Brandon Ellrich's Blog, page 8
November 15, 2022
Nowhere to Go
Simply 6 Minutes – Welcome to the Challenge: 11/15/2022
https://unsplash.com/@chalkianNo way but up, no way but down. Nowhere to go, but round and round.
Don't hold the doors, I'll take the stairs.
Either way, I'm not going anywhere.
Don't go outside; you'll come right back in.
You may not lose, but you'll never win.
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November 13, 2022
Forever Foe
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November 10, 2022
Fighting
In dedication on this Veterans Day to all those who fight for their country and for the freedoms that are afforded us.
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November 9, 2022
Do We Need a Reason to Socialize?
Photo by Brandon EllrichLet’s Have a Tupperware Party!Do you recognize any of the classic gems in the photo? Does anyone remember Tupperware Parties? I must confess I have never been invited to one, but I remember my mom, her friends, and neighbors having them when I was younger. Tupperware parties were social events, mainly. Yes, you could buy Tupperware products during these parties, but was that the REAL reason they were attended? My inclination is that they were an excuse to be part of a social gathering. My question is, why do we need an excuse?
It Doesn’t Matter Who Wins or LosesMy parents would often have card parties when I was younger as well. They would play “Pitch,” which I never hear of anyone playing anymore. At the end of the night, there would be a winning team, but what did they win? Nothing. Winning was not the point, and neither, I would say, was playing the game. The whole point, the entire crux of the evening was the socialization that occured during, between and after the games. There was much talking and laughter and everyone had a good time, but no one really cared who won or lost. It was all about the human connection.
The Need for ConnectionPsychologist Abraham Maslow1 came up with a “hierarchy of needs” that he believed was the basis for all human decision-making. In the third tier of this hierarchy is the need for love and belonging. The only tiers more important, being physiological and safety needs, which shows the value he placed on this essential facet of life.
Home Interiors, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and many other companies use the human need for connection in order to sell their products, and we use those companies to fulfill the same need. After all, does anyone really NEED an Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer? How often would you use it? Maybe once a year, during apple picking season. The rest of the year it would be taking up space in your cabinet. Tupperware is a little different story. Who DOESN’T want Tupperware? It’s quite handy. Anyway, that’s not the point of this article.
I don’t hear of those types of parties much nowadays, which makes me a little bit sad. Most people sell the aforementioned products on Facebook or other social media and skip the human connection. Even the Girl Scouts have resorted to selling their cookies virtually.
Excuses, ExcusesBack to my question, why do we need an excuse to socialize? When a friend or neighbor tells me I should stop by sometime for a visit, I say “Sure!” but do they really mean it? Do I really intend on stopping by? I always find it awkward to go to someone’s home for no reason other than for a visit. I feel the need to have a reason. The reason could be as simple as returning a borrowed book or other item. Naturally, while I’m there, we would have extended conversations and catch up on what’s going on in one another’s lives. The conversations would have nothing to do with the reason I stopped by in the first place; nevertheless, I needed that reason to bring me there and initiate the visit. Some people may meet for coffee or go out to eat; there again, a reason is required–we both like and want coffee, we both like to eat at this restaurant.
Social Media Isn’t Very SocialI don’t think there’s anything wrong with needing a reason to socialize. The problem is, it seems that the reasons are being eliminated by social media, the convenience of having food delivered, and forced or chosen social distancing. I think the term “social media” is rather a misnomer. “Disconnected Media” may be a more accurate term. Just think about it…Are people socializing as much as they did twenty years ago? I don’t see it, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I just haven’t been invited to any Tupperware parties lately.
Copyright © 2022 Brandon Ellrich
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Please take a moment to read some of my other articles like Grow Your Nose and Who is Disappointing Whom?
November 8, 2022
Painted Child
This poem was written in response to Sadje’s What do you see # 159- November 7, 2022, so please visit her page to participate and/or read other responses. I did not include the picture in my post because I went in sort of a different direction.
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November 7, 2022
How Do You Find Your Purpose?
I wanted to start an “advice column,” of sorts, and this was my first question:
My Degree was a Waste of Time!Dear Brandon, How do you find your strengths, gifts, purpose, etc.—especially professionally—when most of your jobs have nothing to do with your degree and you’re losing confidence in yourself? How do you keep the imposter syndrome and doubts from nagging at your soul?
I changed my major several times in college and ended up with a Bachelor of Science in psychology (and a minor in music) with the intention of going further–getting my master’s, possibly PhD, etc. This did not happen. I am not currently using my degree in a professional sense. I add that caveat because I do use the knowledge and principles I learned during my courses all the time, especially in my writing. I believe I am better able to get inside the heads of my characters and empathize with individuals with whom I would normally have nothing in common.
My minor in music has helped me become a better pianist and have a broader, deeper appreciation for different types of music and musicians. Ryan Tedder, lead singer for OneRepublic, is a very talented musician and songwriter, writing and producing songs not only for his own band, but artists including including Adele, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, MØ, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Logic, Paul McCartney, Blackpink, Twice and Anitta. Justin Bieber (wait, don’t cringe just yet) was an immature little twerp sometimes, but looking at his abilities objectively, he has an extremely gifted and natural singing ability. I do not regularly listen to all of these artists, but after studying music theory and analyzing pieces, I have attained an appreciation for musical talent.
Furthermore, I believe that education is never a waste of time. To learn something–whatever it may be–makes a person a more well-rounded individual and opens thier mind to more possibilities and exploration of the world around them. I don’t believe the person who wrote this question to me was implying that their education was a waste, but they feel frustrated that they spent all this time thinking that a pursuit in a degree would help them get a job. I completely understand that frustration and I believe it happens with a great many people.
For those of you who can empathize with this frustration, try to look at your education in a more positive light. Think of the ways your degree(s) can be used in your life without necessarily focusing on utilizing it in order to make money.
Experience “Required”More and more it seems that companies are looking for individuals with experience over education. I’ve looked at so many job postings that say they want someone with experience, but very few that are willing to give someone experience. And there’s the rub: How do you get experience if no one is willing to give it to you?
One job posting was more honest than the others and said something to the affect that:
No one has all the qualifications for a particular job, so even if you aren’t completely qualified, apply anyway.
It kind of blew me away. I looked at so many postings that listed “requirements” that I didn’t have, so I immediately discarded them. After reading from that one company that I should apply anyway, I transferred that notion to other job applications. I’m not saying you should lie on your application–not at all. Whenever they ask about specific qualifications or experience, be honest and tell them about whatever experience you do have that might apply to their company. Tell them how much you would enjoy working for them and that you are willing to be trained or learn whatever skills are necessary.
Deflated ConfidenceIf you are losing confidence in yourself because you’re not being hired or people are not seeing your potential, then your confidence is based on others’ perceptions. Do you see what I mean? You must learn and get to know yourself. Know what you are good at and also what your limitations are (and most of those are self-imposed). Try not to base your self-confidence or self-worth on other people’s opinions.
I know that I’m a good writer and I hate saying that more than you may hate reading it. I am not an arrogant person, but I am proud of my writing, my poems, stories, and articles; otherwise, I wouldn’t publish them on this blog. I have also written some crap, but you will never see it, because I won’t post it. 
Publishers and companies looking for experienced writers don’t want to hire me because I don’t have “proof” that people like my writing. What did I do about it? I started a blog and grew my audience to more than 500 followers. I started another one on Medium recently and in just over a month, I have over 100 followers. This did not happen by accident or by merely posting stories and sitting back to wait for people to follow me.
Put in the WorkHow did I do it? I engaged with other writers. I read SO MANY blog posts, stories, poems, commented, “liked,” “clapped” and followed other bloggers. This took a lot of time to do. I also had to read a lot of complete nonsense! I didn’t like many of the posts that I read, so I didn’t engage with those particular writers. I was never fake, and only followed blogs that I was interested in.
My point is…sometimes you have to put in a lot of work to “prove” yourself in order to get that job, to advance yourself in your career. You may have to work for yourself for a while and do some “freelance” work. I know this is difficult too–building up clientele without a proven record–so you may have to take a less desirable job with possibly less pay or benefits until you are able to build your chosen career.
ConclusionAt the end of the day,
Realize that your education is playing a role in your life and try to recognize it. Don’t let anyone else determine your self-worthPut in some extra work to get to where you want to beYou may have to take a job that you don’t like in order to do what you’re passionate about.Thanks for reading! I hope this has been helpful. If you have an issue or question you would like me to address, please leave a comment or email me through my contact page to remain anonymous. I will do my best to address it in an objective manner.
*This article is my own personal advice and is not meant to be taken in place of a mental health professional.
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November 6, 2022
Inescapable
Copyright © 2022 Brandon Ellrich
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*Originally published on Medium.
Heart
Holding you inside my heart Even though we're far apart
Always yours
Rest assured
Together our love is pure
Copyright ©️ Brandon Ellrich 2022
This acrostic poem was written in response to Thursday Inspiration #182 Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.
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November 4, 2022
Caturday, Nov. 5, 2022
You may recall a few weeks ago when I posted Caturday Story when I talked about Zoe, the Raccoon Killer. I was able to catch her on video this time using her “doorbell” to let me know she wants to go outside. Enjoy!
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Theater Review: Rocky Horror Picture Show
I had never seen Rocky Horror Picture Show (Yes, I can hear the audible *gasp* from my fellow gays), so I came into this experience almost completely unaware. I’d heard just bits and pieces about it — considered a “cult classic,” quite risqué for its time, men in drag, musical— but just never took the plunge and watched it myself. I saw that it was playing at the Black Box theater in Kansas City, and I’m glad that I finally took the opportunity to go.
Photo by Brandon EllrichIt was an outdoor performance on October 30th and the weather was quintessentially Autumnal — not too cool, but just enough for a light jacket. Being an outdoor event, it was suggested that audience members bring a lawn chair with them. There was plenty of room and the stage was in view of the entire crowd. There was also a bar selling unique drinks.
Most performances were sold out when I bought my ticket, so that speaks to the quality and popularity of this venue. I purchased an optional “prop bag” (including a sheet of newpaper, a rubber glove, a playing card, and a glow stick) to use during the performance, not knowing how the items were to be used, but the announcer explained the items before the beginning of the show.
One of the singers gave the audience a chance to vote on Rocky’s “costume” before the show began. The choices being: 1) a pair of boy shorts, 2) bikini briefs, or 3) a thong — all three being a shiny gold color. Naturally, the audience cheered the loudest for the thong. 
Photo by Brandon EllrichI enjoyed the performance very much. It was funny, the players were very talented in both their singing ability as well as their acting, and the costumes and special effects were great. Audience participation was encouraged (i.e. the prop bag) and there were several people in the back of the audience calling out in response to many of the lines (as part of the performance), which added to the hilarity. Cameron Gunter played Rocky and he was perfect! He was attractive, had a flawless physique and a perfect butt! The audience definitely made the right choice with the thong! 
Photo by Brandon EllrichThis is apparently an annual Halloween-time tradition in Kansas City, so I am looking forward to attending again next year. If you are in KC, Missouri around the end of October, I strongly recommend checking it out! Obviously, I give this performance 5 out of 5 stars.
Photo by Brandon Ellrich*This review is my own opinion and I am not paid or endorsed by any company or entity.
Photo by Brandon EllrichThanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please click the like button and leave a comment as well. Follow me if you would like to receive updates of new posts whenever they are published.
Originally published on Medium
If you enjoyed this review, you may also like Film Review Friday: Bros.
