between

Just between you and me I was not sure what I wanted to write about this time.

Of course there is still lots of stuff going on but not a lot that makes me want to write about it. For example I have family members who just up and moved out of state and others thinking about going too, that business is a bit off (but everyone knows this) and also lots of friends are having tough issues that they are dealing with who want and need to talk. I can relate...

Most would say I'm a pretty laid-back guy and I would agree. I have tried getting mad before but nothing good seems to come out of it. Sure you can raise your blood pressure, throw stuff, and even get your adrenaline going by getting angry but all this usually doesn't help with fixing the issue. I usually do one of two things when I get angry, upset, or discouraged.

One being I take a deep breathe, sit down and start to figure a plan to fix the problem. I ask myself "how did this happen?" and move on to the solution and hopefully learn from my mistakes.

Two is not the better solution but one I have used many times. I will walk away so I can cool off and deal with it later. I hate conflict and would rather not be around it. Some say dealing with it straight up is better, I don't really know. You can help me here.

Staying motivated in the world today can be a hard thing. We all need to look for assistance wherever we can find it. You have to have faith and a connection with someone who will not only listen but be there for you when and if you need them. I have used my connection between conferences to talk and get to know some of the Ad3 people. They have helped me during rough times by being a ear for me to vent to when I was feeling down. And I have tried my best to give advice on issues affecting them.

Call, text or email me if you want to know more about me or just want to talk.

Jim-n-i

Jim-n-I

"What is that? What's that all about? Why do you do it?" are a few questions I get when people see my Jim-n-I photos.

And when I asked total strangers if they have had their Jim-n-I picture yet their response is usually "what is It?" or "I'm not a Gemini" or "no". When they answer "what is it?" I say "look here", referring to my camera and take the picture. When they answer "no" I say "good, that's great, look here". And lastly when they answer " no, I'm a something other than Gemini" I say "good I'm a Taurus. Look here". Any way they answer the answer is right and I have the opportunity to take the picture. Sometimes their friends even do the introduction for me saying "you have to do it. It's fun" and the ice is broken even easier.

What is it? That's simple it's just a picture of me and you that I take by stretching my arm with the camera facing us.

What's it all about? It's about a couple of things. First, it's an icebreaker, my way of meeting total strangers. Second, it's fun and since I am a shy guy (I know what you are thinking but it's true) it makes me smile and get over my shyness. Three, it's a simple self promotion, me branding me. Not for the money but for the fun and friends I make along the way.

Why do I do it? Well it started when I was asked to be historian for the 4th District of the American Advertising Federation. I was tasked to take photos of conference attendees and then put a little fun video/slide wrap-up presentation together to show at end of conference. And like I said I am a shy guy and meeting strangers was a little stressful. Don't get me wrong when you get to know me you can't shut me up but whatever. So I had to think of a way to introduce myself and leave an impression so all the people I met would be comfortable with me taking pictures of them. This was what I came up with... ask a question, take a picture, and have fun doing it. So Jim-n-I came to be and I have taken over 1000 pictures of me with people like you.

If you know me you most likely have had a Jim-n-I pictures taken. If you haven't... what the heck? Let's get one now! Smile!

Realationships > Real + Relationships

How do you start writing about relationships that are real? I believe you have experience things before you can talk about them and have someone believe it or at least listen. It has to be part of your reality or learned through someone else's experiences.

We all have been involved in relationships with loved ones, family, co-workers, friends and even people we interact with during the course of the our day. In these relationships the more real or true we are the more we will get out of them.

I guess it all depends on what we want from these relationships and sometimes what we are willing to do to get what we want. Treat people like you want to be treated. Try not to judge because we don't know who people really are by just outer appearances or current jobs... get to know people.

I know it sounds a little bit weird but we all have needs. Some of us (me) just need a hug from time to time, others want someone to hang out with when they are alone, someone to talk to, and others are looking for something that is missing in their lives. I know people who are very successful in their careers but their personal lives are out of sync right now. I also know some who are in love so much that they are not focusing on work... blinded by it. We all need balance. I'm still working on this too.

I tend to talk to random people when out in public (and by random meaning I hadn't met them before) and I like to listen to what they are into at this time in their lives. Some people talk about how the kids are growing up so quickly, others are looking for a place to met girls/guys to party with, and even others talk about the rough times they are having in their relationships including love, sex and the way they roll. How or why do we talk to total strangers about things that are so personal? I've done it before online chatting to people I have never met in real life. I guess we figure that we will never met them and we are looking for someone to listen and might even get some good advice. But do remember that those online people are real people and they can become real life friends, so keep it real don't blow things out of proportion or lie.

When it comes to giving advice to people I usually think about what's in it for both people involved. I may have been told what one side of the relationship needed but then I think about what the other person may have wanted. Sometimes the problem sticks out there like a sore thumb but since we are involved in relationship so deeply (emotionally, physically, whatever) we tend to be blinded by it. Love is a crazy mofo (motivator) that will make us do things we thought we would have never even considered in the past. I know I have done some crazy stuff... well we don't need to go there again. And I am NOT a doctor or have a degree in psychology so my advice is only a Jim-ology (thanks Jessi). My take on it from my point of view.

All of us from time to time need someone to listen to us vent and maybe even give us advice on how to handle a relationship issue. Be there for your friends and even if the people who are not your friends ask to talk... listen. Karma is another thing that maintains that every act done, no matter how insignificant, will eventually return to the doer with equal impact.

Be good to people, all people, listen, love, have your heart broken... do it again 'cause no one's perfect, and we all have needs.

work. play. passion.