The World According to Tyson

Someone complained about some of my blog posts asking me what makes me an authority on the topics. While I don't actually owe this person an answer to such a rude, condescending question, I will answer, as best I can. And my answer is twofold. First, I never claimed to be any sort of authority on the topics. This is my personal blog. I write what comes to mind and try to express what I feel. If what I write helps you in any way, great, if it doesn't, oh well, the price was right. Further, I had a conversation similar to this with the executive director of a local non-profit on which I serve as an associate vice president. I was explaining to her that I don't feel like I am necessarily qualified to serve on the board as I don't have a direct connection with the issues. But, I will gladly share my skills, talents and own experience to help the organization as best I can. All I can offer is my own background and experience along with a passion to help. If I am able to...

It is now officially 2015. I will try to avoid the cliché New Year's post. Namely, I will try to not make this all about "resolutions." But honestly, with the new year beginning, we are getting older, and the world is at least one year closer to the Apocalypse. There are plenty of people who, like myself ( realists mind you, not necessarily  pessimists ), can find plenty of negative in the beginning of a new year. So, celebrating the new year with resolutions can be very positive and uplifting, however cliché that might be. Every year it seems I struggle to set new goals or resolutions. Mostly because I know how likely I am to not actually achieve said goal. Which leads to one of my goals for 2015, but I'll discuss that later. Another reason I have a hard time with this is because any self-proclaimed life coach or resolution aficionado (if there is such thing) will tell you that your goal must be specific. While I like to consider myself one with impeccable attenti...

Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I like to consider myself a bit of a music buff. I even prefer the term aficionado. While I am not very talented with music, I do take great pride in my knowledge of music. Sometimes, certain songs just touch me or strike a chord with me that I couldn’t ever even try to explain. Because of how important music is to my life, I come across songs like that quite often. While I have always been a fan of the band “Live,” I especially think the words Ed Kowalcyk sings in this song, and the accompanying music, have such meaning and a deep, important message for all of us. I don’t remember a time hearing this song after 9/11 when it wouldn’t bring tears to my eyes. But, not just tears, also a love and appreciation for those fighting for the freedoms we take advantage of, often without any thought at all. I’ll never forget where I was or how I felt on September 11th, 2001. I don’t at all want to make an unfair comparison, but lately everyone has been ...

I received some disheartening news today. A young couple, both of whom I grew up with, just lost their baby boy. For 10 years these 2 have been trying to have a baby. Finally, they found out she was pregnant with their little miracle. For 38 weeks, everything was normal and looked good. Then, at their regular check-up, their doctor was unable to hear a heart beat. Their little miracle suddenly became the nightmare no parent should ever have to endure. This young couple and their family had to say hello and goodbye to this little guy at the same time. I can't even imagine what they are going through. I don't even want to imagine, nor would I ever want anyone to know what that's like. After being told we'd likely not have kids of our own, we were so ecstatic when we found out Ariana was with child. Being the way I am, every doctor appointment I was so worried that we'd get that terrible news. I'll never forget seeing Alexandra for the first time and knowing this...

Everyone has their own battle, everyone has their own cross to bear, everyone has their own struggles. No matter how you say it, or which cliché you use, the fact is, everyone, without exception is going through something that others don't know about. Whether it is physical or emotional, literal or figurative, no one gets through life without some sort of challenge, struggle or lesson. Further, none of us knows everything someone else is going through. We may thing Mr. Jones down the street has everything. He has the biggest house, most beautiful yard with a swimming pool, tennis court and even it's own meandering stream. We make think it's unfair that he has everything and we're struggling just to keep the lights on. There are 2 important facets to consider: 1) Do we have any idea how hard he worked for what he has? Have we ever considered how much time, hard work and struggles it took to get there?  And 2) Do we have any idea what struggles he goes through on a day-...

Tonight I had a great experience! I had the honor of accepting an award on the behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated. It was a great honor to represent such a great company in front of such great people who do so much for the community and society as a whole. Tonight was the Community Service Awards for the Epilepsy Association of Utah. Adobe was awarded the President's Award for its donations and support. Even aside from actually accepting the award, just being there was a great experience. I was touched to see the great work of various people in researching, treating and raising awareness of Epilepsy. I learned a lot about both the organization and disease, both of which I didn't know a while lot about. It's always amazing to me to see the dedication and passion people have for helping and serving others. Regardless of where you stand on the Medicinal Cannibis issue, one can't help but be touched by the story of Charlee Nelson, the namesake for HB 105, now known as ...

It has been a longtime since I last "blogged." I still hate that word, but whataya do... Anyone who knows me knows that I am very opinionated and will openly share my opinion, sometimes not I need the best forums. And, sometimes I offend. I don't apologize for my opinions, but I do apologize for coming across as very abrasive. I often use Facebook as my medium for expressing my ever-growing opinions. I like using Facebook and/or Twitter because it allows me to reach a large audience at once and get input from my friends and family. The downside is, feelings and expressions don't come across that way, much like this medium as well. I sometimes (far too often) says things that make it sound or look like I am "ripping someone apart." But, in the same conversation in-person, one could easily see that I'm either being sarcastic, stirring the pot, or honestly seeking further conversation. That being said, there are definitely times where I was less-than-plea...