I have really appreciated and enjoyed having these small projects to focus on during the last week.  Although I try to make the best of, contribute towards, and enjoy the paid work I have, I do not find that it inspires or challenges me.  This has been frustrating.  Having these projects to work on has lifted my spirits and made life more interesting again.

My week is up, and as you can see from my previous posts I did not manage to achieve everything I’d wanted to do.  Sure I enjoyed it, but my purpose is to cultivate an ability to focus and work hard on tasks, to not be lazy, and be able to see things through to completion based entirely on my own determination and will power.

The goals I set myself where not unreasonable, however, I found myself wanting to do other things.  Heavy Rain came out on Tuesday, a games development I’ve been keeping an eye for a couple of years now.  I also started watching Prince of Tennis, an anime I can’t quite believe is good.  I also wanted to socialize, and not having my own space to work in also proved to be a challenge.

When someone asks me to do a job, I usually get it done.  When I ask myself to do a job, its a thousand times harder.  I enjoy playing computer games and watching anime/movies etc.  These are a great way to wind down and peace out, and can be extremely inspirational too.  During the next week I’m going to pay close attention my self discipline, and stop myself staying up all night when I have tasks to complete the next day.  I enjoy staying up all night, and I enjoy the following day too, provided I can just relax and moosh around for the 12 hours that follow after.  So I’ll get my tasks done earlier in the week, and save the late night gaming sessions for after projects are complete.

So what’s the plan for the next week?

1) Produce a Zbrush sculpt of last weeks cheshire cat
2) I still want to read and summarize that essay
3) another 4 chineseclass lessons
4) study another go lecture and apply what I learn in games throughout the week.
5) finish ripping all of Eva’s cd’s

Go! Go! Go!

Filed under: freelance thinking, life musings, personal review by kiamo
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There’s a great many things I want to do in life, always has been, always probably will be. I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky, I have loving family, find amazing friends wherever I go, have plenty of opportunity, I’m healthy, and I never had to do any/much work in school to achieve average plus grades. However, I don’t feel I’ve really excelled at, well, anything.

I don’t tend to talk about myself on my blog because I feel there’s much more interesting things available to discuss, and starting a discussion where the initiator is the subject material seems a bit conceited. But this isn’t a discussion. It’s a reflection, and hopefully the beginning of an important change in my life.

There’s been many people I’ve met in various places that I’ll never forget for many reasons but one in particular; their incredible ability to work hard.

Somehow I’ve managed to make it through life thus far without really putting in much effort at all. I’d like to develop the skills these aforementioned friends have, and enable myself to excel at whatever I choose to apply myself too.
This probably seems pretty pathetic, as most anyone coming across this and bothering to read it will likely possess more ability than I to focus on tasks and see them through to their completion. However for all my faults there’s at least one quality that I can be proud of, and that’s my desire to weed out and improve on my weaker areas, of which, this is perhaps the biggest.

What I intend to do, is set some goals for myself to achieve this week outside of work and social activities. This I will do publicly in this post, so they are out, rather than inside my head where I can push them to the back of my mind. Throughout the week I will set aside time to get them done. I may or may not do this again next Sunday but right now, I’m just going to focus on the coming week.

1) I will study a minimum of 4 Chinese classes from chineseclass101.com

2) I will produce concept sketches and final textured 3d model of a small character or object.

3) I will read and summarise one of the essays in Emergence, Dimensions of a New World Order

4) Study a Go lecture on KGS

I will post my progress on what I achieve as I go. For now however, its 1.20am, so I’m going to chill out, watch a film, sleep, and starting tomorrow, I will become more focused and productive.

Filed under: freelance thinking, life musings by kiamo
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Over on Bahaiperspectives.com, something interesting was posted on the topic of constructive criticism.  The author challenges the idea that constructive criticism is any better than regular criticism.

Having recently graduated from an Art/Design course which encouraged a culture of constructive criticism and witnessing its success, my initial response was that, if people have bad experiences with constructive criticism, then either its not being delivered well, or not being received well.  Both of which are skills anyone can learn.

Certain things I feel are important to keep in mind when critiquing are to make sure that the person you’re offering it too is prepared to receive it, and to offer lots of praise.  To take an honest look at the persons work or character, and focus on how they or their work can become even greater.

As for the receiver, the main thing is to not take offence unnecessarily, and to remain detached.

As I read through the article, the author then mentioned a friend who, rather than picking up on all the faults of her children, reviews where they are, and then tells them where they can go.  This model is very similar to the model of “praise-review-visualize” which is the form of criticism that many of us started to employ on our Art/Design course.  A model which worked quite successfully.

However, upon reflection, while this model has proven constructive, is it really criticism?  Would it not be more accurate to call it encouragement?  Its just more useful encouragement than the shallower “go on, you can do it!”

The more I think about it, the better the form of criticism I can think of, the more it seems to look like encouragement.

Reading through the various definitions of criticism reveal an orientation around fault finding.  Picking out the faults of others doesn’t seem like a healthy way to live my life, and “constructive” criticism just seems like putting nice icing on a bad cake.

Definitions of encourage on the Web:

• promote: contribute to the progress or growth of
• inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to

These definitions of encourage seem to be what I would intend constructive criticism to be.  So if this is encouragement, what’s constructive criticism, and why do we need it?

What are your views on criticism and encouragement?  Leave your comments below, or for any readers via facebook, head over to Coffee Stains and Ink Spills and comment there.

Filed under: Baha'i, freelance thinking, life musings by kiamo
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I’ve most definitely been having a really good time here in BC since I arrived.  I’ve been climbing, taken up sky diving, made good friends, hiked around and explored the local area, I like my jobs – although I wish they where more challenging- and there’s a wonderful Baha’i community here that I can take part in.

Since my last post I started working at London Drugs, in the computer department.  My name badge says “Computer Specialist” which basically means I sell computers.  Getting this job has changed my plans somewhat, as I agreed to stick around until early summer.  So it looks like I’m going to be in town for the next two seasons.

Thanksgiving doesn’t exist in the UK, but over here its time for families to get together and eat a turkey.  I spent the weekend with my friend Jayce on Victoria Island, and meeting up with some old old friends I haven’t seen since I was about 12 years old.

Shortly after I went to visit a friend in a small town further into the mountains called Revelstoke.  The town sits in the clouds, coupled with the Halloween theme that was going down and the general grid structure to most towns around here gave me a rather eerie feeling of silent hill.  (note for none gamers:  silent hill is a famous horror computer game)   OH!  I learnt to solve rubiks cubes on that trip!  w00t!

Skydiving season has ended, so I’ll have to wait till spring before I can do any more, but the snows coming, and that means skiing and snowboarding time!  I just have to make sure I do actually save up some money too.  After all, I have to get my tickets for around Asia, among other things.

This month I’ve been listening to a lot more music than I normally do.  I have a tendency to forget about music… which is rather weird, as it totally brings me up.  Until about a week or so ago, I had been in a really good habit for keeping music on to inspire and thrill me.  However I’ve noticed a big slump in my normally cheery mood and decided to attribute that to the lack of music I’ve recently listened to, rather than the ongoing severe lack of sleep.

Filed under: life musings by kiamo
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I’ve always enjoyed coffee, although I haven’t consistently drunk it over the years. I used to drink masses of coffee between the age of 13 and 15, but then I switched over to tea, and I tended to only go through fairly short coffee phases.

Coffee in the UK has a big competitor; Tea. When King Charles II married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza in the 1660’s, the princess brought the habit of drinking tea to the court, who would have imagined that it would become so strongly adopted by the British culture.

Tea in Canada is not nearly so popular and instead there is a strong appreciation for coffee.  French and British expeditions began exploring North America in the late 15th century, so maybe they simply missed out on the tea drinking fad, or perhaps they refused to adopt it as a sort of protest to their British ancestry.  Either way, the support for coffee over tea has resulted in a much richer diversity of quality coffee drinks than I ever experienced back in the UK.

I have noticed a few Starbucks in the UK have started offering coffee’s with various syrups and flavours added in, but over all most places just offer either instant junk, an americano, a latte, or a cappuccino. Here however there is a huge range of either hot or iced cappuccinos, latte’s, mocha’s with berries, cream, syrups, nuts, and all sorts of flavours.

For the next six months I’m going to really enjoy drinking all these different coffee drinks, and I’m really gonna miss them when I get to China, which is another tea drinking country.

The photo below is of a caramel almond latte that I am drinking while writing this.  One of the most delicious coffee’s I’ve had so far.

Filed under: life musings by kiamo
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I’ve been living in Leicester for almost 3 years now. It’s been great! People I’ve met, friendships fostered, course complete, exploring the arts and discovering more of the wonders in life, have contributed to a great chapter in my life, certainly a time to look back on and smile.

I’ve been making a point of savouring every moment with my friends here before I leave for Canada and then, indefinitely China. Baha’u’llah said:

“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. ”
(Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u'llah, p. 260)

Everyone has their own treasures, their own gems which I’m going to miss, but life goes on and it gladdens me to see everyone moving forward in life.

Some are working, some are moving, some are staying put, committed to nurturing the local community, some are continuing to hone their skills, and some are searching for their path to tread.

I’ve always wanted to travel, travel far that is. I’ve seen a fair bit of Europe (although there is still plenty left to explore) but I’ve been yearning for a long time to see more of the world. To explore new countries, climb new summits, meet new people and become acquainted with their cultures and be of service in their Baha’i communities. It’s time to chase my dreams.

“I live my life a quarter mile at a time. ”
(Vin Diesel – The Fast and the Furious)

I couldn’t resist quoting Mr Diesel, I feel much the same, never really knowing what’s going to happen next. I just try to make the best of it and live one step at a time, trusting in Baha’u’llah (but tying my camel albeit somewhat loosely), and seizing what opportunities I want that come my way.  I like it this way, it’s unpredictable and exciting.

At the moment I’ve been asked to house sit for a lovely sounding lady, and she as a cat! I really miss having a cat, I can’t wait!  I’ve also been presented with the chance of a job at Starbucks in Vernon, the city in Canada I’m going to move to.  I really like the idea of working in a cafe, and Starbucks is awesome.  I wouldn’t say its a life job, but it would certainly be a fun way to keep me alive, go on small trips and save up funds for further adventures in China.  I feel so blessed.  I’ll need to say lots of prayers for thanks.

There’s been so much running through my head to blog about but its 4 am and time to wrap this up.  I went hiking and camping in the Lake District with Paul last week, which is where I am in the picture up top.  More photo’s will be viewable in my photo’s page very shortly.

Time for some rest methinks.

Filed under: Baha'i, life musings by kiamo
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So there I was, sitting on my sofa, surfing the internet, thinking about my life, and what to do with it, thinking about what to pursue and what to strive for excellence in, when I discovered the Ethical Hacker Network.  And more importantly, I discovered some top notch career advice from Don himself, the founder of the Ethical Hacker Network.

He delivered this presentation at a conference in Chicago, and although it’s really career advice for people who are thinking about a career in ethical hacking, there’s an awful lot in there which struck me as good advice for anyone about to embark on a career or who wants to recreate their career.

I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about these things in the slightest.  So less talk from me, go check it out!

Filed under: life musings by kiamo
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Recently an article appeared on lifehack titled “how to be impossible to turn down” which offers some valuable tips on getting somewhere in whatever your field is.

Learning how to ask well, how to apply well, and how to persuade someone to give you a chance is a critical feature of being successful in any field.

As a final year student in university, with the current state of the world and with fast increasing unemployment.  It seemed an invaluable article to read and share with you all.

In it it talks about being aware of what is unique about yourself, what is of value that you have to offer a prospective employer, and the importance of having confidence in yourself.

Filed under: life musings by kiamo
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There’s been an interesting chain note thing spreading through facebook, where you write 25 random things about yourself and tag 25 people. If you get tagged your supposed to write one too. Usually I hate chain stuff, but this one seemed quite positive so after being tagged a bunch of times I gave in.

The following is mine:

Ok, fine! I succumb! I’ve read too many “25 random things about me” notes from people that bring me much happiness in my life. The collective effort behind this strangely positive chain mail thing has finally inspired me to sit down and think about writing my own, despite my rebelious feelings towards chainmail type things.

Here goes…

1) The collapse of the world is something that greatly excites me. It’s the only way we are going to get closer to a truly united world. It’s also completely inevitable so I say bring it on and get it over with.

2) I love dancing freely to awesome music, but am really sick of the whole “clubbing scene”. It’s vile, revolting, debasing, and sickening. sometimes I feel old and sad, but really I just want to enjoy myself in happier environments.

3) I profoundly embrace the Baha’i concept of life after death, and can whole heartedly and honestly say that death is a messenger of joy, and I eagerly await my turn. Although until that day, I intend on living life to the fullest.

4) I cannot tolerate injustice. I will not stand for it.

5) No matter who it is, or how long its been, when I see people again, I always feel just as comfortable and close as I did when we last parted. As a result, I’m terrible at staying in contact with… well.. everyone! I don’t feel I need to… and goodbyes aren’t a big deal, or a deal at all.

6) My only fear is myself, and what I’m capable of when faced directly with unjust and inhumane treatment from one human to another.

7) I love this quotation and it resonates deeply within me: “Know thou that the Kingdom is the real world, and this nether place is only its shadow stretching out. A shadow hath no life of its own; its existence is only a fantasy and nothing more; it is but images reflected in water, and seeming as pictures to the eye. ” – Abdu’l-Baha

8 ) I struggle to remain emotionally engaged in the world. This means I can easily get distracted with things and forget about whats really important to me.

9) Music is something that helps me get through life, yet, somehow, I can forget this, and neglect to put some on. Actually, Like right now…

10) I appreciate technology and it can excite me, but it holds no real value to me. The things that are most important to me cant be taken away.

11) I have many dreams in life, among which is to say prayers on the south pole. A dream I accept will most likely never be realized in this material realm. (aside for getting there and hiking deep into Antarctica, the worlds poles fluctuate on a radius of a few hundred miles, so once getting into the vicinity, I would have to wonder around looking for it)

12) Monkeys are really really cool. I would love to befriend one.

13) I have a great interest in most things, however lack the discipline to pursue a deeper understanding/greater skill in them.

14) Interaction with people is key to my happiness.

15) Honesty is massively important to me. “Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues” – Abdu’l-Baha

16) I love climbing high, and being at the mercy of the elements. It’s a tremendous release.

17) My heart is warmed by the awesomeness of all my friends

18) My heart is warmed by the awesomeness of all my friends (repeated intentionally!)

19) I see heroes in everyone.

20) I will accept truth whether I like that truth or not. Ignorance is NOT bliss!

21) I don’t look after myself very well. Thanks to everyone who has cared for me throughout my life. There are many of you! You are all my hero’s!

22) “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value…” – Baha’u'llah. Isn’t that really exciting?!!!

23) I go blank sometimes… like now.

24) I’m not afraid of danger. Infact I love it! It reminds me I’m alive.

25) I have faith in the goodness of people.

Filed under: life musings by kiamo
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Enjoying the company of old friends you haven’t seen in years is something I’d imagine brings everyone happyness, even if they arrive at a slightly inconvenient time.  I read an article about our train of thought the other day and some articles linked from it.  It got me thinking about how I can spend time with my friends at the same time as maintaining my train of thought, focus, motivation and inspiration.

First of, I’m working on an architectural piece of art.  So naturally I can draw inspiration and insight from other awesome architectural pieces of art.  Today we explored some of the more interesting parts of Leicester and I took lots of photos.  Tomorrow we are going to explore Nottingham castle.  Train of thought… check!

Music is something I listen to nearly all of the time, the last few days I’ve only been listening to the Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings soundtracks.  I’m going for a really epic feel to my environment, epic music really helps me stay focused.  check!

Time’s a precious commodity I cant afford to waste.  Between putting in as much work as possible into my FMP, working at gokidsgo for money, taking part in various Baha’i activities and spending time with Dima and other friends, when I do take some time out to play a game or watch a film, its only time well spent if its something that inspires and motivates me.  Tonight I watched Speed Racer again, easily the best film I’ve seen in a long time.  Actually I’d like to write a review of that at some point.  Motivation, check! Inspiration, check!

Having blocked out the basic siluet of my environment, I now need to think about the details.  I dont feel that I’ve worked nearly as hard today as I did yesterday, but looking and photographing old buildings has kept me thinking and planning in my head which is valuable in itself.

Shown above is a painting I did today.  Apart from the technical observations I also learnt that theres something of a balance to be found between listening to ones gut desires, and forcing oneself to keep working something that your not feeling.  I really should’ve just stick to 3d today as my brain wasn’t working in 2d very well.  The whole time I was working on it I just wanted to be working in 3d and painting texture pages.  I’m a bit afraid of getting distracted and going completely of task, but I suppose sometimes its ok to just role with my feelings, so long as they are somehow focused on the project.

Filed under: Art, life musings by kiamo
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