The Wallworks

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

ilove


 I checked out this book on a whim at the library for Glenn, why would I want to read a whole book centered around technology?  The day came when our books were due, I took our green library bag full of books and packed them in the car along with Lila, Ethan, my niece Kiera and nephew Nathan.

First stop, the Children's Museum in Old Town Temecula.  The kids never tire of this museum, it's a charming little building full of Temecula history and fun for the kids.







While there I started thumbing through the Steve Jobs book and an hour later when it was time to go I was in too deep to return it.  I couldn't renew because it was 'New' so I just threw caution to the wind and brought it home with me.

I don't know a thing about technology, but I could so relate to Jobs quest and lifelong passion for health (he went through periods as a vegan & fruitarian and even tried to heal his cancer through diet), spirituality (he traveled to India to find a guru) and making the world a better place.

I grew up in San Jose as did Glenn.  Naturally Glenn graduated with a degree in Business MIS and went on to work for Cisco Systems for 10 years because that's just what you do in Silicon Valley.   It was interesting to read about all the places in the book that were part of my world as well.

Steve Jobs had a passion that came through every page of the book, at times I myself felt exhausted.  He didn't set out to make people slaves to their ipads, what he wanted was to dream, create and accomplish, he mainly left the tech side of things to "Woz".

When you realize how important simplicity and aesthetics were to him, how he'd personally fly across the country and wait 6 months for the perfect glass for the iphone, you fall under his spell of how driven and focused he was.

Again & again in the book it talks about his "distortion reality", how he saw the world differently and expected from people what others didn't.

Basically he was a genius who cared so much about everything he made and every aspect from the product to packaging to where it was sold, which is why the Apple stores were created.  He was controlling and wanted to be in charge of your whole Apple experience.

He was adopted and never met his biological Father, he never wanted to.  He was strong willed and told the Dean at his college that he wouldn't be paying for classes because he had already spent enough of his parents money, but he would be dropping in on whatever classes intrigued him.  He never did graduate from college, he was much too antsy for that.

Realizing what his plans for the future were I am truly sad.  Sad that he won't continue to change and advance the world.  That his visions may not come to fruition.  Sad for his family.

I may not know anything about technology but I know everything about thinking differently and so did Steve Jobs.  He didn't care that others saw him as crazy or didn't believe in him.  He didn't care when he was told his visions were impossible or couldn't be done.

I am weird.  I've never fit the mold.  I am passionate and my inability to shut up has gotten me in trouble a time or two.  Most people can't relate to my strict religious beliefs, my 'hippie' ways or crazy food. 

So yeah, I can strangely enough relate to Steve Jobs, aside from the genius part I know what it's like to be different.  Fortunately I am Ok with it.


Here’s to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. The ones who see things differently. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.  -Apple


45 comments:

  1. Very nice Marie. Very inspiring. A well put summary with a perspective fresh from Marie is always interesting. In trouble a "time or two," oh come on it's way more than that! KIDDING. I don't know if weird is the right word here, but you are passionate and you are forging your path with what you believe with regards to just more than your religious beliefs. I love you for this and for so much more. I'll tell you exactly what I love about you in person when I fly to you in May!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

    Love you,

    Shauna

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    1. I am resting up so we can do some serious partying. You know, like walk Brutus and go to Yogurt Island.

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  2. I love this post!!! I have been wanting to read this book and I think I just may have to now when im done with The Hunger Games series.

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    1. I am reading HG as well. I love any book that sucks me in.

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  3. That book looks like something like I would enjoy reading. Can I have it when you're finished with it? ;)

    Oh these sweet pictures remind me of the times I went on homeschool field trips with my siblings. Sweet memories.

    Thanks for your words on my Instagram post, Mrs. Marie. So awesome your daughter did the milk prank too! As you saw, my Dad got a good kick out of it and I'm so glad.

    SoUtHeRnPiNkY.bLoGsPoT.cOm

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    1. You can have it as soon as I pay all the late fines :)

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  4. I am so not technical, but I think I would enjoy that book - sounds like its more about life lessons than technology?

    The kids look so cute dressed up!

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    1. You and me both, but he is absolutely amazing, I would recommend the book to anyone.

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  5. I admire people who don't fit the mold or who don't try to...because I've spent a whole lot of time trying to do just that! It's really dumb now that I look back on it.

    What a remarkable man...I hope to check out this book one day soon!

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    1. I hear you, sad that it comes so late for some of us. Better late than never though.

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  6. You make me want to read the book now!
    Love the pictures from the museum. That looks like such a fun place!

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    1. You should! I couldn't put it down, it's just fascinating.

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  7. That children's museum looks awesome! Steve Jobs was definitely unique, and the world needs unique!

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  8. You REALLY have me wanting to read the book now, too! My husband got it from his boss for Christmas, and my mom actually got me a copy too! I returned mine though- we didn't really need two copies of it.
    It's just so LONG... intimidating! But, everything you said has me really intrigued. And I LOVE biographies and memoirs. I'll have to bring it on my next plane ride (which is to Colorado in 3 weeks :)).

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    1. It is really long, almost 600 pages, but I didn't want it to end. Definitely bring it with you, you'll love it.

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  9. wow- I love that last quote. That quote alone has made me want to check out the book. So happy to have found your blog- you are a gorgeous mom! xo

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  10. Such an interesting life story! I want to read it too :)

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  11. beautiful mama! thank you so much for your post. i really think its a generational thing that was accepted because everyone else is doing it. the more kiddos i have the less likely i am to be on this blasted thing. i have started blogging only when he sleeps and it's getting to be easier. deleted my facebook today! wahoo! thanks for your advice!

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    1. Oh you're welcome. I am so old, I saw 3 teens walking home from school yesterday and they were all texting or looking at their phones. I never want my kids to be like that, IT'S RUDE! I am super strict when it comes to media. My daughter got an ipod for Christmas but can only use it when homework & chores are done and if the other kids are busy, so it usually works out to be an hour a week :) It's a learning curve for me because I want my kids to be able to navigate technology, but not become zoned out. I am still learning.

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  12. Ooooh I love this!!!! And that Apple quote. You've inspired me to read the book! I bought it for my dad for Christmas (who has been an Apple enthusiast since, well, probably since Apple was created). It may take me the rest of my life to read the book but I'm gonna try it!

    I can't relate to the genius aspect either, but I know what it's like to want to control every aspect of your work and do things perfect, whether it's to provide a spectacular product to customers, or just as personal satisfaction on a job well done.

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    1. I loved your post today, just had to tell you again. Borrow the book from your dad when he's done. When you become absorbed with a book you want it to be long so it never ends.

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  13. I went to highschool in SJ :) Lincoln! We started the first girls waterpolo team!

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    1. Yup I know Lincoln. I went to Andrew Hill. You would appreciate the book and all the Silicon Valley references.

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  14. Ah... I love this post.
    And I think I'm going to get this book.

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  15. Two thumbs up for all the crazy rebels out there! And I love the old-timey costumes on the kids. Too cute!

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  16. :-) this post makes me happy. AND that might be my favorite quote of all time. that means a lot, too, because i have documents full of favorite quotes.

    i like that you're one of the weird ones. i kind of feel like all the food bloggers have been thought to be a little weird from time to time. :p

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    1. I collect quotes too. I like to put inspiring ones on the back of the front door for the kids to read.

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  17. Marcus finally finished this book, so it's finally my turn! Hearing your perspective on the book is so helpful because I, too, am not deeply into technology and like trying to see the world a little bit...differently. I look forward to being able to dive in sooner than later!

    p.s. When I was a pup I would have just died over that horse at the museum!

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  18. GREAT post, Marie! I wasn't interested in reading that book but now I am! The museum looks like a wonderful place to visit!

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  19. i haven't read the book yet, but i heard good things. absolutely love that quote! thank you for sharing!
    and the museum looked like it was a lot of fun :)
    xo TJ

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  20. Wow. I never would have ever expected he was adopted. I never had interest in reading his book but now I do. He was really amazing. That quote is awesome and the museum is too.

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    1. I didn't either, but once I started I couldn't put it down.

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  21. Awww! I miss my dress up clothes!!! Looks like a great time. :)
    Hope you are having a fabulous friday!

    xo
    purposelyathome.blogspot.com

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  22. Excellent recap of a book I haven't read!!! I don't like the word weird at all! It sounds so negative which isn't true at all! Love!

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  23. Cheers to those who follow their own drummer. Rah rah rah! You know I have to read that book now...

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  24. These pictures are so fun!
    And you have totally sparked my curiosity.... I must read this book now!

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  25. I loved the Steve Jobs biography just as I love Apple products.

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    1. Oh yes of course I should have known you would read this. I loved it! He's awesome and is sorely missed.

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  26. Fantastic review, Marie! I am SO going to check out this book the next time I'm at the library. The cleverest and most interesting people are NOT average. It's sad that it takes until we're grown up to realize that being different is ok and in fact wonderful. There should be a course in junior high about the benefits of being an individual. Maybe then there would be fewer drug and gang-related problems not to mention issues with self-esteem.. etc. etc. I will get off the soap box now. I love the sound of the book and love that you are who you are and share it with us!! : )

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    1. Thanks and I agree about the class, that would be so great. We need more classes that kids could use in the real world like money managing as well.

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  27. You have absolutely made me want to read this book now...dang now I have to head to the library (not that this is a bad thing, just have to make time for it).

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  28. I love this post. Good for you for seeing things differently and standing by your views and beliefs. I think I may have to download this on my kindle tonight.

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  29. My teen, the college freshman, is reading that book. We thought it must have been a class assignment. But, no. He got it on his own. He likes it a lot and is pretty impressed with Jobs. I hope he remembers to bring the book home this summer so I can read it too!

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  30. Great review! You've piqued my interest of Steve Jobs and I love that quote. I also love that picture of you. You're beautiful and so full of personality!

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  31. Interesting book I should say. I think I gotta grab a copy now. Thank you for the review.

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