After a fun night w/friends and co-workers, I made sure my girlfriend got in a cab and then decided just to hop on a bus rather than take the train.
Whoa. Talk about the difference between bus and train! I was surrounded by nearly all working-class men on the bus, and it was all right.
After traveling solo for years, confronting a stalker and even carpooling to Tahoe with a stranger, what else is there to fear?
There are tricks. No eye contact. Sit up straight and be quietly confidant. "Don't mess with me" is a universal language that everyone respects.
So, I can handle the solo ride on a bus with lots of strangers who are rough around the edges. There is a lot of life opportunities awaiting me, and fear will not slow me down.
I feel happy tonight because I finally have zero fear. It's the most liberating feeling to know that no matter what happens to me, I can handle it. The biggest fear I had before this point was that I was not going to be as great of human beings as my parents. I am finally getting over it. I'll just be me, even if I am short of my parents' greatness...
Things are still quite uncertain on the men front, but I am no longer afraid. I do wish I wasn't so single at times, but then how would I be trained in handling myself so well in odd situations? Life skills come with experience, and I wouldn't trade my amazing journey for anything.
Friday, January 04, 2008
possessions
Besides my car, the most expensive things I have are my sports equipment.
Just bought ice skates, and it's turning out to be great exercise!
Am in the market for a new snowboard. My current board was purchased from a co-worker. He was much taller, so the board is slightly too long. Still, now that I am comfortable with the sport, it's time for some better gear.
Looking at my storage closet, I plan to invest more time this year on sports. Some equipment to dust off: tennis racket and golf clubs. Plus swimming. My goal is to get to the point of mastery in every sport where I can get up and go. Only by hitting that intermediate/advanced level can a sport be pure fun.
It's ironic because I used to very uncoordinated, but I had friends who were athletic. In order to spend time with them, I started to learn each sport.
It's a metaphor for other aspects of life. You don't know your own limits unless you test it. Now I do believe that anything is possible. I have only scratched the surface of my abilities. I love getting older and getting better!
Just bought ice skates, and it's turning out to be great exercise!
Am in the market for a new snowboard. My current board was purchased from a co-worker. He was much taller, so the board is slightly too long. Still, now that I am comfortable with the sport, it's time for some better gear.
Looking at my storage closet, I plan to invest more time this year on sports. Some equipment to dust off: tennis racket and golf clubs. Plus swimming. My goal is to get to the point of mastery in every sport where I can get up and go. Only by hitting that intermediate/advanced level can a sport be pure fun.
It's ironic because I used to very uncoordinated, but I had friends who were athletic. In order to spend time with them, I started to learn each sport.
It's a metaphor for other aspects of life. You don't know your own limits unless you test it. Now I do believe that anything is possible. I have only scratched the surface of my abilities. I love getting older and getting better!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
uncertainty
I freaked out this week b/c there are some uncertainties in my life right now. After talking things through with a few friends, I realized that I wasn't being in the present.
Uncertainty is part of life, yet our lifestyle tend to minimize uncertainties that we don't know what to do when faced with it.
One result of meditation is that I can separate myself from my thoughts, especially the ones that bring anxiety. I am learning to embrace the unknown, and it isn't so bad.
Although I know that uncertainty is healthy, it's still hard for me to accept it fully. Well, here's my chance. It feels scary, but I pride myself on being fearless that I can just let things unfold for a change.
Breath in, breath out...
Uncertainty is part of life, yet our lifestyle tend to minimize uncertainties that we don't know what to do when faced with it.
One result of meditation is that I can separate myself from my thoughts, especially the ones that bring anxiety. I am learning to embrace the unknown, and it isn't so bad.
Although I know that uncertainty is healthy, it's still hard for me to accept it fully. Well, here's my chance. It feels scary, but I pride myself on being fearless that I can just let things unfold for a change.
Breath in, breath out...
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
the right fit
Work is quite exciting right now. Besides a huge lawsuit that I am slowly getting involved in, I possibly might be handling a small matter before the Planning Commission all on my own. That client is coming in to meet me this month.
I never thought I would be so career-oriented, but nothing else is competing against the thrill of the job. To have this great opportunity, to find kindred spirits, to perfect my skill, and to see amazing results.
Actually, all the other hobbies I have been undertaking for years (organizing events, sports, dating, etc.) helped to prepare me for this moment. The irony. I know exactly what I have to do to get to the next level, and I am well on my way.
Now, if dating were this easy. Still, I have the same optimism about settling down with someone. Things are starting to get interesting in that department too, but aren't they always? ;)
I never thought I would be so career-oriented, but nothing else is competing against the thrill of the job. To have this great opportunity, to find kindred spirits, to perfect my skill, and to see amazing results.
Actually, all the other hobbies I have been undertaking for years (organizing events, sports, dating, etc.) helped to prepare me for this moment. The irony. I know exactly what I have to do to get to the next level, and I am well on my way.
Now, if dating were this easy. Still, I have the same optimism about settling down with someone. Things are starting to get interesting in that department too, but aren't they always? ;)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
true friends
This year, I made more efforts to meet new people. By organizing lots of social events, I did meet new people. In return, I received invitations to events and met more people.
Now that it's the end of the year, I am taking a break and assessing.
Some of these people will not be in my life because it's time to let go. It's been hard at times because the friendships sometimes grew demanding. I still haven't quite learned how to just be with like-minded spirits. Part of being like-minded is how much space I need in a friendship. Choosing to focus on career and a new man, I am looking for friends who are at the same point in life.
I felt guilty for not doing as much for others, but now the guilt is replaced by the realization that many ties are simply lengthened but not broken. It's especially hard with the guy friends because now one person is taking up more of my energy. Still, I send out good wishes to everyone as the year comes to a close.
Hope your year was fantastic too!
Now that it's the end of the year, I am taking a break and assessing.
Some of these people will not be in my life because it's time to let go. It's been hard at times because the friendships sometimes grew demanding. I still haven't quite learned how to just be with like-minded spirits. Part of being like-minded is how much space I need in a friendship. Choosing to focus on career and a new man, I am looking for friends who are at the same point in life.
I felt guilty for not doing as much for others, but now the guilt is replaced by the realization that many ties are simply lengthened but not broken. It's especially hard with the guy friends because now one person is taking up more of my energy. Still, I send out good wishes to everyone as the year comes to a close.
Hope your year was fantastic too!
Friday, December 28, 2007
make time (part 2)
Managed to find time this morning to go to the climbing gym to introduce the sport to a friend's friend in town for the holidays. She is the 26th person I introduced to climbing.
I have to work today, so we made the meeting at 8am. It's amazing that 1. the gym was open and 2. we were all on time. 90 minutes later, my new friend got her belay card and was climbing. I managed to hit three routes, and rushed off to work just one hour off my usual time.
Work is getting busier, but I still want to make time for all the important things. Just checked out ice skating class schedule. Maybe that'll be my new sport for 2008. The classes would be Mondays at 630pm...
I have to work today, so we made the meeting at 8am. It's amazing that 1. the gym was open and 2. we were all on time. 90 minutes later, my new friend got her belay card and was climbing. I managed to hit three routes, and rushed off to work just one hour off my usual time.
Work is getting busier, but I still want to make time for all the important things. Just checked out ice skating class schedule. Maybe that'll be my new sport for 2008. The classes would be Mondays at 630pm...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
mini victory
After dropping out of mini-triathlon training and getting kicked out of motorcycle class, I thought this was going to be the year that I find my limits.
Then, I went to Tahoe the last two days and accomplished a major goal for the last two years: I finally snowboard as well as I ski.
Growing up, I was quite uncoordinated. I drop things, I trip all the time, and I was never good at sports. Then, learning to ski and master to ski changed my attitude about challenges. Instead of giving up, I realized that mastering skills require learning the trick to the task.
Learning to snowboard had to do with the changing demographics of people I spent time with. As more and more of my friends were snowboarders, I felt the pressure to learn the new sport.
As with skiing, I took many lessons and try to hit the slopes as much as I can. I also bought a used board in order to have my own equipment. The formula worked.
Now, boarding is my favorite sport. I am still trying to learn new things, but in every other sport, I am trying to reach that point of pure bliss I feel when I finish a black run with complete confidence.
Then, I went to Tahoe the last two days and accomplished a major goal for the last two years: I finally snowboard as well as I ski.
Growing up, I was quite uncoordinated. I drop things, I trip all the time, and I was never good at sports. Then, learning to ski and master to ski changed my attitude about challenges. Instead of giving up, I realized that mastering skills require learning the trick to the task.
Learning to snowboard had to do with the changing demographics of people I spent time with. As more and more of my friends were snowboarders, I felt the pressure to learn the new sport.
As with skiing, I took many lessons and try to hit the slopes as much as I can. I also bought a used board in order to have my own equipment. The formula worked.
Now, boarding is my favorite sport. I am still trying to learn new things, but in every other sport, I am trying to reach that point of pure bliss I feel when I finish a black run with complete confidence.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
experience counts
Went ice skating by myself last night to break in the new skates. Lovely. Been to this rink a few times before, so I knew just where to park, how much it cost, what to bring (thick socks, gloves and water) and what the crowd was going to be like. Being in an urbanized area, it was mostly teenagers at 10pm at night.
As I am enjoying myself on the ice, I felt grateful that life has brought me so many experiences. Whether together with people or on my own, I have done enough that I always want to do more.
It wasn't always like this. I used to spend more time thinking about doing things than actual execution.
Same with relationships. I used to try to control the man in my life rather than grow and evolve with that person. After Mr. PA, where I tried so hard to change him and drove him away, I see that I applied the same controls placed on me by others.
I finally learned. Relationships are about letting go completely and enjoy the other person as he is. I am excited but ever more appreciative of all the falls I have along the way. Those past experiences make the present that much sweeter.
As I am enjoying myself on the ice, I felt grateful that life has brought me so many experiences. Whether together with people or on my own, I have done enough that I always want to do more.
It wasn't always like this. I used to spend more time thinking about doing things than actual execution.
Same with relationships. I used to try to control the man in my life rather than grow and evolve with that person. After Mr. PA, where I tried so hard to change him and drove him away, I see that I applied the same controls placed on me by others.
I finally learned. Relationships are about letting go completely and enjoy the other person as he is. I am excited but ever more appreciative of all the falls I have along the way. Those past experiences make the present that much sweeter.
Friday, December 21, 2007
fact or fiction
My sister-in-law is expecting my nephew in a couple of months. I am quite excited! They call the kid peanut because that's what he looked like in his first ultrasound picture.
I have been talking to the baby in hopes that he will recognize my voice. It's silly to talk loudly to a pregnant belly, but I am bonding with the bebe. "Greetings from your favorite aunt!"
One of the changes that my sister-in-law endured is her palate. She used to prefer savory food, but ever since her pregnancy, she prefers sweets and fresh fruit. That happens to be what most people in my family prefer. We even joke that the baby is going to be like my older sister, who is fanatic about her fresh fruits.
My mother confirmed that all the foods she craved while pregnant with each of us turned into our favorite foods. Pineapple for me!
So the doctors out there, any validity to my mother's claim? Better yet, all my mommy friends: did your pregnancy cravings turned into your children's favorite foods?
I have been talking to the baby in hopes that he will recognize my voice. It's silly to talk loudly to a pregnant belly, but I am bonding with the bebe. "Greetings from your favorite aunt!"
One of the changes that my sister-in-law endured is her palate. She used to prefer savory food, but ever since her pregnancy, she prefers sweets and fresh fruit. That happens to be what most people in my family prefer. We even joke that the baby is going to be like my older sister, who is fanatic about her fresh fruits.
My mother confirmed that all the foods she craved while pregnant with each of us turned into our favorite foods. Pineapple for me!
So the doctors out there, any validity to my mother's claim? Better yet, all my mommy friends: did your pregnancy cravings turned into your children's favorite foods?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
crafts
I spent an hour last night trying to fix a broken string on a bracelet. Didn't have the right type of string (need a sturdy fishing line), so I ended up in the exact same place as when I started - the beads are connected except for one place where it is broken.
Never been much of an arts-and-crafts person. I'll sew a button here and there, but I am just not a crafts person.
I did fix a tear in the back of my over-the-knee boots right after. Success! Plan to wear them for the 80s dancing tonight...
Lately, I have had a lot of "know my limit" experiences (motorcycle class, mini-triathlon, trying to have a serious relationship before I am ready...). They are not meant to be discouraging, more of a note.
Meditation has been wonderful in allowing me to see things as neutral rather than having an emotional response. So, duly noted, I am not great at fixing broken jewelry.
Never been much of an arts-and-crafts person. I'll sew a button here and there, but I am just not a crafts person.
I did fix a tear in the back of my over-the-knee boots right after. Success! Plan to wear them for the 80s dancing tonight...
Lately, I have had a lot of "know my limit" experiences (motorcycle class, mini-triathlon, trying to have a serious relationship before I am ready...). They are not meant to be discouraging, more of a note.
Meditation has been wonderful in allowing me to see things as neutral rather than having an emotional response. So, duly noted, I am not great at fixing broken jewelry.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
inquiring minds
p.s. I didn't go to Tahoe Sat. The lack of snow was a blessing in disguise. I did lots of fun things and even renewed an old connection. Life is very, very good.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
dear girlfriends...
Hello to my former Dinner-For-the-Ladies friends,
Weren't those monthly dinners back in 2004-2006 fun?
Back when I first became single, organizing those monthly dinners was such a fun outlet. I found the perfect formula. Every last Wednesday of the month, we would all meet at a restuarant that I found (and this was before I discovered yelp!). The budget was about $20 per person, and the location had to be accessible to all of us, some working in SF, some in Peninsula, others in the South Bay.
My repeat this every month, usually sending the evite out the week after the last dinner to continue the tradition.
All this because I read a research that the only indicator of a woman's happiness is her female companionship. We were all amused that the only indicator of a man's happiness is also his female companionship. Does that mean women may need men but aren't necessary happier with them? Well, that's the subject of another post.
Thank you all for the great times! We bonded over great food, sometimes bad service, traffic, men, Sex and the City, laughter and frustration, and all of life's ups and downs. Eventually, some of us settle down.
Anyways, after I discontinued the dinners, we tried to get together a couple of times a year.
So much has happen in the past year, and those of you who stayed in touch know that. Most recently, I got a new job and made some lifestyle adjustments (one of them has a V6!).
That's why I have not responded during this latest group invite for us to consider a get together. I do care, and I am forever grateful for your support during those dinners and gatherings, but I do ask that we catch up electronically and maybe meet up at one the larger social gatherings in 2008.
Thank you for everything, and I look forward to catching up with you (either in cyberspace or in person)!!
With Love and Happy Holidays,
TOE
Weren't those monthly dinners back in 2004-2006 fun?
Back when I first became single, organizing those monthly dinners was such a fun outlet. I found the perfect formula. Every last Wednesday of the month, we would all meet at a restuarant that I found (and this was before I discovered yelp!). The budget was about $20 per person, and the location had to be accessible to all of us, some working in SF, some in Peninsula, others in the South Bay.
My repeat this every month, usually sending the evite out the week after the last dinner to continue the tradition.
All this because I read a research that the only indicator of a woman's happiness is her female companionship. We were all amused that the only indicator of a man's happiness is also his female companionship. Does that mean women may need men but aren't necessary happier with them? Well, that's the subject of another post.
Thank you all for the great times! We bonded over great food, sometimes bad service, traffic, men, Sex and the City, laughter and frustration, and all of life's ups and downs. Eventually, some of us settle down.
Anyways, after I discontinued the dinners, we tried to get together a couple of times a year.
So much has happen in the past year, and those of you who stayed in touch know that. Most recently, I got a new job and made some lifestyle adjustments (one of them has a V6!).
That's why I have not responded during this latest group invite for us to consider a get together. I do care, and I am forever grateful for your support during those dinners and gatherings, but I do ask that we catch up electronically and maybe meet up at one the larger social gatherings in 2008.
Thank you for everything, and I look forward to catching up with you (either in cyberspace or in person)!!
With Love and Happy Holidays,
TOE
Saturday, December 15, 2007
nice...but
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!
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!
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...
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