I had the pleasure of attending a Cirque du Soleil show (Quidam) on Sunday. I'm always amazed by the sheer talent and abilities of these people on stage. Stretching human limits to their fullest and showing pure skill is phenomenal.
It makes sitting on my couch blogging about it completely lame! haha
As a side note - not only was I able to attend such a great show, but I was able to attend the show with such a great friend who had a Cirque show on her list of things to-do! Congrats Gabe, and thanks for letting me tag along.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
To Close It Off
It's been a while since I've made time to blog about my productivity (I guess I wasn't too productive on the blogging part).
I knew this wasn't going to be an easy task for myself. Although the formula was good (Create, Commit and Complete), there were difficult challenges throughout the two weeks. Of the three parts to the formula, "commit" was the most difficult for me. The tasks were not exciting and I think this led to the poor commitment. There's nothing exciting about filing taxes, closet cleaning and receipt shredding but it needs to get done.
The other challenge I faced was not truly understanding the magnitude of the task. I put tasks on the list that seemed easy to complete and yet, I failed to accept how long I had let these things lag on. Although some of the items weren't completely finished, I've decided to continue as they are on-going. I need some motivation though!
The funny part to all this is that I don't have the same issues when it comes to my career. I can create a list of all required tasks and commit to the tasks until they are completed. Apparently dollar signs provides me motivation (haha).
I knew this wasn't going to be an easy task for myself. Although the formula was good (Create, Commit and Complete), there were difficult challenges throughout the two weeks. Of the three parts to the formula, "commit" was the most difficult for me. The tasks were not exciting and I think this led to the poor commitment. There's nothing exciting about filing taxes, closet cleaning and receipt shredding but it needs to get done.
The other challenge I faced was not truly understanding the magnitude of the task. I put tasks on the list that seemed easy to complete and yet, I failed to accept how long I had let these things lag on. Although some of the items weren't completely finished, I've decided to continue as they are on-going. I need some motivation though!
The funny part to all this is that I don't have the same issues when it comes to my career. I can create a list of all required tasks and commit to the tasks until they are completed. Apparently dollar signs provides me motivation (haha).
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 7 Operation: Productivity
Another day, another check mark!
The pictures that have been leaning against the wall for the past year have finally made a final resting place. A little measuring, and then some more, a few nails and a hammer to finish the manual labour.
Looks fantastic!
The pictures that have been leaning against the wall for the past year have finally made a final resting place. A little measuring, and then some more, a few nails and a hammer to finish the manual labour.
Looks fantastic!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Day 6 Operation: Productivity
Back on track.
I took the opportunity of a long weekend to get caught up on things I let slide. Not only was the commitment there, the desire to cross another thing off the list was overwhelming.
The challenges were great and kept pouring in: a family event, Human Planet documentary, warm weather and the potential to go bike riding. I knew I had to stay focused and stay the course in order to complete anything big on the list.
I tackled the spring cleaning of the closet. Not only was I able to reorganize my closet and remove all the clothes that I didn't wear anymore, I was able to tackle the dresser too. In doing both of these things, I was able to organize my seasonal items in there final resting place under my bed. I feel like I accomplished the most difficult task on the list and got a lot organized in my apartment.
As a bonus for this weekend. I decided to unveil the bike from the storage under the stairs. This meant pulling out everything to get at the bike. What I thought would take an hour was over in 20 minutes including everything being put back. The bike required some attention (pumping up the tires, a little cleaning and oiling the chain) but once complete, I set out on a two hour ride.
Today, I tackled the hemming of clothes. I decided to not include the ironing of clothes to this item as its something I always do just before I wear the clothes. Ironing ahead of time doesn't seem necessary. Hemming the clothes was preventing me from wearing the clothes, ironing the clothes was not.
I also had other things that I needed to tend to today. Birthday cards to pick up, a computer to backup, a license registration to update, and gas for the car. I feel like it's been a busy few days and yet I have felt so productive.
Let's keep the momentum going.
I took the opportunity of a long weekend to get caught up on things I let slide. Not only was the commitment there, the desire to cross another thing off the list was overwhelming.
The challenges were great and kept pouring in: a family event, Human Planet documentary, warm weather and the potential to go bike riding. I knew I had to stay focused and stay the course in order to complete anything big on the list.
I tackled the spring cleaning of the closet. Not only was I able to reorganize my closet and remove all the clothes that I didn't wear anymore, I was able to tackle the dresser too. In doing both of these things, I was able to organize my seasonal items in there final resting place under my bed. I feel like I accomplished the most difficult task on the list and got a lot organized in my apartment.
As a bonus for this weekend. I decided to unveil the bike from the storage under the stairs. This meant pulling out everything to get at the bike. What I thought would take an hour was over in 20 minutes including everything being put back. The bike required some attention (pumping up the tires, a little cleaning and oiling the chain) but once complete, I set out on a two hour ride.
Today, I tackled the hemming of clothes. I decided to not include the ironing of clothes to this item as its something I always do just before I wear the clothes. Ironing ahead of time doesn't seem necessary. Hemming the clothes was preventing me from wearing the clothes, ironing the clothes was not.
I also had other things that I needed to tend to today. Birthday cards to pick up, a computer to backup, a license registration to update, and gas for the car. I feel like it's been a busy few days and yet I have felt so productive.
Let's keep the momentum going.
Day 5 Operation: Productivity
It didn't happen!
I can't explain why it didn't happen. All I can say is that I wasn't in the mood. I had no desire or commitment knowing that the weekend was just ahead.
This only meant, that I had to commit during the weekend that I was suppose to enjoy.
It didn't look good!
I can't explain why it didn't happen. All I can say is that I wasn't in the mood. I had no desire or commitment knowing that the weekend was just ahead.
This only meant, that I had to commit during the weekend that I was suppose to enjoy.
It didn't look good!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day 4 Operation: Productivity
Today, I underestimated one of my tasks.
With the sun finally out, I knew that today was the day to tackle the "spring cleaning of my car". I drove my car over to the self wash car wash (which is only a block away) and directly headed to the vacuums. Unfortunately, the vacuums sucked - and not literally! Although I was able to rid my car of most sand and salt from the long, dreaded winter, I'll have to book a future date with my car and house vacuum (it has better suction).
The best part of the car wash was blasting the crap out of my floor mats. Hooking those mats up on the wall and pressure washing the snot out of them was delightful! So easy and now, so clean!
After a brief stop at Canadian Tire, I was able to start cleaning the interior of the car. I wiped down everything possible in the car (the dashboard, the console, the steering column, the doors, etc). All tea spills have been cleaned and the dust has been abolished. It smells so clean!
As a side-note, I called this item "Spring cleaning" and not "detailing" for a reason. So, even though I still need to vacuum some ground-in salt, I'm checking this one as done. I'll leave the Armoral wipes on the counter to remind me that I still need to clean some things in the car though!
With the sun finally out, I knew that today was the day to tackle the "spring cleaning of my car". I drove my car over to the self wash car wash (which is only a block away) and directly headed to the vacuums. Unfortunately, the vacuums sucked - and not literally! Although I was able to rid my car of most sand and salt from the long, dreaded winter, I'll have to book a future date with my car and house vacuum (it has better suction).
The best part of the car wash was blasting the crap out of my floor mats. Hooking those mats up on the wall and pressure washing the snot out of them was delightful! So easy and now, so clean!
After a brief stop at Canadian Tire, I was able to start cleaning the interior of the car. I wiped down everything possible in the car (the dashboard, the console, the steering column, the doors, etc). All tea spills have been cleaned and the dust has been abolished. It smells so clean!
As a side-note, I called this item "Spring cleaning" and not "detailing" for a reason. So, even though I still need to vacuum some ground-in salt, I'm checking this one as done. I'll leave the Armoral wipes on the counter to remind me that I still need to clean some things in the car though!
A Challenging Circumstance
Some major challenges have arisen in this whole quest to be more productive. Things like a 52" television, Modern Family through Rogers on Demand, the end to Oprah's talk show, Hoarders, Two and a Half Men (that seems to be on every half hour from 4:00 pm to midnight), and the list goes on.
If you've ever seen my place, you'll understand that sitting on the couch only forces you to stare at a large television screen that's roughly six feet away from the only two seats in the venue. With nothing playing, the big black screen calls to you like it needs life, it needs colour and it needs your attention to feel useful and important.
To prevent myself from getting distracted, I've taken the liberty of posting small reminders on the front of the television. My mantra to complete this nine weekday challenge.
Now, every time I go to turn on the television, I'm faced with the harsh reality of what I should be doing instead of wasting mindless hours starring into nothing. Don't worry though, I've still set aside an hour a day to catch Oprah (I mean really - this is legendary that she's ending her talk show).
If you've ever seen my place, you'll understand that sitting on the couch only forces you to stare at a large television screen that's roughly six feet away from the only two seats in the venue. With nothing playing, the big black screen calls to you like it needs life, it needs colour and it needs your attention to feel useful and important.
To prevent myself from getting distracted, I've taken the liberty of posting small reminders on the front of the television. My mantra to complete this nine weekday challenge.
Now, every time I go to turn on the television, I'm faced with the harsh reality of what I should be doing instead of wasting mindless hours starring into nothing. Don't worry though, I've still set aside an hour a day to catch Oprah (I mean really - this is legendary that she's ending her talk show).
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Day 3: Operation Productivity
Well, Day 3 has come and gone! I finished another task. Income taxes have been mailed to the bookkeepers!
I also started working on shredding receipts. I may have a problem though - the shredder overheats after shedding so much. I'll have to tackle this bit by bit over the next few days. This might be quite the challenge to finish in the allotted time but I'm up for the challenge.
Also, I'm hoping some day soon that the sun will come out. All this rain makes it difficult to "spring clean" the car. Again, another challenge I'm up for!
Until Day 4, have a great night!
- b
I also started working on shredding receipts. I may have a problem though - the shredder overheats after shedding so much. I'll have to tackle this bit by bit over the next few days. This might be quite the challenge to finish in the allotted time but I'm up for the challenge.
Also, I'm hoping some day soon that the sun will come out. All this rain makes it difficult to "spring clean" the car. Again, another challenge I'm up for!
Until Day 4, have a great night!
- b
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 2 Operation: Productivity
I'd have to admit that today was not a truly productive day. I'm being honest!
I started tackling the space under my bed. I've taken the items out that I don't want under my bed and vacuumed the space. Since the vacuum was out, I continued throughout the apartment (not part of the list). Since I was doing that, I might as well tidy the living room and gather all the recycling in my apartment and get it ready to take out to the blue box (again - not part of the list). I did, however, work on three other items on the list.
So, I'm taking the item off the list even though I still need to depend on the "Spring Cleaning of the Closet" item to complete my work. Until then, I have a better sense of what I want to do with this space and what I want to store under there.
- b
I started tackling the space under my bed. I've taken the items out that I don't want under my bed and vacuumed the space. Since the vacuum was out, I continued throughout the apartment (not part of the list). Since I was doing that, I might as well tidy the living room and gather all the recycling in my apartment and get it ready to take out to the blue box (again - not part of the list). I did, however, work on three other items on the list.
So, I'm taking the item off the list even though I still need to depend on the "Spring Cleaning of the Closet" item to complete my work. Until then, I have a better sense of what I want to do with this space and what I want to store under there.
- b
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 1 Operation: Productivity
Well, the unfortunate thing is that Day One didn't start out so well. Somehow I slept wrong and kinked my neck in the process leaving me performing a 'Batman' routine throughout the apartment. Have no fear, this did not deter me from completing something on the list.
The resume has been updated and now speaks to my most recent work. Although this didn't take long, I tackled some other things that needed attention. I also started the process of one of the other things on my list.
To top off the day, I'm cooking dinner (chicken, potatoes and broccoli) which is something I tend to shy away from when I look at the overall picture. The process of cooking, the pile of dishes to do, and the cleaning of the kitchen all usually send me running. Not tonight!
Now, I just have to wait for the job of my dreams to come rolling down the pipeline.
- b
The resume has been updated and now speaks to my most recent work. Although this didn't take long, I tackled some other things that needed attention. I also started the process of one of the other things on my list.
To top off the day, I'm cooking dinner (chicken, potatoes and broccoli) which is something I tend to shy away from when I look at the overall picture. The process of cooking, the pile of dishes to do, and the cleaning of the kitchen all usually send me running. Not tonight!
Now, I just have to wait for the job of my dreams to come rolling down the pipeline.
- b
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Operation: Productivity
Recently laziness has overtaken my life. Yes, I have focussed most of my attention on work and left little energy to every part of my life outside of the 9-5 grind. The important thing to note is that it is no one's fault but my own. The obviously neglected - this blog!
So, considering I have two weeks off of work, I've decided to take matters into my own hands. Over the next two weeks there will be 9 weekdays (next Monday is part of the long weekend). Without any direction, these days could easily be filled with sleeping, watching TV and barely breathing. I want more from my days off and I want more from me.
To start, I came up with 9 things that I've been procrastinating on. Each day, I'm planning on completing one of these tasks in a plan called "Operation: Productivity". To view the list, there is a link on this page called "Operation: Productivity". Along with these tasks, I will be blogging when each one is complete.
So, create, commit and complete the list. That's the goal over 9 weekdays. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
- b
So, considering I have two weeks off of work, I've decided to take matters into my own hands. Over the next two weeks there will be 9 weekdays (next Monday is part of the long weekend). Without any direction, these days could easily be filled with sleeping, watching TV and barely breathing. I want more from my days off and I want more from me.
To start, I came up with 9 things that I've been procrastinating on. Each day, I'm planning on completing one of these tasks in a plan called "Operation: Productivity". To view the list, there is a link on this page called "Operation: Productivity". Along with these tasks, I will be blogging when each one is complete.
So, create, commit and complete the list. That's the goal over 9 weekdays. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
- b
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I Love It!
Friday's 5 pm release of the new iPad 2 left me somewhat disappointed and leaving me thinking that I would have to wait some time before I could get my hands on one. News reports of stores having line-ups of a thousand people convinced me that I would be saving my money until the stores would restock on this valuable treasure. I decided that Friday was out of the question.
Saturday morning came, and I stumbled out of bed earlier than expected. For what reason? This I am not sure. Perhaps fate had a plan that I was not prevy to at that early hour. After getting dressed and eating breakfast, I decided to head to the mall even though the Apple store was not open yet. Perhaps a quick peek to see how long the line-up was, couldn't hurt. Right?
The line-up was short, maybe 15-20 people and the doors to the Apple store were already open. One by one, customers were escorted into the store to make their purchase. This was my chance as I had no where else to be this early on a Saturday. In total, I waited an hour from the moment I stepped into that line until I was walking out of the Apple store with my new purchase in hand.
As a test, I felt I should type this blog on my new iPad. Considering the keypad is a little difficult to get used to, I think I did pretty good (even if the space was giving me a little trouble).
To all those waiting for theirs to arrive in their hands, it's well worth the wait!
- b
Saturday morning came, and I stumbled out of bed earlier than expected. For what reason? This I am not sure. Perhaps fate had a plan that I was not prevy to at that early hour. After getting dressed and eating breakfast, I decided to head to the mall even though the Apple store was not open yet. Perhaps a quick peek to see how long the line-up was, couldn't hurt. Right?
The line-up was short, maybe 15-20 people and the doors to the Apple store were already open. One by one, customers were escorted into the store to make their purchase. This was my chance as I had no where else to be this early on a Saturday. In total, I waited an hour from the moment I stepped into that line until I was walking out of the Apple store with my new purchase in hand.
As a test, I felt I should type this blog on my new iPad. Considering the keypad is a little difficult to get used to, I think I did pretty good (even if the space was giving me a little trouble).
To all those waiting for theirs to arrive in their hands, it's well worth the wait!
- b
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lagrima
Recently, I was going through some old books and stumbled across my futile attempts at poetry (or writing). Perhaps from time to time, I'll share a piece on this blog. Bear with me as I was no famous poet (and I'm sure these pieces will attest to that).
Lagrima (Italian for teardrop)
~ written in April 1998 ~
sometimes I'll just sit there and think
I'll think about the world and how it works
and I'll think about all the different people
and all the different languages and cultures
then I'll start to think how I'm just one person
one person in this large place
a large place with no borders or limits
and here I am all by myself, standing alone
but then I think about life
and how real it is
like if I just held my breath, I'd wake up
wake up from a dream
or everything would just disappear
disappear into nothing, where nothing exists
then I realize that I'm thinking too much
and that my life isn't a dream
so I continue to sit there thinking
thinking about everything
but then I try to stop thinking again
which makes the thoughts race through my mind faster
I try to keep myself busy, so I turn on the television
but the thoughts engulf me
I turn off the television and sit all by myself
and I start to think about how alone I am
my eyes begin to water,
and a tear rolls down my cheek
Lagrima (Italian for teardrop)
~ written in April 1998 ~
sometimes I'll just sit there and think
I'll think about the world and how it works
and I'll think about all the different people
and all the different languages and cultures
then I'll start to think how I'm just one person
one person in this large place
a large place with no borders or limits
and here I am all by myself, standing alone
but then I think about life
and how real it is
like if I just held my breath, I'd wake up
wake up from a dream
or everything would just disappear
disappear into nothing, where nothing exists
then I realize that I'm thinking too much
and that my life isn't a dream
so I continue to sit there thinking
thinking about everything
but then I try to stop thinking again
which makes the thoughts race through my mind faster
I try to keep myself busy, so I turn on the television
but the thoughts engulf me
I turn off the television and sit all by myself
and I start to think about how alone I am
my eyes begin to water,
and a tear rolls down my cheek
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Rambling Thoughts
Although it seems like another lazy Saturday, what I really should be doing is laundry, vacuuming, dusting and cleaning throughout the apartment. It's 1 pm and I haven't lifted a finger yet. Well, not entirely true. I've lifted that one finger to read the news on the internet, read some of the blogs I follow and pour myself a comforting bowl of Fruit Loops.
It always amazes me how my mind tends to create this gigantic list of things it wants to accomplish when the weekend approaches and yet, when Friday comes, there is this vision of a crumpled up sheet of binder paper laying next to the wastebasket, symbolizing my lack of devotion to said list.
I'd like to blame anything but myself for this laziness. The true reason always seems to come back to one thought - Mother Nature is a bitch. I hate winter! And even worse, I hate when it looks like winter is over but then she has no problem dumping another 12 inches of snow at your doorstep. Oh the horror!
I'm looking forward to Spring. Getting back outside to do whatever it is I used to do when I felt alive with the sun shining down on me. I'm sure that sounded like some song lyric from years gone by but it's true. I enjoy the natural heat from the sun, the bright colours of nature (when it doesn't look dead) and the ability to go anywhere without having to dress with 47.2 layers of clothing. Knowing that I want to go outside and enjoy the warm weather allows me to be more productive with apartment cleaning. The faster I get it cleaned, the sooner I'm outside LIVING!!!!
But, the true realization of this day is - I'm about to turn 33 and I still like eating Fruit Loops!
It always amazes me how my mind tends to create this gigantic list of things it wants to accomplish when the weekend approaches and yet, when Friday comes, there is this vision of a crumpled up sheet of binder paper laying next to the wastebasket, symbolizing my lack of devotion to said list.
I'd like to blame anything but myself for this laziness. The true reason always seems to come back to one thought - Mother Nature is a bitch. I hate winter! And even worse, I hate when it looks like winter is over but then she has no problem dumping another 12 inches of snow at your doorstep. Oh the horror!
I'm looking forward to Spring. Getting back outside to do whatever it is I used to do when I felt alive with the sun shining down on me. I'm sure that sounded like some song lyric from years gone by but it's true. I enjoy the natural heat from the sun, the bright colours of nature (when it doesn't look dead) and the ability to go anywhere without having to dress with 47.2 layers of clothing. Knowing that I want to go outside and enjoy the warm weather allows me to be more productive with apartment cleaning. The faster I get it cleaned, the sooner I'm outside LIVING!!!!
But, the true realization of this day is - I'm about to turn 33 and I still like eating Fruit Loops!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Where Have You Been?
So it seems a long time since I picked up my pen and started writing my blog. No, wait - picked up my laptop and typed a message. Yes, I fear it's been a long time and I wish there were truckloads of reasons why; too busy with different adventures, school got in the way, my love life is getting intense. Weird how none of these excuses are true, although I wish at least one was. I seem to have hit a writers block and stopped sharing my thoughts, opinions and mindless rants on life in general.
Why would this happen? What has changed in my life over the past three months?
Life - that is the thing that seems to have blocked my mind from experiencing reality.
Over the past two months, I've started a new year with mixed emotions. Sadness over an ended relationship and happiness with going into a very challenging work project. Being two months into 2011, I've realized that I need to change some things in my life.
1. I need to experience positivity more often.
2. I need to strengthen friendships.
3. I need to accept who I am.
4. By accepting who I am, I will find someone to share my life with.
5. Happiness is around, it's not difficult to find - no matter what you think.
I guess this is reason enough to come back to my blog and spend more time sharing my thoughts. Hopefully you'll forgive my lack of devotion to this blog, but will try harder in the near future.
Why would this happen? What has changed in my life over the past three months?
Life - that is the thing that seems to have blocked my mind from experiencing reality.
Over the past two months, I've started a new year with mixed emotions. Sadness over an ended relationship and happiness with going into a very challenging work project. Being two months into 2011, I've realized that I need to change some things in my life.
1. I need to experience positivity more often.
2. I need to strengthen friendships.
3. I need to accept who I am.
4. By accepting who I am, I will find someone to share my life with.
5. Happiness is around, it's not difficult to find - no matter what you think.
I guess this is reason enough to come back to my blog and spend more time sharing my thoughts. Hopefully you'll forgive my lack of devotion to this blog, but will try harder in the near future.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Winter Nostalgia
When I was young and it was the weekend where a huge snow storm hit the city, there was very little that could keep us away from the hills for a little tobogganing. I remember suiting up with tons of winter paraphernalia, which seemed to take forever as one would have to dig through the winter hats and mitts box to find the right ones to wear. Once all was said and done, the next tricky thing was to march out to the garage, braving the cold winter temperatures to pick your weapon of choice (or toboggan, in this case).
The walk to the hill seemed endless and tiring while picking up friends along the way, but once that hill was in sight, there was no stopping the heart from beating just a little faster. Of course, this meant that we were only half way there due to the long trek UP the hill.
Sometimes we'd go down the hill on our own and sometimes friends would pile on making your vision somewhat challenged. No matter how you went down that hill, you always ended up at the bottom (which may not have been the case for the toboggan you started with). The next part was figuring who would pull the toboggan back up the hill (if it made it all the way to the bottom with you). After spending hours at the hill (and only going down a handful of times), the walk home seemed satisfying. We challenged that hill and we conquered it in all its glory!
The memories, that laughter and the thousands of runny noses. It was all part of the experience and all part of the fun.
Ah, to be young again!
The walk to the hill seemed endless and tiring while picking up friends along the way, but once that hill was in sight, there was no stopping the heart from beating just a little faster. Of course, this meant that we were only half way there due to the long trek UP the hill.
Sometimes we'd go down the hill on our own and sometimes friends would pile on making your vision somewhat challenged. No matter how you went down that hill, you always ended up at the bottom (which may not have been the case for the toboggan you started with). The next part was figuring who would pull the toboggan back up the hill (if it made it all the way to the bottom with you). After spending hours at the hill (and only going down a handful of times), the walk home seemed satisfying. We challenged that hill and we conquered it in all its glory!
The memories, that laughter and the thousands of runny noses. It was all part of the experience and all part of the fun.
Ah, to be young again!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy New Year
Well, the new year is upon us and leaves me reflecting on new goals and new experiences to ponder. Answers.com say that yearly resolutions are kept at a rate of 50-55%. Perhaps I shouldn't even bother! :)
Happy New Year and all the best in 2011.
Happy New Year and all the best in 2011.
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