Last day of June

Last day of June - already!

How time truly flies.

Not sure what you have planned for the rest of the year, but I'm planning to make mine pretty busy!

I appreciate your dropping by and hope you continue to do so!

See you on the other half of 2011!

Amusing thoughts...

What amuses you? 

For me, it's the silly things humans do. I'm tempted to say 'the annoying things' but that would suggest that I've given their actions enough thought to let it affect me, annoy me even. But you know that's so untrue...here goes:

The guy who presses the water fountain (even as I stand there filling my glass) and yet looks surprised that the water pressure is so low (cos I'm still using it, silly)

The ones who press elevator buttons despite the fact that I'm standing there and the button is red, indicating that someone must have already pressed it (I guess I must have chosen that spot as my perfect 'people watching spot')

The one who sees you waiting patiently to be served, but chooses to stand in front of you, oblivious to your presence, leaving you unsure whether to tell them they cut in, or to just let it go. You finally muster up courage to tell them (cos you don't really want to cause a scene) and they actually manage to look surprised (NOT). (Again, another perfect 'people watching spot'!)

The ones who come late to church and expect you to move in, so they can sit at the edge of the row. No, I'm sorry, I came in early just to guarantee I get my end of row seating. (This one is petty, I admit, but it still irks me!) 

The fanatics at the gym that come in with the figures I'm striving to attain, and yet chatter loudly to their friends 'I've gained so much weight this season!' Have you really? Aargh!!!

The one who cuts you off in traffic, beeps at you for being too slow, yet gets caught in the same red lights like you! Karma! 

The families who visit the park for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Large families of at least 6 people hogging the 2-way pathway with full disregard for anyone behind them or approaching them. Your 'less-than-subtle' heavy breathing, throat-clearing and noisy footsteps are clearly lost on them. They even look irritated when you now interrupt their conversation to ask them to step aside. 

What about the cyclists who treat local parks (clearly posted 5 mph) like it was the cycle route for Tour de France? Frightening poor walkers to no end?!

I'll stop here, as I'm beginning to get quite 'un-amused' writing this....

What are your pet peeves? Do share...

Pain...

Really?

Because each time I go to the gym
A lot of weakness leaves my body
Does that mean that one day I'll be 'running on empty'
What else is left in my poor sore body?

I don't really mind any weakness leaving
Just take the muffin top and the flabby arms as well
The jiggly thighs and the saggy butt
Take all of them with you as you leave

Maybe then I can have some new guests
The six pack abs with no muffin top.
The biceps to die for and the summer-ready-body?
Oh yes, I welcome you all!

So, I've got news for you, dear weakness
Hurry up and check out of this motel
I'm going to keep nagging until your lights are in the distance
You see, I've got some new guests waiting in the lobby!

A reclusive existence?

Between Facebook, Emails, Blackberry Messenger, this blog, I sometimes wonder if I am inadvertently living a reclusive existence.

I really enjoy my own company. That's one of the reasons why I wake up so early, so I can have at least an hour to myself to do absolutely anything I wish! I look forward to that a lot.

But I also love meeting people, being with people and chatting with them. I love catching up on conversations, starting new conversations, finding out what's new, what's old, anything!

There are weeks that go by really quickly, because I suddenly become extremely busy. A lot is accomplished, but very little spoken to any 'real' people, outside of my immediate family.

I email a lot. I text frequently. I celebrate with people. I do stuff! I laugh a lot (surely, using LOL in my texts counts as laughing - right?!!!). I even play a few games. But mostly by myself, or through the computer.

Do I ever feel lonely during those periods? Not one bit! Solitude is a good thing and one I appreciate. But in retrospect, I now realize that I barely spoke to anyone outside of my immediate family and that - to some - may seem really odd.

Does this make me a recluse? Yes, I appear withdrawn from society, but am I really?

I'm no longer sure, but this I know - I'm having really busy days and getting a lot accomplished - albeit within my own little world!

Give thanks

Give thanks!

Have a great Sunday!

Weekend in pictures

What's yours looking like?

Law and Order UK

Ever since I started this blog, I've been working on a post that compares the American lifestyle with the British lifestyle - in a lighthearted way, of course.
Having lived in both places, I've always been intrigued by the similarities (yet differences) between the 2 nations. My gut tells me that a great post lies within that intrigue!

I've actually got the framework of this post in place, but somehow I've never got round to finishing it. Maybe someday.....

In the interim, I found this on YouTube recently and thought I should share it. (If you watch Law and Order, this will make sense!)

Who knows, maybe someday, I might actually finish my post!

Pieces of me...

There are times you listen to a song and you just know that the lyrics were written for you, about you.
That's how I felt when I listened to this song by Ledisi. I must have played it at least 30 times yesterday!
(Why do songs sound so much nicer when it's raining heavily outside and you can play it really loud?!)

'Like every woman I know, I'm complicated for sho', but when I love, I love till there's no love no more!' 


Have a listen! I hope you love it as much as I do!

First day of summer

I must have missed the first day of summer
So intent was I, in going about my business
Oh no, I wasn't driving around in a Hummer
My business is all about reducing stress!

You see, summer arrived a long time ago over here
It started with the really hot and humid days
Rainfall became so elusive, even to the seer
Can you believe it's been gone for well over a month!

But we all know there's no gain in moaning
Especially over the things that you cannot change
So I decided to take each day as it comes, even if blazing
Make the most of each moment, lest you become deranged!

I sometimes sit and watch the kids enjoy their summer holidays
I see them larking around in the pool and it brings back memories
Of long hot summers gone, when we could 'laissez les bon temps roulez'
Of a time in my life, when I had no worries

But I hear a voice that speaks so loud and clear,
'Enjoy what you have today, make the most of now'
Opportunities like this should be treasured, cos they are very rare.
Savoured like a tasty meal, one delicious bite at a time. Wow!

So my vow to myself is to stop all that fretting
No more stressing about things I have no control over
The emotional turmoil I go through, as I feel time is evaporating.
Dear Lord, in your own time, que sera sera!

Being human, self-doubt is only just a deep thought away
But then I remember, stress is a problem and fretting won't fix it!

Others might look busy but that's perfectly okay

I'm also doing exactly what I should be doing, and I'm loving it!

3 wishes..

Blog surfing is fun, because you get to visit other blogs and sometimes get some unique ideas on what to blog about.

I got this idea on a random blog I visited while surfing. So random, that I do not even remember the name. I think it was 'Running with Scissors' or something like that, but I could be wrong! (Sorry, Blog Owner!)

Anyway, here goes.

If you had 3 wishes, what would they be? (Forget World-Peace and Food-for-all-children-in-Africa, I think the Beauty Queens have already got that covered!)

I would:-

a) wish that I had my entire family right here with me in this location
b) wish that you could tell immediately when people are being insincere
c) wish that I could learn not to doubt myself or my capabilities!

Over to you....

Stats you might need....

It is Monday the 20th of June, 

which could also mean

It is 5 months, 20 days into 2011, 

which could also mean

It is 24 weeks (rounded up) into 2011,

which could also mean

It is 171 days into 2011,

which could also mean

It is 4104 hours into 2011,

which could also mean

It is 246, 240 minutes into 2011, 

which could also mean

It is 14, 774, 4000 seconds into 2011

Courtesy www.timeanddate.com

Hope you are keeping track of time and making each moment count...

So, what's a friend?

So, what's a friend?

Someone you can confide in, your secret is safe

Someone you can call on at any time, it's no bother

Someone you can share a joke with, she gets your jokes

Someone you can let into your house, no need to tidy up

Someone you can lend money, and you know you'll get it back
Someone you can borrow money from, and not get harrassed to pay back

Someone you can have a conversation with, with tons of laughter predicted

Someone you can share a meal with, and it doesn't matter what's on your plate

Someone who makes you feel comfortable, with just being exactly who you are!


Have an awesome Sunday!

Types of friends

'Hey, let's go play?' says Child 1
'No' says Child 2
'Why?' says Child 1
'Cos you're not my best friend anymore' says Child 2
'Oh, ok. You're not my best friend, either!' says Child 1

Children find it very easy to make and unmake friendships. One day, they're best friends, and the next day they're not! This occurs a lot in the very early ages, probably up till about early teenage years when the friendships become more serious, more meaningful. (Some parents get deeply involved in their children's friendships, agonizing over the fact that so-and-so is not longer friends with their child. Give it time, they'll be best buddies again!).

Some people are lucky to have one best friend who has been with them through the years and will always stand by them. (Oprah - Gayle?). (Some married couples swear that a friendship like this, is the bedrock of their relationship - 'we're best friends')

In the course of the Globetrotting Executive lifestyle, you find that whilst you might have met a lot of very interesting people in various locations, there are actually very few of them that you can call close friends. And even within that group, there are friends for different reasons. Whilst setting boundaries for friendships might seem restrictive and even premeditated, it helps one appreciate the context of the relationship, so you know what you can or cannot do, with that person. (Believe me, early on in this lifestyle, I misjudged a few relationships and therefore had to come up with these categories for my sanity!)

These are my categories for today.

The Life Friend 

She's the wise one, full of advice about what to do in life, how to move ahead, how to 'grow'. The voice of reason. The one you can confide in and you know you will not be judged, rather assisted in resolving the issue. She's most probably known you for a very long time (or maybe not!), so understands you intimately. This friend could be older, younger, your age - it makes no difference. There are things about that person's character which you admire and want to emulate, that's why you work to keep that friendship going.  

The Crazy/Wild Friend

Always ready to party with you. Fun. Wild. Makes you laugh. You need her (in manageable doses) to brighten up really boring days. She's always good company, but never as deep as the Life friend. You wonder if she ever has down days...

The Work /Career Friend 

She's your friend at work, because you share the same career goals. Most times, she's probably at the same career level as you, but not necessarily. The two of you are constantly strategizing on how to enhance your careers. She's not a threat to you and you know, she will always stand up for you, if the situation ever arises.

The Mummy friend 
She's your friend, mainly because your children are friends. You find that you are inseparable friends during term time - coffees, lunches, playdates for the kids. She's an invaluable source of information about the school and what's going on. The only snag is that once the holidays arrive, the friendship peters away until school is back in session. This is a fairly common friendship and so long as you do not agonize excessively over being 'dropped like hot coal', that friendship will thrive - throughout your children's education.

The Weekday friend
This friendship thrives Monday to Friday only. Over the weekend, there's no communication and each one focuses on their respective families. The Mummy friend and the Work friend fall under this grouping for me.

The Ideas friend
She knows everything about anything. An invaluable information store. And very happy to be of help. You find that when you arrive a new location, she's extremely helpful. Once you find your feet though, like an angel, she floats off to the next person to continue her good work!

What other unique classifications do you have for your friends? Or are they all 'best friends'?

The weekend is here!

Michael Gray - The Weekend. 

Enjoy!

Memories from my past

A friend posted this video on Facebook recently and it brought back memories.
My parents were huge fans of Doctor in the House and I recall watching this comedy (and quite a few other imported programmes) with my whole family.

As a family, we all used to look forward to the weekly episodes. Being the youngest of 5 children, I was usually the one sprawled on the carpetted floor, as all the available seats in the living room had been taken.

I didn't understand most of the humour (too many inuendos), but I was just content to be in that setting where everyone was happy and laughing. We were all home for the night, and even if we needed to go out, we knew we had a car in the garage that had a full tank of unadulterated petrol. Electricity was available, the ceiling fan provided a cool breeze, the kitchen tap gave us clean drinkable water and the quiet sounds of our neighbourhood made us feel safe. Sometimes, the land line would ring to disturb that peaceful gathering, but it was mostly a peaceful evening. The loudest noise you could hear on such evenings was probably one or two neighbours chatting on the street, but certainly not a whole lot of noise. Generally a simple, peaceful existence.

Fast forward to today, and I think about the next generation. Their memories will be different.

Granted the happy family evenings still exist, where everyone (albeit older!) gathers around for fun and laughter (I get to be a part of this whenever I go home), but quite a few things have changed. For one, whilst the foreign programmes still exist, there are also a whole lot of indigenious programmes (comedies, sitcoms, movies), which are equally as entertaining. That, in itself, is progress. In the same vein, the telecommunications industry has made remarkable progress as almost everyone is able to own a cell phone and therefore, keep in touch with loved ones .

Sadly, the quiet sounds of  the neighbourhoods have been replaced with loud power generators, which are used to provide electricity. (You see, constant electricity is now a recurring campaign promise, which is dangled in front of the populace each election cycle, with no real results to show for their votes). Clean drinkable water coming out of the taps (instead of being poured out of plastic storage containers) is now a luxury, that only the few who can afford to install their own water boreholes, can get.

When the power generators are not contributing to the noise levels,  there are churches and/or mosques on almost every street helping to keep that up. The combination of the wakeup calls from the mosques and overnight revival prayer sessions in the churches are enough to keep everyone within a 100 mile radius awake! In addition to that, you have the cars on badly tarred roads, bumping along with their tired engines full of adulterated petrol and causing quite a disturbance - physical and environmental. That can't be progress.

Being miles away from home today, I sometimes think about what memories our young people of today will have.

Dear Young-People-At-Home, what are your thoughts?

Volunteering...

Vast

Opportunities,

Looking

Unto

New 

Terrain,

Engaging,

Enabling,

Reaching out,

Inciting 

New

Growth.

Source: Globetrotter

In general terms, volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or improve human quality of life, but people also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for possible employment, to have fun, and a variety of other reasons that could be considered self-serving.  Source: www.wikipedia.com

What's your definition? Why do you volunteer?

Boredom

What do you do when you are bored?
Look for something to eat in the cupboard?
Entertain yourself by reading the written word?
Or find a quiet corner and study the Word?

Some people say they'd rather do some cleaning
Get a headstart on the backlog of housekeeping
Personally, I quite like the idea of doing some shopping
I've heard Retail Therapy is divinely, extremely fulfilling!

But when I think of boredom and what I did at will
How I spent like one on a mission to kill.
The most distressing part is receiving the bill
Do help me - this addiction could be making me ill!

So next time that I have got some spare time
I'll think of something that doesn't cost me a dime
I'll sit here and think up some more words to rhyme
You've got to agree - saving money is always sublime!

Quiz - Who am I meant to be?

I found this short quiz on Oprah.com.
It will probably take you all of 5 minutes, if you do not deliberate excessively on what you think the answers should be/ Just go with your first instinct.

QUIZ

Click here to try it.

Does this describe you?

I am usually (very) skeptical about quizzes that provide generic answers. Take horoscopes for example - surely, not everyone in the world can be categorised into one of the 12 zodiac signs? Just 12 behavioral patterns for everyone on the planet?  1 size fits all...most? Really?

I find it funny though that 378 people have commented on this quiz and the vast majority were actually 'grateful' to the author for providing the quiz, as it helped them 'understand themselves better'. Again, really?

A lot of these quizzes have to be taken with a huge serving of salt (much more than a pinch!) as well as a large dose of fun. They are too generic for them to ever be accurate.

What do I do? I pick up the 'positive' recommendations and look for where I can weave the lessons learnt into the fabric of my life. (But beware of trying to conform your life to every single recommendation, just because it has been written there!)

I'll end by saying that no one has all the answers, except of course Him. And we need to constantly remember that!

"...Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:12). 

I smile - Kirk Frankiln

Last week, I posted 'I smile' by Michael Jackson.

This week, I decided to post 'I smile' by Kirk Franklin. 

Same theme, different lyrics and tune! 

Enjoy and have a great Sunday! 

Weak after a week of sports!

All the talk about sports this week
Has really made me seriously weak
My name is Globetrotter and I am a geek
A warm bed, a good book, that's all I seek!

A warm bed, a good book, this is the life
The way life should be without any strife
In my own way, I'm making these moments rife
Where I can relax, at peace with my wife!

So if you feel right about running around
Lucky for you, cos my feet feel bound

I find it exhausting, watching you larking around

I am rooting for you, but still sticking my ground

Go ahead. Exercise. We all know it is good

Your body will say 'Thanks' cos it works as it should

I'm so proud of you, and to reflect my happy mood

I'm off to the kitchen to celebrate with some more food! 

Sculpting to perfection...

Émile Coué de Châtaigneraie (February 26, 1857 – July 2, 1926) 

"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better" 

(French: Tous les jours à tous points de vue je vais de mieux en mieux)

Courtesy wikipedia.com

I might not be there yet

But I know I'm headed in the right direction

The mistakes of yesterday, the lessons of the day before 

These, I translate into guidelines for the future


No more watching the world go by
Trying to live the dreams, that others have dreamt

No more sitting on the fence

Lusting after seemingly greener grass on the other side


We all strive for perfection

Each of us in a different way

The perfect job, the perfect house

The perfect family, the perfect figure


I am only human, and therefore prone to errors
I am a work in progress, but a beauty to look at

I might constantly, continuously doubt myself

But never the One, Him who created me. 


There's a purpose to my presence here

Exactly, precisely, the way I am

My mould is unique, my flaws as well

And that defines me, just as I am


I might not be there yet

But I'm certainly headed in the right direction

Why do I say so? 

I've got the best Sculptor, sculpting me into perfection! 

Amen!

A poem about competitive sports

It feels like I'm in a war zone
All I hear is shouts and groans
They're all looking so fierce, everyone so serious,
It's not just the children - the adults are worse

They told me it would be fun for the entire family
It doesn't matter if your child is fantastic or silly
The little ones really do enjoy participating
As they wait anxiously for results - lots of nail-biting.

Alas, we seem to have lost that camaraderie
The parents are squabbling and the fighting's quite fiery
'My child came first, this is not a ruse'
'Somebody change that ribbon before I blow a fuse!'

Parents, do relax and enjoy the game
You do not want to turn this into a Youtube'd war of shame
Surely, at this age, it's more about fun and not a test
To see who can win in this fierce contest!

There are so many in hospitals, bound up in slings

Whose parents can only dream about such things

Many more in morgues, who never had the chance

To compete for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place.

Be grateful that your children can participate
Your community is filled with love and certainly not hate
So next time you think that the score is wrong
Take a deep breath, think, then caution your tongue!

The big business of sports - Part 2

 

Final part of yesterday's discussion on how the sports industry has transformed itself into a sophisticated network of business opportunities....Click here to read yesterday's post. 


Here's a short list of areas where I can see the obvious transformations have occurred in sports.


Technology - The introduction and use of sophisticated tools and equipment to ensure better accuracy in judging. Equipment that measures the speed of the ball, the actual angle and curve of a serve - all these adds to making each game a lot more than just chasing a ball. 

Tools of the trade - The use of better material for the manufacture of the sports paraphernalia, all geared towards enhancing player performance. (e.g. improved tennis racquets,  enhanced design for the sportscars used in races, better turf on the pitches to ensure better ball-kicking, better saddles for the horses to prevent chafing etc.) 

Clothing - The use of better textures of fabric attire to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal use of energy whilst playing the sport. (new streamlined swimwear for swimmers, breathable clothing for all athletes etc)

Player Management - In the past, sportsmen were managed by their friends or neighbourhood hustlers. Now, there's a whole new industry sector, as financial gurus and business managers, hustle to land roles that will enable them manage a player's career - deciding which teams he should play for, which tournaments he should participate in, which endorsements he should accept etc. 

Team Management - There seems to be a mad rush among the very rich to be part of this investment opportunity. (Possibly a better investment than buying failing companies!). Many of these rich folk are owners of successful teams, and plough huge amounts of money in, to ensure that they get the best players for their team. 

Good players = More Wins = More Endorsement opportunities = More money for everyone! Ka-ching! 

Nutrition and Health - You are what you eat. The diet and health industry have gone overboard with introducing various performance enhancers and dietary changes to ensure that players are eating to optimise performance. More muscle building foods, frequent health checks to ensure all organs are in tip-top shape! 

 

Income - These are so fat, I am breathless just thinking about it. Which is probably why a lot of sportsmen are revered like mini-gods, because of their earnings. Young ladies fawning over them, hangers-on just wanting to be a part of something good, society granting them full celebrity status... you get the picture...

I'll end with this post with this. 
Contrary to Michael Jordan's quote, 'Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.', I do think there is now a lot more to sports than just that!  

The big business of sports - Part 1

 

So, I'm still on this topic of 'classy' sportsmen, who speak multiple languages, dress and look like movie stars, mingle with dignitaries and spend like millionaires....here goes....

Growing up, I always thought that those who went into sports as a full-time career were those who had more brawns than brains. "They didn't have the brains to cut it in school and so they opted for the easy road - sports!" Boisterous children were encouraged to pick up a sport as a way of using up all that pent up energy. It wasn't so much about the technique of the game, but just the letting up of bottled in tension. 


I studiously kept at my books, shaking my head haughtily at those who preferred to involve themselves in sports. Granted not all of these sportsmen made it to the big league (and also not all bookworms are poor and destitute) but I do accept I am wrong - completely! 


The playing field, with respect to how sports is perceived, has definitely changed...

On an economic and professional note, the entire sports industry has definitely become a whole lot more sophisticated in recent years. 

When I say sports, I am talking about all forms of sports - basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, football, swimming, golf, auto racing, polo - you name it. If you can break a sweat doing it (and in some cases, you might not visibly break a sweat, but we all know you are sweating somewhere(!) as you wait apprehensively to see if you won!), then it's a sport!  

When I say sophistication (for want of a better word), it could be the eloquence of the players (e.g. Mohammed Ali), the education (many of the NFL/NBA players have a college degree) or their fashion style (David Beckham is one of note who has transformed himself from soccer player to Hollywood icon). 

My post yesterday talked about the new influx of polyglot / bilingual sportsmen (and women). That's just another area where sports has been transformed. Being able to learn and speak another language, definitely uses a whole different set of brain cells, than those used for sports. And there is an increasing number of sportsmen who are able to speak, at least 2 languages - fluently. 


A few could probably have excelled at other activities, if sports had failed them. Many have branched out into other businesses (finance, real estate, manufacturing, acting, entertainment) since retirement from (or alongside) active sports. 

On a lighter, personal note, I guess I should have listened to the wise man who once said 'Sport is a preserver of health.  ~Hippocrates.'  and paid more attention to sport!  If not for anything else, the resultant health benefits of participating in sports are substantial. The healthy heart, the well-functioning organs, the flatter abs, the firmer butt, the well defined arms, the svelte body, the possibility of adding a few more years to your life - all these, just by keeping active! Yes, sports is good!


....to be continued

Polyglots in Sports

Who says a career in sports is for the not-so-brights?? Think again!

Do you follow tennis? Yesterday, I watched the finals of the French Opens between two extremely  phenomenal players, whilst they battled it out for the cup. Apart from the fact that it was a lovely game (as always), the acceptance speeches are what struck me the most.
(For those of you who missed this, Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer to win his 6th French Open title. Scores were 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1)

The eloquence of Roger Federer - a known multi-linguist - speaking such fluent French without faltering. The confidence of Rafael Nadal - fluent in Spanish and English - choosing to end his speech in French (and it wasn't half-bad too!). The commentators echoed my thoughts with the remark (7m:28s),' You don't think this is a global sport?! 3 languages in one speech!'
















Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

A huge number of people speak just one language and many struggle with getting it right, in that one language. Tenses are all mixed up, and words are generally used in the wrong context, causing listeners to stare in utter confusion and bewilderment!

On the other hand, there is an increasing number of sportsmen who are proving themselves to be multi-lingual. You find sportsmen playing all over the world, in numerous sports, in different countries, miles away from their birth countries, switching from their native language to their host country's language, effortlessly. Gone are the days of sportsmen being full of brawn and very little brain!

I wonder if you could attribute this to the global spread of sports (and interest in it), suggesting that if you want to excel, you need to connect with your audience? So, it's no longer just about the sport you play, but also about how you present yourself - your brand?

Or is the world just getting flooded with a new breed of highly sophisticated sportsmen?

Saturday's post talks about my quest for eloquence, however, I have to doff my hat to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for not just being excellent sportsmen and great ambassadors of the sport, but also gifted polyglots!

Now, that's pretty neat!

Smile

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home.  ~Author Unknown

A smile confuses an approaching frown.  ~Author Unknown

Smile - sunshine is good for your teeth.  ~Author Unknown

Smiling is my favorite exercise.  ~Author Unknown

But best of all, these words by Mother Theresa sum up the expression. 

Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  

(Quotes courtesy www.quotegarden.com)


Here's 'Smile' by Michael Jackson. There are many versions of this on YouTube (including the original music video), but we opted for this compilation, which uses clips from Charlie Chaplin movies, so you get even more smiles out of this! Enjoy! 

Go out there and put a smile on somebody's face today!

Eloquence

When I started this blog, I promised myself that I would put a post out everyday. The length of the post was immaterial. My only concern was to ensure that the content was interesting enough and that there were no obvious grammatical errors.

I also promised myself that I would try to keep my articles fresh, witty and funny.

Generally, the contents of this blog are simply a collection of thoughts running through my head, orchestrated by circumstances in my life and hopefully presented in a manner that is representative of how I speak, converse and feel.

Some days I succeed and manage to put out a really good post - one that most people can relate to. How do I know? The comments and the hits on the page. Those days are really rewarding. And I thank you for your visits and comments.

On other days, I put out what I feel is a really good post, but the response tells me that I'm the only one that sees it that way. And that is perfectly permissible, since this blog serves as my podium to talk about things that interest me! The truth is that, as much as we share similar views on certain topics (hopefully, this is why you visit the blog), we're all different. Some things appeal, and some don't.  And that's ok.

There are days that I do motivational quotes. I might also do an essay to go with the quote, if I feel so inclined. (Motivational quote days are really easy. Someone's already said them and I'm just quoting that person!)

I also write poems. Most of my poems are light-hearted, unless I am talking about natural disasters or world events. I love poems because of the freedom of expression they provide. I use them a lot to display my sense of humour.

But what is my main aspiration from writing? (Apart from the millions of Internet users I'm hoping to reach through this blog?!) Achieving eloquence!

Wikipedia describes eloquence as fluent, forcible, elegant or persuasive speaking or writing.

I respect and admire eloquent people. The ability to string words together in writing or in speech, in a compelling manner is a gift. The ability to weave a story and keep your listeners / viewers / readers enthralled and engaged is a gift. Politicians, preachers, lawyers, public figures, comedians, journalists, bloggers even are all examples of extremely eloquent people (some, naturally more than others).

Blaise Pascal, the French Mathematician and inventor of the Calculator said

'Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts'. 

I'm no VanGogh, but I'm definitely working on my very own masterpiece, through the posts on this blog.  

Word for the day: Impossible

IMPOSSIBLE

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!

Audrey Hepburn

Courtesy www.brainyquote.com