Some great advice on making the best of a difficult situation.
Check it: How To Have The Last Word... By Saying Nothing
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Long time...
Hey there... Long time, no see.
I'd almost written this whole blog off. Not as a loss, but as something that I'd outgrown, something no longer needed. But I was wrong.
I've come and read over some of my old entries. They don't seem as immature as I'd remembered. They're still self centred, but hey, they're cathartic and immensely valuable as a sounding board at the time of writing and as something to reflect on later.
It's funny how I can remember the general details of the past few years, but this blog contains more of the specific details. It's triggered me to remember all the special moments which initally inspired me to write. It captured the moments, the events, the feelings that have long faded from my biological memory.
Fortunately, I have kept a few specific events and feelings in another blog, an anonymous space where I feel free to share details that otherwise might be self-censored out. For now, that place will be mine alone, but I intend to invest time and effort into this original public forum. This place that I used to tend every couple of days or so, like my very own garden.
Facebook has become my social network of choice, these days. However, I don't think it's necessarily the right place for me to express all that I want to express. I know that this blog is by no means private, but considering its past, I think it's the right place for me to pick up where I left off.
My last entry here was in 2007 and it's now well into 2009. Personal blogging is not all the rage it once was when I first began, but for those who stumble upon this place, these are my offerings to you.
I'll be seeing you soon.
I'd almost written this whole blog off. Not as a loss, but as something that I'd outgrown, something no longer needed. But I was wrong.
I've come and read over some of my old entries. They don't seem as immature as I'd remembered. They're still self centred, but hey, they're cathartic and immensely valuable as a sounding board at the time of writing and as something to reflect on later.
It's funny how I can remember the general details of the past few years, but this blog contains more of the specific details. It's triggered me to remember all the special moments which initally inspired me to write. It captured the moments, the events, the feelings that have long faded from my biological memory.
Fortunately, I have kept a few specific events and feelings in another blog, an anonymous space where I feel free to share details that otherwise might be self-censored out. For now, that place will be mine alone, but I intend to invest time and effort into this original public forum. This place that I used to tend every couple of days or so, like my very own garden.
Facebook has become my social network of choice, these days. However, I don't think it's necessarily the right place for me to express all that I want to express. I know that this blog is by no means private, but considering its past, I think it's the right place for me to pick up where I left off.
My last entry here was in 2007 and it's now well into 2009. Personal blogging is not all the rage it once was when I first began, but for those who stumble upon this place, these are my offerings to you.
I'll be seeing you soon.
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Surprise Appearance by Bono with Kylie Minogue
A news report about Bono's appearance singing Kids with Kylie Minogue at her Showgirl Homecoming concert in Sydney. I even got to chat with Angela Bishop!
Friday, 19 May 2006
The DaVinci Code
Today, Sal and I decided to have some time-out and see The DaVinci Code at Broadway. Things have been hectic for him this week so I was eager to spend some time with him. Time to be silly, gush about boys and make jokes to take his mind off everything that's going on. We enjoyed today's sunshine by walking the leafy back-streets rather than taking my car, arriving in plenty of time to get tickets for the deserted 3:30 PM session.I've only heard some brief sound bites that suggest the critics didn't like this latest book-to-film effort, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the film (possibly because I haven't read the book yet). I particularly enjoyed the way that the present day characters were sort of able to interact with any flashback moments they had.
Audrey Tautou is absolutely stunning. She has such beautiful eyes that I found myself completely mesmerised by her. She was wonderful to watch and, gladly, there wasn't a typical Hollywood-style romance where the two main characters get together in the end.
I thought the conspiracy story was explained well with lots of satisfying "ah-ha" moments which kept me engaged throughout the just-over 2 and a half hour session.
Sal and I topped off a delightful day with a delicious home cooked meal of bolognese-style pasta and Neopolitan ice cream for dessert. It was a much needed day of Fishy Fun and togetherness giving us both a boost to face the next series of challenges and triumphs.
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
Wearing The Pants
I've been feeling a bit frumpy lately. Whilst I've been making good progress at the gym, it had been a long time since buying any new clothes. As a result, some much loved t-shirts and pants have become over-used and worn out.
Well this week I could take no more. I splashed out and took myself shopping for a new pair of casual pants. I picked a very flattering pair of cargos that match with just about everything I already have.
It's nice how one new acquisition can put more of a spring in one's step. But I've said it before, and my recent purchase has confirmed it: confidence comes from great pants!
Well this week I could take no more. I splashed out and took myself shopping for a new pair of casual pants. I picked a very flattering pair of cargos that match with just about everything I already have.
It's nice how one new acquisition can put more of a spring in one's step. But I've said it before, and my recent purchase has confirmed it: confidence comes from great pants!
Tuesday, 18 April 2006
What's the deal?
So, it's time again for my periodical update. "What's the deal?" I hear you say. Yes I know I used to have something to say every couple of weeks but this year has been quiet. Too quiet.
I started getting stir crazy and had been noticing a real dissatisfaction with my situation. All the time I'd spent at home had left me with too much time to think. That means I'll over-analyse practically everything, start feeling bad about myself and then actually start to isolate myself even further.
In the beginning there was a valid point to my solitude (that is, I wasn't enjoying the routine I was in, and I needed to stop the hemorrhage of money). But clearly, all work and no play makes Daniel a very dull (and my housemates would say grumpy) boy.
Fortunately (for both you and I), the past couple of weeks have been somewhat more eventful! It started with a couple of things that triggered me to change my behaviour.
First was a little book called Life Is Short, Wear Your Party Pants. I spotted it whilst at a bookshop during early in March and, with a title like that, I couldn't leave without it. Primarily it's a book about enjoying life more and living in the moment. One of the most valuable insights I got from the book was to spend less time in my own head, and more time interacting with others in the real world. Seems obvious, but I was in a negative spiral and having the obvious brought to my attention was necessary.
Secondly, a tidbit from the Oprah Show. Simply thinking "if only" and waiting for all the pieces to fall into place won't lead to fulfilment (well, unless all the planets align and the prophesy comes to pass.) That just leads to dissatisfaction and resentment. The lesson here is to live the life I want, I must make it happen, not wait for it to just happen around me.
In some ways I feel like I've been waiting for my life to get better. I'm not sure how or why. Perhaps I'm expecting to meet someone then everything will magically change. Or maybe that some big secret will be revealed to me and it will all make sense. Since this is the real world, I have decided to do something constructive instead. I'm asking myself "what am I afraid of?", "what is going to take for me to feel satisfied with my life?" and "what things I can do to achieve this?"
So for the past few weeks I have made an effort to engage and be involved with people around me. Particularly at work, where I have usually tried to keep a certain distance between my colleagues and my personal life. As a result, I've been enjoying the time I spend at work a bit more. Things have been better during other social interactions too. I'm feeling increased confidence and I'm much more inclined to strike up a conversation or voice my opinion.
It is interesting to face my fear of embarassing myself. It's a fear which has often times caused me to keep quiet, feel socially inert, and forgettable. Now I feel like speaking up, because I'd rather say stupid things sometimes than say nothing all the time.
I started getting stir crazy and had been noticing a real dissatisfaction with my situation. All the time I'd spent at home had left me with too much time to think. That means I'll over-analyse practically everything, start feeling bad about myself and then actually start to isolate myself even further.
In the beginning there was a valid point to my solitude (that is, I wasn't enjoying the routine I was in, and I needed to stop the hemorrhage of money). But clearly, all work and no play makes Daniel a very dull (and my housemates would say grumpy) boy.
Fortunately (for both you and I), the past couple of weeks have been somewhat more eventful! It started with a couple of things that triggered me to change my behaviour.
First was a little book called Life Is Short, Wear Your Party Pants. I spotted it whilst at a bookshop during early in March and, with a title like that, I couldn't leave without it. Primarily it's a book about enjoying life more and living in the moment. One of the most valuable insights I got from the book was to spend less time in my own head, and more time interacting with others in the real world. Seems obvious, but I was in a negative spiral and having the obvious brought to my attention was necessary.
Secondly, a tidbit from the Oprah Show. Simply thinking "if only" and waiting for all the pieces to fall into place won't lead to fulfilment (well, unless all the planets align and the prophesy comes to pass.) That just leads to dissatisfaction and resentment. The lesson here is to live the life I want, I must make it happen, not wait for it to just happen around me.
In some ways I feel like I've been waiting for my life to get better. I'm not sure how or why. Perhaps I'm expecting to meet someone then everything will magically change. Or maybe that some big secret will be revealed to me and it will all make sense. Since this is the real world, I have decided to do something constructive instead. I'm asking myself "what am I afraid of?", "what is going to take for me to feel satisfied with my life?" and "what things I can do to achieve this?"
So for the past few weeks I have made an effort to engage and be involved with people around me. Particularly at work, where I have usually tried to keep a certain distance between my colleagues and my personal life. As a result, I've been enjoying the time I spend at work a bit more. Things have been better during other social interactions too. I'm feeling increased confidence and I'm much more inclined to strike up a conversation or voice my opinion.
It is interesting to face my fear of embarassing myself. It's a fear which has often times caused me to keep quiet, feel socially inert, and forgettable. Now I feel like speaking up, because I'd rather say stupid things sometimes than say nothing all the time.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Quiet Time
After my birthday and mardi gras celebrations, I'm taking a short break from things.
I'll be back and blogging soon.
xx.
Friday, 24 February 2006
Twenty-five
Time seems to have rushed by these past couple of weeks. I never intended to neglect this blog for so long but nor have I had the inspiration and drive to write anything.
As I've mentioned already, this year has started out on a very different tone than last. Whilst last year was great fun and full of important experiences for me, I didn't want 2006 to be a repeat. Toward the end of last year I had found a very comfortable groove. Too comfortable, to be truthful.
I was surrounded by people who were running a similar course to me. I felt happy with the status-quo, things were good. It wasn't until I went on a couple of dates with a guy who had little to do with the Oxford St club scene that my eyes were opened to the world outside. I began to see how limited I'd become.
On New Year's Day, as my friends were preparing to venture out to yet another party, I decided to draw the proverbial line-in-the-sand and break the cycle. They went out, I went to bed. The time had come to straighten a few things out; to rationalise; to streamline; and to take charge.
Since then I've been quite the recluse, going about my business, keeping my head down, working hard.
It's been hard on me and those friends around me to deal with the drastic changes. I've put my frivolous partying on hold temporarily whilst I pause to consider where I've come from and where I'm heading. I've not been hiding but, like a young catepillar, I'd entered a protective chrysalis for growth and metamorphosis into something new.
I've just turned twenty-five and have been updating the way I see myself. Until now, I've still thought of myself as a boy, an adolescent, being mostly swept along by momentum. But I'm more than a boy now.
We'll see how that works out... but I'm going to allow my frivolous side to play on Sunday. I'll be celebrating my birthday at Slide with a couple of Piscean pals, Matt Taylor and my astro-twin, Roy. It should be fun.
As I've mentioned already, this year has started out on a very different tone than last. Whilst last year was great fun and full of important experiences for me, I didn't want 2006 to be a repeat. Toward the end of last year I had found a very comfortable groove. Too comfortable, to be truthful.
I was surrounded by people who were running a similar course to me. I felt happy with the status-quo, things were good. It wasn't until I went on a couple of dates with a guy who had little to do with the Oxford St club scene that my eyes were opened to the world outside. I began to see how limited I'd become.
On New Year's Day, as my friends were preparing to venture out to yet another party, I decided to draw the proverbial line-in-the-sand and break the cycle. They went out, I went to bed. The time had come to straighten a few things out; to rationalise; to streamline; and to take charge.
Since then I've been quite the recluse, going about my business, keeping my head down, working hard.
It's been hard on me and those friends around me to deal with the drastic changes. I've put my frivolous partying on hold temporarily whilst I pause to consider where I've come from and where I'm heading. I've not been hiding but, like a young catepillar, I'd entered a protective chrysalis for growth and metamorphosis into something new.
I've just turned twenty-five and have been updating the way I see myself. Until now, I've still thought of myself as a boy, an adolescent, being mostly swept along by momentum. But I'm more than a boy now.
We'll see how that works out... but I'm going to allow my frivolous side to play on Sunday. I'll be celebrating my birthday at Slide with a couple of Piscean pals, Matt Taylor and my astro-twin, Roy. It should be fun.
