The Declaration of Independence, or the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, was adopted on this day in 1776 by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And so, today we celebrate …
At the end of last week, a harmonic convergence brought together a chance to see one of my favorite writers and to hang out with some dear friends from high school.
One of my best friends from college came from Nashville with a strong Tennessee accent.
Saying that it was incredibly noticeable in Kentucky is saying something…but that’s for another post.
He got teased a lot for his accent to which he would respond “Y’all Qui-yut.”
But when he went home for winter break, his Mother said “you sound like a Yankee.”
He’s been a United Methodist pastor in Florida for years now and the accent has softened considerably.
I thought of him yesterday as I read Chris Brogan’s newsletter: Quit and Quit Some More.
Chris said:
Quit whatever doesn’t please you and quit whatever isn’t moving the needle. Even if it’s something you think you can’t quit, you’d be amazed.
The first example he gave was that, while he still uses it for promotion, he’s no longer leaving a tab open for Twitter. He still opens it to promote his work and to check notifications. I closed my Twitter tab while writing this. We’ll see how long that lasts.
NARRATOR: It Didn’t Last Long
To be fair, I get my news from Twitter. No, not from the bots or the zealots, but I’ll see what is happening or
Available at Mug Shots (click the pic)
trending and follow the links.
That’s also another story.
But Chris has a point about quitting the things that are distracting.
Long-time readers, which of course you all should be, will know that I constantly talk about reassessing priorities and projects.
That worked when I focused on the one project and finished (and published) CAT and PIG A Story of Friendship. Available on Amazon if you haven’t purchased your copy yet. If you have, please leave a review.
Since I released the book, I’ve been sorting out the next great project. I’m not yet sure what that is. I have a list.
Truth is, so far the July focus has been on moving the oldest offspring to Atlanta, followed by last week’s return to in-person at the office on Monday through Wednesday.
All that to say that there hasn’t been a lot of time for other projects.
Well, not exactly true, but it’s been difficult to focus.
Maybe Chris has a point.
I digress. See what I mean?
But, I did make at least one decision to quit.
Last week, in a very difficult decision, I left my job in merchandise at the amusement park. It still makes me sad, but it was the right decision.
I think I mentioned that I’ve been watching my way through the Marvel movies in timeline order. I am reminded that I am not a superhero…or a mutant for that matter.
The return to the office last week confirmed one thing. In my current health state, and following Last Summer’s Great Unpleasantness™ I accepted the reality that I just can’t work a seven-day week.
It’s all good. Or it will be.
I’ll admit that the first weekend of not working had me struggling to adjust priorities again.
I will also admit to a couple of naps on Saturday, because I could. And also because naps are frowned upon when I’m in the downtown office.
But, it’s Monday and I’m back there today. When I do the maths I know that I can’t quit that yet.
Also, I hate maths.
I’m realizing, or maybe it’s just admitting, that I’ll never get to the point where all my ducks are in a row, especially since I don’t have ducks.
I thought for a while about getting chickens, but that would just be another project I don’t have time for…also bees.
I know some of you are reading this and thinking “for heaven’s sake can’t that boy just focus on one project at a time?”
All I have to say is “y’all qui-yut.”
BORN ON THIS DAY
1811 – William Makepeace Thackeray, English author and poet (d. 1863)
1911 – Hume Cronyn, Canadian-American actor, producer, and screenwriter (d. 2003)
1913 – Red Skelton, American actor and comedian (d. 1997)
1918 – Nelson Mandela, South African lawyer and politician, 1st President of South Africa, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 2013)
1921 – John Glenn, American colonel, astronaut, and politician (d. 2016)
1937 – Hunter S. Thompson, American journalist and author (d. 2005)
1940 – James Brolin, American actor
1947 – Steve Forbes, American publisher and politician
1950 – Richard Branson, English businessman, founded Virgin Group
1954 – Ricky Skaggs, American singer-songwriter, mandolin player, and producer
1961 – Elizabeth McGovern, American actress
1967 – Vin Diesel, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
THINGS YOU SHOULD READ
Hunter Biden laptop shows dozens of meetings with dad, business partners New York Post
The breakfasts, lunches and other gabfests between 2008 and 2016 raise questions about whether Hunter was relaying messages to his father on behalf of foreign clients, and cast new doubt on the president’s repeated denials that he had any role in his son’s shady overseas business dealings. Read More.
Biden fails to secure major security, oil commitments at Arab summit Reuters
President Joe Biden told Arab leaders on Saturday that the United States would remain an active partner in the Middle East, but he failed to secure commitments to a regional security axis that would include Israel or an immediate oil output rise. Read More.
Democrat Senator Throws Another Wrench Into Biden’s Agenda. Biden Is Not Pleased Daily Wire
Two sources told CNN that Manchin — even after months of negotiations with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — will “unequivocally” refuse to support Democratic legislation related to climate change and tax increases in an economic package. Read More.
Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Makes Huge Stock Move Ahead of Key Vote On Chip Subsidies Daily Wire
“Obviously, Speaker Pelosi would be aware of the timing of this legislation over in the Senate,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) told the Daily Caller. “On the heels of that vote, for anyone in her orbit to purchase seven-figures worth of stock of an U.S.-based chip manufacturer just reeks of impropriety.” Read More.
Incarcerated transgender woman Demi Minor impregnates two inmates at NJ prison New York Post
A transgender woman behind bars at a New Jersey women’s prison impregnated two fellow inmates, prompting officials to move her to a different facility, a report revealed Saturday. Read More.
Dear Democrats: I am not a taco
Danielle Alvarez in The Hill
While it might be easy to laugh at Jill Biden, we should remember this wasn’t off the cuff: She read these prepared remarks from a teleprompter. This was a planned speech that dozens of Biden officials saw and signed off on. It’s a revealing window into how this Democratic administration views Hispanic Americans. Read More.
Sunday Firesides: Distraction Expands to Fill the Void Available The Art of Manliness
We give in to distraction because we can; because no matter how busy we think we are, we still have plenty of slack in our lives. Read More.
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
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One of my best friends from college came from Nashville with a strong Tennessee accent.
That worked when I focused on the one project and finished (and published) CAT and PIG A Story of Friendship. Available on Amazon if you haven’t purchased your copy yet. If you have, please leave a review.
Hunter Biden laptop shows dozens of meetings with dad, business partners
