So these past couple months....well Nov and Dec specifically, alot of things have happened that is just smacking me right in the face... and hard! On that note though, here are some of my upcoming new year's resolution:
1) Dress better and look more proper...
As much as I enjoy the lack of time required to prepare for dressing like a bum, it's time that I start dressing slightly more proper. It does make a world of a difference just having the right posture and not looking like a plopping fish!
2) Communicate Better
Vital skill to have, both at work and not at work. Not sure how to yet quite do it.... or actually, what this entails... but I will get better at this before the end of next year.
3) Be more active
Gotta start working out or doing some sort of physical activity. I actually feel that my mind gets sharper if I do that. My current status?... Let's just say my mind feels extremely dull. If my mind was a knife, it'd would not be able to cut water...
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Little Motivation for Myself...
Sh*t may pour... but I will just bring some deodorant. I will win.
If I cannot even take care of myself, how can I ever carry the weight of two people on my shoulders?
For my goals, I will continue to move forward...
If I cannot even take care of myself, how can I ever carry the weight of two people on my shoulders?
For my goals, I will continue to move forward...
Reflection: Know and Ask for What You Want...
So it seems that after years, I am finally able to show my emotions. But then again, come to think of it, have I ever been able to hide my emotions?... Now that I am able to show it, perhaps its time to be able to show/not show it depending on the circumstances... hrmmmmmm....
Anyway, so recently, I've been looking for ways to improve one of my major weaknesses... lack of communication skills. Decided to read a book about it, but ended up reading one of those self-development books... Two points that struck a chord in me...
#1) "Know what you want, ask for what you want"
So this seems pretty straightforward eh? Decide what you want, then go for it. But extending on this, the book mentions that 'asking' for what you want is more than just walking up to a person and asking. It actually requires 'acting and doing'... Knowing about the details of what you want, preparing for it, and actually asking are necessary to show your interest. Just walking up and asking without having done anything is a waste of time... for both you and the other person... and conversely, planning out everything but not acting is just the same...
I think back now and realize that alot of times, I fail because either I don't know what I want, or I don't ask after I know what I want. For the times at tasks that I am successful in, I do know what I want, and prepare for it, and then I go for it.
Such a simple phrase, but so much wisdom within it.
#2) You must take risks. And you must be at the table to win...
This is contrary to what I am used to. Be it with proper planning, or just random luck, I have always only executed a task when the probability of success is high. But reading about this made me realize that this may not be the best approach. What is interesting is that the book mentions that you can deliberate all you want and guess what the number (say in a roulette game) is gonna be... But you will not win anything even if you are right. Sure, you don't lose anything, but you will never win!!! If you were at the table, there is a chance you will lose, but what happens if you win? And what happens if you win big?
The book also goes on to mention that others tend to focus on seeing that successful person win that one big win, but what they do not realize is this same person probably had lost countless number of times before the big win... AND will lose countless number of times after until their next big win. The difference though, is that this successful person will be able to recover from their losses, and continue to play the game.
So when do you know when to risk or not risk?... Answer: Intuition! I really do want to believe that my intuition is not bad... but I guess I can never be 100% sure because some hunches can never be validated. The only way to improve on my intuition is to put my money where my mouth is... be it for better or for worse. Doing this enough times, maybe one day when that chance of a lifetime comes, I will be able to risk it all and win...
Anyway, so recently, I've been looking for ways to improve one of my major weaknesses... lack of communication skills. Decided to read a book about it, but ended up reading one of those self-development books... Two points that struck a chord in me...
#1) "Know what you want, ask for what you want"
So this seems pretty straightforward eh? Decide what you want, then go for it. But extending on this, the book mentions that 'asking' for what you want is more than just walking up to a person and asking. It actually requires 'acting and doing'... Knowing about the details of what you want, preparing for it, and actually asking are necessary to show your interest. Just walking up and asking without having done anything is a waste of time... for both you and the other person... and conversely, planning out everything but not acting is just the same...
I think back now and realize that alot of times, I fail because either I don't know what I want, or I don't ask after I know what I want. For the times at tasks that I am successful in, I do know what I want, and prepare for it, and then I go for it.
Such a simple phrase, but so much wisdom within it.
#2) You must take risks. And you must be at the table to win...
This is contrary to what I am used to. Be it with proper planning, or just random luck, I have always only executed a task when the probability of success is high. But reading about this made me realize that this may not be the best approach. What is interesting is that the book mentions that you can deliberate all you want and guess what the number (say in a roulette game) is gonna be... But you will not win anything even if you are right. Sure, you don't lose anything, but you will never win!!! If you were at the table, there is a chance you will lose, but what happens if you win? And what happens if you win big?
The book also goes on to mention that others tend to focus on seeing that successful person win that one big win, but what they do not realize is this same person probably had lost countless number of times before the big win... AND will lose countless number of times after until their next big win. The difference though, is that this successful person will be able to recover from their losses, and continue to play the game.
So when do you know when to risk or not risk?... Answer: Intuition! I really do want to believe that my intuition is not bad... but I guess I can never be 100% sure because some hunches can never be validated. The only way to improve on my intuition is to put my money where my mouth is... be it for better or for worse. Doing this enough times, maybe one day when that chance of a lifetime comes, I will be able to risk it all and win...
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Flurries in Seattle
Another week, another round of flurries in Seattle...
It rains, and snows... guess this city's preparing me for my return trip back to the arctic north...
It rains, and snows... guess this city's preparing me for my return trip back to the arctic north...
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Neko's Weekend Visit to Seattle
Earlier on in the week, Neko appeared for the first time in 2 mths on MSN to let me know that she was coming for a visit! And so by the end of week, here Neko was, in the rainy city of Seattle!
Giving the full tourist treatment, we took Neko to Pike's Place, and of course, the Space Age Restroom!!! Other places included the Ray's Boathouse and alot of malls!
One random thing we did was go on a Merry Go Around. For some reason, I ended up on a horse that was wayyy too small for me. It was really fun, but I had to be very careful that my 'lower' body did not get too close to the back of the horse's head... because the seat did not really fit me... and with the horse rocking back and forth, it would have hurt quite a bit if it hit my 'lower' body...
I did notice one peculiar thing though. For the Merry Go Around, I realized that the 'small' horses were on the inside, the medium ones in the middle, and the large ones were on the outside. Is that always the case?
Hrm, not quite sure who has the pictures, but I am sure it will probably take me 5 years to get my hands on them (just like how I don't have half my university pics still as of right now either)...
To add to my list of tourist attractions: shopping seems to satisfy any fellow Canadian! We did ALOT of this all weekend...
Giving the full tourist treatment, we took Neko to Pike's Place, and of course, the Space Age Restroom!!! Other places included the Ray's Boathouse and alot of malls!
One random thing we did was go on a Merry Go Around. For some reason, I ended up on a horse that was wayyy too small for me. It was really fun, but I had to be very careful that my 'lower' body did not get too close to the back of the horse's head... because the seat did not really fit me... and with the horse rocking back and forth, it would have hurt quite a bit if it hit my 'lower' body...
I did notice one peculiar thing though. For the Merry Go Around, I realized that the 'small' horses were on the inside, the medium ones in the middle, and the large ones were on the outside. Is that always the case?
Hrm, not quite sure who has the pictures, but I am sure it will probably take me 5 years to get my hands on them (just like how I don't have half my university pics still as of right now either)...
To add to my list of tourist attractions: shopping seems to satisfy any fellow Canadian! We did ALOT of this all weekend...
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Snowy Seattle
Woke up today and I saw what they say does not happen for 10 years.... flurries and snow.. in Seattle???heh heh heh... It isn't really as bad as the picture though :). There was maybe less than 1 cm, but this was enough to make the city come to a slow halt!
Anyway, so on that note, still went to the company dinner. Highlight of the night is playing 3 card poker with fake money. Being the aggressive gambler that I am, I at one point had $25000 in poker chips! ... which is more than what the dealer had... wuhahaha! If only it was real money... ... ...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
US Thankgiving: Las Vegas II
The second US Thanksgiving in the US... Originally planning to go to San Fran, ended up going to Las Vegas on a whim...
Leaving S.dot from 1am, started another sun rise drive towards the sin city. Arrived late afternoon, then did the regular Vegas thing... Food, drinks, gamble, etc. etc. Would this be the start of a tradition for me?
Once again, wasn't able to catch a Cirque de Soleil show, but did manage to get into a David Copperfield show. Next time I swing by Vegas, I will have to make sure I get into a Cirque show... The best part was that we got moved up to the very very front of the stage so we could have kissed David Copperfield's shoes if we wanted to! It's pretty amazing to think that he can make a car appear on stage, without us knowing how it got there even though we were right at the front of the stage.
Also learned how to play crabs and blackjack... The lessons were free, but the 4 drinks while I was there came out to $80 :)... hahahahhahahaha... Good two/three hours of fun!
And on the topic of betting...
"...Be someone who people willing to bet their hopes and dreams on" (inspired by watching Naruto...haha)
Leaving S.dot from 1am, started another sun rise drive towards the sin city. Arrived late afternoon, then did the regular Vegas thing... Food, drinks, gamble, etc. etc. Would this be the start of a tradition for me?
Once again, wasn't able to catch a Cirque de Soleil show, but did manage to get into a David Copperfield show. Next time I swing by Vegas, I will have to make sure I get into a Cirque show... The best part was that we got moved up to the very very front of the stage so we could have kissed David Copperfield's shoes if we wanted to! It's pretty amazing to think that he can make a car appear on stage, without us knowing how it got there even though we were right at the front of the stage.
Also learned how to play crabs and blackjack... The lessons were free, but the 4 drinks while I was there came out to $80 :)... hahahahhahahaha... Good two/three hours of fun!
And on the topic of betting...
"...Be someone who people willing to bet their hopes and dreams on" (inspired by watching Naruto...haha)
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Wkend at the Movies
Watched two gangster movies this weekend. The first one wasn't too great, but the second one was pretty good.
American Gangsters...
A man who had nothing, took big risks and became the kingpin of a city... So strong... so powerful... All through his own hard work and effort.
Even though he ends up being caught, what a way to carve out his own destiny!
American Gangsters...
A man who had nothing, took big risks and became the kingpin of a city... So strong... so powerful... All through his own hard work and effort.
Even though he ends up being caught, what a way to carve out his own destiny!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sammamish Park and Halloween Corn Maze
It was a beautiful day, so randomly decided to do a S.dot local activity... hiking.. or at least a slightly watered down version of it :). Searching for a random place to be outdoors, we ended up at Sammamish Park... Almost lost my glasses, but it was nice to be outdoors and breathe fresh air.
After that, went to the first ever corn maze and an outdoor haunted house of my life. Drove half an hour north to this farm field place. It was an interesting, but I think it's one of those one time experience things. Reason: Waited in line for hours, and it was really cold!!! Without being cladded in snow gear, it was slightly chilly! The highlight though was that I poked some random lady that I thought was just some mendicant...but she turned out to be real.. oops!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Bittersweet and Thoughtful Day
My first scholarship ever in my life, but I will most likely not be claiming it. Though this was a bit late, today I find out that I am a NSERC Recipient...by process of elimination.. haha.. but still a NSERC Recipient if I choose to become one...
With this, all the preconditions for what I had thought about executing a year this time ago are in place... only it is 6 months late. Is this fate telling me there might still be hope?...Or is it fate trying to test my mettle to see if I am still the same boy I was who hang on too much to the past?
Don't get me wrong, I cannot regret the decision that I have made.. and in actuality, the preconditions were not met before the hard deadline. Besides, I am liking what I am involved in right now... and the potential that is inherently infused into it. So it's not really like I made a wrong decision at all. Perhaps the best way to think about it is that I had two good choices to pick from... so it was a win vs. win situation? But nevertheless, it's just interesting that 6 mths later, fate seems to be telling me that if I had chose this other path, the plan I had drafted a year ago could have been carried out...
But then again, though as impossible as it may be, I wonder what and where would I be if the desired uttered the words of desire. The trump card that alone would suffice for me to attempt what all these preconditions would have led to. 5 mths later yet still I dream...the bet that I would be willing to risk everything for...
It was funny today actually. In a day when I am reminded of my past, another part of my past magically appeared literally out of thin air. There were two peculiar things this night... One is really not my business, nor should I be thinking or caring about it, so we will leave that one aside. But the other peculiarity is the comment about that 'my face looked drained' after this encounter. This struck me a little bit.. since I really didn't think I was feeling anything at all... I wonder how I look at that moment, and more interestingly, how this vibe got picked up...
...Look forward and don't look back. If it was meant to be, then there will be another chance and a reason to work to get the pieces to fall into place. If it was not meant to be, then even if the world is moved, and heaven is flipped upside down, the endeavour is but a pointless and futile one...
On a lighter note, almost cooked my own face today when I opened the oven half awake... That was funny, yet dangerous... haha
With this, all the preconditions for what I had thought about executing a year this time ago are in place... only it is 6 months late. Is this fate telling me there might still be hope?...Or is it fate trying to test my mettle to see if I am still the same boy I was who hang on too much to the past?
Don't get me wrong, I cannot regret the decision that I have made.. and in actuality, the preconditions were not met before the hard deadline. Besides, I am liking what I am involved in right now... and the potential that is inherently infused into it. So it's not really like I made a wrong decision at all. Perhaps the best way to think about it is that I had two good choices to pick from... so it was a win vs. win situation? But nevertheless, it's just interesting that 6 mths later, fate seems to be telling me that if I had chose this other path, the plan I had drafted a year ago could have been carried out...
But then again, though as impossible as it may be, I wonder what and where would I be if the desired uttered the words of desire. The trump card that alone would suffice for me to attempt what all these preconditions would have led to. 5 mths later yet still I dream...the bet that I would be willing to risk everything for...
It was funny today actually. In a day when I am reminded of my past, another part of my past magically appeared literally out of thin air. There were two peculiar things this night... One is really not my business, nor should I be thinking or caring about it, so we will leave that one aside. But the other peculiarity is the comment about that 'my face looked drained' after this encounter. This struck me a little bit.. since I really didn't think I was feeling anything at all... I wonder how I look at that moment, and more interestingly, how this vibe got picked up...
...Look forward and don't look back. If it was meant to be, then there will be another chance and a reason to work to get the pieces to fall into place. If it was not meant to be, then even if the world is moved, and heaven is flipped upside down, the endeavour is but a pointless and futile one...
On a lighter note, almost cooked my own face today when I opened the oven half awake... That was funny, yet dangerous... haha
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