esrosedotblog

CROSS EYED

I used to do the NYTimes Sunday Crossword (in ink) every Sunday.

When we moved out here and could not get the hard copy paper, I went on line and paid for a subscription to the daily puzzles.

Somewhere along the line I quit doing them.

I was busy. I was blogging. I had to read. The sun was too nice outside. I had to play with the dog.

I think the plain fact is that I had a bit of crossword fatigue.

Today, one of the bloggers I read (Kevin Drum) posted about his frustration as a new crossworder.

I found myself downloading today's puzzle and, as used to be the case, working on it (and solving at least four words) while it got printed.

It is now over 2/3 done. I have a really good chance at getting 100%.

And I am enjoying it too!

I might add that I have taken three long phone calls today, read up a storm, went outside and did some needed work, I played with the dog.

There was plenty of time for everything.

I might just do a puzzle a day.

The easiest are on Monday and the most difficult on Saturday.

Sunday varies.

Back on track with an old pleasure.

In ink.

Labels: passion

PASSION

I thought about this some more.

Don't worry. I will get over it.

This idea that one should have a 'passion' for his or her work is an upper middle class phenomenon.

First, it is for those rich enough to have a guru.

Second, it is for those indolent enough to be disengaged and bored with their work, if any, in the first place.

I don't know if there is a third.

Don't get me wrong. I think that it is great if you can get that timeless, out of body experience in your work or hobby. It is a wonderful feeling. I have had it. I still do.

Sometimes doing the blog is like that. Other times, on the bike. Occasionally while cooking.

But I don't think that it can be induced.

Neither do I believe that people should be encouraged to pursue their passions irrationally.

We used to teach a program based on visioning an ideal future.

I could never really get down with it.

I was one of those who, on the questionnaire, showed up as having 'impoverished success fantasies'. What a great line.

I am OK with this. I am an 'in the present guy. I like doing what is front of me whatever it is.

And if I don't, then I work on my attitude.

This way I can take what life serves up. While I am waiting for my 'passion' to show up of course.

I am 70 now. It better hurry up!

Labels: passion

TO COIN A WORD

“Microsoft people are really passionate about search, and we want to compete and to win,” said Dan Liebling, a member of the Microsoft Research staff working on techniques to improve the relevance of results in Microsoft’s Live Search service.......................NYT 030607 in an article on a new search product

It amuses me that business people get caught up in cliché as much, if not more, than anyone. Of course, 'they' are mostly 'us', so why wouldn't they?

There are terms and ideas that gain currency which just won't quit.

Being 'passionate' about something just won't quit.

When I was in the business, one of my guru competitors came up with the term 'passion' to describe how one should feel about the work s/he does.

It was laughable then but I see that it was taken up to cover a wide variety of situations.

Being 'passionate' about your work became the thing to be and say and say and say and say.

I always thought it to be more horseshit than reality.

First, there is a lot of work that is just work. Period.

Why get your undies all twisted because you are not passionate about it; another way to feel bad about your self and your situation. You are not 'passionate'.

Jeebus!

Punch the clock, sit at your desk and grind it out.

I know what 'they' mean of course but I still need to stifle a giggle when I hear it.

Of course, by now it has made it into the lexicon.

Giggle as I might, it ain't going away anytime soon.

Labels: passion