tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26140247840659837582024-03-13T22:33:33.706-07:00Smooches, AdamBlog 2.0...lately, my Facebook status updates have been hijacked by a crazy letter writer who signs his messages with "Smooches, Adam". I think the best way to describe this blog would be the Una-bomber meets Kathy Griffin. Acid-tongued manifestos to follow...Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-86094460538900141522012-08-10T06:57:00.003-07:002012-08-10T06:57:45.400-07:00Why Can't I Find A Job?Dear Job-seeking Friends, <br />
<br />
From a great article entitled "The Four Key Principles of Successful Job Seekers"<br />
<br />
1. Use job search strategies that work. Two of the biggest challenges
job seekers face are knowing which job search approaches are the most
effective, and figuring out where to start in finding job opportunities.
Successful job seekers know that any approach that helps them find and
connect with the right people will eventually land them the job they
want. Answering want ads and Internet postings have only marginal value.
Developing relationships through networking, referrals, informational
interviewing, and recruiters gets them closer to, if not right on top
of, their ideal job. They know that in a competitive job market, they
cannot rely on looking for positions already advertised passively. They
actively market themselves to the people who are likely to hire them.<br />
<br />
2. Stick to a step-by-step, action-oriented process. The typical job
seeker quickly becomes overwhelmed by his or her job search. There are
million of things to do, places to look, and people to talk to, but they
don't have a system for putting the pieces together. Job seekers who
know the score, design and implement a game plan that includes setting a
specific and attainable goal, actions steps to take every day or week,
and a system to track their progress. If they don't realize the results
they want to achieve, they don't abandon this plan. Rather, they make
adjustments that get them back on track.<br />
<br />
3. Stay motivated in face of frustration and rejection. Rejection
letters, no return calls, and outdated information are all part of the
normal working day of a job seeker. Most people get frustrated and angry
with this every-day occurrence and give up. The successful job seeker
sees this as opportunity or a positive learning experience. They don't
let the fear of rejection get in the way of their progress. By sticking
to their plan, they don't give up during the job search. They are
motivated by the goals they've set and nothing will deter them from that
accomplishment.<br />
<br />
4. Know when to ask for help. Looking for a job can sometimes be the
loneliest job in the world. Uncertainty and doubt set in with many a job
seeker when things don't go right. Perhaps even a sense of pride sets
in and the thought of asking someone for help makes them feel like a
charity case. Conversely, successful job seekers know that they cannot
do this alone. They stack the odds in their favor by adding some outside
help to their job search campaign. They want to be accountable to
someone other than themselves. They need to get a different point of
view, or perspective, on their progress or challenges. And, they seek
out support from people who care about their progress or help them
develop the tools they need to win.<br />
<br />
The next time you ask yourself or someone else, "why can't I find a
job," you now know all is not lost. Implementing a solid action plan,
sticking to your goals, and seeking help when you need it most, puts you
in charge of your destiny. <br />
<br />
Simply put, you are just a few steps away from being a success.<br />
<br />
Smooches,<br />
AdamAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-25045250853227960482012-08-09T06:10:00.000-07:002012-08-09T06:10:00.121-07:00Do You Have Any ??? for Me?Dear Job Seekers,<br />
<br />
I found this great article outlining 5 questions <b>GREAT</b> candidates ask during the interview:<br />
<br />
"Be honest. Raise your hand if you feel the part of the job interview
where you ask the candidate, "Do you have any questions for me?" is
almost always a waste of time. Thought so. The problem is most candidates don't actually care about your
answers; they just hope to make themselves look good by asking "smart"
questions. To them, what they ask is more important than how you answer. Great candidates ask questions they want answered because they're
evaluating you, your company--and whether they really want to work for
you.<br />
<br />
<b>Here are five questions great candidates ask:</b><br />
<br />
<b>What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 60 to 90 days?</b><br />
Great candidates want to hit the ground running. They don't want to spend weeks or months "getting to know the organization." They want to make a difference--right away.<br />
<br />
<b>What are the common attributes of your top performers? </b><br />
Great candidates also want to be great long-term employees. Every
organization is different, and so are the key qualities of top
performers in those organizations. Maybe your top performers work longer hours. Maybe creativity is more
important than methodology. Maybe constantly landing new customers in
new markets is more important than building long-term customer
relationships. Maybe it's a willingness to spend the same amount of time
educating an entry-level customer as helping an enthusiast who wants
high-end equipment. Great candidates want to know, because 1) they want to know if they fit, and 2) if they do fit, they want to be a top performer.<br />
<br />
<b>What are a few things that really drive results for the company?</b><br />
Employees are investments, and every employee should generate a
positive return on his or her salary. (Otherwise why are they on the
payroll?) In every job some activities make a bigger difference than others.
You need your HR folks to fill job openings... but what you really want
is for HR to find the <em>right</em> candidates because that results in higher retention rates, lower training costs, and better overall productivity. You need your service techs to perform effective repairs... but what
you really want is for those techs to identify ways to solve problems
and provide other benefits--in short, to generate additional sales. Great candidates want to know what truly makes a difference. They know helping the company succeed means they succeed as well.<br />
<div id="articlecontent">
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<br />
<b>What do employees do in their spare time?</b><br />
Happy employees 1) like what they do and 2) like the people they work with. Granted this is a tough question to answer. Unless the company is
really small, all any interviewer can do is speak in generalities. What's important is that the candidate wants to make sure they have a
reasonable chance of fitting in--because great job candidates usually
have options.<br />
<br />
<b>How do you plan to deal with...?</b><br />
Every business faces a major challenge: technological changes,
competitors entering the market, shifting economic trends... there's
rarely a Warren Buffett moat protecting a small business. So while a candidate may see your company as a stepping-stone, they
still hope for growth and advancement... and if they do eventually
leave, they want it to be on their terms and not because you were forced
out of business. Say I'm interviewing for a position at your bike shop. Another shop
is opening less than a mile away: How do you plan to deal with the new
competitor? Or you run a poultry farm (a huge industry in my area): What
will you do to deal with rising feed costs?<br />
<br />
A great candidate doesn't just want to know what you <em>think</em>; they want to know what you plan to <em>do</em>--and how they will fit into those plans."<br />
<br />
Smooches, Adam </div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-29745367985533935762012-08-08T08:21:00.000-07:002012-08-08T08:21:02.021-07:00Dear God (totally channeling my inner Celie),<br />
<br />
My 37th birthday is right around the corner. As you know, I enjoy OTHER people's birthdays more than mine. I think it is due to all of those years of joint birthday parties with my younger sister. I didn't have a problem with sharing the spotlight with her...more often than not, I would have preferred attending her party as opposed to being the focus of mine. <br />
<br />
A few years ago, we shared our birthday party again...at Rapids Water Park. As a "person of size", water parks provide an all-day reminder that a beached whale is a closer cousin to me than a minnow. After spending most of the day on the lazy river and in the wave pool, I begrudgingly agreed to go on one of the slides. <br />
<br />
As a "person of size", I am very aware of the scales at the top of these water slides. If you are not familiar, most of the rides at a water park have a weight limit. Personally, I am not offended by this discriminatory practice because it gives me a great excuse to float along in the lazy river all day. In fact, I saw several people in my party who thought they might lose that extra weight in the 3-story climb to the top of slide, only to be screened by the in-shape lifeguard, then sent to the scale which dings like that carnival game with the over-sized hammer is you exceed the weight limit, and then forced to do the walk of shame back down the stairs.<br />
<br />
Leave it to Rapids to have a water slide with no weight limit. I was a trooper...I climbed the stairs...I went down the slide like a missile...I received a standing ovation from all of the spectators...Everyone cheers for Shamu once he/she has completed a trick.<br />
<br />
When it was all over, I said never again. Later that week (as an extra bonus), I got pink eye for the first time in my life. Yes, it was a birthday to remember. Let's hope this year's celebration is dry and disease-free.<br />
<br />
Smooches,<br />
AdamAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-50246349036800688832012-02-20T20:04:00.000-08:002012-02-20T20:04:07.696-08:00Simple JoysDear Readers (oh ye few),<br />
<br />
Its been a while since I have posted. All I can say is life had other plans for me over the past few months. However, I am back and have decided to make a few changes to the blog. I will continue to explore the many crazy things that seem to happen in my life (especially when I am wearing my "band geek" hat). However, I have become a huge fan of the "open letter" Facebook status update. It has become quite cathartic as I am compelled to sarcastically comment on pop culture, politics, etc. I look forward to using this medium to offer longer (and perhaps loftier) observations of the crazy world we live. Thanks for sticking with me. I promise to deliver my candid impression of everyday minutia (including, but not limited to, Lady Gaga, the host of SNL, Rick Santorum, the Walking Dead, the women of Mad Men, the men of RuPaul's Drag Race, etc.). This is going to be a ton of fun.<br />
<br />
Smooches, AdamAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-18777393795290439602011-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:002011-10-02T19:00:49.396-07:00Greetings to my blog followers...have you missed me? I started this blog 3 months ago, around the time I started working at Broward College full time. I am definitely more settled, but still very busy. Over the past few weeks, the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Inventory has been popping up at different times. I took the MBTI for the first time in 1995 and found out that I was an ESTJ. If you really want to know about me, keep reading... <br />
<br />
The Guardian<br />
<br />
As an ESTJ, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.<br />
<br />
ESTJs live in a world of facts and concrete needs. They live in the present, with their eye constantly scanning their personal environment to make sure that everything is running smoothly and systematically. They honor traditions and laws, and have a clear set of standards and beliefs. They expect the same of others, and have no patience or understanding of individuals who do not value these systems. They value competence and efficiency, and like to see quick results for their efforts.<br />
<br />
ESTJs are take-charge people. They have such a clear vision of the way that things should be, that they naturally step into leadership roles. They are self-confident and aggressive. They are extremely talented at devising systems and plans for action, and at being able to see what steps need to be taken to complete a specific task. They can sometimes be very demanding and critical, because they have such strongly held beliefs, and are likely to express themselves without reserve if they feel someone isn't meeting their standards. But at least their expressions can be taken at face-value, because the ESTJ is extremely straight-forward and honest.<br />
<br />
The ESTJ is usually a model citizen, and pillar of the community. He or she takes their commitments seriously, and follows their own standards of "good citizenship" to the letter. ESTJ enjoys interacting with people, and likes to have fun. ESTJs can be very boisterous and fun at social events, especially activities which are focused on the family, community, or work.<br />
<br />
The ESTJ needs to watch out for the tendency to be too rigid, and to become overly detail-oriented. Since they put a lot of weight in their own beliefs, it's important that they remember to value other people's input and opinions. If they neglect their Feeling side, they may have a problem with fulfilling other's needs for intimacy, and may unknowingly hurt people's feelings by applying logic and reason to situations which demand more emotional sensitivity.<br />
<br />
When bogged down by stress, an ESTJ often feels isolated from others. They feel as if they are misunderstood and undervalued, and that their efforts are taken for granted. Although normally the ESTJ is very verbal and doesn't have any problem expressing themself, when under stress they have a hard time putting their feelings into words and communicating them to others.<br />
<br />
ESTJs value security and social order above all else, and feel obligated to do all that they can to enhance and promote these goals. They will mow the lawn, vote, join the PTA, attend home owners association meetings, and generally do anything that they can to promote personal and social security.<br />
<br />
The ESTJ puts forth a lot of effort in almost everything that they do. They will do everything that they think should be done in their job, marriage, and community with a good amount of energy. He or she is conscientious, practical, realistic, and dependable. While the ESTJ will dutifully do everything that is important to work towards a particular cause or goal, they might not naturally see or value the importance of goals which are outside of their practical scope. However, if the ESTJ is able to see the relevance of such goals to practical concerns, you can bet that they'll put every effort into understanding them and incorporating them into their quest for clarity and security.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-27241307218760926822011-08-16T05:22:00.000-07:002011-08-16T05:22:36.750-07:00Sharing is Caring...This is a re-post of a great article entitled "Create Your Best Future: Three Ways to Shape Your Life for the Better". I have been incredibly busy with my own life, but I will be back to blogging my own thoughts and experiences VERY soon... <br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">Because the future is created by our actions in the present, it’s in the world’s best interest, and our own, that we focus on becoming better versions of ourselves each and every day. We are born to be mediums of love and kindness. And we all have it in our power to shape the future by the choice to let loving and just, or hateful and destructive things happen through us. The future depends completely on the way we act now.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><strong>Look at the Choices You Make</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">Every day we are given the opportunity to do things that either lift one another up or put one another down. We can be kind and generous or mean and selfish, judgmental or accepting, forgiving or not. Every choice we make works to create or destroy the sense of goodness in life and the experience of peace on this earth. Our choices serve to unite or divide, to make others and ourselves better or worse. So pay serious attention to the choices you make. A better future depends on it.<span id="more-12771"></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><strong>Nourish the Capacity to Do Good</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">In becoming better human beings right now, we are called upon to nourish the capacity to let only good things happen through us. This means there can be no hate in our heart at all: no self-righteousness, no meanness, no discrimination, and no selfish disregard for the poor and suffering in our world. If we are not more kind every day, more understanding, more patient, more loving, and more fun to be with, then we are not nourishing our capacity to do good. The future we create will look like the world does now, agonizing for the presence of better human beings. Nourish only the capacity to do good.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><strong>Respect What You Can’t Understand</strong></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">There is no way we can become better human beings by condemning what we can’t understand, whether it be someone’s religious, sexual, or political preference. There is no way we can create a better future until we treasure the differences among us as a strength binding us together, not a weakness tearing us apart. Better human beings respect all the diverse mysteries of life, especially those we can’t yet understand. If we love what we can’t understand, divine understanding will be ours.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">Until the next blog, think about this: <em>Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts. -</em>Tibetan proverb</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-30343495877907540672011-08-03T06:57:00.000-07:002011-08-03T09:27:59.288-07:0010 Habits of Highly Organized People<b>I have been spending a ton of time scouring the internet for interesting articles and resources for my new job. Last night, I came across this list on CNN.com (although I believe it was first posted on Oprah.com). Say what you want about Ms. Winfrey...however, when CNN cites your website as a credible news source, you are powerful. I have always been told that I am very organized, so I thought it would be fun to see how many of these habits I truly exhibit. Here goes:</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>1. Walk away from bargains</b> <br />
<ul><li>I am not one to buy in bulk, although John is a huge Costco fan. His "bulk-buying" mentality has definitely been tempered since I moved in, however I do spend quite a bit of time searching for bargains, particularly online. <span style="color: #bf9000;">SOMEWHAT</span></li>
</ul><b>2. Make peace with imperfection</b><br />
<ul><li>It has taken me MANY years to achieve "moments" of peace with imperfection. Not total peace...that seems about as possible as ice cream lasting more than 24 hours in the freezer. <span style="color: red;">NO</span></li>
</ul><b>3. Never label anything "miscellaneous"</b><br />
<ul><li>Miscellaneous is one of those words that I never learned how to spell (in fact, I had to look at it twice in the statement above while I was typing...LOL). Everything has a space, place, and name in my life. <span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: lime;">YES</span></span> </span></li>
</ul><b>4. Schedule regular de-cluttering sessions</b><br />
<ul><li>When I was single, this happened weekly. Now that I am married to a man with quite a bit of stuff, this happens less often. However, we do schedule time to go through stuff in the house. I remember going through the closets after the earthquake in Haiti. John works with several women whose families were devastated by this tragedy. I think we ended up donating 6-7 bags of clothes. I joked that my shirts and pants alone could clothe a whole village or at least serve as sleeping bags...John was not amused. <span style="color: lime;">YES</span></li>
</ul><b>5. Stick with what works</b><br />
<ul><li>I have subscribed to this philosophy my entire life. Organized people are not usually filled with wells of creativity. Just look at the show <i>Hoarders</i>. Those "organization experts" are not creating art from the clutter. They are loading trucks from 1-800-GOT-JUNK. The only space in my life where creativity comes out is playing in the band (although sticking with what works has served me well me in band for over 10 years). <span style="color: lime;">YES</span></li>
</ul><b>6. Create a dump zone</b><br />
<ul><li>This is essential. John and I use our "office". This connects with "schedule regular de-cluttering sessions". The dump zone (or Bermuda triangle of recently acquired clutter) is typically the go to place for missing items until you find a permanent space and place for them. <span style="color: lime;">YES</span></li>
</ul><b>7. Ask for help</b><br />
<ul><li>Another challenge for me. My delegation skills have definitely improved over the past few years, but I still struggle with asking others for help. This is especially true as President of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble. As I wrap up, delegation will be my number ONE suggestion to the next band president. <span style="color: red;">NO</span></li>
</ul><b>8. Separate emotions from possessions</b><br />
<ul><li>Done. I am not a highly emotional person anyway, but I am definitely NOT emotional about items. I used to ask my students "If your house was on fire and you could save one item (assuming all of the people and animals were safe), what one item would you choose?" What a struggle they had. My answer is easy...my French Horn. Not for sentimental reasons...HELLO, I have band practice every Wednesday! <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: lime;">YES</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red;"></span></li>
</ul><b>9. Foresee (and avoid) problems</b><br />
<ul><li>Another one of my strengths. I prefer "hoping for the best, but planning for the worst"! This has definitely helped in my personal and professional life. However, it has made me a terrible passenger (especially in airplanes and cars). Years ago, I finally opened up to my doctor about my fear of flying. She quickly handed me a prescription for Xanax. Problem-solved. <span style="color: lime;">YES</span></li>
</ul><b>10. Know where to donate</b><br />
<ul><li>Living in south Florida, there are so many places to donate "stuff" the biggest struggle is finding the most appropriate place. I prefer places like Povarello and Out of the Closet, as this directly impacts the gay community. <span style="color: lime;">YES</span></li>
</ul>7 <span style="color: lime;">YES</span>, 2 <span style="color: red;">NO</span>, 1 <span style="color: #bf9000;">SOMEWHAT</span>. In a classroom, 75% is a "C". Maybe I am not as organized as I once thought!<br />
<br />
As we get older, priorities shift and evolve. If I was to analyze this list 10 years ago, my answers would have been completely different. For me, the 75% means that I have eased up the OCD tendencies for 25% of my life. In terms of time, that is 6 hours a day, 42 hours a week, 2184 hours a year. In terms of relationships, this has opened up space for my husband, family, friends, and blogging.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-83030189929651819722011-07-21T20:12:00.000-07:002011-07-21T20:12:47.404-07:00Plateaus BLOW78 and holding. No, I am not referring to the current temperature (although I think it is quite interesting that Florida is experiencing cooler weather than most of the US...yet there is still a debate about climate change). But I digress. As many of you know, I have been focusing on my health this year. Through diet and exercise (as well as the support of my doctor and family and friends), I have lost 78 pounds since the beginning of January. No small feat. However, I have been holding at 78 pounds lost for over 6 weeks. I should be happy...I will get happy...but plateaus BLOW. Especially when you continue to do the work! I know I need to be patient...but I never seem to have enough patience for anything. I need my competitive "state" to kick in ASAP! My initial goal was 111 in 2011 (what can I say...I'm gay and I LOVE a theme, so sue me!). <br />
<br />
In reality, the past 6 weeks have been filled with an intensity that my old body may not have been able to sustain. Between the 25th Anniversary concert for the band (as well as other band issues that I was tending too) and transitioning into my new job, I should be thankful that I did not gain weight!!! The interesting thing about plateaus is that you are surrounded by ledges. Falling off the ledge is not an option...there is no going back. <br />
<br />
I am excited about my family vacation this weekend and I am sure I will be blogging along the way. Then I will re-focus on my diet when I return. Stay tuned...Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-61221528878392594122011-07-19T08:33:00.000-07:002011-07-19T08:33:17.243-07:00Welcome Wagon<div style="background-color: white; color: blue;">"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."</div><div style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><b>Theodore Roosevelt</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><br />
</div><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">It has been just over 2 weeks since I started my new job. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. There is much to be done, but I am very motivated to GET TO WORK. To give you an idea of the culture on the campus, here is the welcome email from my new boss...</span><br />
<br />
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</style> <![endif]-->Dear Colleagues,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please join me in welcoming Adam DeRosa as the new Coordinator of the Career Center here at South. Adam started July 1<sup>st</sup> and replaces Kathleen Rhoad who retired last year. Mr. DeRosa’s primary focus will be to work closely with the Associate Deans and Program Managers, particularly in the Career and Technical programs, to equip our graduating students with the requisite skills to successfully apply, interview and secure employment. Additionally, he will develop partnerships with local, national businesses and Workforce One to provide internship opportunities and employment for students earning career and technical degrees. Mr. DeRosa will also work closely with the Student Affairs Leadership Team to develop a process that provides career assessment and career information to our students, thereby ensuring that all students have ‘defined themselves’ so they can ‘Finish What They Start’. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mr. DeRosa has a Master of Science in Higher Education from The Florida State University and brings lots of experience from both K-12 and higher education. His most recent experience includes serving as the Director of Student Services and Director of New Student Orientation at Everglades University and Florida Atlantic University respectively. He has also taught the College Success Skills course both at the North Campus of Broward College and Florida Atlantic University. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mr. DeRosa is located in the Career Center, building 68, room 100 and his extension is 8865. Please stop by and give him a warm South Campus welcome.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 18pt;">Janice Stubbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dean of Students,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Broward College, South Campus</div><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue;">I am excited about the opportunity I have to make a difference on this campus. Thanks to my family and friends for supporting me through this transition.</span><br style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: blue;" /><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: blue;"></b>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-8047226117705925232011-07-18T15:49:00.000-07:002011-07-18T15:49:16.979-07:00Stream of Facebook Consciousness<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: blue;">Time for my Facebook Status Update Rewind. What's interesting about this week is the uncanny connection between the string of thoughts. Follow me, as we journey through my crazy brain...</span> </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The voice reading the warning at the beginning of Tosh.O sounds just like Lindsay Lohan. Great post-prison gig!<span style="color: blue;"> I love Daniel Tosh. Not in the stalker ex-boyfriend kind of way (although I think we may see him grace the over of The Advocate in the next year). What I love is his ability to make us laugh at ourselves. No, I have not personally appeared on any of the viral images he highlights. However, the folks in them could easily be the people I encounter everyday in my somewhat boring life and that is hilarious. This week, I was taken aback by what sounded like Lindsay Lohan's voice over at the beginning of the episode. Glad she could get the gig, but I am not sure how her comeback is going to play out. Speaking of young women who will never win a popularity contest in the court of public opinion... </span><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Morning news headline: "If it's not on twitter, you must acquit her"!<span style="color: blue;"> I did not follow the Casey Anthony trial although I knew quite a bit about it. Being in Florida did not help. Having family members in the peanut gallery certainly did not help. At the end of the day, I find the whole situation tragic and cannot see a "happy ending" for anyone in that family. However, this headline came across the news as I was sitting in the waiting room at my dentist's office (see, cannot avoid it)! Speaking of doubtful "happy endings"...</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Marriage means commitment. Of course, so does insanity. ~Author Unknown<span style="color: blue;"> I consider myself married or "as legally connected to my husband as the law will allow". I posted this quote because I have started to realize the amount of work it takes to make a marriage work. The bar was set pretty high on both sides of our family (John's parents have been together for over 50 years and my parents will be celebrating 40 years together in 2012). And I am a competitive perfectionist...where is the show about my compulsion? Oh yeah, Martha Stewart Living. As I approach my 2nd wedding anniversary, I feel very certain that John and I are in this for the long haul...as long as I respect his addiction to dragons and he understands that I have to have the last word. I hope that other gay marriages can get through the tough times and be shining examples of commitment/insanity. Speaking of terrible examples of commitment...</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">So J Lo and Mark Anthony have broken up...I blame Pit Bull...or Casey Anthony...or Nancy Grace.<span style="color: blue;"> Jennifer Lopez needs to stick to singing, dancing, and acting. J Lo, marriage is not your thing and that's OK. You are a triple threat, which is probably why the men in your life don't stick around. You also don't seem to have the capacity to balance success in your career and a relationship at the same time and that's OK. I don't know much about your future ex-husband, but I am sure you both will be fine. Speaking of fine... </span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">OK world, I have resisted long enough...I like Katy Perry. There, I admit it!<span style="color: blue;"> As a gay man, I am not opposed to jumping on a bandwagon (or falling off the wagon, I can never get those metaphors right). Either way, I have mostly tolerated Katy Perry's music because of GLEE. It seemed like one of her songs popped up on that show every week. However, I am not made of stone. I like a good beat and a catchy chorus. So I have given in...I like Katy Perry and I won't apologize for it anymore.</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></h6>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-70833822159672004342011-07-13T20:31:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:31:18.778-07:00May I Speak With The Manager?<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Ryan,</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> My name is Adam DeRosa and I went to see </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Super 8</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> at your theater on Friday, July 8th at 7:05PM. I usually go to the Regal Cinema on Cypress Creek, but </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Super 8</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> was only playing there after 9PM. When I was exiting the theater at approximately 9PM, I decided to get a refill of my large soda. When I got to the lobby concession stand, there was only one person behind the counter, and the line was about 12 people deep. Coincidentally, there was a group of about 4 employees (all in the maroon polos) on the benches in the lobby. I went up to the ticket taker and asked why there was only one person working in the concession stand. He said the other employees were "on their break". I immediately asked to see the manager on duty. Katherine came to see me about 5 minutes later. By this time, the 4 employees in the lobby had literally jumped over the counters to attend to the long line of customers. When I told Katherine what I had witnessed, she explained that there was a one hour break between films and the concession stand workers needed to take their breaks. As you can imagine, this answer infuriated me, so I ended the conversation and immediately asked for your business card.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Katherine then walked over the the concession stand and yelled at the employees saying something to the effect of "I told you to take your polos off during your break!" I know this to be true because, at this point, my partner was in the line, waiting to get our soda refilled.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am sending this email to you because I have managed employees for years, most of which were high school and college age students. I also worked at a movie theater when I was their age and know that employee breaks are NEVER allowed to be taken within view of the customers, especially in uniform. Granted, I was on my way out of the theater, but is this the kind of customer service Regal strives for...I doubt it. As the manager, I wanted you to know what was happening at your theater after 9PM on a Friday evening. I am not sure we will be returning to your theater anytime in the near future, but my partner and I are members of the Regal Cinemas Loyalty Program and would like to continue to patronize your company. However, the employees I encountered on Friday evening, especially Katherine, will make me twice about going back to any theater you manage.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Sincerely,</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Adam DeRosa</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His Reply</span></b></u></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Mr. DeRosa,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you for taking the time to email about your experience at my location on July 8<sup>th</sup>. At Regal we strive to exceed our guest expectations and it is obvious that we failed with regards to your wait in the concession line. For your inconvenience I would like to mail you two passes that are good at any Regal Cinemas location; if you would email me your address I can get those in the mail for you. I will look into this incident further with all employees involved. I am also going to use your letter as a training tool at my next employee meeting to help prevent situations like this from occurring again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Thanks,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><b><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ryan Walton</span></i></b></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><b>General Manager</b></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Oakwood Stadium 18 (#10-0463)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>2800 Oakwood Blvd.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Hollywood, Fl. 33020</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT464"><a href="mailto:GM463@regalcinemas.com" target="_blank" title="mailto:GM736@regalcinemas.com"><span title="mailto:GM736@regalcinemas.com">GM463@regalcinemas.com</span></a></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>954-923-4321 (Office)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>954-923-5203 (Fax)</span></span></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-61315700672285380822011-07-11T21:14:00.000-07:002011-07-11T21:14:24.799-07:00Just Lame Duck-y<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So much has changed for me in the past 7 years. 5 different jobs. 100+ pounds gained and lost. 3 different addresses. 1 walk down the aisle. Being Band President has been the only constant aspect of my life...and in a few short months, I will be passing the gavel. I am both excited and frightened.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I become Band President, I was a 29 year old "know-it-all" who lived a life of extremes (too much fast food, too many Bud Lights, a few too many one night stands). The only thing I was really serious about was band, which is why I was so willing to devote my life to it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By year 2, I was in a job I hated, I was gaining more and more weight, and I was getting drunk every Friday night at Bill's Filling Station. However, in one December weekend, my life completely changed. I met John, we went on our first date...and, after 12 years of service, the Band Director resigned. Yes, this all happened in the course of 48 hours!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my tenure as Band President, I have experienced a lot of "firsts". The "first" Artistic Director selection process brought Dan Bassett into my life. He had the guts to push for real changes and improvements, starting with the band's name. His vision, leadership, and creativity have catapulted our band in the stratosphere. The "first" $10,000 grant award from The John Graves Charitable Fund literally opened doors for the band...enabling us to produce two concerts at the Broward Center, purchase all sorts of new equipment, and provide a salary for the Artistic Director. The "first" LGBA conference in New Orleans which included coordinating the "first" concert in a casino and the "first" marching band in a parade on Bourbon Street since the 1970s. The Obama Inaugural Parade, performing at Carnegie Hall with the Big Apple Corps, attending the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany...some of the highlights of my life are directly connected to being in the band. Sure, there have been some tough times; but with every trying experience, valuable lessons were gained.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next week, I will begin my final Presidential lap with a Strategic Planning Meeting to engage the band members as we chart the course for the next 25 years, followed by the first rehearsal of our 26th concert season. I will always be a part of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble. However, my life is no longer about extremes. I have a husband who has tolerated...and supported my band involvement and somehow found time to love me along the way. I have begun to pay more attention to my health, losing 80 pounds since January and significantly reducing my alcohol use. I have finally found a job that seems to "fit" and I look forward to bringing my "A" game to the office everyday. Without a doubt, I know it is time for me to step down, pass the reigns, and become the biggest advocate for whoever becomes the next President. Ready...Set...Letting Go!</span></span>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-26254686362682643452011-07-09T23:08:00.000-07:002011-07-09T23:08:11.983-07:00Blog Regurgitation<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Big News Week for Florida...and also for the Florida-native writing this blog. In my first attempt to create a weekly blog highlight reel, I thought it might be fun to list ALL of my Facebook status updates and blog from there. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Now, I know you are saying, <i>Adam, that is cheating. This blog entry should consist of your original thoughts, not some regurgitated BS from your pathetic attempt at networking socially since July 2nd!</i> </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">To this, I say <i>Its my blog and I will regurgitate if I want</i>. So here goes...Facebook posts are in black and my current thoughts are in <span style="color: red;">RED<span style="color: black;">.</span></span> </span></span></h6><ul><li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Project Runway is back on July 28th...best news of the day! <span style="color: red;">Yes, I am a reality TV junkie who happens to be gay...so Project Runway is just what the doctor ordered. Tim Gunn is, by far, my favorite "reality television" star and I try to incorporate his slogan "Make It Work" into at least 2 conversations a day. Now that I am the Career Center Coordinator for Broward College, this daily exercise will come in very handy!</span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I am a blogger...check it out and judge me...<span style="color: red;">You are reading blog number 4, so I am blogging about as often as I went out to dinner this week. Great news for my loyal readers. Terrible news for my weight loss program. Next week, less blogging and more cardio.</span> </span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">If you have a blog, send me a link. I want to follow you...then maybe you will follow me...<span style="color: red;">I was never all that popular so I have no shame in begging people to be my friend or facebook follower or blog buddy. </span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">It's raining men...big, fat, wet men!<span style="color: red;"> Up until last week, it had not rained in Florida for like 3 years...now, it is raining everyday and not a light drizzle kind of rain. More of a "bucket falling from the top of the door frame" kind of rain. </span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">In an effort to get more traffic on my blog, I wanted to reveal today's subject: Carmen Electra<span style="color: red;"> Coming attractions work for bad movies, so why not try to use my Facebook status to promote a mediocre blog about a mediocre celebrity.</span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Floridians...we live in a state where gays and lesbians cannot legally adopt a child, yet Casey Anthony will regain this "right" once she is released from prison next week. Now do you see why the GLBT community continues to fight for equal rights?<span style="color: red;"> The Casey Anthony verdict completely blew up my Facebook News Feed. Given all of the attention people were paying to this topic, I thought it might be interesting to put out a different perspective. Since posting this, I have done some further research and found out that gays and lesbians CAN adopt in the state of Florida (apparently this has been the case for a little less than a year). Great news for the gay community. Not so great news for me. Once I "came out", I thought I was going to avoid the whole "when are you getting married and having kids" line of questioning. Guess not.</span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><---shedding tears of joy for Atlantis and her crew. Godspeed.<span style="color: red;"> The final shuttle launch also dominated Facebook this week. Growing up on the Space Coast, I appreciate all the great things the shuttle program did for my family and hometown. More importantly, the advances in technology and medicine facilitated by manned space exploration will continue to make my life better. </span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The "on-air" chemistry between Bill Maher and Ann Coulter is eerily engaging but definitely dysfunctional. <span style="color: red;">As we get closer to another election year, I feel my "inner liberal bear" coming out of hibernation. I really enjoy "Real Time with Bill Maher". This week's show included Ann Coulter, Bill Maher, and Chaz Bono in the same screen shot. That image alone proves that the USA is still the most vibrant democracy in the world and I am thankful to be a part of it.</span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Total cost of the space shuttle program...$196 billion. Not too bad, considering the AIG bailout alone was $182 billion. Godspeed, Atlantis. <span style="color: red;">"Inner liberal bear" apparently left his cave and felt compelled to point out this financial comparison. The first figure is a result of over 30 years of hard work and innovation from the folks at NASA. The second figure is a result of the failed economic policies of George W. Bush. Judgy Wudgy was a bear... </span></span></span></h6></li>
<li><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I just joined Google+. If you are on there, let me know.<span style="color: red;"> Google+ is to Facebook as Diet Coke is to Coke Zero. I love them all, but still prefer Facebook and Coke Zero...and now I am off to pour me another!</span></span></span></h6></li>
</ul>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-59690036356010685142011-07-07T20:39:00.000-07:002011-07-07T20:39:48.262-07:00Where in the world is Carmen Electra (and who in the world cares)?I watched So You Think You Can Dance for the first time last night. I know, I know...how can a reality TV junkie not have this show on his DVR priority list? As I was watching last night's show, I realized how much I have learned about the world of dance from working at the Harid Conservatory. I was quite critical of the dancers and the choreography (as I HAPPILY finished a pizza with my sister, Jeane, and my cousin, Jason). I completely understood all the hype and was pretty entertained by the show...until Carmen Electra showed up. I guess the judging panel has a guest every week (and not fun guests like Kathy Griffin, Margaret Cho, or LaToya Jackson...RuPaul's Drag Race, start your engines...).<br />
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What does Carmen Electra know about dancing? Probably as much as she knows about acting. When did this bimbo become famous? Wasn't she Pam Anderson's replacement? Don't be shocked. I have never seen Baywatch and could not stomach the idea looking Carmen Electra up my IMDB app. I have a very judgmental iPhone...I will definitely blog about "her" later.<br />
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Bottom line, I refuse to get hooked on SYTYCD. It would be easy to blame it all on Carmen Electra. However, this reality television junkie knows that messing around with the judging panel is like "jumping the shark" for the 21st Century. Just ask Simon Cowell.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-3816142492510180862011-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:58:23.955-07:00Office HoardersI am obsessed with the show Hoarders. In fact, one of my favorite pastimes during my morning walk is identifying the Hoarder Houses in my neighborhood and tracking their progress. Karma surfaced today as I began cleaning my new office. The previous Career Center Coordinator was an absolute Office Hoarder. Here is the evidence:<br />
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1. 10 legal pads with less than 5 sheets of paper remaining. Why? Was she worried about a lack of hard surfaces to write upon?<br />
2. 5 copies of the Broward College Catalog from 2002, labeled as Office Copy on the front. Was there a shortage of these publications that year? I totally wanted to correct her grammar and write Office Copies on all 5!<br />
3. 4 manual letter openers. Fan mail? Multiple bills from FPL? Why on earth does someone need more than 1 of these? <br />
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As it turns out, I will not be back in my office until Monday. The hoard will have wait another week...Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2614024784065983758.post-62961675875118934072011-07-04T18:04:00.000-07:002011-07-04T18:04:57.288-07:00Matthew Morrison Needed to ShaveIndependence Day and I am starting a blog. Alanis Morissette-type irony! <br />
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I am watching "A Capitol Fourth" and will follow up with New York and Boston...lots of fireworks and music. Was excited to see a slim Jordin Sparks sing the National Anthem. It's nice to see an actual American Idol with a paying gig (Carrie Underwood does not count...country music fans are loyal to a fault, just ask the Dixie Chicks). Next up, Matthew Morrision...wow, I have missed GLEE. Then he sings an original song, yuck...should have gone with God Bless the USA. Next up, a duet with Kelli O'Hara (a Broadway diva I am not too familiar). Tonight from West Side Story (good choice, Mr. Shue). As I look up from my iPad, I see your profile on the TV screen. Holy Facial Hair, Matthew Morrison. Try Gilette Fusion.<br />
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On a well deserved break from band as far as rehearsals are concerned. However, lots of work to be done to get ready for the Strategic Planning meeting on July 20th and the Youth Pride Band. Fireworks to being shortly. Thanks to Jennifer Metts and Becca Gross for the inspiration to start this site (I have been lurking on your blogs for sometime). Until next time...Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14015207256019700705noreply@blogger.com2Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA26.1223084 -80.143378626.051560900000002 -80.2017806 26.1930559 -80.0849766