Be prepared for downtime

Posted on July 12, 2009 by Wes Johnson

We had agreed on a meeting time of around 1pm.  However, when you are traveling with a group of people, you can’t exactly control when or how quickly things happen.  Since I figured I wouldn’t have to wait long, I didn’t bring anything to fill my downtime.  I didn’t even bring recreational material like magazines or books or anything.

After that experience, I decided to rethink this for the future.  You just never know when an unexpected event might cause delays.  In the future, I plan to bring a TO DO Satchel with me wherever I go.

My TO DO Satchel will have the following contents:

  1. To do lists
  2. To do materials for the high priority projects
  3. Pens & notepads
  4. Bottled water & energy bars – you never know when you’ll have to wait a really long time
  5. Latest Magazines I’m reading.
  6. Latest Book I’m reading.

Now, when delays happen, I’ll be more prepared for the next downtime opportunity.  Fortunately, I did have my cell phone with me.  The cell phone has a built-in notepad application.  I was able to use the application to record my ideas for this article.  Maybe some day in the future, I’ll get one of those iPhones to blog with.

Till next time, don’t forget to bring your downtime materials

Posted in Blog | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Lake Chabot revisited

Posted on July 11, 2009 by Wes Johnson
Wes hiking at Lake Chabot

Wes hiking at Lake Chabot

Today two of my kids and I went hiking at Lake Chabot. Last time you will remember, my wife and I had a few issues with our hiking journey. This time, I was a little more prepared. I wore better socks. I had the moleskin, but I didn’t have to use it this time. I brought a time source and a camera. One interesting note about bringing my camera, while I was watching one of my favorite shows rocketboom.com there was a video clip about what’s in your tech bag there was a reference to putting your camera in a sock. I thought this was a great idea, so I protected my camera this trip with an old sock. We left the marina around 1pm, we took the same trails as I did last time. East Shore Trail to Lake Chabot East Shore along Honker Bay Trail.  We arrived at the family campsites on the ridge a little after 2pm we stopped and ate and rested for a while, then we returned via Huck’s Trail and back along the East Shore Trail.   We arrived back at the Marina around 4pm.

Lake Chabot East Shore

Lake Chabot East Shore

 It sure seems like the return trip was quicker for some reason.  I can’t think of any issues this time, except for maybe a tripod to take more group pictures with.  I will bring this along with me next time.

We’re talking about maybe hiking some trails at Yosemite in the near future.  I definitely plan to take more pictures.
Till next time,  please support our great State Parks
Posted in Blog | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Posted on July 10, 2009 by Wes Johnson

Sometimes, we need to stop focusing on all the negative that’s been happening in our world. There’s a lot of good still happening, we just need to stop, listen to some good music relax. Don’t forget to SMILE 🙂

The song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin keeps coming into my head.  I wanted to hear it play, so I went to youtube.com and found it. The message was just what I needed to hear.

To make things even better, while I was at the YouTube website I came across Bob Marley singing “Three Little Birds” this is another wonderful song that lifts up the spirit. But before I finished, I came across a young singer named Connie Talbot. She was singing none other than “Three Little Birds” It was even better hearing her sing it. I’m definitely going to be watching her career. What an amazing voice she has. For your listening pleasure, I have included two links of Connie Talbot singing “Three Little Birds” and “Three Little Birds” video.

While writing this blog, I had a little frustration trying to get the youtube video embedded.  After a little patience, I now have everything is okay.

Till next time, as the song says “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” 🙂

Posted in Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment

ACM membership is a great value

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Wes Johnson

I am a member of the Association for Computing Machinery.  One of the membership benefits is access to SafariBooksOnline.com, books24x7.com and elementK.com

These online book services provide a large selection of current books with relevant topics that fall under Business, Personal Improvement, Engineering, IT and Technical areas.  These books, in my opinion, would be useful to just about any Information Technology or Computing professional.  One note: the selection is tailored for ACM members.  ElementK also provides online lessons for those who want to keep their programming or management skills sharp.

Many times, the information I need to resolve issues is not always found on the internet.  In the past, I would run to the public library or to a bookstore and hope to find a book that had the information I needed.  Of course, if the book isn’t on the bookshelf, then that doesn’t work so good.

Now, I check out these online sources first before I go to a bookstore.  Usually, I will find a book that has the information I need in it.  Depending on the retail cost of the book, after using this service just 3 or 4 times, it pays for the cost of the membership.

Sometimes, you need to have a physical book with you.  I look over the online books before I buy one.  Usually you can tell after the first chapter or two if you’re going to like the book or not.

Till next time, check out the free trial to see what I mean

Posted in Blog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

An Eagle Scout’s Wisdom

Posted on July 7, 2009 by Wes Johnson

In Boy Scouts they teach some basic rules to live by:

  • Scout Motto – “Be Prepared”
  • Scout Slogan – “Do a good turn daily”
  • Scout Oath – “Duty to God”, “Help people”, “Physically strong”,”Mentally awake”,”Morally straight”
  • Scout Law – “Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent”

The Scouting program also teaches some important life skills:

  • Citizenship
  • Knot tying
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • First Aid
  • Teamwork
  • Orienteering
  • Cooking
  • Fire building
  • Leadership
  • Service
  • Communication
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Environmental Science
  • Personal Management

 

If a scout manages their time effectively, they can earn the greatest honor in scouting, the rank of Eagle.  Many scouts who have achieved this rank do not realize it at the time, but once you’re an Eagle you’re always an Eagle.  They have been trained to be successful leaders.  Many Eagles go on to college, some become leaders in their community, some serve their country, some become entrepreneurs and others enter the workforce in their chosen career.  Even though they may take a break from scouting for a few years while getting their higher education, they eventually come back to the scouting program and serve as adult leaders.

 Eagle Rank

I am one of those people.  I earned the rank of Eagle before my 18th birthday.  When my boys were old enough to be in the scouting program, I became an adult leader.  This has been a very rewarding experience.  Two of my sons have also earned the rank of Eagle.  I can’t wait to see what they will do in the future. My guess, is after they have settled down and have kids of their own, they will become adult leaders and probably want me to join in the fun.

Till next time, remember Eagles are forever

Posted in Blog | Tagged | Leave a comment