Learning Side by Side » mapple http://johnrivera.edublogs.org Just freelance commentary and logs of my latest "learnings"! Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:04:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 en hourly 1 Pondering When To Perceive Things Different http://johnrivera.edublogs.org/2008/12/07/pondering-when-to-perceive-things-different/ http://johnrivera.edublogs.org/2008/12/07/pondering-when-to-perceive-things-different/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:05:04 +0000 johnrivera http://johnrivera.edublogs.org/?p=39 I’ve been trying hard to see the future as bright, but certainly we are going through many issues that deter me from that outlook.  For example, I have usually buy extended warranties with purchases of large item electronics because I feel I am investing in peace of mind.  Such was the case in purchases of a Roomba and a Robosapien V2 more than a year ago from Sharper Image.   Now I am in a quandry because I don’t have an opportunity to take my items to a retail store when the items I set out to protect fail.  It has caused me to question the wisdom of my decisions.

This is happening in other areas.  Yes, I have been the victim of viral e-mail warning me not to purchase gift cards.  But such a warning feeds upon our fragile minds when we once thought our decisions were made on solid ground.

Should we “rethink” perceptions about the products that tantalize me?  It seems that way, as illustrated by Bart Simpson explained in a Mapple video.

I have had times when I almost upgraded my mobile phone again because it could do so much more.  I was tempted just this week to buy the latest holiday lights because my current set does not seem as bright as the new ones I see my neighbors displaying.

But I have been more determined not to covet (grounded in my own beliefs) and instead appreciate where I am as well as those around me.  Furthermore, I see that giving my time has been more valuable, whether I teach Sunday School at Church of the Open Door, volunteer for Computer-Using Educators of Los Angeles, or spend time with my family at home.  And much pleasure do I feel when contributing to my PLN through Twitter, Facebook, and other networks (hmmm, Yoda speak).

So what are other ways to change the way I see things?  This is my 2 minute brainstorm:

I’m sure I’ll think of more.  In light of our current conditions, what do you think you might do to see things differently?

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