Friday Donuts

Friends, Think quick. If I told you I hiked the tallest mountain in the world (as measured from Earth’s center) where would I be? If you said the Himalayas, you’d be wrong! When measured this way, Mt Chimborazo reaches 7,096 ft. higher than Mt. Everest. Trying to catch my breath as I reached 16,650 ft above sea level (some 3,000 ft below the summit), it struck me that while the hike was exhilarating, the up-close pictures weren’t as pretty as those taken from afar. Sometimes, you need a little distance to truly appreciate something. It’s about perspective (forest and trees). It’s also about connection (absence and fondness). As you wrap up your week, grab a donut and consider how proud you’ll be of the work you’re doing today when it’s done. Happy Friday!

Friends, The CrowdStrike EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) issue that’s disrupting businesses worldwide this morning got me thinking about another EDR: the Employee Dining Rooms at Yellowstone National Park. When I worked at the Lake Lodge back in the ‘90s, we decided the ‘E’ in EDR stood for Ethnic, on account of the cooking staff’s experimental cuisine. Although my colleagues complained, I thought their audacious food was mostly good. Then again, I’m pretty open to wandering beyond the safe realm of donuts and coffee. Lately it seems the common denominator in my dining experiences has been a large form factor. I’m talking big food, ranging from a 36” pizza to a 400 lb pig. With so many BSODs (Blue Screens of Death) shuttering businesses this morning, maybe it’s time for your own BSOD (Blatantly Spectacular Outrageous Diet). Happy Friday!

Friends, Too many arguments, quarrels and misunderstandings happen because we suck at mind reading. Yet we expect others to possess this skill. Divine our mood, guess the gift we want, avoid our hidden landmines… read the room. We go around a colleague’s back telling others about their failings, yet we fail to tell them. Here’s a thought: let’s be direct with each other. No more beating around the bush, walking on eggshells or hidden resentments. Just tell it like it is and be open to learning new things about yourself. And while you’re at it, have a donut and enjoy the ride. Well, at least have a donut… it’s a start. Happy Friday!

 Friends, Happy 5th of July! A day destined to live in the shadow of its predecessor. On a day like today, 248 years ago, I fancy members of the second continental congress, hungover from the declaration after-party, anxious about what comes next. ‘Did we do the right thing?’, ‘Is there irony in having our general share the king’s name?’, ‘Should we make the noble turkey the national bird?’… ‘That last fifth of scotch was a really bad idea!’ I hope this quasi holiday finds you relaxed, enjoying a long weekend. If not, hopefully you have a donut in one hand and coffee in the other as you make ready for your next adventure. Happy Fifth!