hand are a different story. They should be limited. In fact, there should be a conference call handbook that all corporations should hand out when potential employees are being interviewed. What’s that? You can’t guarantee you’ll abide by the Conference Call Handbook? Well I can’t guarantee you will be leaving this interview with a job. It needs to be that simple. It also should be stressed that all CEO’s, presidents, vice presidents and what have you will especially be expected to follow the rules in the Conference Call Handbook. Here’s a look at a few of the guidelines I propose for this handbook:

1. Limit the Number of People on the Call – This is a huge problem sometimes. Large corporations, which shall remain nameless for fear of retribution (let’s be clear, not the one I work for), sometimes like to schedule calls with multiple companies all at once! As a result there are upwards to thirty people on them! People are talking over each other. No one really knows who is talking to whom. Sometimes people just get frustrated and hang up. Then there’s me. I hit mute and discuss other matters of business with my fellow co-worker having to suffer through this with me. Got something to say to fifteen different companies? Send an e-mail and avoid the utter chaos.
2. Only One Conference Call Per Day is Allowed – End of story and don’t ask questions.
3. Know Why You Are Joining, or Calling – Do not create or join in a conference call without first knowing why in the world you are doing so. Unless of course your plan is to remain silent the entire time. I know it would seem like this is common sense, but too often people get on unprepared and clueless.
4. No Shout Outs or Calling Out – Save your shout outs for the local FM radio station. The last thing I need to hear is some VP doing everything but dedicate a song to one of the people on the line. Was that necessary? What kind of a nickname was that? Are you serious? “Pookie”? While we’re on the subject of the unnecessary, it would be a good idea to call out someone for being a failure in a different setting other than a conference call. I’m just saying.
5. If You Don’t Have To, Don’t – Anything that can be handled without a conference call (which is most things) should be handled without a conference call. I’m guessing Alexander Graham Bell didn’t join many conference calls, and he seems to have done alright for himself. Why are you any different?