Obsessively Compulsive, or Just Very Passionate?
Well, I’ve been tagged (sound of being tagged) again. This time, it was by my buddy Sam Brougher (Or is it Forest Azuaron; or perhaps Jedi Knight? Really, Sam, I think I need a scorecard to figure it out. It’s either that, or else that multiple personality thing indicates all of you may be seriously in need of professional help. Or something.)
OK, the subject is “What are five things you obsess about?” I have no idea what you’re talking about, since I of course have no obsessions at all, but am an extremely well-balanced individual. Just ask Mrs. MZM. Trust me.
To begin with, I’ve always thought of obsessive behavior as something… negative. I suppose it isn’t always, but perhaps if we call it something else, it would be much more palatable. So let’s call it “passion” instead, shall we? (Sometimes, a rose by any other name doesn’t smell as sweet. Go figure.)
All right, then what are the five things I am most passionate about? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Faith
I remember as a kid I used to wonder it I’d ever be good enough to make it into heaven. Alas, it was usually soon after being caught doing something really bad, like the time I forged (badly) my mom’s signature to a low-graded paper. (Yep, I really did that. But only once, my friends… only once.) As a Christian, though, it’s great to no longer have to worry about such things and finally move on to, well, actually living.
Marriage
Twenty-five years ago, I became the luckiest man in the world when Mrs. MZM said “I do”, and we did. But it has been a genuine, er, adventure. (Remember that Chinese curse that goes may you live in interesting times? Describes our married life perfectly.)
The fact is, no marriage is easy, for all of the time (for just a hint of what I mean, click the About Yours Truly tab up there at the top). Things just have a way of happening that will challenge even the best of us. But luckily I’m teachable, and managed to learn a few things along the way. The honest truth is, I really do love her more now than I did back then. No, it’s not a cliche. Well, actually, it is a cliche, but true nonetheless.
Actually, I can give you the main lesson on how to have a long and happy marriage (and this one works for any relationship) in just one word: forgiveness. Yep, one simple word; easy to say, not so easy to do – but oh! so critical. Just try do it.
Job
Yeah, believe it or not, this one is really true; I truly enjoy my job as an engineering project manager. I manage several small projects (the current count is 10) that range from a few hundred thousand to about 20 million (that’s in US dollars), and I’m having a ball. Oh, sure, there are always challenges to the job, but what the heck, if there weren’t any, it wouldn’t be nearly as fulfilling.
Blogging
I don’t think it’s an understatement at all when I say I really enjoy blogging. In less than a year’s time, I’ve learned more about talking to people, building relationships, and just having a greater time than I ever thought possible while online.
But why is that so important, you ask? Well, while I do want to become a better blogger – it’s actually dragging me kicking and screaming into helping me become a better person. I guess you might say I’ve discovered it’s not all about me (huh? say what?) – it’s actually all about you! Oh, and thanks for the lesson!
Writing
This one’s a newcomer on the list. I’ve only become really passionate about my writing in the last month or so. In fact it’s why I’m going to SOBCon ’07 (are you?); not just because I want to improve my blogging skills (although I do), but because I know it will help me become a better writer.
I must admit if I were to become obsessive about something, it would probably be this one (OK, and blogging too); mainly because it’s so new to me. But I’m doing my best to keep things in perspective as much as possible.
So here’s the handoff
Well, that about wraps it up; five things I’m passionate about. ‘Course, if I had infinite space, I could tell you lots more, but everything’s gotta end sometime, don’cha know.
The rules are simple. A) Link back to who tagged you, and B) write! What are you obsessive/passionate about?
William Tully
Ilker Yoldas
Chip Camden
Robyn McMaster
Char Polanosky
14 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Well, half the world (off-line) knows me as Sam, and half (online) knows me as Azuaron (the Forest part is an allusion to a novel I’ve written that’s in the editing stage.) Jedi Knight’s only there because ten (or more) years ago when I got the Hotmail account there was no way I was going to give Microsoft my actual name. I’ve been trying to switch to a new Gmail account (can you imagine applying for a job as “Jedi Knight”?), but Google’s been giving me crap about it.
Hi Bob
Just wanted to say: why do you think home-truths are called clichés?
And nothing wrong with passionate obsession (in the
right areas of course)
Ah, blogging. It starts off slow, and then somewhere along the line, starts gathering momentum and then snowballs, and you can’t get off, nor do you want to.
As another blogger recently stated, the white text box must be filled.
Hi Bob, this tag’s a challenge since I’ve never considered how I might be obsessive. It’ll be fun to mull over and you’ll see what develops in a day or two. Your idea to use passion is quite delightful and, I, too, love positive approaches. Now that you’ve revealed your passitons I feel like I know you ever so much better! I love your technique of crossing out what you decide needs changing. Just has a great flavor that I hope you don’t lose when you “learn how to write.” It sets you apart!
Sam, you mean you’re not a real Jedi Knight? Seems like that could be a real desireable quality in a job applicant. Especially in the service industry!
Karin, a cliche is simply an expression that tends become over-used, sometimes to the point that they become ignored.
But I agree with you – it can sometimes be to your peril to simply ignore them (particularly when they’re true!)
Passionate obsession, but in the “right” areas – I like it!
Markk – yep, you got it! Just so long as we don’t let it take over completely, like a runaway train.
Robyn, thanks for the kind words! You’re not the first one to tell me to beware of “learning to write”! Hopefully, I can learn, and still keep my style (now that I’ve “found” it) intact.
Look forward to seeing your post.
Hey Robert, thanks for the tag. It might be tomorrow before I get to it — I’ve got a big project on the critical path right now.
Hey, no prob, Chip! At least you have your priorities straight…
[...] “TAG!” – I think I have to run faster… [...]
We have so much in common, you have no idea!
Excellent post, keep them coming!
Ryan;
“We have so much in common…”
Uh, my condolences!!!
[...] Hruzek tagged me almost two months ago (approaching eternity in blog-time) on the Obsessions meme. Robert [...]