Friday, December 31, 2010

Just Focus and Do It!!

Greetings Happy People,

Ah yes!! Today is December 31st. We are nearing the end of one year and about to start a brand new one.

Throughout the celebration, merriment, and good times, we have people making certain promises. Some of you have probably heard the following promises:

“I’m going to lose weight”

“I’m going to stop smoking”

“I’m going to join an organization that will provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which I have the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills which in turn fosters my self confidence and personal growth”

Many people do not usually follow through the first two promises. As a matter of fact, the first two promises would be nothing more than a memory. How can one get towards their goal and stick to it? Thanks to my good friend Kathy Y. in Las Vegas, she mentions the following five words:

“Just Focus and Do it!!”

That’s what one has to do in order to make their promises become a reality. Just focus on what you want to do, and do it!! While it is true that you may have some naysayers, critics, and haters doubt your intentions, nothing feels better than getting something accomplished.

Within this year, I was able to get things done by these simple five words. From speaking at a university rally, to seeing different places, to being on a radio show, to even writing a book (which you can get for yourself – wink wink). No matter what I do, I find that just focusing and doing it helps get things done effectively!! Heck, it really beats sitting around talking and doing nothing.

For those people that are unsure about this process, please do yourself a favor. When midnight strikes tonight, take a good look at where you are and what you are doing. Next, write down the things you want to accomplish for 2011. Put those things in an envelope and keep it in a spot where you won’t forget it. When December 31, 2011 rolls around, open up that envelope and look at the things you want to achieve. If you are able to accomplish your goals, congratulations!! If not, just focus on them and do it!!

So many people are able to become successful in what they do. Why? Because they just focus on what they want and take the steps to get there. Despite setbacks, denials, and rejections, they were able to still focus and do what they want to do. If this can work for them, it can work for you too!! All you have to do is JFDI – just focus and do it!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention!!

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Don't Count the Chickens

Greetings Happy People,

For my next story, let me take you back to the fall of 1999.

I was listening to the UNLV-Baylor football game on radio. Baylor was up 24-21 with only a few seconds left. Baylor had the ball near the end zone. UNLV had no timeouts left. The smart thing to do in this situation is to take a knee and run out the clock. Did the Baylor head football coach decide to do that? Nope.

Instead, he wanted to embarrass UNLV by running the ball in the end zone. What happened next was unbelievable.

Just when I was about to turn the radio off, the running back from Baylor ran towards the end zone and fumbled the football. One of the UNLV players picked up the football and ran 101 yards for the touchdown. The time ran out on the clock and UNLV won the game 27-24!! This victory moved their record to 2-0. Unfortunately, UNLV finished the season at 3-8. This was a major improvement from season before when they were 0-11.

What started off as a sure victory for Baylor, ended in an embarrassing defeat. It did not pay to be overconfident that night.

Now let us fast forward to 2008. UNLV was about to play Arizona State at Sundevil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State was the 13th ranked team in the country. They were favored to beat UNLV by 23 points. This team looked past UNLV and was getting ready for their next opponent. Little did they know, what happened that night was going to change their fortunes to misfortunes.

Arizona State had a 10 point lead late in the game. They were ready to celebrate until UNLV came back to tie the ball game. Next thing they knew, they were about to go into overtime. In overtime, UNLV kicked a field goal to take a 23-20 lead. It was up to Arizona State to tie the game and send it to a second overtime. The ball was snapped and the kick was BLOCKED!! UNLV won the game 23-20 in overtime!! The fans in Tempe were in complete shock. At the stadium, you could hear two things: the UNLV fans celebrating and the fans from Tucson snickering at Arizona State. To this day, they have not recovered from that upset loss.

The two stories I shared with you were two of the best victories that UNLV football had. While it is not known for being a college football powerhouse, they can still catch opponents off guard and surprise them when they least expect it. One common rule can be learned from these two games. It does not pay to be overconfident. A little respect does not hurt at all.

Whether one is watching a game, or listening to someone brag too much, any hint of overconfidence can come back and bite a person. While it is okay to feel good about something, one should never go overboard with that feeling. Because you just never know what will happen in the end. Nothing can kill an ego faster than being too overconfident in one's self.


That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Why Do I Write?

Greetings Happy People,

Why do I write?

There are so many answers to this question. After writing 150+ posts on my blog, there has to be some key reasons on why I am still doing this. From all these reasons, they dwindle down to one common factor that is basic and to the point. What is this common factor? Well in order to find out, let’s go over the main reasons why I still write.

REASON 1 – Because I can express myself

This is an obvious reason. Writing a post on my blog gives me a vehicle to express myself in ways I can imagine. Whatever I think about, I bring about on the computer. This really works when I have been through a personal experience that hits home. The posts I write are reflections of what is on my mind. Ironically, many of these posts deliver important messages behind these experiences. This in turn will allow the Happy People to learn the lessons I have – including myself.

REASON 2 – Because I can improve

For this next reason, I would like for you to look at my first few posts from when I started. Now look at my more recent ones. Do you notice any differences? If so, then you can see the next reason on why I write. It is to improve myself. I know that in some posts I have some grammatical errors. I also have some sentences that sound pretty awkward. Nevertheless I keep writing because I want to get better at it. It is a rarity that someone gets something done perfectly on the first try. It takes lots of effort and willingness to get things right. From the words of 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix, he can sum the following message in six words:

“Stage time. Stage time. Stage time.”

What does that mean? The more you do something, the better you will become. Everybody has the same starting point. The question is where do you want your finish line to be? You can find out your answer by taking the opportunity in stepping up to your stage. No matter if I write 1 or 150 posts, I improve because I learn.

REASON 3 – Because I can create opportunities

Every time I write a post on my blog, it creates opportunities. Not just for me, but for the people that read it. While it is true that I am able to write and publish my very first book (which is now available of Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com – wink wink), it gives other people a chance to learn and create their own opportunities. There are people I know that are writing their own words via their own blogs. There are others that using other methods to express themselves – poetry, singing, or even speaking. No matter what one does, writing can create those simple opportunities for everyone.

FINAL REASON – Because I can….

That’s it. The final reason on why I write is because I can. It takes a lot to get these words from idea to post. I could have stopped. I could have said that no one would listen to this. I could have done nothing. But thanks to giving these words a whirl, I am able to write whatever message I can to the Happy People!! It takes lots of dedication, effort, and thought in doing this, but I am here to let you know that what I am doing can be done by anyone. If I can do it, you can do it too!!

Well, there are my reasons on why I am still writing to you Happy People. I hope they were good ones. I am sure that there will be more reasons on why I do this. But until then, I will keep on writing.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, December 24, 2010

The Truth Hurts, but Lying Hurts More

Greetings Happy People,

Have you ever known someone that was a habitual liar?

The person that constantly tells lies to make themselves look good? Whether it is at work, school, or any other place, we do have people that like to lie. They lie so much that you swear they make great career politicians.

Fortunately, I have known few people that like to lie. Unfortunately, I have known few people that like to lie.

No matter what they say, it seems that they are telling a 4-6 minute Tall Tale presentation. I don’t know if they think their lives are not good enough, nor do I care most of the time, but lying too many times is just unhealthy.

There is one person I know that likes to lie. To protect the identity of this person, let’s call him “Carl.” Carl is a person that can do nothing but lie. He lies to co-workers, family, and the dog. He lies about his home. He lies about building bridges. He lies about working for different jobs. Well, I would believe the one about working for the government, but he lies so much that it just loses meaning. I bet that if you give him some time, he would lie about being from the planet Venus.

One good example of his penchant for lying happened a couple days ago. I was talking to a few of my friends about the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl game between Boise State and Utah. One of my friends was about to brave the elements and attend this game. Another friend had the unfortunate opportunity to ask Carl if he was going to watch the game on TV. Carl said that he had no time and would not even watch the game because he met those obnoxious Boise State fans on the drive from Idaho. He claimed that he drove 6 hours from Boise on Interstate 5.

Can you see the red flag and smell the bovine excrement from this statement? Number one, Interstate 5 does not even touch the state of Idaho. Number two, the shortest distance from Las Vegas to Boise is approximately 665 miles. To make it from these two places in 6 hours, you have to do some insanely fast driving along US 93. I can only shake my head at this point and say “C’mon Man!!”

The next day, I was with the same group of friends and sure enough Carl comes by dressed in Blue and Orange (Boise State colors) and said, “Man!! Have you seen that game last night?” We all gave him a look that said “Really?” One day, you said you weren’t watching the game and the next day you are a die hard fan? Something did not add up here.

Note to you Happy People out there. If one is going to lie effectively, make sure your story and situation matches before you open your mouth. Otherwise one will look like a straight up fool in seconds. Even if one were to lie, it can lead to another lie to cover it up and another to cover up the first two. Believe it or not, it will get to the point where the truth will come out and the liar will end up looking very bad.

The sad part is that Carl got to where he is by lying his way there. Am I worried about him? Not really. Sooner or later, his lies will come back and get him in the worst way. It will only take a matter of time for this to happen.

They say that the truth hurts. However, lying make the pain even worse. Although we may not be perfect individuals, we got to know our limits when it comes to something like this. It is better to tell the truth and get things over with instead of having to use the smoke and mirrors of lying. It is less work and less complicated than one thinks. And when the truth is told, it builds more credibility for that person than any single lie.

And that Happy People is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, December 23, 2010

What Goes Around.....

Greetings Happy People,

The last time I was upset, somebody spewed some harmful words at my fiancée Dana. To know more about that story, please the post I wrote entitled Ignorance is NOT Bliss(click here).

Two years after that incident, I can now say that I feel a sense of justice. Not the justice that one can get from a courtroom, but the one that comes from a bigger place – the universe.

“What goes around comes around” is one of my most favorite quotes because it is true. Whether it is good or bad, whatever anybody does in life, it will come back to them. I have been a believer in this before. But after the recent events with the person that made me angry, I am now a stronger believer in karma.

Since that infamous event, I carried a grudge against this person. No matter how ticked off I was against her, something told me to hold my fire. Back then, I did not get the full picture. But now, I do. The person that spewed her ignorance on Dana came across some of her own troubles. What were these troubles? Well, let me take you back to three years ago.

Back then, she moved from Las Vegas to California to be with a married man. Yes, I just said that. According to her, this affluent guy was about to divorce his wife and spend some time with this person. She moved into an apartment in the Los Angeles area waiting to be with this man. She also found a “high-quality” job that was in the medical field. Believe or not, she was one of those people I thought I could trust. After the incident, I found out that I couldn’t.

Let’s now fast forward to a few months ago. Thanks to the economy, this person got laid off from her job, the man she was waiting for reconciled with his wife, and she eventually got locked out of her own apartment by the LA County Court. Feeling ashamed, moved back to Las Vegas with her family. It seemed that she was getting along with her family until the morning she claimed she lost a valuable item. This item was so valuable; she claimed it was worth at least $6,000.

Say what?!! Slam on the brakes Happy People!! If she was able to purchase an item that was expensive, how can she not pay some of the basic needs (bills, car note, groceries)? Either this person was irresponsible about her finances or she was making that story up. When her mother tried to call the police about this missing item, this person told her not to. That incident caused a rift in that household that was so big, she was immediately kicked out.

When I heard about her “misfortunes,” I felt better because karma came back to her – and not in a good way. However I find it very ironic that the rainy weather in Vegas can also bring a sunny sense of justice. I don’t know where this person is, but I hope she is lying on the bed she made. Something tells me that the bed is not as comforting now as it was before.

Lessons can be learned from this moment. However, the biggest one is the fact that karma is still alive and kicking BIG TIME. Whatever you do to someone or something, it will come back to you. There is no doubt about it. If you do good, you get good. If you do bad, be prepared for bad to come your way. It is not rocket science happy people. The good you do today will help make things easy for you tomorrow. I wish that more people can learn from this lesson.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, December 20, 2010

Knocked Down or Knocked Out

Greetings Happy People,

“It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, it matters how many times you get up.”

Many of us have heard this quote before, but does anybody believe it anymore?

Many of us have heard this so many times that it sounds like cliché in nature. Others have not only heard this, but also lived it.

When it comes to this quote, it depends on the individual.

We get knocked down in life. Whether it is emotionally, physically, financially, or spiritually, we have setbacks that knock us down. The question is what are we going to do about it? Are we going to let these setbacks keep us down? Will we let these bad experiences make us feel bitter and turn us into quitters? Or will we get up from them, learn from our knockdowns, and just go on?

It depends on the individual.

Whether great or small, I had many knockdowns in life. I am sure that I will have many more ahead of me. From my own experience I can tell you that whenever I get knocked down, I choose to get up. Some times may take longer than others, but at least I will get up from them.

There were times that I let certain knockdowns drag me down. When that happened, all the negativity seeped into my mind. The questions, doubts, worry, and other things in life drained me to greater depths. I use to let people and things do that to me. It got to the point where I was about to believe them until I asked myself the following question:

“Conquer or be conquered?”

Once I am able to answer this question, it will give me a choice on how to handle my knockdowns. I can get up or stay down. Most times, I choose the former and come out better than before. What will others choose? What will you choose?

Life is a journey Happy People. We learn more about ourselves through our knockdowns. We learn what we can and cannot take. When it comes to that beginning quote, it depends on how we handle it. Are we going to ignore it and deal with our struggles or are we going to get up, learn from it, and move on?
The choice is up to us.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, December 16, 2010

It's Still Important to Be Nice!!

Greetings Happy People,

Las Vegas has lots of important people. You can find them in gyms, nightclubs, churches, work, and any other place.

When you see these important people, you will probably notice them. They walk as if the ground is made of water, their noses are up in the stratosphere, and they extract excrement that does not stink. If you were to come up to them, they will give you a look so condescending, it’s ridiculous. Chances are these looks will give you the following quotes:

“Who are you?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh Please!! You are not in my league!!”

“Why bother? I’m just too good for you!!”

Yep. These looks say a lot. To me, they ooze nothing put pomposity and egotism. I am for feeling important and promoting self-worth, but some people can take it way over the line.

Throughout my life, I have met these important people. I have seen them in two different lights. The first light, from many years ago, was not good. Anytime, an important person gives me a glare, I would put my head down and let it eat my self-esteem. The second light is one where I can walk away with my head up, say “whatever,” and realize that these people are missing out on a very awesome individual. Thankfully I choose to see things in the latter light. Hey, it’s their loss.

If you have ever been snubbed by an important person, don’t take it hard. These people will either fall of their high horse or have their egos get so big, they will pop like balloons. Little do they know is that they will meet you again under different circumstances and you will look very important.

While these important people are not worthy of emulating, one can wonder they best way NOT to copy their style. My answer is simple – be nice!! Being nice to people pays off. It not only allows an open door to create a friendship, it can create something more that will last longer and be much stronger. The treatment you give will be the same one you get in return. It is a simple notion and it surprises me how many people still don’t get it.

In the words of legendary saxophone player Sam Butera, “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice.” Relationships, businesses, and anything else have prospered through these simple words. I just wish more folks can follow this logic. If so, then it will be a better place to live for everyone. And THAT will be very nice!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Denied

Greetings Happy People,

I am sorry, but you have been denied.

One way or another, we manage to hear these words. Whether it is applying for a new job, a home loan, or anything else, these words creep into our daily lives. While it may be seen as a brick wall, denials are not the end of the world. It is only an obstacle. For every “no” that happens in our lives, there is a “yes” waiting for us around the corner.

I can use plenty of examples where I dealt with denials in my days. It does not matter if it involved getting a promotion, a new car, writing a book, or any other goal I achieved. Without denials, the journeys I travelled would not have been fulfilling. Denials may tell me that I cannot do it, but in the end I proved them wrong.

What does one do when a denial pops in to our lives? First and foremost, we must prepare ourselves for that “sting.” For many of us that have been denied of anything, a “no” feels as bitter as a bee sting. Even though this may hurt a bit, we must realize that this is only temporary. Things will get better after the first rejection sting.

Next, we should see any denial as a challenge - a challenge that will get us where we want to be. With the right combination of planning and never giving up, denials can be conquered.

After we see this as a challenge, we need to do the following important step – keep stepping!! It does not matter which path is taken or which vehicle is used, one must continue to move not only to go past the denial, but overcome it.

Many successful people have been through different denials in their lives. Allow me to repeat myself – many successful people have “been through” different denials in their lives. That means that they did not stop. They did not say “I give up” or “I quit.” Instead, they just go through them and find another way to make it to their achievements. At the end, these people are known for what they were able to accomplish from denials.

If they can do it, so can you!! All you have to do is find ways to get past it and be the best you can be. Who knows were a no can take you?

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Appreciation Still Matters

Greetings Happy People,

It’s always good to be appreciated. It’s just as good to appreciate.
Appreciation is the fuel that keeps one going. No matter if it is one drop or one gallon, appreciation can go a long way in life.

I have so many things I appreciate in life. I appreciate Dana. I appreciate being the part of the Blue & Orange Nation. I appreciate the Toastmasters community. I appreciate my automobile. Heck!! I appreciate the way I am living right now. It is not only a great feeling but it just keeps me going!!

To me, appreciation is like a boomerang. In order to get it, you have to give it. In order to give appreciation, one has to make sure that it is real. People can say that they can appreciate things, yet not mean it. When that happens, they are doing no one any favors.

One of the problems in today’s society is that people don’t really take the time to appreciate the people, places and things that help them live successfully. Lack of appreciation and recognition creates grudges, questions, doubts, suspicions, and loss of faith. When that happens, people will go somewhere else for better appreciation. There may be some false sense of motivation that’s keeping them around, but underneath the surface, people will get tired of it. People have left jobs, relationships, towns, teams, and other things due to lack of appreciation. What’s here today could be gone tomorrow.

How can something like this be prevented? The answer is simple. The next time someone does anything that is good or worthy, appreciate that person. It could be a pat on the shoulder. It could be a simple “thank you.” It could be something just as long as you show that you really appreciate and recognize that person’s efforts. A little can go a long way.

The things I mentioned at the beginning of this post are the things I appreciate the most. There maybe more things out there. But with this appreciation I manage to have a strong relationship with these people, places, and things that mean so much to me. Without them, life would be a little rougher for me to live.

Do you have things that you appreciate? If so, let it be known!! Life is too short not to take time to do this.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, December 3, 2010

It's Not Just a Game, It's Life!!

Greetings Happy People,

Last week, I saw an amazing college football game between the University of Nevada Wolf Pack and the Boise State Broncos. Weeks before this game, I had a strong feeling that this was going to be one interesting game. And boy it was an awesome game.

How exciting was it? Let me take you to the 4th quarter with only a few seconds left in the game. The Wolf Pack came from a pretty big deficit to tie the football game. They kicked the ball to Boise State. After the Boise State quarterback threw a 70-yard pass to the wide receiver. It was time for the place kicker to kick the game winning field goal. He walked on to the field, kicked the ball, and missed the field goal!! The game was about to go into overtime!!

In overtime, the same kicker had another chance to kick a field goal from a very short distance. He walked on to the field, kicked the ball, and missed again!! On the other end of the ball, the Nevada place kicker walked on to the field, kicked the ball and won the game for Nevada!! This win was not only the biggest victory for the Wolf Pack, but a very devastating loss for Boise State because they had a chance to play for a National Championship. My heart went out to that place kicker from Boise State. I can only imagine what he is going through.

Days later, I saw him on Sportscenter – ESPN’s sports news program. He mentioned that he got plenty of threats and negative responses from missing those two game winning field goals. If I were to talk to him right now, I would tell him that better days will come ahead.

This game reminded me of three other games. One took place back in the mid 80’s and the other two took place in the mid 90’s.

For the first game, let me take you back to the 1986 World Series. The Boston Red Sox were playing the New York Mets for the baseball championship. The Red Sox were just one win and one out away from winning their first World Series since 1918. The bases were loaded for the Mets and they were one score away from winning and tying the series 3 games a piece. The Mets batter came up to bat. He hit the ball to first base and a Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner missed the easy grounder causing the Mets to win that game. The Mets also won the next game clinching their first World Series since 1969. After this game, Boston never forgave Buckner for his Game 6 mistake.

For the second game, let me take you to the 1993 World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies were playing the Toronto Blue Jays. Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams threw a pitch that led to a home run. This home run clinched a second straight World Series Championship for the Blue Jays. After this game, people in Philadelphia were cruel to Mr. Williams. He got threatening mail, hateful phone calls, and jeered wherever he went.

While these treatments were not good for the Boise State place kicker, Bill Buckner, and Mitch Williams, it was better than the next person I will mention, Andres Escobar. Andres was a soccer player that played for the Columbian soccer team in the 1994 World Cup. Before the tournament, Colombia was considered one of the favorites to win the championship. Unfortunately, they never got past the first round.

In the second match, the heavily favored Colombian soccer team played against the United States. The game went well for the Colombians until one mistake happened. In an effort to prevent the Americans from getting the ball, Andres accidentally kicked the ball into the team’s own goal. This helped the United States win the match. I remembered watching this game and feeling bad for Mr. Escobar. It was a mistake he wish he never made.

When Andres returned to Colombia, he not only got the negative jeers from the people, he also lost his life. Apparently an angry soccer fan shot him multiple times on the streets of Medellin. Talk about taking things too far.

These stories I shared with you are stories where people made key mistakes that cost them the game. For one person, it cost him his life. One can imagine what these gentlemen were thinking during their moments.

While many of us may not be professional athletes, we made mistakes in our lives. Sometimes it feels bigger than what it is. These mistakes can happen in our jobs, our family lives, and anywhere else. Whenever a mistake happens, we must do our best to move forward with our lives.

This may be easier said than done, but in order for us to not wallow in pity, we must move on. If we don’t, we will be in worse shape than before. Life is too short to stay in one place. If you have to, do something else to pass the time. You will have better days when you move on. You will be a winner in the game of life!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, November 28, 2010

It's Not Over!!

Greetings Happy People,

Just when one thinks things are over, they’re not!!

So many things can knock us down, but it does not mean we have to stay down.
As sure as the Earth spins, we have adversities that hinder our lives. It comes in different ways, shapes, and forms. It comes physically. It comes mentally. It comes financially. It comes – period. These challenges test our mettle everyday. Some of us are unable to handle it. Others are. No matter what scenario we are in, I am here to say that any challenge can be conquered.

If we can learn from our failures, we can still learn. We can get up and take those steps to improve and excel as better individuals. While some people rely on the outside for assistance, we must first count on what’s inside of us. Do we have the minds to go forward? Do we have the heart to go on? Do we have the vision to see where we can go or what we can be? I believe we all do. Hopefully others do too!!

Anytime we find ourselves down on the ground, just remember that we have the ability to determine how long we stay down there. Will it be for a minute, a second, or an hour? Soon we will realize that staying down is not the way to go. It creates missed hopes, missed visions, and missed opportunities. Instead, we will choose to get up. After all, we have that given ability. Nothing is over.

For anybody out there that thinks that things are hopeless beyond repair, think again. No matter where we are, no matter what we do, we can get up and prove ourselves that anything is still possible. Every person can overcome things. It is in our will. It is in our drive. It is in our spirit. It is inside of us all.

Life may be tough. Reality may be wrong. Certain things may be unjust and unfair. But we must not let them take us down. We can stand up and prove that we can surmount the things that are insurmountable. We can break through things that were once unbreakable. We can prevail over things that tried to defeat us. All we have to do is believe that things are not over. The best is yet to come!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Counting the November Blessings

Greetings Happy People,

This month has been pretty good to me!! While it is true that I have been having some good months lately, this one seems to stand out. What made this month so good? Well, let’s look at what happened:

1. I went to a very awesome District Toastmasters Conference in Ventura, California
2. While in Ventura, I went to different companies with the Region II Toastmasters Advisor of Marketing – and learned a few marketing tips.
3. I had an awesome radio interview (Radiantly U - CLICK HERE!!) AND scheduled another interview for another talk show on January 2011
4. I wrote and self-published my very first book (Mr. I-I-I’s book – CLICK HERE!!)
5. Enjoyed a couple Thanksgiving parties
6. Made a person’s day at my High School Alumni social
7. Went on a tour at the local Blind Center
8. Saw the Washington Redskins win more games than they did last season.
9. Saw the UNLV Rebels win their homecoming game against the University of Wyoming
10. Breaking the 900 friend mark on Facebook and getting close to 200 likes on my Variety Fan Page.
11. Had an awesome phone conversation with a Toastmaster guru on more Lt. Governor of Marketing tips
12. Spent some amazing quality time with Dana
13. Reserved a room and registered for my first Region II Mid-Year Training which will take place February 2011 in Los Angeles.
14. Had a white cat cross my path. If a black cat can cause bad luck, I figure that a white cat can do the complete opposite :o)

But wait, the month isn’t over yet!! There are still more amazing things to do!! Looking at this list alone makes me thankful and grateful to take part in these opportunities. Some of them came out of nowhere; others involved me stepping in at the right place and time (which is usually at that moment).

Nevertheless, I can say that I am very thankful and happy to experience these moments. And all of it took place this month alone. If one month can be this way, I wonder how other months can be.

No matter who you are, anyone can find things to be grateful for. It can be one thing of fourteen things. Any grateful opportunity is worth savoring. How can one start having these wonderful moments? Well, you can believe that you can have them.
When you get to that point, prepare for more good things to come your way. If it can work for me, it sure can work for you!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Mr. I-I-I's Book is Now Available!!




Greetings Happy People,

It's here!! It's finally here!!

My 1st book - Greetings Happy People - The Positive Words and Wisdom Through the Eyes of Mr. I-I-I is now available for all Happy People!!

As mentioned in my earlier post, Mr. I-I-I Writes a Book, many of these stories are based off of my own personal experiences. Whether it is through family, love, childhood, karaoke singing, or Toastmasters, each story has some pretty good messages behind them.

To get a copy of my book, please CLICK HERE AND SAVE!!

Whether I sell one copy or one thousand copies, writing this book has truly been an awesome experience!! For me, there is no greater satisfaction than accomplishing this incredible goal.

Feel free to pass the word around about this book!! I hope everyone enjoys what I have written!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention!!

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Give As You Receive

Greetings Happy People,

There are two people. The first person is good. The other person is the complete opposite.

The first person is an all-around good guy. He is nice to people. He helps people that are in trouble. Most of the time, he carries a good smile on his face that is accompanied with a great attitude. This person is also fun loving, caring, and a great guy to be around. He acts, thinks, and feels like a winner.

The other person is not too good. He is mean to people. He kicks people when they are down. Most of the time, he carries a nasty scowl on his face that is accompanied with a sour attitude. This person is also fun draining, careless, and a person that no one wants to be around. He acts, thinks, and feels like…

Looking at these two people, which one would likely get the most help when he needs it? If you said the first person, you are right.

The good person gets the most help because he is the one that not only brings the positive spirit to people, but also receives it in return. The more good he does, the more good comes back to him. He manages to find a way in asking a hand by touching hearts.

As for the other person, he might get some assistance, but the people that help him out may not be in the greatest of moods. The more bad he does, the more bad comes back to him. He manages to find a way to distances himself by being completely nasty.

When it comes to attitudes, it matters. It makes a difference how one treats people. When these two people pass away, it is likely that more people will attend the funeral of the good person because he touched many lives. As for the bad person, he probably won’t get as many people.

Call it whatever you want, but somehow this works in life. If you are good to people, you will get that same good in return. If you are nice to people, you will get that niceness in return. If you do the complete opposite, you will get the complete opposite. It is not rocket science Happy People, it’s just how it works.

When people wake up in the morning, they have the choice in how they can act towards their world. Will one choose the positive or the negative? The decision is up to them. I just hope the choice made is the former instead of the latter. It is a much better attitude to give and receive.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, November 18, 2010

A $10 Can Opener??

Greetings Happy People,

The following story I have for you today is pretty interesting. It took place a couple days ago.

Before I went to a Thanksgiving party, I stopped at a nearby supermarket to pick up a can of cranberry sauce. As I walked towards the canned fruit aisle, I realized that I forgot to bring a can opener with me. After I picked up the cranberry sauce, I strolled over to the next aisle to find a simple hand held can opener. I looked through the various cooking utensils and there it was - a nice shiny hand held can opener!! Before I put my fingers on this item, I saw the price and said the following word – Really.

This price of this can opener was a mere $10. That’s right Happy People, ten whole dollars!! Why does it cost $10 to open up a $2 can of cranberries? Does it have laser-guided can opening technology? Do the handles have the Corinthian leather feel? Is it made out of specially reinforced titanium? If I am in a dire emergency, would the can opener automatically dial 9-1-1? It is just a hand held can opener. Instead of spending an extra $10 for a simple device, I decided to do a little price comparison. Of course before I left that supermarket, I did pay for the $2 can of cranberry sauce.

When I got in my car, I drove to a nearby store to see how much another handheld can opener cost. Which store did I go to? I have two words for you – Dollar Tree. As I walked into Dollar Tree, I went towards the kitchen utensil aisle. Within the next few steps guess what I saw, a handheld can opener!! For further investigation, I looked at this item upclose. Hmm, it feels like a can opener. The handle turns like a can opener. And for the real test, it actually open cans!! WOW!! Why in the world would one store charge $10 for a can opener when you can go to another store and get the same item for $9 less?? I have no idea. I am guessing that is has something to do with labor, taxes, or anything relevant to that. Thankfully, I bought the can opener and a few more items for the party.

When I see the price comparison between the two can openers, it had me thinking. As consumers, what do we look for when we buy a product? Do we look for the name? Do we look for how it works? Do we just look for the efficiency? Or do we buy the item to show it off to other Happy People? In this economy, we still have people buying extravagant items when something simple can work just as well. Sometimes it is not how much something cost, but how effective the product can be. If more people can see it that way, then many of them will stop buying the $10 handheld can openers and just focus on the basic purpose on what they want.

Excuse me, I got to go. My $30 telephone is ringing, I wonder who that could be?

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, November 14, 2010

It's a Privilege

Greetings Happy People,

I have mentioned many times how joining Toastmasters is an awesome investment. To cover this latest post for you Happy People, I must let you in on the following information. If anyone is interested in joining a Toastmasters club, please check a few out before making a decision on which club to join. And when you do decide to join remember that in order to be an official Toastmasters, you must be voted in.

This is not a scary process. All you have to do is step outside the room and the members of a Toastmasters club decide to either vote you in or not. There are clubs I know that require you to attend three meetings before you apply for membership. Why this process? If you can be voted in, you can also be voted out. Throughout my own experiences, I have not seen anyone get voted out of any Toastmasters club. However, there have been some close calls. People get voted out of a Toastmasters club, due to the fact that they either have been disruptive, mean-spirited, or cause either mental or physical injury to fellow members. This would hurt the club atmosphere and causes more people to leave.

As fun as it can become, joining a Toastmasters club is still a privilege.

I also belong to plenty of social network groups. Facebook and Twitter are the two that I am most involved with. When it comes to friends and fans, I would have to say that being a part of my world can also be seen as a privilege. I now have over 900 friends on Facebook and more than 170 people on my fan page. There were times where I had to cut friends, reject people, and say no to many invites. Trust me. I do this for a reason.

If there was somebody that I really did not trust – they would not be a good Facebook friend. If there was someone caused physical or mental harm to someone with no reason, I would not let them on my fan page. If there was somebody that gives me the wrong smell of any sort, so much for following me on Twitter. The people that are friends and followers are the ones I am truly grateful for. They showed me that they can not only be trusted, but also doing something with their lives. It is a privilege and honor to have these Happy People in my life.

Do you have those high quality people that you have in your corner? If so, that is awesome!! If not, then you can still have them. Do you have those people that you just don’t trust? If so, you have the same right to reject, cut, or just say no to them. Remember, you hold the power to your life and have the privilege to do what you want to do. If you keep these people that you don’t trust, you will be worse off than you were before. Only you can make that difference in your life on who enters your world. It may take some time. It may be difficult. But if you decide to keep the right people along with you, you will be better off.

That is all I have to say. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, November 12, 2010

Mr. I-I-I Writes a Book

Greetings Happy People,

It was one of my goals on my vision card. A year ago, I wrote this goal not knowing if I was going to complete it or not. Looking at this goal, and seeing what is happening now, all I can say is WOW!!

I have been blogging to you happy people for a good year and a half. Plenty of topics were covered during this amount of time. Some were good while others were emotional. Writing posts on this blog have allowed me to grow as a better writer.
Thanks to the 140 posts I wrote on this blog, and a couple a great opportunities, I am finally in the process of writing my very first book!! YAY!!

After attending a personal growth seminar, I wrote some goals that I wanted for myself on a single business card. For many months, I took out my card and looked at those goals constantly reminding myself what is possible. And now I am writing my own book. Again I say WOW!!

The book I am writing is called Greetings Happy People – The Personally Positive Wisdom Through the Eyes of Mr. I-I-I. It is a collection of stories that are on my blog and each of them have a pretty good point behind them. It was tough to decide which posts to put in this book, but through a rigorous process, I had to decide which ones fit the following words – Intro, Courage, Beauty, Lessons, and Choices. Some of these stories also have Toastmasters, strawberries, and Dana – not in all of those combinations at once, but it could have been (DANG)!!

As of right now, it is in the publishing process and it will be ready for release by the turn of the new year. No matter how this goes, I am very happy that I have satisfied a goal that was on that business card. I can only hope that the Happy People out there can take a few lessons from the stories I shared. Who knows!! Maybe I can learn some more lessons from writing this book and make another one!! There is always that option.

Right now, I find it to be very cool to consider myself to be a published author. It has a nice ring to it!!

Now that I have satisfied that goal on my business card, I wonder which goal I will conquer next......

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Radiantly U

Greetings Happy People,

The following is from the Las Vegas Talk Radio Show "Radiantly U." Yours truly had the opportunity to talk about Toastmasters. I had a great time doing this radio interview. This aired on Sunday morning November 7, 2010. Feel free to check it out.

Mr. I-I-I's Radiantly U interview


This is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention!!

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, November 4, 2010

One For the Team

Greetings Happy People,

I am a fan of American football.

From my earlier post "Hail to the Redskins," I told you about how and why I become a fan of the Washington Redskins.

I am also a fan of college football too. My favorite teams are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the UNLV Rebels (my alma mater). When it comes to the recent seasons, you can say that these two teams are not doing very well. While other people are fans of other teams like the Florida Gators, the LSU Tigers, or the USC Trojans, I am still a fan of the Irish and the Rebels.

People often ask me why I am not a fan of any other teams. I just respond that I like them not matter what they do. I may not be a big fan of them losing most of the time, but at least I am still a fan.

Being dedicated to a team says a lot. When some people would walk away and leave their teams during a bad spell, we still have others that are still supporting the team they have been fans of for many, many years. Being a dedicated fan shows that one is able to stick with the team through the thicks and thins. No matter how good or how bad they are, they are still with the team.

Being a friend, a spouse, or an employee can also take on the same logic. There are those people out there that stick with a certain brand that they rely on for many years. Unless there is something major that would make them leave, the dedicated people are usually better people to have than the fairweather ones.

Have you ever tried to rely on someone that is fairweather? Someone that hops from one spot to another, leaving you in the dust? Depending on the flakiness, not too many people find them reliable because they simply flake. When it comes to dedication in something, it still matters because you know that a dedicated person will usually stick by until the job is done.

Imagine if more people show the same die-hard dedication to the things they do. Chances are that we will have more successful people because they know the experiences of never letting go until things are done. And when they are done, a sense of satisfaction can be had by all.

No matter the wins or the losses, if one sticks with a goal, a vision, or something they truly believe in, one will win - no matter what!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, November 1, 2010

The Eternal Face

Greetings People,

Have you ever been to a wake, a funeral, or a burial?

As you can probably tell, these are not the happiest places for anyone to be. Within the last year and a half, I have been to these types of services and it is not an easy thing to go through. Of all the mournful services I have been to, the ones that get me the most are the ones where the person in the casket has an uneasy look on their face.

About a month ago, I went to a wake for a distant relative. I met some people I have not seen in a while. The person that they were honoring had been ailing for the last few years of her life. The last time I saw her, she was on an oxygen tank, walking on a walker, and battling different diseases. You can say that life was not easy for her at all. When she crossed over to the other side, not too many people were surprised.

When I walked up to the casket, I had a very uncomforting feeling about what I was going to see. When I looked in the casket, I saw one of the most difficult things I could have seen. It looked like she appeared to be in tremendous amounts of pain. One could have only wondered what she felt before she crossed over. I have seen faces where some people were at peace and others were smiling, but this one was incredibly disturbing. I can not only imagine what she went through at that time, but what her immediate family could have been thinking. When they saw that uneasy look…..

I'm sorry but I can’t go on with this. I just can’t do it. The thing I want to do right now is pray for this woman’s soul as well as her family. It was rough for them to go through and I hope that they find some silver lining in the cloudy skies.

As for myself, the only wish I have is that I don’t go through this type of pain before I cross over – which hopefully will be a long time from now. Having any type of eternal face tells a story on how one feels before they go. I just hope that more eternal faces would be more peaceful and serene. It would be pretty sad and messed up if anyone were to go with unhappiness, pain, and sadness. I’d rather see the complete opposite of it.

That is all I have to say for now. Take care and thank you for your time and
attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Square Root of 1225

Greetings Happy People,

Are you awake? If you are, congratulations!! You are at the beginning of not only your day, but also another part of your life.

Believe it or not, there are still some people out there that take this for granted.
Why? I have no idea.

Of the 24 hours in each day, the most important hours are the ones where the person wakes up. When you are awake, you can do many things in life. You can sing, breathe, think, work, and do whatever the heck you want!! It is your day, your life, and all up to you.

Whenever I get out of bed at 4 o’clock in the morning, I have two choices: curse the start of my day OR just be grateful. I prefer the latter Happy People!! There were times where I woke up feeling negative, upset, nervous, and depressed. What good did that do? Nothing except start my day on a very wrong foot. When I do that, I can expect a very rough day ahead of me.

However, when I get out of bed feeling good and thankful, I tend to have pretty good days. Within the last few years, I was able to have the opportunity. I hope to have more of these days as life goes on. If there was a time where I felt different, I can only think of those people that were not able to wake up. Some of them I knew, others I did not know. Many were around my age, others were either younger or older. When it comes to these folks, I can only hope that they are in a good place where they have no worries, no fears, and no problems. May these people be blessed for all days.

If there is a time where I never wake up, I can only hope to be in a good place - hopefully more later than sooner. As for now, I am grateful to wake up and enjoy the day that awaits me. I will be even more grateful to wake up to more days in the future. Life is an amazing thing Happy People!! If you are able to wake up, please feel free to enjoy your day the best way you know how. You will be grateful for it.

Oh my, I got to go to work!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, October 24, 2010

I'm Sorry

Greetings Happy People,

Before I get started with this post, I have something to say.

I’m Sorry.

These are the toughest two words to say. Why? Some people are not too keen in admitting to things. Especially when they know they are wrong. They see these two words as signs of weakness, defeat, and total embarrassment. I guess some people would prefer to have their pride take over instead of admitting their faults. One can make many enemies that way.

It does not matter who you are. Saying “I’m Sorry” has to be done as soon as possible. If one does not do this, it will create long term pain as time passes. Possibly greater pain than the act one has done in the first place.

One good example of this is what happened with someone I used to trust. A couple years ago, this person insulted Dana. She attacked her for her looks yet never met her in person. Dana was hurt by these words and I was so angry that steam came out of my arms. I am normally a positive person, but when one gets my very upset, may the high heavens help us all for my hell is unleashed.

En el nombre de padre, del hijo, y espritu santo - Whoops pardon me.

A mini war erupted. Arrows were slung and rocks were hurled. And once the smoke cleared, I have not received an apology from this person. As time passed, the relationship between me and this person grew apart. I rarely spoke to her. When she is mentioned in my presence, I can either shake my head, shutter, or just say “whatever.” To this day, she still has not apologized for what she has done. We still have not spoken to each other. As I go on and do my things, I often wonder what would have happened if she just said those two words. A lot of the aftermath would not have happened.

Has somebody every hurt you? Have you ever hurt somebody? Either way, it helps to apologize as soon as you can. Believe me, saying these words soon will create a better relationship with the person than saying it later or never saying it at all. Like the human body, healing the wounds now is much better than healing them later. If not, more pain and infections will settle in and life is way too short for that.

That is all I have for now. Take care and than you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, October 22, 2010

Bonded Words

Greetings Happy People,

My heart is filled with joy tonight.

I got off the phone with Dana and admit that I still have a good thing going.

We have been together now for two and a half years and we are still in an amazing relationship. How amazing? Before we got together, we made a promise together. To this day, that promise still remains in tact. What is it? Well, that is between her and me. All I can tell you is that these words are bonded and neither of us have any intentions of breaking it.

There is nothing like keeping a word to someone. Many people can promise one thing or another, but to actually stick with it shows faithfulness, integrity, and pure devotion. Keeping a word involves more than just saying it, it also involves doing it as well.

I have been pretty good at keeping words with people in my circle. In all honesty, I would give myself eight out of ten times where I am able to bond my words. Why not 10 out of 10? First and foremost, I am still a human being. There are those promises I would back out of due some pretty good reasons. For example, if it cause harm or some type of emergency happens or I completely forgot about it. I don’t feel good about backing out of a bonded word, but in those times, there are exceptions.

If someone were to ask me for a certain favor, I would look at it before I leap. If it has a good intention, a solid substance, or something that I am able to do, I will be by that person’s side. Good examples of this come from the fellow Toastmasters I have mentored. Whether it is in a leadership role, or helping someone with their speech, I would be more than happy to stick by the person. From this, I gain not only credibility, but also some pretty good friends too. The benefits of a bonded word can go very far.

It is great to keep a promise with someone. The only thing that is better is keeping a promise to you. If you are able to keep a word to yourself and follow through with it, you will become better for it. There have been many times where I kept promises to myself and stuck with it. They always make me feel good because I know that I have not cheated myself out of something. If I ever break a word to myself, that can only cause me pain and disappointment because I am the only one hurting myself. And if could not keep a promise to myself, how good would I be for another person?

When it comes to making promises, you have the ability to determine the words you are willing to keep. If you are unable to keep your word with someone or something, make sure you have a good reason behind it. If you are able to make a promise, make sure you stick with it the best way you can. You will become stronger for it. Just stick with it and you will go further than you think.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Can You Hear Me Now?

Greetings Happy People,

We live in a world filled with technology. We have emails, faxes, social network sites, and blogs. While all of these may be convenient for us to use, there is one form of communication that never runs out of style – the telephone. This mode of communication may have changed forms in the last 135 years, but its overall purpose remains the same.

Being a socially active person, I have some shyness when it comes to using the phone. Yes, I can use emails, faxes, and any other handy tools to deliver my message, but when it comes to using the telephone, I get shy. Why? Well there are many things that are behind this.

First are my questions of wondering if I would sound awkward. Every time I press those digits, I take a big sigh and hope that I don’t sound too weird to the person on the other end. Secondly, I wonder if I am dialing the right number. I don’t know about you happy people but when it comes to dialing someone’s phone number, I feel a little embarrassed about calling someone and getting the wrong number. Next, when it comes to writing, I am pretty good. However, transferring those words to the telephone can be a challenge for me. I guess it is pretty good that I am still in Toastmasters huh?? Finally, I wonder if the other person on the line is friendly. I really am not a big fan of calling someone that is in a bad mood.

Despite all of the doubts, concerns, and fears I have when it comes to using this device. I still use the telephone. Being a person that takes on leadership roles, using the telephone is a must. Compared to emails, there is something about a telephone that gives a more personal connection with somebody. Every time I dial those 7 digits (10 for long distance), I would create a huge connection with someone on the other line. Whether it is helping different Toastmaster clubs or discussing the latest reports from my Clark Kent job, a phone call can make the difference.

We are all humans. We all have those uneasy moments that we face in life. No matter what we do, we must find a way to overcome our doubts, uncertainties, and questions by simply taking the step forward. For myself, it involves the telephone. Do you have any similar moments like this? If so, there is nothing wrong with taking that first step. Who knows? You might make a good connection for yourself if you go forward instead of moving backwards.

Excuse me, I got a phone call to make.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Cheaters Never Prosper

Greetings Happy People,

"If you cheat yourself in the preparation, it will show up in your presentation."
- Jonas Gadson, DTM


Oh how true these words are. In today’s world, we have people wanting to be the best they can be. However, there are two paths that they can take. The first path is a respectable one. It may involve challenges, heartbreak, and taking a few hits. But when one gets to the end results without giving up, one can truly savor the moment of getting there.

The second path is not as respectable. It involves finding shortcuts, cheating, and taking easier ways to get there. This dishonorable path may get one to their destination, but it comes with attachments. These attachments come in forms of doubt, questions, exposure, and lack of respect. These people may not pay for what they did now, but they will pay for it a lot later in life.

When I got to where I am right now, I had to prove myself in what I can do. Whether it is taking tests for a job position, going through different interviews, or just stepping up to leadership roles, I take those challenges to prove myself. Sometimes I come out victorious, other times I find places where I can improve. Nevertheless, I choose not to take shortcuts because I know I would cheat myself by having a hollow victory. Are there doubters that try to put me down? Yes, but I choose to listen to myself.

One of the things that get on my nerves is people taking various shortcuts to get ahead. Some people would not take tests. Others use influences to sway decisions in their favor. More people would “enhance” themselves instead of going through the hard work and countless efforts. And to add more insult to injury, many of these people claim to be professionals. They can brag about what they can do, but when it comes to show time, they greatly disappoint and embarrass themselves.

What do they really have to show for it? What have they proven to themselves? What message can be given for those that cheat their way to the top? Not a good one in my opinion.

A good example involves a sport that took on some interest back in the 1990’s - Baseball. This sport recovered from a strike shortened season by having players go for home run records, strikeout records, and whatever records that could be broken. If you were to look at them years before, they looked skinny. If you were to look at them years later, they looked bigger. Some of these players may have broken these records, but they have paid for it. How? They paid for it via Congressional hearings, health problems, and missing chances to get to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. These players may have got ahead in the past, but they paid for it in the long run.

Do you know someone that is getting ahead by cheating? If you do, please don’t get frustrated by what they are doing. It may be easier said than done, but these cheaters will never prosper. As a matter of fact, whatever they done will catch up with them. The universe works that way. When good is done, good will return. When bad is done, it will come back the same way.

It is better to stay on track to get to your goals for you will be come a winner in more ways than you think.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Pass the Word Along

Greeting Happy People,

First and foremost,I thank all of you for checking out this blog. When I created this blog more than a year ago, my intent was to give some words of wisdom for the happy people.

I had wondered if people would actually take the time out to ready my blog. After getting plenty of good responses and seeing people from all over the world read what Mr. I-I-I has to say, I can now say that I feel grateful that there are folks looking for some positive wisdom.

Again, I thank you all for checking this blog out. Feel free to pass the word to more Happy People about this blog!! Who knows? They might enjoy this as much as you do!!

Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, October 15, 2010

Unity in the Community

Greetings Happy People,

As I sit in front of the hotel computer in Palmdale, California. I realize the many things I a grateful for. Why am I in Palmdale writing to you happy people tonight? Tomorrow morning, I will be at the Division A Evaluation & Humorous Speech Contest. Later that afternoon, I will be at the Division C Contest in Las Vegas.

These Division are a part of District 33 Toastmasters. In this District we have eight Divisions: 5 are in central California and 3 are in the Las Vegas Valley. I have the privileged opportunity to attend these Division contests and so far and I am enjoying every moment of it. From Merced to Fresno, from Los Olivos to Thousand Oaks, from Lancaster to Las Vegas, each contest offers opportunities to enjoy each moment.

No matter how big or small the audience is the keys to having a successful contest lies in the people that attend and the atmosphere one brings. Whether it is done in an elaborate setting or something basic, these two things make the difference. When you have friendly, happy people at these events, it radiates throughout the place.

When I served as a Division Governor two years ago, I had a great time hosting these events. This is not only due to the themes, structures, and organization, but just the people in general. When I go out there, I have the most fun I can possibly have. Without these two things, how could I have a successful contest? It would be impossible.

Are there financial involvements with these contests? Yes. Is there lots of planning that has to be done for these events? Of course!! Is there a little nervousness before the event actually starts? I would be lying if I said no. Is there lots of marketing that has to be done for these events? Yes there is. But no matter what goes down, it takes lots of people and a positive atmosphere to make these contests a success. One might call it a sense of community spirit. When you have that spirit, there are no limits to what can be done.

There is always something about that community spirit that makes things better. It not only brings in a sense of teamwork, but it also allows everyone to have a stake in something successful. Whether it involves 2 or 200 people, the power of a strong community speaks for itself. It speaks volumes. It speaks loud. It speaks success. It is better to be a success in a community than to be failures as individuals. This unifying thought process can be taken to many aspects – work, sports, and anything that can be imagined.

With unity in the community, we all succeed!!
With unity in the community, we all prosper!!
With unity in the community, we all win!!

Together we can live our legacies to inspire and empower by catching our dreams for we all can have unity in the community!! It is possible!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

You Are More Beautiful Than This

Greetings Happy People,

Lately I have been hearing tragic stories of bullying. When I hear this, it gets to me because it is unnecessary. You have one story where a young person jumped off a bridge because he was being outed. Once can only imagine the pain and embarrassment he went through before he committed suicide.

Sadly, there are similar stories that happen. People get bullied to the point where they don’t think life is worth living anymore. What’s even sadder is that there is more bullying that is happening outside of the classroom. It is happening at work. It is happening at home. It is happening online. It is happening everywhere!! Being a person that was bullied in my youth, I can understand the frustration one goes through.

If I can offer any advice for someone in this situation, it will be the following. If at any moment you feel bullied by anyone, just remember that you are just too beautiful for this. Mean people can talk down to you. They can physically abuse you. They can do anything to harm you to the point where you feel worthless. To counter all of this nonsense, all you have to do is take the time to look in the mirror and realize that you are just too beautiful for this mess.

It may be easier said than done, but it is possible. To go past the negativity, one must believe that they are worth more than what people think. Before my walls broke, I thought I was worthless. I thought no one wanted me. And I thought that I had no real purpose in life. After the walls broke, I noticed that the negative self image I had was a mere illusion. Why? Because I believe that I am too beautiful for anybody to put me down.

When I came to this realization, my days became better, my smiles are more frequent, and I am able to shut off the ilk that would bring me down. I know that whatever they said was not true. Again, all I have to was rely on my own self vision and embrace the beauty.

If you are in a rough spot where you feel worthless, just remember that you are not. Everyone has beauty inside. All you have to do is just look at it!! Once that happens, you will realize that you are too beautiful for anybody to put you down.
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Facing Your Dragons

Greetings Happy People,

In the southwestern part of the Las Vegas valley, located on Russell Road & Hualapai, is a high school. This high school used to be located on Maryland Parkway near Oakey. This place has changed my life. Without this school, I would not have able to do the things I have done in my life. This high school is none other than Bishop Gorman.

At the new campus, a huge knight is located on the side of the wall. Dressed in blue & orange, he rides his steed with his lance and his shield charging into victory. At night, spotlights would shine on this gallant Gael. When I see this knight, I think of courage, bravery, and readiness for battle. Whether it involves rival factions or dragons, this knight is ready to take on any challenge that lies ahead.

Being a knight is not an easy thing. On any given day, you face different challenges. Some are small, while others are huge. No matter the challenge, the knight would face them face first. This iron clad warrior may face different risks. Some of these risks may be costly, but nevertheless the knight still faces them.

In today’s world, we have many dragons in our lives. Many of them come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Some people would try to run and hide from these dragons. The more they show fear, the more power these dragons will have. Whether they believe it or not, these people choose to let their dragons become victorious.

In contrast, others would choose a different path. Instead of fleeing from their dragons, they choose to not only face it, but conquer it. They make pretty awesome knights because they face their dragons knowing the potential risks that are involved. When these people face their dragons, they will have more power than they expect.

Do you have dragons in your lives? How are you dealing with them? If you are dealing them with fear, uncertainty, and worry, then you may want to change your strategies because they will bring you instant defeat. If you are dealing then with courage, bravery, and a sense of readiness, you will win your battles before they even start.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

You Can't Touch This

Greetings Happy People,

I don't know about you, but I find it very hard to believe that M.C. Hammer's most popular rap song was the top hit in America - 20 YEARS AGO!!

If you ever rode in the car with me, you would probably notice that I listen to XM Radio. Some of my favorite channels are either 70's on 7, 80's on 8, and 90's on 9. These type of music are fun to listen to and pleasant to the ears. I also catch myself listening to Lithium - an XM station dedicated to 90's alternative music. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Offspring, and Soundgarden are the bands that one can catch on this station. I also like listening to The Groove - a station that plays old school R&B and funk.

When I listen to this music, I am taken back to different parts of my life that was pretty good. When I listen to these brands of music, my toes would tap, my head would bounce, and my booty would shake.I get funky to the beat and have no shame at all!!

Now these types of music can be heard not only on XM radio, but in supermakets, elevators, and hotel lobbies. I am at the point where hearing this music in these places is kind of freaky. What's even freakier is today's music or what some folks call music today.

How freaky can it be? Well let's look at the some of the top songs 20 years ago:

Vogue by Madonna

Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O'Connor

Vision of Love by Mariah Carey

Black Velvet by Alannah Miles

Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice

Blaze of Glory - Jon Bon Jovi

Opposite Attract - Paula Abdul

U Can't Touch This - M.C. Hammer


Now!! Let's look at the top songs of 2010 shall we?

Tik Tok by Keisha

California Gurls by Katy Perry w/Snoop Dogg

OMG by Usher

Rude Boy by Rhianna


Huh?? I rarely heard of those songs. Nevertheless they are played on local radio stations.

How time goes by quickly. No matter if 5 or 15 more years pass, at least I will be able to enjoy the songs that make me feel good.

And for those people that are enjoying today's songs? Don't laugh because when you start hearing your music at the supermaket, the elevator, and the hotel lobby, you will realize how a little tune can bring up some good nostalgia. Heaven knows the "today's" music you will hear in the future.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Divided House

Greetings Happy People,

Have you ever lived in a divided house?

If you never lived in one, you are fortunate. If you have, then you know it’s not easy to live in one.

How can one live in a divided house? That’s a tough question to answer. It depends on the person living in it. One can live in a divided house with despair and gloom. Another can live in the same house with the hope that it can come together and be a home.

On the surface, a house that is divided can never be a home. But underneath, there is still a possibility.

There are many reasons on how a house can be divided. It can be divided by race, religion, beliefs, fear, and complete ignorance. A house divided has little love because it is taken over by lots of hatred. People that live in divided houses can never really live for they are the ones that suffer. They suffer not only on a physical level, but emotionally too. Divided houses create broken hearts, mistrust in others, and small barriers that are big problems.

I lived in divided houses before and it’s not easy. For many years, I felt less empowered because I always thought that I did not have any control of the houses I lived in. It brought pain. It brought misery. It brought hopelessness. This thought lasted for years until I realized something. I can choose not to live in a divided house.

How can this be done? Well, I had two options.

The first one was to make attempts to bring the house together. Putting a divided house together is not an easy thing happy people. It takes time, dedication, and lots of driven effort. Some of the houses that were put together were back breaking, but the results were nothing short of priceless.

The second option was to simply move away. There were some divided houses that just can’t be fixed. If I lived in a house that was beyond repair, it will not be for long. Instead, I’d choose to move to a different house. Instead of living in a house of fear, I rather live in a house of acceptance and optimism. I just wish that more people can live in the same house.

If you are a person that is living in a divided house, remember that you don’t have to keep living in it. You can either put it together or find another place to live. No one can tell you anything that is different because you have that choice. If you choose to continue living in that divided house, I can only hope that you don’t stay there for long. You have that choice.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Bend or Break

Greetings Happy People,

Do you know someone that is stuck in that one-way thinking?

The person that always has that mind set on one thing and ONLY that one thing.

No matter what people tell them, they never seems listen to reason.

For these people, it’s always my way or the highway. While it maybe good to have that mind set on a goal, you got to show some flexibility. I believe that there is always more than one way to get things done. One of my favorite sayings is the following:

“IF PLAN A DOESN’T WORK, USE PLAN B UP YOUR SLEEVE.
IF PLAN B DOESN’T WORK, USE PLAN C IN YOUR BACK POCKET.
IF PLAN C DOESN’T WORK, USE PLAN D IN YOUR SHOE.”

– Jesse Oakley I-I-I


This means that if one way does not work; find another way to get it done!! Not to long ago, I went to a Toastmaster meeting. The attendance was scarce. Before the meeting started, I was asked to do three different roles. Being a seasoned Toastmaster, I volunteered. As the meeting went along, I can see why the attendance was pretty scarce.

One person dominated the show. It just wasn’t any Toastmaster, it was one of those Toastmasters that “knew everything.” Seeing this person in action made my head ache because it is always my way or the highway. This person wanted to do things in certain ways. If anyone tries to show this person a different way to get things done, forget it!! This person will not bend!!

In the beginning, this club had a pretty good attendance. As time passed, the attendance became smaller and smaller. Why? Because this person will not bend!! Instead it’s always, “My way is this way” or “My way is that way.” The person is hard to reason with. Many seasoned Toastmasters try to help this club. But thanks to this one-track mind, they were quickly turned off and walked away. I spoke to different people about this person and they confirmed my suspicions.

This year I am serving as the Lt. Governor of Marketing for my Toastmaster District. My responsibility is to oversee the welfare of membership and clubs all over the District. From my own aspect, I can just shake my head. Why? Because if this person does not bend soon, the whole club will break!! And that will hurt on all levels: Club, Area, Division, District, Region, AND International.

If I can talk to this person face to face, I would have this person look at where the club got started and where it is right now. Then I will ask if they notice a difference. If this person does, then change is possible. If not, then there is no way this person can be helped. And once this club breaks, this person’s reputation will also break as well!!

Everybody has goals. Everybody has visions. Everybody wants to meet those visions and goals. But if people try to use the one-track system to get those goals, they will not go very far. Sometimes, you have to bend towards different options to get things done. The more roads you have, the better the chance you have to get to that destination. From a person that has lived through this logic many times, it is always better to bend than break. Because when you break, you will be broken.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, September 27, 2010

You Have a Choice

Greetings Happy People,

You have a choice.

You have a choice on how you want to live. You have a choice on what you want to be. You have a choice on where you want to go in life. When it comes to deciding what path you want to take, you have that power!!

I realized this revelation for myself a few years ago. Before my walls broke, I felt that I had no choice, no say, and no rights on what I wanted to do with my life. I thought that my life was tied around to my profession. I thought that my life was tied to the things I don’t want in life. Boy was I wrong.

When the walls broke, I realized that I have the power to do what I want without feeling guilty about what other people think. I chose to hang out with more positive people instead of those that are not. Instead of hanging around those perpetual alcoholics, I chose to be with people wanting to be better in what they do. Instead of hanging around people that like to sit around, smoke, and complain about things, I chose to be with people that want to be successful. Instead of sitting around doing nothing, I chose to do something. Ever since I made those decisions, many doors have opened up for me!!

What opportunities have I accomplished since my walls broke? Let’s take a look!!

1. I have a wonderful fiancée that I love very much.
2. I met with friends that I have not seen in 16 or 17 years.
3. I created a blog that is exclusively for “happy people.”
4. I travelled to numerous places and vacation destinations.
5. I am gaining more leadership experience and more friends in a certain organization
6. I wake up feeling less pain than I usually do
7. I meditate more frequently causing me to have a much cooler head.
8. I receive and give love to happy folks from all over the world.
9. I chose to steer clear of negative people and have more positive in my life.

These are just a few things that I have done since my walls broke. While I am able to do all of these things, what are the negative people doing? Probably still sitting at home drinking like a fish. Probably still standing around smoking and complaining about more things under the sun. Probably feeling less empowered thinking that there is no hope to improve themselves. These people are travelling a downward spiral that I choose not to be a part of.

For those people out there that are thinking if they can make these choices, all I got to say is that you will never know unless you try. Go ahead and take that first step and take another one after that. If you have any fear about what lies ahead for you, forget them!! Instead of having fear hold you back, think about the possibilities you can get. You do have that choice in life and no one is going to take it from you!!

Anything is possible when you make that choice to break your own walls.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

The Value of a Happy Heart

Greetings Happy People,

Thump-thump Thump-thump

Thump-thump Thump-thump

That’s the sound of a heart.

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. It pumps the blood through the blood vessels by an interesting beat rhythm. Taking care of the heart is important because without it, you can not live.

There are many good ways to take care of a heart. You can take care of your heart physically by eating right and exercising. You can take care of your heart emotionally by doing the things you love to do. To ensure proper functioning, you can also get your heart check out by a cardiologist. No matter how you slice it, a happy heart equals a happy life.

Unfortunately, there are some of us out there that take our hearts for granted. Everyday life, stress, and pressure would put our hearts in bad shape. Eating what we should not eat can also contribute to a poor heart. When we do not take care of our hearts, we pay for it.

With all the technology that is going on in the world today, we can replace our hearts. However, it will never be the same. An artificial heart may help one live, but it will not allow one to really live. Our hearts are very important. They allow us to feel, love, and live. When one is able to see the true joy a heart can bring, it can only be a fantastic thing.

How can we ensure that our hearts be happy? It is up to us. We have the power to give our hearts the joy we can give it. In return, the heart will give us that same joy in return. Whether it is through physical activities, or something emotional, we contribute our own happiness to our hearts.

There are things in the world that makes us feel good. Children, grandchildren, loved ones, pets, friends, and hobbies are just a few examples on what brings us joy. These same joyful things also make our hearts happy too!! Just think!! If we are able to do more of these things, we will be better off by living longer lives!!

Being a man that has a family history of heart problems, I can only hope to end this trend by treating my heart in a positive light. If I am able to do the things that make my heart happy, I will hear the following sound for many years:

Thump-thump Thump-thump

Thump-thump Thump-thump

These beats can make a difference.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Open Door Leadership

Greetings Happy People,

Have you ever taken on a leadership role?

Whether it involves work, community, or organizations, many people have stepped up to different leadership roles. Some experiences were good, others weren’t so great. No matter the outcome, the people that take on these leadership roles will always be better off than the people that never stepped up.

Whether it was good or bad, the leadership roles I’ve held brought in tremendous amounts of learning experience. I not only learn what I can and cannot do, but how I can improve myself and become better. Throughout the process, I made amazing friends, gained few adversaries, and created levels of credibility I could never imagine.

On any given day, people wonder if it is worth it to just step up and take on a leadership role. They have the “What ifs,” the “How coulds,” and the”Should I’s” Some people would never take on any leadership roles due to a bad experience. If I were to talk to a person that feels this way, I can only offer these following words:

“Leadership is like a door. If you go through it, you can gain wonders of experiences. If you don’t go through it, you can only wonder.”

Those people that choose not to go through the door can only wonder what is on the other side. They can wonder about this, and they can wonder about that, but all they can ever do is wonder. People that go through the door will be better off because they are the ones that better themselves through experience.

I can write more about the benefits of leadership. I can talk to someone about the rewards of leadership. However, for one to experience the learning process, one must take those steps and learn for themselves. The road may start off rough, but with time it gets a little smoother. If I can take those steps and be better for it, I am sure that others can do it too. Everyone has the same starting line, but where the finish line lies is up to that individual.

For those people that decide to take on leadership roles, I give you my own personal kudos. It is not an easy road, but you decide to go forth and make your trails that others will follow. You are creating legacies that will be lived for a long time.

For those people that decide not to take on leadership roles, all I got to say is that it is your decision to make. However, if you ever decide to come through that door, you are more than welcome to do so. Only you have that power to make that decision.

That is all I have to say for now. Take care and thank you for your time and
attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Other Side of the Coin

Greetings Happy People,

For today’s post, I am going to go on a very different path.

As many of you know, I am part of an organization called Toastmasters International. This organization is about improving one’s communication and leadership skills through a positive friendly environment. For more than 85 years, millions of people benefited by joining this organization. From Toastmasters, we have successful leaders, business people, and amazing personalities.

With all this positive energy, it is hard to believe that there could be anything negative about this organization. Like many things in life, there are two different sides of the coin. There is a positive side and a negative one.

The one thing that really breaks my heart about this organization is someone not having fun learning as much as they can. Now and then, there are people that want to improve their communication and leadership skills, but there are situations that make things uncomfortable for the individual. Whether it involves certain businesses, people, or anything else. There are those discouraging moments where one wants to just leave the organization on a very bad note.

Throughout my 15-year experience in Toastmasters, I have seen those moments. Every time I see them, it hurts me to the point where it breaks my heart. Sometimes, I go by myself and just cry. I cry because of the lost potential that could have been. It may not be something I have control over, but it hurts big time. Damn!! I am crying right now just thinking about it!!

My first experience in this happened five years ago. That was when I served as an Area Governor for the first time. I served 5 clubs. One of those clubs met at the Las Vegas Review Journal - a local newspaper establishment. One January, I walked in for a visit and the President told me that the club has disbanded because the company would not fund it anymore. My jaw hit the floor. I could not believe it. When I got home, I wondered if anymore could have been done to help that club. I also thought about those people that were in that club. They were some good friendly folks too. It was a shame that it folded. For a while, I kicked myself. As heartbreaking as that was, I came to a realization that it was out of my control.

There are people that also left this organization because of other people too. Somehow, personalities would clash to the point where it gets pretty messy. Words are exchanged. Feelings are hurt. Fingers are pointing. Accusations are made. Seeing these things is like watching a tragic Shakespearean play. You know something is coming at the end – and it is not a good thing. These things hurt because I don’t like seeing people get into any unnecessary confrontations where both parties get hurt and NO ONE WINS!! Again, this is heartbreaking for me.

Of all the heartbreaking things I have seen in Toastmasters, people would often ask why I never leave. Well, I can give you the following answers:

1. I love the organization too much. This is one good hobby that I have found worthwhile to be a part of. It is one of the passions I enjoy.

2. Of the entire negative that can happen in this organization, I still find positive people and made some good friends in the process. That is something I am grateful for.

3. No matter what happens, good or bad, I just keep walking. That is the advice I give to many people when they either join or undertake any leadership role.

With this, I will bring the following post to a close. Before I end this, I have some words to say. If I can talk to someone that is going through a heartbreaking moment, I first give my apologies that their Toastmasters experience was not what they expected. Another bit of advice I will give is that no matter how good or bad things get, just keep walking. Like different points in my life, I have walked through storms and sun shines. The more you walk through them, the stronger you will become. All you have to is just keep walking. Trust me. You will be stronger for it.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Courage Past Fear

Greetings Happy People,

My name is Jesse Oakley I-I-I.

On weekdays, I work as an Associate Engineer in my “Clark Kent” job.

But is that who I REALLY am? No.

Beneath the position, I am something more than this vocation. I am a brother, a son, a friend, and I-I-I (an Incredibly Inspiring Individual)!! Nothing makes me better than the next guy. Nothing makes me worse than the other person. I am simply me and I like myself!!

I believe that there are souls dwelling in our bodies. Some are good ones, while others need a little work. If we take the time to look at the insides of the person, we can find something that is more than one can expect!!

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people don’t take the time to look inside a real person. We let our own personal barriers block the vision of another person. Whether it is skin color, religion, occupation, gender, physical looks, or anything else, people can not go past those walls to see the real person. Why? I think it can be summed up in four letters: F-E-A-R.

Fear creates many paths of negativity. It creates ignorance, anger, doubt, and hatred. Many people thoughts and beliefs are spawned from this small four letter word. Little do they know, this same fear will come back to them like a boomerang. The more fear they put out, the more they will get back.

In order to break this fear, one needs not to fight it. Instead, it can only be faced. It is surprising to know how courage can conquer any fear one may have. With courage you can make those steps to go past the layers and just know a person. By then, you will be able to know what a person is really like. Who knows? Friendships can be created this way!!

Will the whole world realize this thought? Not really. But I hope that an individual can take the time out to show enough courage in removing their own walls. If the person is able to do that, than that will be one person that will not have to settle things by fists, guns, or wars. And that is one step closer to where this world can be. All it takes is for people to remove their walls and see who the person is. Oh how worlds can change when this is done!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

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