Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Impossible Possibilities

Greetings Happy People,

Have you ever made the impossible possible? In life, we had moments were that happened. No matter the situation, you pulled things together. The story I have for you is about how the impossible became possible.

It was the Fall of 2005. I was serving as an Area Governor and President to my home Toastmasters club - Starmasters. Back then, our membership was low. At best, we had 3-4 people at each meeting. There was one moment where I stood alone. This club was about to fold.

Despite the fate of this club, I moved forth. As I prepared for one meeting, another member showed up. His name was Eugene. Having him arrive made me feel better. Why? Because the attendance doubled!! Instead of preparing to close this club, we decided to have fun with a two-man Toastmasters meeting. We took on all roles, made some noise, and had fun!! The people having a church meeting next door wondered what the heck was going on. Who knew that a burst of enthusiasm can take place with just two people?

Thanks to that meeting, the fortunes for this club turned around. Members returned to the meetings, new members joined the club, a club coach was there to assist us, and we moved to another location!! It was no surprise that my home Toastmasters club received Distinguished honors for three straight years!! All of these fortunes started with just two people!!

Sandraneta, one of my Toastmaster mentors, told me that it took three people to have a Toastmasters meeting. I just gave you a story where it took two positive people to have a meeting!! Would I recommend this strategy for other Toastmasters? Only if the club is at a low point!

We are facing tough times today. Many of us are uncertain about our future. Some of us want to just give up. Behind this story lies a connecting message. No matter what obstacle one faces, it can be conquered through belief. Belief in your vision, Belief in your determination, and belief in yourself are the essentials of making an impossible thing possible. If we hold on, we can survive!! It only takes one belief to have infinite possibilities. It can be done!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Violets are Blue

Greetings Happy People,

Ever since I wrote the blog "Roses are Red," I got some kudos for my brave efforts to try and win "Kelly's" heart. I also got some interesting responses on how I should have wrote the poem that was a bit more appropriate. If you are a fan of the old-school Nintendo games, you would probably like the following suggestions that were given to me. Oh how I wish I had a time machine......

POEM 1

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
Will you be my Excitebike?

POEM 2

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
Do you want to see my Mega Man?

POEM 3

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
And you're stacked like Tetris

POEM 4

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
Can I be your Super Macho Man?
(flex pectoral muscles)

POEM 5

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
Want to jump you like Mario!!

POEM 6

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
And you're more legend than Zelda!!

POEM 7

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I like Nintendo
Cause you're a real Punch-Out!!

Thanks everyone for these interesting suggestions!! I wished I could have used some of these lines on that girl. I probably would still get rejected, but at least it would have been interesting to see the response to these lines.

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, January 18, 2010

Keep Your Head Up!!

Greetings Happy People,

The following message I have for you today is short and simple. Whenever someone is bringing you down or a situation is making your life uneasy, please remember to keep your head up. There are those moments where you want to hang your head. While we have those difficult moments in our lives, we must remember that it is only temporary. Better things will come!!

We must also remember that we have the power to control any type of emotion we feel. Our emotions are not controlled by other people or other situations. They are controlled by the person you see in the mirror. THAT IS YOU!! Whatever decisions we make are up to us. When catastrophe strikes, we can either let it beat us down or simply find a way to get through it and become better people.

When I had those moments where I hung my head low, I always thought it was due to someone or something that made me feel less than what I was worth. I was completely wrong. They were not making me feel bad, I was making myself feel bad. I did not realize that I have the power to control my own emotions. Now that I do, it makes life easier for me to live. Heck!! Whenever I get to that state where I am depressed and feeling down, I do my best to turn it around and make myself feel good. Only I can do that for me and you can do that for you too!! A positive mindset can take you farther than a negative one!!

So whenever someone or something is bringing you down, always remember to keep your head up!! Why? Because you are simply better!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Roses are Red

Greetings Happy People,

For my next story, let me take you back to 1991. I was a Junior in High school and I fell in love with a beautiful girl. Her name was “Kelly.” She had long brown hair, beautiful brown eyes, and a smile that could only be matched by angels. Whenever she walked down a hallway, she walked in slow motion accompanied with background music so beautiful that you swore an orchestra was somewhere around the corner. My goodness she was beautiful!!

As for me, I wanted to express to her how beautiful she was and how much I was infatuated by her. So I decided to write her a poem. Mind you, I was a 15 year old that never wrote anything artistic before. I had to make sure this was very important not only to her, but to me as well. For days, I wondered what I was going to write and how she would react to it. Then an idea hit my mind!! I grabbed a pen and a pad and wrote the romantic words that came out of my mind.

When I finished writing the words, I folded up the paper and put it in my pocket. I went to school and saw her there. My mind told me to run away, but my heart told me to just give your romantic words to her. With trepidation, I walked up to her and gave her my masterpiece. What was this romantic poem I wrote to her? Well, it went like this:

“Roses are red
Violets are blue
I like Nintendo
And girls like you!!”

Smooth huh??

When she first saw this, let’s just say that her reaction was indescribable. She was touched by the attempt of my words – yet somewhat confused. Back then, I thought I wrote something beautiful. Today look back on that moment and wonder two things: “What the hell was I thinking?” and “Thank God my writing got better!!” Unfortunately, she was going out with someone else and I was rejected. Heartbroken, I went on as best as I could.

Did that moment stop me? Not really. From that point to where I am right now, you can say that my writing improved.

Whether it is writing, finding that special someone, or anything else, we have to find ways to just get better. While things may not come out the way we want in our first attempt, we must not give up hope. Instead, we must find ways to improve on the things that did not work too well. With time and countless efforts, you too can become better in what you want to do. If famous people can succeed after many failed attempts, we can do so in the same fashion. All we have to do is have FAITH. With it, all things are possible!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Is It Really Worth It?

Greetings Happy People,

No matter where we are, we get tested in different situations. Whether it is at home, at work, or at any establishment, we face moments where things can get tense. In the face of a challenge, we can handle it in two different ways: with a cool head or a hot one. It pays to keep a cool head in tense moments. With a cool head, you can look at things, find ways to handle them, and move on with your life. When you have a cool head, you can overcome any obstacle with ease. Having a cool head not only benefits you, but everyone else around your environment. Although this sounds easy to do, we must remember that things can be done this way. You can win with a cool head!!

As for handling things with a hot head, we can do that too. On a personal note, I would not recommend it. Doing things out of anger can leave you in a situation far worse than where you started. You can yell at people. You can give them the middle finger - two if you are that angry and three if you are VERY angry. Heck!! You can also beat the living hell out of someone. But when you do all of these things, ask yourself if it is even worth it. There are always after effects of doing things out of anger. Not many of them are good. Relationships can end. People can go to jail. Lives can be lost.

In different parts of my life, I’ve seen anger displayed at home, at work, and at public places. I also used a hot head in different situations. I am sure you have used different levels of anger in your lives. No matter the fury, nothing feels worse than remorse. History can also be a great teacher in the damaging effects of anger. Look at the people that got in trouble in the last few years. Look at the riots that happened in the last few decades. Look at the wars that happened in different centuries. Anger can open doors, but to what?

If I were to offer any advice to you happy people, it would be this. Whenever you get involved in something that makes you upset. Please do your best to find ways to deal with it other than shouting or physical violence. You will be better off that way.

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Pucker Sucker

Greetings Happy People,

No matter where you work, we all have pucker suckers in the workplace.

You know the type. These are the people that only get ahead by either kissing butt or making sure others do not get ahead of them. Whatever these people lack in intelligence can surely be made up by dignity-free boot licking. These same types of personalities also like to talk louder than anyone else just to feel important. Yet, they also speak silently behind one’s back as they “hold the knife.”

Whenever they talk, these pucker suckers usually embarrass themselves and other co-workers by showing off their complete ignorance. They also are the ones that bully those that are weaker than them, yet cowardly run to higher ground when someone stands up to them. The worse type of pucker sucker is the one that has a very close connection to the boss.

To further prove my point, I have the following example for you. For many years, I had one co-worker that perfectly fit the description of the consummate pucker sucker. She not only did those aforementioned things, but also more!! Whenever things don’t go her way, she would call the boss to tell him what’s going on. Usually, the boss is on her side and would protect her at any level. Heck, he gave her a promotion without having to take any tests!!

She also has the knack for getting other people in hot water because they were either smarter, prettier, or more likable than her. The people that work under her would either leave, stand up to her, or take it like victims. She has upset many people, me included, with her blatant disdain and disregard for her fellow co-workers. While she thinks people are in love with her, no one can really stand her!!

For years, it seemed that nothing could stop the gravy train she rode on. Until the day the boss retired as was replaced by a new boss, with a stronger nose!! Uh-oh!! No matter how hard she tried to kiss up, the new boss is not buying into it. Now she is having a difficult time at her workplace because things are not going her way. She has difficulty doing simple calculations, reading simple manuals, and writing a single sentence. Her true colors are starting to show big time!! As she says “boo-hoo,” the rest of us say “woo-hoo!” Justice is finally served!!

I once told another co-worker that as soon as the stars aligned in the right position, the high times of that pucker sucker will end. Boy was I ever right!! People who do nothing but suck-up are only hurting themselves in the process. They are not only showing themselves what they are unable to do in expertise, but also show what they are able to do via puckering. My dad once told me that the more a pucker sucker kisses up, the more excrement that person will obtain.

To sum it all up, the next time you see a pucker sucker at work; watch them try to get to the top only to fall on their bottoms. Then walk your own path with your own dignity because you know that you are way better than that. WAY better than that!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Breaking Through the Wall of Ice

Greetings Happy People,

I just had one of my best nights last night. It was filled with fun, good times, and great company. I spent some time with a few happy people, at a happy place, listening to happy music. I was at Napoleon’s Bar listening to Dueling Pianos. I can tell you that I had a great time!!

This was not the first time I felt great. And I am pretty sure that it won’t be the last. As I was driving Dana home, an amazing feeling took over my body. It was a good feeling. No, it has nothing to do with sex. Instead, it was something that made me feel.....just good!! How can this possibly be? Let me start by telling you that my life began at 32.

Some of you readers are probably thinking two things:

1. I am 34 years old right now

2. Why 32 and not an earlier age?

Well, let me take you back to earlier times.

You may remember from earlier stories that I have given credit to my success to the high school I attended. While, it may have served as a starting point to where I am right now, I can tell you that I did not have much of a social life when I went there. Yes, I did go to a few dances, went to a couple of social events, and made some friends along the way. But I really did not get a chance to develop a social life with my fellow classmates at that time. This was due to the fact that I had really over-protective people in my life. I am not only talking about a parent, but an older sister too. They wanted me to live life by their own experiences. Deep inside, I knew that my experiences did not have to match theirs but I was not courageous enough to say anything. This fear led me to create my own wall of ice.

Years passed and I went on to college. While it was great that I went to UNLV and did what I did, a part of me still did not feel good, because I had part of that
over-protective force over my head in the form of that icy wall. Yes, I did as much as I could academically, but I really did not develop much of a social life there either. I spent six years there and can not remember too much fun. I don’t know about you, but that is not a good feeling.

Let’s fast forward now to May 2008. I already moved out on my own (independence day - June 8, 2006) and got pretty involved in an organization I love very much (Toastmasters). As a matter of fact, I was just elected to serve as a Division Governor for the 2008-2009 year. Before the election, a friend told me about a seminar that I should attend. At first I was reluctant, but then I decided to go through it. Once I got through those four days of the seminar, my life REALLY began!!

While this seminar had plenty of exercises, there was one that really stood out for me. I was sitting across from a young lady. The room was dark and we both had our eyes closed. We started talking about our different life experiences. When it was my turn, I discussed many parts of my life. When it was over, my eyes were watering and I was balling. The emotion I felt was a release for me. If I were to describe it for you, it was like having a sledgehammer breaking that wall of ice. The immense baggage that had been hovering over my head was gone!!

I could now live MY life!! And boy did I ever!! Thanks to that personal breakthrough, I managed to enjoy life a little better, discover new things in my life, rekindle my own renaissance, and do cool things I never had the chance to do before!! It is an amazing feeling that I am still enjoying to this day!!

How far am I willing to go with this new outlook I received? As you can tell, I am willing to go as far as I can AND MORE.

I know that this may sound like I am a late bloomer, but the message I have for you is this. Only YOU can live your life the best way YOU know how!! If you go out there to appease other people, you would not really satisfying yourself!! Instead, you would be creating you own headaches in the process. Always remember that YOU can create your own experiences, YOU can learn from your own experiences, and YOU have the limitless ablity to live YOUR LIFE!! Just go out there and do it!! You will be better off!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, January 1, 2010

The Snow Is Always Whiter

Greetings Happy People,

For the following message, I want you to imagine two different mountains.

The first mountain is home to a beautiful ski resort. You have a few lodges, glistening white snow, beautiful forests, a few lift tickets, and ski slopes ranging from bunny to suicidal. To the human eye, this mountain seems like the perfect winter getaway. The only thing missing is a cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows in it. Ahhhh!! That sounds nice!!

The second mountain is home to lost wilderness. While you may have snow on this mountain, you also have other things that are not as comforting. Instead of lodges, slopes and lift tickets, you have craggy rocks, damaged trees, and wild animals that are ready to make a tasty snack out of you. This mountain seems perfect to get away from. The only thing missing here is your common sense if you choose to dwell on this type of mountain.

On the surface, more people would choose to stay on the winter resort mountain than the wild, scary mountain. Why you wonder? Well, the resort mountain looks a lot better!!

Now I want you to take away a few things from each mountain. From the first mountain, I want you to take away the lodges, the forests, the lift tickets, and the ski slopes. From the second mountain, I want you to take away the damaged trees, the wild animals, and the craggy rocks. After taking away all of these things, what do you have? You just have two snowy mountains. Nothing special about that. Now I want you to take away the snow from each mountain. What do you get now? Just regular mountains!!

That’s right underneath the surface of both the resort and wild mountains, you just have…mountains!! When we peel underneath these layers, things are just the same!! Now let’s take this mountain analogy and apply it to people. All over the world, we have people that are different on the surface. Whether it is based on skin color, nationalities, economic classes, social groups, or religious beliefs, we all look different. But if you were to peel underneath the layers of the different people on this planet, you will see that we are all the same!!

It really surprises me how many people base judgments on the surface looks. You just never know about a person until you take the time to really get to know them. Just imagine!! The person with everything outside can have nothing inside while the person with nothing outside can have everything inside. All we have to do is just look inside the person and find out for ourselves what he or she really has. We all might be surprised what is there if we just take a good, deep, strong look inside. One would be either amazed or disappointed that the snow on one mountain is not as white as the other one. They are just the same!!

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

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

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