Michael's Blog
Litening skills CAN be learned.
I grew up as a sensitive artistic child in a large family, with three older siblings and three younger siblings. I was smack in the middle, neither the youngest nor the oldest child.Everyday was a competition to have my voice heard.
We would take turns at the dinner table, talking about our experiences and thoughts that day, but some voices and some speakers were more intelligent, more persuasive, or just louder than others.
One day, at a friend’s house, I was listening to my friend’s father speak. He was one of those men who had a bigger-than-life personality, a jovial and booming voice, and limitless energy. “I want to be like him” I thought: Strong, fearless, and not afraid to take charge of any room or any group of people using his voice and his positive energy.
It was a subconscious decision which took root, and the change did not occur overnight. But over a number of years I did things which improved my confidence, and strengthened my voice, writing, and visual imagery.
I completed a Bachelors of Studio Art Production at the University of California, San Diego. I studied Advertising Photography at Art Center College of Design for two years. And then completed my Master of Business Administration in Marketing/Info Systems at the University of Colorado in Boulder. I worked for five years as a Systems Administrator, Database Manager, Technical Writer, and contract Web Designer/Administrator from 2001-2005.
Why I started PleaseListenToMe.org
I taught for the last ten years, and everyday produced educational content. I loved pulling together all of my skills. One of my strongest skills was my ability to listen and empathize with others.
Now I have made the full circle and am interested in dedicating myself fulltime to Media Arts and Digital Marketing, and my Badger Bay Media company.
For Badger Bay Media, which I founded in 1991, I am now writing, drawing, programming Android Apps, and am learning Social Media Marketing through Udacity. This new chapter in my life is exciting, and because so much of my previous experience is going into my current work, my work days are very satisfying.
Monday morning walk (2/16/24)
I went for a very pleasant walk this morning with my dogs.
They were excited from all of the Spring smells.
Sometimes I will work for hours, totally focused on my computer projects, so I was happy to take a break and get out into the sunshine.
The birdsong is wonderful this time of year: At every tree I heard the peeping call of the baby birds.
Tuesday gym circuit (2/17/24)
Had a great workout at the Y this morning: 15 minutes on the treadmill; a full circuit on the machines for 30 minutes; free weights; then running in place, stretching, and a little sparring with bags.
It's amazing how positive I feel after being at the gym for an hour: A total mood elevator.
Wednesday walk and yoga (2/18/24)
I went for a very long walk this morning. And then in mid-afternoon, did a long session of yoga.
I did yoga every morning and evening for many years, and then stopped because a girlfriend complained that it took time away from our relationship. I made a big mistake stopping my yoga practice.
Now I am back into it, and my goal is to do at least one complete yoga routine every day.
Thursday elliptical and circuit machines (2/19/24)
I did a great workout today.
I shot baskets, did 20 minutes on the elliptical, completed the complete circuit of machines, and did free weights.
Than later in the day, I did a partial set of yoga exercises.
It was a great day of working out, but I want to increase the amount of yoga I do.
When I was surfing in Costa Rica, while attending yoga classes every evening, I learned that some of the best yogis make good surfers.
Yoga combines flexibility, strength, and stamina.
Walking, skateboarding, and yoga (2/20/24)
Walked about a quarter of a mile, not far, and later needed to get out so went skateboarding.
A beautiful sunny day to be out there in the street and sidewalks.
Really had a blast cutting sharp curves.
Finished the day with a long session of yoga.
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