Rule Number 6

One of my favorite mentors passed along a book many years ago. Like most of what he passed along, the book has stuck with me since. I devoured the book the first time I read it and each time since. There are many things that resonate from this book, but one has inspired a painting.

There's a story about two prime ministers who are sitting in a room, discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts through the door, screaming and shouting. The prime minister who's hosting the meeting says to the man, "Peter, please remember Rule Number Six." Peter is immediately restored to calm. He apologizes, bows, and walks out. About 20 minutes later, a woman comes flying in. She's beside herself. The prime minister says, "Maria, please remember Rule Number Six." Maria apologizes and walks out.

The visiting prime minister can't contain his curiosity: "My dear colleague, what is this Rule Number Six?" The other prime minister says, "Very simple: Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously." The visitor replies, "That's a nice rule. What, may I ask, are the other rules?" The prime minister answers, "There aren't any."

excerpt from The Art of Possibility by Zander and Zander

Tomato crazy

Had the wonderful opportunity to attend a tomato workshop at the Native Nursery. Native Nursery is a small nursery that offers many workshops, most of which are free. This was the first workshop I attended and I was very happy I did. Not only was the workshop free, but it was very informative. In addition to discussing the various heirloom tomatoes that have proven to perform well in this area, the person leading the workshop informed the participants on how to best grow tomatoes in the ground and in containers. The information session was then followed by a demonstration of planting in a garden and in a container.

Some of the tips and things in the workshop included:

Determinate and Indeterminate. Did you know that tomato plants can produce for a long time? Indeterminate tomatoes can produce throughout spring, summer, and into the fall. During he hottest months, such as August, are too hot for the tomato plant flowers, but once the peak heat has passed, the plants will produce fruit until the temperatures get too cold. Determinate tomato plants have a shorter fruiting season and will not produce into the fall.

Planting Deep. Because tomato plants are vines, the deeper the plant is planted, the more roots will grow to support and nourish the plant. A deeper root system will also help the plant during the hot summer days, allow the plant to soak up more water from the soil.

Mushroom Compost. In addition to being a good fertilizer, mushroom compost inhibits fungal growth. A few handfuls of mushroom compost tossed in around the roots, when planting the young tomato plant was suggested, in addition to a handful of natural fertilizer.


Meet Dr. Marvel and Farmer Herman's Little Yeller, two of the heirloom varieties carried at Native Nursery. Both varieties were cultivated at Turkey Hill Farm, a local wholesale nursery. The Little Yeller is a tart, yellow, cherry tomato and the Dr. Marvel is a beefsteak tomato. Both varieties are supposed to start producing within 90-100 days and are indeterminate. Can't wait to watch them grow!

The Perfect Fit?

"Happy 1 month at the new job," my officemate remarks as the work day ended Monday. Has it been a month already?, I thought to myself. "You're right," I remarked, "it doesn't seem like I've been here a months already, yet I feel like I've been here longer." "I know," she said, "it seems like I've known you longer."

I thought about her words and how I am at that awkward position, where I feel at ease, yet have to ask where things are and who I need to speak with for... While I am still finding my way around the area I've recently relocated to, I already feel at ease. The ease is comforting.

"I'm happy with our office set up; it feels like I've know you for longer," says my officemate, who just returned from maternity leave. This is a relief, as I was concerned my addition to the office might off balance the environment. Perhaps it was the muffins I made for her 1st day back, but from her remark, I think things are going to be peachy.

This leads me to ask, "what is the perfect fit?" Generally, I have a good idea of what I want and when it came to a new job and home, I knew exactly what I wanted. Therefore, when I was trying to determine if I wanted to live in a small town, in rural Ga, without access to the things that I wanted in my life, and have at least a 30 minute commute to work each day, it was a conflicting decision. Something in me felt that I should accept the offer, but the logical aspect of myself couldn't reason out if it was the best decision. Ultimately, I went with my gut and can happily say that it was a great decision. The journey hasn't been all roses and daisies, but overall it has been a wonderful experience and I believe it is leading me in the direction I should be headed.

Was accepting the job the perfect fit? I'm not sure, but I do think it is the perfect fit at this time. I am happy to share similar feelings as my officemates and am grateful of their openness and acceptance. Openness and acceptance were things I thought were lacking within the community in NC. Since I arrived in my new home town, people have been more than simply polite. Perhaps it is partially because I am in the south again, but all I know is that I am grateful.

Is living in a small rural town and commuting 30 minutes to work each day the perfect fit for me? It looks like at this time it just might be.

Training

For the past 7 years in my career, I've been fumbling through any new task given to me... all the while wishing I could receive formal training. Whether it is how to use a new software or piece of equipment, the situation consisted of me, trying to figure out how to accomplish a task or produce a product, alone with only the internet to help me.

Therefore, when I was informed that at the new job I was taking, my supervisor was purchasing a new piece of equipment and I would be attending a training in how to use said equipment, I was ecstatic. Not only would I be getting to use a new interesting piece of equipment, but I would be thoroughly trained by knowledgeable experts in how to do it. Yes!

The gleeful, positive smile I started off the week with has slowly morphed each day into a frustrated, concerned, drained frown. It wasn't a horrible experience, but it was not one I would like to relive. This past week has included more drama than reality t.v. show. There was fighting, bickering, and use of the silent treatment. I put on multiple hats, including peace keeper, negotiator, punching bag, and placater.

At this point I am so happy it is over and can only hope my resourcefulness will aid in figuring out how to work the piece of equipment and illogical software that accompanies it. Although I do respectfully acknowledge that everyone involved did their best, in my eyes it was such a clusterf*ck. I just hope it is not foreshadowing of things to come.