The New Year has begun…

Happy New Year! !! The New year 2012 has already been here.  Where was I?  I am like an alien or  “nothing new, it’s just a change of calendar – another calendar to turn its pages” .   Admit it, I did not welcome the New Year the same way as I had done previous years.  The weather has been so unusually amazing … .  We had a nice Christmas week, a chilly Christmas eve…   I got a nice long break for family events, then a breakaway for myself, and then time for fighting the flu/cold.  Blame it on the sudden amazing change of weather.   I can’t complain.   Everything would come so early this year – the warm weather, the sun, the rain.  The Iowa Caucus is already here.  I am not into it as it’s no longer the same as was in the history.   Too corrupt and crony – such are politics.   Very soon the Luna New Year will come, in 3 weeks.  It will be the Year of Dragon before I know it.  We had a good rain in Texas – the start of dragon’s watering the earth, to make up for last year.   As we enter the year 2012, we have to look back and also be prepared to open a new book/chapter of new, blank pages.  As usual, I am putting words on my new pages.

New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. Let’s raise a toast to the new year that holds many promises.

I wonder if I should do the checklist again.  It’s there in my mind with a few important items – I am sure.  I am thinking of doing something different – make a wish instead.

A new year has begun.
A chance to start life anew.

A time to stop living in the past, to forget all the failures, and let go of all doubts and cautions.
May this New Year bring peacefulness and prosperity to all countries of the world, uplift the life of those under economy hardships and mental breakdowns.

May this New year be filled with glory and victory.

May this year help me to let go of all the disappointments and anger, let my life be filled with strength and courage, and keep me in healthy shape and mind.

Let this year be full of adventures untold and mark the start of many sweet, wonderful surprises.

In “the beach” state of mind

In front of me is the ocean  – only the sounds of the wind, the waves (Oh! my happy place).  Behind me are the buildings, the cities, and people.

Pueblo Bonito – the Pacifica Resort

its an honor

Tomorrow is big sister’s big day – her wedding reception.  It has been a long road for them… and finally, she is now married, to her man/best friend.  My oldest sis, the first to wed. I am truly happy for her.  Now as a maid of honor, I have to make a little speech.  Wow, time runs short on me.   It is an honor in deed.  At the same time it’s a big responsibility – representing the bride’s family.   I am behind, and now running on my neck.  Something to be remembered for her wedding day and will be addressed to both the bride and groom but has to be pleasant to the elders’ ears.  Let put these all together in writing.  The worst scenario is just being spontaneous.

Rippling effects…

A lot of us come across this image at many places, but how  many   have really put some thoughts or got the full meaning behind it. I like symbolic meanings.

There is a quote (Buddha’s quote, I think) saying, “Even drops of water can make an ocean; dust particles a mountain”.  This refers to the Law of Cause and Effect.  All actions have their own effects.  Our apparently insignificant action become causes for great effects.  The Zen thought of this law is also summarized in a similar “tiny garden” called the Eastern-Water Drop-Pot.

The garden is completely enclosed by raised paths and grooves, but the garden itself has no roof.  This allows the rain to drop into the “pot”.  There may be a reference here to the Buddha’s words: “Drop by drop is the water pot filled.  Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.”

Further, the stones and gravels are used to express water.  The grooves or circles are the waves.  The act of raking the gravel into a pattern recalling waves or rippling water has an aesthetic function. Zen priests practice this raking also to help their concentration. Achieving perfection of lines is not easy.   The rocks sometimes represent a frog jumping into the pond; other times refer to a boat, a person, or a mountain.  It is said the effect of the jump is a wave that goes out and, if strong enough, the wave will come back to push the frog out of the water again.  This is used as a metaphor for our intentional actions.  If we act strongly, with a heart that bears no selfish desires or anger, our actions create far more powerful effects that will eventually return to support us.  I always love Japanese and Zen gardens for their serenity and inner peace-feeling.  It can be both helpful for concentration and also thought provoking.  They are simple but delicate, and serve a deep meaning and sincerity of purpose – a very powerful message.

From an enlightened master’s point of view, we are as stupid as the creature, constantly making incorrect assumptions about the world because of our limited system of thought.

Visiting a garden with a few rocks in it gives our mind just enough information to feel comfortable.  Here we can train our mind to stop jumping about from one unrelated subject to another.    In this way, it is similar to the breath counting meditation.  Calming the mind, like calming water, allows the dirt to settle, and the water to clear.

Oh, the List(s)…

Last day before my 12-day Thanksgiving break.   It’s a break from work, yes.  It’s time of the year to make plan for vacation and use up remaining vacation days/holidays, to get personal to-do’s done, to shop and prep for the holidays.  As usual, I am checking off my work accomplishments before I can go on vacay.  What’s pending and what’s to follow-up, what can be delegated…   Turn my Email and Voicemail ‘s ”Out of Office” option ON.   Voila.  Clear the desk and I am out of office.

And then I move on to my personal to-do’s list, in chronological order.   Remember to pick up the T-shirt for Thanksgiving morning race.  I am going to come out and trot, to support the Sheltering Arms Senior Services.  Then, have to remember to check out for any fun, musical shows for kids, my favorite little buddies.  Andy has a new interest – theater arts/acting, so he wanted to go see some Broadway and musical shows.   I gave him a list from The Nutcracker, to Riverdance,…  Cirque du Soleil.  I had in mind the Siberia orchestra – not sure if it fits his style or age.  Never underestimate a kid, huh?  How about “Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream”?  It must be good for his younger brother.  ”My Fair Lady” sounds like the best choice.   A few medical/dental appointments are in line – checked.  This reminds me of one pending issue from the Flex Spending account.   The Made Ya Smile dental office has not done me any help.  I requested a statement to accompany the receipt of my copay for FSA, and what they sent me was an Account Ledger.  Bummer!   What a horrible decline of customer service!   With the sisters in town and some guests on Thanksgiving, I will be busy with cooking, prepping the houses for the holidays.  What else? Oh, it’s about time for car maintenance service.  Shop for my next car? I have been thinking about this (sport vehicle – a Jeep Wrangler describes me best), but I’d put a low priority on it, must be after my next property.  Then I will have a few days for resting, for pampering, for a bunch of meetups and holiday events, and there will be plenty of time for gym.  I probably won’t be able to get out of town until hopefully later this year…

Sustainable habit

October is over.  November is here.  It’s the month of light saving , of light transitioning from north to south.  There will be more colder, rainy days, and absolutely windy days of falling leaves…   Such are nature’s laws.   Speaking of laws, I have been sticking on my principles of living until… recently I have a new habit.  Drinking coffee – is it a bad habit?   I used to think so.  No smoking, no liquor, no coffee, no soft drinks – strictly for my healthy living.   I love the aroma of coffee – no doubt about it.   I passed by the coffee aisle at Kroger’s this weekend and could not resist checking out the Organic Columbia coffee beans.   Suprisingly, drinking coffee does not make me go to sleep as it used to.  I am more alert during daytime, and have slept much better at night.  That is a good sign.  So I am now into it – the freshly roasted and recently grinded.  It’s ok to drink coffee from time to time, as suggested by Mary Jane (my asthetician).  It all started with her; oh and the irrestible  “Keurig” coffee maker at the training class last week.   On the side note, Kroger’s was said in an GCImagazine article soon to become a hypermarket not only for groceries but also for private label health and beauty products.   I read that coffee helps with reducing pigmentation;  also read that it can make skin worse.  One thing I know is, I am drinking more water.  Coffee does dehydrate your body/skin.  Just like wine, there are so many controversies of coffee/wine intake.  Some coworkers I know have been drinking coffee all their lives and look really older than their ages.  I am setting the weekly limit: 1- 2 coffees only, no sugar added.   Keep in mind anything over-consumed is not healthy for your body.  Sustain it!

Laws of Leadership

Listed here are the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.  From the analysis of each law at http://lynaynle.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php ,  I found an interesting point about Steve Wozniak’s leadership vs. Steve Jobs’.  Steve Wozniak was the brain behind Apple in the 1970s, but his leadership lid was low.  Steve Jobs’ leadership lid was high, and he built a world-class organization out of Apple.

• The Law of the Lid – Leadership Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness
• The Law of Influence – The True Measure of leadership Is Influence– Nothing More, Nothing Less
• The Law of Process – Leadership Develops Daily, Not in a Day
• The Law of Navigation – Anyone Can Steer the Ship, But It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course
• The Law of E.F. Hutton – When the Real Leader Speaks, People Listen
• The Law of Solid Ground – Trust Is the Foundation of Leadership
• The Law of Respect – People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themselves
• The Law of Intuition – Leaders Evaluate Everything with a Leadership Bias
• The Law of Magnetism – Who You Are Is Who You Attract
• The Law of Connection – Leaders Touch a Heart Before The Ask for a Hand
• The Law of the Inner Circle – A Leader’s Potential Is Determined by Those Closest to Him
• The Law of Empowerment – Only Secure Leaders Give Powers to Others
• The Law of Reproduction – It Takes a Leader to Raise Up a Leader
• The Law of Buy-In – People Buy Into the Leader, Then the Vision
• The Law of Victory – Leaders Find a Way for the Team to Win
• The Law of the Big MO – Momentum Is a Leader’s Best Friend
• The Law of Priorities – Leaders Understand That Activity Is Not Necessarily Accomplishment
• The Law of Sacrifice – A Leader Must Give Up to Go Up
• The Law of Timing – When to Lead Is As Important As What to Do and Where to Go
• The Law of Explosive Growth – To Add Growth, Lead Followers–To Multiply, Lead Leaders
• The Law of Legacy – A Leader’s Lasting Value Is Measured by Succession

In the circus of the clowns

Today, I read a story of Brady Quinn, the Broncos’ back-up quarterback,  who left his team behind to fly half way around the world to be by his girlfriend during her surgery.  How sweet is he! Men like that are rare, and admirable.  I can be skeptical saying that he is getting attention at the same time.   Fame and fortune simply make these athletes more of what they already are.  I looked up on Wikipedia for his background and his zodiac sign.  A Scorpio.  I am not 100% into astrology, but believe in some generalized traits or characters.   He is a bright star, indeed and so well-brought up.   I am impressed he graduated from Notre Dame with dual degree in Finance and Political Science.  But I believe more in his inner character.   However competitive he is on the football field, he knows how to treat his woman right.  He is not selfish or egocentric in the relationship field.   It is not just because he could afford the charter to Japan, but because he seems to “just do it” while he can.   The future is hard to tell, but I wish them happiness as they are seen now.

While (insecure and emotionally unavailable) guys nowadays have excuses, can come up with all reasons, I am comforted there are good guys like him out there.   There are other clowns  in the circus; so keep my eyes open and avoid drama boys.

 Do not share your life with someone who does not agree with these three attributes of relationships. Commitment, Affection, and Communication. When both parties have these three down all the rest are either attributed to them or linked to them. Love, sex, trust, time, common interests, money and resolution of arguments. Embrace your partner. Remember they think you are very special and you them. Never forget when you first met.

perspectives in retrospectives

It will be all about Steve Jobs for this month in the media, at least in the tech media.   Or should I say, one month of tribute to Steve Jobs. It’s not an overstatement he had touched so many people’s lives that everyone has something to say.   Analysts, writers, anyone who ever worked with him or knew him are now pouring in their writings and thoughts about Steve Jobs, from insiders’ stories to inspirational writings.   Isn’t that typical we always recap or reflect on a person after he/she passed us by???  I am hence inspired to do my writing.

I personally think it was very brilliant of him bringing his products to everyone’s homes and therefore his influence on people’s lives.  He read quotes. I admire him for the way he lived and died.  I like him for his being a Zen Buddhist, for being honest with who he was.

The statement “People loved Jobs not because he didn’t make mistakes – but because he learned from them.” brought me back to my previous post re: “Also part of my credo“.

BNET  has a few good articles on Steve Jobs’ business skills and lessons we can all learn from.   A good analysis by Margaret Heffernan, 6 lessons leared from Steve Jobss. , truly brings out good points on Steve’s management style.

Erik Sherman’s Steve Jobs and His Magical Business Decisions delivers a good recap of what it took for Jobs to be successful.

Since we are committed to continued learning, it is worth re-educating ourselves these key lessons or qualities:

• Be open to change .
• Courage is the only choice.
• Focus also means you have to pick carefully.
  
• Don’t give up.
• Work on principle.
• When its time to change, make a smart decision and a bold move.
• Trust is a must in relationships.
• It’s tough to start over again, but sometimes it’s the only way to move ahead. 
• A little quiet mutiny never hurt.
• The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
• Its not just the design – sleek, chic but minimalistic.  It’s also the functionality. 
• Think different.

I believe we can draw some lessons learned from his life experiences, or can relate ourselves to him in certain ways.   It ‘s called “the law of attraction”, or “like minds think alike”.   The last paragraph of the “6 lessons learned..”  article really hits home:

The lessons we could learn from Steve Jobs aren’t all that remarkable. Many of them contain wisdom that we already know — we just don’t apply it. Why not? Is it that we lack courage? Or is it that we find it hard to believe that tenets so simple can prove so effective? Surely that’s the moral of the Apple story: there is genius in simplicity. But simple is hard.

My job is to not be easy on people. My job is to make them better. My job is to … take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better, coming up with more aggressive visions of how it could be.

On last note, I enjoy this musical piece “We all are Steve” as a tribute to him.

An Apple falls….

The news came out Wednesday night…  The world of technologies lost a founder, a mentor, a friend,  a colleague, a true leader.  The entire world lost a passionate  innovator.

Anyone who had ever been to one of his seminars would know he was not looking healthy…  Still,

It’s so hard to believe Steve Jobs was gone.  He took all the risks.  I am sinking into the thoughts of losing someone to deadly disease…   It was just last year I lost a cousin…   It’s even harder to imagine what it’s like to battle cancer.  My prayers are with him; my thoughts are with the wives, young kids, and loved ones who had to go through such tough times.  It was really hard indeed at my cousin’s funeral seeing how finally accepting they were of the fact that their dad had to go peacefully.

Steve led such a humble, normal life like any ambitious and hard-working person who has a passion to make the world better.  Better off, he had the guts to believe in himself.

For some reasons, I relate him to my cousin of about the same age.  My cousin Mike – a charismatic, quiet man – had to go to college to better his life off in the US and supported younger brothers who were with him in the US, and family in Vietnam.  Coming to the US at young adulthood age, he started out from zero, went to high school in Iowa, attended colleges in California, brought brothers with him whenever he went, established a beautiful family of his own, never forgot about his responsibility as a brother, a son, a child of the family.  As an engineer, he pursued a MS degree while working FT, and continued working throughout his life while supporting his family.  He left this world after a long battle with lung cancer.

“An apple falls to the ground to become a shade-giving tree.”

You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life. ~Steve Jobs

Interestingly, “knowing you’ll die soon would give you the thinking that you have nothing to lose. You’re already naked…“  is exactly my line, my thinking sometimes, the same meaning as in “you were born naked; and will die naked“.  That is the Zen Buddhist mentality.

In his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Jobs said:

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

By what he means, I ‘d think, we should take it wisely and apply at practical level.  I love quotes.  And I found a best article of his quotes I’ve ever read.

Rest in peace, Mike and Steve.  (On second note, I can’t stand that acronym R.I.P.  It can be translated into anything. It has to be spelled out for the sake of full respect.  Think different.)