Can't fix stupid
When I think of all the “idiots” I’ve dealt with in jobs, none of them considered they were the idiots. After all these years and so many clients, bosses, and coworkers, I am more convinced than ever that these "special" people think they are doing an adequate, if not better, job each day.
Don't laugh but the person in the office or cubicle next to you or even people attempting to run the whole show may very well be one of these "idiots" and they no clue what the rest of you think of them.
Idiots come in all shapes, sizes, and positions. They can be CEOs, secretaries or engineers. They can be bosses, assistants or salesman. Those afflicted, for the most part, don't even feel the symptoms. Sadly, it is the rest of us that suffer the pain of our idiot coworkers. The sad but important thing to remember is you can’t you fix stupid!
Idiot bosses are the mutant hiccups of organizational evolution, with cockroach-like immunity to calamities that wipe out truly talented and creative people. Have you ever found yourself thinking “I’ve got nothing to really be pissed about but when I step into work I feel like my whole world is crashing down?” You feel a kind of anxiety or something. You can only put it down to the fact that, at other times, your body naturally does this as some kind of defense, to enable you to cope with the idiot/s you work with for 8 hrs a day.
But I find that even worse than an idiot boss is a clueless boss. This person is highly intelligent, can be a nice guy, but chooses not to be. Has to reword everything you write, tell you what you were thinking and how it was wrong, and constantly slows down the forward motion of a business simply because it is “not the way he envisioned it.”
They have specific words of phrases they have to fit into every written document. They think that by just placing their name and/or picture on things people will flock to purchase from your company. They criticize their employees constantly and always believe you have nothing more important to do than whatever they are currently wanting you to work on. They have to question each time you are ill and why did it take you so long to get better. They, making way more money than any of us, just can’t understand how you could have car trouble but don’t get it when you look at them weird when they ask you to take their car, on company time, to be looked at by the dealership.
The clueless boss will actually believe they know and understand you; I have even had them sit me down and try to explain me to me. Laughably inaccurate as it was it just let me know just how clueless they truly were.
And one of my favorite ways to know you have a clueless boss, no matter how little work they are actually doing they truly believe you can do more than you currently are, because they are swamped with “other things.”
My current boss can be an idiot at times but he is working on it and tries to ask humbly for help when he finds himself in to deep. He does have a few statements to live by that he spouts off a lot.
His favorite two are “Plan to be early and you are never late,” and “It is better to know where to find information that to try to have it all memorized.”
As my own boss we seem to get along ok, he threatens to fire me and I threaten to quit at least once a day but I can live with that.
I started this several days ago and was thinking of not posting it, worrying about how some would take it, but decided to just do it anyways. If you are finding this hits home, maybe you are one of the idiots I spoke of, work on it, you don't have to stay that way.
Ok, for those of you who want to read or add to some of these websites; here they are, enjoy them.
http://mybossisanidiot.com/
http://www.workrant.com/
http://www.iworkwithfools.com/
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Don't wait for it
Today’s post is odd as I don’t normally quote from the bible but this is one of my favorite parables. A lot of people see this parable told by Jesus as a lesson in forgiveness.
I don’t, not really.
I see this more as a story of what should happen to you if you are not willing to “pay-it-forward” and Karma gets a hold of you.
Matthew 18:23-35 tells a story of a king whose servant owed him “ten thousand talents.” But could not pay, so the king ordered that he, his wife, children, and everything he owned was to be sold to pay the debt. But the servant fell to his knees and begged for patience saying “I will pay thee all.”
The king felt compassion for him and set him free and forgave him the whole debt. (credit card companies? Are you listening to this? I can beg pretty well…) How cool is that the value of ten thousands talents in today’s money would be millions of dollars.
It then goes on to say that the same servant found a fellow servant that owed him “ hundred pence”, about $15 physically assaulted him demanding payment.
This fellow servant fell to his knees and begged for patience saying “I will pay thee all.”
Sound familiar? Well this is where the story goes bad. The servant that was forgiven a million dollar debt would not forgive a fellow servant just $15.
He had him thrown into prison till he could pay his debt.
Side note: How exactly do you expect someone to make money while in prison in order to pay a debt? I personally would think keeping him out of prison would go toward getting your money faster…
Ok, so someone saw this happen and went and told the king. And wow was he pissed, with good reason. He called the servant back to him let him know how pissed he was, “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt.”
Then the king said “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? “
With this the king had him shipped off to worse than prison “delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”
That’s it, a short story about paying it forward or in this case failing too.
As I was writing this the thought crossed my mind about all the companies that the American taxpayers have “bailed-out” or “forgiven their debts” but here we all sit with our debts unforgiving. I wonder how this all applies to them?
Oh well, not really my point. I really believe in the pay it forward concept and totally believe in the good and bad karma transferred in the process.
Sometimes it is hard to find ways to pass it forward; I have to remember little things to me might be big things to others.
Several months ago I was on my way into a McDonald’s one morning for breakfast. At the door was a man dressed in a suit that looked like it belonged to my grandfather and had not been cleaned lately. But he was well mannered and well spoken. He politely asked me if I had some money I could spare as he wanted to get some food. I could tell buy the look in his eyes that he expected me to say no, like I was just one of many he had asked.
Now I normally carry no cash with me and had none that day. And told him I was sorry but carried no cash. He just nodded and said thank you, his face turning to look back out to the parking lot.
Something about him just grabbed me and would not let go. I stood there I guess longer than he thought I should of and he looked back at me.
I smiled at him and he smiled back. I told him I would buy him breakfast if he wanted.
The look on his face changed so fast and in such a marvelous way. He actually asked if I was sure. I held the door for him and told him I was.
We got to the counter and he looked at me, asking, I said “whatever you want”, he smiled and turned to order. I had no clue what he would order or how much but at that point I really didn’t care.
He proved my thoughts right about being welled mannered and ordered a single sandwich and a hot coffee. He could have ordered 10 and I would of let him, but he didn’t. I ordered my food and paid for it all.
The food came out and he said thank you in voice and with his eyes. I told him he was very welcome and he left to go sit and eat, I left to finish taking my wife to work.
Strangely, I go to the same McDonald’s every morning, 5 days a week and have never seen him again.
That was such a small thing for me, less than $5, but I felt it made a world of difference to him.
What I think we all need to remember is Pay it forward has to start somewhere, you don’t have to wait till someone does something for you.
Start it yourself, do something little for someone or do something big for someone so they can pass it on, pay it forward.
Eventually it will come back to you; then you can pass it on again.
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
Today’s post is odd as I don’t normally quote from the bible but this is one of my favorite parables. A lot of people see this parable told by Jesus as a lesson in forgiveness.
I don’t, not really.
I see this more as a story of what should happen to you if you are not willing to “pay-it-forward” and Karma gets a hold of you.
Matthew 18:23-35 tells a story of a king whose servant owed him “ten thousand talents.” But could not pay, so the king ordered that he, his wife, children, and everything he owned was to be sold to pay the debt. But the servant fell to his knees and begged for patience saying “I will pay thee all.”
The king felt compassion for him and set him free and forgave him the whole debt. (credit card companies? Are you listening to this? I can beg pretty well…) How cool is that the value of ten thousands talents in today’s money would be millions of dollars.
It then goes on to say that the same servant found a fellow servant that owed him “ hundred pence”, about $15 physically assaulted him demanding payment.
This fellow servant fell to his knees and begged for patience saying “I will pay thee all.”
Sound familiar? Well this is where the story goes bad. The servant that was forgiven a million dollar debt would not forgive a fellow servant just $15.
He had him thrown into prison till he could pay his debt.
Side note: How exactly do you expect someone to make money while in prison in order to pay a debt? I personally would think keeping him out of prison would go toward getting your money faster…
Ok, so someone saw this happen and went and told the king. And wow was he pissed, with good reason. He called the servant back to him let him know how pissed he was, “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt.”
Then the king said “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? “
With this the king had him shipped off to worse than prison “delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”
That’s it, a short story about paying it forward or in this case failing too.
As I was writing this the thought crossed my mind about all the companies that the American taxpayers have “bailed-out” or “forgiven their debts” but here we all sit with our debts unforgiving. I wonder how this all applies to them?
Oh well, not really my point. I really believe in the pay it forward concept and totally believe in the good and bad karma transferred in the process.
Sometimes it is hard to find ways to pass it forward; I have to remember little things to me might be big things to others.
Several months ago I was on my way into a McDonald’s one morning for breakfast. At the door was a man dressed in a suit that looked like it belonged to my grandfather and had not been cleaned lately. But he was well mannered and well spoken. He politely asked me if I had some money I could spare as he wanted to get some food. I could tell buy the look in his eyes that he expected me to say no, like I was just one of many he had asked.
Now I normally carry no cash with me and had none that day. And told him I was sorry but carried no cash. He just nodded and said thank you, his face turning to look back out to the parking lot.
Something about him just grabbed me and would not let go. I stood there I guess longer than he thought I should of and he looked back at me.
I smiled at him and he smiled back. I told him I would buy him breakfast if he wanted.
The look on his face changed so fast and in such a marvelous way. He actually asked if I was sure. I held the door for him and told him I was.
We got to the counter and he looked at me, asking, I said “whatever you want”, he smiled and turned to order. I had no clue what he would order or how much but at that point I really didn’t care.
He proved my thoughts right about being welled mannered and ordered a single sandwich and a hot coffee. He could have ordered 10 and I would of let him, but he didn’t. I ordered my food and paid for it all.
The food came out and he said thank you in voice and with his eyes. I told him he was very welcome and he left to go sit and eat, I left to finish taking my wife to work.
Strangely, I go to the same McDonald’s every morning, 5 days a week and have never seen him again.
That was such a small thing for me, less than $5, but I felt it made a world of difference to him.
What I think we all need to remember is Pay it forward has to start somewhere, you don’t have to wait till someone does something for you.
Start it yourself, do something little for someone or do something big for someone so they can pass it on, pay it forward.
Eventually it will come back to you; then you can pass it on again.
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Story time!
Sit back, get comfy, and grab some popcorn. This story is not true but you will understand that as I tell it and you will understand why I tell this story when I reach the end, which is true.
There once was an old man, well it could be today or years in the future. He was a painter and by his standards not really a good one but his work was important.
He took pride in his work and made sure it was the best he could make it for some power had deemed him good enough for this life saving job he did. He had helper that brought him his paint and other tools to do his job but ultimately it was he that the work fell on.
He used special paint, he loved how it sparkled in the right light and was always thick so it did not run.
He did not know why he had been chosen all those years ago to paint the magic portals but he swore he would do his best on each one.
And so he had, day after day, year after year, he devoted his life to painting these magic portals to help others get from one place to another safely, unharmed and in an orderly fashion.
Lately though he had become saddened. He was seeing more and more people wandering though the danger zones, totally ignoring the portals he painted to protect them. More people were being hurt all the time and for what? Some of them just mere yards or feet from one of his portals that could have helped them safely across the zones.
Did they not know? Did they just not care? Have they stopped believing in the magic of his painting?
He wondered if it was his fault, had he stopped making them correctly. Were they not useful anymore?
He inspected each one when completed, double checked them to make sure they all met the same high standards; and they did.
So why would someone not use them? Why would someone choose to endanger themselves when there was always a portal close by?
So he started warning people when he saw them attempting to cross a danger zone. Mostly he was ignored, sometimes he was just stared at like he was speaking a foreign language, and he had even been cursed at by a few as he tried to protect these unthinking people.
This painter, this artist who spent his days creating so we could be safe died last week. He was a simple man, did not really leave much behind some clothes, what furniture was in his small home, and a paintbrush.
His tombstone read “Don T Walker, Painter of Safety.”
So next time you find yourself near a danger zone, think of this man’s work and how much he put into it so you would be safe. Take that extra couple of steps till you find one of his painted portals. Close your eyes for a moment and say a thank you prayer for this man that worked so hard to keep you safe. Then look to the other side of his painted masterpiece and know that it is still not safe to cross till his full name changes to just his last…
I hope you enjoyed my story and will take it’s advice for one day I may not be able to stop fast enough as you step out into the danger zone without looking from between two parked cars or random other places.
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
Sit back, get comfy, and grab some popcorn. This story is not true but you will understand that as I tell it and you will understand why I tell this story when I reach the end, which is true.
There once was an old man, well it could be today or years in the future. He was a painter and by his standards not really a good one but his work was important.
He took pride in his work and made sure it was the best he could make it for some power had deemed him good enough for this life saving job he did. He had helper that brought him his paint and other tools to do his job but ultimately it was he that the work fell on.
He used special paint, he loved how it sparkled in the right light and was always thick so it did not run.
He did not know why he had been chosen all those years ago to paint the magic portals but he swore he would do his best on each one.
And so he had, day after day, year after year, he devoted his life to painting these magic portals to help others get from one place to another safely, unharmed and in an orderly fashion.
Lately though he had become saddened. He was seeing more and more people wandering though the danger zones, totally ignoring the portals he painted to protect them. More people were being hurt all the time and for what? Some of them just mere yards or feet from one of his portals that could have helped them safely across the zones.
Did they not know? Did they just not care? Have they stopped believing in the magic of his painting?
He wondered if it was his fault, had he stopped making them correctly. Were they not useful anymore?
He inspected each one when completed, double checked them to make sure they all met the same high standards; and they did.
So why would someone not use them? Why would someone choose to endanger themselves when there was always a portal close by?
So he started warning people when he saw them attempting to cross a danger zone. Mostly he was ignored, sometimes he was just stared at like he was speaking a foreign language, and he had even been cursed at by a few as he tried to protect these unthinking people.
This painter, this artist who spent his days creating so we could be safe died last week. He was a simple man, did not really leave much behind some clothes, what furniture was in his small home, and a paintbrush.
His tombstone read “Don T Walker, Painter of Safety.”
So next time you find yourself near a danger zone, think of this man’s work and how much he put into it so you would be safe. Take that extra couple of steps till you find one of his painted portals. Close your eyes for a moment and say a thank you prayer for this man that worked so hard to keep you safe. Then look to the other side of his painted masterpiece and know that it is still not safe to cross till his full name changes to just his last…
I hope you enjoyed my story and will take it’s advice for one day I may not be able to stop fast enough as you step out into the danger zone without looking from between two parked cars or random other places.
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
5 Simple but Necessary Steps to Developing Policy and Procedures
Why a policy or procedure?
A well constructed policy is written to protect everyone from those who break the rules.
In today's society, having some policies and procedures is a wise idea whether your organization is large or small. The basic reason is to let people know what is expected of them and what they can expect from others. In doing this it keeps people from taking advantage of situations where things can be done differently than what is in the organization’s best interests. It will also let the employees/volunteers know where they stand and that they are not being taken advantage of either. It is important to make all concerned aware of each policy and procedure and how it affects them.
The following is a method of putting policy and procedures together for your manual.
1) Identify issues
This, in most cases, will be the easiest part of this whole activity. Either someone will bring the situation up or you will notice there is a problem of some sort. This can be anything from “why are they getting to do that and I’m not?” to “Shouldn’t that be done like this?” or even “Didn’t we do that this way before?” and everything in between. Once you have a topic you are on your way.
http://www.designonastick.com/
Why a policy or procedure?
A well constructed policy is written to protect everyone from those who break the rules.
In today's society, having some policies and procedures is a wise idea whether your organization is large or small. The basic reason is to let people know what is expected of them and what they can expect from others. In doing this it keeps people from taking advantage of situations where things can be done differently than what is in the organization’s best interests. It will also let the employees/volunteers know where they stand and that they are not being taken advantage of either. It is important to make all concerned aware of each policy and procedure and how it affects them.
The following is a method of putting policy and procedures together for your manual.
1) Identify issues
This, in most cases, will be the easiest part of this whole activity. Either someone will bring the situation up or you will notice there is a problem of some sort. This can be anything from “why are they getting to do that and I’m not?” to “Shouldn’t that be done like this?” or even “Didn’t we do that this way before?” and everything in between. Once you have a topic you are on your way.
- Review underlying concerns. Ask, "Do we have a policy about...?" Then, "Do we need a policy about...?"
- Relate to philosophy, values, mission, and goals. If it doesn't help further the mission and goals of your organization then it may not be an appropriate issue for the organization.
- Collect information that will help you draft the policy. Contact other like organizations in your community that may have a similar situation.
- Document the history of how your organization has dealt with this in the past.
- Consult with people who will be affected. Get the big picture and remember good policy is based on fact, not opinion.
- Describe the desired outcome. What do you want this policy to do when implemented?
- Outline alternatives that will give the desired outcome.
- List positive and negative reactions that may occur. Look for weaknesses and limitations. Try to eliminate major gaps. But remember you can’t please everyone.
- Choose the best alternative for the organization not its current members.
- Make it as clear as possible. Use plain language, be brief and to the point.
- Review with anyone it affects.
- Be certain it is in agreement with by-laws and/or other current organization policies.
- Directors approve policy at a regular meeting.
- Record in the minutes. Note all concerns, questions, or objection and who raised them.
- Add to policy handbook. Have it signed and dated by the approving parties.
- Communicate policy to all affected. Post it to places where all affected can see it.
- Put into action. Make it dated as to its effective date and when to be reviewed.
- Review regularly. Follow the review date.
- Does everyone understand the policy as written? Periodically ask those affected if it is clear as to meaning and purpose. Note feedback for possible reevaluation.
- Is it working? Check with those affected for their perception. Remember reality and perception are not always the same.
- Adapt to meet changing situations. Don’t be afraid to make changes to the policy as situations change, and they will. Do this with the same diligence as it was created with.
- Document in new policy what changed to bring about the change to the policy.
http://www.designonastick.com/
Saturday, October 24, 2009
In Memory of…
For the purpose of this writing I am going to put forth the assumption that I do not personally know your lost loved one or the relationship that you had with her/him so please understand this is just my thoughts on the subject of death and my thoughts on how it is and should be treated.
I do not mourn death, I see it as two friends standing in line at a roller coaster ride and your friend or loved one get the last seat in the final car and I just have to wait for the next car.
Ultimately we all get to take the ride; some just get to take it sooner than others.
We do not lose the memories of the time we spend with our loved ones. We do not stop loving them or thinking about them. It is said that those who have gone before us, can watch over us and intercede for us with those that created us. So I see them as recon, they have out there surveying the way and setting up the party for when we get there.
I believe "they are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind."
So I feel when a loved one passes away we have only lost sight of their face and the sound of their voice. I believe the hurt we feel is because we have had so very little time with them. We hurt because we did not or were unable to say and do all the things that we had planned to do with them and for them. If they cared for you while living, would they be happy knowing you were feeling bad or having regrets? Think about how you would feel if you knew a friend and loved one was miserable because of you?
They are still with you, in your heart and very much on your mind, so I'm sure they are watching over you.
No, I’m not saying just act like nothing happened, that would be a injustice to them and their memory. Take the time to tell them what you want; but you don't need to look at them in a coffin to do that.
If you would feel better, go to someplace that was special to them or the both of you, a place of happy memories; tell them there. Remember them as they were at their best, I never go to funerals for that reason.
Would they want the last image of them stored in your mind to be of them in a coffin or of them smiling and happy?
Funerals are for the living, not the dead.
Obviously, the dead no longer have any needs in this world, but humans seem to have this need for ceremonies. If I remember correctly, originally the body of the dead was burnt at the funeral and their soul was given over to god. After that short funeral the living got together to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the one that had passed. They would spend hours sharing memories, eating, and in a lot of cases drinking and remembering all the good things they had shared.Greif is our loneliness; it is the prospect of facing life without that persons face and smile, without the sound of that person’s voice, without their tender touch and caring hand, without the nature of their character, the sparkle of their humor, or the wonder of their compassion. It is the fear of living without them, of growing without them, of surviving without them here, without them seen or heard or felt or known. It is the sadness of feeling abandoned; it is the sadness of separation.
But we need to remember that we were not abandoned. They did not choose their time to go and would likely be hurt that we felt they abandoned us. Celebrate their life don’t mourn their passing. Remember we all stand in that roller coaster line and soon enough it will be our turn to climb in the car, pull down that bar, through our arms in the air, and scream in the exhilaration as we travel to our next big adventure to meet up with the one that got to go before us.
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
For the purpose of this writing I am going to put forth the assumption that I do not personally know your lost loved one or the relationship that you had with her/him so please understand this is just my thoughts on the subject of death and my thoughts on how it is and should be treated.
I do not mourn death, I see it as two friends standing in line at a roller coaster ride and your friend or loved one get the last seat in the final car and I just have to wait for the next car.
Ultimately we all get to take the ride; some just get to take it sooner than others.
We do not lose the memories of the time we spend with our loved ones. We do not stop loving them or thinking about them. It is said that those who have gone before us, can watch over us and intercede for us with those that created us. So I see them as recon, they have out there surveying the way and setting up the party for when we get there.
I believe "they are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind."
So I feel when a loved one passes away we have only lost sight of their face and the sound of their voice. I believe the hurt we feel is because we have had so very little time with them. We hurt because we did not or were unable to say and do all the things that we had planned to do with them and for them. If they cared for you while living, would they be happy knowing you were feeling bad or having regrets? Think about how you would feel if you knew a friend and loved one was miserable because of you?
They are still with you, in your heart and very much on your mind, so I'm sure they are watching over you.
No, I’m not saying just act like nothing happened, that would be a injustice to them and their memory. Take the time to tell them what you want; but you don't need to look at them in a coffin to do that.
If you would feel better, go to someplace that was special to them or the both of you, a place of happy memories; tell them there. Remember them as they were at their best, I never go to funerals for that reason.
Would they want the last image of them stored in your mind to be of them in a coffin or of them smiling and happy?
Funerals are for the living, not the dead.
Obviously, the dead no longer have any needs in this world, but humans seem to have this need for ceremonies. If I remember correctly, originally the body of the dead was burnt at the funeral and their soul was given over to god. After that short funeral the living got together to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the one that had passed. They would spend hours sharing memories, eating, and in a lot of cases drinking and remembering all the good things they had shared.Greif is our loneliness; it is the prospect of facing life without that persons face and smile, without the sound of that person’s voice, without their tender touch and caring hand, without the nature of their character, the sparkle of their humor, or the wonder of their compassion. It is the fear of living without them, of growing without them, of surviving without them here, without them seen or heard or felt or known. It is the sadness of feeling abandoned; it is the sadness of separation.
But we need to remember that we were not abandoned. They did not choose their time to go and would likely be hurt that we felt they abandoned us. Celebrate their life don’t mourn their passing. Remember we all stand in that roller coaster line and soon enough it will be our turn to climb in the car, pull down that bar, through our arms in the air, and scream in the exhilaration as we travel to our next big adventure to meet up with the one that got to go before us.
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
Donating in these hard times
Ok, if you are like me and try to give something back in some way each year, like me I’m sure you are finding harder and harder. Money is not so easy to come by these days so either you don’t give or you are looking at different areas than you normally would.
A lot of people never think past donating money, but a majority of charities operate almost entirely on donations of non money items. From your local humane societies and other pet rescue groups to national and international organizations such as Goodwill, charitable donations are an integral part of many important programs that assist thousands of individuals in need.
If you are one of those philanthropic souls that donate large amounts of money and goods to these charity organizations; great! But for the rest of us the faltering economy has left us with little or no money to spare. There are, however, many ways you can donate to charity without opening your checkbook or digging in your furniture for change.
Donating Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
One of my most recent discoveries is that there are several programs that supply the poverty-stricken with free eyeglasses. You donate your old eyeglasses and sunglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties worldwide. (Sunglasses can be non-prescription. They are needed in countries near the equator to help protect people's eyes from sun damage.) These groups collect donated pairs of glasses or sunglasses, which are then sent in to be refurbished. The frames are adjusted if needed, and then the lenses are re-ground to the prescription of their new owner.
Adults usually need new glasses every few years, and children with eyeglasses tend to need a new, stronger prescription on an even more frequent basis as they age. The outgrown pairs are ideal candidates for donation. If your workplace has a lost and found, consider donating glasses left beyond a certain length of time to charity.
Collection facilities include Goodwill Industries stores, LensCrafters stores, and Lions Club drop boxes. Items also can be sent in padded envelopes or boxes to: New Eyes for the Needy.
Donating Clothing
Everyone has clothing that we no longer wear; consider donating it to a charity like Goodwill, AMVETS or The Salvation Army. As most of you know these organizations rely mostly on donations of goods, the proceeds from the resale of those items fund programs ranging from food pantries to disaster relief.
Sorting through your closets and drawers pulling out all the garments you no longer wear, like or that no longer fit properly will not only help a charity but give you more space for what you keep. Ditto for children's clothing, children are perpetually outgrowing their clothes, and can likely be donated on a regular basis as new clothing is purchased. You might be surprised to know that even damaged clothing can be donated, as most of these organizations sort out items that are stained, torn or damaged in some way, selling them by weight as rags to companies that recycle the fabric. So not only are you donating you are also recycling.
Just remember when making donations to charitable resale shops you should approximate the value of the items you donate and be sure to request a receipt. This type of donation is subject to the same tax deductions as those monetary ones, and donating enough items to charity could even help you get a bigger tax refund!
Donating Hair
I find this one to be very special; I see it as a way to literally give a part of you to someone in need. A lot of times patients undergoing chemotherapy will lose their hair as a side effect. To make the patient's daily life as normal as possible and help them avoid the stares; organizations like Locks for Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Wigs for kids supply these patients with wigs. These wigs are made from real hair which caring people have donated for this purpose.
To do this special type of donating your hair must be long enough to meet the minimum donation length of ten inches. You need to braid and secured both ends of the braid before its cut. You then need to bag the hair and send it to Locks for Love or any other hair donation charity.
Some salons even offer discounts to those who are donating their hair to charity! Your donations will need to be accompanied by a donation form; which can be found on online but many salons keep copies of this form on hand and will even send in the donated hair on your behalf.
Recycling
In most communities these days, schools and community organizations collect recyclable materials as an ongoing fundraiser. These programs usually have specific drop-off point and/or times, where residents can take their recyclables. These organizations then, sell the collected items to companies that turn them back into raw materials, which are then used in the manufacture of new products.
Be sure to check with the local groups to see which materials they will accept. In today’s market everything from cell phone and computers to aluminum, paper and cardboard is collected. Research in your local area to see if any such programs exist, find out which recyclable materials you can be donated, and to which schools or charities.
Donating Blood
Here is one way to donate that a lot of people don’t think of as donating. The need for blood donations is constant and will never go away. Every year, countless lives are saved because of a blood transfusion. The American Red Cross holds countless blood drives across the country to stock their blood banks, which then supply hospitals with much-needed life saving blood.
Just please be aware that there are some medical conditions which may prohibit someone from donating blood. If you have traveled to certain areas of the world, if you have recently gotten a tattoo (surprised me too), or if you have certain medical conditions, you may not be eligible to be a blood donor.
Click to Donate
Here is an interesting idea that has spread all over the internet. The concept is that you can donate for free simply by clicking. They say “You CLICK and Sponsors PAY!” I have not really looked too far into this so please be careful if you try this option. But from what I have seen there are tons of sites that use this type of donating. If you want to view some look here http://www.thenonprofits.com/ or do your own research.
Other Donations
So there you go, that is just a few of the ways you can continue to donate to charities on a tight budget. Research, research, research! Search your local area first, you will likely find many places to make non-monetary donations of all types. You will quickly find there are many charitable organizations that seek a plethora of donated items, and these donation opportunities vary from town to town. Nearly anything that has value can be donated to someone, somewhere, and they will greatly appreciate your kindness.
Oh, one last thought don't forget you can always donate your time! There are alot of organizations that would rather have your time than your money or items. But please find a group that does something you like, there is nothing worse than an unhappy volunteer...
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
Ok, if you are like me and try to give something back in some way each year, like me I’m sure you are finding harder and harder. Money is not so easy to come by these days so either you don’t give or you are looking at different areas than you normally would.
A lot of people never think past donating money, but a majority of charities operate almost entirely on donations of non money items. From your local humane societies and other pet rescue groups to national and international organizations such as Goodwill, charitable donations are an integral part of many important programs that assist thousands of individuals in need.
If you are one of those philanthropic souls that donate large amounts of money and goods to these charity organizations; great! But for the rest of us the faltering economy has left us with little or no money to spare. There are, however, many ways you can donate to charity without opening your checkbook or digging in your furniture for change.
Donating Eyeglasses and Sunglasses
One of my most recent discoveries is that there are several programs that supply the poverty-stricken with free eyeglasses. You donate your old eyeglasses and sunglasses to help people with eyesight difficulties worldwide. (Sunglasses can be non-prescription. They are needed in countries near the equator to help protect people's eyes from sun damage.) These groups collect donated pairs of glasses or sunglasses, which are then sent in to be refurbished. The frames are adjusted if needed, and then the lenses are re-ground to the prescription of their new owner.
Adults usually need new glasses every few years, and children with eyeglasses tend to need a new, stronger prescription on an even more frequent basis as they age. The outgrown pairs are ideal candidates for donation. If your workplace has a lost and found, consider donating glasses left beyond a certain length of time to charity.
Collection facilities include Goodwill Industries stores, LensCrafters stores, and Lions Club drop boxes. Items also can be sent in padded envelopes or boxes to: New Eyes for the Needy.
Donating Clothing
Everyone has clothing that we no longer wear; consider donating it to a charity like Goodwill, AMVETS or The Salvation Army. As most of you know these organizations rely mostly on donations of goods, the proceeds from the resale of those items fund programs ranging from food pantries to disaster relief.
Sorting through your closets and drawers pulling out all the garments you no longer wear, like or that no longer fit properly will not only help a charity but give you more space for what you keep. Ditto for children's clothing, children are perpetually outgrowing their clothes, and can likely be donated on a regular basis as new clothing is purchased. You might be surprised to know that even damaged clothing can be donated, as most of these organizations sort out items that are stained, torn or damaged in some way, selling them by weight as rags to companies that recycle the fabric. So not only are you donating you are also recycling.
Just remember when making donations to charitable resale shops you should approximate the value of the items you donate and be sure to request a receipt. This type of donation is subject to the same tax deductions as those monetary ones, and donating enough items to charity could even help you get a bigger tax refund!
Donating Hair
I find this one to be very special; I see it as a way to literally give a part of you to someone in need. A lot of times patients undergoing chemotherapy will lose their hair as a side effect. To make the patient's daily life as normal as possible and help them avoid the stares; organizations like Locks for Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Wigs for kids supply these patients with wigs. These wigs are made from real hair which caring people have donated for this purpose.
To do this special type of donating your hair must be long enough to meet the minimum donation length of ten inches. You need to braid and secured both ends of the braid before its cut. You then need to bag the hair and send it to Locks for Love or any other hair donation charity.
Some salons even offer discounts to those who are donating their hair to charity! Your donations will need to be accompanied by a donation form; which can be found on online but many salons keep copies of this form on hand and will even send in the donated hair on your behalf.
Recycling
In most communities these days, schools and community organizations collect recyclable materials as an ongoing fundraiser. These programs usually have specific drop-off point and/or times, where residents can take their recyclables. These organizations then, sell the collected items to companies that turn them back into raw materials, which are then used in the manufacture of new products.
Be sure to check with the local groups to see which materials they will accept. In today’s market everything from cell phone and computers to aluminum, paper and cardboard is collected. Research in your local area to see if any such programs exist, find out which recyclable materials you can be donated, and to which schools or charities.
Donating Blood
Here is one way to donate that a lot of people don’t think of as donating. The need for blood donations is constant and will never go away. Every year, countless lives are saved because of a blood transfusion. The American Red Cross holds countless blood drives across the country to stock their blood banks, which then supply hospitals with much-needed life saving blood.
Just please be aware that there are some medical conditions which may prohibit someone from donating blood. If you have traveled to certain areas of the world, if you have recently gotten a tattoo (surprised me too), or if you have certain medical conditions, you may not be eligible to be a blood donor.
Click to Donate
Here is an interesting idea that has spread all over the internet. The concept is that you can donate for free simply by clicking. They say “You CLICK and Sponsors PAY!” I have not really looked too far into this so please be careful if you try this option. But from what I have seen there are tons of sites that use this type of donating. If you want to view some look here http://www.thenonprofits.com/ or do your own research.
Other Donations
So there you go, that is just a few of the ways you can continue to donate to charities on a tight budget. Research, research, research! Search your local area first, you will likely find many places to make non-monetary donations of all types. You will quickly find there are many charitable organizations that seek a plethora of donated items, and these donation opportunities vary from town to town. Nearly anything that has value can be donated to someone, somewhere, and they will greatly appreciate your kindness.
Oh, one last thought don't forget you can always donate your time! There are alot of organizations that would rather have your time than your money or items. But please find a group that does something you like, there is nothing worse than an unhappy volunteer...
c Shell Franklin
www.designonastick.com
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Did you smile at someone today?
Sounds simple, right? But really think about it. I’m not talking about that uncomfortable smile we all give people when you’re all in the same elevator or that embarrassed smile you realize you’re staring and they caught you.
No, I mean a real heartfelt smile that lights up your whole face.
I know, for most the answer is no. Why?
Well I’m just not a smiling type.
It’s been a bad day/week/year/life…
Have you ever just stopped in a crowd and looked around? You should sometime, you will be very shocked (I would hope). No one smiles anymore. Oh sure there are the rare ones or the creepy ones. But for the most part we have conditioned ourselves to not look at any and to never smile.
Years ago, one day at work I made an effort to spend the day smiling. I smiled at everyone. By the end of the day I had discovered several things. First, it was really hard to do, which kinda bothered me, smiling should not be hard to do. Next, you can’t smile all day without it making you feel silly, and when you feel silly it gives you that “I’m happy” feeling inside which makes the smile look more sincere. Also, you seem to talk to more people if you are smiling. Not sure if it is because your mouth just need to move so it doesn’t cramp from holding a position you are not use to or if it is because you can’t make yourself smile at someone and not say “Hi” or “How are you?”
I also noticed that more of my coworkers were smiling by the end of the day.
Smiles are contagious?
I felt the day was a more productive day, not sure why. Maybe it was just not so gloomy at work that day. There was a point early on in the day where one of my coworkers actually asked me what was wrong. Think about how sad it is when having a smile on your face makes people wonder if there is something wrong.
How and why did we as a people get to the point where we only smile on certain occasions or at special people?
Are we all just unhappy all the time? I don’t think so.
Are we afraid of making contact with our fellow people? I think this might have something to do with it. How many times has someone asked you how you are and you just say “I’m good” or “Ok?” Rather than actually telling them what is on your mind?
When you ask someone “how are you?” or “How have you been?” are you really wanting an honest answer or are you just asking to be polite?
All of this has to do with smiling; we don’t smile because it offers an opening. It says “talk to me” or I want to talk to you. And I think as a people most of us are afraid of that interaction.
So here is my challenge, go smile at people. Tell them “Hi!” and do it in a friendly way, make them feel it.
I bet you will make their day and they may pass it on. The other thing I bet is you will have an awesome day, no matter how bad the day is.
Go forth and smile!!
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
Sounds simple, right? But really think about it. I’m not talking about that uncomfortable smile we all give people when you’re all in the same elevator or that embarrassed smile you realize you’re staring and they caught you.
No, I mean a real heartfelt smile that lights up your whole face.
I know, for most the answer is no. Why?
Well I’m just not a smiling type.
It’s been a bad day/week/year/life…
Have you ever just stopped in a crowd and looked around? You should sometime, you will be very shocked (I would hope). No one smiles anymore. Oh sure there are the rare ones or the creepy ones. But for the most part we have conditioned ourselves to not look at any and to never smile.
Years ago, one day at work I made an effort to spend the day smiling. I smiled at everyone. By the end of the day I had discovered several things. First, it was really hard to do, which kinda bothered me, smiling should not be hard to do. Next, you can’t smile all day without it making you feel silly, and when you feel silly it gives you that “I’m happy” feeling inside which makes the smile look more sincere. Also, you seem to talk to more people if you are smiling. Not sure if it is because your mouth just need to move so it doesn’t cramp from holding a position you are not use to or if it is because you can’t make yourself smile at someone and not say “Hi” or “How are you?”
I also noticed that more of my coworkers were smiling by the end of the day.
Smiles are contagious?
I felt the day was a more productive day, not sure why. Maybe it was just not so gloomy at work that day. There was a point early on in the day where one of my coworkers actually asked me what was wrong. Think about how sad it is when having a smile on your face makes people wonder if there is something wrong.
How and why did we as a people get to the point where we only smile on certain occasions or at special people?
Are we all just unhappy all the time? I don’t think so.
Are we afraid of making contact with our fellow people? I think this might have something to do with it. How many times has someone asked you how you are and you just say “I’m good” or “Ok?” Rather than actually telling them what is on your mind?
When you ask someone “how are you?” or “How have you been?” are you really wanting an honest answer or are you just asking to be polite?
All of this has to do with smiling; we don’t smile because it offers an opening. It says “talk to me” or I want to talk to you. And I think as a people most of us are afraid of that interaction.
So here is my challenge, go smile at people. Tell them “Hi!” and do it in a friendly way, make them feel it.
I bet you will make their day and they may pass it on. The other thing I bet is you will have an awesome day, no matter how bad the day is.
Go forth and smile!!
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Entitlement: I deserve... NOT!
When I was in high school we had to read the book, "I'm OK -- You're OK" by Thomas Harris. Harris' book was part of the “self-esteem movement” of the time. But I am saddened to see that some 30 years later, what should have been a good thing, self-esteem, seems to have become one of the things I complain about every day.
“Entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits because of rights or by agreement through law. It also refers, in a more casual sense, to someone's belief that one is deserving of some particular reward or benefit.”
My sources tell me (Yes Kevin, I really do have my sources) that “Entitlement issues are increasingly a concern of psychologists and therapists.” I have also seen that the clergy and some educators are having similar concerns.
We seem to have come to the place where we feel entitled to the good life. Oh, and one of my favorites I hear all the time. We're entitled to have everything work for us, the way we think it should and exactly when we thing it should. If it doesn't, someone must be to blame, and you can be sure: Whoever is at fault, it isn't us.
Really people, is this what we have come too?
Many adults whimper at the slightest inconvenience, delay, or restriction. Why? Because they are convinced they deserve what they want when they want it.
I read that these days mental health types see young people on a regular basis who are absolutely certain their lives should be better than they are and someone else is to blame. But not only young people, my generation is just as bad, if not worse because we are the ones passing this messed up thought process on to our children.
Teenagers these days seem to expecting the best of everything, despite parents' financial realities. Too often parents are guilted into trying to meet every perceived need of their child even to the point of rescuing their troubled children over and over instead of teaching responsibility.
And what about personal responsibility, what about our part in the problems? I mean really, how can we possibly say, "It's my fault," when we've been raised to exert our own self-esteem? If I'm OK and you're OK, then it must be "Them" that is the problem, not me.
We have, it seems, also grown fluent in the language of blame, complaint and grievance, while having lost that simple ability to use words like, "Please," "Thank you," and "I'm sorry."
A sense of entitlement means that we feel that we have a right or a claim to something, whether it's the best school, a grand home, preferential treatment, or the good life.
Throughout my life and the numerous jobs I have had, it still makes me shake my head when I hear people saying things like:
"What have they done for me lately?"
"They're not being fair."
"This company owes me more than this as an annual raise. After all, I put in my eight hours a day."
Would you like a little cheese with that whine? Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes those statements are legitimate concerns. Mostly though they are nothing more than us feeling we are entitled.
I had a boss who once told me that because he was the owner of the company he felt he had the right to ask his employees to come to his house and work on personal things for him. That just because he owned the company that, his employees were there at his beck and call for whatever and whenever.
Entitlement signals a rejection of the very DNA of America. Our national genetic code, at least at one time, was patterned on respect for the common man and woman. It was sequenced by a belief in the dignity of human life that's not the consequence of having, but of being.
My parents, as far as I can remember, never had that feeling. They worked for everything they had and felt grateful to have it. We never had the extras but we never really missed them. My father taught me something that will always be with me and I don’t even know if he knows he did it. He said to me one day when we were talking about loaning money to someone. “Never loan more than you can afford to lose, always give it freely, and never expecting to get it back.” My father was always gone out of his way to help those that really needed it, whether they really deserved it or not. And as best I can tell he has always been a happy man.
As a child we had little peanut men all over the house (peanut shells glued to a piece of cardboard and a face drawn on them). They had signs that read “Life’s not fair!” So I grew up knowing this as a fact. Here are some more things that would help the world if everyone just lived by them.
LIFE'S NOT FAIR GET OVER IT
My youngest daughter, as a child, use to say, "Life’s not fair!" all the time to which my wife and I would tell her, “you’re right, it’s a carnival ride and you better hold on tight!” Things don't always happen the way you planned. People don't always treat you the way you think you should be treated. Someone else may have more than you, though you believe you worked or tried harder.
Stop with the pity parties. Getting bitter every time you don't get what you think you deserve is a recipe for misery. Don’t let yourself get lost in the endless pursuit of "justice". The score will never be even. Remember that no matter what others choose to do, keep playing fairly with others and doing the right thing,
THE WORLD DOESN'T OWE YOU ANYTHING
"The world owes me" is so far from the truth. There are so many life-giving, life-enhancing resources and opportunities at our disposal. And most of the time we take them for granted when really they deserve our gratitude, not our indifference. What better way to show our gratitude than to give back?
STOP BEING THE VICTIM
"Chronic victims" are a pain in the ass to others and themselves. These are not the people who have been legitimately victimized, yet work hard to deal with it and move on. I’m talking about the chronic blamers and complainers. When you hear yourself bemoaning your life and habitually blaming others for your troubles, it's time to do a "response-ability" check. In what ways do YOU have the “ability” to improve the situation by “responding” differently?
In the end, it's the entitled who, however rich or self important, are truly poor. Instead of knowing life as a gift, life turns into something that's taken for granted -- or worse, begrudged. That's real poverty, and no sense of entitlement can alleviate it.
Rather than complaining, let's live the words of Mohandas Gandhi: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
When I was in high school we had to read the book, "I'm OK -- You're OK" by Thomas Harris. Harris' book was part of the “self-esteem movement” of the time. But I am saddened to see that some 30 years later, what should have been a good thing, self-esteem, seems to have become one of the things I complain about every day.
“Entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits because of rights or by agreement through law. It also refers, in a more casual sense, to someone's belief that one is deserving of some particular reward or benefit.”
My sources tell me (Yes Kevin, I really do have my sources) that “Entitlement issues are increasingly a concern of psychologists and therapists.” I have also seen that the clergy and some educators are having similar concerns.
We seem to have come to the place where we feel entitled to the good life. Oh, and one of my favorites I hear all the time. We're entitled to have everything work for us, the way we think it should and exactly when we thing it should. If it doesn't, someone must be to blame, and you can be sure: Whoever is at fault, it isn't us.
Really people, is this what we have come too?
Many adults whimper at the slightest inconvenience, delay, or restriction. Why? Because they are convinced they deserve what they want when they want it.
I read that these days mental health types see young people on a regular basis who are absolutely certain their lives should be better than they are and someone else is to blame. But not only young people, my generation is just as bad, if not worse because we are the ones passing this messed up thought process on to our children.
Teenagers these days seem to expecting the best of everything, despite parents' financial realities. Too often parents are guilted into trying to meet every perceived need of their child even to the point of rescuing their troubled children over and over instead of teaching responsibility.
And what about personal responsibility, what about our part in the problems? I mean really, how can we possibly say, "It's my fault," when we've been raised to exert our own self-esteem? If I'm OK and you're OK, then it must be "Them" that is the problem, not me.
We have, it seems, also grown fluent in the language of blame, complaint and grievance, while having lost that simple ability to use words like, "Please," "Thank you," and "I'm sorry."
A sense of entitlement means that we feel that we have a right or a claim to something, whether it's the best school, a grand home, preferential treatment, or the good life.
Throughout my life and the numerous jobs I have had, it still makes me shake my head when I hear people saying things like:
"What have they done for me lately?"
"They're not being fair."
"This company owes me more than this as an annual raise. After all, I put in my eight hours a day."
Would you like a little cheese with that whine? Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes those statements are legitimate concerns. Mostly though they are nothing more than us feeling we are entitled.
I had a boss who once told me that because he was the owner of the company he felt he had the right to ask his employees to come to his house and work on personal things for him. That just because he owned the company that, his employees were there at his beck and call for whatever and whenever.
Entitlement signals a rejection of the very DNA of America. Our national genetic code, at least at one time, was patterned on respect for the common man and woman. It was sequenced by a belief in the dignity of human life that's not the consequence of having, but of being.
My parents, as far as I can remember, never had that feeling. They worked for everything they had and felt grateful to have it. We never had the extras but we never really missed them. My father taught me something that will always be with me and I don’t even know if he knows he did it. He said to me one day when we were talking about loaning money to someone. “Never loan more than you can afford to lose, always give it freely, and never expecting to get it back.” My father was always gone out of his way to help those that really needed it, whether they really deserved it or not. And as best I can tell he has always been a happy man.
As a child we had little peanut men all over the house (peanut shells glued to a piece of cardboard and a face drawn on them). They had signs that read “Life’s not fair!” So I grew up knowing this as a fact. Here are some more things that would help the world if everyone just lived by them.
LIFE'S NOT FAIR GET OVER IT
My youngest daughter, as a child, use to say, "Life’s not fair!" all the time to which my wife and I would tell her, “you’re right, it’s a carnival ride and you better hold on tight!” Things don't always happen the way you planned. People don't always treat you the way you think you should be treated. Someone else may have more than you, though you believe you worked or tried harder.
Stop with the pity parties. Getting bitter every time you don't get what you think you deserve is a recipe for misery. Don’t let yourself get lost in the endless pursuit of "justice". The score will never be even. Remember that no matter what others choose to do, keep playing fairly with others and doing the right thing,
THE WORLD DOESN'T OWE YOU ANYTHING
"The world owes me" is so far from the truth. There are so many life-giving, life-enhancing resources and opportunities at our disposal. And most of the time we take them for granted when really they deserve our gratitude, not our indifference. What better way to show our gratitude than to give back?
STOP BEING THE VICTIM
"Chronic victims" are a pain in the ass to others and themselves. These are not the people who have been legitimately victimized, yet work hard to deal with it and move on. I’m talking about the chronic blamers and complainers. When you hear yourself bemoaning your life and habitually blaming others for your troubles, it's time to do a "response-ability" check. In what ways do YOU have the “ability” to improve the situation by “responding” differently?
In the end, it's the entitled who, however rich or self important, are truly poor. Instead of knowing life as a gift, life turns into something that's taken for granted -- or worse, begrudged. That's real poverty, and no sense of entitlement can alleviate it.
Rather than complaining, let's live the words of Mohandas Gandhi: "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."
c Shell Franklin
http://www.designonastick.com/
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