Narrative posting of yesterday’s Weebly blog – Carpe Diem! I think of myself as a people person. Some folks could rightly say, “I’m people needy.” Actually, I think we were all created to be that way. I read somewhere that it isn’t good for man to be alone. We were created for community. A hundred years ago people lived cohesively in extended family environments. The broader family was on the immediate horizon and regular contact was a weekly occurrence, if not daily. I’d never make it on the backside of nowhere without access to others with whom to talk and relate. In fact, my need for conversation must be keen. The General (aka – my wife) has asked me on more than one occasion if “I’m talking to myself.” It is always embarrassing, but sometimes as I attempt to craft something in my head, I do a dress rehearsal so to speak (pardon the pun) in order to capture the most effective way to articulate or express what is on my mind. When I travel, I often choose to stay in a downtown hotel. Perhaps I like that high-rise kind of experience. In addition, the downtown streets are generally lighted and restaurant venues are nearby. Since Houston is the major city I visit most often, I know more about that location than others. I’ve made the observation that there are two types of people who live in downtown Houston. There are the wealthy and the homeless. I’m not sure there is much in between. Sometimes when I’m standing on a street corner waiting for the light to change so I can safely walk to the other side, I notice folks who appear to be homeless in the periphery of my vision. Sometimes I hear them before I see them. On many occasions they are talking to themselves. It always makes me a little uncomfortable. On more than one occasion I’ve noticed two way communication taking place by the same person. They are both talking to themselves and then choosing to answer. It doesn’t take a diagnostician to ascertain that something isn’t quite right. Most people do not engage in two-way conversations with themself. On the other hand, I think it is perfectly normal for me to occasionally talk to myself when I’m attempting to craft a conversation in my head. Now, who isn’t quite right? People need people and they need open and honest communication. The ability to communicate is the bridge to connecting with others. There have been any number of times that I’ve been on a flight sitting next to someone who initiates a conversation. In the course of a three-hour flight, I’ve learned some fascinating things about people. Occasionally, I’ve even met some people that fall into the “keeper” category and we become friends. How difficult is it for people to make friends? You’d think that common interests or abilities would draw folks together. After all, most of us don’t work in isolation. We often are in an office setting where we regularly come into contact with like-minded people. Many folks regularly attend a church where they have opportunity for friendship formation and other’s participate in community organizations, fitness centers, school programs, etc. which offer venues to get to know others. I told someone the other day that one of the quickest ways to make friends is to be the owner of a pickup. If you’ve got a truck, people gravitate in your direction. Do you have any idea how utilitarian having a truck is in the context of relationships? Several years ago, I bought a new truck. The very first week, a friend called and wanted to know if he could borrow my truck. You already know the answer. If the person were really my friend and needed a truck, I’d want him to ask for my assistance. The balancing act had something to do with establishing the parameters for its use. You can ask my grandchildren, no one eats ice cream in my truck. There are some things that are simply off limits. I probably understated the parameters that need to be agreed upon. If you want to eat in my truck, the only location that is acceptable is while you are sitting on the tailgate. We are not (let me repeat that for emphasis) we are not going to eat in the interior of my truck. It isn’t going to happen. Of course, I recognize that with that bold affirmation, some of you are already thinking of ways to toss a crumpled McDonald’s sack in the corner of the floorboard next to the front seat. Have you ever wondered why they refer to the floor in a vehicle as the floorboard? I get the concept associated to “floor-boarding” it to garner speed. It falls in line with “put the pedal to the metal.” Oops! That doesn’t seem quite right. If truth be told, early vehicles came equipped with wooden floorboards. Subsequent models had metal flooring. Yet regardless of material, the terminology continues to be floorboard. Am I overstating the ease with which truck owners have in attracting people who need a helping hand and a truck? I gladly lent both my truck and a helping hand to my friend who borrowed my truck the first week I had it in my possession. The move was without incident and the truck emerged no worse for wear. Trucks are also a magnet for friends. Get a truck and you’ll discover friends you didn’t know you had. Another friend magnet is having the ability to work in the computer industry. If you have the good fortune of being an employee in a computer related company who can occasionally assist a friend in receiving a discount, you automatically find yourself on everyone’s Christmas card list. I mentioned my son and daughter in yesterday’s blog. My son recently sent me a copy of an email communication he shared with his sister. He had written to inquire whether she was open to negotiating a computer related discount for one of his Marine Corp buddies. He wrote, “As you can imagine, I have another friend is in interested in... (description of the item he desired). Would that be something you could assist with for a special forces operator out doing the Lord’s work? I hope you’re having a great day. I love you.” My daughter cleverly responded, “Morning Craig – You certainly learned from Dad well. :) Even without the manipulation, I’d be glad to help… I love you.” Prior to using this illustration in today’s written narrative, I emailed my daughter to ensure it was okay. She responded, “Fine”. Sometimes she could offer a little more communication. I wanted to make sure she understood I was going to reference her ability to negotiate a price break for someone for whom she was assisting in making a purchase. She responded back, “So how many people do you think are going to want my assistance in making a purchase?” I responded, “None, until after I get the next thing on my list.” All My Best! Don carpediem-lifeblog.Weebly
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:54:48 +0000
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