Good morning folks,
{slurp}
I'm continuing on with my living a better life theme today. I have been struggling on what areas in "life" I wanted to cover but this morning I finally found my inspiration.
{slurp}
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Bring on the WAR
Just recently started playing WAR (Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning). I'm still not entirely sure if this will be my next MMO but I plan on giving it the good ol' try to see if it comes around. I swore I would never buy a game at release again... when will I learn my lesson? :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
v20.1 - Living a Better Life
Morning Folks,
{slurp}
It is a beautiful sunny day today in the city of Halifax. My new desk at work overlooks the harbor (sort of) and right now I can see the sun reflecting off the surface of the water as one of the Metro Transit ferries crosses. It is times like this that make me really happy I moved here.
{slurp}
I plan on dedicating the new few musings to a new series of musings I've been wanting to write. I want to talk about how we, as people, can live better lives and get the most out of living. Whether you're just a teenager or an elderly person in your 80s, there is always something in life to experience and I hope I can show you how to do that.
{slurp}
I watched a documentary on television the other night about Manners; you can read about it HERE
I won't say it was a huge eye opener for me, but it did get me thinking a lot about how a simple shift in a person's manners can shift others around them. A simple wave when someone lets you pull into a spot in traffic can change that entire commute for that person (and possibly for you). The documentary talks about people in general and how we've strayed away from such simple manners and holding the door for others. What happened?
{slurp}
So what is the secret to having a better life? Well, one of the things that I can guarantee will give you a more fulfilling and better life is to remember your manners and be kind to those around you. You could almost apply the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" biblical lesson to your day-to-day life.
{slurp}
But what about those who are always rude? How can you possibly be nice to someone who is constantly kicking people down (emotionally of course) and being rude all the time? Well, I'm no expert here but if you put a smile on your face and ignore the negativity that person emits, you will have a better day. Why let someone else ruin your day? Why let someone else rob you from the enjoyment of your life? Take a step back and say, "Does this person have the right to rob joy and happiness from me?". Put a smile on your face, make the best out of every situation and choose to ignore negativity. These things will not only make you feel better inside, but make people around you feel better.
{slurp}
In this day in age, negativity begets negativity. How many times have you been at your place of work (or home, or wherever) and you've heard someone being negative to someone else. Perhaps it was a manager yelling at a co-worker for doing a bad job or making a simple mistake. Immediately that person is put in a negative light and a whole slew of negative emotions are beginning to manifest themselves. Once that manager leaves, that person is now in a negative state and typically will find another co-worker or friend to talk to. The topic of discussion? You guessed it, negativity. Now not only is the Manager emitting negativity, but the employee beings to emit it around them and 'infects" everyone they come in contact with. Stop the negative monster in it's tracks and as soon as something negative presents itself in your life, dismiss it and turn it around. Put a smile on your face.
{slurp}
I knew a guy when I was in my late teens/early 20s. He was ALWAYS happy regardless of any situation that would come his way. I thought he was crazy and was going to suggest he admit himself to a mental institution for help. He had something though; something a lot of us lack today. He was able to take anything negative and turn it around. Rain was "liquid sunshine" to him and no matter what happened, this person was able to turn it around and make the best out of any situation. It was annoying because being around him felt good. Sometimes people just want to feel bad and feel negative. Well this guy would let it happen and as a result you had a much better day just being around. Are you like this person?
{slurp}
Anyway folks, I'm going to wrap up this musing for today. Really think about the things I've said here. Life is a gift and if you spend the majority of it wrapped up in anger or negativity, you're really not living life, you're just passing through. Find a positive outlet for your negativity. If you can't find one, BE one for others. I'm willing to bet that if you starting making a serious effort to be more positive in your day-to-day activities, you will attract others to you and your positive influence will spread to others. You will have more laughs and enjoy other people's company more. Give it a try, it doesn't cost you any money and you only stand to feel better about life.
{slurp}
Cheers,
Al
{slurp}
It is a beautiful sunny day today in the city of Halifax. My new desk at work overlooks the harbor (sort of) and right now I can see the sun reflecting off the surface of the water as one of the Metro Transit ferries crosses. It is times like this that make me really happy I moved here.
{slurp}
I plan on dedicating the new few musings to a new series of musings I've been wanting to write. I want to talk about how we, as people, can live better lives and get the most out of living. Whether you're just a teenager or an elderly person in your 80s, there is always something in life to experience and I hope I can show you how to do that.
{slurp}
I watched a documentary on television the other night about Manners; you can read about it HERE
I won't say it was a huge eye opener for me, but it did get me thinking a lot about how a simple shift in a person's manners can shift others around them. A simple wave when someone lets you pull into a spot in traffic can change that entire commute for that person (and possibly for you). The documentary talks about people in general and how we've strayed away from such simple manners and holding the door for others. What happened?
{slurp}
So what is the secret to having a better life? Well, one of the things that I can guarantee will give you a more fulfilling and better life is to remember your manners and be kind to those around you. You could almost apply the "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" biblical lesson to your day-to-day life.
{slurp}
But what about those who are always rude? How can you possibly be nice to someone who is constantly kicking people down (emotionally of course) and being rude all the time? Well, I'm no expert here but if you put a smile on your face and ignore the negativity that person emits, you will have a better day. Why let someone else ruin your day? Why let someone else rob you from the enjoyment of your life? Take a step back and say, "Does this person have the right to rob joy and happiness from me?". Put a smile on your face, make the best out of every situation and choose to ignore negativity. These things will not only make you feel better inside, but make people around you feel better.
{slurp}
In this day in age, negativity begets negativity. How many times have you been at your place of work (or home, or wherever) and you've heard someone being negative to someone else. Perhaps it was a manager yelling at a co-worker for doing a bad job or making a simple mistake. Immediately that person is put in a negative light and a whole slew of negative emotions are beginning to manifest themselves. Once that manager leaves, that person is now in a negative state and typically will find another co-worker or friend to talk to. The topic of discussion? You guessed it, negativity. Now not only is the Manager emitting negativity, but the employee beings to emit it around them and 'infects" everyone they come in contact with. Stop the negative monster in it's tracks and as soon as something negative presents itself in your life, dismiss it and turn it around. Put a smile on your face.
{slurp}
I knew a guy when I was in my late teens/early 20s. He was ALWAYS happy regardless of any situation that would come his way. I thought he was crazy and was going to suggest he admit himself to a mental institution for help. He had something though; something a lot of us lack today. He was able to take anything negative and turn it around. Rain was "liquid sunshine" to him and no matter what happened, this person was able to turn it around and make the best out of any situation. It was annoying because being around him felt good. Sometimes people just want to feel bad and feel negative. Well this guy would let it happen and as a result you had a much better day just being around. Are you like this person?
{slurp}
Anyway folks, I'm going to wrap up this musing for today. Really think about the things I've said here. Life is a gift and if you spend the majority of it wrapped up in anger or negativity, you're really not living life, you're just passing through. Find a positive outlet for your negativity. If you can't find one, BE one for others. I'm willing to bet that if you starting making a serious effort to be more positive in your day-to-day activities, you will attract others to you and your positive influence will spread to others. You will have more laughs and enjoy other people's company more. Give it a try, it doesn't cost you any money and you only stand to feel better about life.
{slurp}
Cheers,
Al
Thursday, September 18, 2008
v20.0 - Al-san is Sick
Good morning folks,
{slurp}
Al-san is sick today. I was sick yesterday too, but today I had to come to work which only makes me more ill. I also had a commute of over an hour this morning due to accidents and traffic so that didn't help my mood either. Luckily I had my friends at CBC Radio 1 to help me through the long gruesome commute.
{slurp}
A funny thing happened this morning as I was going through the hundreds of emails I missed because I was out sick yesterday. Since the company I work for is global we tend to get requests coming in from all corners of the globe. I was assisting some people in Japan earlier this week and I noticed an email from them this morning in response to my assistance. The response wasn't what caught my eye though, it was what they called me that surprised me; Al-san. Never in all my years have I ever (seriously anyway) been called Al-san. This, of course, sparked my interest in the word so I just had to do some digging to find out what kind of "title" this actually gave me.
{slurp}
Unfortunately my research was quick as my Google skills are great. The san is an honorific showing respect. Similar to the way we would call someone Mr. or Mrs. here in the "West". Of course, when someone refers to themselves using San, it is considered childish or vain. I also found out that the number 3 can also mean san (since san is 3 in Japanese). If you ever see an internet handle with the number 3 at the end, it is the same as adding the san. For example, Al3 is the same as Al-san. Interesting!
{slurp}
As I mentioned earlier, I'm sick. I have this wicked head cold that has infected my nasal cavities and is causing this intense pain. I've taken sinus medication, pain killers and various other drugs to combat this thing; nothing seems to work. I took yesterday off sick from work because I was weak and my joints and muscles all ached. Today I am feeling the same (with a cough this time) and had to come into work because my employer decided to enforce a new policy only allowing a certain number of sick days per year. I've used up my "quota" of sick days this year and in order to take any more it would have to be unpaid. While losing 1 day pay isn't going to kill me, I came into work anyway to prove a point. The policy SUCKS! Sometimes people get sick and have to stay home, sometimes people get sick and SHOULD stay home. I hate those self righteous bastards who come to work regardless of they're sick or not. They bring in a box of Kleenex, some meds and setup shop at the desk next to you. You then have to listen to them sniffle, cough and all the other symptoms sick people exhibit. Not only is this a serious distraction, it is also a health hazard to everyone else because they are spreading their germs around. Seriously folks, the only reason I'm sick today is because of people like the above.
{slurp}
Now I have an excuse to be sick and come into work. I have no more sick days and don't want to take a day off without pay. These other people who came into work sick anyway, have quite a few sick days left they can take this year. Why did they come in? Personally, I'd rather sit home, recover and not get others sick which is why I'm out of sick days and these people are not. Who is the bad person here? In fact, I was even pulled aside at work a few months back to let me know that I was approaching the limit on my sick days. My response was simple, "So?". If I'm sick, I'm taking a sick day, it is easy at that. I don't use sick days to stay home because I don't feel like working. This is supposed to be a professional working environment where we work with other professionals yet we are treated like school children and when one person abuses something the rest of us get punished for it.
{slurp}
I digress and never intended to go off on such a tangent there. Bottom line, I'm sick and I'm at work and I'm that asshole that everyone hates because I came to work sick and now stand to infect everyone around me. Sorry guys, but I'm here because I have to be and if things were different, I'd be home in bed resting right now.
{slurp}
Now that I've got that off my chest, it's time to go :) I'm not sure if you've been watching the stock markets lately but things are getting fairly bad out there. I'm about to go and watch a webcast by the CEO for the company I work for to talk about this. Should be interesting.
{slurp}
Until next time folks.
Cheers,
Al
{slurp}
Al-san is sick today. I was sick yesterday too, but today I had to come to work which only makes me more ill. I also had a commute of over an hour this morning due to accidents and traffic so that didn't help my mood either. Luckily I had my friends at CBC Radio 1 to help me through the long gruesome commute.
{slurp}
A funny thing happened this morning as I was going through the hundreds of emails I missed because I was out sick yesterday. Since the company I work for is global we tend to get requests coming in from all corners of the globe. I was assisting some people in Japan earlier this week and I noticed an email from them this morning in response to my assistance. The response wasn't what caught my eye though, it was what they called me that surprised me; Al-san. Never in all my years have I ever (seriously anyway) been called Al-san. This, of course, sparked my interest in the word so I just had to do some digging to find out what kind of "title" this actually gave me.
{slurp}
Unfortunately my research was quick as my Google skills are great. The san is an honorific showing respect. Similar to the way we would call someone Mr. or Mrs. here in the "West". Of course, when someone refers to themselves using San, it is considered childish or vain. I also found out that the number 3 can also mean san (since san is 3 in Japanese). If you ever see an internet handle with the number 3 at the end, it is the same as adding the san. For example, Al3 is the same as Al-san. Interesting!
{slurp}
As I mentioned earlier, I'm sick. I have this wicked head cold that has infected my nasal cavities and is causing this intense pain. I've taken sinus medication, pain killers and various other drugs to combat this thing; nothing seems to work. I took yesterday off sick from work because I was weak and my joints and muscles all ached. Today I am feeling the same (with a cough this time) and had to come into work because my employer decided to enforce a new policy only allowing a certain number of sick days per year. I've used up my "quota" of sick days this year and in order to take any more it would have to be unpaid. While losing 1 day pay isn't going to kill me, I came into work anyway to prove a point. The policy SUCKS! Sometimes people get sick and have to stay home, sometimes people get sick and SHOULD stay home. I hate those self righteous bastards who come to work regardless of they're sick or not. They bring in a box of Kleenex, some meds and setup shop at the desk next to you. You then have to listen to them sniffle, cough and all the other symptoms sick people exhibit. Not only is this a serious distraction, it is also a health hazard to everyone else because they are spreading their germs around. Seriously folks, the only reason I'm sick today is because of people like the above.
{slurp}
Now I have an excuse to be sick and come into work. I have no more sick days and don't want to take a day off without pay. These other people who came into work sick anyway, have quite a few sick days left they can take this year. Why did they come in? Personally, I'd rather sit home, recover and not get others sick which is why I'm out of sick days and these people are not. Who is the bad person here? In fact, I was even pulled aside at work a few months back to let me know that I was approaching the limit on my sick days. My response was simple, "So?". If I'm sick, I'm taking a sick day, it is easy at that. I don't use sick days to stay home because I don't feel like working. This is supposed to be a professional working environment where we work with other professionals yet we are treated like school children and when one person abuses something the rest of us get punished for it.
{slurp}
I digress and never intended to go off on such a tangent there. Bottom line, I'm sick and I'm at work and I'm that asshole that everyone hates because I came to work sick and now stand to infect everyone around me. Sorry guys, but I'm here because I have to be and if things were different, I'd be home in bed resting right now.
{slurp}
Now that I've got that off my chest, it's time to go :) I'm not sure if you've been watching the stock markets lately but things are getting fairly bad out there. I'm about to go and watch a webcast by the CEO for the company I work for to talk about this. Should be interesting.
{slurp}
Until next time folks.
Cheers,
Al
Monday, September 15, 2008
v19.9 - When to Rip and when not to...
Howdy folks,
{slurp}
Well it's Monday and here we are, doing a GOTO 10 in our BASIC routine and starting another week. For those of you who know what GOTO 10 means, I'm sorry. For those who don't, you're not missing much.
{slurp}
A lot to be said about a good title. Something catchy that brings the reader in and allows them to immerse themselves in what you have to say. Today I'm going to talk about when to Rip and when not to Rip.
Rip what you ask?
Well, this past weekend there was some discussion about the differences between a Rip Saw and a Crosscut Saw. I'm talking about those hand held things that people rarely use anymore and when they do use them, they have no idea whether they're holding a Rip saw or a Crosscut saw.
{slurp}
First off, what is the difference? Well, to put it simply, a Rip saw used when you are cutting wood along the grain and a Crosscut Saw (as the name suggests) is for cutting wood across the grain. Ever notice when you're cutting wood with a saw on some pieces it seems like the wood is "harder" and doesn't cut as well? Or when you cut wood you slice through it really fast but it leaves being splinters and jagged edges? This is the typical outcome when you're using the wrong saw for the job. I urge you to read this Wiki article if you're really that interested in the differences and how to spot them.
{slurp}
Another example of when to Rip and when not to can also be applied to flatulations; which was also discovered this past weekend. There are times when you can just let one rip and then there are times when you should keep it to yourself. Unfortunately, my family doesn't necessarily adhere to this rule and we just let it rip whenever the mood strikes. Of course this can lead to many interesting get togethers and some memorable experiences. Some of which still wake me in the middle of the night covered in sweat holding my nose.
{slurp}
Well folks, short but sweet today. I promised I would have something out today about saws so here you go :) Feel free to leave a comment or chime in with your own different kinds of "Rips".
Until next time...
{slurp}
Cheers,
Al
{slurp}
Well it's Monday and here we are, doing a GOTO 10 in our BASIC routine and starting another week. For those of you who know what GOTO 10 means, I'm sorry. For those who don't, you're not missing much.
{slurp}
A lot to be said about a good title. Something catchy that brings the reader in and allows them to immerse themselves in what you have to say. Today I'm going to talk about when to Rip and when not to Rip.
Rip what you ask?
Well, this past weekend there was some discussion about the differences between a Rip Saw and a Crosscut Saw. I'm talking about those hand held things that people rarely use anymore and when they do use them, they have no idea whether they're holding a Rip saw or a Crosscut saw.
{slurp}
First off, what is the difference? Well, to put it simply, a Rip saw used when you are cutting wood along the grain and a Crosscut Saw (as the name suggests) is for cutting wood across the grain. Ever notice when you're cutting wood with a saw on some pieces it seems like the wood is "harder" and doesn't cut as well? Or when you cut wood you slice through it really fast but it leaves being splinters and jagged edges? This is the typical outcome when you're using the wrong saw for the job. I urge you to read this Wiki article if you're really that interested in the differences and how to spot them.
{slurp}
Another example of when to Rip and when not to can also be applied to flatulations; which was also discovered this past weekend. There are times when you can just let one rip and then there are times when you should keep it to yourself. Unfortunately, my family doesn't necessarily adhere to this rule and we just let it rip whenever the mood strikes. Of course this can lead to many interesting get togethers and some memorable experiences. Some of which still wake me in the middle of the night covered in sweat holding my nose.
{slurp}
Well folks, short but sweet today. I promised I would have something out today about saws so here you go :) Feel free to leave a comment or chime in with your own different kinds of "Rips".
Until next time...
{slurp}
Cheers,
Al
Thursday, September 4, 2008
v19.8 - Moved!
Howdy folks,
{slurp}
We are finally all moved in! Last Saturday a few family members showed up to lend a hand and together we were able to move everything in one shot. It was a long day, but we enjoyed each others company and made the day fun instead of dreadful. After we were done we all had a chance to enjoy some time in the pool. The water was cold, but refreshing and fun, couldn't have asked for a better day to move.
{slurp}
Of course I'm not going to talk about Moving in the physical sense today, I want touch on moving in an emotional sense. People are moved in different ways by different things. Some people can be moved by a song, some by an emotional scene in a movie. I've seen people moved in many ways by many different things and I feel it is something that defines us as human beings. I'm sure you've felt that 'ping' within you while watching a movie.
{slurp}
Remember the first time you watched a good martial arts action movie? When you got up out of the chair afterwards did you attempt to mimik a kick or karate chop? Did you hurt yourself? :) To be moved emotionally is to shift your perspective to look at things from a different angle. Some emotional moves are permanent while others are temporary and only last a short time. A great example of a permanent shift is experiencing the birth of your child. I made sure I was present for both of my children's births and I can honestly say the first changed me forever. To watch this life you helped create become an independent part of this world, to hear the first cry, to see them move for the first time is a very emotional and moving experience. Just writing about it is a moving experience for me because of how much of a permanent shift it was.
{slurp}
Think back over your life and remind yourself of the permanent shifts you experienced in your past. Perhaps you had a near death experience or something simple like heard a song that changed your life. Feel free to share these experiences with your friends and family. If the reason for the move was because of someone, share it with them. I can guarantee that by sharing it, you stand a good chance of causing a move in someone else.
{slurp}
Until next time...
Cheers,
Al
{slurp}
We are finally all moved in! Last Saturday a few family members showed up to lend a hand and together we were able to move everything in one shot. It was a long day, but we enjoyed each others company and made the day fun instead of dreadful. After we were done we all had a chance to enjoy some time in the pool. The water was cold, but refreshing and fun, couldn't have asked for a better day to move.
{slurp}
Of course I'm not going to talk about Moving in the physical sense today, I want touch on moving in an emotional sense. People are moved in different ways by different things. Some people can be moved by a song, some by an emotional scene in a movie. I've seen people moved in many ways by many different things and I feel it is something that defines us as human beings. I'm sure you've felt that 'ping' within you while watching a movie.
{slurp}
Remember the first time you watched a good martial arts action movie? When you got up out of the chair afterwards did you attempt to mimik a kick or karate chop? Did you hurt yourself? :) To be moved emotionally is to shift your perspective to look at things from a different angle. Some emotional moves are permanent while others are temporary and only last a short time. A great example of a permanent shift is experiencing the birth of your child. I made sure I was present for both of my children's births and I can honestly say the first changed me forever. To watch this life you helped create become an independent part of this world, to hear the first cry, to see them move for the first time is a very emotional and moving experience. Just writing about it is a moving experience for me because of how much of a permanent shift it was.
{slurp}
Think back over your life and remind yourself of the permanent shifts you experienced in your past. Perhaps you had a near death experience or something simple like heard a song that changed your life. Feel free to share these experiences with your friends and family. If the reason for the move was because of someone, share it with them. I can guarantee that by sharing it, you stand a good chance of causing a move in someone else.
{slurp}
Until next time...
Cheers,
Al
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