#BoomerwithAttitude – CDTalent Enterprises

#leadership thought, Business, Health care

#NewNormal still legit, 3-day work week post-COVID, plenty of product keeps suit-selling micro-economy positive

March 2, 2023March 6, 2023by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment

After two weeks off from COVID-positive test, I’m just thankful brothers and I visiting Mom on her birthday wasn’t affected by my last visit. Tuesday I had a regular temp of 97.4 and oxygen 99 at check-in, sinus draining manifested Wednesday. That Sat. I did nose swab, which showed positive. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2023/02/14/finally-positive-for-covid-right-after-english-gents-tux-suit-double-broke-a-long-cold-streak/

All of us noted Mom is physically less frail on her 89th, she feels solid in shoulders and upper arms. Her hair was freshly done up curly, she spoke often.

*Mom’s hair was fine for b-day, this is styling genuine Russian fur hat.*

There’s an awareness that, #BoomerwithAttitude aside, there’s going to be less of such moments in the future. Taking the Universal balance POV, my nephew Ian successfully proposed to Nicki, grand-nephew? Trace is fully three, nephew Spencer will defend his PhD thesis (and turns 30!) this spring, and so things go forward. Just sayin’…

Brother Mike and dogs is in town from FL for birthday , and attended the St. Gabriel Men’s Club meeting Fri. This week (10th) is annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinner for parish and beyond, I’m sure Mike will get some glory for his kitchen efforts in past, while enjoying the camaraderie again.

The club did it exceptionally well for thirty years straight, stopped since COVID, so 600+ this Friday would look a lot like #NewNormal. I had no insurance coverage the first year of the pandemic – I’m 4x vaxxed now, good to hug my Mom, and willing to shake hands again.

Spring has Sprung? Three weeks to desired product

A $4,290 Friday proved that our suits at Nordstrom are gaining destination shopping status. Being up 58% over last year is a fact. I worked Wed-Thurs.-Fri. (1-8:30 = 22 hrs.), and manager essentially gave me weekend off because of funeral service and ‘life celebration’ for a buddy Saturday a.m. (More on that later)

That I ‘paid for myself’ in micro-economy vs. draw with big Friday finish is how it can roll this time of year. FYI – I picked up where I left off on Monday, a broad-shouldered, shorter guy, who jammed in a Hugo Boss Blue, which keeps my streak going.

Friday wasn’t a typical three-suit day, but I did an outstanding job delivering my personal #best practices to three customers who really needed it. Saying customer count is at a premium Wed.-Friday during week is true.

Mr. Skeen – Older gentleman, hasn’t needed a suit in years, grand-daughters wedding is event. We didn’t have to discuss any of the slim cut lines, and everyone (including wife), agreed the charcoal gray with white hatching Peter Millar was a great match with his hair.

Totally painless, minimal alterations, and he appreciated that we could ship the finished suit to Cornelius home (no cost). His wife did not find the kind of dress she wanted.

The Whole Family Event

The other designers we carry (Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Jack Victor, Peter Millar) are between $795-$995 for suits, Canali is a definite jump in price – $1,600 sports coats, $2,400 suits – so its great to hear a potential client ‘really likes the fit of Canalis’ right off the bat.

Client and wife had two youngsters in a stacked stroller, and I eventually put all of them in the largest dressing room. Wife and I were both strong on a beautiful silvery-charcoal, with a subdued blue stripe that showed when closer. The dark blue suit he checked early didn’t have a chance.
— Short-armed client needed sleeve alterations on shirts, and he asked about picking up by 1:00pm Saturday for flight to Vegas. Got it expedited. Few buyers sweat fees for bang-zoom! great service.

A Man with Yikes! Suit Needs

Sales-wise, its always been part of my methodology to impart a decent amount of information to someone quickly. First job out of college, twenty cold calls a day, I projected a fairly simple idea, why TIME, Inc. titles, especially People magazine, should be around their registers. With #suit-sizing, there’s nothing like putting a 42 Regular or 38 Short on just to learn some basics, how it hangs.

The final person Friday really needed a fully fitted suit. His neck-shoulder muscles filled an area well short of the shoulder seam, causing a handful of nothing. Eventually he fit well in a 48 Hugo Boss, which is a champion in giving shoulder-space, and its a slim cut jacket on the sides. People usually think about the pants after there’s interest in overall fit. In gentleman’s case, basic math of ‘chest size minus 6’ wouldn’t work (48-6=42″ pants).

If standard pants with suit are 42″ and guy is no more than 36″ waist, that can’t be hemmed. Next part would have been whether ‘thunder thighs’ could’ve fit in the slim cut pants, but…

At start of March, I feel fine about imparting ‘sizing’ information people can take forward in looking for suits overall. As long as we’ve got product, I expect very similar micro-economy results, now that weddings and proms are very consistently the deal.

My Contribution to a ‘Life Celebration’

*St. Gabriel’s legendary Lenten Fish Fry happens Friday, March 10th.*

(Three previous speakers bloviating overrode possibility of nice looking sandwiches/snacks at Legion Brewing, so I had a beer in the man’s honor and skedaddled. My story would have been like this, and relevant to the upcoming Fish Fry)

Men’s Club member Armen Boyajian (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/armen-boyajian-obituary?id=38372268) worked at the Diocese of Charlotte. As noted, our Men’s Club has done fish fries a very long time. In the early days, with only two fryers vs. current four plus upgraded other cooking elements) and often longer lines, we started giving people beer in line.

We couldn’t sell it because didn’t liquor license, but people often dropped off contributions. We did it forever, donated (and up-sized) those $$$ donations for places, like a parish we had a connection with in Houston during massive flooding, but mostly its about good works in Charlotte.

So, Armen is selling fish fry tickets down at the Diocese, and tells a couple ladies, “…and you don’t have to worry about beverages, your beer and wine is free,” which caused a nearby lawyer to quickly jerk and say, “What?!”

While we’d done it openly all those years, *apparently* the Diocese owns the school and its cafeteria, and dispensing alcohol, free or not, on the premises, got the lawyers involved. No more guys filling up a couple pitchers for the workers in back (and never the Boy Scouts or workers from middle school and HS aged, doing community hours of course), everything done by licensed bartenders. BIG game changer.

I’m sure the look I would have put on my face the moment of “What?!” would have livened up that life celebration considerably. That’s also #NewNormal, we get to celebrate and grieve our loved ones again. Still can’t understand taking chances with elderly family along the way by so many. Feeling Mom’s 89-year old good shoulder under my hand, that counts for something.

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Thought Leadership

Finally, positive for COVID – Right after English Gent’s Tux & Suit Double Broke a Long Cold Streak

February 14, 2023February 14, 2023by gshorkeyblt21 Comment

*Is there anything better than the squeals of children at play, ice cream with parents, AND a firetruck?*

While still wondering why I’m surprised people don’t recognize salespeople are on commission, I was exceedingly glad to have that quite amiable COO-level, English gentleman appear last Wednesday evening. Late January-early February isn’t the greatest time in retail, so his Boss tuxedo ($995) and Peter Millar midnight blue suit ($795) double-bubble put my reputation back in place. I’m alone Mondays and Wednesdays, but it’d been ten days since I’d gone through the whole process…

We were both well-pleased with the minimal tailoring necessary to achieve final product, and fact he’d be able to report the two-for-one effort as accomplishment to his wife, whose apparently spoken of his ‘hour of hard labor’ at such times. Of course, he was wearing proper shoes for tux-hunting, found the waist (surprisingly?) well-fitted at 34 with the Millar, a remark heard often in these post-pandemic times.

We were both pleased with the minimal tailoring necessary to achieve final product, and fact he’d be able to report the two-for-one effort as a significant accomplishment to his wife.
–Me, Monday after Super Bowl, tested positive, and in office with keyboard

Now is my brush with pandemic times?

I had to call out Friday because I was draining massively. Friend suggested that, while Nature was kind of busting loose with 66 degree days, I might want to get ahold of a COVID test kit. I didn’t do the swab – very good directions all the way – until Saturday a.m., and now will be out of work for whatever period of time.

I admit not being as diligent with mask as several others in department, and very infrequent user of available sanitizer. A general feeling of fatalism – more a sooner or later deal – has prevailed. When I finally blew my nose enough to call out, I got four free boxes of tests at Walgreens no problem. I watched the Super Bowl alone, and the ratatouille I made instead of just chili, it laid on my guts like lead.

That friend at Pfizer said, “It was in the list of options of what might happen,” so I’ll accept that constipation is why I’ve been grouchy about tummy tenderness.

Yeah, yeah, there’s paperwork to be done regarding self-identfying after testing positive. I’ll fill that out shortly. Friend at Pfizer says she can’t be around someone who tested positive, so killing post-Valentine’s Day hockey date is second casualty of COVID.

How Close to Being a Bad Person?

How about a reality check of ‘bad person’? I ran out of gas a couple blocks from home Monday, so visited Mom at Carmel Hills of Tuesday, when my temperature at check in was 97.8, oxygen level 99. It was a good talking session, at least she was engaged, and the fur hat she wore was worthy of comment.

I definitely started draining nasally on Wednesday. On Thursday night, I went to a basketball game at Queens (84-80 loss to Eastern KY) with brother Steve. Both times I wound up with a maskful of liquid, not a great feeling. There weren’t many people around us at game, it was pretty good stuff to get out for whats a solid neighborhood event.

I had mask on while trying to figure out scanning their Qcode to get into game (I failed, but got in anyway) with two students, was right next to brother, but walked there and back alone.

I’m particularly worried about time with Mom so close to kaboom! descent of symptoms on Wednesday, and while its out of my hands, I’m going to wipe down my keyboard once in a while. I used the test kit because there was no difference in ignoring the answer it could provide – testing positive – than what I thought so stupid in others who wouldn’t acknowledge how ignorance might kill their aged Moms, friends, or family back in the bad pandemic days.

Three Weeks into 66

Five years ago today, the slaughter at Parkland was the biggest news of the day. That’s also the day Mom got out of the hospital after a-fib troubles, and I became her primary care for next six months. Getting her to nephew Paul and Caitlyn’s marriage in Raleigh was a Biggie, possibly the greatest thing I’m ever responsible for, and it makes me aware of how we all have to take care of ourselves as we take care of others.

Its a good-looking day out for #gshorkonsharonroadseam. I’ve made an appointment to get a full physical, which I haven’t had in two years.

I’m still a Boomer with Attitude -I made it to the very end of COVID before I invariably got it. I finally read a full book, which I got from one of those stick libraries around my neighborhood. ‘The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’ was 561 pages, and it was worth reading. I didn’t read to Mom last time there, when she’s relatively up for chatting, I take 3-4 min. videos for rest of family.

I also went to regular church for first time since Christmas or a funeral, since NC locked down in March, 2020.

It was a very worthwhile Super Bowl, one we can hold up as an example of teamwork and, because you’ll hear it forever more, “You don’t bet against guys like Mahomes in the clutch.”

Did I allow myself to get a bit blase about ordinary healthcare concerns at the end? Are you still as observant of the rules, especially where eldercare is concerned?

Happy Valentines Day to all applicable parties.

Hoops and heat for ‘Lockdown Prep’ NC weekend, some worries about NY people

Business, Thought Leadership

Being of Service: A Three-Suit Sales Day, Brunch person, COVID doctor

December 2, 2022December 8, 2022by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment

While positive comments for shepherding people (painlessly) through suit process are appreciated, as part of my job, taking pride in the process is psychic income. Yes, I get comments for suit-wearing, and picking Glenn Bossnblue as pen name is tied to feeling good about that aspect of my retail micro-economy. It looks like three-suit sales days aren’t going to be unusual. LOTS of good-looking $700+ sports coats getting attention.

My POV remains positive, with suit selling as my bellweather on results, weddings are still #1 reason for suits. After a $3,800 Wednesday, with literally off the rack $500 suit at very end of night, $4,500 Friday ended with $1,200 sale (Jack Victor black-blue sport coat, $785, Bucachi black long-sleeve, $179), multi-color mohair sweater ($239).

(It takes about $1,400/day in sales to pay for myself – hourly draw/commission. 36.5 hrs. week)

Like good defensive backs, I have a short memory of LOUSY – less than $400 sales in 8-hrs. Saturday is 99% forgotten about. A bourbon at The Palms, 25-minutes of shooting hoops in a parking lot with one light, then quality leftovers and brewskies watching the Florida-Florida St. tussle were very relax-able elements. Not New Normal, just unstressed finish watching a rivalry game (a lot like the ’80s versions).

Sunday Brunch was paid for by companion, the opportunity to tip well was earned-deserved every step along the way by Stephanie, whose attendance and intelligence as a professional waitress enhanced a brunch at https://www.opentable.com/green-valley-grill. She did great, smoothing out a less successful Saturday with a Sunday afternoon free lunch, with frequent refills on coffee to info about Spanish Eggs, apppropraite action on the delay of espresso shot on vanilla ice cream with choclate biscotti dessert. $$$ on the table for good-good-good service is the appropriate accolade.

Its not just ego, or a magic blue suit – SERVICE is a legitimate dividing line when deciding to shop at Nordstrom or elsewhere, with me or anyone else. Good sales service isn’t taking your four items of clothing ‘to open a room for you.’

Like Stephanie at brunch, finding that cool 3X Bugachi for bulky guy, or suggesting options beyond a white shirt, that’s the good service guy I tend to be, so I appreciate a similar cooperative communicator.

Being OF SERVICE

The front-line COVID doctor I’m looking forward to meeting this week, yeah, the collective WE can never do justice to what medical personnel, at all levels of service, went through during pandemic. The Novant supervisor who immediately said, “Let’s get you stuck,” while still a Category 5 NC resident – and taking a mere 26 minutes from parking to leaving experience – is a service I won’t forget.

The old axiom of semi-gratitude is that, whatever burdens you’re bearing in life, “someone else has it worse.” In this seasonal expressing of thankfulness, it would take more than my writers imagination to understand looking the beast COVID in the eye daily, and I admire those who put themselves on the line for US.

Yes, I get comments for suit-wearing, and and picking Glenn Bossnblue as new pen name is tied to feeling good about that micro-economy. A bunch of three-suit days, I’ve got a feeling thats not going to be unusual. LOTS of $700+ sports coats recently.
Myself, post-Thanksgiving, 2022. Life at this end of #gshorkonsharonroadseam feels quite stable.

Alterations are always a Service Biggie

Early Monday its a green with black Ted Baker ($845) for wedding suit for next week, and fiancee nurse is staying up after overnight shift to get this important aspect done with him. He’s a marathon runner (100 milers) guy, with bigger calves and wanting to show ankle changes – alterations guy handled tapering like expect from pros. People have no qualms about paying for results, especially expediting.

In my micro-economy, SUITS area being up 57% over last year is no surprise . While we still sell out of common sizes quickly, we have plenty of product overall.

Turned right around, 2nd guy in gray suit

Finishing a great start to finish/rung up client and turning to a highly motivated next prospect is a salesman’s sweet spot. Jonathan was willing to learn and importantly, try on, both shirts (better with 32-33 sleeve) and suits. I affirm try-er on-ers regularly.

As a salesperson and journalist-writer, doing fairly quick overviews of designers (Baker, Boss, Millar, Canali, and more recently, Jack Victor) sets the stage for ‘sizing’ customers, getting a jacket on them soon, basing estimates on myself as a 42 regular.

I’ve had lot of success with Boss, always point out how lowering the arm holes-shoulders are perfect for certain builds, with a great profile as a slim cut. Jonathan came in looking for exactly the slim fit, nice charcoal gray (Baker, $845) he’d expected, plus two much better than just white, trim fit Donahue shirts ($155). Bringing two sizes and options is a great closing situation.

“Of course, the Boss felt a little better in the shoulders, but I realllly like how the gray looks on me.”

“Shoulders on BOSS terrific, but I really like how the gray looks.” Bang zoom, that’s decision I like to hear at end. Put a hem on it, pick it up in an hour. That a THIRD guy blew through and took a Millar check sports coat ($745) and a pair of white shirts, *that* is how triples should roll.

Although there’s a consistent fear of inflation or recession, my current POV-expectation is, with plenty of product vs. last year, setting goals for better paychecks is Reality. In 2021, I was often selling from an empty cart, burning time online having suits and shirts being shipped from other stores vs. just ringing up Peter Millar shirts/sweaters I *should* have had.

We (Nordstrom) still don’t do Black Friday pricing, which could have contributed to my poor showing last Saturday. Our regulars know they won’t miss sales, but deal hunters were often disappointed. End of the pay period, you’d better believe I’m wearing my Boss Blue – aka The $$$ Suit – instead of black management feels ‘would help identify us with customers.’

Reward those who have or will serve you well. Since first sales job out of college, and Boomer with Attittude, if you wanted more money, the word has been “Its right out there, do more.” Zig Ziglar stated it undeniably: If you get other people what they want, (as a saleperson) you automatically get what you want.

*Department is up 57% vs. 2021*, butNordstrom’s doesn’t really do Black Friday pricing,. I’m within two of our nice Jack Victor sports jackets of my goal.

Business, Political, POV - Content Creation, Sports, Thought Leadership

Micro-economy still ‘suits me,’ Moore blunder speaks of excitement too

November 4, 2022November 23, 2022by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment

*During pandemic, hoops behind Rama Elementary were only ones in Meck. County not double-2×4 stopped from use.* *New net was least I could do*.

With two shifts left this pay period, I’m $2000 from goal, so yes, I’ll wear the Hugo Boss Blue on Saturday. Like Astros no-hitting Phillies, you ride your best players – that suit is $$$.

Having Sunday off, I shrieked with all of Charlotte for HUGE Moore helmet blunder, guess many still care. *Very* interesting game PJ!! up to finale. D’onta Foreman 118 yds, 3 TDs – that O-line was working. #Glenn Bossnblue, author, is a new cdtalententerprises.com product.

FYI, I early-voted, a ten minute commitment from parking and crossed blue line to check in to done. Visited with Mom before that, she just got her new chair with head rest, so took her outside to look at the lake and trees, then shot hoops for 25 minutes before 12:30 lunch and ready for work. That’s why people aren’t willing to surrender their daily freedoms in WFH mode instead of office mandate.

New Normal works for many. Hanging another net at Rama Road Elementary required standing on top of my car and holding onto the rim while threading the loops through. Took about same ten minutes as voting…Broke it in right, you betcha. I’ve liked shooting there forever, draining shots from Anchorage, Alaska part of America painted in parking lot is satisfying.

An undeniable Aww shit! moment

It doesn’t seem possible even yet, that Panthers star receiver DJ Moore would do ‘something like that.’ He’s been a great pro for couple years, a highly regarded route runner and genuinely tough guy to get on the ground. All respects due, and he got the contract extension to prove he’s All That. Yeah, BIG dramatic moment, because with a point after, a crucial victory would have immediately thrust the struggling Panthers back into a playoff position in the division.

Is it possible, watching as kicker Eddie Pineiro missed a 1) 48-yard extra point and 2) a chip shot FG to avoid defeat after Moore’s electrifying moment, we’ve achieved a renewed passion in Panthers fanbase? There wasn’t a bemoaning of being losers who stupid things always happen to, most attitudes include hope that got injected with the 62-yard TD, a beauty of a throw by PJ Walker, and Foreman’s productivity all day.

34 points! From end of third quarter, down 21-13, they displayed their most consistent playmaking all season. Marshall’s 40 yard catch-run to ten was a key play, and despite lots of flags, Panthers still finished the drive. The secondary was getting burned by Demarius Byrd on 47 yd. TD (31-28 ATL, Mariotta’s 3rd TD pass), with 2:14 to go, then CJ Henderson’s interception and 53 yard return changed the game.

A MISSED FG in OT! Some want to point blame there, but without that helmet penalty on Moore, its a cinch comeback W instead of an L – those two clutch misses would’ve never been necessary.

Voting is of infinitely greater concern

The prospects for near future mayhem and stressful times in the United (really?) States puts Moore’s bonehead move waaaay down the list of what the collective We the People should be thinking about.

As another weekend awaits, stating how I believe in the voting process is based on long term facts, two local elections worked on long ago, AMERICA writ large, and that US thing, is fact. My first vote as a 19 year old freshman was post-Nixon Watergate, as a J-major. A Boomer with Attitude, I’ll always take that responsibility seriously.

My first vote as a 19 year old freshman was post-Nixon Watergate, as a J-major. I’ll always take that responsibility seriously.

Contrast democracy as most of us have lived it, with a Wisconsin politician who proudly stated, “No Republican will ever lose an election again,” based on new proposed voting regulations. WTF?!
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/02/wisconsin-republican-gubernatorial-candidate-tim-michels

Being disappointed/borderline shocked at the final result, the game itself was a good back and forth rivalry games should be. Meanwhile, the Russians have consistently rocketed utilities in the Ukraine, leaving many in the dark and cold of November. Winter approaching without Russian gas is a very real concern for most of Europe.

An American footballer took off his helmet and his team lost the game? Speaking of football, we’re taking the first round of World Cup at the Royale & Blathering in Blightsworth, right? Nobody ‘out there’ cared about it for a second.

Ron Johnson (Senator, WI), and in North Carolina, Candidate (R) Ted Budd want to eliminate the Social Security system, what this Boomer with Attitude has paid into, like MILLIONS have, their whole lives. Pres. Biden understands that basic, which seems lost on every Repub’s talking/non-talking campaigns points about ‘entitlements.’

*Took bundled up Mom in her just-arrived new ‘buggy’ outside to see the lake and check foliage*. *Its 73 degrees today, bike ride as New Normal max affirming..*

Will a woman’s right to determine what she does with her body be a MAJOR factor in stomping out ‘white guys know better’ thinking on the most elemental level in 2022 elections? You better believe it, GOP.

DJ Moore will catch more touchdown passes, one unsmart action probably forgiven very soon, and he’ll (almost) certainly keep his helmet on. Perhaps, relative to a one-off event, previous (election) experience proved early and mail-in voting is legitimate and effective, and some of those many millions of already cast votes are from GOP-type people who recognize using other methods of exercising their rights.

If not, those ‘unqualified candidates’ Mr. McConnell spoke of might want to borrow that protective helmet, most deserved defeating.

Ten minutes of effort, and $50 in donations, that’s ballots not bullets America. Things figure to be as close on Tuesday as 34-34 was last week, just a lot more important going forward than what happens regarding a single athlete’s mistake.

Deliberately deciding to have NO PLATFORM to vote for, just saying INFLATION INFLATION INFLATION and threatening litigation by every election-Denier that could destabilize America another two years, I vote against that negative, irrational, non-governmental non-agenda. Sorry if your micro-economy isn’t ‘suiting’ you as well as mine. Stay strong.

Business, Political, Thought Leadership

Micro-Economy ‘Suits’ me well – All Blue Weekend as Umpire & Hugo Boss seller, #gshorkonsharonroadseam continues

October 11, 2022October 26, 2022by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment

After posting three straight $2,000 days to hit sales goals, taking a Saturday from retail to umpire four 12 yr. old girls (1 hr.) softball games was a solid touch with American Goodness. Talking with people at fence is intrinsic income, $160 for Sat. behind the plate, 10:00-3:00 is valid micro-economy, working in brilliant weather is karmic. Lease renewal of ideal Charlotte location is important to continuing micro-economic progress over the last year.

People driving a distance are buyers

*1st time out with gold-blue paisley tie. Light blue button down, Boss Blue suit, cognac Maddens.*

True that. Nordstrom’s draws people from even three hours away.

People are still spending money, we’ll see how things continue to roll. There is MUCH more product available, especially Peter Millar sports and cooler weather coverings. Half-zips jumping out already, the cords, we’ll see – new Brooks Bros. supply of big wales cords ($118) hasn’t been disturbed much.

Weddings are still the major buying point. We run out of the most popular sizes quickly in suits, but we received full runs for most designers (Boss, Baker, Millar, Canali). Sports coats ($645-750+) are steady.

The point of being a ‘professional’ came up recently on LinkedIn site, I have to believe the extra respect I draw looking Right makes a difference, because people tell me so.

Its not just ego, or a magic blue suit – SERVICE is a legitimate dividing line between real good sales help and somebody who just rings your stuff up, or asks if they can take your armload of clothes and open a room for you.
Glenn, Mr. Hugo Boss & Blue 10/08/22

Umpiring – Even negatives are short lived

As a Little League umpire, balls and strikes, outs and safes control the game, hitting and fielding are difference makers. There was really only one altercation over four games, but its the kind most spectators consider when they say, “I could never do that job.”

In this complex world, where handling of nuclear secrets is parsed and litigated, making a coach aware of FACT he has two options: Stop talking right now and stay in the dugout, or watch the rest of the game (down 11-1) from the parking lot with ability to make it stick *immediately,* that is controlling a situation. (Chewing on a twenty minute old event – or a two year old election – isn’t good, let it go Coach)

When you start umpiring, they tell you not to talk with people along the fence, because it only takes one call to turn them against you, but I’m still a yakker. Talking with catchers is my prerogative. I’m 100% sold on umpiring gig as good for American Family Baseball, some small affirmations of respect count personal pride-wise. I got hit 4x Saturday – twice in chest protector, once ‘close’ on upper inside of thigh…thanks for asking.

I’ve got the 22nd open, I might do it again this Fall.

*The roof to left is a three car garage, the back yard is large and well-supplied with amenities. Just another corner property in Myers Park*, *where walking is sort of entertainment*.

SHELTER – Another year

Landing at #gshorkonsharonroadseam this time last year was the finale of five moves in five months, so every time I walk or ride around this neighborhood, that’s the standard I use for having improved in my micro-economy. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2021/12/11/vaxxed-check-with-a-comma-threat-of-homeless-handled-well-a-good-suit-feel-to-end-of-2021/ The pickleball courts at Myers Park CC are across the street and Queens University is an easy walk away.

They’re going Division I in hoops this year, I will cheer the local guys regularly.

The flow of traffic fifty feet away on Sharon Road reaches a level that awakens about 7:00am, sometimes earlier with school buses; recent construction in front yard to change flooding at bottom of long downhill section was good work. There are a couple owls hoot-hooting in nearby woods.

The stove is small, so are the sinks, and definitely not enough outlets, but the Booty Loop (bicycling) is four blocks away, I have a screened porch and actual office in 2nd BR, with a quick drive, still on Sharon Road, to work at Nordstrom. My rent is only going up $25 this year, that’s excellent, given concerns about inflation. On a regular basis, nodding to dog walkers around eleven as we all enjoy Fall weather, I’m secure as I can imagine in 2022.

Big Government, Being Part of the Solution

Finding a place to plant my housing flag at end of 2021 counted, so did benefitting from SNAP program. $235/month that millions got as direct deposit during the worst part of the pandemic – instead of the $15 I would ordinarily have qualified for – was a difference maker.

There are PSAs about how a Mother sends kids to bed with soup, nothing for herself, heartbreaking and factual. That counselor telling me everyone was going to qualify for $235, the knowledge I wouldn’t go hungry was beyond a huge weight lifted.

After the program payments ended in June, I had nearly $600 unspent, still about $100 on it. Count me as someone who clearly benefitted from a government that addressed the biggest needs facing average citizens the last two years. Gratitude, yes. Reworking my personal micro-economy a-sap by to get over that homelessness hump, and assuring my food resources were secure, I was given exactly the right and necessary stake to accomplish my here and Now positives.

There’s $$$ in the bank now. Job in retail, food, and Social Security was a restart point in late 2021. IMHO, getting vaccine on March 18th is still THE biggest example of government done right.

I’ve already volunteered for poll worker. I’d rather be part of the solution necessary for this country, in even a small way, and able to know how democratic elections are supposed to operate. In 2020, I asked quite a few questions of a gentleman at E. Independence library about election safety, I had no doubts the voting in Mecklenburg County, NC was secure. I’m going to pay that forward for others.

Voting with enlightened self-interest is easy, Medicare is an obvious factor for this Boomer with Attitude, but if Roe v. Wade is your concern, it seems the ‘Pubs are against whatever most people feel seems right. I promise not to politicize the voting process, just help with the mechanics, like at work.

I’ve been a Harambee reader for a summer school program, all they required was about ten minutes of time with students. Putting in some inconvenient hours being at a polling place early, that’s reasonable for a Good Citizen, right? https://cdtalententerprises.com/2019/06/28/well-delivered-messages-work-wonders-at-all-levels/

Panthers HC Rhule is Fired

Another shade of Blue for the weekend was the Carolina Panthers 37-15 shellacking by the 49ers, Coach Rhule’s end a move everyone saw coming. I don’t recall hearing the death knell comment “The organization has full confidence…” but whatever he considered an understanding with Mr. Tepper, going 1-4 while losing three straight at home didn’t hit any positive standard.

He won’t be mourned. A pre-season analysis that Rhule needed 9 wins as a significant jump in success to keep earning paychecks seemed optimistic as hell now. No, it didn’t look like the Carolina Panthers offense was about to catch fire and get close to that number.

Tack on #1 quarterback Baker Mayfield getting dinged enough to probably miss the next game, Charlotte justifiably has the blues.

For one of my customers who mentioned tickets perhaps being available, this looks like a golden opportunity to unload a couple, right? I’d still go. Have the wheels fallen off enough that Sam Darnold reappears, and becomes the leader Panthers GM Scott Fitterer thought he’d fixed the Panthers QB problem with last year?

Luckily, the icky situation Panthers face won’t affect my micro-economy, where consistent effort brings results. Those gentlemen I worked quite hard for Sunday will come back, we’ll order them suits, expedited if necessary. Panthers woes won’t affect midterm elections either, when America crosses its collective fingers and retains its democracy by Voting Blue.

*New cards are coming, #gshorkonsharonroadseam is looking good for 2022-23. Figure on left: Part of ‘Welcome to Real World’ poster, 1st CDTE project.*

Business, POV - Content Creation, Thought Leadership

WFH upgrade, 5 suit day count in micro-economy, Boomer with Attitude starts Year 28 of Charlotte Experience with ‘New Normal’

June 5, 2022July 17, 2022by gshorkeyblt21 Comment

With sincere thanks to NY bro David’s effort in delivering the desk 800 miles, having a chocolate donut with Mom, and snap decision to drive to/stay overnight at Steve’s place in the VA mountains are quality family time. ‘Stable’ is $700 of new wheels not being a crisis, #gshorkonsharonroadseam is Home in Year 28.

Its a reboot for #WFH (#workfromhome) career to have family heirloom upright secretary back. Uncramped work area in second bedroom vs. living room, and Mom’s favorite rug becomes the space I’ve needed. #gshorkonsharonroadseam

Bro David and Mom, who still likes her donuts.

Ready to hop on my trusty 12spd Miyata and GO! after finishing this blog is very much included in any New Normal, and I’ve taken comfort from maintaining a decently high physical balance even before lockdown end of March, 2020 or Medicare 65 Boomer.

Working a retail schedule, I push myself to continue above average habits on cooking-eating and exercise. I refuse to consider current 190 means I’ve lost muscle mass from 193 ‘best,’ become a littler, older man.

I hadn’t stepped on a scale until lately, and I’m not worried.

Take a collective breath on another glorious, sunny North Carolina blue sky, high 80s day instead, and catch the Rangers-Lightning game later pal, New Normal isn’t all bad. One-ninety? I look good. Doing two laps of the Booty Loop nearby? Sure, and riding, walking around, or close to work, #gshorkonsharonroadseam is a great New Normal.

I say Boomer with Attitude, and my physical body movement is still an expected positive. I’d like to thump some tennis balls to check out my swing, after shoulder injury from a bike accident two years ago, but I pulled a calf muscle. What do you mean, did I stretch first?
–Me, officially Medicare-old 65.

New Normal

New Normal was willing to take part in a sweaty Hotwalkers Ball tent with LOTS of excited people at the Queens Cup Steeplechases in early May, my first major crowd time in a while really. Bros Steve, Dave and I went to Charlotte FC soccer game Saturday, 26,000 in lower bowl, but I hadn’t considered how close things would be on the train I took in. I’m three-vaxed, but last four stops to stadium were maximum crowded, and I don’t pretend to be bullet-proof to whatever else comes down the pike.

Yes, I used ‘bullet-proof’ instead of other words, not lightly, but because these most recent slaughters cannot possibly EVER be considered as a New Normal.
–Me, and 90% of America

Will Ukraine and Russia pummeling each other – using former Russian satellites ammunition, aircraft, and tanks- become part of New Normal? If Poland feels Ukraine’s pain based on pre-World War II, Booyah! Everyone wants to be in NATO now. Putin’s self-fulfilling worst fear. The button, and pulling the whole world down with nukes – does that reenter the world worries as New Normal?

I was four and living in West Palm Beach, FL during Cuban Missile Crisis of ’61, even a kid could feel the tension. I can’t fathom full out war outside my door like in Ukraine.

A week before Fourth of July, the economic pros say 50/50 on recession, while I finally had inventory and posted a four suit week. My writing gig as http://www.cdtalententerprises.com proceeds.

Bros Weekend -Soccer, Mom, Road trip

The donut with Mom was a son who cared treat, David even had a big ol’ glazy fritter for me, as we wheeled her out to the gazebo in middle of Carmel Hills parking lot. Since then, I turned getting her out of the room where I usually fed her lunch into a New Normal for me, reading to her twice a week while getting rides in earlier to beat real heat.

We three decided to road trip up to Steve’s place in Meadows O’ Dan, VA (147 miles) right after visit with Mom, and figured out the TV situation in time to see two blowout games. It was the first time I’d been up there, and it gave David a two hour head start on return to upstate New York on Monday.

*First visit to Steve’s place in Meadows o’ Dan, VA. peaceful. Eggs & coffee, discussion beyond just sports, *15 min. drive to a ‘real’ road*, then pedal to the metal driving*

The Bro stuff wasn’t anything extraordinary, except that we haven’t done it all that much recently. We did a goodly amount of opinion passing during a British movie about a WWII espionage effort that helped a successful invasion of Sicily, and several episodes of a whacky as hell series regarding a pregnant 40-yr. old Brit and younger American who cares. Both of them seemed to know about it.

Going back, it took a full 15 minutes on twisty roads to get to something I could connect with at I-77 . Blowing down the highway to get someplace on time is a road trip staple, affirming I can plan and execute with precision.
Nailing a FIVE SUIT DAY after getting back, on a MONDAY! Ooo-rah!

Already doing a happy dance from two customers buying two suits each, a gentleman appeared just before closing, said he had an emergency in New Orleans the next day, and needed a black suit right then. Two black Baker suits was all I had in stock, one was the 44 Regular customer needed. Whether one of us was lucky, or maybe living Right, it worked for my micro-economy.

My Micro-Economy

It wasn’t pollen, but something had me draining crazy bad for three days, enough that I called out on Wednesday. After day four of those little pills, results for drying up were as desired. No suit sales again (one for week) but still $2000+ overall Saturday. One customer liked the shirt I suggested so much, he had me order THE LAST ONE in system to get 34/35 sleeve.

We’ve done it more often than should have to for standard replenishment level items.

A former Davidson football player – so said the tee shirt – bought five of the eight Peter Millar shirts he tried on (surprisingly, three Smalls) while upgrading his look to what others in his office are wearing. Right, everyone still likes Peter Millar.

Knowing the back is FULL of suits that we’re not supposed to sell until *mid-JULY* for Anniversary (and will be strongly discounted then), when I have people NOW who will pay full price, its a definite crimp in my micro-economy.

Inflation? As the WORLD gets things back in gear supplying whatever to whomever, there will still be choke points, like Ukraine (winter wheat) and Shanghai shipping (20% of shipping, lockdown) but annual 9.1% rate isn’t the sweet spot. We, the collective America, don’t have any sway on that, so we’ll have to adjust micro-economics to reflect What Is in real time. More umpiring income again this Fall?

Getting new rubber all the way around for 2013 Hyundai Sonata, the $700 wasn’t a crisis in my micro-economy. Saying “Do it” without a hitch is a cool New Normal. WFH gigs as consistent parts of micro-economy is still New Normal.

Lifestyle

Yes, I’ve watched a lot of hockey and hoops after work, don’t know if I’ll apologize for wasting time either. Watching our sports is a very real part of Normal Culture. Nobody is putting out COVID warnings for all those raucous crowds for March Madness, 75,000 here in Charlotte for home opener, and plenty of towel-waving people in tight, dramatic hockey games I’ve watched.

Minus The Breath of Death possibility of recent past that COVID-19 represented, having dates for Whitewater Center concerts in search of Ms. or Mr. Right could be New Normal good too.

#gshorkonsharonroadseam is still where Home is.

Business, POV - Content Creation, Thought Leadership

Retail sales, Upwork boost micro-economy, ‘Officially old’ with Medicare, #gshorkonsharonroadseam is born

February 1, 2022November 23, 2022by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment

*The Myers Park CC pickleball courts across the street on Sharon Rd., ‘The Seam of Charlotte’*

After becoming a Medicare eligible ‘person of a certain age’ last week, all previous Boomer attitudes are still locked in. I have no intention of quitting my blogging business and creative writing by arriving at sixty-five – I’ve got plenty of words left to twirl.

There’s some potential for a Russian invasion of Ukraine any minute, which piles an additional HOLY SHIT! situation onto the physical problems of an ongoing COVID disaster. I’m triple vaxxed, thank you, and those events are above my pay grade and outside my personal ability to affect.

Stephen Covey said keeping a better focus on things one can control – like my writing business – yields more desirable results than worrying about the 95% that will happen no matter how much you think or worry about them.

While checking in about many wild and scary political badnesses in these United States is both the job of a good citizen and tough to take at times, I’ve got my micro-economy to run. Odds are, at some point the sheer weight of evil done badly will take trump down, I’ll catch up to whatever news on that quickly I’m sure.

Retail, micro-economic POV

I posted my POVs on retail and economics regularly during seven years working for a major Southeastern retailer (Belk) during the Great Recession, I’ll now be using #gshorkonsharonroadseam while presenting my POV of retail economics in 2022. #gshorkonsharonroadseam is an intended word play, between my physical location in Charlotte and that personal job challenge of getting guys into good looking Ted Baker suits for allll the weddings we’ll be having in 2022.

These are usually the doldrums, and there’s barely any stock in back, but a backlog of weddings in America offers a near future payoff for Boss, Millar, Baker and Canali suit-selling in my 32 hour Nordstrom’s week. Get your suits in Southpark, guys!
Me, 2/01/22 #gshorkonsharonroadseam

*Brother Steve had a small filet, but as Dad might have said, “That fine steak didn’t stand a chance.”* *I wish I’d owned a dog lucky enough to get that bone.*

Having replanted my flag this time last year, I’ll give myself an Attaboy! for finally https://cdtalententerprises.com/2021/01/18/smarter-than-average-bear-content-writing-boomer-replants-thought-leadership-flag-2021/ settling my housing situation well, after five moves between June-late October. Tip-toeing around homelessness for me, millions are still on the move, and not everyone has family that can help in these often tough times.

Going with brother Steve for a magnificent rib-eye at Capital Grille, with a bit of Tin Cup and watching the 49ers-Packers game later, I accepted being Officially Kinda Old on 01/22/22. Yes, it felt good to be out, and Capital Grille’s reputation is sterling by me. Pandemic-wise, they was FULL shortly after we arrived for 5:15 reservations.

A tenet of real estate training was DON’T TALK OLD or RETIRED WITH BOOMERS, most are Forever Young believers.

Cycling three mile laps on the Booty Loop in Charlotte just four blocks away, that’s part of an ongoing POV about a sixty-five year young mind-body working as well as I know how.

Boomer with Attitude, and Bias to Action

There’s some pride about getting an initial 3,600 words of synopsis going for my third book, ‘Betrayed with Cause: Scorch a Sister, Punish the Prince,’ and my New Years Eve purchase of the fantastically bright, fast, high quality DELL Inspiron 24 5000 has immediately improved my CDTalent Enterprises work rate. https://cdtalententerprises.com/a-writer-whos-smarter-than-average-bear/ That’s going to be a major difference maker in 2022.

Commenting on an unimportant factor outside my micro-economy, its absolutely Mr. Tepper’s money to spend if he’s willing to keep 10-23 Coach Matt Rhule as the coach of the Panthers for Year 3. There might be some buyers remorse for that $62 million contract – it can happen when said coach was sniffing about (no longer available) Michigan gig as a change – instead of playoff-level football that doesn’t include Panthers in NFC South – will be a very background concern for me.

How about a little love for the HORNETS though, Charlotte! Seventh place in East at 28-23, and Coach Borrega has a couple *players* worth watching in LaMelo Ball (19.5ppg, 7.7 asst), and forward Miles Bridges (20.2ppg). Hornets nailed 24-threes in Pacers game. https://www.indystar.com/picture-gallery/sports/nba/pacers/2022/01/31/pacers-give-up-franchise-record-158-points-loss-hornets/9281839002/

Production at a Premium

Fact: In two weeks, my retail schedule went from 39 hours a week to under 30 for several weeks. Retail blahs in January is a fact

Fact: I told people I hit for the cycle last Sunday: A $1000 suit, $600 car coat, $600 sport coat, and $400 fragrance buy – with barely six hours on the clock because the mall closed early. I need to have about $1,300 in sales in a seven hour shift to pay for myself versus ‘going in the hole,’ based on a $12.80/hr. draw. Those four sales would equal 13 hours draw.

Writers and actors are often advised to keep their day jobs, and beyond those anticipated weddings and suit sales, many buyers indicate its a back to work move. How many wore suits before the pandemic brings a legitimate “Who cares?” response – as long as the guys are enthused.

Working mostly afternoons through closing, my best morning hours are now blocked for writing production. That includes an Upwork account where pre-pandemic I’d gotten $35-40/sess. for tutoring reading and writing.

Fifth graders through juniors and seniors will especially need essay writing tutoring. This pandemic has screwed up the educational system, and reading-writing programs are dear to me. I’ve appreciated the seniors I’ve worked with through Communities in Schools (CIS) workshops about improving scholarship request writing.

I’m a terrific editor, and monetizing that long time skill by being Zoom savvy, tutor-assisting student essay writing, will contribute to both my passion and micro-economy.
– Me, 1/22/22, My mission statement for 2022, as #gshorkonsharonseam

I’m driving a top-flight, fully loaded DELL now, and with technology holes filled, my marketing and self-promotion will be considerably better.

Tweak the Assets, Work the Strengths

Service attitude is always a primary strength, both in retail and writing projects. Having couples try on 3-4-5 coats isn’t unusual when sizing, and guys pay attention with suits. What most dislike in regular clothes shopping is not knowing how many times they’ll have to take off-put on.

With suits, its all about them, one big task, make the effort and gain a significant reward. Focusing writing processes and editing generates a similar good suit confidence feeling for writing clients.

Serious buyers are ‘suiting up’ for internships and job interviews. Getting younger guys through the process without any mystery, mothers have thanked me for making it quick and painless in a totally good way, and chatting with Dads who remember first suits as important is always cool.

Frankly, our tailors at Nordstrom’s represent a huge resource for my productivity, by discussing what can or can’t be done with alterations, especially pants. Their pros and cons expertise is akin to bringing the lefty in to get a ground out in baseball, but always focuses the choices between designers and sizes. Any good salesperson, like me, should close a really high percentage when someone’s moved positively that far in the process.

When my manager put me into 42 Regulars to develop my knowledge base about suits, it felt like Money. After showing a younger client the sheen of blue with both a Hugo Boss and a lean Ken Baker, I cheered for the mother who recognized how much he reallllly liked picking the Baker.
–Me, about twice a week, and I’d like to think that becomes a reputation.

Will opportunities get better than SwedishBikiniTeam?

It doesn’t get any better than this! was an Old Milwaukee Beer commercial, circa 2014, but then came the Swedish Bikini Team! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c2NEFPqTwY

The Swedish Bikini Team is NOT what’s going to happen next if we can’t get a grip on the pandemic America, and I still have a micro-economy that I’m particularly interested in continuing to move forward. Bet you do, too.

Older and wiser activists that they are, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell offered their artistry in the drama that is Joe Rogan and COVID misinformation. Those artists were willing to lose the significant presentation of their musical contributions Spotify provides to get a bad thing to stop – MANY GOP officials can’t bear to consider doing anything similar. Neil Young’s music isn’t GONE, but if all of the hoo-hah! moved the needle on disinformation, and just maybe it did, more power to them.