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Sunday, January 08, 2006
As hard as it is to believe, I have been so busy with my new assignment at work that I have no clue as to what is going on in the world around me. News, events, sports, social news, or anything that may be happening beyond the scope of my ship is unknown to me.
The Monday before Christmas I was reassigned closer to home. For the first time in over ten years, I am now working less than ten minutes from home. Being a captain in retail, I have always had to drive over an hour to board each ship that I captained. My latest move is both overwhelming and humbling at the same time. I captain a ship with over 600 great associates in a building that is over 225,000 sq ft. I feel like the captain of the largest cargo carrier on the seas. We have over 120,000 visitors a week. I am responsible to all on board. My soul mission to make all around me happy, productive and wanting to come back.
Looking back, I started as a deck hand, doing as told, not knowing the goals. Over time I was sucked in and began to make a living from it, taking more responsibility along the way. Never, at any point in time, did I think that one day I would have the honor to captain the largest boat on the seas.
Thirty one years later and here I stand. Life is good, my professional dreams have come true. Was I in the right place at the right time, did I really stand out over time, was I some compulsive nut forever stuck in overdrive? I don't know, I haven't a clue, I don't know what drove me. I just wanted to be the best, to be respected, to grow as a person. I will forever be humble and work to help others who have dreams.
Posted at 07:34 am by AnotherMan
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Sunday, January 01, 2006
Yesterday I promised Belinda that I would stay off my machine today. Rode it twice yesterday, and put it away last night. I woke up this morning and I could feel it. It was calling me. Pulling me towards the storage shed, or what I refer to as my motorcycle garage. I kept looking out the window at the shed, listening, feeling it's pull.
In order to keep my promise, I stayed inside and dared not go outside. Somehow, I spent about an hour on the internet reading about what else, but VStars and modification techniques. My fix was almost there.
I later took my wonderful wife and son to lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. Then it happened. As we sat looking out the window, two beautiful bikes rode by. Then a group of about fifteen riders stop in front of the restaurant at the traffic light. I was a prisoner inside the building, looking like a child watching his friends play in the yard through a window, knowing he can't join them. I tried not to study them too much, knowing Belinda was surely studying me.
On the way home, the rainstorms that had been threatening all day, finally moved in. I was relieved, because I knew that when I got home, I would have to enter the shed. Which, of course, would lead me to giving in and going riding. The rain saved me. Maybe saved my marriage for the day in some small manner.
After being home in the rain, Belinda decided we should get out of the house and go check out the flea market. But I was on a mission, a mission based on madness. I had to buy something for my bike. I struck gold at the flea market. I found new stickers for my helmet. How can a biker have a helmet without stickers. Belinda even helped me pick them out. I spent a whopping $2.25 for a fix. One that we both agreed on.
My new sticker.....
Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.
Posted at 05:45 pm by AnotherMan
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Thursday, December 29, 2005
Why a motorcycle?
So many people ask me that. So many people tell me of someone they knew who had a wreck or lost a life.
Why a motorcycle?
I can't really explain it. I admit that it can scare me at times. Seven hundred pounds of metal and plastic, with a fragile human body on top, going at speeds that would crush both given an impact with anything that may enter its path.
How do I explain it? The best answer I can give is the rush. The adrenaline rush. Even explaining that feeling is hard to understand. It is freedom as I ride. Being in nature, not in a box looking at it. It is the feeling of harnessing a power that I know can be destructive. Harnessing a machine that comes alive when asked. It is both nimble and fast on demand. It is responsive to all of my needs. The bike and I blend in to one. We have become a character that we share. We become an image and sound that others both admire and despise.
I look down at the tank and it sways when I lean. The fun of pushing an arm out and feeling the bike lean. I listen to it purr when cruising, I hear it roar when I give it fuel, and I feel it growl when I find that spot in between where it commands attention.
The rush stays with me each minute while I ride. I sing out loud as I ride down the roads. I scream like a mad man. No one can hear me. When it is time to go home, I usually find myself taking a few extra miles around the town before pulling into the neighborhood, playing with the sound through traffic. Growling on command. I command the road.
When I finally do force myself to pull into my driveway and turn it off, the rush is still with me, the rumble, the power. It slowly leaves and I find that I am more relaxed than at any other time in my other days. Even at night, I sleep better, relaxed, at peace.
Why a motorcycle?
It is a new me.
Posted at 09:21 pm by AnotherMan
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I am one of those that hate being given ultimatums. I hate the pressure found from living the "do it or else" life style. I can't tolerate it at work and hope I foster the atmosphere where that doesn't have to happen.
Have you ever had special person in your life that asks questions, seeking your input, always ending the question the phrase that makes my skin crawl, "or what"?
While relaxing, catching up with the news and finally getting to sit down for the day,
Special person...."are you going to eat with us, or what"?
After getting all of my tools layed out next to my motorcycle for some needed attention,
Special person...."are you going to clean the yard, or what"?
While watching an entertaining documentary, almost in a trance state,
Special person...."are you watching that show, or what"?
While pulling out of the driveway on a mission to shop,
Special person...."are we going to eat lunch, or what"?
....or what, or what, or what!!!
Do it or else!
Then again, that's makes her special, the one I serve.
Love.
Life.
Posted at 05:58 pm by AnotherMan
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Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Ok, so it's been a long time since I have visited this friendly place. I have no doubt many of the links on this page are long forgotten, probably broken. I hope to find some of the fine people I admired once again. I have to admit though, I have missed writing. I have missed challenging myself to explore what is important to me and working with myself on discovering who I am, how weak I am, and how misguided I tend to be at times.
My life hasn't changed much. It continues to move along, continues to get better. My children are all growing, changing, making me proud. I love each of them with all that I am. My wife, Belinda, my love for her growing stronger with the passing of time. She really works so hard to make life work for us. I respect all that she does and the woman that she is.
As I type away, I wonder what I will find to write over the next few days. Will I surrender to laziness again or will I once again wild and open, writing at a frenzied pace? We shall see ove r the next few weeks. There is so much for me to unload, so much for me to observe. I like using this mirror.
I wonder the image my reflection offers.
Posted at 09:30 pm by AnotherMan
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Ok...the family leaves to go out of town. Making sure that I have just the basic survival foods, I am left a fine selection of what can be construed as food. Food in a can, that is. You know, the beef stew, the chicken and dumplings, and other fine delectable cuisines available in cans. I walk in the door from another unreasonably long day, thinking all the way home of all the wonderful choices I have for dinner.
I walked into the kitchen, reach into the pantry and go for the surprise selection. I reach in the cabinet and pull out the first available can that I am able to put my hand on. With such fine choices, why debate myself, just go with it and get the food ready to go. I quickly walk with my dinner of choice to the counter and place in position to begin to open it. I set my pan on the counter, and then open the utensil drawer in search of a can opener. I scan the drawer, not seeing the tool of my search. I move things around thinking it may be overlooking it. But no, it is not to be found. I then check the drawer next to it, but again, no opener.
Then it strikes me, maybe it is an electric one that is hanging under a counter. I know that sometime in my past, in some kitchen, I have installed one of those fine gadgets. I looked under each cabinet, only to realize, it must not have been this house. Standing there dazed, I then snatch open the dishwasher, knowing it must be in there, but that I failed to return it to it's proper place. Again, it is not to be found.
Ok, time for one of my Zen moments. Time to go upstairs, change my clothes, take my mind off of the problem in front of me, and let the solution deliver itself to me. Works every time, but not this time. I change clothes, run back downstairs, only to stand there in the middle of the kitchen, with no can opener.
It's time for help. I made my stupid man decision of the night. I call my wife, way out in California. She answers and I start, "Hey baby, I have a question. If I were a can opener, what would I look like and where would I be?" Instantly there is a little snicker coming from the phone. "Look in the utensil drawer, over next to the knives, and there is a black handled can opener.", she then tells me, I looked again, only to see what looks like a new fangled, plastic handled nut cracker or ice crusher.
Wrong!!!
I tell her of my discovery and the laughter gets somewhat louder and faster. "That is the can opener." Oh, I think to myself. How stupid. I then pick it up and like a monkey who has a tool and has no clue what the hell is in it's grasp, I turn it over and over, moving it close to my face and back away. I laid it on the can, hoping it would magically open my dinner, but that didn't work either. She keeps asking me if I have found it. I stay quiet, not wanting her to know. I tried and tried, but I can't figure out how this damned gadget works. Then it happens, from the phone, "Baby, the kids can do it." Somehow, using that woman sense of hers, she knows I am totally lost. The howling has begun on the other side. It won't stop.
"You know what honey, I don't think I really want this. Hot dogs are what I really want." I now fear that she is going to pass out, from her sudden lack of ability to breath oxygen in. This is the first time I have ever thought that laughter could actually kill a person. I then thanked her for her help, quickly say my goodbys and hung up the phone.
So here I sit, one hour later, typing my thoughts regarding this valuable lesson in life.
Hot dogs always taste better with relish.
Posted at 07:21 pm by AnotherMan
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Monday, July 25, 2005
Here it is
it happened again
just when I am about to go crazy, just when I need time alone,
the family goes on a trip while I work.
I hate being alone, then again, it's nice in some ways....
what am I going to do?
Funny how the night seems longer and the sleep is shorter
...someone save me
from myself
Posted at 08:57 pm by AnotherMan
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Tuesday, July 19, 2005
...what to write, what to write today.
I haven't a clue, nothing wise or witty to say.
Here I sit and ponder my day, wondering where some tidbit of earth shattering news is to be found.
The ship sailed smoothly today, the seas were calm, the crew was alert.
Nope, nothing today.
But then, there is all that is me.
I love my wife and I love each of my children beyond all that is me.
Pretty simple, eh?
Life should be.
Mine is.
Today.
Posted at 08:22 pm by AnotherMan
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Sunday, July 17, 2005
...sunny Sunday on the Beast
The sun finally poked out this afternoon. I was able to find time to fire up the Beast and take a ride. It was nice. Went to the middle school and practiced my turns, stops, starts, u turns, hard over turns, etc. Each time I ride and do the little practice sessions I feel better. I am starting to believe in the Beast. We are beginning to understand each other. I know I am still at it's mercy if something should go wrong.
But I ride, I keep riding. Every minute counts, each turn, stop and start is another lesson in the power in the throttle. Doing what you feel is unnatural and pushing out when you turn, pushing against the direction you are turning is so very abnormal. The more I do it though, the more natural it is. The trick is to not think or look into the turn, just to feel. Be natural, power and inertia in a turn. Such an amazing process, each and every time.
Posted at 06:49 pm by AnotherMan
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....small moments of insanity
An understandably upset customer called yesterday....very upset
Customer: "Mr Manager, I was in another of your stores last night and was upset when I found out that my checking account was frozen due to someone using my license in your store with another check. I want it fixed, it is not my responsibility and you need to correct it"
Me: "Well, I have an 800 number you can call and they will take care of all your problems. It's that simple"
Customer: "I already dealt with those idiots and I am not going to go through that. I want you to fix it. They told me that you, the manager, can have it fixed, so fix it."
Me: "Yes m'am, not a problem. I will call you back in a couple of minutes as soon as I get this resolved for you"
I quickly dialed the 800 number for Scan Data and began the conversation that sucked me into hell. On the other end was a curteous young man, international it seemed, due to his struggling to understand my Alabama redneck twang. He obviously was not from anywhere I have been.
Scan rep Troy: "Thank you for calling Scan. My name is Troy, how may I help you today?"
Me: "Troy, I am the manager of this store in Alabama and I need to help a customer get a check freeze taken out of the system."
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry, please have the customer call our toll free number, we can only deal with them."
Me: "Well Troy, she did that and was told that I had to call to fix it."
Scan rep Troy: "If you are not the person on the check we can not help you. Please have the customer call us and we will work to help her."
Me: "Troy, as I said earlier, she tried that and you were not able to help."
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, but I cannot help you."
Me: "OK, some help you are, bye"
I then call the customer.
Me: "Mrs Customer, I contacted Scan and they informed me that you must call, and I would not be able to help from my end."
Customer: "I am not going to call them again. I was given a name and operator number for you to use, would that help?"
Me: (Well, duh!) "Yes m'am, if you could give that to me, I think I can fix this"
After getting the key to the mission, I then call Scan. Guess who answers the phone?
Scan rep: "Thank you for calling Scan. My name is Troy, how may I help you today?"
Me: "Hello Troy, this is the fellow that just called you a minute ago about a check from Alabama. I need to speak to a certain operator about this check, could you please put me in touch with operator 4180."
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, but do you have a reference number for your previous call?"
Me: "No, I don't think I do. In fact, you didn't give me one. Do you remember giving me one? You do remember me calling you a couple of minutes ago?"
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, I am unable to help you without your reference number>"
Me: "Troy, you did not give me a number. If you did, I would give it to you. Now, forget the number and lets fix this problem."
Scan rep Troy: "Ok sir, let me look on my computer and see if I have any records of you calling"
Me: (Is this guy stupid or a real pro in getting people off the phone) "OK"
Scan rep Troy: "OK sir, I have found it, how may I help you"
Me: "Troy, do I have to explain this again. Just give me operator 4180, her name is Alicia."
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, but you are not allowed to speak with her"
Me: (Shaking my head) "What do you mean I am not allowed to speak with her? Does she work there? I was given this number by the customer as a reference point, which she obviously gave out, now I demand to speak to her"
Scan rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, but you are unable to speak with her"
Me: "Troy, I have had enough. Tell me what I need to do to fix this account, who do I need to speak with?"
Scan rep Troy: "Sir, if you call this other 800 number for national account customer service, they can help you"
Me: "Thank you, it's about time"
I hang up and quickly dial the new number, blood pressure lowering, knowing that I am finally going to get this over and my life can move on.
Account rep: "Thank you for calling National Accounts. My name is Troy, how may I help you today?"
Me: (About to reach through the phone and choke someone. Heck, I am glad noone was near me, I might have chocked them!) "Troy, it's me again. Why did you give me another number? I can only hope you remember me from three seconds ago. Are you going to fix this ladies check this time?"
Account rep Troy: "I need you password please"
Me: (It is too late. The cork just popped) "Damn you Troy, do you remember giving me a freakin password? No, you did not give me a password. You never mentioned that when I had to call you back on another line that I needed a password, Troy."
Account rep Troy: "I am sorry sir, I will not be able to help you on this line without a password"
Me: (Trying to reel my sanity back in, realizing I am aruging with a live version of an automated machine) "Troy, I want to speak to your supervisor. I know you have to have a supervisor. I hear other voices in the background, so get your supervisor on the phone, right now!"
Account rep Troy: "Just a minute sir, I will try."
Scan rep sup:"Hello, thank you for calling Scan, my name is Alicia, how may I help you today"
Me: (Quick, call me an ambulance, I am dying!) "Alicia, is this Alicia, operator #4190?"
Scan rep sup: "Yes sir, it is, how may I help you?"
Me: "Alicia, first I need to know why Troy would not let me speak to you when I specifically asked for you by name and number? Never mind. I don't really care. I am so fed up at this point. Alcia, I need help in correcting a problem with a customers checking account. Will you be able to help me?"
Scan rep sup: "Do you have a password? I will need your password to help you today sir"
Me: (A low growl starts to emerge, I begin to think I now know the meaning of the matrix. I am caught in a phone version so twisted, that it has to all be in my mind, this can't be real. How do I find a way out?) "Alysia, permit me to comment on the fine service your company has offered to me today. You guys don't have a clue. You are the most brainless people I have ever dealt with. I can't take anymore, have a great day pretending that you are a person, goodbye"
Scan rep sup: "Thank you for calling sir"
At that point I hung up the phone. Thirty minutes spent in phone hell. My blood pressure was beyond control. I stewed for a while before calling my customer back. I apologized to her for apparantely going through her own version of phone hell. She laughed at me only after knowing I had delved deeper than any human before me. After working from another direction I eventually was able to take care of my customer and resolve her issues.
My lesson from this episode, to anyone that may stumble across this. I know while most of you hate corporate answering systems, be calm, be patient and remember, that Troy and Alicia are out there, lurking, waiting for you to call.
Is There Anybody Out There?
(Roger Waters, Pink Floyd)
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
Is there anybody out there?
Posted at 08:49 am by AnotherMan
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