I also consider myself a foodie, so maybe that has something to do with it.

But lately, I’ve begun to realize that it’s much more than that. I look forward to lunch. When I come in to work, I immediately start thinking about where I’m going to eat, and with whom. Wow – that sounds lazy. OK, not at the forefront of my mind, but somewhere in there.

Here’s why I think it’s important to take the time to get out and have lunch, aside from it being PDT (pretty damn tasty.)

1. It’s the only real time you can spend with your coworkers/team and get to know the “real” them.  Most of the day is occupied with tasks and feedback. This is the only time you really have to get beyond that. Forget about tasks, and find out what really makes your team click.

2. There is nothing distracting you. There is no computer, no email (unless you check on your phone incessantly like me), no “boss” – well, more on that later, no to-do list. You can get away from all those things that really take you away from big thinking, and really, well … think big.  When else in the day do you really have the chance to do that?

3. Become the anti-boss. If you lead a team, this is your chance to become the anti-boss. Let them see you are a normal person, just like them, who also really likes Family Guy and fried chicken. Team members are far more willing to open up to you if they see you as an equal, and less a threat.

4. You need the rest. Nobody likes a worhaholic. Get out and enjoy life. Give your body and brain a rest. Need two hours? Take two hours! Especially if you are in the creative field, like myself. You have to recharge all the time, or you will become a bitter desk-jockey who can’t come up with anything new.

There ya go – why lunch is important. Now I’m hungry. Where am I going to go …….

Some of you know my Dad has been battling lung cancer for several months now. It has been especially hard on my Mom, even with her background in the medical field.

I kept trying to convince them to talk to a support group – a counseler – someone to help them through this.

I spent a few days at the hospital a couple weeks ago and my Mom was sitting there on her computer – - a VERY odd sight.  She is not exactly tech-saavy.  After a while, I just glanced over to see what she was doing. While looking for answers, weeks before she had stumbled upon a community for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  She then went on to show me the hours of conversations she has had with doctors, and other perfect strangers through this site – all the friends she has met – all the support she has gotten.  And she told me it has helped her get answers when she felt like their were none.

I was stunned – and not because this technology existed – I know it does.  But, because it was serving it’s purpose – to bring people together.

I know this is a bit touchy-feely for a corporate environment – but it meant a lot to me, and really made me think about what we do here every single day.

When we build a community, or sell our product, we might be helping someone like my Mother connect where there were no other options available to them.

]]> http://functionfix.com/my-life/my-favorite-photo/feed/ 1 http://functionfix.com/my-life/and-yet-again-one-more/ http://functionfix.com/my-life/and-yet-again-one-more/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:02:22 +0000 Sean http://functionfix.com/?p=192 This should be the last Jquery test.

Buying my first house – 2008 was the year I finally purchased my first home. And, glad I did so when I did – considering the credit crunch to follow! It’s been quite a ride learning to be a homeowner, but I have finally settled in and gotten the hang of things.

Father being diagnosed with Cancer – Not a happy event, but an event nonetheless. In October, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, which is a mystery considering he was never a smoker. Treatment has been a rough go, but he is finally starting to emerge (70 pounds lighter!) and his doctors, and his family, have high hopes for a complete recovery.

GALA with the TCC – I will never forget the amazing reception and the unbelievable performance at GALA. Truly one of the best musical experiences of my life.

House being robbed – A couple of months after buying my house, I came home to find my windows smashed and most of my valuable belongings stolen. Not an experience I would wish on anyone! I have a pretty extensive alarm system installed now Hopefully, will never happen again.

TCC Retreat – An amazing experience for several reasons (oh, cmon, you know what I’m talking about).  But, the 2008 TCC Retreat really made us a family!

Career – well, I worked. That’s a good thing.

Obama – what an amazing night watching this amazing victory for all Progressive people. Now, don’t screw it up!

Friends – 2008 I made many new friends, and got closer to the ones I already had. Not going to name them – you know who you are!

TCC Holiday Series – I saw it in my friend’s eyes – this was one amazing performance. Tons of laughs, some beautiful music, the Lay Family Organ, and 180+ singers on stage. I didn’t think anything could top my first Holiday performance several years ago, but this one was such a pleasure to share!

Finding “myself” – Not to sound all sappy, but I felt I finally did some growing up this year, and am finally starting to realize my worth, what I have to share, and who I really am. From serving as a TCC officer, getting to know a great guy named Gene, to finding some joy in my career, it’s been a year of self-discovery, which is great considering I turned 35 this year, or today exactly …

425 months old
or 1845 weeks old
or 12920 days old
or 310080 hours old
or 18604846 minutes old
or 1116290787 seconds old

I LOVED Speak & Spell back when I was <10.  Now, you can play it on the internets!  SO COOL!

DSC00634.JPG, originally uploaded by lovefielddude73.

Thanks to Michael McGary for giving me some photo lessons last night! I snapped this image of Buster just a little while ago and really loved it.

Here’s the jist …

A poor Indian boy from the slums of Bombai experiences traumatic life adventures – some funny, some very much NOT funny, which all assist him in answering the questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. And because he is just a “Slumdog” the authorities question whether or not he is cheating, since there is no way a slumdog could answer all those difficult questions.

It’s an engaging story – but the real magic is in the weaving of all the tales with the gameshow and the interrogation spanning the boy’s life. Sure, the end might feel a tiny bit calculated, but nonetheless tugs at your heart, and ignites your faith that no matter the circumstances, good can come from any life and any experience.

I really want to give it another viewing, but this could easily become one of my favorite movies. It has a message for all, and despite the exotic locale, touches you with quite familiar emotions. It’s a terrific journey and my favorite film of the year so far!

Go see it – as soon as you can.

This was the festive holiday scene at the Lewisville Waffle House as Tri and I made our way to Oklahoma for Christmas. You’d be amazed at how packed this place was, and how the waitstaff was full of holiday cheer – well, full of something.