Reporting after the HH meet up. It was good enough for dinner after, but we split the tab.
There was physical attraction but completely different outlooks on life. Yet another very cool guy who will be just a friend. I can appreciate a guy who takes good care of his body, but I am looking for a deeper connection. It's hard to explain, but having had it a couple of times, I'll know it when it happens again.
Going into work tomorrow again. Don't mind because I have to be in downtown for errands and to meet a friend. Plus, will finally catch up with my boss after his long business trip. Time to approach him about that conference in Vail next month!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
finding time for everything
Today, I took a couple of hours off during the middle of the afternoon. First, I visited a friend's new antique store nearby work. I have been talking to him about this idea for almost 2 years, since I first met him. It was so amazing to see the beautiful space and to witness a dream realized.
Then, a second friend came by the store, and we went to a new housing development in town. I introduced this friend to my broker, who is also a friend. We looked at some units together, and then they dropped me off before heading to look at more places.
Now I am back at the office, working away. I will have to make up for the time tonight and this weekend, but this is why I love my new job. I still have time for everything I want to do. I am working harder but loving every moment of it. Nothing beats learning from great people and meaningful projects.
Have a HH with a new guy tonight. Maybe friends, maybe more. It takes time to get to know someone, and I am willing to invest the time and take my time until I find the right person to settle down with.
Being an attorney fits because I have always been conscious of the value of time and want to get more out of each .25 increments. Learning how to evolve and to let go of people and habits that no longer fit is second nature now. The goal is to be able to use my time to connect with people and to do good work, and I will strive to make time always.
Then, a second friend came by the store, and we went to a new housing development in town. I introduced this friend to my broker, who is also a friend. We looked at some units together, and then they dropped me off before heading to look at more places.
Now I am back at the office, working away. I will have to make up for the time tonight and this weekend, but this is why I love my new job. I still have time for everything I want to do. I am working harder but loving every moment of it. Nothing beats learning from great people and meaningful projects.
Have a HH with a new guy tonight. Maybe friends, maybe more. It takes time to get to know someone, and I am willing to invest the time and take my time until I find the right person to settle down with.
Being an attorney fits because I have always been conscious of the value of time and want to get more out of each .25 increments. Learning how to evolve and to let go of people and habits that no longer fit is second nature now. The goal is to be able to use my time to connect with people and to do good work, and I will strive to make time always.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
create your own opportunity
There is a lot of information out there. What particular information one focuses on at any given point creates the necessary opportunities. Although many people see the opportunities, the willingness to risk and take action separates the lucky ones from the ordinary.
It all begins with one's intuition. I had the idea to go snowboarding this upcoming Saturday after talking to one friend who lives in Seattle and another who jetted to Vancouver to board.
That's the start of the process: one must create the opportunity by following one's intuition.
Next, honing our intuition, so that it acts as a critical tool to begin to select the relevant information. Given my desire to snowboard, I check weather, think about the list of action items (tune snowboard - maybe, research Tahoe resorts for lesson rates - will take a lesson to get a jump start on the season, send e-mails to a few friends who might be interested).
Meanwhile, competing events are going on. So they need to be incorporated into the original plan or be dismissed. This is where creativity is very important. Often, people think two events are mutually exclusive, when in fact they can be combined to create a better outcome.
My family might get together for dinner Saturday night, and if I go to Tahoe, that just means that I either get a ride so get dropped off at dinner or drive myself in order to meet them on my own. When things don't go according to plan, know that they are meant to be in order to help direct you to the end result. Too often, people get stuck trying to figure out how to circumvent the unexpected when it should just be embraced to create a better result.
How did you think I manage to learn one new sport a year although quite uncoordinated? I often let my friends lead the way and inspire me to find short cuts to all the trick of the trade!
Like any habit, to create and seize opportunities is not a linear movement but a dynamic process in which you must teach your brain to function at all levels but stills stay disciplined.
Back to the idea to board. The periodic checking of the weather suggests that it might rain/snow Fri or Sat. The snow may not be great, but I definitely need company if I want to split a SUV rental or find someone who has one. The trick is focusing in on the information by having some basic premise. I always want to be safe when I go to Tahoe, and that safety margin changes depending on the weather.
Then, another idea struck while I was considering at Tahoe. My Seattle friend teaches snowboarding there on Saturdays starting last weekend, so I spent 5 minutes investigating last-minute plane tickets to Seattle to see if it's worth just going there.
Yes, that's crazy! Still, how did you think I managed to cram 11 roundtrip flights in 2007 (2 international), all of them personal trip on my own time and dime? It takes a bit of craziness to get more out of life. I happen to know a lot of people who were going places because of good deals, and I traveled during off season (translate being in very cold places) to get even better deals.
I cannot stress the importance of opportunity costs; all these trips happened because other things didn't. I hardly buy anything at retail (sale, online or used instead), and I am typing this on a 7-year-old laptop. I have zero wall hangings and minimal furniture, and I cook more than I eat out. I drive cars that are at least 5 years old, and the most important things in my life are my relationships.
Well, Seattle didn't work out, but it's the start of another idea. Time to check in with my friend on which is the best weekend to visit. See how this works? Also, I need to send some confirming e-mails out and decide by Fri morning what I will do.
The most important part of this exercise isn't about going to Tahoe, but how easy it is for me to go to Tahoe or not to go. By enjoying the process and doing it so frequently in every area of my life, I can live in the moment and not get stressed out or slowed down by the journey. BOTH the journey and the destination are thoroughly satisfying.
Yes, I know you want to find out what happens to the Tahoe trip. That's not the point of this post though. Instead of wondering whether I will be on the slopes, why not take this opportunity to follow through on an idea and go for it?
I'll see you on the slopes then, if not this Sat, then definitely March. Planned Park City 2008 with 5 friends and booked the flight and ski house two weeks ago!!
It all begins with one's intuition. I had the idea to go snowboarding this upcoming Saturday after talking to one friend who lives in Seattle and another who jetted to Vancouver to board.
That's the start of the process: one must create the opportunity by following one's intuition.
Next, honing our intuition, so that it acts as a critical tool to begin to select the relevant information. Given my desire to snowboard, I check weather, think about the list of action items (tune snowboard - maybe, research Tahoe resorts for lesson rates - will take a lesson to get a jump start on the season, send e-mails to a few friends who might be interested).
Meanwhile, competing events are going on. So they need to be incorporated into the original plan or be dismissed. This is where creativity is very important. Often, people think two events are mutually exclusive, when in fact they can be combined to create a better outcome.
My family might get together for dinner Saturday night, and if I go to Tahoe, that just means that I either get a ride so get dropped off at dinner or drive myself in order to meet them on my own. When things don't go according to plan, know that they are meant to be in order to help direct you to the end result. Too often, people get stuck trying to figure out how to circumvent the unexpected when it should just be embraced to create a better result.
How did you think I manage to learn one new sport a year although quite uncoordinated? I often let my friends lead the way and inspire me to find short cuts to all the trick of the trade!
Like any habit, to create and seize opportunities is not a linear movement but a dynamic process in which you must teach your brain to function at all levels but stills stay disciplined.
Back to the idea to board. The periodic checking of the weather suggests that it might rain/snow Fri or Sat. The snow may not be great, but I definitely need company if I want to split a SUV rental or find someone who has one. The trick is focusing in on the information by having some basic premise. I always want to be safe when I go to Tahoe, and that safety margin changes depending on the weather.
Then, another idea struck while I was considering at Tahoe. My Seattle friend teaches snowboarding there on Saturdays starting last weekend, so I spent 5 minutes investigating last-minute plane tickets to Seattle to see if it's worth just going there.
Yes, that's crazy! Still, how did you think I managed to cram 11 roundtrip flights in 2007 (2 international), all of them personal trip on my own time and dime? It takes a bit of craziness to get more out of life. I happen to know a lot of people who were going places because of good deals, and I traveled during off season (translate being in very cold places) to get even better deals.
I cannot stress the importance of opportunity costs; all these trips happened because other things didn't. I hardly buy anything at retail (sale, online or used instead), and I am typing this on a 7-year-old laptop. I have zero wall hangings and minimal furniture, and I cook more than I eat out. I drive cars that are at least 5 years old, and the most important things in my life are my relationships.
Well, Seattle didn't work out, but it's the start of another idea. Time to check in with my friend on which is the best weekend to visit. See how this works? Also, I need to send some confirming e-mails out and decide by Fri morning what I will do.
The most important part of this exercise isn't about going to Tahoe, but how easy it is for me to go to Tahoe or not to go. By enjoying the process and doing it so frequently in every area of my life, I can live in the moment and not get stressed out or slowed down by the journey. BOTH the journey and the destination are thoroughly satisfying.
Yes, I know you want to find out what happens to the Tahoe trip. That's not the point of this post though. Instead of wondering whether I will be on the slopes, why not take this opportunity to follow through on an idea and go for it?
I'll see you on the slopes then, if not this Sat, then definitely March. Planned Park City 2008 with 5 friends and booked the flight and ski house two weeks ago!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
if we all think like a president
Yesterday, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was sworn in as the President of Argentina.
Given my current focus on career, I wonder what does a President think about with such enormous responsibilities.
Even the corrupt leaders have to focus on how to make the system work, so imagine what a legitimate world leader have to contemplate on a daily basis.
Me, I am not too ambitious, although being born in Virginia means that I can be the President. Still, I am starting to think more about how to make the world a better place.
It's the little things. I refuse extra bags and extra plastic utensils. I try to pay attention to civic happenings. I vote. Even the return to law is to give myself more preparation for future service opportunities.
Also, I truly believe that thinking about bigger things makes us happier. I don't ever worry about personal things; advances in science and world events are more important!
How are you using your brain cells today?
Given my current focus on career, I wonder what does a President think about with such enormous responsibilities.
Even the corrupt leaders have to focus on how to make the system work, so imagine what a legitimate world leader have to contemplate on a daily basis.
Me, I am not too ambitious, although being born in Virginia means that I can be the President. Still, I am starting to think more about how to make the world a better place.
It's the little things. I refuse extra bags and extra plastic utensils. I try to pay attention to civic happenings. I vote. Even the return to law is to give myself more preparation for future service opportunities.
Also, I truly believe that thinking about bigger things makes us happier. I don't ever worry about personal things; advances in science and world events are more important!
How are you using your brain cells today?
meditation
After being inspired by Eat, Pray, Love, I decided that it was time to start meditating.
Meditation has been proven scientifically to lower brain activity, and that state of calm has tremendous health benefits. There is so much we don't know about the links between body, mind and spirit.
It wasn't as hard as Elizabeth Gilbert described b/c yoga often talked about focusing on the breath to free the mind. I just sat and focused on my breath and observed my thoughts without reacting to it. Will try to meditate daily.
Still, the initial reaction was that my mind felt more scattered the day after. It was a reminder that I have been so intent to focusing that I lose sight of the need to relax. Ironic!
I do feel a sense of well being lately. I have been listening more to my body and my intuition. Things have become much easier in the last few months.
Next is the focus on how to ground myself and be caring without draining myself (a family trait)! Now I know why I had to stay single the last four years because I still need to learn how to balance giving and taking and being.
Namaste.
Meditation has been proven scientifically to lower brain activity, and that state of calm has tremendous health benefits. There is so much we don't know about the links between body, mind and spirit.
It wasn't as hard as Elizabeth Gilbert described b/c yoga often talked about focusing on the breath to free the mind. I just sat and focused on my breath and observed my thoughts without reacting to it. Will try to meditate daily.
Still, the initial reaction was that my mind felt more scattered the day after. It was a reminder that I have been so intent to focusing that I lose sight of the need to relax. Ironic!
I do feel a sense of well being lately. I have been listening more to my body and my intuition. Things have become much easier in the last few months.
Next is the focus on how to ground myself and be caring without draining myself (a family trait)! Now I know why I had to stay single the last four years because I still need to learn how to balance giving and taking and being.
Namaste.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
the system
A colleague e-mailed me about getting laid off from his job. He was a co-worker at my last work place who decided to take a big risk after just five months at our former company. He left to work for an independently wealthy investor on a Hawaii project. After a month, he is unemployed.
Now he is scrambling to find something else, including consulting for my old company. Rather than making a personal call or take his old boss to lunch, he wrote an e-mail and received a short but firm rejection.
By leaving after a short period, he definitely burned some bridges. The worst part was that he often looked down at the others. I firmly believe that people can detect elitism faster than they can smell fear. If you think you are better, people's guards will be up.
Sometimes it's a curse to be smart and achieve at a young age. It sets up for very high expectations that makes life that much more dissatisfying. I feel lucky because I have very little expectations for life. I still believe that most of my professional and personal accomplishment comes by the way of fate more than anything else. I try hard, but I know to expect nothing.
One lesson in all this - the most important quality to gain in life is humility.
Now he is scrambling to find something else, including consulting for my old company. Rather than making a personal call or take his old boss to lunch, he wrote an e-mail and received a short but firm rejection.
By leaving after a short period, he definitely burned some bridges. The worst part was that he often looked down at the others. I firmly believe that people can detect elitism faster than they can smell fear. If you think you are better, people's guards will be up.
Sometimes it's a curse to be smart and achieve at a young age. It sets up for very high expectations that makes life that much more dissatisfying. I feel lucky because I have very little expectations for life. I still believe that most of my professional and personal accomplishment comes by the way of fate more than anything else. I try hard, but I know to expect nothing.
One lesson in all this - the most important quality to gain in life is humility.
networking
I have been receiving many invites to join many social networks by friends. Just don't want to set up yet another profile and spend time updating it or not update it due to the lack of time.
Professionally, I like where I am and don't see the need to network online.
Personally, b/t my blog, my social gatherings, my calls and e-mails, I keep in touch with all the people that I need to connect with.
It comes down to time. I know for many of my friends, these sites help them keep in touch, so there is value. For me, they may take up precious time that I want to spend doing something else...
Professionally, I like where I am and don't see the need to network online.
Personally, b/t my blog, my social gatherings, my calls and e-mails, I keep in touch with all the people that I need to connect with.
It comes down to time. I know for many of my friends, these sites help them keep in touch, so there is value. For me, they may take up precious time that I want to spend doing something else...
Monday, December 03, 2007
yet another friend
Sometimes being intuitive is a curse.
After a second date, I knew that this latest guy and I can only be friends. Told him that tonight. I believe in being honest, and if I see a perfect mate for the other person that is not me, then I lose interest completely. I want this great guy to be completely free to meet the right person for him. It's too bad because there was a connection, and he is impressive.
Even though I want to have a relationship, I am not quite ready to give up my hectic life. When I can meet someone who can relate to or support my four-events-a-day schedule, then I'll be in a relationship.
Until then, there are single parties to plan, weights to lift, and work to do. Went into the office Sat and was productive. I also brought work home tonight. It's all right because I used to have community meetings that go on til 10pm!
Excited because I do believe in what I am doing and am grateful for the opportunity to learn!
After a second date, I knew that this latest guy and I can only be friends. Told him that tonight. I believe in being honest, and if I see a perfect mate for the other person that is not me, then I lose interest completely. I want this great guy to be completely free to meet the right person for him. It's too bad because there was a connection, and he is impressive.
Even though I want to have a relationship, I am not quite ready to give up my hectic life. When I can meet someone who can relate to or support my four-events-a-day schedule, then I'll be in a relationship.
Until then, there are single parties to plan, weights to lift, and work to do. Went into the office Sat and was productive. I also brought work home tonight. It's all right because I used to have community meetings that go on til 10pm!
Excited because I do believe in what I am doing and am grateful for the opportunity to learn!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
show me what you've got
In reading M's blog about the different types of guys, I can't help compare the two that pique my interest of late.
Totally different types of guys. One is who I want to be - smooth, successful, and very focused. The other is who I can relate to - humble, loner and an unconventional life path.
In consulting with the energy lady Maria, I know that one of them will be the one I end up with in 2008. (Do I dare to think beyond next year?)
I have chosen to invest my time with them lately because in both instances, the chemistry is incredible. This has happened once this past year, and Maria cleared that guy out quickly because it wasn't meant to be.
In their own ways, these guys impress me without trying. For now, that is the one trait I look for. Let's see who steps up next. Well, I think I know who's going to be my NYE date...
Totally different types of guys. One is who I want to be - smooth, successful, and very focused. The other is who I can relate to - humble, loner and an unconventional life path.
In consulting with the energy lady Maria, I know that one of them will be the one I end up with in 2008. (Do I dare to think beyond next year?)
I have chosen to invest my time with them lately because in both instances, the chemistry is incredible. This has happened once this past year, and Maria cleared that guy out quickly because it wasn't meant to be.
In their own ways, these guys impress me without trying. For now, that is the one trait I look for. Let's see who steps up next. Well, I think I know who's going to be my NYE date...
Friday, November 30, 2007
shifting gears
The one thing I love about driving a stick is that you can adjust the performance of the car more precisely to the conditions of the road.
It's all about paying attention, having fun, shift, and having more fun.
Work is kicking up a notch. It's all about how to be even more productive as a major deadline looms. I never thought I would love work this much, but I really do. There are some bumps b/c some of the deals are complicated, but the learning is exciting.
I am going to be working a few hours this weekend and late one day next week. Don't mind at all because all the fun things this week and next will balance things out. Besides, I am still working about the same hours as the last job even with overtime.
It's like shifting, one actually step on the gas during the gear change, so it's more efficient at a higher speed.
p.s. Started to talk to dealer again about the next car. Stayed tuned...
It's all about paying attention, having fun, shift, and having more fun.
Work is kicking up a notch. It's all about how to be even more productive as a major deadline looms. I never thought I would love work this much, but I really do. There are some bumps b/c some of the deals are complicated, but the learning is exciting.
I am going to be working a few hours this weekend and late one day next week. Don't mind at all because all the fun things this week and next will balance things out. Besides, I am still working about the same hours as the last job even with overtime.
It's like shifting, one actually step on the gas during the gear change, so it's more efficient at a higher speed.
p.s. Started to talk to dealer again about the next car. Stayed tuned...
Thursday, November 29, 2007
man of the times
There is being oneself, and there is being oneself that is embraced by others.
In talking to a couple of guy friends lately, being a nice just doesn't seem to win the ladies' hearts any more.
My mother told me that one of the reasons that she picked my father over her many suitors was that most of her friends agreed that he was the nicest guy.
These days, being accomplished seems to be the most desirable trait. A person has to be fit, intelligent, talented, and well-traveled. Whatever happen to just having a good heart?
When has being adventurous a desirable trait? My father is not the most adventurous person, but he was respected due to his dedication to the community. He is very lucky that his personality suited his era.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, women tends to look for men that have what is socially desirable.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, I don't usually follow the trend. Let's see if the current candidate will be around long enough for me to see if I need Mr. Nice Guy or Mr. Accomplished...
In talking to a couple of guy friends lately, being a nice just doesn't seem to win the ladies' hearts any more.
My mother told me that one of the reasons that she picked my father over her many suitors was that most of her friends agreed that he was the nicest guy.
These days, being accomplished seems to be the most desirable trait. A person has to be fit, intelligent, talented, and well-traveled. Whatever happen to just having a good heart?
When has being adventurous a desirable trait? My father is not the most adventurous person, but he was respected due to his dedication to the community. He is very lucky that his personality suited his era.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, women tends to look for men that have what is socially desirable.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, I don't usually follow the trend. Let's see if the current candidate will be around long enough for me to see if I need Mr. Nice Guy or Mr. Accomplished...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
work, play and evolve
As luck would have it, I am currently working on affordable housing projects. It's exciting to do something I truly believe in.
Am filling out a planning application for the project and justifying why this project promotes the various policies of the City's general plan.
I am thoroughly inspired to make this my life's work - increasing housing stock, especially affordable housing. Only by providing everyone with a comfortable home, can we strive toward utopia.
It makes me sad to see people ask for money at freeway junctions. I don't give change then, but I hope that when I have kids or grandkids, we can have less homelessness and better housing stock.
Am filling out a planning application for the project and justifying why this project promotes the various policies of the City's general plan.
I am thoroughly inspired to make this my life's work - increasing housing stock, especially affordable housing. Only by providing everyone with a comfortable home, can we strive toward utopia.
It makes me sad to see people ask for money at freeway junctions. I don't give change then, but I hope that when I have kids or grandkids, we can have less homelessness and better housing stock.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
unexpected surprises
Just when I have life all figured out, it throws me a curve ball. I am no longer phased by surprises, but some how people who don't fit neatly into boxes continue to appear in my life. Like-minds attract?
On another note. I spent a few days in San Jose, CA, and the 10th largest city in the U.S. is a force to be reckoned with. Between new high-rise condomiums, a light rail transportation system that is on-time to the minute, and more brain power than anywhere else in the world, SF should be very affraid. City persons like myself might just find another city to live in soon. The most unexpected conclusion is the diversity. Some how San Jose is allowing all types of lifestyle to co-exist more seamlessly.
Appaulse to the City to the South.
On another note. I spent a few days in San Jose, CA, and the 10th largest city in the U.S. is a force to be reckoned with. Between new high-rise condomiums, a light rail transportation system that is on-time to the minute, and more brain power than anywhere else in the world, SF should be very affraid. City persons like myself might just find another city to live in soon. The most unexpected conclusion is the diversity. Some how San Jose is allowing all types of lifestyle to co-exist more seamlessly.
Appaulse to the City to the South.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
go see this
During my trip to NY, I saw the Hirst shark. It was sad that not many people were crowded around this amazing piece. Guess not everyone is a modern art fan.
Then, there is the Eliasson exhibit at SFMOMA going on now through February 24.
Good art makes us feel so much. The amazing pieces energize me and give me a sense of joy.
Happy viewing.
Then, there is the Eliasson exhibit at SFMOMA going on now through February 24.
Good art makes us feel so much. The amazing pieces energize me and give me a sense of joy.
Happy viewing.
Monday, November 19, 2007
work and play
One observation about the new job is that I am working about the same hours as before but learning 3 times as much.
It's all about focusing. Now that I am not trying to put out fires around the office, I am able to zero in on the substantive assignments.
It helps to have a good boss and an amazing support staff.
Also scaling back in my personal life. It's been six months since someone made it past the second date. Looking forward to falling madly in love again, but I am not holding my breath.
Life is perfect as is, and I want to enjoy this moment for a while.
It's all about focusing. Now that I am not trying to put out fires around the office, I am able to zero in on the substantive assignments.
It helps to have a good boss and an amazing support staff.
Also scaling back in my personal life. It's been six months since someone made it past the second date. Looking forward to falling madly in love again, but I am not holding my breath.
Life is perfect as is, and I want to enjoy this moment for a while.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
yet another sustainable tool
New job is fantastic. My first three assignments are a senior care facility, rebuilding dilapidated affordable housing and tax-credit housing project, and it's only the second day.
New job means new ways to get around. I take public transportation to work now.
Today, had to go to a community meeting (I am helping Skyline College raise money. How to get there when there is no public transit close to the campus?
Car share program. I had signed up during their free annual-fee promotion, so I only pay as I use the cars.
I was able to sign up for a car last night. Today, I drove take a car from a public parking lot that is a 5-minute walk from the office, attended my meeting and got back to work without worrying about parking or traffic to and from work. The process costs less and was faster than driving my own car.
It's fun to be green.
New job means new ways to get around. I take public transportation to work now.
Today, had to go to a community meeting (I am helping Skyline College raise money. How to get there when there is no public transit close to the campus?
Car share program. I had signed up during their free annual-fee promotion, so I only pay as I use the cars.
I was able to sign up for a car last night. Today, I drove take a car from a public parking lot that is a 5-minute walk from the office, attended my meeting and got back to work without worrying about parking or traffic to and from work. The process costs less and was faster than driving my own car.
It's fun to be green.
Friday, November 09, 2007
life gets better w/age
Went to a couple of events tonight. One professional and another at a friend's place. Wow, is it the latest session with energy healer, or am I seeing everything so clearly? It's a lot easier to just see people for themselves and not be so concerned about how I can fit in or be liked.
Felt slightly foolish for being so eager to please in the past, especially with men, but now it's just about letting events unfold.
Lots of candidates running for Mr. Right, but I know better. Many are more suited as Mr. Right Now, so why not just enjoy their friendship and free them from finding someone who will care about them unconditionally?
It's tricky. Give first or wait to be given. I am still giving first, but that's part of who I am. Waiting to see what happens next.
Felt slightly foolish for being so eager to please in the past, especially with men, but now it's just about letting events unfold.
Lots of candidates running for Mr. Right, but I know better. Many are more suited as Mr. Right Now, so why not just enjoy their friendship and free them from finding someone who will care about them unconditionally?
It's tricky. Give first or wait to be given. I am still giving first, but that's part of who I am. Waiting to see what happens next.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
fully committed
What have you done for your community lately?
The reason for all the posts lately about recycling and sustainability is due to the belief that each of us can make a difference.
To make more of a difference, I decided to join my HOA Board and the President's Council at Skyline College (fundraising group).
In addition, organizing all the social events are quite fun, but they are merely reminders that to receive, we must give.
It can be something small, like voting or donating to charities, or it can be as big as changing another human being's life.
We don't know the limitations of our powers until we test it. I am lucky that my passions happen to be quite social, so I can stay connected and continue to pursue what makes me happy.
Tomorrow is another day off, but I will be going to a community meeting and a professional function. There is something about being connected to civic organizations that increase the meaning of living in the now.
What are you going to do for your community tomorrow?
The reason for all the posts lately about recycling and sustainability is due to the belief that each of us can make a difference.
To make more of a difference, I decided to join my HOA Board and the President's Council at Skyline College (fundraising group).
In addition, organizing all the social events are quite fun, but they are merely reminders that to receive, we must give.
It can be something small, like voting or donating to charities, or it can be as big as changing another human being's life.
We don't know the limitations of our powers until we test it. I am lucky that my passions happen to be quite social, so I can stay connected and continue to pursue what makes me happy.
Tomorrow is another day off, but I will be going to a community meeting and a professional function. There is something about being connected to civic organizations that increase the meaning of living in the now.
What are you going to do for your community tomorrow?
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
sustainability
What have you done for Mother Earth lately?
After I toured the NorCal Transfer Station (the garbage dump), I thought long and hard about my daily habits. They are pretty good but could be much better.
Garbage is a big part of sustainable living. I recycle and throw out very little garbage (I take plastic bags to grocery stores and packing pellets to mail stores). After this Thursday, I'll throw out almost no garbage as my building joins the compost service (green bins that take away food scraps).
I bring my own bags to stores. It throws the clerks off to not bag, but I insist on not creating more waste.
I bring my own coffee mug to cafes. Think about how many cups you throw away on a weekly basis, so just recycling paper at the office is not enough.
I keep metal utensils at work, so I don't have to use plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
Once a week, I have my no-car day. This is a day (it'll be Sunday this week) in which I get around by walking or public transit or carpooling. I also walk to the gym and one of my grocery stores.
Food turns out to consume the most energy, even more than driving because so many items have to be trucked in. Also, some items take much more energy to produce than other items. Red meat is the worst. The rule of thumb in the sustainability movement is that if you cut down the red meat that you eat by half, you will save more resources than giving up a car. Who knew!
Also, eating locally helps. My try to not eat food that come in a package and shop at farmers' market. It's also better for our body and tastier.
It's not hard to be environmentally conscious, but it does take a conscience. So get on it already!
After I toured the NorCal Transfer Station (the garbage dump), I thought long and hard about my daily habits. They are pretty good but could be much better.
Garbage is a big part of sustainable living. I recycle and throw out very little garbage (I take plastic bags to grocery stores and packing pellets to mail stores). After this Thursday, I'll throw out almost no garbage as my building joins the compost service (green bins that take away food scraps).
I bring my own bags to stores. It throws the clerks off to not bag, but I insist on not creating more waste.
I bring my own coffee mug to cafes. Think about how many cups you throw away on a weekly basis, so just recycling paper at the office is not enough.
I keep metal utensils at work, so I don't have to use plastic forks, knives, and spoons.
Once a week, I have my no-car day. This is a day (it'll be Sunday this week) in which I get around by walking or public transit or carpooling. I also walk to the gym and one of my grocery stores.
Food turns out to consume the most energy, even more than driving because so many items have to be trucked in. Also, some items take much more energy to produce than other items. Red meat is the worst. The rule of thumb in the sustainability movement is that if you cut down the red meat that you eat by half, you will save more resources than giving up a car. Who knew!
Also, eating locally helps. My try to not eat food that come in a package and shop at farmers' market. It's also better for our body and tastier.
It's not hard to be environmentally conscious, but it does take a conscience. So get on it already!
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