My life...

Olympics Inspire

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:52:00 +0000

Up until this year, I've never watched much Olympics. I always saw them as a bunch of random sports no one has ever heard of, and athletes who's names I cannot pronounce (95% of them being international).

This year I've already watched more Olympics that all years of my life combined... and we're not even a week in.

Why am I getting stuck in front of the TV? Because regardless of the sport, or the athlete, the competition is inspiring.

Watching these young athletes (and yes, even Dara in her early 40s is young in my book) compete motivates me to push myself. Not just in sports and athletic endeavors, but in everything I do in life. The training they endure. The hundredths of seconds that separate gold from nothing at all. Watching teams battle adversity, lose athletes to injury, and continue on, only to come in a distant second, but congratulate the 1st place team with a smile.

There's something special in that, whether you're an athlete or not. If you've got kids, I hope you encourage them to watch. If you don't have kids, you've got plenty of time to park your butt in front of the TV for the next two weeks. But don't get too comfy. Once it's all over, it's your turn to carry the torch and do something meaningful with your life.

Boycotting Walmart

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:34:00 +0000

I shopped at Walmart for the last time today.

The prices are lower. And there was a time when that really mattered to me. But I'm over it. I'm not helping fund a store anymore that just breeds miserable negativity. I enter Walmart feeling dirty and rushed. I exit shocked, frustrated and disappointed... EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I had 5 bucks or so left on a giftcard that I was planning on using up before I started boycotting. Ironically enough, I couldn't get it to work in the self-checkout, then my credit card wouldn't work either, so I had to use my debit card. People waiting in line behind me, just getting more and more pissed off and miserable, feeding into the whole negative atmosphere.

Sure, I'm going to pay more. But I'd much rather pay more to a store that cares about it's customers, a store that hires employees who smile, a store that leaves me feeling happy. Even though you'll pay less at Walmart, the fact of you shopping there is what keeps them in business, and it's what continues to put more and more miserable people in this world. It's time to eliminate things like that... no matter what the cost.

Cleaning Up Cleveland

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:35:00 +0000

Ran the half marathon in Cleveland, OH this morning. It was pouring down rain at the start, so of course everyone was sporting their trashbags. Once it stopped, or for some, slowed down, the bags came off. People decided to throw them everywhere: middle of the road, sidewalks, in the grass, near the sewer drain. Essentially, everywhere BUT the trashcan (where, in my very strong opinion... they belong).

So I dedicated my race, not to a great time, a PR, or a top finish in my age group, but a cleaning up of Cleveland. I picked up approximately 80 trashbags (rough estimate, I was not counting) scattered all over the course, and carried them until I found a trashcan to deposit them in. Finished in a respectable time, despite all the circumstances: 2:02:58.

Sometimes it's the simple things that make a race worthwhile.

6 people died today

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:10:00 +0000

I went to donate blood today, as I always do almost as soon as I'm eligible again. I do it because it saves lives, because sick and injured people are lying in hospitals right now, dying, because they need an operation that requires more blood.

Today was the first day I went to donate, and was unable to save lives.

I tried to give two units of blood by using an automated machine (which I had done twice before), but this machine was different. It was supposed to cut the donation time down from 45 minutes to 25. All that really happened was 6 people died because they couldn't receive my blood.

Maybe it was my fault, and I didn't squeeze hard enough or relax when I was supposed to. But since when is donating blood supposed to feel like a video game? I had to watch an interactive screen, and squeeze and relax based on colored bars moving up and down. The thing started beeping, lights went off, Sheila kept coming over and hitting buttons. At one point, after Sheila had already asked me if my arm hurt, she then said to me, when a bunch of lights were going off, "Really? And that doesn't hurt?"... almost implying that it was SUPPOSED TO hurt. And even when she finally hit the button to stop it because my arm was bruising, she said, "Why isn't this working?"

There are many people that would never come back if they had an experience like this.

2 big reasons why I left upset, and am still extremely upset:

All the marketing keeps stressing how every donation saves lives (3, to be exact), and they highlight specific individuals who would not be here today if it weren't for blood donors. So obviously every single donation counts.

I did not see that same level of care today with the woman who was taking my blood (or trying to, anyway). Do they take it seriously enough? Do they realize that if they make a mistake, they could cost someone their life? If every pint counts, like they say (and I believe them when they say it), then the people taking your blood need to start acting the same way.
6 people will lose their lives over the next 112 days, and I have to wait 112 days before I can try again.

I never thought I'd be this upset over a failed blood donation... until it actually happened to me.

Patient First

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:26:00 +0000

I spent an hour and a half at Patient First just to get a strep test. It was negative. I walked out with a receipt description of tonsilitis that wouldn't have told an 8-year-old anything she didn't already know.

Health care is a big issue in America right now. I don't know all that much about it, so I'm not about to give you the answer. But here's what I can give you: It really does start with the patient first:

Pre-illness: The patient (yes, that means you) needs to take care of herself. We need to get away from obesity and heart disease and start thinking vegetables, portion size and exercise.

Post-illness: Why don't they (not really sure who "they" is) let us, the patient, take care of ourselves? I think at least two of those reasons are 1) We're too lazy and don't seem to care about our health as much as we should 2) We would cheat the system.

We've got self-pregnancy tests. And several drugs that used to require a prescription are now being sold over-the-counter. A self-strep test would have saved me over an hour today.

I still think it's time to try a different kind of health care system in America, but it'd be really cool if we all took some responsibility (and the government allowed us that freedom) for our own health. We'd all be a little happier, not worried about our insurance and probably live a heck of a lot longer.

How much do you tip?

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:55:00 +0000

I evaluate servers from the second they approach the table. Are they polite? Personable? Do they have a good memory? Good timing? Do they smile? Do they really "take care of me" like they always say they'll do in the beginning? And I factor all this into their tip.

I am in control. It's one situation where I know I'm getting what I pay for (because if I get crappy service, yup, you guessed it, I don't have to pay for it). It's the same concept with your meal, really. If they screw up your order, what does the manager normally offer? FREE meal.

This system works. It's a constant evaluation of service. The server is evaluated 20-30 times each day they work, and they're receiving that feedback in the form of a tip.

As a manager, I'm constantly evaluating my team. Not on a monthly basis, once a quarter or even worse, once a year. If I have feedback, I give it to them. I don't wait.

Enter an interesting concept: what if, during the daily evaluation of all employees, you adjusted their salary based on that feedback? Would they work harder?

Managers, think about it: If you were to do this, how many people would you have who would leave because they couldn't pay the bills? How many of those people do you want on your team anyway?

Facebook is its own distraction

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:25:00 +0000

I'm not a huge fan of social networks, but Facebook is one site I do actually use. Well, last night when I logged in, I realized that they have taken things too far.

They launched Facebook Chat, which is essentially an instant messaging service, but all done within your browser window when signed in to your Facebook account. A bar appears at the bottom of the screen, with all the friends that are currently logged in, and you can view their status and easily minimize & maximize popup windows with your conversation.

As if browsing through the site didn't distract you enough, enter Facebook Chat to distract you from ACTUALLY USING FACEBOOK.

I gave up instant messaging my junior year of college (cold turkey, been sober for 4 years now) because it distracted me from everything else that I wanted to do, and I deemed "everything else" as more important than having pointless conversations that only create stress trying to keep up with all the windows and dinging noises.

So who's really at fault? The social networks who encourage and provide the platform for the ultimate distraction? Or the people who don't have the discipline to say no to it?

I've made my decision, and disabled the chat feature. So that pointless conversation we were going to have tomorrow night... you'll just have to write on my wall instead.

Ukrops 10k Pictures

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:10:00 +0000

Click here to view my photos from the Ukrops 10k this past Saturday.

Reasons to click the above link:

I have 80 tattoos on my torso
I'm wearing an inner tube, swimmies & a snorkel
I look funny when I run (especially with reasons 1 & 2)

Birthdays

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:52:00 +0000

I turned 24 yesterday, and I thought about birthdays, specifically how we celebrate them.

When I was...

1, my mom invited over everyone she knew to come pinch my cheeks and tell me how cute I was. I have no recollection.
10, I invited my friends to Grand Slam USA for some dunk-ball, batting cages and inflatable obstacle course.
12, I had a sleepover with some friends and we talked about girls we had a crush on. That never amounted to anything.
21, I celebrated the way everyone else wanted me to. I deferred to them, got wasted, and don't remember a thing.

For every single birthday up to this point, I've been celebrating with others. But yesterday, I celebrated for myself, the way I wanted to.

I didn't open gifts. I didn't eat cake. I just ran. A mile for every year I've been alive (Thanks Jim). I celebrated my life the way I wanted to, and I enjoyed every step. And when I returned home, I called my mom and told her, "Thanks for having me." (Thanks Rex)

It's about you, but it's also about all the people in your life who have helped mold you into the person you are today... and next year... and the year after that. Don't forget about them.

101 yr old marathon hopeful

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Almost a year since I completed my first marathon, here's a guy who brings new meaning to running a marathon. He's 101-years-old, and attempting to complete the London Marathon. He'll break the record for oldest person to complete a marathon by 8 years.

Now that's remarkable.

Monster Moron

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Moron might be a little harsh, but the alliteration sounded nice.

When asked how we could incorporate custom HTML into our job postings on Monster.com, this was the response we got:

"Although we do give employers the option of HTML, Monster does not support HTML."

Now, you tell me, because maybe I'm reading that wrong, but that doesn't make any sense what-so-ever. How does an organization of this size, who is one of the two big names in online recruitment & job hunting, operate this way?

PS - I purposely didn't link to their site, because honestly, I don't want you going there (if you're an employer). If you're looking for a job, though, do post your resume... I did, thought nothing would happen, and I landed one of the greatest jobs in the state of Virginia.

Dude with no legs

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:03:00 +0000

Scott Rigsby had both legs amputated above the knee. He now runs marathons, and completed the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in 2007.

I love his quote at the end, "When you're out there on the course, and you're having to deal with yourself, and just be with yourself for like 15-16 hours, of just dealing with me, that's when you come to really find out what kind of person you are."

(thanks to Michelle for adding another inspiring athlete to the repertoire)

Why Do I Run?

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:42:00 +0000

I've been asked this question a few times by several different people. I usually don't come up with a great answer. While I was on my 15-miler this weekend, I came up with an answer to that question:

Running long distances is the ultimate test of physical endurance and mental toughness. It's an enormous challenge to battle physical and mental barriers simultaneously, but I love challenges.

Why do I love challenges? Because life is made up of them. Life's not easy. It's not for lazy people. It's not for those who don't care. And it's certainly not for those who run the other way. It's for those who embrace the challenges as they come, stare them in the face, and conquer them.

The way I see it, if I can conquer both the physical & mental challenges of long-distance running, I'm much more prepared for the challenges life throws my way.

Round Up, Round Down

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:34:00 +0000

That's my new motto when I run now. It's quite humbling, actually. And I get more out of my training.

During my run, if I set out to do 14, but feel really good that day, I round up, and do 15. If I get lost and hit 15 before I get back home, I run the extra .2 to my front door.

After my run, when I'm asked how far I went, I round down. If I did 16 and change, I call it 15 and be on with my day.

iPod Nation

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:33:00 +0000

I was at Wintergreen this weekend buying a lift ticket for Saturday night. The girl at the ticket window had one iPod earphone in her ear, leaving the other ear free.

Her and I made our entire transaction without her saying a single word to me. That's terrible... but unfortunately, not uncommon.

Kids at the morning bus stop
Adults in their car
College students during class

They're everywhere, and extremely rude and distracting when used in these situations.

But yet we continue to make iPods compatible with everything. They work:

in the car
in those portable speaker units
with just about any radio
when inserted into slits in our clothing (thanks Nike)
wirelessly with sunglasses (thanks Oakley)

I listen to mine when I run... and I still communicate with others on the road.

When in doubt, take your headphones out.

A Personal Touch

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:06:00 +0000

I visited one of the local YMCAs last week, looking to join. The woman at the front desk gave me a tour of the place, collected some of my info, and gave me some materials to take home.

It was your basic first impression that you'd receive from any fitness club the first time you visit.

What wasn't basic was the personal 'It was a pleasure to meet you' card I received a week later. That is what I'll remember.

I'm not joining that location, so one might say that "it didn't work." But did she do it to recruit me, or did she do it because she cared? If you take the time to write a hand-written note, I'm assuming it's because you cared.

Although I'm not joining that facility, I am joining another YMCA close by. And whenever I think Y, I'll think of that note.

Human Jump Rope

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:13:00 +0000

Do something worth talking about.

These guys did.

14 seconds worth watching.

Run Donut Run

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:55:00 +0000

This past weekend I ran in the 4th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge.

2 mile run from NC State Bell Tower to Krispy Kreme Factory
Eat 1 dozen donuts
2 mile run back to the Bell Tower

Do so in under 1 hour and you complete the challenge.

I finished in 58:07. I was proud... almost as proud as when I completed my first marathon.

Next year I'm going for a sub-40 min time. Some training, and a new eating technique, will be in order.

The Thing About Communication...

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:42:00 +0000

...is you've got to step on toes.

When people are afraid to step on toes, that's where communication breaks down. The second you step on them (assuming the owner of the toes doesn't take it personally), you realize how easy a solution is (and was all along).

Step on toes. And do it often. It's worth so much more than holding information back.

A Student's Vision

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:33:00 +0000

I'm not sure what the goal of this video is. But it's worth watching.

Here's what I gather from it:

America's higher education system is severely flawed
"Students" learn more outside of a classroom than they do inside of one
Technology alone won't solve our problems... people will
And they are "our" problems to solve

Seriously, watch it. It's worth the 4 minutes, 44 seconds.

New Website for the Crazy Fans at Elon

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:54:00 +0000

I recently finished building a new website for the Phoenix Phanatics, Elon's student spirit & pride organization.

I'm especially proud of the photos section.

Click here to take a gander if you wish »

I'm a Workaholic

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Maybe there's nothing wrong with that if I love my work, and I work at it for the right reasons. Seth Godin identifies a new kind of workaholic in this brief article: one who works for passion and curiosity.

Seth identifies exactly what our company, MaxPitch Media, is all about: creating jobs where work is the thing that you'd most like to do. I've found a job at MaxPitch where I have become a workaholic. I think that's a good thing.

Do I Want It or Need It?

dave.warfel@gmail.com (Dave) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:17:00 +0000

I shouldn't be awake right now. But I am. So here goes...

I ran 7 miles last night between 10-11 PM. Stars bright. Moonlight created shadows. Not a whole lot going on outside. But my mind wandered. Much was going on in my own little world.

My iPod was playing U2 "Beautiful Day." Some kind of coincidence that I heard the lyrics, "...what you don't have, you don't need it now." So right now I have everything that I need? If I don't have it, than I don't need it, and I just want it. I definitely think there's truth to that.

When I was in Ghana in January 2006 for 3 weeks, I learned a lot about what I actually need. I don't need toys to place with, a washer & dryer or air conditioning. I don't need a digital camera, nice clothes or a car. I saw millions of people living happy lives without those things. So I know I don't need them.

Two days ago, I had a conversation with a friend of mine, Jill Chernin, about this common dilemma that we all face: what we need vs. what we want. I've had trouble with it ever since.

What we need never changes.
But what we want can change in a split second.

And frankly, I can't identify either one right now. I need to go to bed, but I also want to stay up and do things. I don't want to go to bed right now, but tomorrow I sure will wish I had. Sometimes I want to go running. Sometimes I don't. And sometimes I feel that I need to run to stay sane or release stress.

I could go on all day with the struggles I face inside my head. Bottom line is, I've got some figuring out to do. Even though my needs never change, I can't figure them out right now because I'm so confused about what I want.

Here's the only thing I know for sure:

The only thing I need is to figure out what I want.

Chain Email Letters

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:58:00 +0000

They just don't work. Nothing good ever happens when you pass them on. Nothing bad ever happens when you don't.

Someone tell me an amazing story about marrying their crush or someone curing cancer or finding a million dollars or WHATEVER. Someone tell me (without lying) how angels came down from heaven and saved their life.

Why do people continue to send them? Someone help me out here. Please.

Or better yet, just don't send the next one on.

Pay Attention in High School

noreply@blogger.com (Dave) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:32:00 +0000

I didn't. Well, I paid attention to my life as I was in high school, but didn't pay attention in class as much as I should have.

Luckily, my parents told me how important it was to do my homework & study, and told me to look at whatever college I wanted to, money aside. And luckily, I listened.

As I recruit for another employee to join our company, I find myself looking for what college the applicant attended. I could care less about the GPA once you're there. But someone who went to a decent, 4-year university looks much more attractive than someone who didn't.

What you do once you get to college depends on so many factors. And quite frankly, you may choose not to pay attention in class, but still come away with one heck of an education. But if you don't pay attention in high school, you'll never get there.