Posts Under "Gratitude":
June 1, 2008
One thing I've learned about having a skill that is in high demand is this:
Everyone wants your time, but no one wants to pay for it.
Seriously.
As a web developer, I get asked ALL the time if I can "help" with this project or that project. "Help" usually translates into "no pay" or "volunteer effort." But yet, when you agree to help, then they start imposing deadlines and making demands of you. Craigslist is full of these kinds of jokers, who's compensation is listed as "company shares" or "no pay - thanks as a reward." Yeah, that helps pay the bills.
Thing is, my time isn't free, folks. Seriously now. I spent a lot of effort learning what I know, and my boss bills me out at a high rate because I'm good. I don't mind helping people here and there, but I'm really done now with the whole idea of "free services" for people I know.
The worst thing you can do to a friendship is take their skill and treat it like trash by demanding things they don't owe you and act like you're their client while you don't pay them. That's not cool. Be nice to your tech people - remember, we know how to crash your computers!
9:43 pm | Comment (4) | Print | Categories: Frustration, Gratitude, PHP, Technology
May 26, 2008
With the picnics and camping trips and sporting events of this weekend wrapping up, Americans will return to their lives and start their summers. But this holiday dedicated to those heroic persons who gave their final measure of devotion on the world's battlefields deserve to be remembered, and we should take time to do so.
With Americans deployed worldwide, it is also important that we show honor and respect to those who have made tremendous personal sacrifice. Though we may debate the politics of the war, we should never debase the heroism of our soldiers, and we owe them nothing less than our best wishes.
To those serving in uniform, thank you for your service. To those who have gone before and lost their lives in defense of America's freedom, they have not died in vain, but for the greater cause of liberty in a chaotic and dangerous world. America is better because they served, and America is worse off because of the lives we have lost.
So take a moment to remember. Cherish the freedom and prosperity that the sacrifice of thousands has preserved. Forget not the lives lost, and be thankful for those willing to give it all.
6:23 pm | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: Contemplation, Gratitude, Holidays
November 20, 2007
I'm thankful for great friends. I'm thankful that my friend Robert isn't in Iraq anymore. I'm thankful that my mother worked so hard to help me get here. I'm thankful that God saved me and I'm thankful that I have so much.
So what are you thankful for? Tell me in the comments!
10:20 pm | Comment (4) | Print | Categories: Contemplation, Gratitude, Holidays