Having An Impact: Show A Positive Attitude

As I posted last time, there are a few things that I’m going to try to do to have an impact on those around me.
 
On the top of my list is “showing a positive attitude”. Of course, most who know me realize that it’s something I already strive to have. I try not to be gloomy... But I do have my days or those certain occasions (just ask Lydia or my kids).
 
Showing a positive attitude goes beyond being happy all day. It also means that I need to be content and positive when doing my work, or a task. That’s not always easy. When there’s a table to be cleaned off, a mess to be cleaned up, or even putting my things away… a positive attitude is needed.
 
My stumbling on the attitude is when things aren’t working out my way. I tend to get frustrated, and boy, does it often show! I clam up or try to hide my emotions. That’s definitely not positive. Then, there’s those times where I get agitated enough to vocalize my thoughts - not good.
 
I hope that I can work on this even more, and show a positive attitude more often.

~Matt

Having An Impact...

“How can I be a difference in this world?”
Isn’t that an interesting thought? During one if his messages, my pastor once made the point that we all have an impact on the people around us. Sometimes that impact can be good or bad. Yes, how we act can affect those around us.

As I sat in church, I began to think of several things in my life I need to make sure I change and help improve my impact on others around me. I wrote them down, knowing that I might not remember them at any given time. Some of the things on this list are ‘no-brainers’, and something I try to do anyway from day to day. However, it makes a great reminder and I figure that it could be an outline for how I live.

• Show A Positive Attitude
• Be An Encouragement To Others
• Be Helpful To Others
• Show Example by Making Right Decisions
• Communicate Honestly
• Be Faithful in Commitments
• Compassionate to Others

Now I’m sure that I could always add more, but I figured that this would be a great start. Even though some sound similar to each other, each one has a specific meaning and part. So, to give me a guideline, I’m going to address each of them in my next blog posts! Stay tuned over the next few days!

~Matt

New Summer Schedule

School has ended for Lydia, and she has just now started a new job. We are now in “week three” with this new schedule. I’m trying to adjust, and of course, so is she. We’ve been so used to staying up late during the weeknights that our bodies are still trying to understand that we can go to bed early. And when we do, we still have a difficult time getting up in the morning!

Actually, Lydia has been doing well with her schedule. She has great “gumption” or “drive” when it comes to something she sets her mind to. She’s been getting up and exercising before I even realize she’s moved out of bed.

I’m trying to be more active too. I plan find things that will keep me active, and yet more involved with the kids. Things like going for bike rides, playing catch, and even walking around the neighborhood. I really want to enjoy this summer.

Lydia has also set us on a new eating diet for the summer (and endless future). We’ll see how it goes. She has waited until after school to try and implement it. I tease her that I’m going to die due to the diet, but I’m willing to try and lose some weight. Of course, this will all be good since I’m wanting to be in better shape when we go on another Cruise next year!

We’re also hoping that now we have more time, we’ll be able to hang out with friends from time to time! Hey, what a neat idea… :) Anyone want to take part in a game-night?
 
~Matt

My "Tasks"

I like having a “to-do-list”.

Not that I like having things on the list, but it’s great to have my tasks down on paper. For the most part, I see them as goals to achieve for the day or week. It also holds me accountable for my time. Yes, I have lists for work, for home, and then for design projects I’m working on..

Back in 2010, I tried using the “tasks” feature on gmail to keep me in line. However, at the time, I didn’t find it very practical. So, I’d make my own lists, many time on a piece of notebook paper. Once I started working at KWFC, I made a paper “to-do-list” with checkboxes for each line. I found this to be useful. I’d make a list every week, and then check off what I completed. Those left unchecked would then be transferred to next week’s list. I keep these lists filed, and can pull them out at any time to prove what I’ve done for the week. It’s a great way to keep accountable for my time.

Well, just this past week, I’ve moved back to Google’s Tasks. I found I can add and remove to the list with my phone, besides just using the computer. A friend showed me a neat iPhone app called “GoTasks” that actually allows me to be connected to multiple gmail accounts. This is very helpful since I can use my work account separate from my home account, but yet in one app.

One of the reasons I like Google Tasks is the ability to email and print the tasks. I can specify it to print the completed tasks, so at the end of the work week, my list is then filed. I can also email my task list if needed for staff meetings, etc.

Yes, a “To-Do-List” is a good thing to have. I just have to be sure to follow it!

~Matt

Blessings through Facebook

Over the past several days, I've seen the power of facebook on how it can be a blessing. Oft times facebook gets a bad reputation. Many use it, but at the same time denounce it as an "evil" in their lives. Some take 'breaks' from it, 'de-friend' individuals over posts, and some have even deactivated their account due their annoyance of others. Yes, there are many times I get frustrated on some of the things people post on Facebook.

There are others that "hate" it. Some are even afraid of Facebook. To me... I see it as a tool. Just like email, letters, and phone calls, it is the modern way of sharing the news of you life and what's going on. It is what it is: Social Networking.

Growing up, we used to send out news once a year to friends and relatives through our Christmas newsletter. This let them know what was going on. Other times, we'd write letters or pay long-distance to make phone calls. Then along came email. We were more connected. We could then find out what's going on much quicker and sooner. We were then sending daily jokes, forwards, and chain-mails. Scanners and digital cameras made the scene and we were sharing those.

By the time I reached college, blogs and MySpace hit. What a better way to share what's going on with our friends and connect with them. Cell phones started getting more common, and after 9/11, they were able to take pictures! I used to send out a weekly email to those on a list to keep them informed of our lives, but then moved to a family blog. Instead of filling up everyone's inbox, you can now check it out whenever you want.

Facebook has been our way of sharing news and recent pictures of our family. I've also been able to use it as my outlet for my strange humor. Sometimes I'll make posts of my own thoughts that have offended others... but it wasn't intentional. 

Anyway... why do I like Facebook? It keeps me updated with friends and family. Those I care about. Just recently, it's been used as an awesome prayer request news outlet for friends! There are several that have posted on Facebook on their needs of prayer. What a blessing it has been to be able to reach out and add their requests when talking with God. Not only that, we've been able to see how He's worked in the situation!

Then, I've heard from friends how others' posts have helped them throughout the day. Sometimes I wonder if more people focus on the negativity of Facebook, and we hardly hear the positive. Now there's a thought...

I just think that I too can make a difference from time to time in what I share and post. Can you?

~Matt

"National Limerick Day"

On this day (May 12) in 1812, English artist, illustrator, author and poet Edward Lear was born. Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry prose and limericks. So in his honor, today is celebrated as "National Limerick Day".

A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick there are five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line and the third and fourth line rhyme together.

I decided to share a few limericks on-air during my show at KWFC Radio.Yes, I couldn't resist. So I'm also sharing them here!

- - - - -

Vinyl records are still around

They carry some amazing sound

If you are able, 

get yourself a turntable

The music you hear will astound.

- - - - -

My neighbor came over to say

(Although not in a neighborly way)

That he'd knock me around

If I didn't curb the sound

Of the gospel music I play.

I told him, "Get out of my place

You're an utter uncultured disgrace;

You're a simpleton loon.

Don't you know a good tune?"

Then he walloped me square in the face.

- - - - -

Have a great day!

~Matt

Bug Tags

When I bought my VW Beetle, I noticed that there wasn't a spot on the front of the vehicle for a license plate. That worried me. In the state of Missouri, it is required to have one on both the front and back.

I looked to see what I could do. There were several options, most of them would cause me to drill into the bumper to place a frame. If I got it wrong, repair would be $500 or more. Yikes!

I then did what any normal computer geek would do, I took my research to the internet. Someone had posted a great idea... Zip-ties.

Sure enough, they work very well on the plastic grill underneath the front bumper! And it works very well. I'm satisfied.

~Matt