Wired Time

It makes sense to say that most people spend a third of their lives sleeping (eight of every 24 hours), but it still sounds like a lot of time. I wonder what percentage of time is spent sending text messages, tweets and emails?

How to Be Outstanding in Your Field

In today's tight job market, there's a lot of talk about how a job seeker can set himself apart from all the others looking for work. It occurred to me that there are people who are setting themselves apart every day on the job, like the waitress who brings another drink before the first one's gone. Or the salesperson who takes the time to listen to what you need and then helps you find it.

A pleasant demeanor goes a long way. When I complimented a woman who works behind the counter at the local post office, she gestured behind her and said, "You don't see what happens behind that wall." This worker, who has given outstanding customer service every time I've seen her, only allows herself to be unpleasant when she's working behind the wall and out of customers' view (and earshot, I assume.) When she's behind the counter, she is professional and courteous. I'm kind of curious to know what goes on behind the wall, though.

Finding the Good in a Mundane Task

There's something satisfying about gazing across a freshly cut lawn when you've done the job yourself. Few chores provide that immediate sense of accomplishment. For a small investment of time and effort, you get a series of neat green rows that follow the contours of the land around your house.

Mowing is not a difficult job. (The secret's out, men.) Maneuvering the mower around obstacles is challenging sometimes, but it's not that bad. I haven't mowed down any trees or knocked out any utility lines. It's difficult to know where our property stops and the neighbor's begins, but if anything, I'm probably cutting more of the neighbor's grass rather than too little of my own. All in all, it's not a bad job. I'd take mowing over weeding any day.

The Adventures of an Adult Skating Student

I'd like to find a figure skating program for adults so I can pick up where I left off a couple of years ago. I miss the feel of gliding across the ice. There's nothing else like it.

As an adult, I got the opportunity to take lessons. I started with a six-week class, then committed to a full season. I kept going back for another season, even as other adults dropped out. It was frustrating when the 8-year-olds learned the new moves faster than I did. And it was downright comical when one of them asked me how old I was. All in all, it was a good experience. I learned a lot and only had one injury that required a hospital visit.

One of the best things about skating was that I didn't think about anything else while I was on the ice. It didn't matter what kind of day it had been or what was happening in my life. My attention was focused on the element at hand. Skating is harder than it looks, which is why I felt a sense of accomplishment whenever I learned a new element. One of my proudest moments was hearing a couple of coaches (who are also judges) applaud my spread eagle. Some skaters can't do this move, and I'm able to do it well. I also felt encouraged by a skater's mother telling me that she admired me for going out there every week and doing what the kids did.

I don't want to go back on the ice because of what people said to me, but because of the way it makes me feel. It's a mixture of speed, freedom and exhilaration.

Visiting Favorite Places

Did you ever try to go back to a place because of the memories that were created there?

I've decided that revisiting a memorable place often doesn't work for two reasons: the place has changed and/or I'm not the same person I was when it meant the most to me. The place -- like a school or an old house, for example -- may have a different appearance. And the perspective I bring to it is different now because of what's happened since leaving the place. I think it's best to keep a still photo of that place in my mind and look at it from time to time. When I view it in my mind, the image is linked to the good memories and emotions that went with it. In my opinion, that's the best way to visit it.

Some Allergies Are Worse Than Others

I met someone yesterday who is allergic to chocolate. Poor thing! I don't think I could live in a chocolate-free world.

I'll keep my cat allergy, thank you. I've always been more partial to dogs anyway. I certainly wouldn't trade my cat allergy for a chocolate allergy or a peanut allergy. I'm feeling thankful now for what I'm NOT allergic to: food, flowers, diamonds...

Party Predictions

When it comes to gatherings with family and friends, it's highly likely that at least one of the following is bound to happen:

1. People will gather in the kitchen to chat, regardless of whether they are eating at the time.
2. Men will hang out together in one place, while women go to another.
3. There will be too much food.
4. When one guest decides to leave, the others soon follow.

What I can't predict, however, is which food or beverage will be the popular item at the party. I've been wrong on this many times. We once hosted a breakfast-themed dinner party, and nearly everyone showed up in pajamas. Someone who didn't wear pajamas had to go out for more champagne for mimosas because the drink was a bigger hit than expected.