OK, if you know me then you know that I enjoy my iPhone. I dig how it syncs my calendar/contacts from my phone, web and laptop together. If I update a friends phone number in one device all my devices wirelessly get the new information......beautiful!
Apple’s done a lot to improve the thing too. Now I can use it as a lightsaber, guitar tuner and more. But they’ve missed one big potential improvement: ToDo lists.
I am a fan of using ToDo lists in Apple’s iCal program. But I can’t view any of that data on my phone. I want to but I can not.
Yes there are some silly ToDo programs made by third party developers. Those programs do not sync with my iCal data. They do not allow me print out lists and edit them on the web, laptop, etc.
Please Steve Jobs help me. Or, if you know Steve could you pass this on? The squeaky wheel gets the grease so here I go.......SQUEAK!
The Sappiness of Sparks
Author Nicholas Sparks often writes tearjerkers. His stories and film adaptations of love and loss like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember continue to wring out countless tears years after their release. If you want a good cry then grab a Sparks work.
Some of my friends resent his work as over-sentimental fluff. While I agree that he often writes sappy novels I do not believe he should be entirely dismissed. After reading his book "Three Weeks With My Brother" I can affirm that Nicholas Sparks has important things to say in today's world.
In his nonfiction memoir "Three Weeks With My Brother" Nicholas Sparks along with his brother Micah remind readers that life's ordinary moments are priceless. The book recounts their family life. The Sparks share openly their family struggles and successes.
As children in poverty they depended on creativity for fun. In High School they bonded through cross country running. They share about the difficulty of moving to different colleges, watching pets grow old and die and establishing new families of their own.
The more you read the sadder it gets. Their mother, fond of horses, died at age 47 from a bizarre horse riding accident. The authors detail that their parents enjoyed a horse ride and picnic along Sacramento's American River. Their mother's horse stumbled on that hot cloudy day ending her life.
Three years later doctors diagnosed their 26 year old sister with brain cancer. Her fight with cancer lasted seven years. It ended on the steps of a San Francisco medical center where a brother and sister sat and discussed their lack of options. They had tried every treatment possible without victory.
After reading this book it's no wonder why Nicholas Sparks writes effective tearjerkers. He is no stranger to tragedy. His message of not taking for granted life's everyday moments resonates clearly with me.
So while Sparks can write sappy chick-stories he can also remind readers to savor life's simplicity. That message holds value with me. I believe our world can benefit from it too.
Some of my friends resent his work as over-sentimental fluff. While I agree that he often writes sappy novels I do not believe he should be entirely dismissed. After reading his book "Three Weeks With My Brother" I can affirm that Nicholas Sparks has important things to say in today's world.
In his nonfiction memoir "Three Weeks With My Brother" Nicholas Sparks along with his brother Micah remind readers that life's ordinary moments are priceless. The book recounts their family life. The Sparks share openly their family struggles and successes.
As children in poverty they depended on creativity for fun. In High School they bonded through cross country running. They share about the difficulty of moving to different colleges, watching pets grow old and die and establishing new families of their own.
The more you read the sadder it gets. Their mother, fond of horses, died at age 47 from a bizarre horse riding accident. The authors detail that their parents enjoyed a horse ride and picnic along Sacramento's American River. Their mother's horse stumbled on that hot cloudy day ending her life.
Three years later doctors diagnosed their 26 year old sister with brain cancer. Her fight with cancer lasted seven years. It ended on the steps of a San Francisco medical center where a brother and sister sat and discussed their lack of options. They had tried every treatment possible without victory.
After reading this book it's no wonder why Nicholas Sparks writes effective tearjerkers. He is no stranger to tragedy. His message of not taking for granted life's everyday moments resonates clearly with me.
So while Sparks can write sappy chick-stories he can also remind readers to savor life's simplicity. That message holds value with me. I believe our world can benefit from it too.
It's Not About Blame
"It's Not About Blame" - Patrick Lencioni
I first heard "It's not about blame" more than two years ago from Patrick Lencioni at a conference. Now my friends often catch me repeating the phrase. When something goes wrong in our world many people respond by wasting precious time pinning blame on others. Placing blame does not fix anything and it only creates more hurt and dysfunction.
Instead of worrying ourselves with where to point fingers we are often better off asking "how can we prevent this from happening again". By focusing on preventing problems we emphasize productivity instead of sacrificing people.
Practicing this principle has changed many of my interactions. I have transformed angry and potentially destructive moments into productive ones. I hope more people discover the value of focusing on preventing future problems rather than merely blaming someone for a problem.
I first heard "It's not about blame" more than two years ago from Patrick Lencioni at a conference. Now my friends often catch me repeating the phrase. When something goes wrong in our world many people respond by wasting precious time pinning blame on others. Placing blame does not fix anything and it only creates more hurt and dysfunction.
Instead of worrying ourselves with where to point fingers we are often better off asking "how can we prevent this from happening again". By focusing on preventing problems we emphasize productivity instead of sacrificing people.
Practicing this principle has changed many of my interactions. I have transformed angry and potentially destructive moments into productive ones. I hope more people discover the value of focusing on preventing future problems rather than merely blaming someone for a problem.
Get Physical
God gave us bodies so why not put them to use? It seems I'm more motivated to be physically active lately.
I can remember a few years ago when I couldn’t care less about working out, stretching, etc. I was glad to be done with PE class and wanted no more of it. Thankfully I'm out of that phase.
About three years ago a sentimental memory of biking to the beach overcame me. I decided to relive that southern California dream. The recreation started great. Biking those 30ish miles brought a great sense of accomplishment but it also brought soreness.
For at least a week my legs screamed at me. I carried Ben-gay in my pocket during that week for instant relief when the soreness swelled up. I was out of shape.
I then read off some website that 30 minutes of aerobics 3-4 times a week suffices for a healthy workout. So I began rowing (via machine) and running in the neighborhood.
Now, the Wii fit is my workout method of choice. My friends doubtfully smile when I speak of my intense Wii fit workouts. Who would have thought a video game can give you a full physical workout? It teaches me yoga poses, counts/coaches sit-ups and pushups and more. Don't knock it 'till you try it.
Physical activity is so worthwhile. If you're like me you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair and we are meant for more than that. So let's get off our duffs and get physical.
I can remember a few years ago when I couldn’t care less about working out, stretching, etc. I was glad to be done with PE class and wanted no more of it. Thankfully I'm out of that phase.
About three years ago a sentimental memory of biking to the beach overcame me. I decided to relive that southern California dream. The recreation started great. Biking those 30ish miles brought a great sense of accomplishment but it also brought soreness.
For at least a week my legs screamed at me. I carried Ben-gay in my pocket during that week for instant relief when the soreness swelled up. I was out of shape.
I then read off some website that 30 minutes of aerobics 3-4 times a week suffices for a healthy workout. So I began rowing (via machine) and running in the neighborhood.
Now, the Wii fit is my workout method of choice. My friends doubtfully smile when I speak of my intense Wii fit workouts. Who would have thought a video game can give you a full physical workout? It teaches me yoga poses, counts/coaches sit-ups and pushups and more. Don't knock it 'till you try it.
Physical activity is so worthwhile. If you're like me you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair and we are meant for more than that. So let's get off our duffs and get physical.
The New Ride
I’ve been wanting to buy a nice/newer car for a while now and finally did so last night. Here’s a picture of my new (to me at least) 2006 Scion xb. I like it.
Usually I drive cars that have over 200,000 miles on them. This one has 19,000. So hopefully I’ll have it for a good while.
Usually I drive cars that have over 200,000 miles on them. This one has 19,000. So hopefully I’ll have it for a good while.
Try The Bus
When I travel outside of southern California I often enjoy public transportation. When I visit a new place I want to interact with locals and take in as much of the city as I can. I also don't want the hindrance of constantly having to find a parking spot for my ride.
So why don't I use public transit at home in southern California? Gas prices ascended past $4 a gallon. Automobiles are not the only option for getting around. Public transit in southern California is worth trying.
A friend told me recently of his stigma associated with bus riders. He perceives bus riders to be the "duller knives in the drawer"; the kind of people who wear sweatpants all day ride the bus. I do not see myself as that kind of person and am ready to fight that stigma head on.
Economically the bus (the only public transit option for my daily commute) makes a lot of sense. Driving my car to work costs about $10 per round trip (24 miles one way). A day pass for the bus costs $3.50. Everyday I the bus I save $6.50. The environment is also spared my fuel emissions.
OK so I like the flexibility that having a car brings so I still drive sometimes. I often spend late evening hours with my friends near work. The last bus leaves my work at 9:00pm and sometimes that's when the fun is beginning. So at least on Fridays I do not take the bus!
Timeliness is another downside to bus riding. I can drive to work in 30 minutes, that's at least a 75 minute bus ride. On days when every minute counts the bus is a bad choice.
On the plus side riding the bus gives me free time. I have time to write this essay. I have time to check email/facebook/surf the net on my iPhone. I have time to watch a movie or read a book. I even journal and read the Bible in this open slot of time.
Viewing my neighborhood from the bus provides me with a different perspective on the world around me. Sometimes its good to see our surroundings in a new way. Lastly bus riding gives me the chance to interact with the people I live alongside.
I am glad I explored public transit options in my daily commute. Bus riding saves money, the environment and provides more free time. Though it may require some sacrifices public transit is an option that I hope more southern Californians begin considering.
So why don't I use public transit at home in southern California? Gas prices ascended past $4 a gallon. Automobiles are not the only option for getting around. Public transit in southern California is worth trying.
A friend told me recently of his stigma associated with bus riders. He perceives bus riders to be the "duller knives in the drawer"; the kind of people who wear sweatpants all day ride the bus. I do not see myself as that kind of person and am ready to fight that stigma head on.
Economically the bus (the only public transit option for my daily commute) makes a lot of sense. Driving my car to work costs about $10 per round trip (24 miles one way). A day pass for the bus costs $3.50. Everyday I the bus I save $6.50. The environment is also spared my fuel emissions.
OK so I like the flexibility that having a car brings so I still drive sometimes. I often spend late evening hours with my friends near work. The last bus leaves my work at 9:00pm and sometimes that's when the fun is beginning. So at least on Fridays I do not take the bus!
Timeliness is another downside to bus riding. I can drive to work in 30 minutes, that's at least a 75 minute bus ride. On days when every minute counts the bus is a bad choice.
On the plus side riding the bus gives me free time. I have time to write this essay. I have time to check email/facebook/surf the net on my iPhone. I have time to watch a movie or read a book. I even journal and read the Bible in this open slot of time.
Viewing my neighborhood from the bus provides me with a different perspective on the world around me. Sometimes its good to see our surroundings in a new way. Lastly bus riding gives me the chance to interact with the people I live alongside.
I am glad I explored public transit options in my daily commute. Bus riding saves money, the environment and provides more free time. Though it may require some sacrifices public transit is an option that I hope more southern Californians begin considering.
I 86ed by '86 Mustang
February 6th, 2003 was a big day in my life. On that day I started my first day of work at the church I currently serve in. (I just celebrated five years of serving at that church, LIFE.) I secured an internship under worship leader Tommy Walker that same day. It was also the day I wrecked my car.
I totaled my car by swerving into another car on a freeway onramp in Pasadena California. That accident jeopardized my plans of driving to the new church and preparing for my first meeting/rehearsal with a new band. Thankfully my brother rescued me and drove me to our family’s car lot (my dad’s office). I arrived at the rehearsal a little that night...not a great way to start a new job.
I got a new car that day; at least it was new to me. My dad gave me a car he recently purchased: a 1986 Ford Mustang our family named “Silver”. Silver and I spent five years together. We have been through a lot together. Now we are through.
Maintaining an older car is an ongoing process. Things fall apart. The lure of a newer car called out to me with increasing strength. So now I pilot a 1990 Acura Legend; it’s four years newer. The automatic transmission makes eating behind wheel a breeze.
I miss some things about the stang. The car looked pretty cool and accelerated quickly. On the downside it leaked a lot of oil on my friends streets. (I learned not to park it on driveways.)
I still dream of driving a newer car like a Subaru WRX, a Scion XB or a smartcar but I am learning to be content. After all, it’s just a car and there are more important things in life than cars.
I totaled my car by swerving into another car on a freeway onramp in Pasadena California. That accident jeopardized my plans of driving to the new church and preparing for my first meeting/rehearsal with a new band. Thankfully my brother rescued me and drove me to our family’s car lot (my dad’s office). I arrived at the rehearsal a little that night...not a great way to start a new job.
I got a new car that day; at least it was new to me. My dad gave me a car he recently purchased: a 1986 Ford Mustang our family named “Silver”. Silver and I spent five years together. We have been through a lot together. Now we are through.
Maintaining an older car is an ongoing process. Things fall apart. The lure of a newer car called out to me with increasing strength. So now I pilot a 1990 Acura Legend; it’s four years newer. The automatic transmission makes eating behind wheel a breeze.
I miss some things about the stang. The car looked pretty cool and accelerated quickly. On the downside it leaked a lot of oil on my friends streets. (I learned not to park it on driveways.)
I still dream of driving a newer car like a Subaru WRX, a Scion XB or a smartcar but I am learning to be content. After all, it’s just a car and there are more important things in life than cars.
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