Nwdavis - Archived Blog Posts

[nwdavis]

Just because you are not discouraged doesn’t mean you are encouraged. In order to get encouraged you need energy. You don’t go to concerts for the music you go for the energy. You get the energy from the person especially because it's in person.



So what does it take to become encouraged?
Here is a conceptual model on how to be a great great sales person, a great athlete, or a great anything. This model will build a great anything. So see if you can conceptualize...

At the base of the pyramid is energy. You can have the world's greatest car but if it doesn’t have gas in it the car won't move. No matter what you want to do well you need energy. You want to be a great athlete you need energy. You want to be a great sales person you need energy. You have to energize people to get them excited.

The second level of the pyramid is enthusiasm. Now I-A-S-M are capitalized which means I Am Sold Myself. If you are not sold yourself or your product, if you won’t buy your own product, why would anyone else? Teachers sell knowledge and you sell cell phones. Enthusiasm without knowledge is like running in the dark.



The third level is knowledge. Do you want to go to the most enthusiastic dentist with no degree in dentistry or do you want to go to a dentist that has the knowledge to practice dentistry? Let's put it all together. Energy, Knowledge, Enthusiasm, and Passion. You're not selling the product you are selling people. We are always worried about catching something from somebody. Well if we can catch a cold from someone else, you can also catch positive stuff too.

 

[nwdavis]

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendor of beauty,
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day!
Such is the salutation of the dawn.

- Kalidasa

 

[nwdavis]

If you have one disappointment after another...In your life, on your job, with your family and your social life. Today may be your lucky day.

In fact, a lot of good can come out of a big disappointment. Setbacks actually force us to take risks, learn and grow. In every part of life -- romance, work, family -- stuff happens. And these disappointments can indeed set you back, make you feel anxious and fearful.

In moving through the recovery process, you may likely feel a range of emotions including anger, anxiety, confusion, low self-esteem and self-doubt. These represent stages of response and cannot be rushed. But over time you will begin to feel acceptance and hopefulness. When you let go of the past, you will experience increased self-esteem and renewed optimism.

But how do you get there? Terri Needels, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Honolulu, has some words of advice: "Don't focus on what you lost or what didn't work. You have to rewrite your script and see yourself differently -- such as seeing yourself with another person, or at another job."

Easier said than done. Some people flounder in frustration and blame after a disappointment. Worse, some people fall into deep depression. But then again, others bounce back quickly and with energy. While you can argue that these people may well be born more resilient, resilience can certainly be learned.

Practice and experience help. Most successful people have had their hard knocks, but they recover and move on. They, in fact, see disappointment as a prospect for something new. "Big losses provide the biggest opportunities for change," says Needels. "They make a person more open to trying new things."

Here are a few tips to learn how you can become more resilient and overcome life's big disappointments:

*Accept the setback. Know that setbacks happen to everyone. And realize that you may never understand what happened.

*Face your fears. It's normal to feel insecure, but don't cower and avoid uncertainty.

*Be patient. Reflect and think about what you plan to do -- but don't rush, it will only aggravate the process.

*Go beyond your comfort zone. Take risks. Go after that job you think you can't do, doing so will build self-esteem and resilience.

*Find your hero. Think about people who have survived adversity like Christopher Reeve and Oprah. Use them as your role models.

*Know what you want. If you have goals, it's easier to make plans and move forward.

*Be a problem-solver. Don't be the victim, instead learn to behave proactively.

*One step at a time. To move forward, the enormity of the task (such as finding a new job after a lay-off) may seem insurmountable. Focus on each step you must take, not the entire undertaking.

*Seek support. Talk to friends, family or a therapist.

*Mostly, be kind to yourself. Disappointments are a source of stress, so exercise, eat right and get rest.

By Lybi Ma, Psychology Today Executive Editor

 

[nwdavis]

I already voted using the mail in ballot. But please vote. Mostly I'll be glad that all the god damn political TV adds will stop!!!!!

 

[nwdavis]

I know the outcome was not what we had hoped. But we must not get discouraged. We must remember this feeling in order to motivate those that will be of voting age 4 years from now. Less than 10% of voter turn out were between 18 and 25. There really needs to be an easier way though I don't have an answer.

 

[nwdavis]

phantasmagoria • \fan-taz-muh-GOR-ee-uh\ • noun
1 : an exhibition or display of optical effects and illusions
2 a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imagined b : a scene that constantly changes
3 : a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage

Example sentence:
The phantasmagorias of artist Joan Miró convey a ghostly impression by showing objects free from the bounds of time and space.

Did you know?
When an early 19th-century showman named Philipstal invented a special-effects light show of optical illusions that reminded people of phantoms and phantasms, he dubbed it a "phantasmagoria." He picked a term that sounds impressive (and creepy) and that comes from the same roots as the words "phantom" and "phantasm." Like them, "phantasmagoria" can be traced back to Latin "phantasma" ("a product of fantasy") and ultimately to Greek "phantazein," which means "to present to the mind."

 

[nwdavis]

Excellent movie, I recommend it. Great ending. Usually I hate the endings in movies they never turn out the way I think they should, but this one is good. Read the review at tlavideo.com

http://tlavideo.com/details/product_details.cfm?id=194738&v=2&sn=1

REVIEW:
Match a hunky repressed Mormon missionary with an LA party boy, sensual sex and knowing humor, and the result is a film you won't soon forget. Christian (Wesley A. Ramsey) is a handsome, vapid young man who flits from guy to guy without much of a thought in his pretty little head. All his co-workers at Lila's restaurant expect only the latest bedroom report from him. So when his roommate Julie (Rebekah Jordan) discovers that the gorgeous group of young men who moved in next door are Mormon missionaries, they take a bet on whether Christian can bed one of them. Christian quickly moves in for the kill, identifying Elder Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss) as a repressed homo - and quite a sexy one at that. Their initial encounters have a charged sexual tension, but fear of the devil keeps Aaron’s libido at bay. When the two find themselves alone together they kiss passionately. Aaron’s Mormon missionary roommates interrupt, spot their brother as a homo and send him back in shame to his Idaho hometown and embarrassed parents.
We can't tell you what happens next because we’re not going to ruin this romantic drama for you, but C. Jay Cox is a Hollywood screenwriter with all that entails. His work on Sweet Home Alabama which included a great gay character, brought kudos, but this is clearly his project of love. The incredibly handsome and charismatic Sandvoss, in his debut film, gives us fierce non-verbal emotion that few actors can match - watch this boy's career. All of the acting is first-rate, including Amber Benson as Christian’s co-worker, Mary Kay Place as Aaron’s stern mother and Jacqueline Bisset as Christian’s restaurant boss who harbors her own secrets. It’s a grand gay screen romance with large-scale emotions that belongs in everyone's collection.

DVD Extras: The commentary with writer/director C. Jay Cox and stars Wes Ramsey and Steve Sandvoss is excellent. The straight, but very gay friendly, stars are respectful and intelligent. There are some insights into the "blue shorts" and C. Jay tells us which parts of the film are autobiographical. The making-of documentary is short, sweet and again filled with insights for fans. The photo gallery has a few photos not on the website. And finally C. Jay Cox's short film is funny and there's a joke for Latter Days addicts who know all the lines, and we know there are tons of you out there. We give the extras four stars!


--

 

[nwdavis]

If you haven't seen the show you are missing one of the most incredible shows on TV today. Its not a stupid reality show. Its people helping others. I just spent the last two hours crying! Can you imagine that? Crying over a TV show? More than anything this show will make you appreciate all that you have. Be thankful for each and everything that you have. When you think you have it bad there is someone who has it a little worse that you. Check out the thread on tonights episode.
http://justusboys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25467

 

[nwdavis]

I work in retail management in a mall location. The mall music switched to Christmas music already! I can't believe it. I guess they are trying to get shoppers into the spirt early. They've started to put up the decorations as well. Starting that early I kind of understand. They have so many that it takes some time to put them up. If they waited they wouldn't finish putting them up until mid December. Oh well, I'd better get used to it. Its 46 days until Christmas. Just in case you wanted to know.

 

[nwdavis]

OMG I just found out today that they are filming an episode of the show here in the town where I live. There is a family that lost their father and their house caught on fire. So they are rebuilding it for them (mom and two girls 12 and 14). The community is comming together to help collect Christmas decorations for the family. The show will be on TV sometime after the first of the year. They even had to set up park and ride shuttle buses to the area because so many people want to see what's going on.

 

[nwdavis]

Imagine that there is a tug of war on one side is your feelings and on the other side of the rope is your commitment and they are struggling back and forth. When your commitment is present you will be very successful. Let me give you an example, headline “Plainfield’s Mann has lots of heart”, Dan a 19 year old Of the record 37,257 runners in the New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7, not one showed more guts than Keith Mann. Mann, a 19-year-old amputee from Plainfield, used forearm crutches to make his way through the five boroughs and finish in 7 hours, 26 minutes, 14 seconds -- good for 36,188th place. Mann lost his left leg below the knee after an accident he suffered during his junior year at the Wardlaw-Hartridge School in Edison. Now a student at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa., Mann was escorted through the five boroughs by his mother's business partner, Steve Kay, a veteran of 14 marathons. "My hands are killing me. I can barely move them," Mann said. "All I could think about was finishing. It didn't matter what hurt. No matter how long it took me, I was going to make it." So what is it going to be your feelings or your commitment?

 

[nwdavis]

Hey guys and a few gals. My BF stlboi2004 has been working hard and its finally done. Please vist the site and post your own pic today! I know there's not many yet but with your help it will grow quickly

 

[nwdavis]

WOW, 500 posts and went from Porn Star to Sex God, just like that. My carrer as a porn start was short lived. Heck, I don't even remeber filming my last movie. I hope no one starts a 'guess who hit 500' thread, I hate those.

Hey guys and a few gals. My BF stlboi2004 has been working hard and its finally done. Please vist the site and post your own pic today! I know there's not many yet but with your help it will grow quickly

 

[nwdavis]

Did you wake up this morning and say I hope nobody tries to motivate me today. I'm over the top for inspiration today! If I get anymore of the positive stuff... I don’t think happens. I think that there are two things that we can’t get enough of. I don’t think we can ever be too motivated, and I don’t think we can be too healthy. Can you imagine going to the doctor to take a test, then to find out that you are too healthy. The doctor says, "I want you to stop exercising for a few weeks. Stop taking that vitamin C and E. Start eating McDonald’s for lunch." That will never happen. Nobody can be too healthy. Nobody can be too inspired. But that's not the problem. The problem is that we are not healthy enough. The problem is we are not inspired enough. Every once in a while we go to the doctor and the doctor reads you the riot act. You go on a diet, you start exercising, and you start doing the right thing. But that's just massaging the pain. You go to motivational seminars on the weekend, and then you are all jacked up for Monday and Tuesday. But you need something that is sustainable and consistent. Everyday! Everyday, you have to be searching for motivation and the things that motivate you. I'm sure that you know what they are. Those books that motivate you, keep them around. Those pictures that motivate you keep them around. Yesterday I was going to school and I picked up USA Today. Right on the front page was one of the most motivating individuals of our time, Kyle Mannard, a wrestler from University. From University of Georgia with no arms and no legs. I know that doesn’t seem possible. He inspires me because I know if he can do what he does, I can do what I have to do. Get inspirational material! Read motivational material! Listen to motional tapes! It's a constant process, like your health.

 

[nwdavis]

Suppose I take you to Yankee stadium and you've never played baseball in your life and I put you against a major league pitcher, someone like Roger Clemson. What are the chances of you getting a base hit? Suppose I take you to Madison Square Garden and I put you in the ring against Mike Tyson. What are the chances that you will leave that ring alive? Suppose next November I take you to the NYC Marathon. What are the chances that you will finish that marathon if you have never ran more than 25 yards in your entire life. See there is no such thing as beginner's luck. I thought of today's message a few days ago. A student of mine came up to me after class and he said, "Help me! Help me! I'm really nervous." I asked him what was wrong, he is usually a pretty laid back kid. He said that he had a big interview for a great job today. I said that I'm sure you have been to an interview before. He told me that he has never been to an interview in his entire life. See I didn’t tell him this, but if you never had a fight in your life, and you got in the ring with Mike Tyson, What are the chances of you giving him a good fight? None! Zero! See, there is no such thing as beginner's luck. Just like you have to train for Rodger Clemons, train for Mike Tyson, and train for the NYC Marathon, you have to train for interviews. You have to train for speechless. The first time should never be the first time! The first man ever set foot on the moon is Neil Armstrong. But the first time he set foot on the moon wasn’t the first time he set foot on the moon because in his training they simulated, they simulated the spaceship hovering and coming down over the desert in Utah. They had him practice and visualize. See, the first time shouldn’t be the first time. Don’t believe in beginner's luck! The first time should never be the first time! So if you know how to practice and train, get a trainer. Get a mentor. Get someone's hindsight to be your foresight, before you do it, before it counts, get some practice. Beginner's luck doesn’t work.

 

[nwdavis]

Once upon a time there was a very small kingdom that was known for two things. They had a very wise king and a very famous baker. Every morning people would line up for blocks waiting to buy the bakers bread. One Monday morning a beggar woman was just standing there outside the baker’s bakery. The baker came out and said beggar lady what are you doing here? She said I mean no harm I just want to smell the luscious smells coming from your bakery. He said please leave you are ruining my business and you are stealing from me. She said I am not stealing I am just standing here peacefully. The baker decided to take the beggar lady to the king because he thought she was stealing from him. When they had their audience in front of the king and accused her of stealing. The king said to the beggar lady what do you say in your defense? She beggar lady said, I don’t mean any harm the smells are so luscious they fill me up. What do you say baker? She's stealing. The king said beggar lady do you have any coins? The lady said I have a few. The king said may I have those few coins. She gave the king the few coins she had. The king dropped them from his left hand to his right hand repeatedly. And he said to the baker. Do you hear the sounds of the coins? The baker said yes I do. The king said well this sound would be payment for the smell of your bread.

 

[nwdavis]

Holiday Stress Busters
By Fred L. Miller

Stress. An unreasonable or overwhelming demand on the nervous system.

Holiday Stress - Family & Friends not doing what you want, how you want it done, when you feel it needs to be done.

1. Remember the reason for the Season. Take one deep breath and remember why you are here.

2. Live today only. Cling to no animosity regarding yesterday. Holding a resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Take three deep breaths.

3. Steer clear of holiday arguments by not giving other people directions. As Mark Twain said, "I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do. I already don’t do half the things I know I should do."

4. Worry not. Here’s why - take your pick.

A. Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.

B. If a problem has a solution there is no need to worry about it. If there is no answer for the problem, worry will do no good.

C. Worry is a way of getting what you don’t want.

5. Take a deep breath and say a short affirmation. Take two deep breaths. Continue breathing.

6. Carry with you something small that reminds you of peaceful times - a lucky charm, or a talisman. When agitated, pull your object out of your pocket or purse and hark back to a moment of tranquility.

7. Avoid arguments in general, but especially with people who are not in the room with you.

8. Sit down, close your eyes and visualize yourself in your favorite place in nature.

9. Place a symbol of the season in plain sight e.g. on your desk or the kitchen table.

10. Step outside. Feel the sun on your face. Say ‘thank you’ for the day.

11. Take a deep breath and remember what your grandmother's kitchen smelled like - baked casseroles, fresh pies, spices? If not your grandmother, how about a favorite aunt, or a best friend's kitchen at holiday time?

12. Call a friend and wish them Happy Holidays.

13. Play seasonal music OR if you are sick of it, keep silence in your home, car and work place.

14. Laugh out loud and decide to be happy. As Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Laughing makes you breathe deeper.

 

[nwdavis]

Have you ever tried to make yourself happy? Well, let me have some ice
cream that will make me happy, or I'm going to go to the movies, that will
make me happy. I'm going to buy myself a present, that will make me happy.
Have you ever noticed how temporary that happiness is? It lasts as long as
the ice cream last. It lasts as long the movie lasts. It lasts as long as
the thrill of getting something new lasts. Do you really want to make
yourself happy? Don't make happiness a goal. make it a by-product. Make
somebody else happy. Buy them the ice cream; take them to the movies, and
buying them the presents will make you a lot happier. Happiness is not a
good goal. Happiness is a good by product of a goal. So, if you want to
feel better make somebody else feel better then you will feel better. It's
a law, it's not just an idea it works every single time. Make somebody else
happy, I mean in all honesty I know that sounds crazy but it is better to
give than to receive. You find that over and over again it's the truth it's
the law. When you give somebody else a gift. The giver feels better than
the getter.

 

[nwdavis]

So many 25th's of December
Just as many 4th of July's
And we're still holding it together
It only comes down to you and I

I know you can still remember
Things we said right from the start
When we said that this could be special
I'm keeping those words deep down in my heart

Another year has gone by
And I'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by

I never been much for occasions
You never let another birthday go by
Without announcing how much you love me
But the truth was always there
Right there in your eyes

And we're still holding hands when we're walking
Acting like we've only just met
But how can that be - when there's so much history
I guess that's how true lovers can get

Another year has gone by
And I'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by

I know a lot of people hate Celine Dion, but I just love this song. I listen to it each holiday season a realize how lucky I am to have someone to share my life with.
Thank You stlboi, I love you!

 

[nwdavis]

The holiday season is a time of gift buying. People carry more cash than usual. To avoid becoming a target for criminals, follow these simple precautions.

* Stay alert to your surroundings.
* Whether driving, walking or taking public transportation, plan the trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by the most direct and safest route.
* Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave quickly.
* Carry your man purse close to your body or your wallet inside a front pocket.
* Carry your wireless phone and encourage those you know to do the same.
* Lock your car and close the windows even if you are going to be away for only a few minutes. Lock packages in the trunk to keep them out of sight.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card.

Security At Home

Increased activity and excitement often make people less careful just when they should be most cautious. Take a few minutes to ensure you and your family's safety this season.



* Lock doors and windows when you leave the house.
* If you go out, leave a light and a radio on so that the house appears occupied.
* When away, use an automatic timer for your lights and ask a neighbor to pick up your mail.
* Ensure adequate fire safety. Be especially aware when using candles and extension cords. Test smoke detectors. Review fire safety with your family.
* Finally, don't drink and drive.

Happy and Safe Holidays,