It never fails.
Just when you think Disappointment has beat you down to never rise again,
You are at what seems to be your penultimate failure,
You are about to throw up your arms and say, "Joy is lost. I am beaten."
It is at that crucial moment that the Lord, who is abounding in mercy, will send his messengers of Joy to remind you of a few things: He is still there, Joy is still a possibility, and you're not as bad off as you train your mind to think you are.
Last night this happened to me. His messengers were my best friends, Teddy and Samuel.
Ted, Sam, and I have been through alot. There are things about each of us that annoy the other two, but there are far more things we just can't get enough of. We all alternate being the funniest person in the room and then being the best laugher in the room.
In the good old days, we would hang out every night. Ping-pong, Tennis, FIFA, Basketball, Golf, Football, Writing, Careers (the board game), Parkour, Spelunking, Entrepenuership, and Cinematography are just a few of the hobbies that we have shared.
I had begun to think those days had melted away with our childhood, but old habits die hard.
"We gonna hang out tonight?" Teddy asked.
"Absolutely," I replied.
"Sweet. Meet me at Sam's house. You bring the cigars."
We ate ice cream, smoked cigars, and laughed until we were all so exhausted that we absolutely had to stop.
Thanks guys; I needed that.
Let's do it again soon
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Czech out the fish!
Okay, two things today.
1.
I have a friend who is a park ranger in Colorado. He told me during his time there three men have been eaten by bears (well, what else would you get eaten by in Colorado, a shark?). The men who got eaten were camping there on vacation; one was a Czech, and the other two were Italians. Apparently, a male and female bear of the grizzly persuasion broke (more like tore) into their tent in the middle of the night and ate them. My friend the park ranger told me that the female ate the Italians, but the Czech was in the male.
B.
I have a new gadget! The fish will chase your mouse around until you click some fish food on them. Well, I hope it's fish food, it could be bear food. Either way, just bear with me and czech out the fish!
1.
I have a friend who is a park ranger in Colorado. He told me during his time there three men have been eaten by bears (well, what else would you get eaten by in Colorado, a shark?). The men who got eaten were camping there on vacation; one was a Czech, and the other two were Italians. Apparently, a male and female bear of the grizzly persuasion broke (more like tore) into their tent in the middle of the night and ate them. My friend the park ranger told me that the female ate the Italians, but the Czech was in the male.
B.
I have a new gadget! The fish will chase your mouse around until you click some fish food on them. Well, I hope it's fish food, it could be bear food. Either way, just bear with me and czech out the fish!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Yesterday 20 cooporate execs from the American Suzuki Motor Coorporation came to our dealership to treat us to lunch and present us with a trophy. That's what they claimed, anyway. What they really came down for was to try and find out how we can sell more cars in Wichita, KS than anyone in any of their other 350 dealerships spread throughout the country. They followed our president around for a couple hours and took notes. THE PEOPLE WHO OWN AND RUN SUZUKI! TOOK NOTES!
Normally note-taking wouldn't excite me this much (exception: Last week when Tiger followed me around Echo Hills and took notes). However, these were not ordinary people like you and I; these were Japanese people. The only reason Japan has taken notes about anything in our country before was to AVOID recreating anything we do (I promise, I talked to Itchykawasakininja about it yesterday).
But then something even better happened: I went with my favorite coach to Emporia and played a round of golf in the best golfing weather possible.
Head of a multi-billion dollar industry vs. golfing with grandpa?
Not even a contest; especially since he got me a Jamocha shake afterwards.
Oh, and I saw this massive spider on one of the greens:
Normally note-taking wouldn't excite me this much (exception: Last week when Tiger followed me around Echo Hills and took notes). However, these were not ordinary people like you and I; these were Japanese people. The only reason Japan has taken notes about anything in our country before was to AVOID recreating anything we do (I promise, I talked to Itchykawasakininja about it yesterday).
But then something even better happened: I went with my favorite coach to Emporia and played a round of golf in the best golfing weather possible.
Head of a multi-billion dollar industry vs. golfing with grandpa?
Not even a contest; especially since he got me a Jamocha shake afterwards.
Oh, and I saw this massive spider on one of the greens:
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Blessing my socks off
I haven’t posted in a while. Suzuki has me pretty busy, which is a change of pace. Ehh, it’s actually not a change of pace. It’s more like an addition of a pace, because I was pace-free in the oilfield. Now I’m hard pressed and am forced to pace myself to keep up the pace; all while trying to continually pick up the Pace™.
I have sold a few cars. Ehh, I actually haven’t sold any cars (just bear with me while I keep lying to you and then telling you the truth). These cars sell themselves; they are awesome. What a blessing to show people cars that I actually believe in under a system that is pressure-free (and fast-paced) and work with men that I genuinely enjoy and respect. #notetoself: Try to figure out why the top Suzuki dealership in the USA actually hired me#.
God has really been blessing my socks off. It’s fine, now, but towards the end of November and the beginning of December I’m going to need my socks, so He will need to bless something else off of me (Lord, might I submit sneezes as a possible option? Could you bless my sneezes off?)
Peace out
I have sold a few cars. Ehh, I actually haven’t sold any cars (just bear with me while I keep lying to you and then telling you the truth). These cars sell themselves; they are awesome. What a blessing to show people cars that I actually believe in under a system that is pressure-free (and fast-paced) and work with men that I genuinely enjoy and respect. #notetoself: Try to figure out why the top Suzuki dealership in the USA actually hired me#.
God has really been blessing my socks off. It’s fine, now, but towards the end of November and the beginning of December I’m going to need my socks, so He will need to bless something else off of me (Lord, might I submit sneezes as a possible option? Could you bless my sneezes off?)
Peace out
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Training
Today I am training with a master: Randolph Warren. This man knows the Lord, knows people, knows cars, and knows how to work. I am ABSOLUTELY excited. He holds the all-time record for total cars sold in one month here at Suzuki (35.5). He also makes exponentially more phone calls and sends more personal letters than any other salesman.
To begin, he told me he had three questions:
First, What is my motivation for being here?
I said to pursue the will of the Lord in my career by developing life-changing relationships.
Secondly, he asked what HE could do to best help me.
I said I wanted him to teach me how to interact with people like he does (EVERYONE likes Randolph) and to teach me how to work 125% all day like he does.
That work ethic is why we never got to the third question; he is helping a customer.
I'm looking forward to being educated by the best car and people people in the business.
To begin, he told me he had three questions:
First, What is my motivation for being here?
I said to pursue the will of the Lord in my career by developing life-changing relationships.
Secondly, he asked what HE could do to best help me.
I said I wanted him to teach me how to interact with people like he does (EVERYONE likes Randolph) and to teach me how to work 125% all day like he does.
That work ethic is why we never got to the third question; he is helping a customer.
I'm looking forward to being educated by the best car and people people in the business.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
New Truth
After a rather thought-provoking conversation with a very good friend today, something has been revealed to my mind. I trust this friend to know me implicitly, and have given them absolute access to speak anything into my life that they feel would be appropriate. The topic of intelligence arose, and I petitioned a rating. After scoring pretty well on their scale, I felt good enough about myself to make one further interrogation. "Maybe," I said, "but do you think I am wise?" The answer is a breath of fresh air now, but seemed like a punch to the gut at the time.
They said they felt like I have a lot of wisdom, but (unfortunately) it's mostly stored-up wisdom.
I don't know if you understand the implications of that statement, so let me define it for you: Wisdom withheld begets increasing ignorance.
Before I go any farther I should point out that I in no way disagree with their analysis of my life. In fact, it's the most truthful observation anyone has made about me in quite a while (beside the statement someone made yesterday about my car looking like it was missing a front tooth). Like I said, this person really knows me.
So let's talk about wisdom.
Wisdom is not static. It's not the measles, meaning you don't just get it once and then you never have to worry about it again. Proverbs says, "Buy the truth and do not sell it..." That particular book of the Bible is awash with sayings about wisdom, but I really like that one.
I know, that verse doesn't even have the word 'wisdom' in it; however, I submit that truth and wisdom are cousins in meaning. Wisdom is an extension of the Truth with the addition of one crucial factor--action.
So, [readers], if you accept my words...
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 NIV
Wisdom is what I plan on searching for today. Thank you, friend, you are very dear to me.
Have a great day, folks. It will be whatever you make it.
They said they felt like I have a lot of wisdom, but (unfortunately) it's mostly stored-up wisdom.
I don't know if you understand the implications of that statement, so let me define it for you: Wisdom withheld begets increasing ignorance.
Before I go any farther I should point out that I in no way disagree with their analysis of my life. In fact, it's the most truthful observation anyone has made about me in quite a while (beside the statement someone made yesterday about my car looking like it was missing a front tooth). Like I said, this person really knows me.
So let's talk about wisdom.
Wisdom is not static. It's not the measles, meaning you don't just get it once and then you never have to worry about it again. Proverbs says, "Buy the truth and do not sell it..." That particular book of the Bible is awash with sayings about wisdom, but I really like that one.
I know, that verse doesn't even have the word 'wisdom' in it; however, I submit that truth and wisdom are cousins in meaning. Wisdom is an extension of the Truth with the addition of one crucial factor--action.
So, [readers], if you accept my words...
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 NIV
Wisdom is what I plan on searching for today. Thank you, friend, you are very dear to me.
Have a great day, folks. It will be whatever you make it.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Korea's story
I recently visited the Kansas City chapter of my reading audience. Incidentally, KC is where approximately 50% of the six people that read this blog reside.
While I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my most devout readers. Her name was Korea (name changed to protect the mostly innocent except for alcohol abuse), and she had subscribed to my RSS feed through Google Reader. Korea's patronage touched me more than any of my other followers, because it took them all of ten seconds to check my blog: Click, click, read, done.
Not so with Korea.
She sported a very old, very tired laptop that buzzed, clanked, and smoked more than Chitty Chitty Bang Bang filled with diesel. With her laptop, it takes approximately twenty minutes to get to Says Ray.
“Twenty MINUTES!” exclaims the average American. “Why, in twenty minutes I can check my email, check my reader, check the weather, check and double check my checking account, post on my blog, post on my wall, post up for a pick-and-roll, twit my tweets (heh, heh), youtube the “Mother’s Day” skit (do it), AND spend the remaining fifteen minutes at addictinggames.com.”
Poor Korea, she has only heard glorious stories about all those magical places. She can’t visit them on her computer. That would be as preposterous as visiting Canada in a 1986 Geo Metro, you can only go so far on the interstate (or internet) when you’re driving outdated machinery.
Korea, thank you for being here. I know you probably won’t read this until fiscal 2010, but your sacrifice means a great deal.
As Christians, there is a joy that comes from sacrificing a great deal that cannot be equaled by that which comes easily. I know that Korea laughs harder than anyone else (or at least, laughs) when she reads Says Ray. I am not necessarily supporting a suffering theology, but I will say this:
From large oak trees come thousands of tiny nuts
I hope that quote really brought home the prodigal moral that I keep alluding to: Appreciate the gift God has given you in your computer; without it, you wouldn’t be able to read Says Ray.
While I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my most devout readers. Her name was Korea (name changed to protect the mostly innocent except for alcohol abuse), and she had subscribed to my RSS feed through Google Reader. Korea's patronage touched me more than any of my other followers, because it took them all of ten seconds to check my blog: Click, click, read, done.
Not so with Korea.
She sported a very old, very tired laptop that buzzed, clanked, and smoked more than Chitty Chitty Bang Bang filled with diesel. With her laptop, it takes approximately twenty minutes to get to Says Ray.
“Twenty MINUTES!” exclaims the average American. “Why, in twenty minutes I can check my email, check my reader, check the weather, check and double check my checking account, post on my blog, post on my wall, post up for a pick-and-roll, twit my tweets (heh, heh), youtube the “Mother’s Day” skit (do it), AND spend the remaining fifteen minutes at addictinggames.com.”
Poor Korea, she has only heard glorious stories about all those magical places. She can’t visit them on her computer. That would be as preposterous as visiting Canada in a 1986 Geo Metro, you can only go so far on the interstate (or internet) when you’re driving outdated machinery.
Korea, thank you for being here. I know you probably won’t read this until fiscal 2010, but your sacrifice means a great deal.
As Christians, there is a joy that comes from sacrificing a great deal that cannot be equaled by that which comes easily. I know that Korea laughs harder than anyone else (or at least, laughs) when she reads Says Ray. I am not necessarily supporting a suffering theology, but I will say this:
From large oak trees come thousands of tiny nuts
I hope that quote really brought home the prodigal moral that I keep alluding to: Appreciate the gift God has given you in your computer; without it, you wouldn’t be able to read Says Ray.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt
Okay, I'm not a Taylor Swift fan, but this is amazing.
Sweet Video
Hey guys, I'm up with the times; I have figured out how to link videos from Youtube.
This morning I was listening to KLOVE and I heard this song for the first time, "How He Loves," by the David Crowder Band.
It was awesome.
So awesome, in fact, that I have youtubed it (NOTE: remind me to submit the word "youtubed" as an infinitive verb to the Board of Made-up Words--BMW--later). There are a lot of other artists who have arranged it. This one I found particularly incredible, it is done by Jesus culture.
The first half of the video is stunning. This lady's voice is very dynamic. Very smooth, but still a lot of texture to it (the best combination, btw).
The last half got a little too emotional/demonstrative for my particular taste, but everybody has their own flavor.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think
This morning I was listening to KLOVE and I heard this song for the first time, "How He Loves," by the David Crowder Band.
It was awesome.
So awesome, in fact, that I have youtubed it (NOTE: remind me to submit the word "youtubed" as an infinitive verb to the Board of Made-up Words--BMW--later). There are a lot of other artists who have arranged it. This one I found particularly incredible, it is done by Jesus culture.
The first half of the video is stunning. This lady's voice is very dynamic. Very smooth, but still a lot of texture to it (the best combination, btw).
The last half got a little too emotional/demonstrative for my particular taste, but everybody has their own flavor.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Am I me?
Ever had to deal with someone who makes their living dealing with hacked off people?
Case and point, EVERY single phone line customer support person you will ever talk to (someone once told me that ALL generalizations are false, so I NEVER do that anymore).
I tried to get my free credit report today, and I wish I had never picked up the phone. It seems that when they ask for your current address, you probably shouldn't tell them the truth in the following two situations:
1. You are a liar
2. You have moved
In my case, both apply; so I really should have seen that coming. Well, the address I told her didn't match the one from last year when I set up the account. So, "she" (I use the term loosely) said that she could not verify my identity at this time, since the current address I provided does not match the one that they have on file.
"Oh, no problem," said I, "I have moved since then. The new one is-"
-"Sir, since your identity could not be verified at this time. You are going to need to fax me a copy of your driver's license and a utility bill from your current address."
"You mean my recent address? Because my current address is-"
-"Sir, it has to be the current address we have on file."
"Okay, so you need my old current address."
"No, sir, your current address means the address you're living in now."
"Yes, ma'am, I'm aware of the definition of the word 'current.' Are you aware of the definition of the word 'changed?', because that's what my address has done. It has changed."
"Sir, I can tell you are a little frustrated about this situation, but let me assure you that here at ------- (name withheld to protect the ignorant), we strive to provide you with the best quality of service possible."
...
...
"So do none of your other customers ever change addresses?"
"Sir, at this time we are still unable to confirm your identity. What I am going to do now is transfer you to our corporate office, where you will be asked to verify your identity using your Driver's license number, date of birth, SSN, and current address."
"*sigh*"
This encounter has really got me thinking, though. I have thought about how much I appreciate not knowing any of those people personally, and how the invention of the telephone was a bad thing. One of the most disturbing thoughts caused by that conversation, however, was when considering the questionable nature of my identity.
Am I actually real?
Those people aren't quite sure about it, and most of them possess a lot of trans-cultural knowledge juxtaposed with at least several weeks of experience living here in the U.S.
Maybe I should be more cautious. For instance, next time I'm at Chipotle and el cashier asks me to sign the credit card slip I might just ask,
"Are you sure you want me to be the one to sign this? I'm not currently positive that I'm me."
Case and point, EVERY single phone line customer support person you will ever talk to (someone once told me that ALL generalizations are false, so I NEVER do that anymore).
I tried to get my free credit report today, and I wish I had never picked up the phone. It seems that when they ask for your current address, you probably shouldn't tell them the truth in the following two situations:
1. You are a liar
2. You have moved
In my case, both apply; so I really should have seen that coming. Well, the address I told her didn't match the one from last year when I set up the account. So, "she" (I use the term loosely) said that she could not verify my identity at this time, since the current address I provided does not match the one that they have on file.
"Oh, no problem," said I, "I have moved since then. The new one is-"
-"Sir, since your identity could not be verified at this time. You are going to need to fax me a copy of your driver's license and a utility bill from your current address."
"You mean my recent address? Because my current address is-"
-"Sir, it has to be the current address we have on file."
"Okay, so you need my old current address."
"No, sir, your current address means the address you're living in now."
"Yes, ma'am, I'm aware of the definition of the word 'current.' Are you aware of the definition of the word 'changed?', because that's what my address has done. It has changed."
"Sir, I can tell you are a little frustrated about this situation, but let me assure you that here at ------- (name withheld to protect the ignorant), we strive to provide you with the best quality of service possible."
...
...
"So do none of your other customers ever change addresses?"
"Sir, at this time we are still unable to confirm your identity. What I am going to do now is transfer you to our corporate office, where you will be asked to verify your identity using your Driver's license number, date of birth, SSN, and current address."
"*sigh*"
This encounter has really got me thinking, though. I have thought about how much I appreciate not knowing any of those people personally, and how the invention of the telephone was a bad thing. One of the most disturbing thoughts caused by that conversation, however, was when considering the questionable nature of my identity.
Am I actually real?
Those people aren't quite sure about it, and most of them possess a lot of trans-cultural knowledge juxtaposed with at least several weeks of experience living here in the U.S.
Maybe I should be more cautious. For instance, next time I'm at Chipotle and el cashier asks me to sign the credit card slip I might just ask,
"Are you sure you want me to be the one to sign this? I'm not currently positive that I'm me."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Open mouth, Insert feat
When talking to me about my training accomplishments so far here at Suzuki, one of my team leaders remarked, "Well, that's a pretty big feat." So I then informed him that his mother had pretty big feet, in an effort to build a relationship.
Remind me to work less on building relationships.
He didn't get the joke, and then said if I was going to joke all day I should go work as a street clown (He didn't know that I have already looked into that field, but the benefits can't compare to what I had as a balloon animal maker). Next, he shot me in the face with his M1 Abrams Tank...
IT'S A JOKE! Ha ha, I was just experimenting with the use of exaggeration as a storytelling device. He never had a tank, and I have never been a balloon animal maker (but what I said about better benefits is true). I never even actually said that his mother had big feet. How ridiculous would that have been? He never even had a mother. His name is Anakin Skywalker-Dum Dum Dummm!!
I'm getting good at this storytelling stuff.
Remind me to work less on building relationships.
He didn't get the joke, and then said if I was going to joke all day I should go work as a street clown (He didn't know that I have already looked into that field, but the benefits can't compare to what I had as a balloon animal maker). Next, he shot me in the face with his M1 Abrams Tank...
IT'S A JOKE! Ha ha, I was just experimenting with the use of exaggeration as a storytelling device. He never had a tank, and I have never been a balloon animal maker (but what I said about better benefits is true). I never even actually said that his mother had big feet. How ridiculous would that have been? He never even had a mother. His name is Anakin Skywalker-Dum Dum Dummm!!
I'm getting good at this storytelling stuff.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
CCCC (Cash for Clunkers Comes to a Close)
Today has been SUPER busy. Cash for Clunkers ends Monday, so
GET IN DEBT NOW PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO MISS YOUR BIG CHANCE TO GO INTO SLAVERY!
GET IN DEBT NOW PEOPLE, YOU'RE GOING TO MISS YOUR BIG CHANCE TO GO INTO SLAVERY!
Friday, August 21, 2009
A Tale of Two Toothbrushes
Guys, be warned...
This is how marriage goes: You marry the woman of your dreams, at least in my case, and at that time you own a perfectly good toothbrush. This toothbrush is only yours, and only you use it. This toothbrush belongs to no one else, and no one else uses it.
Then, the woman of your dreams moves in with you (unless you move in with her and her parents, in which case you probably have an electric toothbrush [and you probably keep your floss in your pocket protector]).
From time to time, she will use your toothbrush. This is cute at first ("Ahh, I have a wife. I have a wife and she's using my toothbrush #* Sigh *# ).
Then, she will almost exclusively use your toothbrush. This becomes not cute ("Why can't she use her own crummy toothbrush?")
What happens next is a little hard to explain calmly. I don't know if you surmised this or not, but this has actually happened to me; I'm actually drawing on personal experience here. Next, you get out of the shower to find her toothbrush-the toothbrush meant for her personal use-in the trash can beside your toilet (the fact that it's in this particular trash can is very important because of the symbolic statement it makes: "Personal ownership and rules don't mean crap to me").
After that, usually the next day, you won't be able to find your toothbrush at all. This won't offend you as much as the toilet brush (rim shot), because at this point you're just surprised that she left any of your razors in the medicine cabinet.
And so, my friends, you give the woman of your dreams a call and she says, "Oh, yeah I took our toothbrush to work with me today. Maybe you could just pick up a new one for you today?"
She's so sweet; how could you say no? After all, you will get a new toothbrush out of the deal...maybe.
This is how marriage goes: You marry the woman of your dreams, at least in my case, and at that time you own a perfectly good toothbrush. This toothbrush is only yours, and only you use it. This toothbrush belongs to no one else, and no one else uses it.
Then, the woman of your dreams moves in with you (unless you move in with her and her parents, in which case you probably have an electric toothbrush [and you probably keep your floss in your pocket protector]).
From time to time, she will use your toothbrush. This is cute at first ("Ahh, I have a wife. I have a wife and she's using my toothbrush #* Sigh *# ).
Then, she will almost exclusively use your toothbrush. This becomes not cute ("Why can't she use her own crummy toothbrush?")
What happens next is a little hard to explain calmly. I don't know if you surmised this or not, but this has actually happened to me; I'm actually drawing on personal experience here. Next, you get out of the shower to find her toothbrush-the toothbrush meant for her personal use-in the trash can beside your toilet (the fact that it's in this particular trash can is very important because of the symbolic statement it makes: "Personal ownership and rules don't mean crap to me").
After that, usually the next day, you won't be able to find your toothbrush at all. This won't offend you as much as the toilet brush (rim shot), because at this point you're just surprised that she left any of your razors in the medicine cabinet.
And so, my friends, you give the woman of your dreams a call and she says, "Oh, yeah I took our toothbrush to work with me today. Maybe you could just pick up a new one for you today?"
She's so sweet; how could you say no? After all, you will get a new toothbrush out of the deal...maybe.
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