STARS: How I Shop For and During Christmas

I thought this would be a nice topic to explore since we are in that season, we're still in a pandemic and it's nice to get it out of the way if possible. 

I have always did as much shopping as possible online. I utilize Amazon, Target and even Home Depot. I do a lot of gift cards and cash unless it's my mother or someone close to me. 

I don't do a lot of in-person shopping after Thanksgiving. People are typically extra tense and stressed (and crowding will already be an issue) and I like to mitigate that whenever possible.  

I don't have a true deadline. I simply try to have it all complete the week before Christmas at the latest. If I cannot, I don't stress. At the same time, I'm not the type to be out on Christmas Eve. If I haven't gotten it by then, I'm not stressing it. 

I have been able to shop for friends, family, Secret Santas, children and the like for 25 years utilizing this strategy 

STARS: Choosing Political Candidates

I have not really ever picked a candidate based on a political affliction nor party. I cannot remember ever voting straight party nor boosting a candidate for any reason such as race, age, party affliction, etc. 

I look at the issues the candidate is talking about and their platform. I love to listen to them talk live, outside of the usual ads and mudslinging.  

I realize that unless they are independent, they are going to lean certain ways. Republicans are going the traditional Christian route, gun rights, pro life. Democrats are about gun control, free choice, bailouts. Libertarians defy big government and are about free markets. I like to deep dive further into how will they improve my overall way of life. Meaning as a black working man in my 40s who pays taxes, is hopeful for a fruitful retirement, and wants equal justice and fair treatment. The candidates I choose must be consistent with these values and very little flip flopping. 

I also admire persistence and even those that are passionate about the candidate.  Their why is equally as important as I learn the impact the candidate has and why. 

I have followed this voting method for 24 years and now hope for a better voting method in the presidential elections so I don't feel forced to pick the lesser of two evils. We are seeing two much of that and I need more options. I'm about the candidate rather than the party. 

STARS: Picking Out Your Halloween Outfit

Yes many long time followers of my blog know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, especially seeing women and their creative costumes. Despite the pandemic, the creativity can continue and Zoom doesn't have to be involved. 

I choose a costume that is neutral far as the weather.  Women usually have this easier. I have donned capes, robes, and such. 

I will definitely choose a mask but not one that is not unbearably hot. I can be a ninja of some sort, a bank robber, cowboy, even a light monster mask. This is the one holiday that can be COVID friendly as long as you do not choose a crowded venue and practice CDC guidelines regarding candy. No worries children, my stuff will be prepackaged into bags and no hand sanitizer unless you want it. 

I will then have my fun and participate in the community and be around my friends and such.  I am not allowing the holiday being on a Saturday and a blue moon to deter what I love about it. I don't think others should either. 

STARS: Being the New Guy

I have been the new person in school, work, and other places a few times in my life. It can be scary and nervewracking. It can also be exciting. 

I try to learn the lay of the land and the culture first. I firmly believe that you cannot effectively participate in a game without fully knowing and understanding the rules. 

I then find someone that I know from a past experience. I then find a mentor (often it's the same person.). I shadow them, confide in them, and see what good examples they are setting. 

I proceed to be myself, keep a positive attitude, try my best and show why I am there. I have found that properly communicating with others and having that understanding goes a long way towards building good relationships. 

I have used this simple template many times to help me adjust to new situations. I'm confident it can help someone else also.

STARS: How to Say Goodbye

I have had many transitions in my life: personal, professional and otherwise. Tomorrow is my last day at my current work site and I begin my new role at my new site next week. I sit back and think of the good, bad and in between. It's all surreal. 

I start with as few words as possible. I simply say thanks for the memories, keep in touch, I hope I can use you for a reference and likewise. Showing simple gratitude is very important. 

I then do my best not to place my former colleagues in a bind. I have had to clean up enough messes from people before me and I like to have a smooth handoff.

I believe in staying available but being distant at first. I learned this at the WU. This helps transition better for me. I am not codependent on the folks I have worked side by side with for a while and I can focus in my new role. 

I then begin my new role, taking my lessons learned and playbooks from 25 years of past experience. I go into my role as open and positive as possible, and give it my all. I am then faithful that I am in this situation for good reason and make the best out of it. 

STARS: How To Prepare For True Action

I've learned in life that it doesn't have a remote, you must change it yourself. I see so many people that are unproductive simply because of their plan of action, or lack thereof. 

I have a flexible plan that I do adjust when necessary.  I have my main goal written down, plus the steps and mini goals necessary for the larger outcome.

I then attempt each step, stick with what is working and properly adjust what is not. 

I've found myself ten times more likely to achieve a goal, even simple goals such as cleaning my man cave or fixing my kitchen floor if I break it down into steps. 

Remember failing to plan is planning to fail. 

STARS: How I Plan to Try to get Breonna Taylor's Killers Arrested

I've seen it for months and now I'm seeing it even from athletes and others with larger platforms. Say her name. Let's arrest Breonna Taylor's killers.  

Nearly 5 months later, no arrests, an ongoing investigation and the police/killers are free and even harrrasing other women. 

I plan to continue making the calls to the proper authorities. I have an email that automatically calls all of them. 

I will hold others accountable that continue to post daily about it. It's at the point where posting and calling is not working.  It's time for more fierce, forceful action. I want to see who lives in the Louisville area.  These people can go to the offices personally, go to the city council meetings.  We have to be in their faces. 

I see people are still traveling despite the pandemic. Why not be productive and travel to Louisville for a side quest or supplemental trip? Many are you are quarantined, working from home, your kids are going to virtual school. This is the time! 

I then want to see and give adequate funding to her family and to her legal team to help fight in this case. There needs to be the means to sue and get the justice that Breonna Taylor deserves. 

This will then set a precedent and change the narrative far as holding police responsible for taking a life in this way. Looking ahead, we have another battle: the trial for the killers of George Floyd. Therefore, we can rest but we can't let up. Not even a little.