General

Sometimes the most important part of the answer is the question you ask.

Do you ever wake up and just think, “I want something.” ? I’m not hugely materialistic, probably moderate to low on the scale of American consumerism. Sure, I like nice clothes and have an obsession with shoes of all sorts. But, I don’t have debt from over-shopping. I don’t collect anything. We live lean. I could pack up my house and move in 2 days, but I still get the urge to just get something new.

Maybe it’s our overexposure to advertising and product branding everywhere we look. Americans are notorious for buying junk to feed the “need something” hunger or fill some void in our lives. Hence, the success of junk pushers like WalMart and Target. Don’t get me started on that rant.

I have found a few ways to curb those urges without buying something and sometimes, they are even more satisfying. Next time you get the “need” bug, try one of these:

- go through all your clothes, shoes, collections and find something you haven’t seen in a long time. You’ll be amazed at how new it feels.

- Gather things you no longer want/need and donate to a local shelter or charity. It reminds you of how much you really have.

- Look through the Sunday sales of your newspaper, and take note of all the stuff you don’t need. It really works.

- Make a wish list. Often times writing down the things you want makes you realize how insignificant they really are. And, when someone asks you for gift ideas for a holiday, you might actually have some ideas.

- If you really want something, designate a savings cup and begin putting “extra”  money in it towards your prize.

The president recently signed a bill to allow funding for stem cell research. The bill opened the door for scientists to use the hundreds of embryos destined for dumpsters behind clinics for studying. I am confused by the vehement opposition to this type of research. Isn’t the potential development of a cure for cancer or blindness a more virtuous purpose for those cells headed to the trash?

We might be a long way from the paralyzed taking their first steps, but then again, we might not. Nothing proves more promising to reaching these goals than stem cell research, including the embryionic type.

You know, the same people that oppose stem cell research for moral or religious beliefs, see no problem with the reason this surplus of embryos exists; Doctors “making” babies. If the belief is that life and death are truely the will of God (any God you choose), then pregnancy should not result from scientific interference including invetro and fertility drugs.

But, this double-standard is pervasive in the issue of life. If life and death are truely God’s will (or a natural process), then Terry Schiavo should have died 15 years before she actually did. However, lifers were out in full force fighting for her scientifically-controlled existence.

The bottom line is that there is a lot of gray area in this issue. As uncomfortable as some scientific research might make some, it may improve the lives of many who are suffering. In fact, as scientific discoveries continue proving to us every day, it does and will continue to improve the lives of the living.

Every one is entitled to their own moral judgement and religious (or non-religious) beliefs. You and your loved ones (or any other person) are not being hurt by this research. In fact, it is likely that someone you love will benefit from the findings someday.

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” – Thomas Jefferson

A new poll found that 1/3 of Americans could not name the three branches of government, but 3/4 could name an American Idol judge.

In April, Pepsi-cola is launching a new version of my favorite nectar containing real sugar instead of the evil high-fructose corn syrup.

I have rid myself of many bad habits and vices, but not that damn Pepsi. It’s an addiction. I practice restraint and limit myself, or I might still be sucking down a six-pack per day. Anyone who knows me would agree that in general, I am a pretty healthy eater. Pepsi is that one product that defies my healthy choices and my commitment to buying and eating local as often as possible.

That giant corporation makes a product that I can not resist, and their ads are a perfect compliment. I bought it – hook, line, and sinker. Come on, don’t tell me that you don’t smile when you remember Cindy Crawford and that vending machine in the dusty desert? It is definitely the taste of my generation.

It’s about time companies like Pepsi get back to the natural sweetener. It just sounds good – plain old sugar. I prefer my corn on the cob, not in my pop! And, you wouldn’t catch me dead consuming those lab-made artificial sweeteners.

Check the shelves for Mountain Dew Throwback to wash down those Doritos cravings.

By no means, am I suggesting that Pepsi will somehow become health food, but I might not feel as guilty about consuming it. I know where sugar comes from, and I believe that it is fine in moderation.

Pepsi with real sugar and skinny jeans on the fashion magazine covers – what more could a child of the 80’s ask for?! What’s next? Big hair and high-tops? Never say goodbye.

Now if only they would say they are only using fair-trade raw sugar…

I often try to ignore those sensational news stories that we grab hold of and never let go. I just couldn’t do it this time regarding the California mother who recently gave birth to 8 babies. The story has emerged in parsed snippets, and we still don’t know much. However, we do know that this person lives with her parents and has 6 other children between the ages of 2 and 7. WOW!

The judgemental comments are flying on the online news sites and the TV talk and news shows. Most people are complaining about who will pay for these children, or why someone would want 14 children, or where the father is hiding? Why would a doctor provide fertility treatments to a woman with 6 children?

It’s a moral argument with many perspectives, and we may never know the story of how this came to be. What I do know is that there are now 14 children whose basic needs are compromised because of someone’s science experiment, and another’s need for attention. The mother found it “wrong” to abort some of the fetuses, but she had no problem artificially creating them. Both of these actions are “messing” with the natural process, or as some would argue God’s plan.

I know. Now my judgement is glaring. I don’t care. Children are not toys or badges of honor or here for a ticket to welfare, as so many have suggested here. For those people, I would remind them that welfare has limits and this woman won’t even be able to care for her children let alone get rich on welfare dollars.

Having a child may be one of the greatest joys in life, and for some it may be their gift from God. But, having a child is also the biggest responsibility one will ever have. They depend on you for their basic human needs including food, comfort, bathing, etc.

You are responsible for nurturing another life, and preparing them with the skills to become a part of a challenging society. Your actions and/or inactions will help to mold and shape their personality, their values and morals, and their behavior.

Do the math here…These children will be neglected at one time or another. Even if there are five full-time caregivers, that is still almost 3-to-1. Ask anyone you know who cares for children how challenging it can be to keep up with even one child. As far as we know right now, there are three adults in that house. They might get tired and “go crazy” with all that action, but the children are the ones who will suffer.

While I find her and the doctors actions inappropriate, I find the future for these 14 children even more disheartening. The best thing this mother could do right now for her children is to find some nice loving parents who are willing to provide homes for a few of them. Give them a fighting chance. Think of their future instead of your own selfish needs. Selflessness is the purest sign of a parent’s love. Putting the needs of these children ahead of whatever pain it might cause to give them up would display a true act of love.

How many times have you heard “think outside the box”? When someone says that, I typically think they are suggesting that I look at the alternatives. You know, maybe there is a better way to do something.

I recently went through a re-org at work. Nothing drastic in my daily tasks, but new management and a new style of doing things including communicating. Honestly, I think of myself as a pretty open-minded person. I’ll travel just about anywhere. I am not afraid to get dirty or break something. I’ll eat just about anything, at least once. I even agreed to go to a haunted house for the first time at 33 – it didn’t happen, but I was willing.

However, when it comes to work, I often find myself sticking to the good old tried and true. It’s easier to go with old faithful, right? When you have relied on a method or a tool for years, it’s like that same sandwich you order at the local deli EVERY time. Sure there are a lot of other sandwiches that sound good, some that might even taste better or be healthier. But, why mess with a good thing?

The recent transition at work is proving to be a situation that pushes me and a number of co-workers outside our comfortable boxes. Some are taking it in stride and scrambling to adapt. Others seem to be struggling and grasping to old faithful with death grips.

I have thought a lot about my own participation in the change. While I have my moments, I am proud to say that I have found my rose-colored glasses. Not only am I able to see some of the benefits, but I find myself looking at new ways to do things.

My thoughts about this have led me to look at why some people handle change well – maybe they skip a beat or two, but they seem to grow from the challenges. Yet others cling to old ways, and refuse to move forward. Fear freezes some people – They remain in their safe box.

I think that people who are able to challenge themselves in their work and try new things are the kind of people we all want on our team. We want the person who is “flexible” in our corner. Brainstorming and finding new ways to do things is what drives us and makes the 40+ hours a week we spend working exciting and energizing.

I have had many jobs – probably too many for my age. But, you know, I think the changes and my ability to adapt have opened my eyes to the kind of co-workers that I like. And, the kind of co-worker I strive to be. Each day, when I leave the office, I want to say, “Rene, you kept an open mind, you challenged yourself and your co-workers, and you looked for ways to improve your work EVEN IF it required you to think outside the box.”

While you might find my blog’s name intriguing or even a bit strange, I think you will see by my writing that I am a bit of sanity and a bit of insanity all rolled into a warm flaky croissant of sorts…Maybe out of sorts.

Oh bother. Either way, what I am trying to say is that like most of us, I am a mixed bag. At times, I write feverishly with passion and wild abandon. Other times, I am thoughtful and somber re-writing and then re-writing again to say things just right.

I look forward to this journey, and hope that you will enjoy sharing the road with me.

Oh, and I am not Irish by blood, but close by association. I can probably sing or hum more Irish songs than many Irish people. I also know how to pronounce Smithwicks, and that is saying a lot! However, the name has nothing to do with that, it’s just a side note in case you were wondering.