Sunday 20 February 2011

too many blogs

I'm going to be doing some tidying and streamlining of my blogs. I think I have too many so I'm going to import another into this one. See how it goes. I've been getting a bit too slack but then like everyone I do have a 'real' off line life.

Wednesday 16 February 2011

What type of business do I want to have?

So I've finally made my business my top goal priority. If you read my other blog you'd see I was rather conflicted with all the others. But this is my number one focus.

 What type of business do I want to have?


  This was a question I was asked in a workshop and was told it was best to know from the start.
These were the options given.

1. To build an empire
2. To build something to sell later along the lines
3. A lifestyle business - a bit like a job - just earn enough to keep you in an accustomed lifestyle.
4. Partnership

Well I'm not ambitious so this is really just a lifestyle business. I want to earn enough money to keep me in a certain lifestyle. I'm not doing it to take over the world or have it printed on every billboard, hoarding or to fly private jets. Just to provide me a decent enough income to meet bills, go on nice holidays and pay the rent.

To be honest I haven't got a clue.

Streaming lining my goals

I just realised I have too many goals that pull me in different directions. They are all conflicting. And call me a lazy ass but I have decided to scrap them.

I read and bought so many self-help books that give me outlines: Personal, Educational, Spiritual, Wealth, Health, Relationships, Career,Work etc. They advised to outline what I want to achieve in each step then break it down.  But today I woke up and decided after a decade and a few years I'm scrapping it. Yes all my goals.


I'm just going to concentrate on one goal. Every time I dip into one of these books the same goals come out but on a deeper level they conflict with each other so I don’t achieved anything because I can’t focus (well that’s what I think). But with just one goal, I maybe and just maybe I can fully commit. I can focus and put all my energy to it without any other conflict or feeling guilty. I can develop that one track mind.

So I've chosen one and that is to start my own business or at least try.   So I'm looking to be a fat, tone-deaf, unpublished business woman rather than a 'goal seeking' unemployed statistic.

As soon as I've attained my goal or something similar I shall move onto the next one. It's going to be one goal at a time.

Monday 14 February 2011

The purpose of prayer and faith

These are just my thoughts when I thought yesterday what role did prayers play. It's a bit of jumble but then it's organic and just my thinking.

But on a deeper level what does my prayers do? What function does my faith serve if I am afraid to do some things and thereby act against my own prayers. Not in a bad way. But I pray for a job and then not do any applications. There is divine intervention only when it is allowed by mortals I think.

What is it that stops me delivering my part of the bargain in prayer? I ask to help lose weight yet I don't have any self-control when scoffing chocolates or scones. I reach avarice and gluttony on a level and I blame whatever is around me.

I say powerful prayers yet I don't act to help manifest them or don't realise when the when the prayers are answered or opportunities arise. It is about having the faith to act regardless. I guess 'Heaven Help those who help themselves'.  It's easy to mutter a few words in prayer however out in the real world everything is forgotten and I sink into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I forget to be mindful and focused. Is that just me? I don't really have an answer; I guess apart from with prayer comes action.

I also think an important thing to remember is that we get what we ask for but not the way we think. It comes but not in the packaging we think it will. I guess it's to be mindful and evaluate things when they come your way because it may just be your prayers have being answered.

Also I'm a firm believer in things happen for the best though sometimes this can every bother me. If I don't get something it may be because it wasn't right for me at that time. I've had real issues with situations at some points in my life but deep down I knew that it wasn't right. Prayer is divine and will only act in your best interest. So with hindsight I see some things that didn't work out was for the best. Sometimes I even knew it sooner but wanted things so bad. But I guess the bottom line is if things don't happen that's just it; they don't happen despite how you paint it up.

These are just my thoughts.

Sunday 13 February 2011

What is my blog about? And a Big up to Maplin,Tottenham Court Road.

Before I digress into moaning and whining, I need to commend the customer service of the sales team at Maplin, Tottenham Court Road. Very knowledgeable crew who have helped me out with a range of electronic queries but the key thing is that they saved me buying the wrong thing and spending lots of money. These guys know their stuff. I could make it simpler and write to their head office but I'm just saying it here. So if you need an electrical store in central London, just pop into them. They are near Goodge Station opposite Marks and Spencer’s.

What is my blog about?

I don't really know. I'm trying to get a theme and look at my hobbies but maybe I'm really just a boring lazy person. I've really being looking at things to write about and you know what I like. Hip hop. I love the politics of hip hop and also the celebrity world so I might write about that. I think it will be as random as usual.

Friday 11 February 2011

Flash Fiction: Glasses

A short short by me.

She couldn't find her glasses and things were so messy. Papers and books scattered over the desk and wires tangled in an unsafe knot around the electric socket. She bit her inner lip and wondered why?  She was always wondering why. She had an event to go to tonight it would be nice.

She lifted the paper from the desk, read a line and put it back down again. The task was daunting. She lifted up another pile of paper searching for her glasses. Finally she lifted up her black handbag and found the glasses' case.

She lifted it up and opened it hoping her glasses were inside. They were. She took them out and they looked rather smutty.  She rubbed the lens on her blouse. They still looked smutty. Then she had a big stretch pushing her arms into the air before putting on the glasses.

She found the mouse in her bag, took it out and attached it to her lap top. Now she had to find the assignment.

She found it  and when she was about to start she saw it was past 2am and  she needed to get a move on.

Thursday 10 February 2011

Feedback from the 'The power of social networking'

The event was interesting and I think the webcast is available What did I get from it? It is about passion and having a good product that people will want. The entrepruenrs were all passionate about what they did. I think that's where the drive comes from. Do I have that drive or passion? Well I'm not sure and I'm working on it. Still it was a great event. For more details check this out  http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/powersoc11.html

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Keep away those stuck in their lives

Sounds a bit hard but if you are struggling to start a new venture or try to move to a new stage in your life and you are not feeling too grounded keep away from people stuck in their situations or doubters.

I'll try to explain.  Now very grounded and motivated people can deal with most things. They are very focused, driven and grounded in what they want to do. They don't allow people to drag them down however for us lesser mortals we need to be careful.

For example I know someone who was feeling a bit down. So I tried my best to try and cheer them up. Motivate them but they refused to see any light or the postive. It was like they actually prefered to stay in that postion.  That's okay because it's their choice however what is unfair is that they take it out on everyone  or just transfer their feelings and emotions to everyone else.  If you want to be miserable guts that's find however don't drag everyone down with you.

So after talking to them they suck all your energy and for no reason you start to feel down and bad. 

Now this sounds selfish, but if you have people like that in your life you and you can’t keep away from them keep the conversation light. Keep it about what's going on in entertainment. Keep it light about gossip, I find celeb gossip is best or what soap opera is going on. Don't talk your business or their business. Nothing heavy in which an opinion counts so no religion, politics or stuff like that. Nothing which you need to think about. Even talking about the weather works. Seriously that way you can't feel bad. Talk about stuff you don't care about until the person is in a different place. If you can avoid them then do.

I know it's a cliche but at certain times of your time when you need to get ahead surround yourself with postive and supportive people. Take a holiday or vacation from the others. You can always reconnect when you are in a better place. But if you can't keep it light. Believe you me I'm trying to follow this.

I need to build a postive attitude.



My attitude sucks. It really does. It's so appalling that I had to pull myself back and decide it was time to be to try and get some sort of motivation. So I'm really trying. I've gone back to saying and writing affirmations in the morning. Whether they work or not itI hope puts me in a better mood in the morning.

I'm doing my best. Sometimes there is nothing really to write about but if I did stop I might not start again.

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Yay!Got the Business cards Today

Well they technically came yesterday but I was out of the house so I had to go the post office this morning to pick them up. They look really good. I designed them myself in photoshop with the help of this video from Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gdz9gVIDc

This works in any version. I'm so excited just to finish my website next.

Soul mate, a suitable mate or plain compatible.

I get confused. Okay I'm single which is why I'm touching on this. I'm listening to Natasha Beddingflied, Soulmate.  I know it's huge business ya'll know there is always a bottom line.  I understand, I don't believe in soul mates anyway but I do believe in having a certain rapport.

You don't just want to lie back and think of England while the man is huffing and puffing. You don't what to feel irritable or irked whenever something is done wrong. You want to enjoy being with them. I thought enjoying each other's company, having a good sexual chemistry and being able to speak to each other without too many boundaries was enough. I thought it was enough. Sometimes I look back at my experiences and think maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to. Maybe it wasn't what I thought it was. Well obviously not because in the end the person decided to marry someone else.

I guess I make decisions based on how I feel. He made a decision based on how and where he was going. He felt the person could contribute more to his glorification and his so called business empire. They could work together, build and take over the world.

As for me. Well it was good chemistry, being about to talk honestly with each other as well as confide (well as much as you could) and some other similar things.  But hey what's that compared to the chance of world domination. After all when you think  (key word is think) you are riding high and achieving all you need to in business and are fairly successful all you need is a chick that makes you feel good. Someone who is sycophantic and tells you what you want to hear. Someone who "knows how to treat a man". Don't even get me started self esteem issues.

I don’t know. Remember it’s just my view and in the end there is a lot more to this than I’m saying. Things were far from perfect (I do breathe a sigh of relief sometimes) and there are always two sides to every story and in the end it didn’t work out because it wasn’t what one party wanted. And it’s the right way to go. People get hurt but it’s better that way I guess. I always think things happen for the best and in the end I guess I'm just sore that he chose someone else. But then that was what he wanted so I have no real comeback. Guess it's rejection. Ouch!

But hey life is good. Still good.

Monday 7 February 2011

Movies on LoveFilm

I only rent and I've done so for over a year. The cinema just seems grossly overpriced and now movies are coming out on DVD quicker so there is no point. I  rarely go to the cimema and I think I went over a year.

LoveFilm is pretty cool and my only quip with then is that they seem to have an going dispute with Uinversal Pictures so you can't borrow their most recent titles, I found that out when I tried to borrow "take him to the Greek", Russell Brand is one of my favourite personalities. I can't really call him an actor or a comedian - he's more personality and a bit of a dandy. I used to listen to him on BBC radio Two and I've watched his stand up. He has a way with words and a different mindset. Saying that at Wembley he did look as if Perry was feeding him one hambuger too many in his last stand-up gig. I wondered how he fitted into those skinny jeans. I think he's lost it now. I saw him on a BBC programme and he looked quite trim.

Any I digress, LoveFilms.com has now bought by Amazon so maybe the Universal Pictures thing  will be resolved and I can watch Take Him to the Greek.

Im still on the bookkeeping goal. Going to do some later.


Where do I start?

I want to write about my experiences in going about setting a business.  I'm excited, scared and on the occasion racked with doubt.  I must confess I'm not really sure what I'm doing or supposed to be doing. I did start off reading a lot of books but found I was getting weighed down by a lot of information.

Contradictions come into play. There is a lot of focus on reading, researching and planning however in reality when I read about real business people they just got an idea and jumped in the deep end. It was as time went on they formalised and rationalised their paths, plans and goals.

However because of how inexpensive information is and 'helping is such HUGE business today there is a focus on getting it right first time. But sometimes I think I need to make my own mistakes and learn my own lessons otherwise I'd be spending valuable time just reading and planning.

Why I am doing this?

I've come to a point in my life where I need to make a decision. I've not worked for a while now and the recession has adversely affected my industry. So why do this you may ask? Doesn’t it defeat the point? Well, yes and no. I can either continue to apply for work or try and start out on my own. It's the same difference and at least I won't feel like a piece of meat that's being graded each time.

I'm also still looking for work as I said before I'm just trying. I will confess I can be a living contradiction but who isn't? But this isn't fiction where everything is neatly packed and has plot line. It's real life.

The Business Plan
Well I was doing one till I discovered I didn’t really have a clue.  I’m a humble office worker. A nine to fiver, what do I know about crummy business plans?   I don’t want to get stuck in the planning stage.

Maybe it’s not for me- who cares that statement never stopped anyone and it’s not going to stop me. What I found with most of the examples I worked with is that most people had already dipped their toes in the pond that is done something similar. No one was really starting from fresh unless they were buying in a business like a shop or pub. I don’t know people. All I really got out of it was marketing. You need to market yourself and then cash flow. So customers and cash flow are epitome of the business world.

Sunday 6 February 2011

The word - determination. then more of the same bad grammer and all

I read a news item  about a woman who had lost a lot of weight however what struck me was when they asked her how and she said "I was determined".  The word determined is quite heavy for me. And it did really did strike home. When was the last time I felt determined about anything? I couldn't remember and I think that's what's lacking in my basic attitude.  I had a bit of drive, some focus but I'm lacking in determination. The may all sound the same but I don't think so. I'm highly motivated as well with a bit of passion. I start off with a bit of fire but I really think I need to get some determination under my wings.

From The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary under meanings seven and eight I found something that fits what I thought it to be.

"Determination: (7)A tendency to move or flow in a fixed direction.(8) Resoluteness, determinedness; fixity of intention."

I need to think about how I'll get some determination. It's sounds silly but it's like getting motivated. What will make me determined, steadfast to achieve a goal.



If you think I'm being silly this blog post says it all.  http://www.paulgraham.com/determination.html


Other stuff

At some point in a previous post I did mention Rescuetime.com well it seems I have been below average for efficiency. So I understand I have a problem with getting distracted. A huge distractions are Skpe, emailing, gossip websites and youtube.


Bookkeeping Goal
I got down to some studying and managed to complete some studying as I intended I would. I basically went through some chapters and did some mind maps. Then I decided to do a mock test which took me a while to complete. I'm going to mark it up tomorrow and identify my week points. Yawn, yawn, yawn.

Friday 4 February 2011

Your dreams, goals; Beware of Doubters, Naysayer and closet haters.

I'm digressing from my goals setting theme to have little chat about doubters, Naysayer and closet haters. Closet haters are those who look as if they are encourging you but are really just negative and you have to watch out for them.

What bought this on?


Well as you know if you read my post on business planning book I'm thinking of going into business. So I rocked up for a workshop by Business Link (highly recommended if you want to start up a business or get advice). I can’t commend it enough. It is such a excellent resource with excellent information guidess.

The facilitator/workshop coordinator told us a bit about themselves. How important they were and named dropped a bit.  Fine. Went through the motions of motivational speak you know ‘your passions, goal setting, dream and know your skills’. Said all the right things and did all the right things. Big problem was the facilitator though was experienced she/he could not inspire nor was flexible enough to change the material to suit the audience.

Said business may not be for you – which is honest and truthful but it was the way it was delivered. It a gloomy way. All this so called positive and motivating speech with a underlying negativity stringing through it. We know there is a recession but it’s not like it’s a massive start-up. Most are akin to petty trading. All I’m saying is that there is a way to deliver things.  Everything was perfect but it's one of those places you need to be there to feel the atmosphere. It's like you give different teachers the same material but they perform differently. 

My take is that you can inspire and motivate people, lift up their spirits and still do it with a dose of reality. Leave people feeling good because at some point on the journey they will find out but at least they will have tried. Even just going home on a high next day they may change their mind.

If you have a dream, don’t let anyone tell you can’t achieve it even before you’re started. This does not mean you have to be unrealistic. The journey is paved with naysayers, doubters and closet haters. Try it, get a pass ‘go’ and see. It may be other things that take over. But don’t allow a talk to rain on your parade.
 
BookKeeping update
So I’m doing the bookkeeping thing. Not my dream but a goal I’m keen on doing. Decisions I’ve taken.
1.    Do a 45 minute study session a day. This could be more or less.
2.    I went through the course syllabus and found out there are six sections so I’m thinking hopefully by next week I’ll have done it all.
3.    I’m going to be using the mind map technique by Tony Buzan.

Thursday 3 February 2011

Starting my goal of bookkeeping.

I finally got out my bookkeeping book. I was about to procastinate but thought 'Ah, can't do that you have committed to achieving it as a goal.' Nothing interesting I just looked at it. It was twenty-five odd chapters. Then I thought maybe I could do two mock exams and then the real one. But then it occured to me wouldn't it make more sense if I got the course outline and syllabuses for these exams. Because after all even though I'm looking at the book it may be too much.



So let's talk goal setting language.
re-focused objective: to pass the Level I The Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping.
Method: Homestudy

Milestones one: Completing topics in the book corresponding to the syllabus the entire book.
Milestone two: To complete a mock exam and see how I do
Milestone three: Complete an online mock exam
Milestone four: Do a quick revision
Milestone five: Do the exams and post my results on my blog.

Limiting factors
Well the saying 'Know thy self' applies. I'm disorganised, I procastinate and I get distracted. On top of all that I never have any time and I'm always tired.

So I think to achieve I need to break down into tasks which I hope I follow. Sorry if I state the obvious but it's my task list.

Tasks for milestone one
  • Print out syllabus.
  • Set up realistic study timetable
  • Start studying
Other stuff.
Well you know I'm blogging my food diary as well. That might be the reason I'm tired. Too fat. It's weighing down my bones and I even take the lift (elevator) instead of walking up the stairs. I'm not on a diet. I've been on too many and I know what works but it's a motivation factor. I thought maybe the food dairy would be a good idea.It's called Snuggie's fooddairy at http://fatlogger.blogspot.com.


Socks
I have a few worn out pairs of socks. What do I do with them? I feel guilty throwing them out. Maybe I should just darn them. How do I do that? The are mostly odd pairs. Does anyone have the problem of always ending up with odd pairs?

Wednesday 2 February 2011

Decided on a goal: Bookkeeping

Okay, to carry on from my rant on goal yesterday  I've decided on a goal I want to achieve. Well really an idea which I have decided I want to be a goal. I’ve being thinking about it for sometime now and haven’t got round to it for various reasons. So I’ve decided to blog it and reveal and therefore commit to doing. It’s my bookkeeping exams. I want to do a first level in bookkeeping within a month. Not the most exciting thing in the world but it’s something.

So I have my goal now; To do a book keeping exam. I guess now I need to SMART it. You know the acronym or mnemonic used. Apparently it’s supposed to help one.

S – Specific: Is this goal specific ?
Well I guess it is. I want to undertake a level one in bookkeeping.
 
M – Measurableis it measureable? I don’t really know but I guess since I need to take an exam, it must be in a way.
 
A – Attainable – is it attainable?
Well, factor in procrastination and getting distracted, I’m not really sure but I can only try. However am I capable? Yes, I am. Well I hope I am.

R- Realistic – Is it a realistic goal for me? I think it is – I can only try.

T – timely – or timescales. What is my timescale? Well I’ll be ambitious and commit to a month.

So now I’ve SMARTed my goal of bookkeeping what do I do next? I guess it’s about breaking down the goal into tasks. Not sure what but I guess studying will be a great start.

What’s missing?
Well motivation but I guess blogging about it will help push me forward. What else do I need? The three Ps  persistence, perseverance and patience. Most of all to have fun. Well as much fun as there is in studying for a book keeping exam.

How will you know I’ve done it?
well you don't. Okay, I’ll be blogging about my progress and you can see how I’m doing.And at the end of it I'll scan in a result sheet with my personal info blotted out. How does that sound?

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Goal setting and a sense of purpose

It's blog time. As you can tell with all the typos, bad spellings and grammar this is organic. I don't really have anything to write about even my life is quiet.

Anyway I was thinking of goals and a sense of purpose. We are all told we have a purpose and that confuses lesser mortals like myself. What is my purpose? I haven't a clue. Most who tout this concept tend to be in the media, motivational speakers or even religious leaders. Ah I forget politicians. We all like to think we are meant for a higher purpose. Some divine purpose which will reward us with riches beyond our dreams.

This need makes us vulnerable to religion as well. I need a reason for being rather than just being. I don't know what the answer is. Anyway about my goals. I have a few. Very, very common ones which are still eluding me. Yes the usually stuff with relationships, career, personal growth, self-expression, money, lifestyle, worldly possessions and education.

I am told I be anything I want to be which strictly isn’t true. Even if it is true there is a balancing act and a factor of time. But I guess all media, motivational speakers or even religious leaders who tell us to have a “sense of purpose” have things to gain. This maybe money indirectly through books sales, ratings on TV (translates to advertising), seminars, full churches (larger congregation) or maybe just sense of power.

Then there is the question what do I want. What do I really really want? It’s a question I ask myself but have come to the conclusion I don’t really know. Then I feel bad and guilty that I don’t know what I want and I am just happy to drift along because apparently it’s not good enough.

But then I thought maybe I have to get all the society goals which are to do with relationships, career, personal growth, self-expression, money, lifestyle, worldly possessions and education. Get them out of the way then I’ll find out. Or maybe I’m already content and happy in my world.

Okay there is one thing I’d really like.  It does have to do with the list. Can’t share but I’d really love for it to happen.

I don’t really know what I’m saying but maybe things will clear up a little better.

Okay, I’m blogging out now.

The case of $95 million, Mel Tucker, Willy Bo-bo and inappropriate sexual conducts on the telephone.

Mel, Mel, Mel. It's tough. Mr Tucker. I discussed this case with someone and it's shame. It's a shame that it came to that. List...