 I recently spent 90 minutes of a work day in a week when I only had 1.5 days for office tasks available calling companies and removing myself from their snail-mailing lists. Most of that time was spent on hold. When I hung up from the last one, I sighed deeply and almost declared it a waste of time. It was not a waste of time. I only make it to the P.O. box about once every two weeks with my travel sked, so I always end up having to stand in line for the counter to collect a bundle. By the time I get done tossing the junk into the recycling bin, I only have enough mail for my size box. So when I picked up the mail that time, I tore off the back covers of the catalogs so I could call and cancel the subscripts. Among the culprits were:
I also ditched an email address I had since the 90s; I'll share more about that next time. This is turning into a year of clearing out ... I'll have to keep an eye out for more of those dynamics and report back. Now I submit to you fellow problem solvers out there around the world - the U.S. in particular - that the system of selling addresses via hidden terms in contracts is severely broken and needs repair. Who's up for the challenge? I'm not a fan of additional legislation because the government has too much control of our daily lives as it is, but something needs to change. Or perhaps there are already services who intercept your snail mail like Unroll.me does your spam email and I'm just not savvy. I'm curious what solutions you have to offer.  Before getting to work on January 2, 2018 I flew to Seattle for my first NFL game. It was quite a year-end treat and fun way to spend New Year's Eve. It was cold, too. The friend who hosted me is a charter seat season ticket holder with a second-row view from the 15-yard line. Wow. I was so overwhelmed with the size of the stadium, the number of people and the concessions that I didn't pay much attention to the game. I was literally calculating how much money was circulating in that small section of Seattle, Wash. for that one event. I reaffirmed the following about myself: I prefer to watch on tv because all the other goings on are way too distracting for my eternally curious brain. Not to mention being surrounded by drunk people, spitting and spilling, is a little beyond my patience. Anyhoo, 2017 was easily one of my hardest years in a while. More changes in 12 months than I really needed, and things were difficult until December 30th. Going to this game on the 31st was the signal of and start to a new season for me - Seattle lost and their season ended but mine was just beginning. I'll share more about that throughout 2018 as I enjoy what unfolds. Here's a brief recap of my travels for 2017: Seattle, WA Virginia Beach, VA Dallas, TX Seattle, WA Moved to Seattle part time Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX Chicago, IL Portland, OR Los Angeles, CA Raleigh, NC Norfolk, VA Tucson, AZ I logged some serious miles flown in 2017. I'm expecting more in 2018. I bring up these travels because in April 2016 a colleague said it was time for me to start traveling and I said I didn't like to travel. I believed that until March of 2017. Then I started traveling and now I love it. My wisdom to you is: get out of your comfort zone. Do those things that you don't like to do - at least once and as long as they're healthy behaviors - and grow. I have some mentoring sessions available in February and March and even more in April. You can book me right from this page or send email inquiries to zsolvesproblems@gmail.com. Happy New Year!  |
Zari Banks, M.EdLife-Hack Strategist 
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