The weigh-in Wednesday hasn't happened for a while, as my life continues to transition, again. Transition is a constant, I suppose. We're always moving through changes in life, especially when you spend time, and intention on manifesting changes through self-reflection, and growth actions.

My scale this morning said 213. I haven't even stepped on it in two weeks. Fighting whatever upper respiratory issue I've had, I haven't had the motivation to get to the gym, but I have been working on reducing intake. So I guess that's a positive direction given a lack of exercise. My goals haven't changed in these regards, but I'm trying to be patient, and just keep putting a little more toward them without worrying so much about the setbacks. There are going to be a lot more changes happening before I close out 2018. I'm not sure exactly the direction of some of them, but I'm hopeful, and excited.

Hopeful, and excited are often a conscious reflection of how changes will play out. I know, in reality, changes don't always end with positive results - at least, not right away. That's where the patience come into play.

I also know as changes are made, there needs to be reflection on those changes, and if they're being productive. Sometimes you need to know when to cut ties with a change, and make a new change, or recognize your initial thoughts of what a change would bring were inaccurate, and something different is needed.

Newest Change - Back To The Old

I returned this week to a previously held contract position since that whole full-time job thing in the summer didn't quite work out. I'm not going to disparage anyone here, but the contract job wasn't really a busy job the first time around, and thus far hasn't improved any this time around, so you might see a lot more blog content here in the near future.

Understanding The New

I already see people complaining about how the new wave of house Democrats are using social media to express their experiences as they start this new position, and this new part of life. On Twitter they are being called childish, divisive, and foolish.

I happen to find it smart, informative, and genuine. These are real people, and they are communicating with the newest generations of voters - those who will support them long term. The next generation of leaders - those who will also run for office in the future, and shape our nation. It is communication the younger generation understands, and brings a completely new view of what it means to be in Congress.

Kudos to them for taking advantage of social media, and the power to communicate directly with your constituents in a positive way.

Ironically, those complaining, on social media, of course, are often people who hang on every tweeted (and often misspelled) word of the Corruptor and Cheeto, as he rants, and rails on about how unfairly he is treated. Of course, there's no accountability for his blatant, pathological lying to the nation, which, if you think about it, is a pretty unfair way to treat the people of the nation you're supposed to be leading.

So, as I put into the Universe this show of support for our new, young, and diverse representatives, whom I know will never read this, I say, keep being you. It is what got you to where you are, and your genuine caring about people is evident in your words, and actions. We need many more like you to fill Capitol Hill.

Come To Buffalo

Two weeks ago, my good friend Nate Cronk rolled out his newest song, and video, Come To Buffalo; a modern anthem heralding the welcoming nature of Buffalo, and the residents of this area. Well, not all residents. Buffalo, like any other city, has its share of people who don't exactly uphold the ideals many of us would like this city to continue to embody, but for the most part you won't find too many other places like Buffalo when it comes to people connections, and friendliness.

Here is the video.

I happily put in about a half-day working on this with them, knowing I had other obligations that day. I did what I could helping to set up scenes, and taking behind-the-scene photos as the day progressed. Nate, and cinematographer Jason Jurewicz, being the professionals, and good people that they are did credit me in the end for my part-time efforts.

Last night I photographed, and took part in a discussion, and presentation, given by four minority, female business owners from the Buffalo Hispanic Women's League. As these amazing women told their stories of immigration, acclimation, and achievement, one story stood out.

The owner of Karma Salon told a story of growing up in Brooklyn, the daughter of Puerto Rican parents. She explained that her mother is a very dark complexioned woman, but her father is vary fair skinned. Although they are both Puerto Rican, they were viewed as an inter-racial couple, and found their home in Brooklyn became increasingly difficult to live in, especially for their children. So at a young age, her family packed up, and headed out of Brooklyn, finding their way to Buffalo where they found a community that welcomed them, accepted them, and helped them flourish.

This is the Buffalo I want to know, and want everyone to see. The Buffalo that works hard to welcome refugees from all over the world. The Buffalo that helps people get a new start. The Buffalo that appreciates, and cherishes the cultural differences that those who find a new home here share with us, and celebrate the traditions of others, while sharing some of our own traditions with them.

Last weekend I photographed Buffalo Without Borders, organized by the International Institute - an organization dedicated to helping refugees find, and establish a new home here in Buffalo. The event is an amazing display of how these cultures, when welcomed, and accepted, enhance our city, and who we all are as individuals. Although I wish more of those underrepresented cultures could afford to provide to an event like this, it was great to see so much diversity under one roof.

Here are some images from the event.

Small Business Saturday

I think the thing I struggle with the most for the holidays is this Black Friday concept. People don't feel they've successfully done the holidays the right way unless they're buying someone a new TV at supposedly 50% or a new Laptop for $200, which come with the warning that every store has a single unit in stock, and people might be willing to kill you to get it first.

I have never been a proponent of Black Friday, or stores being open on Thanksgiving. I think the entire concept is silly, and destructive, not to mention inconvenient.

When American Express started their Small Business Saturday idea back in 2010 I was still running my technology business, and I jumped on board with it. It never really worked for me. Small businesses, especially in certain markets, just can't keep up with the bombardment of advertising, and the ownership of mind-share that big box stores own in America. Even in the most progressive of communities, small businesses rarely see the positive influx of business across the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

So through my social media this year, I am going to be posting about small businesses I have worked with, and experienced that can give everyone an option to avoid the big box stores, and get more thoughtful gifts for the people in their lives. No one reads my blog, so it won't be here, but I still need something to write about in this space. But if you do happen to accidentally read this page, and mistakenly read this far down the page, keep an eye out on my social media for gift ideas for those whom you REALLY care about.

Oh, and I won't be promoting me. Sure, family photos are great for the holidays, but that's not really a big-screen TV now, is it? Wall art? That's fantastic - let me put together some custom framed photos for you! But that would be the day someone buys something like that for a holiday gift. I'll give you some other better ideas.

Sincerely, The Gentleman Grinch.

Now, you'll have to excuse me while I return to this corporate void, where I always have to curb my instinctive, "That's What She Said," response.