Week 9 - Minimize Mental Mistakes

This is the first week with an objective related to my favourite sport - ultimate frisbee. Reality is that over the last three years, I've actually played less and less ultimate, but it's still a passion of mine. More important to this post, I'm still looking to improve at frisbee, since I'm considering trying out for the open program this summer.

This week's goal is relatively straightforward - 5 or fewer throw-aways. As things stand right now, I'm likely playing 3 games this week. If I could choose the distribution of throw-aways (which of course I can't), it'd be 2 (max) during each Thursday game, and 1 (max) on Friday. Statistically, I'm much more likely to throw-away more passes on Thursdays, as I'm more aggressive with my throws on those nights.

My self-imposed definition of a throw-away is putting a disc out of reach of a given receiver, not giving them a chance to catch it. If a cutter drops a disc, it's not my fault. If a cutter who I suspect will lay out for a disc, doesn't lay out, not my fault. However, if I the disc it in a tough spot, that requires an extraordinary effort, and the disc is missed or bobbled...my fault.

My only disclaimer with this week's goal is if I end up picking up in Sudbury this weekend...the goal goes down to 4 throw-aways on Thursday, and as many as my little heart desires in the Sudbury snow :P

Week 8 - Remounted ;-)

Get your mind out of the gutter people! :P So, yes, drinks went well, it was easier than I thought, and if nothing else...I found a bar in Ottawa (Pub Italia) that carries 200 beers, including some of my favorites from Belgium.

My one big lesson learned this week was to stop fearing the unknown. It's not that scary, and things generally go better than I expect.

Not sure what this week's challenge will be...as I'm pretty down about catching yet another throat infection. I'll keep you posted.

Week 7 - Getting Back on the Horse

"Comes a time when you get turned around, and
Life itself just wears you out, but
You keep getting ready for the big parade
Ah you shine your shoes and you fake a smile
Salute the players with that famous style, cause
Keepin up has kept you in chains"
OLP - Paper Moon


We've all been down, faked a smile, and went on with life. The difficult part of being down is finding a way back up. In my experience, small, manageable steps work best. That's why tonight, I'm taking one of those steps...and meeting someone for a drink.

No expectations, no plans, no pre-conceptions. Just taking a step back onto the horse.

Week 6 -- 2nd Day From Home

For those of you who noticed I slacked off this past week, and forgot to post my plan for the week...kudos! Although this is supposed to be a slow time of year at work, that hasn't panned out. On the bright side, I did accomplish my goal for the week, have a discussion with my Manager about working a second day from home each week.

I've noticed how much more productive I've been working from home the past 4 weeks. There are so few distractions, and I tend to plan my work better the day before. Both of these factors have contributed to me being extremely efficient while working at home.

Since it's part of my company's plan to have more people working remotely, more frequently, I talked about the idea of trying a second day at home each week with my Manager. He was very open to trying it, and all I have to do is complete a few forms, and seek a few approvals this coming week. I might be able to start as soon as Thursday...or possibly Friday (I think it'll work better doing Wednesdays and Fridays, as opposed to two days back-to-back).

Anyway, I'll try to post my goal for this week by Monday night.

Week 5 Recap - Uncomfortable Situation Not So Bad

One of the most relaxing things for me is watching a movie. Due to...unfortunate recent events...I find myself with one less person to go to movies with in the theater. This posed a problem given I REALLY wanted to see Avatar, after hearing many positive reviews. Then there was the fact that I've never went to the theater alone.

Last Wednesday, I swallowed my pride, headed out to South Keys, and watched Avatar alone!

Lessons Learned:

- Avatar was worth putting myself in an uncomfortable situation. It was a fantastic movie, and one that I'm glad I saw in the theater.
- I counted at least six other people who were alone in the theatre. This fact made me slightly more comfortable.

I'm no longer afraid to go to movies alone. Putting myself in an uncomfortable situations was very much worthwhile.

Week 5 - Uncomfortable Situtations

Objective:

Put myself in one or more uncomfortable situations.

Reasoning:

About 5 years ago, after I attended a friend's wedding, I made myself a promise that I wouldn't knowingly enter any uncomfortable situations that could be easily avoided. However, I've noticed my life has become a little too "routine" lately. Therefore, I want to spice it up a bit this week. One can't argue with the greatest mind of the 20th century, Albert Einstein, who said "A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.”

Special Considerations:

I'll keep my plans quiet of how I'll put myself in an uncomfortable situation, in order to create suspense for my weekly recap ;-) Having said that, there's already an iron the fire that will lead to a least one uncomfortable situation in the next couple of days.