I’ll be taking today off from my normal writing to celebrate Thanksgiving. Before I do so, I’d like to do my part to help the economy and offer up a few gift ideas based on some of the articles I’ve written over the last year. A sort of “Best of Xian’s recommendations from 2016”, if you will.
Fit & Fresh Chilled Salad Shaker Container with Dressing Dispenser
(Current price on Amazon = $8.50)
I use one of these to take my lunch to work every day. The lid includes an integrated freezable ice pack which not only keeps my salad cool, but it also keeps the rest of my lunch (in an insulated box) cool. Along with a printed copy of my article about effecting change it could be the perfect gift for someone who is planning on setting New Year’s resolutions in 2017.
2017 Wall Calendar
(Current price on Amazon = $13.14)
Speaking of effecting change, as noted in an article I wrote about changing the way you measure success, the advice Jerry Seinfeld passed along to a comic wanting to become a better comic has broad utility:
He told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker. He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day.
“After a few days you’ll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break the chain.” (source)
A calendar and a marker…doesn’t get much simpler than that. I like it.
A vacuum insulated container
(Current price on Amazon = $26.20)
Along with some instant espresso packs or tea I always take one of these containers along when I travel. It solves a few problems for me. I avoid shelling out extra money for expensive coffee drinks while I’m on the road, and it saves me from having to worry about finding a caffeine source that meets my standards at 4:30 AM.
On that note, with the sun rising over the Rincon Mountains, it’s time for me to check out and get ready for all the friends and family coming over to celebrate Thanksgiving. Before hitting the publish button though, how about some music to add to our ever expanding Manufacturing Peace of Mind™ playlist?
I am thankful for having recently had the chance to see Chastity Brown play a show here in Tucson. She’s really fantastic and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more of her. Here she is playing her song “After You” off of her Back-road Highways release. Hope you like it!
Cheers & all the best to you and your family on Thanksgiving…xian
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Having said that, I am interested to hear from you. Good, bad, or otherwise, please feel free to drop me a line at xian@evaero.com. I’m the only person who will read your email and, as time allows, I’ll do my best, at a minimum, to personally acknowledge receipt.