Clipped Wings

Why do you keep squeezing the same Lemon?

2010-10-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Why do you keep squeezing the same Lemon?

For each and every one of us, there are parts of our life that do not work, parts that are lifeless and appear to have no joy or happiness. And in many situations that hasn’t changed in years. The reason is that we persist in trying to get juice out of the lemon that has already been squeezed. We keep looking for happiness where it isn’t to be found.

If we see something is wrong and has to change, at that very moment we’ll find the answers to the questions we ask ourselves.

"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change." – Malcolm X

There is only so much juice in a Lemon. You cannot keep squeezing an already squeezed Lemon. Sometimes we need to accept that all the juice is gone and get a new Lemon to squeeze. Starting again doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

This blog was written by Marlon Fihosy of www.Dividendconsultants.com Marlon is a trained and regulated Life Coach. Coaching those in the Entertainment and Sports industry. Also a coach of young professionals.

Logo Crazy

2010-03-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

I have been away from a very long time working on my product and working on me.

For the past few months I have been meaning to blog, a lot has been happening. I will disclosure probably in my next blog once I have more time to write.

I watched the Lady Gaga video featuring Beyonce. It was 8 minutes of advertising rather than a music video. However it broke a record for the most watched video on youtube.

I came across the video below which shows how much we have been consumed. While you are watching it count how many logos are in it. It's a great animation.

Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.

Living My Dream!

2010-01-20T02:07:00.000-08:00

It has taken twenty days for me to post a blog this year! Happy new year to all.

This year has been very busy. That isn't a complaint, it's a testament to have far I have come in business terms. I have wanted to blog for ages but have not got around to it.

From my previous blog I wrote about setting goals for the new year which I have actively been working towards. I have also realised, as I am living in constant purpose lots of positive things keep happening. For example we had a meeting yesterday, after the meeting we were handed six free tickets for a football match.

When we first started, we were not taken seriously and our calls were not being returned but where there is a problem there is a solution. When your emails or calls are not answered it feels like rejection but changing my mindset on rejection has allowed me to progress. Before I felt like a solid object but now I'm water like - placid. When water faces an obstacle it finds away around it:

Some Will
Some Won't
So What?
Someone's Waiting!

This positive affirmation has allowed me to keep on knocking doors which are now being answered.

Living My DreamI'm living my dream right now. I am doing everything that I love to do. I love to talk, I love to empower and teach. The most enjoyable part for me is the business meetings. I think one of the greatest things about running a business with a social purpose (also know as a Social Enterprise) is the buzz you receive from positive feedback. Feedback from teachers, feedback from parents and feedback from the children.

We have now launched a twitter page. The page provides inspiration and motivational quotes as well thoughts. You don't need to be a member of twitter to read the page. Please follow us if you are a member.

http://www.twitter.com/lifeoflondon

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman

Setting Goals

2009-12-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

Two more days until the new year. If we are lucky we will get 365 days to do and/or achieve anything our heart desires.

Over the weekend I started writing my goals for 2010. I will either achieve them or not achieve them, there is no such thing as trying; You either do or do not. It sound very harsh; if you want to achieve it starts with discipline.

Goals

I think it's important to set goals as you need something to aim at. Your goals can be either to improve on something you have done this year or aim to start something. Each goal must be:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-bound

There is no point in saying I will lose weight in 2010. How much weight will you lose and when will you weigh the specified weight by? Along the way the road may get tough but it you have the desire to achieve your goal you will keep going.

Pain is only temporary. . . . the benefits will last forever.

Good luck in 2010.

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Start planning. . . . .

Choices and Decisions

2009-12-23T02:00:00.001-08:00

Everyday we are presented with endless possibilities, decisions and most importantly opportunities.

Our behaviour is mostly purposeful. We do not act at random. We don't act against our own interests, as we understand them. The choices we make are either conscious or unconscious. Everything that is happening now in our lives is a result of the choices we've made in the past. Unfortunately a lot of choices we make are unconscious ones, therefore we don't think they are choices.

A 5 minute video clip below outlines the above. By becoming a conscious choice maker, we begin to generate actions that allow us and those around us to elevate.

A Thousand Words from Ted Chung on Vimeo.

The Way Of The Pencil

2009-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Way Of The Pencil

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked:

‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’
His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special.
‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.’

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.’

‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpner. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.’

‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.’

‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. in just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action’

Paulo Coehlo.

--------

I came across the above story a few days ago. It was very impactful. To most people we come into contact with we are just one of the pencils in the box. What is inside of us separates us from one another. In a nutshell, I believe our actions which eventually add up to form our lives act as a warning or a positive example for others.

Relevance: Success And/Or Signifance

2009-12-15T01:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the end of the first term for The L.I.F.E. Experience. We have come along way from spending days in the library formulating lesson plans, and meeting in coffee shops with different types of people to help us. The idea was just a dream but now it is a reality. For anyone who wants to do anything in life just start it, if you can conceive it you can achieve it. From losing weight, to starting a business, it is POSSIBLE!.

A dream remains a dream until you decide to do something about it!

On the way home from a mentoring session I was having a discussion with one of my partners, which lead to this blog.

Relevance

At each point in our lives we struggle to be relevant. We seek relevance through either success or significance. Some people seek relevance to validate themselves. For instance, in my humble opinion some people will stay in an unhappy relationship because if they end the UNHAPPY relationship they believe they are perceived a failure or not as relevant as they were before. I call this Object Success - when our success is based on an object.

I worked in the City on a good wage for my age (no rhyme intended, I'm just creative). However once I lost my job, did that mean I was less successful? Was everything I had achieved, from school to a university degree irrelevant because I didn't have anything to show for it? My success was based on an object which was a City job.

Now I have another type of relevance in life: significance. I am able to shape a life through the work that I am doing. I feel significant. I am definitely living in full enlightenment. If I am able to help or inspire one person I can inspire millions through them.

A mango has one seed but from that seed you do not know how many mangoes will be produced.

I don't believe there is a trade off between success and significance, they can be acheived simultaneously. The picture above demonstrates both success and significances. Catching the fish is a success, helping his son is significance.

At some point we all need to feel relevant. How will you do it?

Unhappiness + Action = Never Ending Cycle Of Success

2009-11-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

I've re-discovered my motivation to write and there are so many things I want to write about but due to time I cannot commit to doing such.

Today has gone extremely fast. I mentored in the morning and then hit the gym. The mentoring is an activity which really makes my heart smile, especially when you can see an improvement in the children. On the surface it seems we have instilled a formula taken from Jack Canfield's - The Success Principles:

E + R = O
(Event + Response = Outcome)

I believe it is very powerful. Outcomes can sometimes come across as not “controllable” or out of control, however our reaction is controllable. How we react in a situation, based on an event guides the outcome. We cannot control the events, we cannot always control the outcomes, but we can control our reaction to an event thus guiding the outcome. How we react in any given situation is a choice.

Unhappiness

Individually, when something does not go my way I always go into a state of unhappiness. When I say unhappiness I mean unhappiness and not wallowing in self-pity as some do. As Malcolm X says, "Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change." Wallowing in Self-pity = sad. Unhappiness = angry.

I tend to use my unhappiness as fuel for a fire. So in relation to Malcolm's quote I get angry like the incredible Hulk but without the physical aspects!

We are all in places we don't want to be in (if not then you have no life goals). The unhappiness inside of us must drive us to be in a position that makes us happy. What is great about using unhappiness a fuel is that as soon as you become happy it is easy to become unhappy again. A goal is set because one is unhappy in their situation. One then reaches the goal hence becoming happy.

Constantly become unhappy so you can set new goals and have new achievements. It can be a never ending cycle of success!

The Butterfly Effect

2009-11-20T03:16:00.000-08:00

As the last blog was very long I will just post a video today. What got me about this video was, I quote: "There are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take today."

It's quite deep. We are able to influence people who come into contact with us or see us each day without even speaking to them. In a sense we all act as marketing tools - materialistically or psychologically speaking.

I was skipping in the gym yesterday while a guy was watching me. He plucked up the courage to ask why I do it and where I got my rope from. Simple example but I'm sure you see the point. "In helping others we help ourselves." - Flora Edwards. Helping someone is a very underated action!

The Butterfly Effect

For Every Loss There IS A Gain!

2009-11-19T02:31:00.000-08:00

This year I have managed to read so many books! Until I was about 22 I had never completed a book from the first page to the last, I never really had an interest in reading.

I was the child who:
1. Skipped a few pages here and there.
2. Never finished the book.
3. Went on the internet to find the main message of the book.

This has now changed and I cannot get enough of books. So much so that I am in the formative stages of writing my own.

When I conversate with people apparently I give off the impression that I am smart however I am just my brain. What is my brain? My brain is a collection of quotes, theories, passages and thoughts of other men and women. I'd love to provide a reading list at some point, maybe over the Christmas period I'll do that but I have been so busy with "The L.I.F.E. Experience".

I have read many books which have motivated me. Without these books I would not have found the motivation to push The L.I.F.E. Experience and turn that dream into a reality. I have been able to conversate with the greatest men and women that have ever lived through books and youtube videos.

Being relatively young, social activities that do not include raving/drink and a ps3 do not appeal to me. When I stepped away from environment I realised I was around a lot of pretentious people keeping up a pretence. Does Champagne really taste better than Ribena? Does completing Call of Duty really outweigh learning something new in the grand scheme of things? I'm just saying. Note: I'll still drink Champagne and play C.O.D. but less frequently.

For Every Loss There IS A Gain

As I have said in previous blogs I have lost some friends but most importantly I have gained more worldly ones. Like attracts like. I am now surround by people who like to read, who want to run businesses and most important who are AFRAID of being mediocre! What's more these individuals are ACTIVELY working on what they want. They are committed to taking the first step. Everyone wants to do something but until you start, in my humble opinion you are not doing anything.

(Taken From Paulo Coelho - Warrior Of The Light vol.1)

The Cracked Jar

An Indian legend tells of a man who carried water to his village every
day, in two large jars tied to the ends of a wooden pole, which he balanced
on his back.

One of the jars was older than the other, and had some small cracks;
every time the man covered the distance to his house, half of the water
was lost.

For two years, the man made the same journey. The younger jar was
always very proud of its performance, safe in the knowledge that it was
up to the mission it had been made for, while the other jar was mortified
with shame at only fulfilling half of its allotted task, even though it knew
that those cracks were the result of many years hard work.

It was so ashamed that one day, while the man got ready to fetch water
from the well, it decided to speak to him:
- I want to apologize, but because of the many years of service, you are
only able to deliver half of my load, and quench half of the thirst which
awaits you at your home.
The man smiled, and said:
- When we return, observe carefully the path.
And so it did. And the jar noticed that, on its side, many flowers and
plants grew.
- See how nature is more lovely on your side? - commented the man. -
I always knew you were cracked, and decided to make use of this fact. I
planted flowers and vegetables, and you have always watered them. I
have picked many roses to decorate my house with, I have fed my children
with lettuce, cabbage and onions. If you were not as you are, how
could I have done that?

The message:
“All of us, at some point, grow old and start to acquire other qualities.
We can always make the most of each one of these new qualities and obtain
a good result."

Keep The Boat Moving

2009-10-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

We are about three or four weeks into the L.I.F.E. Experience programme. I must say this is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.

Aside from the actual programme we have been trying to build the brand and business. We have managed to secure a grant which will help run the programme and raise our profile. However in the past few weeks we have encountered some things which we didn't expect nor prepare for.

We had asked two people in the public eye to come down and be guest speakers at one of our workshops - "Responsibility". Both expressed an interest. One of the potential guest speakers had an agent was proving to be a deal breaker so we were unable to book him. The second guest speaker surprised me the most.

We had arranged to book him. We contacted him on the Thursday before the workshop which usually takes place on a Monday. We informed him we would send the details. What happened next shocked all of us, he asked for a fee! We explained we are doing this out of our own pockets but he said, "Things were hard". I guess he didn't budget for a financial advisor at the high of his "career."

Keep It Moving

The workshop was a success as we managed to draft in someone that was comfortable with giving back to the community. I think the lesson we learnt from this was that, when we start running we must continue until we get to the finish line. We may have to speed up, slow down, jump obstacles but no matter what, we must not stop running. Personally I have developed an unassailable drive to achieve everything I have set out to achieve and no one will stop me as a person or us as a company.

Sailing Parable

(Sailing on a boat on a windy day)

A pessimist complains about the wind

An optimist expects it to change

And a realist will adjust the sails

The Future President?

2009-09-25T03:34:00.000-07:00

Individuality!

2009-09-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

I had the unfortunate experience of speaking to a friend yesterday I had not spoken to in a while. Friend should probably be in inverted commas and I say unfortunate experience for reasons that follow. I informed my "friend" about what I was trying to do in regards to the LIFE Experience and she laughed. At the particular moment in time I was taken aback, I didn't express my slight anger. I have become quite skilled in channelling my emotions especially having the confidence and determination I have. Laugh now and admire later I thought!

After I had time to reflect on that moment, I thought about one of the lesson plans for the kids in the LIFE experience, "Individuality." Sometimes if we don't have that strength of character to strive for what we believe in, we can let words or actions from others deter us. I have always been an individual so blocking out others opinions and views is never hard for me. One quote I picked up lately was:

I can't base what I'm going to be on what everyone isn't, they don't listen, no vision, and have a lack of ambition. - Jay-Z

Individuality

It's the minorities that change the world and not the majorities. 1 man invented the phone, 2 men invented the plane. We admire those who are different, consciously or subconsciously.

I feel the individuality comes back to a previous blog, the Winner Stands Alone. Before one achieves greatness there are always those who don't believe. I found a quote from Vick Imbornoni, I was trying to do some research to find out who he actually is but it wasn't fruitful:

You laugh at me because I am different, I laugh at you because you are all the same.

I subscribe to a thought of the day at Napoleon Hill Foundation, follow the link below to subscribe too. Dr. Napoleon Hill is a motivational author from the State. He wrote a book called "Think and Grow Rich" which I haven't read yet, but it's on the reading list. You can find the thought of the day towards the middle right of the website, you will also find the option to subscribe.

http://www.naphill.org/

Have a great day!

Another Blog, Another Holiday!

2009-08-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

Since my last blog I have been on another holiday, I must say that was the worst holiday so far this year. I think I have one more holiday in me this year. We will see! I went to Crete which wasn't really my type of holiday but nevertheless it was relaxing.

So where do things stand?

I still don't have what one would call a conventional 9-5 job. I have been working a lot on the LIFE Experience. In the past 2 months of putting my heart and soul into getting this thing off the ground, I have met some amazing people and I'm sure I'm about to meet some more. So at 24 I will be a Director of two companies, let's just hope they can make me a bit of pocket money. As Maya Angelou said,

You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well people can't take their eyes off you.

So I am in the process of being accomplished. Watch this space.

How do I feel?

Generally I feel great. I have so much time to do the things I love doing, the only downside is that I don't have wads of cash to throw around as I once did. It seems there is a direct correlation between money and friends. My social circle has become a lot smaller, I wonder why?!

I do have a great support network around me which I am grateful for. Some days are hard when I don't have meetings for the mentoring or when I receive a rejection from a job I've applied for. I know there is a bigger plan, so that keeps me going.

Frogs and Water

People should make themselves aware of gradual change lest they suffer eventual undesirable consequences. In such instances it is important to be pro-active rather than reactive. We are the only ones who can make changes to our lives. it's better to have tried and failed rather than to not have tried.

I came across this metaphor in a book I'm currently reading by Paulo Coelho, "The Winner Stands Alone". When I finish it I will pull out some more quotes and metaphors.

"Various biological studies have shown that if a frog is placed in a container along with water from its own pond, it will remain there, utterly still, while the water is slowly heated up. The frog doesn't react to the gradual increase in temperature, to the change in environment, and when the water reaches boiling point, the frog dies, fat and happy. On the other hand, if a frog is thrown into a container full of already boiling water, it will jump striaght out again, scaled, but alive."

Get this book, it's amazing. I don't even know how it ends, I am 100 pages in but I do know it is amazing so far!

Let MJ Rest In Peace

2009-07-09T03:59:00.001-07:00

I just watched a clip on youtube and had to blog it!

I watch the memorial of MJ on Monday 6th July. It was moving and emotional. Many people cried. As I was peeling onions I also did but I would have come close if it wasn't for the onions.

So MJ is gone. People are divided about how we should view MJ. I have learnt that everyone is human and we all have problems. We all have done things we should not have done (I'm not saying he touched kids fyi). I just appreciate MJ for his music and that is it. To me it didn't matter how Michael looked or spoke or who he had kids with. After I saw his daughter speak it hit home that MJ is just like us!

Check this video out, I think it is very sad but I'm happy Marc Lamont Hill represented. Bill O'Reilly is a fool! He said, "Michael is not a black icon. If he was why did he have kids with white men (he meant women)" I think there are some underlying racial tones here.

Michael Jackson: My Hero!

2009-06-26T02:06:00.000-07:00

If you listen to Michael's songs you will learn more about his character than you will by listening to media reports! You should never talk bad of the dead. We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. MJ did, well done!!

I bought tickets to his concert and was really looking forward to going. I wonder what happens now? My musical hero died before I got the chance to see him!

I can't find the right words to say right now. I'm in deep shock.

He died but his memory lives forever. I don't even know my favourite MJ song so I can't post a video. What I can remember is getting the Dangerous album on Cassette. I know it is a cliché but it was truly my first album.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

+Ve Things

2009-06-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a little over 2 or 3 weeks since my last blog.

I considered stopping the blog all together as some parts were getting too personal.

I'm still unemployed but I guess this is all in the plan. I have had a bad few weeks dealing with it. I look at my bank account and money is coming out but nothing substantial going in. I applied for a part time job on a Saturday in an Estate agents but have decided against it. It compromises me enjoying life to the fullest. We'll see where I end up.

In the weeks I have been away I have started up a Mentoring Scheme with some friends, "L.I.F.E Experience". This stands for Living In Full Enlightenment.

We had out first session this morning in a local school. I'm still buzzing off it! Every time I mentor I feel fulfilled, it is a great feeling.

I came across this video on youtube and I must say Will Smith inspired me to start this blog again! It is truly amazing!

Just a short one today but I'll be back.

Closer To My Dreams.

2009-06-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to a business conference. It was okay but in hindsight I probably would not have gone. There were many seminars which lasted 30 mins each. The first 20 mins of the seminar was about the subject matter, for example, "7 Steps to Successfully Start a Business". The last 10 mins of the seminar would be the talker plugging their own business. Essentially this conference was an opportunity to buy into franchises, something I am not so keen on even before I saw the "Persuit of Happyness" .If you haven't seen the film, Will Smith, as the main character Chris, struggles to sell bone density scanner machines in the beginning of the film. (Watch it, it is a good film!)

One of the 999,999 irons I have put it the fire is warming up very well and very quickly indeed!

Closer To My Dreams

Towards the end of last week I managed to put an Iron into the fire without the supervision of a Recruitment Consultant. This my friends, is what you call progress!

I have a telephone interview tomorrow so I will spend today preparing for it. I really do believe confidence breeds success! I have applied for so many jobs and had rejection after rejection but I use the rejection as fuel for my fire! Non responses also count as rejection FYI.

I was confident enough to know that my luck would change.

I was put in touch with an old manager who passed my CV to one of her connects. I have heard some positive news. However, this is just the beginning so once everything is concluded - positive or negative you will hear word.

One thing about this role is that it is closer to my dream!

"A dream remains a dream until you do somethin about it. Less talking and more walking"

Gaopele - Closer. An amazing song.

The Irons Are Coming Out!

2009-05-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

Since my last blog the the Premier League football season has finished, a summer of depression is due to begin!

I am still regularly attending the gym and most importantly taking the job hunting seriously. This is the first month I have not received some type of money from my previous employers.

Irons Are Coming Out

In my last blog I mentioned Irons in the fire. I cannot remember how many jobs I have applied for but I can't count using both my fingers and toes. I applied for about 3 or 4 jobs I really wanted. One was at Google doing exactly what I did in my previous job but I didn't hear back, competition is great and we can't win all the time. I also applied for a job in Dubai. They got back to me but not with the answer I was looking for!

I will keep going. Sometimes these rejections can knock the wind out of your sails but my boat doesn't need wind for this part of the journey. My fire is still burning and my desire is not lacking.

"Tough times don't last but tough people do."

So I pump Iron in the gym and after I post this I plan to put more Irons in the fire! There is a common theme of Irons today.

Tomorrow and Friday I am attending a two day business seminar which should be a good place to network as well as a great place to pick up some tips on this business venture I am working on!

Here is a song Mariah Carey wrote for me. I re-discovered it! I still hate recruitment consultants. My experience with one of them yesterday doesn't even deserve a mention in my blog.

I'm Still here - Nothing to Blame!

2009-05-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I definitely have not lost my enthusiasm for blogging!

Past few weeks I have been celebrating my birthday. I have been to Dubai and enjoyed a wonderful time in a growing city! Everything is so new and clean over there. I managed to see the tallest building in the world.

This building opens on 9.9.9 (9th September 2009). I managed to get as close as I could to the world's first 7 star hotel. Apparently room rates start at £3k per night. Dubai is truly the place of dreams. The closest I have ever been to heaven!

The weather over here is not so great. I thought this was summer? I need another holiday!

Blame

I am still unemployed so I can't blame my absence on employment. I have slowly been getting into the swing on things. Finding employment is now my full time job with lots of tea breaks. I have a lot of irons in the fire hopefully I'll have something to report soon.

I'm in control, I'm the Boss!

2009-05-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

It is exactly a week since my last blog.

Nothing fancy to report this week.

I think I want to become a teacher, a primary school teacher.. In my first lesson I'd show the video below:

This is not a Media lesson or English lesson. This is a lesson in Personal Hygiene. Now the sun is out a lot has changed during walks down the street and journeys on public transport.

BAD BODY ODOUR!

Not a good look at all! The funny thing is, the person without a sense of smell (or personal hygiene issue) always seems to be standing/sitting next to you. Don't you find? I can't take it.

Imagine if I was a primary school teacher? I could change the world and all the bad odours in it! I really don't want to be a teacher I was just joking.

The Boss

While I was employed a friend and I decided to start a business. We always moaned about taking home the same amount of money each month no matter how hard we worked. Due to this I am finding it extremely difficult to look for jobs. Albert Einstein came up with a quote,

"The World is a dangerous place, not because of those that do evil but because of those who look on and do nothing."

I'm not for any second saying work in evil but I do think this quote is relevant. I hear countless people moaning about not liking their jobs but are just stuck in a rut or scared to make a change. I'm not so sure I want to be one of those. I feel as if I have been given an opportunity to enjoy life. So I work to live rather than live to work as I once did.

This week I have got really organised and set myself deadlines and goals so I can get this business up and running with my friend. We are having our logo made as we speak (or as I blog) which I'm very excited about. We are also in the process of getting quotes from website designers. If feels quite refreshing to know that if we do this well we can profit from it and all the profit belongs to US because WE are in control.

We are always encouraged to work hard but. . . . (you can finish the rest in your spare time)

Enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

Because I am the boss I am going to blog from another continent this week, watch this space.

(Listen to the video below with caution. Has profanities but is funny as hell!)

Fat Tax!

2009-04-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up and turned the TV on. Now that is something I don't usually do. After I turned the TV on I realised why I don't usually watch TV.

I managed to catch the BBC news show before I headed off to the gym. There was a piece about "Fat Tax." According to this report Ryanair are currently carrying out a competition giving customers a chance to win free flights if they can come up with a way the company can save or make money. Apparently out of 100,000 people, 30,000 people (that is 30%) believed there should be a "Fat Tax" for overweight customers. I had to laugh, surely that is a joke?

The smart person at Ryanair who allowed these results to be published is just stupid. Image how much this person below would have to pay?

All jokes aside I think that is wrong. In an article I read someone paralleled the situation to an overweight suitcase: If a suitcase is overweight you pay for that so what is the difference he asked?(I paraphrase). Click here to read the article.

Imagine if you had to pay an Ugly tax. Lets tax him because he is unsightly to look at. Where do you draw the line?

This recession is turning people/companies crazy!

I would be interested to see how they would implement such a tax anyway, don't think it will happen. At check in you get your BMI taken and they have separate scales to weigh you.

I feel like getting fat just so I can sue them for discrimination. Then I'd never have to work again, sounds like a plan!

Inner Resources

2009-04-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

I have been staying locked in!

Tuesday I went into the City to visit a solicitor to sign my compromise agreement which essential waives any right I have to sue my previous employers. I also visited my Outplacement Consultant.

What is Outplacement? Outplacement is a service which helps redundant individuals find alternative employment. Initially I was apprehensive about the meeting, I wasn't even going to turn up but luckily for me I did. Work are paying for this service which is all good.

I went through my CV which my consultant was impressed by. We made a few minor tweaks. I also have some workshops and seminars to attend in the coming weeks, so I'm going to be busy which is positive.

Wednesday I did some gardening which I am still suffering from. My hayfever is currently making my life a living hell. The pills don't work yet, I wonder if I can get a refund as I have been mislead. I might bring a law case against the suppliers but I won't talk too much about that it could ruin my chances of a successful claim. I'm going to look into it and see if it will affect my statutory rights!!

Inner Resources

I'm feeling so positive right now. The next chapter really excites me. I don't know when I will be employed again but I know I will find the right job. I got in contact with an Ex-Manager of mine and she offered me my old job but I KNOW that would be the wrong move for me.

I find it amazing how fortunes or situations can change when we draw on our inner resources. For example, there are instances when we can't do something and we give it one last push and we are able to do what we said we were not able to do. Sometimes you fail but never be afraid to try because most times you can achieve your aspiration.

I don't watch much TV but I came across this video clip and it was inspiring. This 12 year old kid in the clip below got his initial song so wrong and then drew on his inner resources to give a great performance. Right now I'm finding inspiration in the weirdest places.

I can't embed the video but click the link to be taken to the video clip on youtube.com.

Shaheen Jafargholi - Britain's Got Talent

Lock In!

2009-04-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

I have been to the gym today, feeling good and feeling great.

My friends have been telling me to join Twitter but so far I have resisted. By the end of the summer I think I'll be on it, watch this space!

I am slowly finding things to do to keep me entertained during the day, I can't get used to this. Twitter would be another distraction as virtual financial trading is. As long as I keep the trading virtual that is good for me and my bank balance.

As P.Diddy said via Twitter, "Lock In". This week I am locking in.

I'm going to lock in!

Have Fun At Work

2009-04-17T02:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days and daily blogging has pretty much gone out the window. It is better to try and fail than not to try, I guess I failed and I'm proud of myself for trying.

What have I been up to?

On Wednesday I went into work to pick up a compromise agreement which I need to sign. Effectively I'm waiving any right I have to sue the company for unfair dismissal amongst other things. I have read it about 5 times to see if they've tried to pull the wool over my eyes. I need to sit down with a solicitor to go through it all. Once that is done, that is it. I finish employment officially today (Friday 17th April), I had been working for 13 months exactly. I went for some drinks with workmates and then met another friend in the city for cocktails and a great plate of bangers and mash!

Thursday - The most interesting thing I did was attempt to eat a corned beef bagel (job hunting is not interesting, trust me). Who the hell likes corned beef? That sh*t is disgusting. I made another few bagels with proper meat: CHICKEN.

Today is the beginning of the weekend so should have fun tonight and the coming nights.

Have Fun At Work!

I have been doing some job hunting. I am reading through specs of jobs in my field and know I can perform in the role but not sure if I want to get back into it. After I am made an offer, if I get to that stage I will decide. I also applied to be an extra in a romantic comedy, applying for that was comedic in itself. We'll see how this all pans out, I'm excited about the future.

I came across this video yesterday on another blog and thought it was so funny but so true. Work is great when you enjoying it!

This is Going To Be Tough!

2009-04-14T01:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I blogged.

I am now back from St.Lucia so I can blog everyday. While I was out there I decided to join a few agencies so when I come back the ball is rolling. I also decided to join a gym.

I have been to the gym this morning and had a very good work out, I feel refreshed and ready to start the day.

Recruitment Agencies

I received my very first call today. I'm against most agencies, I find the Recruitment Consultants very slimy.

He introduced himself and started talking, I can't remember what he said as it was my natural reaction just to switch off. He asked If I was willing to work in Berkshire. Why would I do that when I can work in London? I guess that phone call was a waste of time and a sign of things to come. What got me vexed further was the fact that he clearly had no roles doing what I did previously but when I tried to explain to him I wasn't interested he dismissed what I said. I did the polite thing and just listened.

On the other hand, you have those you run down and they are always in a meeting or busy. So I am preparing myself mentally for these games in the forthcoming months.

I have no more lunch plans for a while. My season ticket has run out and London Transport is expensive for the unemployed!

I'm Back!

2009-04-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a week since I did my last blog.

I wasn't able to stick to blogging everyday. I am currently sitting in a coffee shop called "Rituals Coffee". The sign looks very similar to a starbucks sign. I am sipping on a nice Coconut and Pineapple smoothie. Sitting right in front of me is Nasser Hussein, a former English International cricketer. St.Lucia will be hosting England on behalf of the West Indies cricket team tomorrow. I'm not the biggest cricket fan but I am planning on going to the game for the social experience and some Piton beer.

I have been drinking this stuff like it is water!

Since my last blog the mostiquoes don't like my blood anymore, I guess prayer does really work (as does repellent). I have also started looking for jobs seriously. I am looking worldwide. Lets see where I end up! I think my motivation in life has changed, from money to happiness. I'm looking at a variety of things.

I went scuba diving for the first time, been paintballing and might go parasailing today. I will try to do it definitely before I go back home. The ocean looks amazing and I have been taking some great pictures.

Above is a picture I took of the place where I did my scuba dive. It is fascinating how much sealife is so close to the shore. I managed to stroke a water snake and watch a jelly fish get eaten.

This is a picture by a local artist on a wall in the capital town of Castries.

I have taken so many pictures but the upload speed on this wireless is crap and I can't spend all day blogging.

Until next time. . .

Just can't do it!

2009-03-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

I have been finding it hard to sit down at a computer to write this blog.

The last few days I have been running around this Island during the day and 'liming' in the evening. I'm not too sure what the exact meaning of liming is, I think it is going out to chill in a bar or restaurant. But what I am sure about is that I have been consuming alcohol, and lots of it during the evening. Here is a pic of one of the bars we went to called 'The Fire Grill.'

This bar has lots of different flavoured salts for shots which I found quite cool. Tourism is big in this country so most things are westernised.

Tonight I went to a cocktail party with loads of English Expats. It was interesting to hear their stories about why they moved to St.L and how long they have been here etc. Each one of them owned a hotel or were involved in the tourism trade somehow.

Just Can't Do it!

The time now is about 4.30am. I have been trying to sleep for the past hour but I just can't do it. I have been donating blood to the local mosquitoes' quite successfully. They seem totally happy about it but I am not so keen on the idea. The stupid things keep flying by my ear and waking me up just as I am about to doze off, it really isn't a good look.

Secondly, it has also decided to start raining. It usually rains heavily for a short period.

I usually think I can do most things but sleeping tonight is not likely.

The mosquitoes and rain coupled with thinking about some of the stories I have heard is affecting my sleep. I have been paid today for the penultimate time. The idea of unemployment as the days continue is becoming more real.

Now I am towards the end of the blog the flies are staying away from my ears but I know as soon as I try to sleep again I'll hear them!

I am supposed to Scuba dive tomorrow but I think I will have to spend it sleeping and re-schedule, I hate doing new things when I am tired!

I am having fun but just can't sleep tonight.

I have never been so grateful for my laptop and someone else's wireles network. :) It is good to steal sometimes. This was a picture of some boats which came to dock in town. They were massive.

Gold, Silver and Bronze!

2009-03-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

I don't have time to do a long blog today so I won't!

I had to make the time to share the below with you!

At the airport I bought a bottle of Johnny Walkers Black label.

The bottle on the right is the British size. The middle bottle is from my G'Dad's special supplier and the left one is from the St.Lucian supermarkets.

I have heard so much about this bottle of alcohol which needs to be poured on a swing, now I have seen it for myself!

I have to drink now. . . .

Global Village!

2009-03-23T04:01:00.000-07:00

Today I write this blog from St.Lucia!

Before I fly I always try not to sleep so I can sleep on the plane. I managed to get about 2 hours sleep before the flight. My body clock will also adjust that bit quicker to the time difference.

I would say yesterday the flight had so many opportunities to turn into a disaster. Firstly I didn't take my e-ticket but luckily I was able to print it out. I was overweight by 2 Kg so I have to do a bit of re-packing at check in.

I had checked in and been through the security checks. I went into duty free and picked up a few things. I proceeded to the boarding lounge. I showed my passport and was heading for a seat. A lady pulled me aside and asked to speak to me. The queue to get into the lounge was relatively long so I saw others show their passport and grab a seat but not me. "Excuse me sir this is just a "random" check." I replied, "Random." I wonder what it was that made me different (or random) from the other people in the front of me in the queue?

"Why are you going to St.Lucia? What is the purpose of your visit?" She checked my passport and asked me to remove my hat. I don't mind those questions when I am checking in or even after I have picked up my luggage but in the boarding lounge with everyone looking at me as if I am a terrorist (or freedom fighter)? I don't think so somehow. This was stage one which left me pensive.

Stage two, involved a Rasta man. I believed Rastas to be righteous. After this experience I realised I did the same thing as the lady carrying out random checks: stereotyped. The difference between me and her was that my stereotype was a positive one whereas her stereotype was a negative one.

I was sitting in row 65. This was right at the back of the plane. I always like to sit at the back of the plane so I have easy access to the throne plus there is just less going on at the back of the plane, it allows me to sleep. King’s don’t like to be disturbed. Mr. Rasta was sitting in row 63. Rows 65 and 64 do not have an overhead locker to store hand luggage. The overhead compartment in 63 was empty. When I say empty I do mean empty: THERE WAS NOTHING IN IT. I only had a small bag. Mr. Rasta attempted to exert his righteous opinion saying, "I have a seat in Row 63 so I should use the overhead luggage in row 63." I explained I am in row 65 and I had been advised I can use any overhead locker as can he. I'm not sure if it was my elocution, choice of semantics or indeed his lack of intelligence but he didn't understand me. He repeated himself. We were back and forth for a while. I posed a question, "If you were sitting in my seat and you had no overhead compartment where would you put your stuff?" When I am in a healthy discussion I always ask questions which involve role reversal.

This is when I realised it was not my elocution or choice of semantics but I was interacting with a man whose best qualities did not include intelligence or reasonableness. I wasn't interested in the argument. The air hostess stepped in and explained what I had explained to him again but as my Grandma would say, "Common sense is not always common." I put my small bag into another compartment and then the righteous old man tells me there is space to put my stuff in here if I want? God bless him! "A wise man once told me don't argue with fools."

Stage 3. I forgot my hat on the plane so I had to wait for someone to bring it off for me as I was not allowed back onto the plane. I then had my bags searched at the airport.

I finally managed to get out of the airport and into my G'Dad's car. The drive from the airport to my G'parents' house was around an hour and a half.

I dropped my cases into my room and headed to the beach where I met my cousins.

Let the holiday begin.

I hope to blog everyday while I am out here. Fingers crossed!

This is how the beach looked just before sunset yesterday.

Carpe Diem - Seize the day!

2009-03-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

I broke my routine for the first time, I didn't do a daily blog. Friday was crazy. I woke up and got all my washing out of the way and then I had to pack my things. I said I would blog in the afternoon but I got caught up enjoying the weather!

I don't intend to make blogging during the weekend a habit unless something special happens.

I went into work to collect the rest of my belongings on Thursday. It was really nice to see my ex-colleagues. I spent about an hour or so going around the floor talking to people. That Chapter still isn't closed but with each day I am a day closer.

In a couple of hours I will be on a plane. I booked this flight on Monday. My new mind state is Carpe Diem. It has come around really quickly which explains me being so busy.

As soon as you are able to do something do it. As soon as you are able to do something you have always wanted to do, do it. This is the way to optimum happiness!

Always act on your instinct as long as you are not in a worse position than before the act.

Carpe Diem - Seize the day.

I will make every effort to blog in my holiday desination, if not on the other side!

Lake Wobegon Effect!

2009-03-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

I have just 4 days until I fly out, I am excited.

Yesterday I attempted to go to Bluewater to buy some shorts. To get to Bluewater from my place of residence I have to drive on the motorway. I have been to Bluewater so many times but yesterday I managed to get lost.

As well as wasting money on petrol I also wasted my time. I hate to waste money and time. I think it is better to waste money than it is to waste time. Time you can never get back but if you work hard enough you can make the money you have lost back.

Lake Wobegon Effect

Yesterday I suffered from the Lake Wobegon effect. What is the Lake Wobegon effect?

" It describes the tendency for people to evaluate themselves as 'better than average' on desirable skills, characteristics or behaviours. It is a characteristic bias of social comparison where people usually compare themselves to an unspecified peer and, despite the mathematical odds, en masse judge themselves to be better than their average peer."

I had a Sat Nav in the car but decided not to use it because I believed I could make it to Bluewater, after all I have driven there so many times.

If I am going to get a job relatively quickly I need to be affected by the effect and demonstrate that through my CV and interviews.

I think the Lake Wobegon effect can be positive sometimes, especially when you achieve. Confidence is more important to a person than people care to accept. If you look at Champions most of them are extroverts, not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Take Michael Johnson for example. In the clip below you can see that his technique is completely different from the rest of the field. He does not lift his knees as high as the other athletes in this race but somehow he manages to run faster than all of them. I'm sure along the way he met coaches who encouraged him to change his technique but he stuck at what he believed in which was, "I can run faster than my peers if I continue to use my way."

Yesterday I was on the wrong side of the coin but we can't always win!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!! (Part 2)

2009-03-18T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday I was mad busy but today is going to be a less busy day. Thank you God!

I decided against becoming Godfather for my friend's child but I haven't been able to communicate that, hopefully I can do that today. Then I can tell you all about it.

Yesterday I went into the City to meet my friend for lunch. Towards the end of summer he was made redundant and has managed to find a new job so there is still hope for me, he acts as my inspiration. I think the difference between me and him is that he was made redundant at the beginning of the cycle whereas I was made redundant towards the end. I can't actually call it the end as we don't know when the markets will start to recover. But I was made redundant at a worse stage of the crunch! Therefore I face more competition for the jobs I apply for. "If you believe you achieve". So I guess I need to apply myself more!

I woke up very early today. My tutor got back to me on my assignment with a few changes so I need to bang those out relatively quickly. I have plans for today and they don't really fit into them!

I have also been busy doing that CV, aren't you proud of me?

I have managed to circulate it but I seem to be hearing the same thing, "The job market is saturated at the moment." I'm not so sure how long this slow moving job market will persist. The problem I face is I only have a couple of years work experience so I am relatively junior. When redundancies are taking place companies tend to strip out middle management and junior staff.

For the first time I am starting to consider my options. The world is truly my Oyster.

On the contrary I have some good news. In 5 days I will be on a plane. I will tell you more about it when I get there.

In the meantime lets dance. This video is funny, with the sun it has put me in a good mood.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!

2009-03-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy it is unbelievable. I try to blog in the morning but today I didn't manage to do it.

I have just been out and about with my friend. I have just got in now and need to go out to meet my friend for lunch in the city.

Enough of that jazz.

Decisions

Do you remember this advert?

Well that is how I feel now. Yesterday I went to visit a friend who had a baby recently. I was asked to be the Godfather of the child. Now I believe a God parent is for life and not just for a Christening. The request truly flattered me but I was unable to accept for some reason. Until I can figure out why then I cannot make my decision. I want to but I don't. I have to decide by today.

I will probably blog again today because this one is rushed.

Need to head out for lunch!

“Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.”

1st Week Anniversary

2009-03-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my first week anniversary - What a time I have had! I wonder how I managed to fit work into my busy social life.

I am feeling like Frosties, "Just Great".

I feel liberated. I still haven't done this CV but I can assure you that won't be a running theme for this week's blogs. I will get it done. On the contrary, I have finished my essays. After this blog I will send it onto my tutor and hopefully only have a few tweaks then I can concentrate on other things.

The weekend was very busy but good. As my little cousin would say, "It was emotional." That is the new slang word for good. It is emotional!!!

I played football for my 11-a-side team and lost. I'm a winner and hate to lose. "Show me a bad winner and I'll show you a good loser".
Also went to a bar and the Haagen-Daaz café. I meant to take pictures of what I ordered but I'm not one to carry a camera, I might have to start. For the duration of the sitting I was in heaven.

One negative of the weekend was that I managed to upset my Grandma. She wanted to feed me but I had other plans but she didn't listen. Truthfully she upset herself. She offered me food at least 5 times and I declined the offer at least 5 times. 5-5=0. But she thought it equalled 1. I really don't get why some people don't listen, to me at least!

Listening

I think everyone has a problem with this. We always think we know best. I'm so guilty of this. Being a Taurus as well I can be very stubborn.

The Taurean's characteristics are solidity, practicality, extreme determination and strength of will - no one will ever drive them, but they will willingly and loyally follow a leader they trust. They are stable, balanced, conservative good, law-abiding citizens and lovers of peace, possessing all the best qualities of the bourgeoisie. As they have a sense of material values and physical possessions, respect for property and a horror of falling into debt, they will do everything in their power to maintain the security of the status quo and be somewhat hostile to change. Source: http://www.astrology-online.com/taurus.htm

Some people suggest you listen, "If you don't listen, you're never gonna learn." - Frank Lero.

Some people suggest you don't listen, "To make big steps, you've got to take action yourself and not listen to other people." - Juliana Hatfield.

I sit on the fence in a tartan shirt (because they are in fashion don't ya know?!)

Yo Blood!

2009-03-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

Another day and I still haven't done my CV. But I will!

I really don't know where all the time goes during the day. Time keeps flying as do these days.

I spent most of yesterday trying to finish my essay so I can send it off to my tutor for a review. My lack of concentration is an enemy of progress. I only have 500 words to do so I can flesh out the essay today and get it over and done with.

Today I plan to meet my ex-colleague, well technically colleague because I am "At-Risk" and not made redundant yet. Don't bother wasting your time trying to figure out the difference. The way I see it is that I get paid to sit at home until April when I am officially made redundant.

After the Lunch I need to go and give blood. This is something I have always wanted to do but never got around to it. What better time to do it than on Friday 13th? However, a little birdie told me I won't be able to give blood because I have a tattoo. I better call them so I don't waste my time travelling, as they say time is money! Fingers crossed I can.

Give blood and save a life http://www.blood.co.uk

I had my mp3 player on random yesterday and came across this.

Blak Twang - So Hard

One of the most underrated UK rappers. He has a message. Take a listen. . . .

I don't blog over the weekends, I got sh*t to do. Have a good one!

Whatever you think, think the opposite!

2009-03-12T02:25:00.001-07:00

Today I managed to wake up at a more respectable hour. "Free at last; free at last; thank God I am free at last".

In my first post I said I would try to get fitter. I have been waking up and doing free weights for about 30mins but I still haven't hit the roads for a jog, all in due time! When I was working I used the work gym but that option is not open to me any more.

I went into work yesterday. It was quite a difficult meeting. At times it seemed very cold but that was because it had to be kept very professional and formal. I was happy with the outcome of the meeting. My ex-employers will continue to pay for a professional course I was studying. So if I stay in my current field of work passing this course could be the difference that makes the differences when applying for a job against the other thousands who have been made redundant. I wanted to collect the rest of my belongings but they seemed reluctant to let me do that so I guess I will have to go back again.

I managed to meet two very fly people yesterday for lunch and dinner. Still trying to keep busy. I then watched the Arsenal Champions League game. I don't even want to go into that as I don't want that to be the main body of my blog! Not so good!

The highlight of the day was getting Michael Jackson tickets. On 3rd August "I am going to see the black man that turned white live in living colour."

This brings me onto my theme for the day. I bought a book called, "Whatever you think, think the opposite" by Paul Arden while waiting for my very fly friend. I have just flicked through it but it seems cool. It is a very light read with lots of pictures. There are a few things I have liked so far from it. But i'll quote just the one and maybe save another extract for another day.

"Most people are other people.

Their thoughts are someone else's opinions,

Their lives a mimicry

their passions a quotation"

What's your opinion? Think different!!!

After reading that I'm sure you will understand why the Michael Jackson tickets sold out so quickly and also why he has amassed so much debt. He clearly demonstrates both sides of the coin.

It ain't about how you start it's about how you finish!

2009-03-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first full day not being at work.

One of the last things I did on Monday 9th March before I slept was turn the alarm off on my phone thinking, "At least I don't have to wake up early". Not HAVING to wake up early seemed great but my natural body clock woke me up at 6am. That is one full hour before I usually wake. What was worse was that I couldn't even get back to sleep! The same thing happened this morning! Not a good look.

Yesterday after I blogged I wrote a list of things I wanted to achieve during the day. I thought if I do that at least I won't spend the whole day on Facebook, on the PS3 or with Football Manager. I achieved most things on the list with the exception of updating my CV. That is a task for today now as well as other exciting things.

I managed to pack a lot into the day: Lunch with a friend, chilling with another friend and then later on I went to play football with more friends. I have been trying to keep busy and around good folk. The phone is constantly going as are the emails.

Football

Football was the highlight of the day. We lost the game 8-3. It was a 5-a-side game.
Having so much time on my hands gives me time to gather my thoughts. One idea I had was that: Football is exactly like life.

Football should be played as a team sport so you are relying on others. We should all work for one another. If one of these is missing as Kanye says, "It All Falls Down". I think we did do that but we didn't show enough heart or desire.

We were 2-0 down, the team started badly. We eventually came back to 2-2, thanks to two goals from myself but that is irrelevant as football is a team sport, spot the contrast. :) Now everyone in the team was willing to put in that extra 10%, challenging for a ball that they would not have previously of challenged for when we were losing.

Eventually we lost 8-3. The lesson from that game was (for me at least), always try your best. Push yourself to the limit. "A life unchallenged is a life not worth living!" Don't know who quoted that but I heard it and thought, most definitely. You are never going to be good at everything but you can always improve at what you are not good at.

So no funnies today. But my quote of the day is:

"You will have to play the game over and over again to learn how to win. So get ready to fail" - Neil Struass

A friend of mine calls this "Bouncebackability(sp)". How you come back from a negative situation is more important than the situation itself. This word hasn't made the English dictionary yet but I'm sure it is being considered.

Today I am going to work for the final time to collect the rest of my belongings and have a consultation meeting.

Until tomorrow. . . .

Today is the start of the 2nd Chapter of Adulthood

2009-03-10T02:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day that will change my life forever!

9th March represented the day B.I.G died. But most importantly for me, 9th March represented the first time I was actually affected by what is known as the "Credit Crunch". I was made redundant.

I worked for a company in the Financial sector. I had been working there for just under a year. I went into work as normal, I think I got in at about 8.30. I received a called from a Fund Manager wanting some information, I promised I would get back to him once I had the information. As soon as I hung up the phone my manager called me into a room and asked for a word. We walked into this room not exchanging any words. In hindsight this was probably because of what she knew was about to come.

We sat down in this room and she had a piece of paper infront of her and started reading through a script detailing the credit crunch. I stopped her in her tracks and joked that I do have a TV at home and read the Financial Times on the odd Occasion. I asked her if I am being made redundant? She said "Yes."

We completed the formalities of the meetings. I was told to pack up my immediate belongings and i'll be escorted out the building. As I was in some shock I did not say bye to any of my workmates.

I was walking to the station and it hit me that I had just been MADE REDUNDANT. The carpet had been dragged from under my feet. I sent a tx to my nearest and dearest. The love was much and was real!

I was on the train and thinking to myself, "Wow, I just got made redundant, this is like the movies." At one point I swore under my breath.

I got home and was thinking how am I going to start the 2nd Chapter?

Write a blog (going to try and do one a day (try being the operative word))
Get fitter
Read for at least 3 hours a day

The rest should fall into place as long as I stay focussed.

With each blog entry I hope to post a quote, video or something.

Today is a comedy sketch I found on Sunday, very funny!

The Social Scientist!