Inspiration

Being filled up with such emotion recently, after the sad news of Steve Jobs‘ passing away, I knew that this would affect me.

There are people in this world whom you hero worship. Perhaps you may not think that you do, but certainly in my case I do. This is what inspires you in life and hopefully makes you a better person. Better focus, a purpose and a meaning for living.

But when you come across events as that of Steve Jobs no longer with us, it really does affect the way we are and what we do. Does the inspiration fade or simply move onto something else? I do not think I know but I do have my own opinion. Such inspirational people move on to a greater platform, almost of an Avatar status as it were.

When my Father passed away in 2006, I was left with a deep void. Over time I have restructured the way I live and now I am comfortable, so much so that I have happy thoughts of my Father whenever I think of him.

So with Steve Jobs I feel the same way. He may not be with us but he hasn’t actually left us. An oxymoron? Not really. Just the way the world works I guess.

Been A While

In fact it’s one year to this day since my last post. Sorry folks.

A lot has gone on during the year, with Technological changes in the way we use Computers, communicate with the world to being Security conscious. Apple’s iPhone and iPad have certainly taken the market by storm and others are hot on their tails, namely Google with its Android and Chrome platforms.

I go to client sites on a regular basis and when either I’m driving or commuting it is abundantly clear that the laptop is fast becoming a geriatric when the new younger looking iPads can do more. I still find that the flexibility of customising your laptop is a high priority but with Technologies becoming Cloud savvy do I really to worry about this? Perhaps not.

I’ve also been researching into new Projects, which at present I cannot discuss but what I can tell you is that in meetings the whole approach to Projects have vastly changed to what I can recall five years ago. Everybody wants to be your friend, but will not shy away from grabbing business away from competitors at a moments notice. It has become more cut-throat but with a nice people-friendly attire. Not sure how to take that really.

I’ll end this post by aiming to publish more posts on a regularly basis. Blog you soon.

Balance and Harmony

It’s one of those things where you get caught up in the moment of life. You can be on a really fast rollercoaster taking you to levels and depths of which you never imagined. But as soon as that ride stops, it hits you as to how much chaos there actually is. We’ve come across it before, Zen like behaviour and achievements, but does it really account for anything?

The simplest things can cause imbalance; well to me at least. For example, there’d been a niggling problem which puzzled me for years and as soon as the answer revealed itself, there was a sense of calm, achievement and accomplishment. All seemed right, no stress, no worries, no tension. Everything in its place – Balance and Harmony.

But such is life that no sooner have you jumped out of one ride, you’re plunged straight into another. We know what we need to do, but how long it takes is an unknown. I’m hoping that you will read this article several times, as it will get you thinking about what is preventing you from achieving Balance.

Shakti = Shruti

This one is not really one for sharing as I am not going to explain what I have written.

A Clear Mind

Lifestyle of today has clearly changed, and in my opinion, not necessarily for the better. Life has become fast, demanding. It’s certainly not the way that I remember doing things in the ’80s and ’90s. With the advancement of technologies has meant that people are able to work efficiently and increase productivity.

But at what cost? I recently started having acupuncture sessions, mainly to reduce stress. To be honest, I didn’t really know that I was under a lot of stress, but what a difference these sessions have made. It has given me the opportunity to start relaxing and let my mind rest and become clear. To me, this is worth more that any productivity statistic.

Future

You hear it about on the News. You see articles about it. You even get flyers about it. But you are never really prepared until ‘it’ happens. What am I referring to? Cancer.

So many programmes focus on Cancer and its impact on others but it never really sinks in. Today I found out that one of my dearest school friends has Cancer. When I heard this I just wasn’t prepared – at all. Instantly I went into denial. I mean, come on, this my friend that you’re talking about. We went to the same Comprehensive School. I recently got back in touch with my friend via FaceBook. It was so good considering we’ve never communicated since leaving school in 1990.

But my friend is very high spirited, determined and strong. And all that I can offer is my prayers and thoughts in moral support.

My Best Friend’s Venetian Wedding

Recently, my Wife and I had the honour of attending my Best Friend’s Wedding in Venice. Neither of us, or more to the fact, any of us, had ever been to Venice. So we were looking forward to seeing my friend getting married and to visit one of the ‘Most Romantic Cities in the World‘.

I want to begin by saying that the Wedding was one of most fabulous experiences that we’ve had and yes I did get emotional. To see my Friend, Asiya being given away to Mark King was such a joy. Asiya has found her life partner and was going to start sharing their lives together. Asiya and I had made a pact quite a years back that we would attend each others’ wedding. Asiya attended mine back in 2008 in London, and I attended her’s in Venice. Asiya’s Mother and two of her three Brothers were also present. Having your family is most precious and Asiya had not been let down.

The Wedding ceremony was top class and flawless, precisely the way Asiya wished it to be. “I am a perfectionist” says Asiya repeatedly and I agree whole-heartedly. But I digress. For one moment, I completely forgot that we were celebrating Mark and Asiya’s marriage in Venice. I only realised after it had finished and that they started their photo shoot outside on the balcony of Palazzo Cavalli.

It only remains for me to say, Asiya, we wish you the very best in your married life with Mark and may God Bless you two for-ever and a day.

Time

I never thought that I would be writing the following article. Recently, I’ve been catching up with friends via FaceBook and FriendsReunited. I was taken aback by the amount of time that has surpassed. I still remember working with colleagues back in the early 1990′s and see them now, older, with siblings is just amazing. Where has the time gone?

I was also reflecting on how in my 20′s I would get up and go. Now, it’s a lot more different. I have a Wife, Mortgage, and financial commitments. I would so love to ‘get up and go’ but it’s just not possible. I do however refuse to be sidelined by not looking after myself. If anything I am more focused on my health than I have ever been.

I was introduced to a Martial Arts form known as Wing Chun back in 1997. Since then, I have never looked back on how the human body, a vessel, a carrier, needs to be nurtured, pampered even. Simple exercises which I did then are still possible now. I am approaching my 40′s in a few years’ time and I’m glad to know that these form of exercises are still possible.

So on one hand time changes the way we think and behave, but yet remains supposedly still on areas within our control. I eat better, exercise well, even have time to put down thoughts on electronic paper. So why is it that when I chat with friends, it still feels like I am still working with them. I recently had to submit my ‘paperwork’ to Companies House and quickly came to realise that I had formed my Company back in 2003. It’s now 2009 – 6 years. What have I been doing all this time. Quite a lot for sure but just doesn’t feel like it.

I did say…

Well, I did say that I would write down more about myself. Still this will be a cut down version as putting virtual pen to virtual paper is not always an easy task. I have several likes ranging from Apple Mac to Wing Chun. But if I was to start from my early days, Cars, well automobiles to be more realistic has always been a key part. We come from a background of Motor Mechanics but unfortunately I didn’t quite make the grade. A regret I carry and will do for the rest of my life.

Anyway, Cars are a very prominent part of my life. Both my Brother and I have grown up around them, what makes them work, their design, technical ability and so on. I love Formula One and World Rally with such a passion. Most people love Football, I love F1 – not much I can do about that. But yes, talking of Football, World Cup and Euro Cup matches I do take an interest in. I still to this day remember watching the ’86 World Cup and how Maradona became an instant idol of mine. Amitabh Bachchan still is another idol of mine, nothing to do with Football (for those of you who do not know whom I’m referring, he is the ultimate Bollywood actor) – look it up.

Have a writer’s block at the moment, but I will put down more soon – I hope.

Home Workers

With the current economic climate being the way it is, a lot of Companies have adopted a home worker policy. This is not new news by far, but with necessary cutbacks, is this really the best approach? I myself do work from home as well as at various sites. I find the mix very good. There are times when you need to link with other work colleagues and ensure that you are up to date on work related matters. But then, working from home, I find that I can get quite a lot of work completed – very little interruptions, very disciplined etc…

I know of many instances where home workers are not as productive as being in the office, but this really is down to the way that you adapt yourself. Working from home for Companies is also a liability, especially where Health and Safety is concerned. They need to ensure that you have a compliment of tools provided; Internet Connection, Phone / Mobile, Workspace desks, laptops and external height-adjustable displays. So my question is this; does it cost more to be a home worker? Recently I learnt that home workers need to be PAT Testing compliant. If you’re not sure what PAT Testing is, this is where certified engineers test electrical equipment to ensure that it conforms to Health and Safety laws. You even get a pretty sticker on your appliances. Now this is takes time and money. The end result? Well again, are home workers productive for their Company? Difficult to assess really. What are your thoughts?