Monthly Archives: January 2009

Weaknesses

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It has been a while since I posted something of a self-retrospection. This blog is titled April Journeys and I believe that whilst I’ve done enough in blogging about my journeys, i.e. travels, what has gone amiss are posts about the ‘journeys’ I go through in my heart and head. To be perfectly honest, it is really not my intention to bare the real me with this blog. However, most (if not all) of the challenges in life are addressed quicker and probably better if it is shared in order to find a solution. As they say, “two heads are better than one.” And in the world of blogging I have found that people genuinely want to help out. This is characterised by the comments, most likely from someone you haven’t met before, that they leave with your post. Thus, I reach out to you (i.e. the 2 people who read my blog *wink*) for your thoughts on what is currently milling in my head.

Today, a work colleague asked me, “WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?”

I didn’t have an answer straight away.

Since I didn’t have an immediate response, I know I haven’t explored myself well enough or have been truly honest with myself. Replying, “I have none,” is incorrect because everyone has weaknesses.

Thing is, how do you figure these out? I sincerely don’t have a clue of where to begin. How do you put yourself in that frame of mind to really and truly assess your weaknesses? Even when I begin my self-retrospection, I also ask who decides whether it (whatever it is) is a weakness or not?

Why am I putting myself through this? Simple. Because now, more than ever, I really, really want to better myself – both in personal and professional aspects. I know that is so cliché but by knowing and having an answer to THE question not only will I have an honest view of myself but also will give me the opportunity to appreciate more the people around me so the relationship (personal or work) grows better. I know at times, I take that for granted.

So, why am I posting this? Again, simple. I’ve mentioned in the beginning of this post that I believe that there are people out there who are willing to help. And since I honestly do not know where to start in discovering my weaknesses and more importantly, admitting them, I am therefore hoping that there will be kind souls out there who can spare a thought or two.

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Making the Little Chef BIG

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Heston Blumenthal used under CC from Flickr user qwertyuiopSince Monday (19 Jan 2009), Channel 4 has been showing Big Chef takes on the Little Chef as part of the Great British Food Fight series. It is about Heston Blumenthal (pictured) — a triple Michelin star chef and owner of the renowned restaurant The Fat Duck — taking on the challenge to change the image of a legendary roadside food chain in Britain that is Little Chef. It was a 3-part program and the final one just aired a couple of hours ago.

In the first episode, I can’t help feeling sorry for Heston as he has put his reputation on the line for undertaking such a project. Little Chef CEO, Ian Pegler, wanted radical changes with “blue-sky thinking” for the menu but the loyal customers simply wanted the food to remain the same. Talk about knowing what your customer wants! By the way, a Little Chef management/executive meeting seems like an ideal place to play B*llsh*t Bingo.

Continue reading →

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Northumbria beckons

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I’ve been living in the UK now for 8 years and I’ve hardly seen the country. I’ve been to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Belfast and Ludlow but I know that there is more to see in these great British isles. Northumbria, for example, remains unexplored for yours truly. Now, I have been to Newcastle in the past but it was for work and I didn’t even get to see the city centre much less the surrounding areas so I hardly know what can you do and see there.

Angel of the North by Flickr user FrenkiebThe more popular and known attractions are the Angel of the North (see image on right) and the Newcastle United Stadium. Now before the Geordies start leaving nasty comments on this post, let me clarify that these attractions are the ones that I, myself alone, know of that region. There are — and I mean, there ARE — much more to see and do in Northumbria. There is Hadrian’s Wall, which was built to keep Roman England from raids from the ancient inhabitants of Scotland. Then there is the Northumberland National Park where one could find the Europe’s largest man-made lake. There are much to with the arts like the Hatton Gallery and Fifiefofum. There is no doubt that Northumbria has a lot to offer the visitor and the traveler.

For accommodations, why not hire a cottage? Not only will it give you great savings but also the chance for that homely feel of the countryside. Look for that perfect Scottish borders cottages by choosing the area where you want to stay. Northumbrian Cottages certainly has plenty to select from with reasonable prices for stays of a minimum of 7 days. Also, if you have a place that you wish to let, they can also help and act as your agent.

This is a sponsored post.

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ESTA aqui (it’s here!)

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From 12 January 2009, all travellers to USA under the Visa Waiver Programme will need to register under the Electronic System for Travel Authority or ESTA. This replaces the I-94 system where the green form (I-94W) is filled out on the plane. This change, however, is being phased out as the ESTA is subject to the airlines’ capability to process the application. The I-94W form will still be in use for those who are not yet able to receive and validate the ESTA.

The aim is to automate the process and perhaps do away with the paper trail, which would make ‘green’ advocates happy. But with the increasing cyber crime, this might give the no-gooders a chance to make an attack. Just hope that the system is fool-proof.

For more information on the ESTA, check out Visit USA. To submit an application, click here.

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Real feel good song

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We all know that 2009 is going to be a tough year for all, financially speaking. This famous song, therefore, from Life of Brian — a Monty Python classic — should be everyone’s theme for this new year. When you hear it, you can’t help but smile.

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE
Words and music by Eric Idle

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best…

And…always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the light side of life…

If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing

And…always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the light side of life…

For life is quite absurd
And death’s the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin – give the audience a grin
Enjoy it – it’s your last chance anyhow

So always look on the bright side of death
Just before you draw your terminal breath

Life’s a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true
You’ll see it’s all a show
Keep ‘em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you

And always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the right side of life…
(Come on guys, cheer up!)
Always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the bright side of life…
(Worse things happen at sea, you know.)
Always look on the bright side of life…
(I mean – what have you got to lose?)
(You know, you come from nothing – you’re going back to nothing.
What have you lost? Nothing!)
Always look on the right side of life…

You smiling yet? :wink:

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