Think Different – The Passing of Steve Jobs

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If you don’t use a Mac, some of this may not make sense – I get that. Because I used to be there. I was using a PC because “I was more of a business user…” whatever. I had my reasons and my reservations. But when Katie got her MacBook in 2006, it wasn’t long until I preferred to write blog posts (like the one you’re reading) on her computer instead of mine. At that point in the game it was simply because the keyboard was so much smoother under my fingertips. Then I started reading blogs of other creative and business-minded professionals and I saw a glaring pattern – they were all on Macs. “There must be something to this Mac cult,” I thought to myself.

Thank you, Steve

I wanted one. If I’m really honest with myself, it started as an elitist mentality and desire. But there’s more to it. It quickly became about productivity and passion. About being a catalyst and part of a movement. When I got my MacBook Pro, I had a machine that inspired me to write and create products with a passion that never came out of my IBM ThinkPad. Please read: I have nothing against PCs and I am not suggesting they are inferior computers. I simply always come back to the following thought: I love working and writing on my Mac. If that’s what it takes to sit down every night, do the work and publish thoughts and projects to the world, then it was worth every penny.

I am a newly converted Apple fan. When I really started to look at the company of Apple and the products they shipped, I continue to grow my admiration for Mr. Jobs. While Apple is known as an innovator, it can be argued that they did less creating and more perfecting. Apple didn’t create the ability to take your music with you. The CEO of Sony one day gave Steve Jobs a Walkman. Mr. Jobs was in awe, returned to Apple and started working on the iPod. At age 11 Mr. Jobs saw his first computer as NASA. He didn’t create the computer, but he started a company that perfected the personal computer we know today.

What I’ve learned from Apple and specifically Steve Jobs is that it takes a ruthless dedication and discipline to think differently. This discipline is essential as one aspires to greatness and attempts to change an industry. Because of Steve Jobs, I can write this post and honestly testify to the world that I am actively working towards greatness and even and industry-altering business model.

I read two profound thoughts on Twitter about the passing of Steve Jobs. First, he will be remembered along side of Einstein and Edison. Second, The way to honor Steve Jobs is to take your current project [today] and turn it upside down and shake it up with all your might!

For inspiration, beautiful design, and the courage to think different, thanks Steve.

TED Talks (Sir Ken Robinson)

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Have you heard of TED Talks?  TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.  It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED). Since then its scope has become ever broader.

This was one of the first talks I ever heard in this TED movement.  I think you’ll see why it’s still one of my favorites.

Ed’s Story

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This is going to be an excellent series! It’s called Ed’s Story. It’s a 7-part series on the life of Ed Dobson, a pastor who has ALS, and was given 2-5 years to live… that was 10 years ago.

Flannel, who produced the Nooma series (with Rob Bell) and most recently BASIC (with Francis Chan), is previewing three of these films this week. I’ve seen previews this summer and last week I referenced one of the films in a blog post about my daughter. I hope you enjoy the film and consider donating to Ed’s Story.

If the video does not display, you can also view it here.

Norah’s Surgery

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Our daughter Norah was born with a nevus sebaceous on her head which we knew at birth would have to one day be removed. Our doctor recommended waiting until after her first birthday to do the procedure because she would have to be put under. I never liked the sound of my daughter having to be put to sleep, and the thoughts just got worse and worse as we approached this week.

"Rock-a-by Baby"

Wednesday was the big day, so my mom came to watch Sorin while Katie and I took Norah to the hospital at 6:30am. She was doing great in the prep room. We had some toys from the nursing staff and we even put a little gown on her. She loved the rocking chair – she calls it “rock-a-by baby.” Each nurse that walked by smiled and seemed to almost adore Norah – she has that presence about her. I love my daughter so much.

Which is why the morning was so difficult. All I really knew about her nevus sebaceous was that it needed to be removed because we were worried about it becoming cancerous. I just couldn’t deal with the idea of having her put under. It was minor surgery, but I’m guessing any parent can relate to my concern.

 

Dressed for Success

Time to get ready

 

It made me think of a recent film I’ve seen called Ed’s Story. Ed is a man who had to send his son off to the military. It worried him and his wife greatly. Eventually he had to tell himself that he needed to give his son to the Lord. On a daily basis, he was trusting the life and safety of his son to the Lord of Creation. I’m ripping this aspect of the film right out of context – it’s a great story and it’s being previewed next week. You should certainly check it out.

After watching the film and hearing the words of a loving pastor/dad/husband come to grips with the idea of giving his child daily to the Lord, I was encouraged to embrace that mentality and do the same with Norah.

Everything went well. From the moment we handed her to the nurse who carried her away… to the recovery room where Katie helped Norah wake back up. I had to be at class for a presentation but I was receiving reports from Katie and I was thankful the whole morning.

Katie sent me this pic at 11:03. "Eat and drinking. She's doing great!"

Back at home. Her head gear for the next week. She calls it her "hat"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back in the kitchen with Mom.

 

 

There are so many things I can do. And there are still more that I cannot. That is when I am thankful to be in relationship with a God who can do it all. When I cannot walk alone, He not only walks with me… he holds me up and guides me along.

Sorin turns 3

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The wonderful thing about a blog is that it’s personal.  I can reserve the right to use this blog as personal tool to document what’s happening in life.  I’ve been very wrapped up in business development and exercise training.  But life is still moving on and just because I don’t write about life and family doesn’t mean it isn’t important or noteworthy.
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Finding my Voice

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I’ve been blogging for about five years now. It was back in 2006 that I started a Blogger account and said “hello” to the world. Back then it was a blog about adventure while I planned and executed my Game Plan. Starting a blog was a great way to find a voice and process my thoughts. I didn’t have many readers, but I still grew a lot and created a small community of followers.

Today my blog looks completely different. I’ve upgraded from the Blogger platform to WordPress. I’ve significantly improved my following and the quality of the content that I publish each week. But I’m still trying to find and establish my voice.
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Faithful Four

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Three years ago I started a Sports Conditioning class at the health club I was working for at the time.  This class consisted of mostly high-performing athletes, but also some very dedicated clients who were strict in their attendance.  As a former athlete and certified trainer, I knew the drills, exercises, and activities that made up the bulk of our workouts each week.  But part of my philosophy is is to make the workouts timeless.  I want my athletes to have a foundation to work from.  Every drill doesn’t have to be the newest fad of the year.
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Halftime Speech

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Summer is about half over.  Our warm weather months have reached the halfway point.  How are you feeling?  Is the summer as busy as usual?  Have you reached your workout and fitness goals?  You know I’m big on S.M.A.R.T. goals! It always seems that if you blink during the summer it’s over.  Well the good news is that we have three solid months of good weather, and if November treats us well it will be great conditions for a turkey trot.

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The Difference

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There’s a difference between saying you’re going to get healthier and actually getting healthier.  Which side are you on?

Do you have plans to start a walking or running routine?  Does P90X sound like a formidable challenge?  Are you going to go biking for 40+ miles this weekend?

Work in Progress? Or just talking about it?

Are you talking about what you’re going to do?  Or are you actually doing it?

If you’re really honest with yourself and you’re really just saying you’re going to do these things, then frankly you’re just a liar.  Call it what it is.  I’m no psychologist, but if you’re lying to yourself about that, where does it stop?

There’s a lot of people who don’t have to say, “I’m going to start that exercise routine next week.”  They’re already doing it!  “I’m going to go get that bike tuned up and go out for 30 miles this weekend.”  Their bike is already primed for the season, everything is ready to go.

Those that say they want to be fit and in shape but aren’t committing to any exercise program are only kidding themselves.  Believe me, they’re not kidding any of the rest of us.  Am I talking to you?  Or are you actually doing the work?

It comes down to an honesty issue: are you gong to lie to yourself or are you going to commit and move to action?  Are you willing to do the work and talk about what you’re doing or are you going to settle for talking about your plans for starting that workout next week?

Is your health a work in progress or are you just talking about it?