Share five things you’re good at.
Five things I’m good at. See, there’s the problem. Not everything I’m good at is good for all. So it might not be in my best interest to name them. Here’s a good way to explain it.
In the pilot episode of the television crime drama The Shield, when an interrogation fails to yield results, Police Captain David Aceveda opts to bring in Detective Vic Mackey for assistance. Known for his hard-nosed and often “off the books” tactics, the decision prompts another detective to ask the captain, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, son?”
Mackey gets the results. And not in the way the captain was hoping.
So yeah, most things I’ve done are embedded in the minds of school faculty members who are tucked safely away in a sanitarium somewhere. Or they’re still being talked about on Facebook when my college friends reminisce about the wild days. Or when my childhood friends use me as source material for their cautionary tales while rearing their impressionable young’uns.
But that’s ok, at least I can claim them as areas of expertise. There’s always that.
So here we go. My Specialties, the good and the bad.
I’m Very Influential
At one point in high school, my buddies began to call me “Eddie”, short for Eddie Murphy. One because I was the funny man of the bunch. Two, because like his movie characters Reggie Hammond (48 Hours) and Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop), I’ve always been successful in getting people to go along with what I was doing.
Most often, I used this so-called skill to get things I wanted. Nothing illegal. Just basic things, usually convincing someone to “bend” the rules a tad for my friends and me. No examples necessary. I don’t want you all getting the wrong idea (as if you already haven’t).
It was most useful when I wanted to get a young lady’s phone number for one of my buddies. And it was VERY necessary when I had to talk my way out of a fight with someone’s oafish boyfriend who caught me talking to his girl.
But all in all, we had great fun because of my antics, despite the circumstances.
Like that time when I convinced the last three rows of the band to leave formation during a parade and run to the candy store.
I Give Good Advice
For the record, I don’t think that’s true. But when people need help with something, they often consult with me and tell others to do the same. I don’t know if it’s because I answer without judgment or I make them feel better about the decisions they ultimately make. I just aid them in selecting and acting without looking back or second-guessing their choices.
Truth be told, I usually help them understand their options better so they can make clear cut choices. I think that’s important because I want people to take ownership of what they do, particularly when it comes to relationships. I never want someone to say, “You told me to break it off with them” or “I never should have listened to you. Now she won’t forgive me…”
Not saying I want to live without blame, but when you make hard decisions, they need to be your own. My job is to help you understand why you see those avenues and what to expect should you drive down them.
But I am proud of the fact that when I present previously unconsidered options, more often then not, they’re the right way to go.
I Bring Sunshine
Looking at the previous two items and considering this one, I’m beginning to think I play head games with people.
I’m being facetious here.
Seriously, comforting others has been something I have been proud of. Co-workers, classmates, friends, family members. They all seem to call on me when they need to smile.
For example, just recently I had a long conversation with someone I had just met on Bluesky, the social media alternative to Twitter. She asked if anyone could help her with a situation about faith/religion. When I offered to help, what began as a private message describing her dilemma became a 2-hour text exchange that made her feel completely different about her issue.
She had been crying when she posted the call for help. But by the time we finished, she admitted that she had laughed several times and was ready to adopt the new approaches or philosophies.
I guess I’m beginning to understand why my kids call me “Uncle Phil” and “Furious Styles” (Laurence Fishburne as the woke father in “Boys In The Hood”). My sister and her daughter both call me their heroes and often call just to hear my voice, telling me they’ll feel better before we even get to the subject. But I’m happy just to make it all better.
I Have A Good “Eye” For Photography
Or so I’m told. I often say that I don’t aspire to be better than anyone else in the game. I just want to be dramatically different. Seeing things that others don’t or catching the angle they wouldn’t have considered.
One thing I’ve learned, as they teach sports photographers, is to anticipate the moment, even when you’re “on the fly”.
But if nothing else, I just know when I want to capture what I know is going to happen so I can get the right moment.
But like I said, I don’t think I’m anything great. In fact, I’m far from it. But I definitely hope to give you something interesting to look at.
I’m Very Creative
Because of my ideas, I’ve served on everything from the Florida A&M University “Marching 100” dance routine committee to a member of the safety committee and eventually becoming the Plant Safety Director.
Like photography, I try to see opportunities that others haven’t considered. I don’t like thinking inside of the box and I don’t like being constricted to one. Which is probably why I’ve had such success when brought to the table. And even though some of my ideas weren’t the best, they were always tried or at least heavily considered.
The downside of being creative? I’m one helluva practical joker. And trust me, when I plan a joke, I take my time. I’m talking months. Which means my planning for April Fool’s Day begins as early as April 2, in preparation for the next year.
Just ask around.
And yes, many of those have backfired.
But Lord knows I had fun doing them.
Like what you read? Have some things you’re good at that you’d like to share? Leave a comment in the section below. And be sure to sign up at the bottom to receive notifications of future posts from Kenny’s Camera, Cooking & Crazy Confessions at ZootsBlogSpot!
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