Richard Galbraith

In software development, the rule is that the sooner a programmer starts writing code, the longer it takes to finish a working application.  In our hurry to show visible progress, we often don’t take the time to think through the problem and map out our route before setting out.

Continue reading...

When we encounter something negative in life, we are tempted to respond in kind.  If we act on this natural impulse, we only add to the negativity in the world.  If we want to live in a better world, we have to find a way to make a positive response to even the worst people we meet.

    The recent "I have a Dream, A dream for America" poetry contest sponsored by the Sandwich No Place For Hate Committee was a beautiful example of students looking to a positive future.

...

Continue reading...

Most people seem to think that being confused is a sign that something is wrong with them.  That is the wrong conclusion.  Confusion actually indicates that we are entering uncharted waters.  I get confused when the situation I am in doesn’t fit into my mental map of the universe.  That makes it an opportunity to increase my understanding and to make the map in my brain more accurate.

Confusion is uncomfortable, but retreating from confusing situations will not keep me from becoming conf...

Continue reading...

Not all of the people I enjoyed hanging out with are real friends.  Some of them were only interested in having fun together, they discouraged me from doing things that didn’t involve them – it is as if they only thought of me as a plaything, one of their toys.  My real friends wanted to see me succeed and encouraged me to try new things, even if it meant moving on without them.  Those are the people that I have actually stayed close to decades later.  They are the people who care enoug...

Continue reading...

My reality still isn't all I want it to be.  So I'll keep dreaming of better futures.

It is easy to get so involved with the details of daily life that we neglect to think about our ideal life.  A good dream is like a compass; it keeps us pointed in the desired direction.

Continue reading...

Most of the time, I want to take the quickest, most efficient route to my destination.  But, sometimes I’d rather take a scenic route or simply explore.  Even when I know what is the best way for me to go, I am not in a position to judge what is best for someone else.

Continue reading...

I had plans, and tickets, to return home from Texas via St.Louis.  An ice storm got in my way.  If I stuck with my plan, I'd be sitting in San Antonio still waiting for an empty seat after the storm finally cleared.  Making an early switch to a southern route let me get home only 2 hours after my original plan.
My natural tendency is to be persistent in the face of a challenge.  However, Persistence is a good trait only if you are persistently doing something productive.  Sometimes it is bette...
Continue reading...

A thought I hope our politicians keep in mind:

“I’ll bet you a nickel that if you give me a dime, I’ll give you a quarter.”  Most people are willing to take me up on this bet, figuring that I’ll end up with fifteen cents in exchange for the quarter.  But, as soon as I get the dime, I say, “Congratulations.  You won the bet,” and hand over a nickel. 

We often get so focused on wanting to be declared the “winner” that we don’t really consider what is being won, and what i...

Continue reading...

When I have to get somewhere in the morning, shoveling snow is a painful chore.  When I don't, I enjoy going out and getting exercise with the snow shovel.  Same task -- different attitude.
I remember that same feelings about practicing music. 
Since this is true, I can make my life easier and more fun by figuring out reasons why I want to do the things that I will have to do anyways.


Continue reading...