Is That Why We Go Bald ?

It's not like it's a big secret or anything.  It happens to lots of guys, probably most guys eventually.  You may not be aware of it at first glance, although with some men it is VERY obvious.  Often it is the man himself who has the problem that is one of the last to know, mostly because he can't see it.

I'm sure he is celebrating his
team's championship this year
and NOT his loss of hair.

I've begun to notice a distinct thinning of hair atop my head.  This is more evident when my hair is cut much shorter (but no, that is not the reason I've grown it out to combing length - it may be a contributing factor but it's not the main reason).  Inspecting the area a little more closely, it becomes evident that it is about the size of what I would guesstimate most of those balding guys' hair loss area appears to be: about the size of a small bread plate.  I've been mourning the loss of many good hairs over the past few months, while also pondering on why our hair disappears anyway.

So here is my completely-untested-and-destined-to-be-proven-flawed-but-it-makes-sense-to-me theory of why at least my hair is thinning in that yarmulke area.  I blame showering and shampooing.

Think about it for a minute.  Men, when you stand in the shower pondering life's mysteries (like what cereal to eat for breakfast today), where is the water spraying on your head?  For me, and I would guess many men (a total guess since I've not seen other men in showering situations), the water is usually spraying right at that spot on my head.  And what do we know about the force of water in nature?  It eventually erodes anything!  Strike One.
Now add in your shampoo and/or conditioner.  Think here again about where you begin shampooing your head of hair.  Doesn't it pretty much always start at the apex of your head?  Strike Two.
And after rubbing it in roughly (to get a good lather going) right in that spot, you'll often begin rinsing the soap out by having the water run where?  Right on that same spot!  Strike Three.  There's got to be some connection right?!

Oh sure you could reject this theory by pointing out that my forehead is enlarging too.  But I believe this is the soldiers on the front line realizing there is a war being lost in the middle of the battlefield and they are trying to retreat like cavalry that will never make it.  Brave little soldiers.  Just stay put where I need you most.  No one really looks back there much anyway.


Song Of The Day:
I'm excited that Nickel Creek is back together again and has a new CD.  I've heard a few of the songs, but they mostly just reminded me of one of their best songs ever which I've never shared here.  "When You Come Back Down" is more of a lost love song or one of inspiration, but in typical me fashion, it is me letting my hair know I'll always be here to welcome it home if the grass isn't greener wherever they went.  Just like the line "I keep looking up, awaiting your return."  It's a beautiful Sunday song anyway!  :)

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Isn't All Reality Just One Point Of View ?

Over the course of the day today a recurring theme kept coming up:

perspective.

I had one on one conversations with nearly a dozen different people today, and in literally EVERY single one of them a viewpoint was expressed that clearly was influenced by perspective.  Whether my own or that of my discussion partner, the version of reality that was being expressed was from one point of view.  This was fascinating to me because these individuals were all rational, logical, and arguably of above average intelligence, yet we ALL seemed somewhat oblivious to other possible perspectives.  We each deeply believed in that moment that what we had seen or heard or experienced was the true reality, as if there was only ONE accurate viewpoint.

As I navigated through these chats, both formal and informal, I found myself seeking to be open to seeing any situation from at least two different vantage points.  This was extremely helpful in considering ALL the "facts" before passing judgement on others (either those in the conversation itself or those subjects of the discussion).  It made it very easy to avoid misjudging based on only one thought process.  I think this is an essential characteristic of a great leader, but is beneficial to anyone who feels responsibility for others.

If you find yourself frustrated with someone or some situation, may I humbly suggest that you consider another point of view or two before jumping to judgments you may regret later.  I've certainly eaten some humble pie before and it tastes equally bad from ANY perspective.


Song Of The Day:
I love the video for the song "This Side" by Nickel Creek because it visually displays the analogy of different perspectives.  Sometimes it looks like people are "singing at a wall" but if you view things from a different vantage point, you can see that a full concert is happening.  Isn't life better when we seek to understand and then to be understood?  Many times, if we understand another's perspective first there is no need to ensure they understand you ... because you have already changed your opinion.

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Why Not Get A Bigger Cup ?

I have used the same tumbler (I guess that's the technical name for it) at work for a few years now.  I clean it regularly so don't get all germophobic or anything.  It holds about 12 ounces of whatever liquid you want in it.  My preference is ice cold water.  In fact, I don't think I have ever had anything else in it honestly.

Anyway, I have been asked on several occasions why I use such a small mug for my water.  This usually comes up because my immediate neighbors in the office notice the multiple trips I take each day to the "water cooler" for refills.  Surely this efficient Supervisor would want to that he could minimize his repeat trips by switching to a larger container which would also allow him constant liquid refreshment without the interruption of a decent walk to the break room area.  I imagine that some thought along those lines must enter these people's minds.

But I do not want to switch.  I will not switch.  I am actually fulfilling more important tasks by limiting the size of my water container.  Consider the following:
 - I refill my water about 4-5 times a day on average.
 - I need make water about 4-5 times a day on average.
 - I am in the office for 8-10 hours a day on average.
 - I need to stretch my legs and get the blood flowing at least every 2 hours.

So when you think about it, it really comes down to simple math.  My trip to refill my water every hour or two allows for a restroom break, a stop at the printer to pick up work items, and a chance to wake up from just sitting at a desk.  So thanks but no thanks.  I'll keep my 'small' water tumbler.

Song Of The Day:
Although the song is not one of my favorites from the group Nickel Creek, I think "Reasons Why" fits well with this post.  I have my reasons why I keep my small cup.  And that's enough.

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Why Should I Believe You THIS Time ?

How much can people change?  And how long can we (or should we) keep believing that things with them will be different?

I believe people can change completely.  I've seen it in the lives of people around me, mostly good but sometimes for the worse.  But I wonder if I'm being too naive to believe in certain people who continually promise they will change?  Only to have them break those promises and then drag out the same tired excuses for their stagnant status.

I remain the hopeful optimist with almost 100% of the people I interact with.  But that hope turns into cautious realism every time another promise is forgotten.  Forgiveness will always be there, but I don't feel bad for the hope dissipating.  Should I ?!


Song Of The Day:
I came across the group Nickel Creek while watching some actual music videos on VH-1 or MTV back in the day.  They were a bluegrass group and had some reasonably popular songs on the country music charts.
Then about a year ago, out of the blue, I came across this video and song called "Doubting Thomas" and immediately loved it.  The video is a bit somber and sad, but the melody is hauntingly beautiful.  Check out some of their other stuff if you like this one (lots of it is upbeat and they have some straight instrumental tunes too!)

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