I’ve been making the two-hour commute this month and have found that I enjoy the solitude in the morning, speeding past semi-trailers and staying in the fast lane. I know when right-lane traffic will transition to the center lane at each merging freeway entrance. I listen to podcasts and catch up on lectures, taking full advantage of the solitude. By the end of the week, I feel tired, but it’s a good tired.
As January approaches, I’m excited about the possibilities…. Should I find another apartment, purchase a home, continue the two-hour commute, or explore new opportunities? I’m not sure yet, but I look forward to seeing what the future holds…… We shall see!
It was spring 2003, and I was enrolled in English Composition II when my professor walked in with a portable CD player. He had a unique way of blending music into his lectures, using it to reinforce the themes of the texts we studied. It was an effective method that made the material stick. On this day, we were reading an excerpt from a piece written during the height of the Cold War. As the lecture began, the first notes of Bob Dylan’s Masters of War filled the room. That moment was a revelation—my ears had never truly listened to Dylan’s lyrics before, and suddenly, I was captivated.
Curious to learn more, I started diving deeper into his music, spending hours after classes listening to his albums, many of which I found at the local library. I purchased the Columbia Bootleg Series 2-CD set from his legendary 1966 tour; this was his famous performance at the Royal Albert Hall. What started as a casual interest soon morphed into a mild obsession with his music, but what fascinated me most was his undeniable impact, charisma, and effortless coolness.
Recently, I heard that a film about Dylan’s transition from folk to electric at the Newport Folk Festival was set to be released on Christmas Day. Even better, Timothy Chalamet would be portraying him. I knew exactly what I’d be doing this Christmas.
I arrived at the theater at 5:25 p.m. for the evening showing, eager to see the film. The film delved into Dylan’s early years, exploring his encounters with Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, his introduction to Columbia Records, his connection with Joan Baez, and his rise to stardom, his connection to Johnny Cash, and his memorable performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The film was made for Dylan fans, featuring subtle nods to iconic album covers like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and Highway 61 Revisited. Chalamet did an excellent job portraying Dylan’s cool, composed essence, capturing the musician’s unique persona.
As I watched the film and listened to the songs playing on screen, I was instantly transported back to 2003, when I had just moved to Albuquerque, NM, far from everything familiar. Dylan’s music became the soundtrack of that chapter in my life-an era of self-discovery, growth, and uncertainty about the future.
Last evening in paradise, I sit on my hotel balcony overlooking Waikiki Beach, typing this reflection. The Monday night is alive with activity: the sounds of the hotel pool splashing below, the clinking of silverware from diners at the Tiki Grill, and the strumming of a street performer’s guitar. The chatter of pedestrians and conversations from adjacent balconies blend into a harmonious background. A cool breeze brushes my face as I watch the ocean waves gently roll onto the shore, their rhythmic motion soothing. The building lights illuminate the clear night sky, creating a sparkling cityscape. Palm trees line the streets, guiding the flow of traffic below.
I’m excited for tomorrow’s adventure-packed day of travel! Here’s the plan: a bright and early 3:30am wake-up, followed by a 4am exit to kick off an unforgettable journey. With a scenic 2-hour drive south, I’ll board a plane for a 6-hour flight, then switch planes for another exciting 6-hour journey. Finally, I’ll arrive at my destination, ready for new experiences!
I was asked to write about what I learned during my Innovation Engineering Training
What did I learn?
I learned that innovation is not just a trait but a skill that can be developed through specific tools and techniques. I discovered that innovative solutions often arise from diverse thinking approaches, followed by idea generation that sparks creative energy.
Yet, innovation doesn’t guarantee adoption by customers or immunity from criticism. An idea must be carefully analyzed, measured, and assigned a value to assess if it’s worth pursuing in the long term.
Innovation engineering seems intuitive, but it’s not the approach most people naturally take. Often, the systems are broken, yet we continue using them simply because they’ve been in place for so long. We feel that, as part of the framework, we can’t make a difference, or that change is impossible because it’s always been done that way.
Innovation is the key to meaningful change. It’s a skill that can help organizations and life in general.
To truly make an impact, we must become disruptors —individuals who think differently, challenge the status quo, and constantly seek improvement.
“California Dreamin’,” the iconic song by The Mamas and The Papas, was released in 1965 and captures the deep yearning to be in California. The band’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bleak winter night in New York City, with its gray skies and brown leaves, contrasting sharply with the warmth and allure of California.
At the time, California was viewed as a coveted place to live, particularly Laurel Canyon, a thriving hub for musicians. The Mamas and The Papas, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Byrds, Joni Mitchell all made their homes there, helping to define the creative spirit of the era.
Fast forward to 2024, and California’s appeal persists, though in a different form. While many are leaving the state, there is a notable influx of Chinese investors purchasing mansions and high-end real estate in areas like the Hollywood Hills.
This shift raises a question: what was it like to live in California during the time when the Beatniks and hippies flocked to the state in search of freedom, authenticity, and a sense of community? It was a place that embodied the ideals of artistic expression and unbounded possibility, drawing people from all walks of life to its shores.
The California dream, it seems, continues to evolve, but its original spirit of freedom and creativity remains a powerful force.
“I’ll need a verbal confirmation that you’re willing to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency,” the Delta Airlines flight attendant announced, pointing directly at me. “Yes,” I replied. “Thank you.” She said.
I turned my attention to the emergency exit door next to me and began to review the procedures in case something went wrong. The instructions stated that the door weighed 41 pounds. I hesitated for a moment, unsure.
“41 pounds?” I thought. “Can I handle that?” Of course, I can.
In an emergency, I want to be the one to help.
I can’t just assume others on the plane will act as decisively as I would. I quickly assessed my fellow passengers flying from Atlanta to Gainesville. Several college-aged young adults sporting Florida Gator regalia, a mom with a newborn in her arms, several elderly individuals, and a man dressed in a burnt orange flannel with the latest John Grisham novel in hand.
Honestly, if something were to happen, I would want to be the first one out of that plane, taking control of the situation and guiding others to safety.
I don’t often face tough life situations, so I’m not sure how to answer that. But right now, life feels incredibly challenging. There’s a deep-seated angst in my gut and soul, a strong urge to reach out for support. Yet, it feels like there’s nobody there. You’re all alone, and you must figure this out on your own.
I write about it.
With every keystroke, I try to drive down the pain that is kept within—the sorrow that won’t come out, or that I won’t let out. It’s taking over my well-being, and I’m struggling to keep afloat. What do I do? How do I keep moving forward? What’s the point of all this anyway?
Life doesn’t make much sense when disease strikes and takes over the once youthful, vibrant life you once had. Why bother? Why?
In the moments when life is going great, you enjoy it. You take it all in, focus on the present, and stay within that time frame.
I listened to James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” a classic from 1965 that remains one of his most popular songs. The track captures the story of a man undergoing a transformation and embracing a vibrant new lifestyle. With its energetic rhythm, the song vividly conveys the excitement of adopting a fresh identity.
On the dance floor, the man showcases a variety of dance styles, celebrating his newfound self. It’s a joyous anthem that highlights the thrill of personal evolution and the liberation that comes with redefining who you are.
Today’s topic was sparked by a conversation with a co-worker who came into the office to share about his day. He mentioned bamboo, and I left work curious, thinking I did not know much about this fascinating plant. So, I decided to learn more this evening. After a couple of hours of research, here’s what I found most interesting:
1. Bamboo is a Grass: Surprisingly, bamboo is classified as a grass, not a tree. It is the largest member of the grass family.
2. Versatile Uses: Bamboo can be used for a variety of purposes—it serves as a building material, is edible, and can even be processed into fabric.
3. Sustainability Champion: Bamboo is incredibly sustainable, capable of growing up to four feet in a single day and reaching full maturity in just two years.
4. Natural Antibacterial Properties: It does not need pesticides due to its naturally antibacterial qualities.
5. Carbon Sequestration: Bamboo can store significant amounts of Carbon in it’s biomass.
6. Historical Uses: Thomas Edison utilized bamboo for concrete reinforcements because it was more affordable than steel yet similar in strength.
7. Soft Fabric Production: Bamboo can be transformed into a silk-like fabric that is softer than cotton.
While exploring bamboo, I also came across the “Chinese Bamboo Story.” This story resonated with me, especially given some recent disappointments in my life. The moral emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of your dreams despite facing setbacks. It can be disheartening to invest time and effort without immediate results, but trusting the process is crucial. The struggles you face help build a strong foundation, much like bamboo’s roots, preparing you for future growth and success once you reach your goals
Journaling was Recommended 