Progress

"Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress."
~ Thomas A. Edison, American inventor and businessman. (1847-1931)

What a great man. He did not go out and march around in discontent hoping someone else would come up with the phonograph or light bulb (amongst many other of his great innovations and inventions). He saw a need and had big dreams. He manifested his discontent into a positive outcome and made his dreams a reality.

Progress starts within YOU. Don't dwell and feed the fires of discontent causing even more dissatisfaction. In turn, fight for and encourage the progress you want to experience. Focus on the positive outcome.

The Police concert

I had the chance to see The Police (my all-time favorite band) perform this past weekend in Louisville, KY. From "Message in a Bottle" to "Next to You," the concert in one word was awesome. The massive stage/set was certainly the largest I've seen in all the concerts I've attended (likely because I was finally up close).

Sting's son opened up the concert with his band Fiction Plane. I really enjoyed their tunes. They stood their ground.

You are what you think

"A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. I reckon, he said, with a twinkle in his eye, it because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried."
~ Garson Kanin, American Writer, Actor and Film Director, (1912-1999)

Six months of being a new dad

(Maddie, who has recently discovered her feet)

What I've learned:

• My child is priority #1 over all else
• The world does not revolve around me
• I do not have to rearrange my entire life... organizing makes all the difference
• I don't need 8 hours of sleep to function normally
• Moms are hot
• Diaper changing is easy... just be sure to use the right size diapers (don't learn the hard way)
• Being spat or soiled on is not a problem... let it go and bring an extra shirt if you're going out
• Not every cry or noise is a sign of distress
• Taking time for myself is OK... just make sure mom gets time too
• Hiring a baby sitter is not the end of the world
• There is no such thing as having too many baby clothes, blankets or burp cloths
• There is no such thing as too many pictures or video
• Baby toys are entertaining for both babies and adults (gotta love technology)
• Shopping for baby clothes is more fun than going to Fry's (almost, but not quite)
• Strapping in baby and lifting the car seat is second nature
• Baby inherently trusts mom and dad above all else (lead by example)
• Pretty much anything can be accomplished with one arm
• There is such a thing as a "schedule" for baby. It's up to mom and dad to make it happen. Much patience required, but it will set in. I'm a believer!
• I will never love anything more than my child (and any future children)

Love what you do

"The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work."
~ Richard Bach, contemporary American writer best kniown for the novel, "Jonathan Livingston Seagull."

I love this quote. As I've mentioned in past blog posts, I believe following your passion(s) will produce a love of one's work. Seems obvious and makes sense, right? The first step just needs to be taken. That is, getting over the fear, pessimism, or whatever the hurdle is keeping you from following your gut wants, talents and dreams. Whatever and wherever the job, I believe there is a passionate person to fill the role. So much time is spent at one's work. It should not be wasted time, on behalf of the employee or employer. Get on the mission to stop the mindless "daily grind." Imagine a world where everyone loved their work. A lot of missing negative energy, massive productivity, longer life spans, etc.

An uncle... once more

Thanks to my brother AJ for making me an uncle one more time. Like I don't already feel old enough with 8 nieces and nephews as well as a daughter (wait a sec, I'm only as old as I think). Seriously though, congrats to AJ and Laurie on their first child; a baby girl (Katherine Morgan) born June 28. Way to go! She is Maddie's new best friend.

Rennes-le-Château

Thanks to Francesco (from Italy, of course) for featuring my music in his video of Rennes-le-Château.

Don't fret

"Keep walking. Keep smiling."
~ Herbert Butros Khaury, better known by the stage name Tiny Tim, American singer, ukulele player, and musical archivist who was most famous for his rendition of "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" sung in his distinctive high falsetto / vibrato voice. (1932- 1996)