What I have:
A great job
A fantastic family
A reasonable retirement fund
Three fun filled dogs
A motorcycle
From others:
Affection and love from the wife, kids and dogs
Responsibility and authority in my job
Lessons in life and experiences well beyond what I could have achieved on my own
What I’ve done right:
Made the decision to come back to my job in Chesterfield
Pursued my college degree
Allowed my wife to pursue her career and drag me along with her to another home
Supported my kids at every opportunity
What I really want:
To live on a sailboat in the Caribbean with my wife
L – I love being on the water, I love my wife and she loves me and being on the water. A perfect match
P – The power associated with controlling the course, destination and when you travel by sail provides you FR – Freedom.
Something I could add:
More time – I find myself multi-tasking frequently to the point I sometimes worry that I am not putting the full effort into the tasks at hand.
It would meet my need for:
Power – I would feel more in control of the tasks and the destiny that I am heading for.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Chapter 1 When I got it or didn't get it
I got what I wanted when:
I purchased my motorcycle last year. For one of the first rides to get through the break in period, I just went “that way”. I was relaxed, calm and peaceful. The feeling of freedom was refreshing and revived me for the coming week. While this is not really a work related example, it is my work and the flexibility I frequently have allowed me the time off to take this ride.
While working as a team at the recent building collapse, one of the lieutenants and I coordinated and divided the work load to keep it manageable. After an initial out of control felling, we were able to get organized and effectively divide the work responsibilities and accomplish our goals. While I was in charge, Matt became the face and voice of the incident for local and national media during press briefings broadcast live, a job he has never done before and was nervous about. After coaching and reviewing what was going to happen, how he could handle the situation, and assuring him he would do a great job, I was proud of him and our department for how we managed the public message, mostly because my power and belonging needs were met.
Every time I get a hug from my kids, no words, just the physical hug around the neck. They are teenagers now so they are going at warp speed with school, band, friends, sports, etc., so when I get those simple show of affection, I get that warm all over feeling again. Again, not work related, but one of the most important to me.
I didn’t get what I wanted when:
Again, working at the building collapse, I knew there was more information we could and should release about the incident, but those in charge were not willing to do so. I was not in control of the details but felt that the release of that information would clear up considerable confusion. I did not have the power in that situation and it caused the tension I felt in the early hours of the operation.
I couldn’t get on the motorcycle this week because of a work commitment. There was a 9/11 memorial ride to DC and I could not go due to work commitment. I missed the need for freedom and Friday at about the time they were leaving, I got that depressed feeling of wanting to go with the ride.
Sitting here now, knowing that with Ike hitting Texas, our department may be requested to respond much like we did in Katrina. Also knowing that I will not be able to go because of a commitment to the International Code Hearings in the next week, I will not be able to be involved in the response effort. It is frustrating because I was kept from the Katrina response as well because of similar things.
I purchased my motorcycle last year. For one of the first rides to get through the break in period, I just went “that way”. I was relaxed, calm and peaceful. The feeling of freedom was refreshing and revived me for the coming week. While this is not really a work related example, it is my work and the flexibility I frequently have allowed me the time off to take this ride.
While working as a team at the recent building collapse, one of the lieutenants and I coordinated and divided the work load to keep it manageable. After an initial out of control felling, we were able to get organized and effectively divide the work responsibilities and accomplish our goals. While I was in charge, Matt became the face and voice of the incident for local and national media during press briefings broadcast live, a job he has never done before and was nervous about. After coaching and reviewing what was going to happen, how he could handle the situation, and assuring him he would do a great job, I was proud of him and our department for how we managed the public message, mostly because my power and belonging needs were met.
Every time I get a hug from my kids, no words, just the physical hug around the neck. They are teenagers now so they are going at warp speed with school, band, friends, sports, etc., so when I get those simple show of affection, I get that warm all over feeling again. Again, not work related, but one of the most important to me.
I didn’t get what I wanted when:
Again, working at the building collapse, I knew there was more information we could and should release about the incident, but those in charge were not willing to do so. I was not in control of the details but felt that the release of that information would clear up considerable confusion. I did not have the power in that situation and it caused the tension I felt in the early hours of the operation.
I couldn’t get on the motorcycle this week because of a work commitment. There was a 9/11 memorial ride to DC and I could not go due to work commitment. I missed the need for freedom and Friday at about the time they were leaving, I got that depressed feeling of wanting to go with the ride.
Sitting here now, knowing that with Ike hitting Texas, our department may be requested to respond much like we did in Katrina. Also knowing that I will not be able to go because of a commitment to the International Code Hearings in the next week, I will not be able to be involved in the response effort. It is frustrating because I was kept from the Katrina response as well because of similar things.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
In Pursuit of Happiness - initial thoughts
My initial impression of the introduction chapter was how these basic needs match up with Maslow's theory on the hierarchy of needs.
The love need in Pursuit of Happiness is closely associated with Maslow's social needs. That includes the familial as well as more intimate social needs. If you can meet Maslows social needs, you can meet the need of love as outlined by Good.
The other needs are not as closely associated, but paralles between Good and Maslow are easy to draw. For the needs of power, fun and freedom, I think they can be met with various aspects of Maslow's esteem and self actualization levels.
I am looking forward to reading further to see if Good ties these two theories together or if I can see more of a connection.
The love need in Pursuit of Happiness is closely associated with Maslow's social needs. That includes the familial as well as more intimate social needs. If you can meet Maslows social needs, you can meet the need of love as outlined by Good.
The other needs are not as closely associated, but paralles between Good and Maslow are easy to draw. For the needs of power, fun and freedom, I think they can be met with various aspects of Maslow's esteem and self actualization levels.
I am looking forward to reading further to see if Good ties these two theories together or if I can see more of a connection.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Picture
I got a couple of comments about the picture. It's a small island in the British Virgin Islands called Green Cay. It's only about 300 yards long by 200 yards wide. We go up into the protected side and drop anchor for the day and swim with the turtles, dive on the outer reef. A perfect white sandy beach.
I've been there a couple of times bareboating on a sailboat, sailing around the islands, diving pristine reefs, and sampling the best rum drinks in the world. I can't wait for May, I'm going back!
I've been there a couple of times bareboating on a sailboat, sailing around the islands, diving pristine reefs, and sampling the best rum drinks in the world. I can't wait for May, I'm going back!
Hanna Aftermath
Fortunately, not much in the way of damage in the county. A lot of small tree limbs on the ground at home. I live a lot closer to the coast (by about 60 miles) and I think we got much more in the way of wind here after talking to some of the guys back at work.
I hope everyone else made out well also.
I'm still trying to figure this blog out, particularly how to follow and post to other blogs.
jrd
I hope everyone else made out well also.
I'm still trying to figure this blog out, particularly how to follow and post to other blogs.
jrd
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Hurricane Season
Well, it's official. The fear I had getting into three classes this semester would provide the inspiration for all manner of disasters and mayhem that impair my ability to put time into the classes.
It's now almost 9pm, I've been in on 2 planning meetings today, 2 scheduled for tomorrow and I'm scheduled to work the EOC from 1800 - 0600 Friday evening. Maybe the hurricane won't hit until after 0600 and I can get some school work done overnight - only if my luck changes.
Good luck to everyone with Hanna and Ike - that's the one that's worrying me.
jrd
It's now almost 9pm, I've been in on 2 planning meetings today, 2 scheduled for tomorrow and I'm scheduled to work the EOC from 1800 - 0600 Friday evening. Maybe the hurricane won't hit until after 0600 and I can get some school work done overnight - only if my luck changes.
Good luck to everyone with Hanna and Ike - that's the one that's worrying me.
jrd
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