Back from my recent trip and excited to begin blogging again. Unlike our friend, Randy Gage, who blogs pretty much every day regardless of whatever corner of the world he happens to be in, I generally only post when home and at my desktop computer.
This trip began in Las Vegas, Nevada speaking at the international convention of Minuteman Press. Then, a couple of days catching up with friends at the National Speakers Association convention in Anaheim, California. From there, it was on to China to speak at the Tiens Group’s international convention.
My “Zone” moment happened while onstage in China.
Remember the episode where Burgess Meredith played the nebbishy Henry Beamis? A bank teller who only (and passionately) wants to read, between his boss at work and his wife at home, he is never able to find the time to do so.
Finally, after a nuclear war leaves him all alone in the world, he finds himself outside the library with nothing but books to read and all the time in the world to read them. In the words of Beamis, “And the best thing, the very best thing of all, is there’s time now… there’s all the time I need and all the time I want. Time, time, time. There’s time enough at last.”
Suddenly, in typical “Sterling-esque” style, the bottom falls out. While reaching for an errant book, his glasses fall to the ground, shattering fully and completely. At this point, Beamish breaks down about how “unfair” this is because he finally has the time.
Though my story isn’t as dramatic, I brought several books along that I planned to read; to soak up, on the 12-hour flight from Beijing to Chicago and then back to Florida. Yep, I was gonna’ stretch out, have some coffee and snacks and read. And read and read. And, there would be time. Oh, yes…plenty of time. {Cue dramatic music.}
But, while on stage…it happened. I had just put on my glasses to read a brief passage from The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, a book I often refer to early in my program. As I looked down, the right lens simply fell out of its frame and dropped to the floor. Ack!
Fortunately, it didn’t break, but I could not fit it back into the frame rim. And, oddly enough, glasses don’t really work through just one lens.
While it didn’t affect the program, I did wonder afterwards how I was going to overcome this little glitch that could possibly turn a wonderfully entertaining flight into total boredom.
What I ended up doing throughout the flight was hold the dislodged lens to the right rim while reading, constantly putting it down to highlight or write notes, and accidentally dropping it continually. Still, it wasn’t totally bad. After all, while not as convenient as I would have liked, I did get to read.
And, did I mention, there was time. Finally…there was plenty of time. 🙂
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And we expect you to blog no matter where in the world you are. What are we paying you for? Oh wait…
-RG
I agree with Randy. LOL
The theatre in my mind just watched your movie unfold….:-) I knew you would “pull it off.” (not your lens, but finding a way to read anyway.:-)). In the olden days, didn’t they hold their glasses on a stick? That was before Steve Martins character in the Jerk, invented the nose glass holder.
Isn’t it weird how we plan and then God has other ideas on his mind?
I read somewhere, (I think on Darren Hardy’s book) “If you want to make God giggle, tell Him your plans”.
May be the point was for your to actually rest and relax in the fligth.
Have a great week.
Flor Mazeda
Bob, that was great! I love the Twilight Zone, watched it too! The way you told the story made a perfect picture in the minds eye…I felt bad for Henry, felt bad for you too and was wishing I was there to help you put the lens back in, it happens a lot to me, one gets very good at it after a while. This story shows how you have mastered one of the great qualities of being human….being able to laugh at yourself….thank you for sharing and being so open and honest and showing us how it can be done!
Randy: Good point. Good thing you’re not Mr. Trump or I’d be fired!
Amy: Wasn’t that a great movie!?
Flor: Yep, a famous Yiddish saying, “Mentsch tracht un Gott lacht” (Man plans and G-d laughs”) 🙂
Tinamarie: Thank you. Yes, got to be able to laugh at oneself. Without it, life is even more difficult than it needs to be.
One of my greatest fears, Bob – which is why I always pack a spare pair of glasses! 🙂
– Les
Hi Les. Yes, I learned my lesson well. From now on I’m bringing a backup pair!
Yes, a great movie!!! I’m glad you are back Bob. I missed you.
So glad to have you back Bob! One of my fav episodes by the way 🙂
The day of my ER event here in Phoenix there were several things that didn’t work out as planned. You made me realize there are certain things beyond my control and to just make the most of it. You truly person who practices what he preaches. Even if things aren’t going they way we planned we are still capable of making it work and not giving up. (I did actually think you were going for a monocle story here, but you surprised me with a different ending :))
I remember that day. And, you handled everything beautifully!
After you reminded me not to freak out I did 🙂
I meant I thought the monocle was going to be used at the event. it was a monocle story on the plane. so then I guess I was only half surprised 🙂
🙂 🙂
Your so human! Farsighted I presume? Thanks for sharing how you overcame & accomplished your task anyway!
By you not posting until you get home, we have something to look forward to right?
Blessings,
g
LOL Thank you, Geneva! And yes…human indeed; all too much so!
Dear Bob – Welcome home! What a great blog post … as always! You continuously see the goodness in all things and to share your story is just so — well, YOU!
Can’t wait to see you when you come to Maryland next month. Talking about you all the time, building up excitement for the events! And looking forward to seeing your spare pair of eyeglasses too, my friend 🙂
Rest, relax, read & enjoy!
~Peg
Peg, thank you for your very kind note. So glad you enjoyed the article. And, greatly looking forward to seeing you next month in Maryland. I know you’re doing a terrific job of promoting the event. You’re impressing the throng, my friend! 🙂
Bob, This is just too funny! I still love “The Twilight Zone”, so I couldn’t wait to see what type of incident you had that could be comparable. I was howling with laughter by the time I finished. It reminds me so much of myself, just craving time to get to myself so I can either read or watch movie classics. Thank you sharing this with us.
Blessings,
Sheryl
LOL. Thank you, Sheryl. Always easy to spot another “Zone” fan! 🙂
Funny post, indeed, my friend! Glad to hear that you had safe, fun and productive travels! In business and life, unexpected situations are bound to happen. The key is to be positive, flexible and adaptive. You did just that, Bob. It may not have been convenient holding one lens and balancing a book but the goal was to read during your flights. Not to mention, you birthed a funny and enlightening story from this “twilight” experience. I must read grab a copy of the book, “The Speed of Trust”! Keep up the sensational work!
Thank you, Chi Chi. Yes, if it can be turned into a blog post, then it’s never a total waste. 🙂 And, yes; I highly recommend Stephen M.R. Covey’s “The Speed of trust.”
Great story Bob. I never saw that episode but lived it vicariously (twice) through you relating it to us through your own experience. What an example of how to seize the moment in spite of the difficulty. Time is so precious and it is so important to “Carpe Diem” at every moment!
🙂 Thank you, Michele!
Great post!….As a witness to the event, I was amazed at your seamless recovery….Like the Superstar that you are..no wonder they rushed the stage afterward! 🙂
LOL. Shucks, ma’am; you say the kindest things! 🙂
hi,Bob,glad to leave message on your blog.I am so happy to come here and read this story.I am sorry I am not a good Skilled mechanic to fix your glasses.haha~
I have recieved two photos from Kathy,one is for you,kathy and Mr,liu and me,a precious memories ,thanks all for you do for us.
Christie
Ni hao, Christie. Fei chang gan xie for being such an amazing and wonderful host. You and Bernie treated us so well and made us feel very, very welcome. And, I appreciate that you tried to fix my glasses. It almost worked. 🙂 Again, xie xie, my friend.
Hi Bob,The video you speaking in Tiens is ok now.Please tell me your address so that I can sent it to you.are you used skype?my skype is :Christie010
Best wishes!
Christie
Ni hao, Christie. I’m sorry for the delay in writing back. I was out of town. I did receive the video today. Xie xie ni. And, my skype address is bob.burg1.