DK

It’s kind of disheartening to constantly listen to the resentment and negative attitudes that continue to plague FIRST and the ChiefDelphi forums. I wonder why I dedicate my life to this program when all these people cry and complain about how something isn’t fair or how everybody is cheating. Am I waisting my time, or is this just another reason to stick it out to do my part to change society and it’s attitudes? I see this whole thing as just another trend that is leading to the dedregation of this wonderful country. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their actions or to look-out for themselves anymore. They want to place blame on somebody else or want everything provided on a silver platter. Yes, I realize that some people are not as privilaged as myself, but working hard is what got this country to where it is today.

I kind of went very astray from what I was originally posting this for. Below you will see a definition for what we call ‘Gratious Professionalism’ from MIT professor and one of my idols, Woodie Flowers:

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor, asks and provides his view regarding the question, “Why do FIRST folks talk so much about that phrase?”

Quoting Dr. Flowers, “Obviously it would not make sense to endorse “asinine professionalism” or “gracious incompetence.” It is, however, completely consistent with the FIRST spirit to encourage doing high quality, well-informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious professionalism seems to be a good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful.

“Gracious professionalism has purposefully been left somewhat undefined because it can and should mean different things to each of us. We can, however, outline some of its possible meanings. Gracious attitudes and behaviors are win-win. Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions. Professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly. Thus, gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.

“In FIRST, one of the most straightforward interpretations of gracious professionalism is that we learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. We try to avoid leaving anyone feeling like they are losers. No chest thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, pride, and empathy comfortably blended.

“Understanding that gracious professionalism works is not rocket science. It is, however, missing in too many activities. At FIRST, it is alive and well. Please help us take care of it.

“In the long run, gracious professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. If one becomes a professional, and uses knowledge in a gracious manner, everyone wins. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you have acted with integrity and sensitivity. That’s good stuff!”

P.S. This rant is dedicated to my great grandfather who I was hoping to meet in a few months on our family vacation to Hawaii. He died last night, exactly 5 years to the day that his wife had. My grandmaw, mom, and all her siblings will be going to Hawaii tomorrow for all the funeral stuff. :-\

You know what? Just as Amanda always says, “BITCHES GET STITCHES!!!” I am always the one who gets crap laid on me and I end up picking up the slack for everybody else. I’m not going to say exactly what I am pissed about, but I might sometime… It’s not got anything to do with any of my homies or hometts so don’t git scurred, not like you will anyways…

Garrrr!! I’d like to give those bitches some stitches!!!!!

Well, brandon told me about the new wp that was available. I decided to install it cause as you wpers already know, its hot. hot. hot. hot. and easy to install. Delete files already there, upload new ones, then its done! i like to git R dun! i’m going to be playing around with some of these hot themes and templates and hope to eventually customize it to look hot. with my stuff.

This pas weekend was a blast at the Boilermaker Regional in West Lafayette. Team Hammond kicked ass like always, and Cyber Blue had a much better and exciting showing as well. I would say it was our best showing since 2001. I think even a little better than last year’s hot. bot.