I Should Keep a Log
Something I’ve never bother to do before? Keep a log of all my work activities. It’d be nothing fancy to start, but just a quick run-down of the things I’ve done during the day, problems I’ve encountered, information I’ve shared or received, etc.
That sort of thing would probably come in handy. Once I got better at recording things, maybe I could start to work them into stories to use for various purposes.
I blame this notion on the book I’m reading: The Elements of Persuasion. It mentions the real-life stories The Ritz-Carlton uses to motivate employees and increase business by word-of-mouth advertising. When people have some autonomy and enough time to go above and beyond, some amazing things happen.
Self and Mood
Everybody has their own version of who they think they are. And I’m fairly sure everyone’s vision of them self changes a bit based on their mood. When I’m having a good day, I can picture myself successfully taking on challenges, I look cuter in my bathroom mirror, and simple compliments light me up and give me energy. When I’m having a bad day, I see all the places where I might fail, and feel that anyone who trusts me to do a good job is seriously naive.
On the phone with a colleague today, he admitted making a minor mistake, and I told him it was ok and that everyone makes mistakes. He replied “But, I’m not everyone.” I knew exactly what he meant. My standards for myself are so high that sometimes I find it painful to make dumb errors. Sometimes it scares me off of trying hard things – I don’t like being the person who makes the mistakes, be they big or small.
Burning Questions
Why is it more fun to shop for home organization products than to actually organize my home?
What is it about public speaking that is so scary?
Is money or time more valuable to me? Does it depend more on how well I use each than on how much I have?
Does complaining about something without acting to make a difference ever really work for anyone?
If I sat here long enough, I bet I could come up with a list of at least 50 questions, but I’m tired. My fortune cookie at dinner said “There is always time for you to try a new path in life.” What a fun sentiment! I figure, as long as I learn from my mistakes along the way, there’s no reason not to try new things. It might do me good to get in over my head once in a while.
Etiquette & Social Grace
I don’t really understand either one.
I’m a friend’s +1 for a wedding taking place this evening. I’m in a dress, which is weird for me.
I mentioned to a coworker that I’m not planning to buy a gift since I have never met the bride or groom and she looked at me like I am crazy. The ‘rules of society’ are so illogical to me. Is the gift the return payment for eating dinner at the reception or something..? If that’s the case, I’d much rather bring my own food than buy a gift. They’d save the cost of the meal and wouldn’t have to send a ‘thank you’ card to someone they don’t know for a gift they didn’t ask for. Everybody’s happier that way.
An Evening In
So, I’m an introvert. I am capable of stretching myself and engaging in social situations I find uncomfortable, but when I have the apartment all to myself on a Saturday night, sometimes the lure of peaceful relaxation is just too much to turn down. Today was one of those days, so earlier I sent this message to an acquaintance.
Hello to the birthday girl!
I hope your party is the best sort of fun!
I wanted to let you know that I’m giving myself permission to stay home, eat pizza, and watch Star Trek tonight. I’m feeling very introverted today, and I don’t want to be the person hiding in the corner, staring at my phone, trying to avoid conversations, and making other people feel awkward in my presence. I know this is incredibly selfish, but I’m hoping it also means you and your party guests will have a better time because no one will have to think twice about who is or isn’t having a good time.
Have a super happy birthday party! I’ll eat an extra slice and say
hello to Jean-Luc for you.
~Brianne
I’m kind of proud that I was brave enough to chicken out, heh. The Captain and my pizza are waiting…
(7/31/11 Note: I figured out that of the 168hrs in a week, I only have the apartment completely to myself for about 8-10 of those hours on average.)
Your Host
Feed and Read
