Normal, Everyday People

September 12, 2005

Category: Observations

I remember as a kid going into the local 7-11 convenience store and buying candy. At a certain age, when life started becoming more understandable, I became philosophical in a 11 year old kind of way. I remember thinking, ‘I’m old enough to buy my own stuff now. But I guess I’m not old enough to buy big things like groceries or cars. I wonder when I’ll be old enough to do that.’

Now that I’m in my mid thirties, life is even more understandable, and I’ve bought a lot more things in my life than I care to remember. I’ve even considered starting my own business or dreamed about being a political leader. Things that are for me today “big” things. I contemplate that the owners of businesses are smarter people than I. They have figured something out that I haven’t. They’ve arrived.

Then I walk into the local doughnut shop (because they have free WIFI) and am greeted by the friendliest, smiling cashier who graciously takes my order and serves me. As I walk to my seat, I realize this business owner is just a normal person. Nothing extraordinary about her.

Posted by pablohart on September 12, 2005 01:31 PM

Comments

heh. i remember that 7-11 down Mountview. and i remember once you got to go there and i had to stay home. i wasn't big enough or something :) man, you had some tall, skinny legs back then. i remember that when i remember you, the 7-11, Mountview Ave, and being small.

but hey, anyway, wonderful new header. totally transforms the feel of this site--in a completely great way. nice dude!

Posted by Nathan Hart at September 12, 2005 3:31 PM

but hey, anyway, wonderful new header. totally transforms the feel of this site--in a completely great way. nice dude!

'nice, dude' is right, pab. i love it.

jimbo

Posted by dad at September 13, 2005 6:58 AM

p.s. i also like the symbolism in the graphic.

dad

Posted by dad at September 13, 2005 6:59 AM

i like the header too. can't wait for you to unveil the whole new look!

oh - and who says life is more understandable the older you become? :) but i know what you mean about understanding how to pay bills now and get to work on time and such...

Posted by moe at September 13, 2005 12:44 PM

nate, he still has tall skinny legs. eli got 'em too. heh heh.

Posted by moe at September 13, 2005 12:46 PM

Paul,

I agree with everyone else, the header is beautiful and does give a whole new feel to the site.

I also have to comment on your statement:
-"I contemplate that the owners of businesses are smarter people than I. They have figured something out that I haven?t. They?ve arrived."

Well, Paul, as your friend, a normal person and owner of a two week old business, I can definitely say that I don't feel yet as if I have "arrived"! It is a scary, humbling experience!

Posted by Karen at September 14, 2005 9:15 AM

manda. that's funny. last night, i was lying on the bed and looked down and said to my wife, "man i got some skinny legs." i guess we all got 'em. ah well, better than the alternative i guess?

Posted by Nathan Hart at September 14, 2005 9:46 AM

I, too, like the new look, Paul! Interestingly, I was doing a post on David Neeleman, the CEO of JetBlue, when I read your post here. How he started his business, based on the principles he learned while on a two-year mission stint among the poor in Brazil, is most fascinating. It's worth a look! http://www.rightreality.com/recent_articles/the_culture_of_jetblue_was_born_in_a_brazilian_slum_03-30-05_3.html

Posted by Boots at September 15, 2005 5:56 AM

oh progeny (and yours -- even the ones yet to be born), it's pitiful, i know. i'd be so sorry except that i myself was progenized with them. but here's the cool part: when breaking into a serious walk, skinny legs (both skinny and tall for some) smoke up a storm. it's amazing to watch, as i remember from your grandpa. skid marks all over.

Posted by dad at September 15, 2005 9:07 PM

dad: LOL!

Posted by Nathan Hart at September 16, 2005 1:33 PM

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