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It is hard being on the road over 200 nights a year...away from your family, isolated in many ways. It definitely isn't for everyone. This blogs represents the thoughts of just one such person. Read along and find out if the road is for you.
This is my new blogchalk:
United States, Georgia, Gainesville, Unity of Gainesville, English, John, Male, reading, RE Investing. :)
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Wednesday, January 14, 2004
And not a moment too soon...
Heading home this afternoon and I am defiinitely ready. These folks are nice enough, but I haven't felt well the last three mornings. For those who are on the road regularly, you heal better in your own bed :)
Read Natasha's blog with interest yesterday. I need to send her a Boomer for the help she gave the other day.
I was out for awhile last night, but not out on the town fun. I was doing some shopping for some parting gifts to some folks as a thank you for the past couple of days. They have made me feel extremely comfortable and a part of their organization.
I remember reading something that I believe Warren Buffet said. "The best friendships are those that start as business relationships and end as personal friendships." This is another one of such a relationship among clients.
I am not sure what is on tap for tomorrow and Friday. I could defnitely use a day or two off. On top of that, I need to check out two houses on Saturday and put up my bandit signs as well.
And it is also time to start giving the pool service business a little more focus over the next few weeks. This is going to be a make it or break it year for that. I am however confident of its' success.
I will write more later. Just not alot of energy at the moment and I have to pack to leave.
Blog on!
posted by John Panico at 6:23 AM
Monday, January 12, 2004
"The difference between the 'almost-right' word and the 'right' word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."
- Mark Twain
I am not sure which I am today (the lightning or the bug). This is a quote that I can relate to very easily today. Or maybe I am trying to say I wish I could tell what the opposite sex was “really” thinking, and respond accordingly.
I guess the next question I should ask myself is why I am having this conversation with myself? I do know the answer. It happens a couple of times a year when you just really hit it off with somebody and ask those, “What if…” questions. Just this time, it is on another level. Yikes!
No, nothing has happened and there isn’t anything to suggest that it ever will. I guess I am easily attracted to a woman like this because she is smart, sexy, and has a business sense about her (which in many ways is as sexy or even sexier than her awesome body that goes with a great personality). I can’t say that we started on the best of terms (my issue, not hers…that judgement thing that will slap you in the face), but I would like to consider that we are more than casual friends.
And how do I respond to her graciousness and gifts without rocking the apple cart so to speak? This person was kind of enough to give me a gift today. I don’t take gifts from a lot of folks, especially happily married ones. But we have also become friends, so in some ways, I am betwixt and between. Perhaps, some flowers when she is back home.
Defnitely something to ponder and run by Natasha. She will understand and give good advice.
Blog on!
posted by John Panico at 5:31 AM
Sunday, January 11, 2004
"Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music."
- George Carlin –
It is the weekend and I am not at home. And I have 4 more days until I get there. I wish I were home with Julie, Freeway and AJ. I miss them. Even more so, because the last few weeks have afforded me more time at home than I can remember in recent memory.
I saw this quote and it inspired me to post a line or two. Living the life of a road warrior is not for everyone. I am sure that those who read my rants and ramblings here in this blog wonder, ”Why doesn’t he just do something else?” And I have to admit; I wonder the same thing myself. Even make goals to accomplish it.
But there is also something to doing this job for Da Company, even with the challenges and travails of the travel from place to place and with management that in many cases just doesn’t get it. What that “something” is, can be difficult to explain to those who haven’t experienced/endured this life.
Yet, in many ways, I couldn’t imagine me working/doing anything else. I am not sure that I could go to work for a small company, doing the same routine job, day after day, week after week, etc. Can I ever go back to that existence? Can this search for a new job/employer really provide fulfillment? Maybe it is like the dog chasing the car…what do you do with it once you catch it?
I was at a customer recently and like a lot of my customers, the employees have been there a long time. In many cases, management sucks and their only interest is in lining their own pockets at the expense of these very dedicated employees. These employees go years without pay raises, have bullying or un-skilled bosses and their only reward is a $100 bill at year-end. Is that appreciation?
I look at all of my customers as potential employers and then wonder, “Why do these people stay?” or “What keeps these very talented people at a company that doesn’t acknowledge or appreciate them?” Often times, I ask them. Ultimately, they want to make a difference in helping their companies succeed. They know their bosses capabilities, make allowances for them, and despite all of their bosses many downsides, feel they can overcome that and still help the company not only prosper, but also thrive.
Sometimes their explanations of why they continue to stay make sense. Most times not. And when they don’t, I try not to judge. I do my best to remember what George Carlin said about the music.
Blog on!
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