I love you; I really do November 26, 2010

I’ve noticed one vast difference between Mac and PC users.

 

And this could simply be a loose generalization that I’m making so don’t quote me on this.

 

But I can’t help but notice the amount of love that is expressed for their Mac’s and/or general Apple products.

 

I guess I can understand why:

 

I mean they’re an investment (my nice way of saying they can break the bank) and they are pretty (they have lots of pretty programs and abilities, and some would even argue; superpowers) and there’s a certain culture and rank that is associated to owning an Apple product.

 

But what about us PC users?

 

Good ol’ Microsoft Windows.

 

Us PC users aren’t very expressive with our feelings of satisfaction and contentness towards our windows-run computers; are we?

 

If often reminds me of the U.S. Vs Canada feud.  Americans seem to be much more patriotic, or at least a lot more vocal about their love for their country than Canadians are.

 

So today, I would like to say:

 

I love you Toshiba laptop.  You are pretty with your gold strips and black background.

 

Your keys inspire me to type.

 

Your handy music touch controller thingy is quite conveniant.

 

And your persistance and hardwork is appreciated.

 

I LOVE you windows 7 Toshiba laptop; I really do.

Looking In November 18, 2010

The past few days (bordering on week) have proven themselves to be…interesting (to say the least) for me.

Projects that I had my heart set on completing threw obstacles in my face that I wasn’t prepared to handle.

Confrontation presented itself at the worse time

and overall stupidness temporarily took over.

 

But through all of the madness, I had the opportunity to review myself, to see if I’ve changed from my lethal tempered days, if I truly handle situations with humility rather than pride and ego, and if I was able to actually *learn* something from everything.

 

The results?

 

Well, let’s just say: I’m not perfect.

 

Although I did get angry, and if I wasn’t so angry I would have probably been able to handle the situation with a lot more humility; I did learn.

I did learn that I don’t anger the same way as I use to (which was surprising to me)

I learned that I’m not willing to compromise my standards even if that means a delay

I learned I apologize too much (there is such a thing)

 

And I learned that I have changed.  Maybe not completely in the way that I wanted to or that I thought I would’ve; nonetheless, I have changed, and I believe for the better.

 

I also realized that I don’t resist the challenging moments anymore, rather, I welcome them because I know that there is more to learn in hardship than there is when everything goes to plan.  I think I actually  appreciate the hardships (come to think of it); I consider them to be tiny bombs, but when they explode, always reveals an invaluable lesson.

 

So my point?

 

You’ll never know if you’ve grown or even how you’ve grown if you run away from anything unfamiliar or that you feel may bring some sort of conflict.  You are also depriving yourself from lessons that cannot be taught to you any better than the one’s life throws at you.

 

Welcome anything that comes at you with open arms because even if it seems are though you’re holding onto a grenade; chances are, it’ll blow over into something utterly amazing.

TEDxYorkU November 7, 2010

CTRL + ALT + DELETE was the theme that brought the dynamic speakers and attendees to TEDxYorkU at the absolutely gorgeous Glendon campus together on Saturday, November 6, 2010.

 

These speakers, time and time again expressed the idea of rebooting and starting fresh on an aspect of life which was in dire need of a makeover.

 

The audience was taken on a journey which traveled into several different worlds from Google to Augmented Reality to Homelessness to Blindness to Trends to 3D (you get the point) and the message was always clear:

 

Reboot to something that brings you joy, that nurtures a sense of wonderment, and that keeps you thirsty.

 

As a student and recent graduate of York University, I have never been so proud to call YorkU my educational institution home and I’m quite certain that this sentiment was shared among most if not all students and recent graduates who were present.  It was not only an inspirational and motivating day, but it was also an opportunity for individuals of all levels found within any respective post-secondary institution together in one room, all on the same level; with the same purpose: To be inspired; and we certainly were not short-changed.

 

What also made this event as dynamic and awesome as it was; was the quality of attendees who were present.  The riveting conversation did not stop at the presenters or the panel discussions, they continued at the lunch table with the fellow attendees.

 

Each and every person came in with an open mind, ready to take in the awesomeness that was TED and left with the priceless, precious, and simply incredible moments that TEDxYorkU brought to us on that day.

 

So if I may leave you with any quote; it will be from Daniel Schnee who expressed to us the following:

 

“Why can’t I think outside of a cheeseburger; why does it have to be a box?.”

 

When rebooting your life, be sure to look even further beyond the constraints of a box; look to be inspired by something or someone who may seem out-of-bounds for everyone else, but makes perfect sense to you.  Trust yourself and that little voice that wants you to go against the grain.

 

Congrats to the organizing committee–you all did an exceptional job and I look forward to next year.

On its way… November 4, 2010

TEDxYorkU will fall upon us on Saturday, November 6, 2010.

 

We will be graced by the presence of dynamic speakers and will even be privy to performances by Daniel Schnee and Leah State.

 

This is quite an exciting time for York University and its community.

 

TED talks are known for the inspirational, motivational, and unbelievable atmosphere that its speakers bring to the table.  After hearing one talk; any given audience member will feel the need to change the world and that is no understatement.

 

If you are unable to attend the actual event, Keele campus will be hosting a live stream of the event.  Click here for more info.

 

If you can’t make that, I will be tweeting live from the event as well as doing a post-event wrap-up blog!

 

For more information on TEDxYorkU; check out the site!