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

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