Three Forks and a Greasy Spoon

I celebrated my 32nd Wedding anniversary, last week, with my Wife and (youngest) Adult Son. We stretched it out over two successive April weekends.

Since we live very close to the Texas Capitol (Austin), the family took in a MotoGP race at Circuit of the Americas. The topping to a perfect day was an elegant dining out experience at the downtown's III Forks Restaurant
(Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iiiforksaustin).

The following weekend, we tried to recreate the magic by trying out a local (European) eatery with One Star pricing (ala cheapskating). Of course, we expected to lose the white cloth napkins, a prim and proper waiter, and delectable edible delights. Instead, I (as well as the Misses) received gastrointestinal discomfort beyond Pepto Bismo...

What You See is what you Get!

The die has been cast; the painted scenery is completed. [although the paint isn't quite dry] Our One-Star-priced meal actually cost 5 Stars. Adding up the greasy [spoon] pan fried, oily saturated fish/pork/fries; plus SLOW service delivered by an unenthusiastic owner/operator/proprietor, the tally equals 5 stars...but not in a good way.

What did I/we expect? A ramshackle building, rainbow trout that hadn't seen the pond in what tasted like several months, and a 45 minute wait for french fries caused me to realize that what-ya-see-is-what-ya-get!

Contrast the greasy spoon eatery with III Forks. The restaurant was housed in one of downtown Austin's magnificent cowboy-rustic themed 1st floor office buildings. White table clothes and white-aproned wait staff(s) punctuated only by mahogany wooded chairs and banisters; fine porcelain china, Frank Sinatra vocals with the Count Basie Orchestra, and an Italian-suited general manager visiting tables and spreading patron-appreciating contagion.

III Forks menued selections were mouth-watering; the final check was eye-popping. [hey, what did I expect for a 4.5 star dining experience along with complimentary cocktails hand delivered by the general manager with a celebratory 'happy anniversary' well-wishing] 

Landing far off the mark was my Greasy Spoon restaurant dining experience. Futile as it may be to mercilessly critique the local European [family] eatery, the commonality was that the final check wasn't too far off from that of III Forks. [well, maybe not that far, but an outrageous billing for an indigestible and ill-served meal] 

Is Ignorance Bliss?

As we departed from the [European] greasy spoon, the parking lot began to fill with automobiles. The restaurant is rated as Best Restaurant Voted by XXXXXXX, Texas. Yeah, you heard right! Best in... The word on the street is that the patrons are repeat customers -- going back again and again. {let the record show that this 'local' greasy spoon European eatery is 18 miles from my residence}

I ask myself: Why do folks return -- again and again -- to a less than stellar eatery? Answer: Ignorance is Bliss. Are the locals less cultured and sophisticated than am I? NO! Am I better able to accurately access a dining establishment worthy of a hard-earned dollar or two? No!

Truth is -- what we don't know, we don't know. If one's palate hasn't been exposed to delectable cuisine, the resulting determination will be one of a desensitized nature. Culture, tasting, and experiential viewpoints demand an exposure within a recurring pattern of time.

We (and my family) were poisoned...we were prejudiced. One week (Sunday) we're dining @III Forks...Austin's premiere dining establishment. Next week following (Saturday) receiving over-priced, oily-saturated, 3rd level Inception dream time-warped plate-to-table service, and a cook/waitress/server with a Correctional Officer demeanor.

Plainly and clearly, III Forks is the wrong dining choice should one desire to eat thereafter at an eatery that trudges downward by 3 or 4 stars. Conversely, a one/half star [greasy spoon] eatery -- akin to the aforementioned -- an undesirable choice for patrons having enjoyed a 5 Star meal @III Forks beforehand.

My choices are simple. In order to 'see what I get', I need to adopt a mindset of 'ignorance is bliss.' OR, how about I discourage myself and refrain from patronizing one and two star eateries. Hmm...a 3rd Option: Save up by avoiding sub par eateries and dedicate my savings in order to enjoy return eating experiences at Austin's Finest... III Forks.

C is for Commitment

U.S. Marines (Commitment)

Just because you work or stick with something for a long time doesn't (necessarily) mean that you are committed. I have begun consulting within an area that I happened to be good at. Yet, I know that my commitment is not there. How do I know or recognize this self-revelation? Because my head is engaged; my heart is not.

What exactly is Commitment?

Being committed usually symbolizes that an individual has given one  ALL toward a noteworthy cause. Case in point, the U.S. Marines. Although the Marines are the toughest, roughest, and most hardcore of all the major services, Marines exhibit an indistinguishable display of esprit de corps [aka Commitment].

Following along this example, the argument can be made that one can perform well and for a long stint of time without the key ingredient of commitment. True..,oh so true indeed.

I've learned this truth within my own vocation. My work is praised and commended, yet all the while...I ain't committed. My battle-tested realization is that commitment must exude from the heart rather than the head (spiritual versus mental).

However, my self-realized thoughts on the question of commitment and success is that commitment, once fully embraced, leads one to long term achievement. In a sense, you could say that real commitment  is desire + perseverance =/equaling Passion!

Thus, the Letter 'C' stands for commitment. Do you have commitment? 

[For more of my personal insight into this topic, check out this week's ---> EncouragementGuy! Radio show by accessing this hyperlink to hear about...]

Taking Myself Too Seriously

If you're anything like me, you sometimes take yourself TOO SERIOUSLY! 

I got to thinking about this topic because I happened to glance at myself in the mirror. And what did I see?


A worrisome and over-exaggerated version of a Mini Me.

That got me to thinking...'Am I takin myself too seriously?' My alter ego chimed in a definitive: Yes!

Many years ago, one of my [former] clients retorted to my business proposal, with a resounding --"Ya know, it just ain't all that serious." Translation: she wasn't really interested in my proposal.

Seeing the Obvious

Ever heard this old saying, "Ya can't see the Forest -- for the Trees?" The same is true with self-identification of the obvious. We are unable to see or realize that we are not ourselves. 

If I am over sensitive -- over serious -- or over emotional, then this is not my real authentic self. This is simply a version of myself. Hence, the true is that we are never who or whom we think we are within any given moment. It may take a trusted friend or significant other to show me that I am being Overly Serious. Thereafter, I have the free will (and the good sense) to make a thought and/or a behavioral adjustment.

To hear more about this theme, head over to EncouragementGuy! Radio and listen to a musical parody on this subject>>>

Liking the Veterans [VA] Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs

So much of the time, we read, see, hear, or meet Veterans that are unhappy about their Veterans Administration experiences and interactions. With regard to issues such as Veterans Health care, Disability benefits, G.I. Bill education reimbursements, or other important areas of benefits and compensation, the record is chuck full of complaints…and legitimately so.

Many Veterans are newly separated; new to the V.A. – having served the Nation during periods of combat operations. The impact of combat upon the newly-separated Veteran is devastating and quite lonely.
 
Given all of the aforementioned, I believe that there is room for the expression of gratitude and accolades for the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs. My position extends itself towards the sub agencies of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) as well as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

To read more about my thoughts about the VA >>>follow this link to...

Why Trevon Martin's Murder is Personal_Update_03-05-13

Earlier in [May] of 2012, I wrote about the shooting of Trevon Martin -   Simply Encouragement: Why Trevon Martin's Murder is Personal

As reported today on the Huffington Post, George Zimmerman's trial (almost a year later) has taken another twist and/or turn. Is justice blind? We shall see...

"In the year since it landed on the international news radar, the Trayvon Martin case has raised a global discussion about Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law. But in a stunning twist of events Tuesday morning, George Zimmerman's attorneys waived their client's right to a scheduled April 22 hearing that was to be held under the law that has sparked so much debate, ABC news reports."

I Believe in the Power of Recycling

http://energyprosandcons.org/tag/recycling/

Do you recycle? I do...religiously! Although it may seem like a messy chore, recycling is one of the most generous and conscientious things that humans can do to preserve the planet. [hear why I am a recycling freak]

Making the planet a better place to live is the job of everyone, including children and the elderly. In the last ten years we’ve learned more about how to live green than ever before. The concerns of the environment have been shared by numerous groups, including the government, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and others. [source: energyprosandcons.org]

For me, recycling is a way of life. My trash is almost at Net Zero. BestBuy has a great program to collecting unwanted CDs and DVDs; computers can be recycled by contacting the manufacturer.

One of the Federal Government Community recycling leaders is Fort Hood, Texas. Their 2020 NetZero (no waste) program serves as a model for all communities -- government as well as civilian -- looking to reduce their landfills and carbon emissions.



Why won't you join the recycling movement? It's Time... hear why I am a recycling freak

Grieving a Job Loss

I lost my job...almost a year ago. Slowly, I've regained my footing. But WOW! it was dang tough.

One of the thing that I did was to record my thoughts the next day after my termination [click here to listen to my job loss podcast episode].


My emotions felt like a kick in the gut!$#@&

Losing a Job is like experiencing Death...

Grief is a powerful emotion! Ever lost a pet, a family member or friend, or perhaps been through a divorce? Well, let me tell ya...Job Loss brings a set of emotions to the table that is as debilitating as grief emotions experience via a death in the family.

Why is this? One: Jobs are important to our livelihood. Second: We spend most of our lives at work...more so than any other place or scenario. Third: Self-esteem is largely determined by our stature or occupation position.

How to Survive Job Loss

The way to survive job loss is to simply experience it for what it is. LOSS! I had to go through the full range of emotions -- the loss, the sense of shame, and the grief.

After losing my job almost a year ago (yeah, I was fired...), I'm just getting back on my feet. Thank God I was able to maintain my credit, home, vehicles, and self-respect. In my case, it was the financial and emotional support from my spouse that helped me the most. Translation, I had a strong support system. Otherwise, who knows where I'd end up...

To hear the full emotional impact of my plight, listen to this radiocast -- posted today, yet recorded back in May 2012. If you have been unemployed for any length of time, or have recently lost your job (fired, quit, downsized, laid-off, etc.), then please leave a comment(s).

The Unfruitful Rewards of Anxiety

Anxiousness...

(go to EncouragementGuy! Radio to listen to more...)

I have been anxious. I have worried. I have felt powerless as a result. Have You? Of course you have. Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral components. It is the displeasing feeling of fear and concern. 

A further [clinical] definition of anxiety centers around three points:

1. feeling of worry: nervousness or agitation, often about something that is going to happen.
2. something that worries somebody: a subject or concern that causes worry.
3. strong wish to do something: the strong wish to do something unnecessarily strong. 

[Synonyms: nervousness, worry, concern, unease, apprehension, disquiet, fretfulness, angst, fear] 

The Holy Bible Provides a Remedy 

People have mixed views and beliefs about THE BIBLE. On one hand, there are those that believe that the biblical words are the directly spoken from a Divine and Eternal Being(s). Others reject this viewpoint entirely.

Fully realizing and respecting these viewpoints, I decided to reference the Bible…nevertheless. The words contained therein, whether divinely-inspired or not, provide a healing balm of comfort for the anxiety sufferer. With references to the [Old and New Testament] Biblical books of Joel, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Matthew, Philippians, and Hebrews.

Let the week say, ‘ I am strong!’ Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, of what you shall eat, or what you should drink; or about your body, what you shall put all on. Is not life greater than food, and the body more important than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth more than they? To what can worrying and being anxious add one unit of measurement to your stature or to the span of your life?

And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you even [King] Solomon in all of his life essence, excellence, dignity, and grace was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will he not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying: what are we going to have to eat? Or, what are we going to have to drink? Or, what are we going to have to wear? But seek first all of his kingdom and his righteousness and then all these things taken together will be given to you. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

Hebrews chapter 13 verse six:

So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, the Lord is my helper; I will not be seized with alarm. I will not fear, dread, or be terrified. What can mankind do to me? At all times and for everything, giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God. 

Philippians chapter 4 verse six:

Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and everything, by prayer and definite request, with thanksgiving, intend to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through the knowledge of Christ Jesus. 

Definitive Bible Verses for Stress [Anxiety] Management

Cast all your burdens and cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you, and he will sustain you. Yes, call upon the Lord in your day of distress. He will hear you, answer you, redeem your soul, set you’re the large place and bring you out of all your distresses. The Peace of God is ruling your heart and you shall dwell safely, free from fear of evil. Don’t allow your heart be troubled or afraid and be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Remember that God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus and he will keep you in perfect peace. If your mind is fixed on him. Don’t give up, for God gives power to the faint and to them that have no might, he increases strength.

Wait upon the Lord to renew your strength, and you will mount up with wings as eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. God is our strength, a very present help in trouble. Call upon him in the day of trouble and he will come to your defense, be your refuge, hide you in his pavilion, set you up on a rock, calm the storm and bring you to his desired haven. During troubled times, he will be with you and on you, for his thoughts for you are precious, and great is the sum of them.

 Remember that all things work together for good to them that love God; to them that are called according to his purpose, and he will perfect that which concerns you. Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Jesus. [Compilation by Bible Incorporated, Michael Pink]

Anxiety disorders

·        300.02 Generalized anxiety disorder

·        Panic disorder

·        300.21 With agoraphobia

·        300.01 Without agoraphobia

·        300.22 Agoraphobia without history of panic disorder

·        300.29 Specific phobia

·        300.23 Social phobia

·        300.3 Obsessive-compulsive disorder

·        309.81 Posttraumatic stress disorder

·        308.3 Acute stress disorder

·        293.84 Anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition

·        293.89 Anxiety disorder due to... [indicate the general medical condition]

·        300.00 Anxiety disorder NOS

I'm Celebrating Birthday # 53

                      This what it would look like with 53 candles!!

Today, January 24, 2013 is my 53^rd birthday. I’ve been looking forward to this birthday for a very long time. Why? because I think there’s something magical about turning 53. For one thing, it represents -- in numerology -- entering into my fourth pinnacle…which is my last visit. The one (last pinnacle) where all of the previous paths in [my] life lead us to this point. The direction that you and I will be moving into for the final years of our life on earth.

I’m very excited because I understand now that my previous times of turbulence..time of storm will become the darkness before the morning comes. The light that shines -- the dawn-- is upon me. Now I can see clearly; this is how I see myself at age 53 and beyond.

It’s Time to Party

So, how should I celebrate my 53^rd birthday? Definitely, I’ll take my wife out for lunch or dinner (some other type of activity). I can’t decide if I will eat healthy @Jasons Deli, or eat greasy spoon, fast and fun at the Kettle restaurant (an old-fashioned diner near my house).

Whatever the case, it’s gonna be a glorious day! Another thing about it [my birthday] is that it helps me to celebrate the year 2013…which I believe will be an amazing year for me. Last year [2012] brought challenges (particularly career challenges) that -- looking back -- if I knew now what was to come, then I’m not sure I could’ve gotten through it all. Yet I did; and having gotten through it, I’m Stronger and Better. I’m also softer and more free-flowing. I have a deeper sense of belief; a deeper sense of trust and certainly a very deep sense of faith. Faith in a power that is bigger than myself.

Looking back over my life, it’s been a really fun time. Having entered into the army at age 17, going overseas to the Far East for a number of years, I returned to the United States and continued my military career as a military musician for 20 year span of time. This time wasn’t without its challenges, but at the same time it was a most interesting and magical life because I was able to travel. I engaged and interacted with dignitaries and Heads of State. Had I just continued to live in my hometown and follow the road well traveled, I wouldn’t have been exposed to such wonderful adventures.

No Regrets

I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve had a marriage spanning three decades. I have two wonderful children who’ve grown up to be very, very fine. I’m also very grateful that I see people differently at different paths in different areas. I now know that there is no one right or wrong way (with the exception of doing harm to oneself and/or doing harm to others); not making the planet worse off than what was prior to our arrival here.

There are many, many different ways of life with different paths to success on Planet Earth. The definitions of success are plenteous, thus, there is no time like the present...The Now!

So as I enter my 53^rd year, the question of what will happen to me in life as I age? Understanding that what we are, is not what we truly are in the physical and material sense. Truly, what we are is a combination of [our] mind, body and spirit. The spirit is ageless. Sometimes we identify so much with the body, and the decaying of the body (the aging process), that we attach our minds or to our overall mental spirit.

The body’s aging and decaying is a natural process. Our spirit is ageless and it only becomes aged through our own machinations of getting old. ‘I will be old, not only in body, but also in mind’, we tell ourselves. On the other hand, I know that I can remain youthful by adopting a youthful perspective…but without resorting to childish and silly behavior.

The Conclusion of the Matter

Having said all of this, I’m going to see my 53^rd birthday as a new beginning! Today is the first day of the rest of your (and mine) life. [reminds me of the cereal commercial, Special-K from Kellogg’s] I really believe that. And so today is my 53^rd birthday, January 24, 2013.

I am beginning the first day of the rest of my life. I’m so excited!

Looking forward, with a spirit of gratitude and looking back in hindsight to draw upon lessons learned; believing for great things to come my way. Hoping, praying, and being patient for the receipt of all of the great blessings that God has store for me.

I ask all of you to join with me, in celebration of my birthday, and ask that you all start this day as the first day of the rest of your life. Know that our greatest times are ahead of us..not behind us.

Blogger– M.J. Monaghan writes:

Honestly, I haven’t typically gotten too excited about my birthdays, but for some reason in the past two or three years, I’ve started to actually enjoy them. So, without dragging this out, my birthday wish is to continue to get to know you all, more and more each day, and share myself from the bottom of my heart.

Oh, and if you do want to send cake, cookies, ice cream, or really expensive gifts, you know where to find me…(listen to more of my 53rd birthday celebration via podcast...http://encouraging-people.podbean.com/2013/01/24/celebrating-my-53rd-birthday/)

Simply Encouragement: Its Time for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Simply Encouragement: Its Time for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration (President Obama's 2013 Inauguration via YouTube).