GYM – Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc.

Does Constantly Checking Your Email Give You Peace of Mind?

Or Does it Drive You Crazy?

By Mitchell Slepian

I remember back in the day, when you couldn’t check your email on your phone or by logging in on another computer. You had to check it on the computer you normally used. Years ago, my sister and I shared an email address. I figured out how to check it from other computers. I would log on and email her. She got a little nervous and scared. She had no idea how I was doing this. Of course, I explained everything. But I had fun for a day or two.

I remember when I was at a PR firm and on a Friday, booked the CEO (Scott D. Cook) of the company I was representing (Intuit) onto CNBC. He was supposed to be on the following Monday. I was in NYC, and Cook was in Mountain View, Calif. The producers were working out the final details. They, a coworker, and I left each other voicemails all weekend. We were checking nonstop. Monday came around, and we worked everything out with Cook’s executive assistant and he did a great interview.

These days, all we would have to do is send a few emails or texts, and everything would be set. In some jobs, you need to constantly check your email. But the question I would like to raise is: how much checking is too much? Do you check immediately before going to bed and as soon as you wake up? Does it kill when you need to turn your phone off during Broadway shows, the New York Philharmonic, and operas? When is checking excessive? Can you sit through dinner with family and friends without logging on?

The best part is that most of the time, all your emails come from your project management applications, such as Basecamp or monday.com, letting you know the web update is live or that edits have been made to a document. Oh, and there are sales pitches for things your company will never need. Or people reaching out to you to forward their resumes to HR. These people are not people you know. They are just spamming everyone they can secure an email address for.

For the record, before I sat down to write this, I was at the gym. My workday was over. I was doing some core work and checked my email. On the super-long train ride into work that morning (due to a stalled train at a major station), I held back from checking and kept reading “Remain in Light” by Chris Frantz. I tried my best to stick with the book on my Kindle and not try to live that wildlife by checking my office’s email. I even skipped checking my personal email accounts. I have too many of those.

Bottom line, I think it’s fine to check it in moderation. But I always remember that the email you’re waiting for, or think is coming will probably come in due time.

Respect – Has it Changed? Does it Still Exist?

By Mitchell Slepian

No, I am not talking about Aretha Franklin’s tune. Years ago, I worked for someone who, when it came to politeness and respect for others, had it down to a science. I remember in elevators, he would always wait for everyone to exit, especially the women. He held the doors for everyone and helped people with their coats and into their chairs.

I haven’t heard from him in a few years. But I doubt things have changed. His dad, who is long gone, was similar. There was a great scout leader who passed away a few years ago; he was an example of respect, particularly toward our campgrounds. We’d walk around the camps, and whenever he saw garbage, he’d pick it up off the trails. He’d be upset it was there. He taught us to keep our sites clean, and when we saw trash, we cleaned it up and disposed of it properly.

I try to follow their steps. But I have found that in today’s world, simple respect is gone. A few weeks ago, I was entering the gym. It was pouring outside. I saw a person dragging their heavy gym bag at the door and trying to exit. I held the door for her. She stood there for the next several minutes texting away. This has happened a few times—the same thing in elevators and at the doors of our office buildings.

Cell phone addiction has cramped respect. People are too interested in seeing their friends’ latest memes or social media posts. But I think it was happening slightly before people’s best friends became their iPhones. The trails of the places I hike are getting dirtier, and less people are wiping down machines in the gym after they finish using them. The list goes on.

More respect equals better productivity. People will likely be more motivated and happier.

Diane Goes For A Run

It was Friday morning. Diane decided to go for a run. She was getting back into shape and feeling great. Her job was going well. She was back at school. She went to the park where she and Jay had their fight, where they abandoned Jerry. This fight ultimately led to their divorce. It was a cool morning. The air was clear.

She has not been to this area since that sad moment with Jay. She was having a good time. She saw the famous bench that Jay dumped Jerry on. On the next bench was Jay and Diane. It was early for them to be up. They were yelling at each other. Diane didn’t care that he was with someone. At this point, she was better off alone. She saw Jay push Kari off the bench. He kicked her in the rear of her left leg. She got up. She kissed Jay. He slapped her across the face and threw her to the ground. Diane just ran by. Jay saw her and screamed out some nonsensical stuff. Jay started shooting glass at Kari. She was bloody. Kari started to cry. She pushed herself up and threw herself onto Jay, and they locked lips.

Meanwhile, Marc and Alan were figuring out their Friday plans. They weren’t sure where they’d pray. Marc was getting tired of going. He liked the spiritual side. However, he felt he got nothing out of it. Nothing changed. Alana felt the same. The two kissed and went off to the gym. They returned, logged into their office accounts, and began working.

Pomegranate — 24 Alana has a heart…

Tzipora was out with the Eran, the guy she hooked up with at the Simple Minds concert. They sipped some red at the Highline. She was having fun. However, she had Alana on her mind. For some reason most people do. She stings you like never before.

She and Eran walked hand in hand along the elevated linear park. They stopped for gelato, which she proceeded to spill all over herself. Her shorts ate more of it than she did. The two just laughed and kept walking.

Meanwhile, Alana was reeling from some job interviews and lack of feedback. She wasn’t really looking that hard. But keeping her options open. Some recruiters called her. So she talked.

She was more on the lookout for a new guy. She knew what she wanted. But was that what she really needed. She was still confused about her powers. One day she figured she and Marc could discuss each other’s and join forces. But she wasn’t sure if that’d really work.

She walked out of her office on this beautifully sunny day to grab a hot dog and a soda. All the usual folks were strolling Lexington Avenue near Grand Central. She walked down Madison Barley11 while biting into her mustard topped dog.

People who didn’t respond annoy her. Especially after they made the first move. Oh well. She hiked back to the office.

She finished her day and went to the gym. The place was loaded with the Miriam types. Of course, Alana was in better shape than all of them. She had the same money. Just not the attitude.

One of the girls started staring at her. Alana kept running. She left the treadmill and headed over to the bench press. She started lifting and was feeling great. However, that woman was still eyeing her. Alana wondered if word got out about her night with Tzipora. But doubted it. Tzipora wouldn’t say a word and Alana surely would not.

Alan and the stalker went to the locker room. Both showered and left the facility. All of a sudden the woman who was eyeing Alana whipped out a large knife and started running around Madison Avenue scratching cars.

“Why don’t you stop. I saw you looking at me in the gym. Do you need help from me?”

The woman continued to key cars. Then she said, ’’’Ya know, you seem to have it together. You look great and seem comfortable being you.”

Alana cracked up. The other lady kept at it with the knife. Alana had enough. She walked away for a minute. She hoped this woman would stop. She did not. Alana raised her arms and opened her hands. Figs shot out at the woman’s hands. She dropped the knife. Alana knocked her off her feet.

“Listen, I don’t really have it together. But I’m glad that you think I do. Let me get you home.”

Alana took the woman home.