The time is now, your life is right now
-
1. follow your heart at all times even in the face of reason 2. leave the places you visit at least as good as you found them 3. always be honest 4. be prepared to be scared 5. we live therefore we change ... accept this fact 6. you can't always be the star ... sometimes you will be the supporting role heh ... some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet --- "every year we invent better idiot proof systems and every year they invent better idiots ... and the linux zealots still aren't being sterilized"
lauren wrote: some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet who? ;-) I don't see anyone... Nish
My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org
-
The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much (to a point of obsession with the future) I think it was john lennon who said, "Life is what happens, while you are busy making other plans" :-D
Vivek Rajan wrote: The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much True. Every time I've planned something in advance I've messed up. Specially with respect to approaching women ;-) Nish
My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org
-
1. follow your heart at all times even in the face of reason 2. leave the places you visit at least as good as you found them 3. always be honest 4. be prepared to be scared 5. we live therefore we change ... accept this fact 6. you can't always be the star ... sometimes you will be the supporting role heh ... some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet --- "every year we invent better idiot proof systems and every year they invent better idiots ... and the linux zealots still aren't being sterilized"
lauren wrote: heh ... some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO - at least I hope so... -- Andrew.
-
Konstantin gave me some food for thought earlier on his post about his life and how after 15 years he has suddenly realised his youthful dreams have fallen to the wayside of reality. I am sure also that you remember, whether in a good or bad light, my post a month or two ago on finance. I see now a strikingly similarity between our lives and dreams and our financial situations. Isaac replied to Konstantin saying that he was just begining his adult life and that he could hardly wait to be able to achieve his dreams. My response was "The time is now" i.e. don't wait, start right now. This was eerily similar to Nish's reply to my finance post where he basically said that he was waiting for the right opportunity to begin saving. Most of our responses to that was along the lines of "The time is now." I am very guilty of thinking that right now is not the right time and that I should wait for the right opportunity to make my dreams a reality. Recently though I have come to the realisation that your dreams do not have a start date or a set of required conditions. Yet we all treat our dreams like a student treats a bottle of milk: Only realising the sourness of the situation after the sell by date. I know every one here has had youthful dreams, amazing achievments they wanted to achieve, grandeous goals, incredible ideals. So where are they know? Some of you are down the road a bit, while others, like me, are still on the first few tentative steps of the yellow brick road. What advice or lessons about dreams do you have to share? Mine so far would be: The time is now. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful flower of all" Not always true but quite often the case. -- Andrew.
-
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful flower of all" Not always true but quite often the case. -- Andrew.
BTW I'm not suggesting that as men we are like flowers :-O; I enjoy a beautiful woman as much as the next straight guy (not that I'm homophobic, God this is turning into one of those CYA type posts) - the quote just seemed to fit what I was trying to say I guess. -- Andrew.
-
MS started in a garage! BillyG had no money to start with. Actually, Bill Gates was the grandson of the person who created Seattle's most profitable bank. His dad was a prominant lawyer in Seattle. Billy G had a multi-million dollar trust fund from his grandparents on the day that he was born. He was sent to the most prominent school while growing up and went to Harvard (where he dropped out to form Microsoft). Nevertheless, the point still stands that many sucessful entrepreneurs started out with little or no money, even if Bill Gates wasn't one of them.
-
Jason Hooper wrote: I happen to use Jedi mind tricks to keep idiots out of my chat room What chat room? Where? Oh wait... I see you have already mastered the trick.. doh! *lets you through with a puzzled look under my helmet* regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
lauren wrote: heh ... some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO - at least I hope so... -- Andrew.
Andrew Peace wrote: Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO As long as the maturity includes a spark of fun and passion. Often maturity can bring about an almost depressive attitude towards life. A balanced individual is best :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
I would also add that people should not dwell and pout about the past, constantly wishing that you had did something different and/or something else had happened instead. It'll just make you depressed and the past still won't be changed. Someone once said, "The past, is the past, and we can only concentrate on the future." That said, we shouldn't totally ignore the past, but quickly learn from ours pasts and the paths that took us on those journeys then move on. Moaning and groaning isn't going to change anything, the future will be bright if you want it to be. You're in control of your life and can make a significant difference in the future of your lifestyle as long as you have the drive and dedication to realize those goals. Money and luck helps a bit, but those aren't the only inputs to the equation of life. So don't give up if you lack one or more of those factors, make up for it with something else and you'll bound to succeed in whatever you want.
Reno Tiko wrote: So don't give up if you lack one or more of those factors, make up for it with something else and you'll bound to succeed in whatever you want. *clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer**clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer**clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer* Reno for president! :-D Well said Reno. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
I can think of two things - after a particularly lousy childhood, it was my dream from a pretty early age to have a close family. Obviously in the first instance there's not much you can do to achieve that, and I note I've never chased the idea in terms of dating a lot of people, I prefered to have a range of friends and let things develop from there. I married both girls I have gone out with. However, having had kids, I have always worked at being close to them, it wouldn't happen otherwise, and I do indeed have a very close relationship with them. Example #2 is that when I hit 30 ( three years ago ), I decided I wanted a programming job. I worked *damn* hard to learn C++, and I got my first paying job within about four months of first laying eyes on the language. Two and a half years later I got a second job, where my knowledge of C++ was sufficient for me to be the first non-graduate they have employed. I still work hard to learn new things and improve my skills. So I agree - nothing will happen if you sit on your tush, if you want something, take it ( to quote Lord Flash from Black-Adder 4 ). Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002
Christian Graus wrote: when I hit 30 ( three years ago ), I decided I wanted a programming job. I worked *damn* hard to learn C++ That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. Christian Graus wrote: However, having had kids, I have always worked at being close to them, it wouldn't happen otherwise, and I do indeed have a very close relationship with them. That is excellent. So many parents think it is their kids duty to be close to them, like a right or title they get from feeding and clothing them. Families would be a lot better off if they took your lead. My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
Paul Watson wrote: Isaac replied to Konstantin saying that he was just begining his adult life and that he could hardly wait to be able to achieve his dreams. My response was "The time is now" i.e. don't wait, start right now. You missunderstood me Paul, I am already making my dreams come true. I meant I can hardly wait to answer him whether I succeeded or not. I always believed that we create our opportunities, we're the ones who hold the helm. I always try to convince my friends in this. I am a living proof that you can change your life even if it seems that you can't. I quit high school 2 years ago, and decided to study by myself (meaning sitting down alone with books, no tutoring or such). As far as I know this has never happened in my country. Those who quit usually never graduate or they just go to private teachers (which is what I was trying to avoid). Since then 2 people from my old school were inspired by me and done the same. I have worked in programming for a nation-wide company at the age of 16. Simply because I was persistent. I knew nothing about the job when I got it, learned everything while doing it (but don't tell them :-D ) I make my dreams come true every day, simply because I believe in my capabilities. I am always open for new options and I'm always willing to try again when I fail. My favorite quote regarding life is this one, got me going on some of the hardest/most embarrassing events of my life: "You'll see it's all a show, keep 'em lauhging as you go Just remember that the last laugh is on you." Isaac Sasson, Small time programmer - complainer at large. Sonork ID 100.13704
Isaac Sasson wrote: You missunderstood me Paul, I am already making my dreams come true. I meant I can hardly wait to answer him whether I succeeded or not. You do not need to defend yourself against me Isaac, or against anyone for that matter. I simply picked up on your comment and used it as an example of a common attitude towards life. I am glad to hear that you have the right attitude though, looking forward to seeing you at the top! :-D regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
Christian Graus wrote: when I hit 30 ( three years ago ), I decided I wanted a programming job. I worked *damn* hard to learn C++ That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. Christian Graus wrote: However, having had kids, I have always worked at being close to them, it wouldn't happen otherwise, and I do indeed have a very close relationship with them. That is excellent. So many parents think it is their kids duty to be close to them, like a right or title they get from feeding and clothing them. Families would be a lot better off if they took your lead. My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
Paul Watson wrote: That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. I was scared as hell when I finally quit my day job :-) Paul Watson wrote: From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. :-O Thank you very much. I promise you, it's a result of hard work, not natural ability. I'm really enjoying my new job for that reason - plenty of hard work. I have been sweating over XSLT again today - my solution last week did not work, but I learned about XSLT predicates today, I was able to simplify my code to about 1/3 it's originla size, and it works !!! The magic is in the not() function, something like this:
<xsl:apply-templates select="*[not(self::excludethis) and not(self::excludethisformetoo0]/>
Sorry that I led you astray when I told you it worked before, I still don't know why it didn't... Paul Watson wrote: My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day I'm pleased you learned from their exmaple, instead of taking it for granted. I learned from lack of exmaple, which is much easier. It's always been obvious to me how I wish my parents would have been, but I can see how someone who had it good might just think that's how things turn out by themselves. Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002
-
BTW I'm not suggesting that as men we are like flowers :-O; I enjoy a beautiful woman as much as the next straight guy (not that I'm homophobic, God this is turning into one of those CYA type posts) - the quote just seemed to fit what I was trying to say I guess. -- Andrew.
Andrew Peace wrote: God this is turning into one of those CYA type posts I don't know what CYA stands for but I do know the common phrase for a post like this is "Just stop typing while you are still ahead." :-D regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
Nish [BusterBoy] wrote: Vivek Rajan wrote: The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much True. Every time I've planned something in advance I've messed up. Specially with respect to approaching women Disappointment comes to people those who have appointments with future Was that close enough :-) Cheers Kannan :)
Kannan Kalyanaraman wrote: Disappointment comes to people those who have appointments with future Good one Kannan. Your own? Nish
My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org
-
Vivek Rajan wrote: The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much True. Every time I've planned something in advance I've messed up. Specially with respect to approaching women ;-) Nish
My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org
Nish [BusterBoy] wrote: Vivek Rajan wrote: The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much True. Every time I've planned something in advance I've messed up. Specially with respect to approaching women Disappointment comes to people those who have appointments with future Was that close enough :-) Cheers Kannan :)
-
Paul Watson wrote: That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. I was scared as hell when I finally quit my day job :-) Paul Watson wrote: From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. :-O Thank you very much. I promise you, it's a result of hard work, not natural ability. I'm really enjoying my new job for that reason - plenty of hard work. I have been sweating over XSLT again today - my solution last week did not work, but I learned about XSLT predicates today, I was able to simplify my code to about 1/3 it's originla size, and it works !!! The magic is in the not() function, something like this:
<xsl:apply-templates select="*[not(self::excludethis) and not(self::excludethisformetoo0]/>
Sorry that I led you astray when I told you it worked before, I still don't know why it didn't... Paul Watson wrote: My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day I'm pleased you learned from their exmaple, instead of taking it for granted. I learned from lack of exmaple, which is much easier. It's always been obvious to me how I wish my parents would have been, but I can see how someone who had it good might just think that's how things turn out by themselves. Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002
Christian Graus wrote: I'm pleased you learned from their exmaple, instead of taking it for granted. I learned from lack of exmaple, which is much easier. It's always been obvious to me how I wish my parents would have been, but I can see how someone who had it good might just think that's how things turn out by themselves. While I did respect and was thankful for what my parents have done for me most of my life it was only once I met Janina (girlfriend) that I began to understand even more how important it is to have a good family. She also had a rough childhood and sometimes it is tough work dealing with her issues and trying to reconcile them with my childhood. So I have learnt a bit from both ways really. But definitley, kids who take their good families and their good situation (whether it be monetary or relationship based) for granted need a good smack up the side of the head. It is all about respect for what you have and being grateful. Christian Graus wrote: I was scared as hell when I finally quit my day job That seems to be the average persons biggest fear: Quiting your day job to pursue your dreams. We are all so shit scared of the risk involved. What if it doesn't work out? What about the bills? What about the car repayments? Where am I going to live! And the sickest part is that we are teaching our kids that. Our whole society is wired that way. I was told to get a steady job, work for 40 years, retire and die. I am finding it very difficult to get over that mindset, to break free and to risk things. I have the ability, now I just need to do it. I definitley will not be teaching my kids to find a steady job and work 9-5 for 40 years. I am not saying be reckless or irresponsible, but rather give it a go and don't get weighed down or pulled back by the mundanes of life. Christian Graus wrote: I have been sweating over XSLT again today I really like XSL but one thing I keep banging my head against is trying to mix XSL and other languages. XSL can do a lot, but there are bits I prefer to use ASP/.NET for. And XSL is a real *insert suitable derogatory word here* when it comes across things which are not well formed. I am used to the free styling ways of HTML, ASP, VB etc. All this rigid yet powerful well formedness stuff is taking me time to get to grips with :-D Thanks for the code BTW, will definitley put that into our c
-
Christian Graus wrote: I'm pleased you learned from their exmaple, instead of taking it for granted. I learned from lack of exmaple, which is much easier. It's always been obvious to me how I wish my parents would have been, but I can see how someone who had it good might just think that's how things turn out by themselves. While I did respect and was thankful for what my parents have done for me most of my life it was only once I met Janina (girlfriend) that I began to understand even more how important it is to have a good family. She also had a rough childhood and sometimes it is tough work dealing with her issues and trying to reconcile them with my childhood. So I have learnt a bit from both ways really. But definitley, kids who take their good families and their good situation (whether it be monetary or relationship based) for granted need a good smack up the side of the head. It is all about respect for what you have and being grateful. Christian Graus wrote: I was scared as hell when I finally quit my day job That seems to be the average persons biggest fear: Quiting your day job to pursue your dreams. We are all so shit scared of the risk involved. What if it doesn't work out? What about the bills? What about the car repayments? Where am I going to live! And the sickest part is that we are teaching our kids that. Our whole society is wired that way. I was told to get a steady job, work for 40 years, retire and die. I am finding it very difficult to get over that mindset, to break free and to risk things. I have the ability, now I just need to do it. I definitley will not be teaching my kids to find a steady job and work 9-5 for 40 years. I am not saying be reckless or irresponsible, but rather give it a go and don't get weighed down or pulled back by the mundanes of life. Christian Graus wrote: I have been sweating over XSLT again today I really like XSL but one thing I keep banging my head against is trying to mix XSL and other languages. XSL can do a lot, but there are bits I prefer to use ASP/.NET for. And XSL is a real *insert suitable derogatory word here* when it comes across things which are not well formed. I am used to the free styling ways of HTML, ASP, VB etc. All this rigid yet powerful well formedness stuff is taking me time to get to grips with :-D Thanks for the code BTW, will definitley put that into our c
Paul Watson wrote: I definitley will not be teaching my kids to find a steady job and work 9-5 for 40 years. I am not saying be reckless or irresponsible, but rather give it a go and don't get weighed down or pulled back by the mundanes of life. I think the key is security. I have worked VERY hard to ensure that my financial situation is such that I can afford to be unemployed. That leaves me free to do what I want, and take risks if need be. It's not about having a big house, it's about making sure whatever size it is, it will not be lost if you lose your job. Having kids changes your whole perspective on things like that - what I want for my kids includes security of knowing they have somewhere to live and food on the table. It's not about chasing money, but knowing you don't have to, and you don't have to be rich to be in that situation, just live within your means. For example, I have a $500 credit card, purely to buy stuff online. I save more than that a month, so it's not a problem, but so many people have tens of thousands of dollars of credit card debt - it's scary. Paul Watson wrote: Thanks for the code BTW, will definitley put that into our code library for later use. No worries - it was hard to come by, so I hope it's helpful to you. It took me all day to get working. Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002
-
Jason Hooper wrote: I happen to use Jedi mind tricks to keep idiots out of my chat room What chat room? Where? Oh wait... I see you have already mastered the trick.. doh! *lets you through with a puzzled look under my helmet* regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
-
Andrew Peace wrote: Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO As long as the maturity includes a spark of fun and passion. Often maturity can bring about an almost depressive attitude towards life. A balanced individual is best :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront
Good point, I guess what I mean is that immaturity can be an unattractive quality. -- Andrew.
-
Kannan Kalyanaraman wrote: Disappointment comes to people those who have appointments with future Good one Kannan. Your own? Nish
My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org
Nish [BusterBoy] wrote: Good one Kannan. thanks nish. Nish [BusterBoy] wrote: Your own? I just heard it somewhere. Cheers Kannan