The Crazy Ones Lead the Way

by Karrin

I came across this YouTube video, posted by cherumaz and originally from Apple, and it got me to thinking about what it means to be different. We like to believe we are a curious species ready to learn and explore new territory.  The truth is, it’s not popular to question the current ways in which we live.  New ideas are not always welcome.  Those who go into unfamiliar territory are not always joined by others.  The unknown is dark and different; there is no way of knowing what will be there.  

If the few “crazy ones” go out on a limb, and either fall off or get some fruit, many others learn what’s possible.  Our human potential depends on those who are willing, to ask different questions, and go where the masses refuse to.  It is lonely to be one of the few, but the payoff in being “ahead of the times” is worth any feelings of isolation. To be ahead of the times is to be misunderstood by the many.  The many discharge emotions while the few make plans and execute them. 

The more people complain about new ideas the more it helps new ideas to spread.  In exploring new ways of doing things, experimentation is necessary.  The bold ones in this life are willing to experiment, mess up, and start over. They are willing to be laughed at and called Crazy for legitimate reasons.  The Crazy Ones teach the most.  They are the ones people are curious about, even if people don’t fully understand what they are up to. There isn’t much that can be said to the Crazy Ones that can stop them from pursuing what they know to be true.  Pay attention to the Crazy Ones; give it time, they may not be as crazy as you think they are.

Job Hunting Without Congress (and Other Appendages)

by Rosemari

In August, I graduated with my Masters from American University.  Like most of my fellow graduates, I hit the pavement, trying to find a paying position between pulling espresso shots and my dream job.  Along the way, I got bundles of advice from all kinds of great, helpful people.  Some of it I knew (networking is important; don’t have typos on your cover letter or resume).   Some of it was new (you will be judged based on your social media presence; your personal references can be held against you). And some of it was, for lil’ ol’ me, somewhat shocking to hear in 2011. Here are a few “gems:”

Photo source

1.     “Do you have any advice on people I might want to reach out to?” – me to a director of a large government agency in an informational interview

“If your parents know members of Congress, you should call them now.” – Director of aforementioned government agency

This advice exemplifies nepotism at its best.  When I walked into his office, I had already proved myself with two months of quality work.  But after this comment, I knew that no matter how hard I worked or how much I deserved a position, it wasn’t going to be enough to land me a full-time jig (at least not in his mind).  While it was an extremely condescending moment for me, I also knew it was, in part, the truth.

2.     “Should I apply to this department?”  – me  to a very helpful manager in a large government agency

“Yes, but you won’t get in. And if you do, they will never promote you or let you try anything new.  You are a woman and it’s still an old boys club.” – Very helpful manager in a large government agency

Old boys club? Huh? In 2011?

While I hate this advice, it came from one of my biggest cheerleaders, who tried every trick in the book to make sure I was gainfully employed.  I knew that it was well intentioned – the last thing she wanted was for me not to reach my potential because of a silly thing like gender.  It made me wonder how many of my applications were overlooked because of my gender.  And whether or not I wanted to spend my professional life breaking through glass ceilings.

3.     “This position about international family planning looks awesome.  What do you think of the organization?” – Me to an international family planning consultant

“[The organization] is only good if you have a penis.” – International family planning consultant

Errr... Well, I guess won’t waste my time spell checking that cover letter.  Once again, even if I landed a position in an organization like that, I knew it would be an uphill battle.  And I also knew that thanks to decades of work done before me, I was privileged to encounter this response a handful of times.  But, in my opinion, a handful is still too many.

Luckily, I am extremely fortunate to find gainful employment that I love, with a little help from Facebook, a former classmate, and a great organization willing to take a chance on me.  But I wonder how discrimination plays either for or against job hunters every day – and whether or not people are typically so forthcoming in saying it out loud.

You Are What You Tweet...? An Infographic Review of 2011

by Rosemari


Resolution for 2012: Less tiger blood and more integrity? Here's an infographic from Frugaldad. 



Source: http://frugaldad.com

Trim Down and Keep it Down in 2012

by Karrin

This year, if you are going to lose weight, and keep it off, it’s important to acquire awesome, new habits.  The only way to trim down, and keep it down, is to replace old habits with new ones that work better.  You will become exhausted trying to resist what you can’t have, so focus on what you can have, not on what you can’t.

The secret to losing weight is to come to grips with something called a “healing crisis.”  A healing crisis is a time where you feel worse before you feel better because your body is detoxing.  Losing weight is all about cleansing the body.  Eating junk food will wear out your immune system and make you feel fuzzy.  The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to indulge the body with nutrient rich foods.

If you don’t like green vegetables make sure to take supplements.  You can take supplements full of fruits and vegetables and change your taste buds.  Take a full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. Make sure your body has all the perfect ingredients to function properly.  Drink tons of pure water.   Top quality oil assures you will be thinking clearly and not delusional about your body size or image.  Your brain needs fat so eat it and enjoy it.  Nuts and seeds are great sources of fat and protein. Eat meat and starches sparingly.  Include mineral salts in your diet which will help eliminate sugar cravings.  When your body is fed well, your thoughts, posture, and attitude all benefit. 

Make eating and feeling well a lifelong hobby.  Learn to enjoy fresh, raw food.  Nothing is more convenient than a piece of fresh fruit and a handful of raw nuts.  Stock the refrigerator with celery sticks, raw humus, homemade vegetable broth and other simple snacks. 

Learn, explore and experiment with new ways of eating and thinking about food.  Have a plan, be flexible, keep record of what you are doing, and make adjustments as you go.  Some people work best alone and others do better with a partner or group. Figure out what works best for you.  Eat delicious foods, collect the best recipes, and treat yourself to the best rewards each time you set a goal and accomplish it.  Taking care of your body is a lifelong task, go at your own pace.  Trim down, keep it down, and have a great year.