Post Christmas Blues

Christmas was a complete disaster. It was so much easier when my kids were small. At least I did well with my mother. She liked the orange juice machine that resembled a Ferrari. She usually hates everything. I don't know how things went so completely wrong. I think it is because I purchased jewelry. My daughter asked for a bracelet, which for some reason was very difficult to find. The few places that had it, were sold out. Oh, please understand this is an, "Internet only" operation. I dropped off my daughter at a local shopping mall and suddenly I began to feel overwhelming compassion for serial killers. For the good of humanity I do not visit retail establishments during the Christmas season. I finally located the item and it was fine, except that it arrived the Monday after Christmas.
My son wears several rings, so I decided to work with that. Following the instructions I read on line, I carefully measured his fingers. I know what you are thinking, but when I took college chemistry my lab work was pristine. Well, apparently that is another skill I no longer have. I don't know how I blew it so bad. One ring was so large, it didn't even fit my father and he has huge fingers. Perhaps it would work as a bracelet?
Maybe it is time to turn over the cash? Either that or hire a professional shopper. I have had much better years. Fortunately my kids just laugh.

Oh Christmas. I know I should be happy, but for some reason, I find the whole thing depressing. For this reason I decided to come up with a Survival Guide.
First I think it is important to be prepared for every eventuality, so you should have a good kit bag. Try to have everything you might need including a first aid kit. In addition to your supplies, I would suggest some reading material, pen and paper and perhaps a palmtop computer.
The most important thing is to be comfortable. Try to put yourself into a zen state by focusing on relaxation. Pretend you are watching a film. As the observer, keep your interactions short and polite. You wont believe how ridiculous people are. It can actually be quite fun.
Sit, watch TV, read and chat a bit. Before you know it, you will be driving home.

It was cold this AM. For those of us who inhabit points north of the Mason Dixon Line, these are the times that make us question our choices. The B Lights are up. That is a plus. Michigan Avenue and Lake Forest's Market Square are picturesque (particularly from a warm car, train or office). It is definitely time to break out the serious gear. There are some truly great products. Arc'teryx makes amazing stuff. Let's face it; it is November. We have gotten away with murder. So, as my mother say, "Bundle Up!"

Jeffrey Niedermaier, Sr. (GizaPage)

Jeffrey Niedermaier, Sr. (GizaPage)

It is getting cold and the holidays are upon us. It is an easy time of year to get depressed, so keep it together.

More Soon.

Jeffrey Niedermaier, Sr. (GizaPage)

Jeffrey Niedermaier, Sr. (GizaPage)

Contingency Plans

While I don't espouse negative thinking, it is important to be prepared. "Hope for the best, but plan for the worst" is a useful maxim. In our post 9/11 - Katrina - Swine Flu world, you never know when you are going to be screwed and I promise you don't want to depend on the government. Keep some extra food and water on hand. Give this some though. A few flashlights, a radio, batteries, cash, etc. Keep the cars gassed up. Try not to run out of prescriptions. You can take this as far as you want. You should be able to last a week or 2 without leaving the house. Living without electricity, even for a weekend, can be very difficult. Think of our ancestors. Candlelight can be very flattereing, but then again, they were probably better off not seeing the filth.
So, life will throw you a curve. Your car will break down. You will have to wait. Have some water, a book, and music. Think about your EDC (Every Day Carry) bag. You need to roll with it.

Adapt Every Day!

We are creatures of habit. We like the familiar. You know, the routine. You go to work and go through the motions, but Watch Out! If you do the same thing everyday you may very well end up a zombie on autopilot. You can go to work without even thinking about it. Maybe you are reading on the train or listening to music in your car. Whatever. It is important to be able to adapt without getting messed up. For example, if you have to travel, it shouldn't be so disruptive that it freaks you out. When I go to our showroom I have to look somewhat presentable. When I go to the office I don what could be called "business casual". As for trading, I can do that in my pyjamas. While some people might find the variety cumbersome, I welcome it. Keeps me on my toes.
Have a nice day Charlie!