Stack Your Dinner Table

You are sitting at the dinner table with ten people who each embody one of the following characteristics. I entreat you to think about who your dinner feast would include and why they are each chosen to be present.

Here is my list as it stands currently. I find that I carry these people with me daily as I work toward my own pursuits, whether or not they are available for conversation.

Gutsy and Fearless: Ann Richards - I woman to be reckoned with and from whom to learn
Resilient: Dean Karnazes - I had the pleasure of seeing this 'ultramarathon man' speak at REI...astounding
Inspirational: Jeremy T. - close personal friend who has the power of turning visions in to reality
Reality Check: Alice E. - close personal friend and someone who is never afraid to tell it like it is
Humor Antidote: Robin Williams - I can't think of anyone who is more naturally comical
Storyteller: Hemingway - not much needs to be said here
Mentor: Vicki Goff (my mom) - has lived her life in the role of a mentor, helping people selflessly
Fun Maker: Monty Goff (my dad) - anywhere he goes, fun, friendliness and love are sure to follow
Decisive: Elizabeth C. - former boss and someone truly blessed with the art of powerful decision making
Implementer: I'm still working on this elusive one

p.s.
When writing this entry I did some quick research about "being decisive." What floated to the top of the Google search engine, you ask? Being decisive: The Art of Manliness--a Website about reclaiming your manliness. Well now, is this a battle of the genes or something else? Is decisiveness really a characteristic attributed to underlying masculine tendencies? I think it can be better characterized as a result of confidence, experience and being slightly risk-averse.

Give Everyone a Fare Shot

Although I haven't yet had the pleasure of becoming deeply involved with this organization, I need to draw some attention to Fare Start. As time permits I can't wait to familiarize myself more with them firsthand. Fare Start is a non profit that provides culinary job training for the homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Not only does it give these people the chance to mix their own recipe for success (yes, a little cliche); the organization also brings a bright idea to the city of Seattle. It puts expert culinary resources at the fingertips of people who otherwise might not have such an opportunity. It provides meals for those in need. More importantly, it provides training and tools to get people back on their feet. AND, it is just a really cool business model -- albeit a not for profit one. I tip my hat and my fork. -Kg

Frumpapotamus

Frumpapotamus -- A little known word that I feel characterizes a way of dress around here. When one feels they have so many layers on that they can hardly move, and yet they are still cold...they are a frumpapotamus. I have grown to know this word all too well. I am also in a perpetual state of chill. Brrrrr. Won't the cold ever leave?

Sesame Street Sells Wax to Kids

You heard me. The loved and renowned show watched universally sells wax to kids. Do I have a problem with that? Absolutely not. Let me tell you why...

My favorite and most memorable TV episode as a child was the Sesame Street episode that takes you into the Crayola factory (see link to YouTube video). To see the machines sorting all the colors one by one into boxes that mirror the rainbow of colors - well that was pure magic.

Crayola, as a brand, has forever since been imprinted on my brain and in my emotions. Every time I go to the store and walk down the craft isle I pick up a box, open it and sniff the colored wax. That's how you get customer loyalty for a wax product. You may think me insane. Perhaps I am, but tell me you haven't done the same.

The kicker is...I learned so much in that one episode; I learned about the manufacturing processes, about colors, about packaging and distribution. Thinking back, maybe this is where my love for marketing was born. The producers of this episode go down in my book of cretaing a work of pure genius. Also, do the people shown at work have any idea of the impact they had on so many childrens' lives? They should.

Marketing of this nature is neither offensive, or intrusive, and I have a pretty high barometer of trust. Maybe the format can be revisited. I miss "Trix Are For Kids" and "They're Grrrrreat" with Tony the Tiger boxtop baseballs. However I also value health and peace of mind for kids. Where is the line to be drawn?