I searched on Google, Yahoo, and Ask Jeeves if a Photo Album Day exists. There isn't. I suggest everyone take a day off once a year to look at photos from a photo album, computer, laptop, notepad, smart phone, etc. that shows photos. Share your photos with family and friends. Relive the memories. Share stories. Laugh, cry, smile, talk, silence, and be at peace. Take a break from the daily life. Pictures say a thousand words. Pictures are conversation starters. Pictures remind you, me, and everyone we're human.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
SOMT: Police Officers At Schools
Blogger’s Note: SOMT stands for Sign Of My Times, an occasional blog sharing my thoughts how time changes life from when I was young to today.
There were two events I see police officers at my high school campus. They were football games or social dances. There were probably police officers when classes were in session to make an arrest. I never saw police officers when I attended classes personally. The last time I saw police officers was during my high school graduation ceremony.
My high school years were peaceful. There was no major event calling for law enforcement to patrol the campus daily. We had the typical fights, pranks, troublemakers, and students with problems needing extra attention. There were no violent crimes, drugs, alcohol, thefts, weapons, and assaults that required police actions; although, if there were, the administrators did a good job handling these problems at a low profile.
I never experienced going to school in a crime ridden city. I never experienced metal detectors, uniformed security personnel, random locker searches, and clear see-through bags. I never experienced fearing my life from physical harm. I never experienced school lockdowns when a felony was in progress near a school. I never experienced duck and cover practice for gun shots.
I believe all the high school districts and unified school districts have their own police force in my city and my neighboring cities. The first time I experienced a campus police force was my first day at San Jose State University. The California State University has a police force for all their campuses.
Times have changed. Today's youth from grade school to high school are exposed to the outside world easily through the media and internet. We are more aware of our surroundings today compared to when I was in high school. The world is complex. We have taken responsibilities and liabilities more serious. That thought influenced school districts having police officers and better security measures in schools.
There were two events I see police officers at my high school campus. They were football games or social dances. There were probably police officers when classes were in session to make an arrest. I never saw police officers when I attended classes personally. The last time I saw police officers was during my high school graduation ceremony.
My high school years were peaceful. There was no major event calling for law enforcement to patrol the campus daily. We had the typical fights, pranks, troublemakers, and students with problems needing extra attention. There were no violent crimes, drugs, alcohol, thefts, weapons, and assaults that required police actions; although, if there were, the administrators did a good job handling these problems at a low profile.
I never experienced going to school in a crime ridden city. I never experienced metal detectors, uniformed security personnel, random locker searches, and clear see-through bags. I never experienced fearing my life from physical harm. I never experienced school lockdowns when a felony was in progress near a school. I never experienced duck and cover practice for gun shots.
I believe all the high school districts and unified school districts have their own police force in my city and my neighboring cities. The first time I experienced a campus police force was my first day at San Jose State University. The California State University has a police force for all their campuses.
Times have changed. Today's youth from grade school to high school are exposed to the outside world easily through the media and internet. We are more aware of our surroundings today compared to when I was in high school. The world is complex. We have taken responsibilities and liabilities more serious. That thought influenced school districts having police officers and better security measures in schools.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pictures Tell Stories
I shopped at Costco to buy bottle water, but I needed a car wash. I went to my Uncle's house bringing Ritter Sport and Vernors soda to fix his PC. There are many stores selling waste baskets I wanted to relax reading Good Omens and Les Miserables. Afterwards, I played Legendary. Sigh, not too shabby writing a story.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Ice, Ice, And More Ice, Baby
I was inspired to write a short blog on ice. A very rare and minor injury happened to me. I strained my upper right back muscle at my shoulder blade on Sun. The last time I strained a back muscle was my upper left back muscle at my shoulder blade years ago. I asked myself, "How I treated my upper left back muscle?" The answer was ice.
I remember telling my parents ice was important. There was little room for ice. Most of the freezer was occupied with leftovers and meats my mom didn't cook. I did my best to have plenty of ice for home medical remedies. Ice is an old fashion treatment for bruises, bumps, and muscle strains.
I feel better today. I can raise my right arm. I have a minor neck strain. I can turn my head with a little pain. I anticipate full recovery on Fri. I concentrate working out on the treadmill and stationary bike to maintain physical activity.
Ice is important in a residence. Make an effort to have ice cube trays and a bin to store ice.
I remember telling my parents ice was important. There was little room for ice. Most of the freezer was occupied with leftovers and meats my mom didn't cook. I did my best to have plenty of ice for home medical remedies. Ice is an old fashion treatment for bruises, bumps, and muscle strains.
I feel better today. I can raise my right arm. I have a minor neck strain. I can turn my head with a little pain. I anticipate full recovery on Fri. I concentrate working out on the treadmill and stationary bike to maintain physical activity.
Ice is important in a residence. Make an effort to have ice cube trays and a bin to store ice.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
My Opinion On Telecommuting
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer ordered last month all telecommuting employees must work in their offices starting in June. Yahoo's intent is modeling Google and Facebook's working environment of people talking, interacting, and seeing each other every work day. Free meals are provided for employees to spend more time working and producing. According to business surveys, telecommuting is increasing across the United States.
"We need to be working side-by-side," said chief Yahoo Human Resources Jackie Reses.
I agree with Ms. Mayer. I'm old school when it comes to working. Work should be done at work. I get up, eat breakfast, and drive myself to work. I put my hours at work. I drive home, relax, eat a good dinner, and sleep well.
Human interaction is a requirement to a successful team and department. I want to see my co-workers eyes, their smile, and their emotions when communicating and collaborating. How you say it is more important than what you say.
I believe assignments are completed faster, more efficiently, and with better quality. The team interacts with each other and with their managers for elaborations, clarifications, sharing ideas, and improvements at the office. They aren't spread out with some at the office and some telecommuting.
We talk everyday about work, leisure, and finding out who we are inside and outside work. We can eat lunch together and relax together. I know my co-workers much better such as their favorite foods, favorite places to travel, pet peeves, hobbies, and their families. My bottom line is you work at home, then you're not at work, thereby you're not here. You're not here, you're not here.
However . . .
There are a few circumstances appropriate for telecommunicating. One obvious circumstance is health reasons. I don't want a sick co-worker at the office. Stay home. Another obvious circumstance is expected mothers. She feels more comfortable at a home environment with everything she needs at home to take care of herself and her child. And another circumstance is family emergencies and special circumstances such as taking care of a sick child, a utility worker repairing the hot water heater, and being on stand-by for a family event.
"We need to be working side-by-side," said chief Yahoo Human Resources Jackie Reses.
I agree with Ms. Mayer. I'm old school when it comes to working. Work should be done at work. I get up, eat breakfast, and drive myself to work. I put my hours at work. I drive home, relax, eat a good dinner, and sleep well.
Human interaction is a requirement to a successful team and department. I want to see my co-workers eyes, their smile, and their emotions when communicating and collaborating. How you say it is more important than what you say.
I believe assignments are completed faster, more efficiently, and with better quality. The team interacts with each other and with their managers for elaborations, clarifications, sharing ideas, and improvements at the office. They aren't spread out with some at the office and some telecommuting.
We talk everyday about work, leisure, and finding out who we are inside and outside work. We can eat lunch together and relax together. I know my co-workers much better such as their favorite foods, favorite places to travel, pet peeves, hobbies, and their families. My bottom line is you work at home, then you're not at work, thereby you're not here. You're not here, you're not here.
However . . .
There are a few circumstances appropriate for telecommunicating. One obvious circumstance is health reasons. I don't want a sick co-worker at the office. Stay home. Another obvious circumstance is expected mothers. She feels more comfortable at a home environment with everything she needs at home to take care of herself and her child. And another circumstance is family emergencies and special circumstances such as taking care of a sick child, a utility worker repairing the hot water heater, and being on stand-by for a family event.
Friday, March 08, 2013
A Job Opening Tells More Than Apply Here
I'm currently looking for a job. I search and apply for job openings weekdays. I learn the job skills, the job knowledge, and the job requirements employers are looking to fill their open position. There is information every worker should know in today's information age and continuous changing job environment.
If I don't know the job skills and knowledge, then I find training classes. For example, some business analyst positions require Oracle and Salesforce. I'm viewing tutorials from Salesforce's website and watching YouTube videos. Oracle is on my list to learn soon. I found online classes on Oracle. In the meantime, I'm refreshing my basic software skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Crystal Reports.
A College Assignment Out Of The Textbook
I suggest college students do a job search related to their majors starting in their junior year. The job search should include part-time and internship positions. The important reason is students learn the job opportunities, the job skills, and the job requirements related to their college major employers and the workforce are looking for. Students know what employers are looking for regarding hiring recent college graduates. They can enroll in classes best suited for their initial career goals. The information from job openings is not taught in classrooms.
Veteran workers should also do a job search to keep informed on the latest and greatest job trends. The job search should give the worker an idea what new job skills and job knowledge he or she must learn to increase the chances of a promotion in good times and staying employed in bad times. I suggest doing a job search every two or three months.
Never take a job for granted. Never stop learning. Never stop innovating.
If I don't know the job skills and knowledge, then I find training classes. For example, some business analyst positions require Oracle and Salesforce. I'm viewing tutorials from Salesforce's website and watching YouTube videos. Oracle is on my list to learn soon. I found online classes on Oracle. In the meantime, I'm refreshing my basic software skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Crystal Reports.
A College Assignment Out Of The Textbook
I suggest college students do a job search related to their majors starting in their junior year. The job search should include part-time and internship positions. The important reason is students learn the job opportunities, the job skills, and the job requirements related to their college major employers and the workforce are looking for. Students know what employers are looking for regarding hiring recent college graduates. They can enroll in classes best suited for their initial career goals. The information from job openings is not taught in classrooms.
Veteran workers should also do a job search to keep informed on the latest and greatest job trends. The job search should give the worker an idea what new job skills and job knowledge he or she must learn to increase the chances of a promotion in good times and staying employed in bad times. I suggest doing a job search every two or three months.
Never take a job for granted. Never stop learning. Never stop innovating.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
It Really Wasn't A Boring Week
I want to share my thoughts and feelings for last week Mon Feb 25-Sat Mar 2. The week was very active. My brain was stimulated every waking minute. I accomplished some activities unsatisfactorily. I was ahead in something and behind in something else. My feelings were a mixture of happy, depressed, mellow, excited, angry, and resolved. I could have done more; I should have done less. I felt good finishing some tasks. On the other hand, I felt frustrated other tasks were incomplete. I was focused on the task at hand, yet I ignored some other important tasks that should have been completed. I wanted to accomplish everything because they were very close being equally important for my well-being.
Here is what I did last week:
*Mon Feb 25. Spent too much time playing video games and too little time job searching. I didn't take any online classes. The video games satisfied my urge. Lunch and dinner eating leftover steak were boring. Good workout at the gym.
*Tue Feb 26. The video game urge continued at a lesser degree; fortunately, I was tired and stopped easier than Mon. I spent more time job searching. I finished two online lessons on Excel and Business Analysis. I skipped lunch because nobody in my family wanted to eat the steak; moreover, there was nothing to cook for dinner, so we saved the steak for dinner. Another good workout at the gym.
*Wed Feb 27. I continued my job searching. I finished another online lesson on Excel. My family finished eating the boring leftover steak. Date night.
*Thur Feb 28. A reset was called forth. I cooked new lunch and dinner. I vacuumed the house, washed dishes, and did laundry. I job searched. I started listening to TV shows and movies from my laptop instead of listening to music, news radio, and sports talk radio for background noise. No gym. I went to bed at 10am. I slept for 12 hours.
*Fri Mar 1. I changed the bed sheets. I finished the Excel online class. I got a haircut. I worked out at the gym. I did some job searching. I played Mahjong for which I finished last.
*Sat Mar 2. Date weekend day with my girlfriend. Everyone in my family attended my cousin's Red Egg And Ginger Party, a Chinese tradition for my cousin's baby at three months old. We visited my sister and her fiance's place afterwards. Then my girlfriend and I shopped at Half Price Books. We ate dinner at a mom & pop deli. The nighttime activity was watching Argo.
Focusing and concentrating on job searching and job skills are good because they give me a better chance of finding a job. The last time I interviewed was Nov 2012. I'm overdue for an interview. Phone interviews don't count. The downside is I lose my focus on my social life and my leisure activities. I think about getting a job and moving out too much.
Living a balanced life can be too good. I have high happiness and low stress. I spend an equal amount of time on recreation and leisure, job searching and job preparedness. The downside living a balance life is I fall behind in learning and relearning the job skills and knowledge I need. I have to devote more time to job related activities because I must find a job.
Retail Rotation
I must live my life like I work in retail. Almost all retail jobs require employees working on the weekends. I worked on the weekends when I was employed at Blockbuster Video. I got my two days off during the weekdays. My store manager schedule my two days off at his discretion. Those two days off were what I do as if they were a Sat and Sun.
There are no set days what I do and what I don't do. For instance, I never job searched Fri-Sun because those were days I have fun. I changed that by job searching on Fri Mar 1. Anything goes seven days a week. It can be going to the gym on a Wed instead of date night. Date night can change to Thur. I play video games on Tue. I read a book Sun and Mon. I job search during a three day weekend. I watch a movie or TV show on DVD on any weeknight.
I accept I'm always going to be behind in something. We live a life with priorities that change daily. There is always tomorrow to finish anything I didn't finish today. Pace myself. Take it one at a time.
It's time to live a mixture of job searching, learn new job skills, relearn my job knowledge from the past, workout at gym, read books, spend time with my girlfriend and my friends, cook, as well as seek new adventures, experience new experiences, and meet new people. I never said live a balance of job searching, etc. I should take advantage of being unemployed by taking it easy, relaxing, and pacing myself before going back to the workforce. However, I shouldn't take for granted being unemployed and stop giving a damn about my future. Be proactive. Get better and stronger. My clear and present top goal is find a job and move out so I can live my life.
Here is what I did last week:
*Mon Feb 25. Spent too much time playing video games and too little time job searching. I didn't take any online classes. The video games satisfied my urge. Lunch and dinner eating leftover steak were boring. Good workout at the gym.
*Tue Feb 26. The video game urge continued at a lesser degree; fortunately, I was tired and stopped easier than Mon. I spent more time job searching. I finished two online lessons on Excel and Business Analysis. I skipped lunch because nobody in my family wanted to eat the steak; moreover, there was nothing to cook for dinner, so we saved the steak for dinner. Another good workout at the gym.
*Wed Feb 27. I continued my job searching. I finished another online lesson on Excel. My family finished eating the boring leftover steak. Date night.
*Thur Feb 28. A reset was called forth. I cooked new lunch and dinner. I vacuumed the house, washed dishes, and did laundry. I job searched. I started listening to TV shows and movies from my laptop instead of listening to music, news radio, and sports talk radio for background noise. No gym. I went to bed at 10am. I slept for 12 hours.
*Fri Mar 1. I changed the bed sheets. I finished the Excel online class. I got a haircut. I worked out at the gym. I did some job searching. I played Mahjong for which I finished last.
*Sat Mar 2. Date weekend day with my girlfriend. Everyone in my family attended my cousin's Red Egg And Ginger Party, a Chinese tradition for my cousin's baby at three months old. We visited my sister and her fiance's place afterwards. Then my girlfriend and I shopped at Half Price Books. We ate dinner at a mom & pop deli. The nighttime activity was watching Argo.
Focusing and concentrating on job searching and job skills are good because they give me a better chance of finding a job. The last time I interviewed was Nov 2012. I'm overdue for an interview. Phone interviews don't count. The downside is I lose my focus on my social life and my leisure activities. I think about getting a job and moving out too much.
Living a balanced life can be too good. I have high happiness and low stress. I spend an equal amount of time on recreation and leisure, job searching and job preparedness. The downside living a balance life is I fall behind in learning and relearning the job skills and knowledge I need. I have to devote more time to job related activities because I must find a job.
Retail Rotation
I must live my life like I work in retail. Almost all retail jobs require employees working on the weekends. I worked on the weekends when I was employed at Blockbuster Video. I got my two days off during the weekdays. My store manager schedule my two days off at his discretion. Those two days off were what I do as if they were a Sat and Sun.
There are no set days what I do and what I don't do. For instance, I never job searched Fri-Sun because those were days I have fun. I changed that by job searching on Fri Mar 1. Anything goes seven days a week. It can be going to the gym on a Wed instead of date night. Date night can change to Thur. I play video games on Tue. I read a book Sun and Mon. I job search during a three day weekend. I watch a movie or TV show on DVD on any weeknight.
I accept I'm always going to be behind in something. We live a life with priorities that change daily. There is always tomorrow to finish anything I didn't finish today. Pace myself. Take it one at a time.
It's time to live a mixture of job searching, learn new job skills, relearn my job knowledge from the past, workout at gym, read books, spend time with my girlfriend and my friends, cook, as well as seek new adventures, experience new experiences, and meet new people. I never said live a balance of job searching, etc. I should take advantage of being unemployed by taking it easy, relaxing, and pacing myself before going back to the workforce. However, I shouldn't take for granted being unemployed and stop giving a damn about my future. Be proactive. Get better and stronger. My clear and present top goal is find a job and move out so I can live my life.
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