Where no man has gone before

We can live our lives as we are on a voayage with no set goals, just drifting over the majestic sea. Not knowing where you are headed, not knowing what tomorrow has in store for you. Everyday will be a gift, and every day is a new adventure.

At first it might sound mighty cool. It seems like the kind of life you would like to go for. Carefree, full of surprises. But is this really what we really want for ourselves?

Is there no other option? A top coach, Ron White once said that we should our live with a true mission. A mission like one in Star Trek Enterprise: "To boldly go where no man has gone before." It's at least as adventurous as not going where you are going. Probably even more interesting, as you have a certain goal. A goal that might be bigger than you are. What if you happen to do achieve it? Wouldn't you love the results?

I'm not sure if anyone would like to chose the latter. There are probably people out there who would like the carefree life. As for me, I've played with this dillemma for far too long, and feel like I should awaken. I should get my goals clear. Put them on paper, find pictures of it... trying to visualize them and memorize them, so I can work towards them every single day. Everyday should be one to be remembered, and every day should be worthwhile. As Steve Jobs said: death is  the very best invention of life. Our times are limited. So have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

With these wise words I'll end this post, and continue to reflect.

The path ahead

Ok! Change is needed!
Recently I realised that a few things changed in life. It kind of made me understand things that I should have understood ages ago. Of course it's never too late to do so, but still ;).

One of those simple things is that in communication what's important is not what you say. It's all about what the reciever percieve. Therefore results are not important as long as they are not percieved the way you want them to be. In order to communicate effectively I need to work on the way people percieve what I converse.

Another thing is that changes don't take plac by making my to change. Gradual change will happen if I start to realise what doesn't work.

I can go on and on what I realised recently. Suprisingly these are relatively simple stuff, but it still took me over 30 yrs to wake up and see the truth.

This all made me change my blog. From now on, I'll just randomly type. Write down all the things that comes into my mind, and eventually I hope I can look back and see how gradually my visions have changed. And how the world around me changes.

Ok, that's it for tonight. I hereby promise myself to reflect more and blog more. So, to who ever is still reading my blog. See you soon!

Finding oneself

Hey all,

Since I haven't blogged for so long, I figured that no one might read this. Yet I feel like writing. I decided I have to do it more. I have to stand still and look back, and look forward. Best way for me is to read, and to write.

A week or so ago, I had a good talk with some of my collegues about the company we work for. It was about what we stand for. We were talking about what we stand for, and what experience it gives people if they hear our name.
This made me think what people experience if they hear my own name. Where does 'Andrew' stand for? If I think further, I realise I might need to brand myself, and even 'market' myself.

While thinking about all this, I start to realise that I'm not 100% sure who I am. It's good to make sure what I want in life, and what I expect people to see in me. And I need to promote the right qualities, and start to believe in them. Guess I need to do some homework this weekend. Anyone ever been through the same?

Time to reinvent myself.

Open minded vs validation

Found an old rant i never posted:

We all know this situation, like when you meet someone new, you validate everything he/she says. Yet you don't want to sound judgmental, so you have to keep an open mind. That's what have been working for me so far.
You can only be open minded to a certain extent. Even though you don't want to be judgemental, and don't want to be too rude. The reason is, that you don't want to lose yourself as a person. You can't love everything someone else like, and not everything someone else does is excellent. Of course, this can happen if you don't have your own opninion, but so far I haven't met any who doesn't.

Needless to say being honest doesn't mean u are not open minded. Being open minded simply means you are open to opinion or ideas. In order to be yourself you have to have an open mind to new ideas and yet don't lose yourself. Form ideas, visions and share them with others. If u stay open minded and willing to spare with others
to sharpen your mind, people will respect you for that. If you are able to defend your own stand point that people will respect you even more!

iPhone 4 post

Not the most interesting post. Just testing if blogpress works on my phone. This way I might blog during my travels.
I guess an iPhone and android makes life easier for a casual blogger like me. It's easy to upload pictures, I can blog from anywhere and even the apps seem convenient and easy to use.
It makes me wonder what the future might bring. Basically, we can videolog from anywhere nowadays.
I guess we we'll see what the future has in store for us.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Bovenstreek,Groningen,Nederland

Insomnia, Norah Jones, and other rambling

Hey all,

It has been aged since I touched this page. I haven't blogged for so long. Somehow I feel like blogging tonight. It's just that I had some weird argument with someone important to me, and now we are not really on speaking terms. It's ironic that it takes such a moment to help me blog again.

I guess blogging helps me set my mind straight. There are a few choices I have to make in life. Either pursue my dream for a carreer i've always been thirsty about. Not that I pursue particulair carreer, but somehow I always have this urge to be more, and do more than I do today.

I also realise that I need to be a stronger, and bigger person. Well, not in physical form, but mentally. Not that I worry about the way I am, but in order to grow as a person, I need to become mentally stronger. Also I need to present myself better. I realise that I do care about connecting with people, but with some people I just don't seem to connect. Of course, there are always those I can't relate too, but even so, I want to challenge that! Needless to say, I also want to know why it doesn't work out.

And there's also love. I rather not blog about it, but it does give me head aches hahaha. Then again such is life.

Somehow I love to listen Norah Jones while I ramble. Her voice is so soft, while her music so simple, and clean. There's certain beauty in her music.
Most people are rather surprised that a guy like me, knows to admire Norah Jones. It's not that unique actually. I'm pretty sure.. at this moment there are tons of guys listening to 'come away with me' while typing their blog. Hah, ok maybe less than that, but it's just hard to imagine that there are no guys out there that like Norah Jones.

Enough ramblings for tonight. Another big day is waiting for me tomorrow. Ok, nothing special is going to happen, but hey.. who knows.. maybe some whale might swim into my office tomorrow., huh?

BTW.. I've been a real jerk today. If u read this.. wish me luck. I don't want to be one anymore... and I want to make it up!
Thanks in advance!

Take care folks!

I'll be back!

Coming soon....

Jazzy mood

Lately, I seem to get the sunday blues more often. Especially when I decide to have a relaxed sunday eve.

I'm not sure what it is. Maybe I'm becoming a more people person, and lack the people around me, when I stay home on a sunday evening.

I realised that music helps me through the sundays. Especially jazz and blues. I love Elvis Costello, but especially Diana Krall. She got this soft, sexy jazzy voice, that ease my feelings.

Music is a good remedy, but books too. I love to read through my sundays. Since I have to limit my urge for coffee and red wine, I decide I should replace these drinks with Chinese tea.

I sometimes wonder how other people spend their "me" time on sunday. It took me quite awhile to feel comfortable on a sunday eve. And nowadays, I totally love my sunday evenings.

Ok, I guess I should go back to Chet Baker and my Chinese tea. Currently I'm reading Masterful Coaching, and it will most probably keep me company for awhile.

And not to forget,

Happy new year everyone!

First steps

As I take my first steps into the world of leadership, I realised that I've always been rather naive. A new world opened to me, but surprisingly this world has always been around the corner. I've never taken a peek around this corner, so I've always been oblivious to this vast world out there.

Recently, I started realised that every man needs a little time for himself, so that he's able to look back what he has achieved. At the same time, he can take his chances to look forward as well. Basically we all need a moment when we can be a hermit, and retreat ourselves into our secret hideout.

Figurative speaking of course, in real it usually simply means doing things we really enjoy. Some people like to walk in the woods, while I personally dives into books, while enjoying my coffee. I might enjoy walk in the woods, but the problem is that there are no woods around me. At least not at cycle distance. Next to reading, I love to jog around the lake. I have to admit that I'm somewhat lazy lately, and I know that I'm gradually gaining weight again (but that's another story :P). Bottom line is, we all have our own way to find ourselves again. A little time to think about the past and what's ahead.

This is important as a leader too. We can't stay level headed forever, so we need to retreat ourselves in order to look forward from time to time. It's the same in life. If we don't look forward from time to time, we will be led by life, while we are the one suppose to be leading the life. As a manager you will become a victim of the daily routines, and all the "priorities" of daily/weekly activities. Instead of you being the one to manage things, you will be managed by all these necessities. Therefore we need our time to look advance, and beyond. Maybe way beyond. That way we can set our course in career, life, and business. That way we will be able to take control of life again, instead of being led by it. Once our path is set, we will get back to the right track again...

So much for the new journey

Not too long ago I've promised myself to centre myself a little. So far I haven't been doing very well.

Problem is, in a modern busy life, it's hard to keep promises you made to yourself. Before you know you are behind on schedule with everything. New jobs, new relations, new friends they keep following each other up, making you forget the promise you made to yourself.

That's why I realise why we sometimes need a little "me" time. Especially when you seem to lag behind with everything, that's when you need a pause. I'm not the meditating kind of person, neither would I take a sabbatical leave. I realise I find myself more easily when I'm comfortable with myself. That means reading on a couch, with a nice cup of espresso.

I also promised myself to blog more. It seems like I think more about everything when I take some spare time off to blog about random things.

I also should sport more. Next to the fact that I'm getting fat. It also seems like I'm somewhat lacking energy.

Bottom line is, is that I need to take some time away from everything, every now and then. Or else I might get stuck in the maze of road ahead.

Life is hectic, life is a maze, but when you are able to take your time, and think things over, you might find that one road you need to walk on, and it might be very evident and clear to you.

Oh well... I guess it's time to stop my ramblings and get my @rse moved.

I'm not boring!

You Are 80% Interesting

Believe it or not, you are a very fascinating person. You're probably too busy being interesting to realize exactly how interesting you are. You have a rich, full life. You are curious about the world, and you are very open to new experiences. You have a lot to talk about, and people find you to be an amazing conversationalist. And most importantly, you are truly interested in other people. How could anyone find that boring? You truly listen and learn from others. You're not self absorbed or shallow.

Are You Boring or Interesting?

A new journey in life

I've taken a new course in life. From now on, I'll try to rethink things, and try to see the meaning behind every detail, while I normally would miss. By taking things for granted we forget little details in things that actually makes our life worthwhile.

Today, I've spoken to a friend of mine, which I haven't spoken for a long time. Because of her problems, and me inspiring and motivating her, I realise that I actually have to inspire myself too.

My first step in my journey is just "being myself". I have to define myself, and try to remember myself from time to time who I actually am. I need to think of methods to strengthen my personality. I've promise myself to record all this stuff, so I decided to put it all on this blog. I doubt anyone is interested enough to read it, except for those I don't mind to show. Of course, I can never be totally transparent while I put this on-line, but on the other hand. If I truly believe in the words I put here, then there's nothing to hide as well :).

Ah well, my new journey awaits me

Quietly

Just when I was in a sentimental mood, while I thought I could feel sorry for myself, I realise that there's no time for my silly moody love problems...

Last night I turned to a friend talking about my silly problems. I eventually realize that my problems weren't that big compared to hers. Her life is drastically changing, because someone in her family is seriously sick. She's uncertain about the road ahead, and I have never been there to listen to her problems and situation.

At this moment I can only feel guilt. And I dunno why, but I'm listening to Harlem's quietly, and it's soothing. I promised myself that I would spend more time on people who deserve my time. I promised myself I would spend less time with people who are not certain that they really want my time :X. I promised myself.. tomorrow on... i'll try to walk the better path, the one I should have walked on long before today....

For those who wonder

Hey all,

I'm still around. It's just that I've been busy with work, life, partying, gaming, going out, and that blogging is not one of my priorities anymore, but through all the travelling, and partying etc, I seem to have changed a little. And I probably want to rethink of everything eventually. It's time to grab my laptop and post some entries again I guess.

Past couple of months have been hectic. Not exactly hectic, but lot of things have changed. Maybe i'll post about it soon :).

No time for being sentimental

Things which matters most must never be at mercy of things which matters least
--Geothe

Sometimes things just go different than we expected. And even when they seem to be within your grasp it can be gone within a second. Somethings seem so fragile, especially human relations.

You might think that true friendships will last forever, but in order to do so, you need to show that you have been a true friend, and continue to do so. Without these actions even the best friendships will fade away.

Some of us might think that true love will last forever. And maybe that's true at too, but even true love need to be shown from time to time. And we all seem to perceive things in different way.

I use to think that if things start from the heart, that all things will eventually shine through. And although I still believe that matters what you carry in your heart, maybe without speaking or really showing it, counts more than superficial acts and words, that carries values.

I gradually realize that carrying things in the heart is not enough for some people. And as a guy I learned to act different from I think. Especially on more personal and emotional matters. Maybe it's mainly because of the fact that I don't know how to handle with these things, but as I said, I sometimes choose to ignore it, or showing things the other way around. And somehow, it seems to be picked up the wrong way. Even though that I meant it totally different in my heart, this is not sensed. All people see and judge are things they can see with their eyes. You might think that someone who has been knowing u for months, will gradually get to know you better, but eventually u will see the truth, and truth is, you are totally misunderstood.

Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are good is like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian.

I cracked up when i saw this quote. Anyway, not that I truly believe I'm good, but there times I did think I meant it the good way, but has been misunderstood.

Then again, there's not much else I can do. I just need learn to act according to my heart and mind, and hope that my true intentions will be read the right way. I just need to continue to follow my path of principles, and believe what is right and true. And eventually, it will always shine through :). That's what I believe, and will always be believing. That's a principle in life that will never change, and will always can hold on to.

Like Alphonse Elric would say:
Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.

Vampire? o.O

You Are A Vampire

You have a real thirst for bliss, and you consider yourself a true hedonist. And you're not afraid to walk alone in life, if it means getting what you truly crave. You truly enjoy entrancing people. Not to mention the ensuing pleasures of the flesh. Your tastes have been called decadent and bizarre. You usually give in to your temptations, no matter how primal Your greatest power: Your flawless ability to seduce and charm Your greatest weakness: Human flesh You play well with: Werewolves

What Kind of Monster Are You?

Lol this is actually quite right

New start!

I got enough of thinking i'm the stable, rational guy, who is dependable, serious, wise and bla bla bla.
I'm still not that kinda person.. It's time for me to play play and play some more :P. Life is a adventure~ Life is waiting... Here I come, life *hugs life*.

For those who have no idea what i'm talking about. Sorry for wasting your time by making u all reading this :X

Unconditionally

Hi all,

Haven't blog for a long time. And I realise, I only blog again, because i'm in a somewhat sentimental situation again.

I realised that I liked someone very much, and was willing to do lot of things for her. But not unconditionally. I only did things on the condition that she would like me back. Untill today i'm not 100% if she ever did. Even though she hinted it a 1000 times, but i'll still not know.

Not only because i'm ignorant, but because she is in a tough situation is not willing to make that decision. At least that's what she told me.

In the passed I tried to be there for her, and I realised that wasn't totally without conditions. I liked her.. and i wanted her to like me back.

Now I should try to like her, and be there for her, without having her.

You might think that i live in a dreamworld, but I truely believe that's what I really want for now. It might be a dream only.. but it's a dream i would like to have, for now...

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

Not so long ago, I started to pick up on a new anime. It's called Sayornara Zetsubou Sensai (bye bye, teacher of despair). This anime cracked me up.

The plot is about a teacher who always think in negative terms, but will meet a student that is not capable of seeing things negatively, but will only be able to see things in a positive way.

Not only is this all brought in a hilarious way, but lots of small details in the anime actually makes it kind of fun. For example how all names are composed. The teacher's name is actually suppose to be ito shiki nozomu (hope). But when you take put the first two chars together, it the name will change into zetsubou, which means despair. And there's a girl called Meru (that's how japanese people speak out mail). Meru is the girl that only communicates with others thru text messages. Actually all the characters have a funny name.

Anyway, i would definitely recommend this anime to any1 who is reading this. Not only does it display that all negatives can be brought into a positive light (in a very extreme way), but it also tells us that we should never think thinks too extremes :).

Hmm, what God am I?

Which God or Goddess are you like? Your Result: Jesus   You are God's lovechild. You love all and most love you. You help those who need it, and those too. The girls all chase you, and some boys too. You love to have fun, but you keep a serious life of working as well.Congratulations!! You are Christ!!
The Christian God
You are your own God or Goddess
Budha
Satan
Goddess Bast
God Zeus
Goddess Sekhemet
Which God or Goddess are you like? Make Your Own Quiz