Bigger and Better!

I like to reflect on what kind of year I had and remember what was memorable. One thing I know for sure though, is that every year is bigger and better than the previous year. Yes, it is hard to top last years travelling but this year was the year of more self-discovery and awareness.

I think the biggest thing I learnt this year was that you don't have to choose and you don't have to settle. There are so many choices and options, there is always the choice of not taking it.

Since my last year of high school, I always felt I had to choose between Marketing and Human Resources. This year, not only did I decide not to choose what one I like better, but I also added Psychology into the mix. The moment I came to this conclusion, my dream job landed in my lap. Working in the Change Management team at Unilever.

I also developed a new interest in sailing. I'm in the process of finding a comprehensive course to do in the new year. Cant wait!
I also realised that I am like Jerry Seinfeld. Everything just works out well for me and everything balances out. I am so lucky and grateful.
 


Thanks to my subscription to Psychology Today ... I am more self-aware. Now I just need to improve on some of these weaknesses that I uncovered.

I do more with my writing ... hence the blog and writing on issues that fire me up. I also have taken a keener interst in reading, following the literary world a bit more and sketched an outline for a (one-day) book.

It's been good. Here's to a bigger and better 2010!


Photos taken from:
http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0305/c344ce09fd49590245b6.jpeg
http://thesituationist.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/psychology-today-june2007.jpg

Intel's Advertising

I'm loving the Intel ads right now ... yay for nerd humour!



Ajay Bhatt ... you're my hero!









Files from:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-8GVi2Fdi4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnxQjnNyZ8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddZo9GEAUrg

The Edward Effect

As a young and independent woman who doesn't like to get swayed by things, I unfortunately fell for the idea of Twilight. But ... I do have my reasons.

I randomly saw the Twilight dvd in my local library. Thinking that if it's available and no one wanted it, it would be alright for me to watch it. I watched it that day and fell in love with the whole idea, especially the Edward Cullen character. Literally 2 days after I borrowed it, the media started to go crazy about "New Moon" and all the publicity junkets with the stars.

As I watched the movie for the 3rd time, I started making a list of why I was attracted to Edwad Cullen.

1. LOOKS GREAT IN A SUIT.  (massive tick in my books!)
2. Protective of Bella, but not in a stalker way.
3. Chivalrous.  Opens the car doors, lets Bella in through door was first, lets her keep the golden onion and check the microscope first.
   
4. He has self-control and restraint. (I loved it how he could stop kissing her but she couldn't!)
   
5. Comes from a good, supportive family.
6. He's smart and bookish.
7. Plays the piano. (in real life he sings and plays the guitar.)
   
8. Great sense of dress and style.  (I loved the grey winter jacket and the suit at the prom.)
9. Has a great car that suits his style. (A Volvo, who would have thought!)
   
10. Not violent, unless he is protecting you.
11. He's sensitive.  Writes in his journal, has self-esteem issues and keeps to himself.
12. Humble.  He doesn't have all the latest gadgets and gizmos.  No Wii, iPhone or laptop.
13. Sporty and athletic.  He runs fast, plays baseball, climbs trees (when was the last time anyone did that!) and doesn't do it as a show pony.
    
14. Is jealous.  When Bella talks to Jacob, Edward says that he's away for 5 minutes and all the wolves come out.
15. Wants to formally meet Bella's father before their date.  (a must for a chivalrous boy!)
16. HE CAN DANCE and moreover, he teaches Bella to dance.
17. He is with you through sickness and in health.  Stays at Bella's bedside when she is in hospital.

Coming back down to earth, Edward does have an innate desire to kill Bella, he has his stalking ways and is over 100 years.  If it wasn't for his looks and my superficial ways, the richter scale would not have moved.

Photos taken from:

http://image.gawker.com/assets/video/stills/t/twilight_def.flv.jpg - Edward and Bella.

http://files.myopera.com/DraNYC/albums/664216/edward-cullen-car.jpg - Edward and his style
http://twilightguide.com/tg/wp-content/themes/Aspire/graphics/cat/twilight-movie-photos/bella-edward-prom-walk.jpg - Edward and Bella going to Prom.

Malcolm in the Middle - The ETS

It's hot in Canberra this week and its not the temperature!  So much is happening in regards to the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) legislation and Liberal party leadership.  Its passing will have major ramifications but this is my perspective ...

1. Regardless if you are on the side of believers or non-believers of climate change, there is a need to act sustainably.  Using less water, going shopping with re-useable bags, shorter and colder showers, printing less and saving paper, reduce-reuse-recycle, yadda yadda yadda.  Acting sustainably saves money and other resources.  Its a no brainer.
2.  Malcolm Turnbull has done what any good leader should, that is to work with the government on addressing the legislation, fighting climate change and preventing a double dissolution.  As you know, I am a Rudd fan but I do see the value and potential in Turnbull.  It was admirable of him to step up to the task.  He's made the tough calls, listened to voters and I dont think this should have damaged him the way it has.
3. The legislation wont make anyone really happy.  The Greenies are not happy with the Government taking small steps and the Libs are not happy because they are going to be out of pocket.  What is the Government supposed to do?  Operating greener does cost more money in the short and medium term.
   
4. I want to see action taken on climate change but .... with produce already so high, how much higher will it go?  Just this week bananas are $5 a kilo and petrol is $1.27/litre.
5. Agriculture Carbon aka Animal Farts.  I'm just glad this is now exempt from the legislation being passed.  Next thing you know humans would be charged for farting!  Its a normal and natural process. Reminds me of an episode from South Park.  The community was told to abstain from farting in an effort to reduce pollution.  The result?  Some of the towns people exploded from pent up methane pressure. Spontaneous_Combustion (South Park episode)

How will the ETS affect the normal folk?

Maldives Government having a meeting in their Parliament House if the water level keeps rising.

• We'll feel that we are finally doing something more substantial for the environment.  I don't want to see the Maldives swallowed up by the Indian Ocean!
• We walk into Copenhagen talks with a decision already made - taking a global leadership role (a sense of pride will ensue)
  
• Electricity will cost more over a certain point ... thus consumables will cost more if the producing company is a polluter.
  
• More "green " start up businesses and tenders will be given to those operating in a more environmentally friendly way
• Households will work harder to minimise costs, operate more efficiently, buy better more energy efficient electricals.

I just hope the government helps households out who want to invest in renewable energy, more insulation and sky lights.  I hope they also allow more overseas technology to filter in, more is thought about energy efficient cars and if we want more efficiency, we need more efficient internet!

Its going to be a nerve wracking weekend long wait.  Who will be the new Liberal leader?  We'll find out Monday, fingers crossed its Malcolm!


Picture from:
http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2009/10/17/image5392351.jpg

Celebrity Advertising

There is an allure about a reputable product being promoted and advertised by a well groomed and liked celebrity. I just can't seem to get enough of it.  I just watched some ads on tv and I realised something.  I love celebrity advertising but I hate seeing Australian celebrities advertising.

The same people keep doing the ads and I feel that they are selling themselves out.  Rebecca Gibney does Advil and Wii Fit.  Snore.  Mark Taylor, a cricketer promotes airconditioners in a boring way.  I think there are about 3 Delta Goodrem ads right now.  Sunsilk, Proactive, So Good Milk. I hate all of them.

Some of our Aussie ads are great, but none really come to mind that involve a celebrity except for the time Mark Philippoussis did the Longines and Pepsi ads.

Its always the foreign made ones that tickle my fancy. They just look like a million dollars, look good in the ad and really make me want to buy or aspire to have the product.  Is it just me or do you also feel the same?

 

Pictures taken from -

•   http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/johnsonleung/oksunsilkad.jpg - Delta Goodrem for Sunsilk
  

• http://www.mparchives.com/gallery/ads/ad-longines1.jpg  - Mark Philippoussis for Longines
  
• http://stylefrizz.com/img/sean-connery-louis-vuitton-core-values-ad-campaign-by-annie-leibovitz.jpg - Sean Connery for Louis Vuitton
  
• http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/230406854_9ef2a751cd.jpg - David Beckam for Got Milk movement.
  

Master and Commander

I did something that I have wanted to for quite a while now, I went sailing.  Coupling my love of the harbour and need to 'try' different things (with or without a wing man or woman).

I initially booked into a day long course but due to low enrolment numbers, plan B was to finding a 3hour hands-on taster.  Maybe it was more suited to tourists but as long as I was on a yacht-like vessel and it was a hands-on experience, it didnt really matter.

Doing anything for the first time is a bit nerve racking and also doing it solo is even harder, knowing that others will be there in their small groups or couples.  I was brave for that 5min longer, swallowed whatever issues of social exclusion/inclusion I had and booked myself in to board the Spirit.

On one of Sydney's hottest days, I was on Sydney Harbour. :-)  I was assisting in tugging ropes, changing the sail direction and steering.  Quite sweaty work but with the cool sea breeze you would hardly notice it. 

The Spirit being an ex-America's Cup vessel is built for shealtered waters, not out in the ocean.  I would be a bit afraid to go out sailing out in open water but am more than happy to do this again. (Memories of Sydney to Hobart yacht races come to mind quite quickly!)

The 3 hours went by very quickly.  I have a greater appreciation for sailing now.  There is quite a lot too it, not just sitting back and literally seeing where the wind takes you. You must work as a team, be aware of your surrondings (what are the threats and wind opportunities), be able to follow instructions, know what direction you are headed for and you need to be very agile to move from one side of the boat to the other.

Sounds a lot like running a business!

Anyway, the point is that I did something I wanted to and didn't let little obsticles get in my way. Plan B was found, courage was found, I was aware of my surroundings and networked with strangers.  I was a fish out of water and I loved it!





 

Best job in the World

I attended my first webinar last week through The Happiness Institute.  The webinar was about Creating the Best Job in the World for Yourself.  Practically every activity,  Professor Tim Sharp discussed and went through was something that I had heard of or still practiced or used. All very useful activities and things to do and I guess a timely reminder for me to remeber what path to take.  I felt really happy knowing that the same principles I adopt were the ones 'Dr Happy' uses and advocates.

1. Taken from the 7 Highly Effective Habits ... the Circle of Influence Vs Circle of Concern. Minimise your issues and areas of concern by working out what is it that you have control over and exploit them to overcome your concerns.

2. Be as positive as you can!  A happy workers is a good worker (ofcourse within reason, if your boss is an ogre, its not going to make you very happy.)  You have control over your own emotions and your reactions, if you have a good day or a bad day - the choice is yours.  Your positive outlook will be infectious within the office and your collegues and clients will be infused with your happiness.

3. The NASA Idea.  I love this one, it is my favourite.
Its the story of a very happy and smiling janitor cleaning the hallways of NASA HQ before man landed on the moon.  When asked by the then US President, "what are you doing?" The janitor replied, "Putting a man on the moon!" His conviction, determination and optimism is inspiring.  The high-ups in NASA are also to be congratulated for instilling the vision, drive and goal into their emloyees, regardless of how bottom-of-the-food-chain they are.

I hope that one day I can lead a team or an organisation and instill this NASA ideology with them.



Photos/Images taken from:
1. http://sivers.org/images/circle-proactive.jpg