Strategy has been a rocky ride so far. As one group member left, we are now fewer people to complete the task. Tomorrow morning's meeting is crucial, but I have great faith that we will rise to the challenge. Pressure can actually get the best out of people - and that is what we have to prove now!
But first; sleep.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Simple Plan - What if...
Read slides from the eLP
Noticed that his group could be on its way of achieving something
Thursday 11 December 2008
Saturday 6 December 2008
Two Weeks
That is all that is left before I am going home. I have never really thought much about the fact that I am from Lapland, until I came to the UK. Lapland and Christmas is apparently a combo to die for.
I will most likely (unless Anton completely disagrees) get the opportunity to attend Korskyrkan in Stockholm the Sunday before Christmas. I went there quite regularly during my second year (out of three) in Stockholm. I really enjoyed Andrew Thompson's teaching and I look forward to listening to him again.
Today was also my penultimate Saturday working at GAME in Eldon Square, it has been a truly enjoyable experience.
My Swedish friend Anton will touch down in Edinburgh a couple of days before we leave for Sweden. I look forward to that, and I hope he will get the most out of his stay at Tyneside.
And then it is only three weeks until 2009. I wonder in what direction my values will go that year?
Listened to some awesome covers
Read not much
Noticed that he is disgusted by the THINK advert promoting the use of seat-belt.
Saturday 15 November 2008
Avundsjuk pa sig sjalv [Awundshook paw sey shelve]
I am actually quite envious of myself (is that proper English?). Not in a unhealthy way though. However that might change on the day the dissertation proposal is due. It might well change on Wednesday. I really look forward to Windsor. Nicola - thank you for all your kind and encouraging words.
Today Simon has:
Listened to The Sounds and Katy Perry on Myspace
Read not much but written loads
Noticed that GAME reminds him of that working is the best thing in the world
Today Simon has:
Listened to The Sounds and Katy Perry on Myspace
Read not much but written loads
Noticed that GAME reminds him of that working is the best thing in the world
Sunday 2 November 2008
How to Keep Girls
This has to be one of the funniest ads that has been made. Ever. I feel a bit sorry for the girl though...
Today Simon has:
Listened to Andrew Marr in the morning
Read the Sunday Times (well, I bought it)
Noticed that Lewis Hamilton is awesome. Nicole Scherzinger should be proud.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Andrew Marr in the morning
Read the Sunday Times (well, I bought it)
Noticed that Lewis Hamilton is awesome. Nicole Scherzinger should be proud.
Saturday 25 October 2008
Multitasking
Is actually both challenging and fun. My world is definitely better with a lot to do than nothing to do. I am just praying that the quality will be good in all that I do - and that people will enjoy working with me.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Big in Japan by Alphaville
Read, not really. I bought The Times - but I have yet to read it.
Noticed that the new morning gym routine is great!
Today Simon has:
Listened to Big in Japan by Alphaville
Read, not really. I bought The Times - but I have yet to read it.
Noticed that the new morning gym routine is great!
Sunday 19 October 2008
Film Trailer of the Year
W. by Oliver Stone was released in theatres across the pond yesterday. The film's official website contains an amazing trailer. Will we ever understand him?
Today Simon has:
Listened to the pastor in church
Read The Sunday Times - it costs what it weighs (£2)
Noticed that he is not missing anything in his life
Today Simon has:
Listened to the pastor in church
Read The Sunday Times - it costs what it weighs (£2)
Noticed that he is not missing anything in his life
Friday 17 October 2008
Today's Debate
Two years ago this was a silly question. Now it seems to be a perfectly valid one. By the way, the credit crisis seems to be a great opportunity for Cadbury to execute a great marketing plan in disguise - the Credit Crunchie.
Paolo
A pretty good summary on the trouble with Swedish media. Available in English via Google, translation is automatic so some things won't make sense.
http://blogg.svd.se/ledarbloggen?id=9809
Today Simon has:
Listened to In Love by Scouts of St Sebastian
Read The Times
Noticed that only a nasty miracle will make McCain the next president of USA.
http://blogg.svd.se/ledarbloggen?id=9809
Today Simon has:
Listened to In Love by Scouts of St Sebastian
Read The Times
Noticed that only a nasty miracle will make McCain the next president of USA.
Thursday 9 October 2008
Sunday 5 October 2008
Great North Fun
12,057 people were faster than me. However, they still cannot take away the fact that I managed to beat my time from last year =). I finished my second Great North Run on 1h 58min 48sek.
My aim was to finish on or around 1h 45min. That obviously did not happen. I also learn that running becomes so much more unpleasant when you try to achieve a certain time. Next year I will have a more structured training and just do it for fun - and then the result hopefully will come by itself (is that English?).
Congratulations to all the charities which raised money. I pray it will all be used wisely to help people in need.
Tomorrow is a dissertation seminar. I am still slightly confused.
And Governor Sarah Palin does not play a fair game. Interesting to see whether the Senators Obama/Biden can stay focused when the Republican election winning machine gets going.
Obama/Biden are better for business according to the latest issue of the Economist. Get it if you are interested in American politics. Special feature in this issue.
I also pray that British Airways will change their short haul sandwich menu. Pretty tiring getting the same grub on intra-European flights as on UK domestic. Their new ad is class though.
Today Simon has:
Listened to the choir at Newcastle Cathedral.
Read about Apple's next move.
Noticed that he will try to run 'just for fun' next year.
My aim was to finish on or around 1h 45min. That obviously did not happen. I also learn that running becomes so much more unpleasant when you try to achieve a certain time. Next year I will have a more structured training and just do it for fun - and then the result hopefully will come by itself (is that English?).
Congratulations to all the charities which raised money. I pray it will all be used wisely to help people in need.
Tomorrow is a dissertation seminar. I am still slightly confused.
And Governor Sarah Palin does not play a fair game. Interesting to see whether the Senators Obama/Biden can stay focused when the Republican election winning machine gets going.
Obama/Biden are better for business according to the latest issue of the Economist. Get it if you are interested in American politics. Special feature in this issue.
I also pray that British Airways will change their short haul sandwich menu. Pretty tiring getting the same grub on intra-European flights as on UK domestic. Their new ad is class though.
Today Simon has:
Listened to the choir at Newcastle Cathedral.
Read about Apple's next move.
Noticed that he will try to run 'just for fun' next year.
Friday 26 September 2008
Due to Popular Demand
Today is the last Friday before university makes its comeback into my life on Monday. Many new faces; which is good fun.
Tonight is a meal with the Christian Union. I should probably not eat much as it feel like eating is what I have done most of the time this week. Having said that, I went for a massive run in preparation for the Great North.
Well, to the airline business then. The latest news is that Alitalia will get saved. I am not sure that saving Alitalia is a good idea. There are too many subsidised seats out there already. My assumption is that very few Italians are proud of the product Alitalia provide to their customers.
Meanwhile, a few airlines have joined Boeing in a campaign for a sustainable jet fuel supply chain. Basically, the airlines have as customers decided what they would prefer to buy. Now it is up to the energy companies concerned to improve their share of the process. It seems like these airlines and Boeing did not try to get the energy companies involved in this. If that is the case, I am surprised nobody spoke to any of them first as they are the jet fuel suppliers.
Tonight is the first debate between The Hopefuls, aka Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. It is on 2am BST and perfectly visible on Sky News. People would argue that Senator McCain is better for business. I would like to turn that argument around. Personally, I believe Senator Obama has the policies to create a world where international businesses have less to worry about. His ability to listen will be important to the relations with countries east of Britain.
Even though I will never be the president of the United States (yeah, even I have realised that), I hope to find myself in a position where I can make a difference in a year from now. I will graduate next summer, and companies have expressed interest in me. Hopefully I will be able to convince potential employers that I will be a good fit. I guess my age of 24 is the only thing they could have against me.
Anyway, it would be a great challenge to enter the labour market in a recession. A challenge I actually look forward to.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Visslaren by Kent
Read (well, a quarter of the book left) the Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Noticed that blogging once a month probably is not good enough
Tonight is a meal with the Christian Union. I should probably not eat much as it feel like eating is what I have done most of the time this week. Having said that, I went for a massive run in preparation for the Great North.
Well, to the airline business then. The latest news is that Alitalia will get saved. I am not sure that saving Alitalia is a good idea. There are too many subsidised seats out there already. My assumption is that very few Italians are proud of the product Alitalia provide to their customers.
Meanwhile, a few airlines have joined Boeing in a campaign for a sustainable jet fuel supply chain. Basically, the airlines have as customers decided what they would prefer to buy. Now it is up to the energy companies concerned to improve their share of the process. It seems like these airlines and Boeing did not try to get the energy companies involved in this. If that is the case, I am surprised nobody spoke to any of them first as they are the jet fuel suppliers.
Tonight is the first debate between The Hopefuls, aka Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. It is on 2am BST and perfectly visible on Sky News. People would argue that Senator McCain is better for business. I would like to turn that argument around. Personally, I believe Senator Obama has the policies to create a world where international businesses have less to worry about. His ability to listen will be important to the relations with countries east of Britain.
Even though I will never be the president of the United States (yeah, even I have realised that), I hope to find myself in a position where I can make a difference in a year from now. I will graduate next summer, and companies have expressed interest in me. Hopefully I will be able to convince potential employers that I will be a good fit. I guess my age of 24 is the only thing they could have against me.
Anyway, it would be a great challenge to enter the labour market in a recession. A challenge I actually look forward to.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Visslaren by Kent
Read (well, a quarter of the book left) the Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Noticed that blogging once a month probably is not good enough
Saturday 30 August 2008
Alitalia
Actually, when I wrote the previous post yesterday I was not aware that Alitalia, six hours earlier, had filed for bankruptcy protection.
Today Simon has:
Listened to the tunes in Guitar Hero
Read nothing yet
Noticed that he looks forward to brushing his teeth properly
Today Simon has:
Listened to the tunes in Guitar Hero
Read nothing yet
Noticed that he looks forward to brushing his teeth properly
Friday 29 August 2008
On Everything
Yesterday I used British healthcare for the first time in my life. I had a wisdom tooth extracted at the RVI Dental Hospital. It was very straightforward, and I am actually looking forward to my next appointment in October when another wisdom tooth of mine will be shown the door. As it is now, I have to eat lighter food than usual as chewing is slightly tricky.
American Politics
Barack Obama. That is probably one of the most popular two word combinations in the world right now. Is the hype exaggerated? I do not think I want more hype, but Senator Obama is worth every single moment of attention he get. The Democratic party seems to me more socially aware than ever and they, somehow, manage to get the positive properties out of the descriptor 'liberal'. I can see the British Conservatives take a lot from the Democratic election machine if it turns out to be successful. I personally hope that Senator Obama, together with Joe Biden, will beat the Republican pairing McCain/Palin. I was excited when George Bush was elected the first time. I cannot say that I have been impressed by much during his two terms - apart from that he is extremely charismatic and funny. These two abilities are something that rarely is shown on Swedish television. Censorship at its best.
The Airline Industry
This is an industry which is extremely close to my heart. This morning Sky News greeted me with the headlines that the low fare transatlantic airline Zoom has gone bust. As an airline today, you need plenty of money in the bank. Young airlines as Zoom has rarely a credit worthiness that make lenders jump in sheer excitement. In a book written by Professor Rigas Doganis, who is a former CEO of the Greek flag carrier Olympic Airlines, it is described how the airline industry is highly cyclical. You get roughly seven bad years after seven good years. So I guess that the bad years are ahead.
The next European flag carrier to go bust will, of course, be Alitalia. Air France/KLM is a natural buyer as they are the major carrier in the Skyteam Alliance which Alitalia is a member of. I do not know though if AF/KLM is still interested as Berlusconi clearly has expressed that he would like the airline to remain in italian hands.
The library is closing now, so more later.
Today Simon has:
Listened to the Obama speech again
Read some on svd.se
Noticed that he will spend very little money next week
American Politics
Barack Obama. That is probably one of the most popular two word combinations in the world right now. Is the hype exaggerated? I do not think I want more hype, but Senator Obama is worth every single moment of attention he get. The Democratic party seems to me more socially aware than ever and they, somehow, manage to get the positive properties out of the descriptor 'liberal'. I can see the British Conservatives take a lot from the Democratic election machine if it turns out to be successful. I personally hope that Senator Obama, together with Joe Biden, will beat the Republican pairing McCain/Palin. I was excited when George Bush was elected the first time. I cannot say that I have been impressed by much during his two terms - apart from that he is extremely charismatic and funny. These two abilities are something that rarely is shown on Swedish television. Censorship at its best.
The Airline Industry
This is an industry which is extremely close to my heart. This morning Sky News greeted me with the headlines that the low fare transatlantic airline Zoom has gone bust. As an airline today, you need plenty of money in the bank. Young airlines as Zoom has rarely a credit worthiness that make lenders jump in sheer excitement. In a book written by Professor Rigas Doganis, who is a former CEO of the Greek flag carrier Olympic Airlines, it is described how the airline industry is highly cyclical. You get roughly seven bad years after seven good years. So I guess that the bad years are ahead.
The next European flag carrier to go bust will, of course, be Alitalia. Air France/KLM is a natural buyer as they are the major carrier in the Skyteam Alliance which Alitalia is a member of. I do not know though if AF/KLM is still interested as Berlusconi clearly has expressed that he would like the airline to remain in italian hands.
The library is closing now, so more later.
Today Simon has:
Listened to the Obama speech again
Read some on svd.se
Noticed that he will spend very little money next week
Tuesday 22 July 2008
Laptop for Sale
If you click here you will get some info on what my laptop is about. When I bought it almost two years ago it was Acer's best laptop after the Ferrari series. So it's a full business laptop with a battery time of 3.5 hours. 2 hours if you're playing games.
The laptop is in pristine condition (what else - look at my mobile!) and has one year left of the accidental damage warranty (which I paid extra for). This means that any future repairs will be fully paid for by Acer.
I have made some research. A new Acer TravelMate with roughly the same specs as mine would go for around £550 today. I paid more than twice that amount in late 2006. I reckon a fair price would be £330 or 4000 Swedish Krona. Of course it will be formatted to factory settings before any transaction takes place.
Why am I selling it then? Well I want a Mac before the end of this academic year. And that will make my Acer redundant.
Today Simon has:
Listened to his colleagues during an evaluation session
Read about the Church of Scientology
Noticed that he has now decided for a MacBook Pro.
The laptop is in pristine condition (what else - look at my mobile!) and has one year left of the accidental damage warranty (which I paid extra for). This means that any future repairs will be fully paid for by Acer.
I have made some research. A new Acer TravelMate with roughly the same specs as mine would go for around £550 today. I paid more than twice that amount in late 2006. I reckon a fair price would be £330 or 4000 Swedish Krona. Of course it will be formatted to factory settings before any transaction takes place.
Why am I selling it then? Well I want a Mac before the end of this academic year. And that will make my Acer redundant.
Today Simon has:
Listened to his colleagues during an evaluation session
Read about the Church of Scientology
Noticed that he has now decided for a MacBook Pro.
Tuesday 1 July 2008
Lapplandsväck
The annual Christian summer conference is underway - and I am not there. Well, I attended it for a day on Saturday - but that was it. Anyway, it was good fun to meet a wide range of friends during my brief guest appearance.
The other day I spoke to a UK friend over the phone for a while, interesting to hear how my English gets even slower (yes, it is possible) just because I haven't used it for virtually a month. Fortunately, my English improves year on year. So I should be even better by graduation. In the best of worlds; I am good enough to get onto a good grad scheme.
An agency has helped me to get a new flat in Newcastle. This obviously means that I have decided to skip the placement year. I will live across the street from the Centre of L. So it should be no more than a 20 minute walk to uni.
And now to something completely different. Robert Mugabe, one is really wondering how a rather promising leader 28 years ago has turned into something very in- and un-human. I hope that the African Union can sort something out. If not it should be inevitable for neighbouring African countries to intervene. And if they do not intervene I will upset, but nowhere near as upset as I would be finding European countries and the US resisting an armed intervention to restore democracy in Zimbabwe. However, if we are lucky the old dictator will just die all by himself. BUT - that would probably not be the fairest solution.
Today Simon has:
Listened to XM Radio Online
Read The Economist and Svenska Dagbladet
Noticed that it is a grey day
The other day I spoke to a UK friend over the phone for a while, interesting to hear how my English gets even slower (yes, it is possible) just because I haven't used it for virtually a month. Fortunately, my English improves year on year. So I should be even better by graduation. In the best of worlds; I am good enough to get onto a good grad scheme.
An agency has helped me to get a new flat in Newcastle. This obviously means that I have decided to skip the placement year. I will live across the street from the Centre of L. So it should be no more than a 20 minute walk to uni.
And now to something completely different. Robert Mugabe, one is really wondering how a rather promising leader 28 years ago has turned into something very in- and un-human. I hope that the African Union can sort something out. If not it should be inevitable for neighbouring African countries to intervene. And if they do not intervene I will upset, but nowhere near as upset as I would be finding European countries and the US resisting an armed intervention to restore democracy in Zimbabwe. However, if we are lucky the old dictator will just die all by himself. BUT - that would probably not be the fairest solution.
Today Simon has:
Listened to XM Radio Online
Read The Economist and Svenska Dagbladet
Noticed that it is a grey day
Thursday 12 June 2008
Where are the Tourists? / Time for a Degree
I am now just one day away from fulfilling two working weeks at the tourist information centre in Åsele. The workload is pretty uneven - right now it is most answering the phone and replying to email enquiries from tourists. It is a great job though, but I have to say I look forward to the more stressful days.
But where are all the tourists? Potentially they all are in the US as you get more money for your money as a European. Most likely it is just because their holiday period has not begun yet.
I went to the local gym yesterday. A nice place which sadly has not performed well enough financially. Rumour has it that it will be sold to the owner of a local supermarked who will re-open it in the town centre.
Placement
I will be very surprised if I am anywhere but Northumbria when university starts in September. I am really looking forward to finish my degree off, and as I have good and valid work experience from my life before the UK - it might be as well to save one year by not doing a placement.
Another enlighting experience is that I probably match graduate requirements better than placement requirements. One respected tutor at the university told me that I would probably get bored on a placement. A well respected Dutch multinational rang and told me that I was "very interesting" and that they wanted me to re-apply after graduation.
There is still hope.
Today Simon has:
Listened to BBC 6 Music
Read some in Marketing Management by Kotler and Keller
Noticed that this may well be a confusing summer
But where are all the tourists? Potentially they all are in the US as you get more money for your money as a European. Most likely it is just because their holiday period has not begun yet.
I went to the local gym yesterday. A nice place which sadly has not performed well enough financially. Rumour has it that it will be sold to the owner of a local supermarked who will re-open it in the town centre.
Placement
I will be very surprised if I am anywhere but Northumbria when university starts in September. I am really looking forward to finish my degree off, and as I have good and valid work experience from my life before the UK - it might be as well to save one year by not doing a placement.
Another enlighting experience is that I probably match graduate requirements better than placement requirements. One respected tutor at the university told me that I would probably get bored on a placement. A well respected Dutch multinational rang and told me that I was "very interesting" and that they wanted me to re-apply after graduation.
There is still hope.
Today Simon has:
Listened to BBC 6 Music
Read some in Marketing Management by Kotler and Keller
Noticed that this may well be a confusing summer
Wednesday 28 May 2008
My Itinerary/Summer Tour 2008
I am not sure if I can deliver on that headline, but I had to put it as title just because going on a tour sounds fancy!
I will be back in Åsele late Sunday night.
Newcastle - London on Friday night
London - Stockholm on Saturday afternoon
Stockholm - Sundsvall on Sunday afternoon
Sundsvall - Åsele on Sunday evening
You are all welcome to pop by and say hello to me at the Tourist Info Centre in Åsele where I will spend most of my summer. I really look forward to it as it is such a nice job!
I will not go on placement unless I get an offer from a company in München.
Now I have a couple of days to sort myself out. Tomorrow I am gonna hand in my last assignments which I just finished.
Today Simon has:
Listened to too much of Avril Lavigne's Let Go B-Sides
Read his own assignments
Noticed that he has lots of small things to sort out before the departure
I will be back in Åsele late Sunday night.
Newcastle - London on Friday night
London - Stockholm on Saturday afternoon
Stockholm - Sundsvall on Sunday afternoon
Sundsvall - Åsele on Sunday evening
You are all welcome to pop by and say hello to me at the Tourist Info Centre in Åsele where I will spend most of my summer. I really look forward to it as it is such a nice job!
I will not go on placement unless I get an offer from a company in München.
Now I have a couple of days to sort myself out. Tomorrow I am gonna hand in my last assignments which I just finished.
Today Simon has:
Listened to too much of Avril Lavigne's Let Go B-Sides
Read his own assignments
Noticed that he has lots of small things to sort out before the departure
Saturday 17 May 2008
Career
Well, I am going to be absent from blogging for a few days, as it is in the middle of the exam period. Wish me good luck.
I'll be back in the Old Country by the very end of this month.
No placement yet, I get the impression that companies want me for their grad scheme instead.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Geordie and Jamie. They are indeed great people
Read Marketing Research by Burns and Bush
Noticed that he can't think about much else than airlines... well, who needs girls anyway?
I'll be back in the Old Country by the very end of this month.
No placement yet, I get the impression that companies want me for their grad scheme instead.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Geordie and Jamie. They are indeed great people
Read Marketing Research by Burns and Bush
Noticed that he can't think about much else than airlines... well, who needs girls anyway?
Thursday 24 April 2008
Church of Sweden - Watch This!
I like the little I have seen of the Archbishop of York. I truly believe Christians should play an active part in the society, even though an Archbishops primary role is to do this.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Céline Dion
Read The Economist
Noticed that he has not read the Times that he bought yesterday
Today Simon has:
Listened to Céline Dion
Read The Economist
Noticed that he has not read the Times that he bought yesterday
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Today, Tomorrow, Toronto
The picture is obviously not Toronto. Tomorrow I will leave for Canada - North America for the first time in my life. As the airline enthusiast I am; I will gladly allow myself getting carried away (pun intended) by Air Canada. Today Simon has: Enjoyed the assessment centre of DSG International. Read an article about Philips in FT. Listened to PAs in Cockney at London's public transport.
Friday 11 April 2008
These R the Thoughts
The last two weeks have been rather busy as I have not been able to resist the temptation university assignments bring to my life. I should not complain though as I am one of the strong proponents of the thought that there are seasons in life. And now, apparently, is the season of report writing.
I have the privilege of going to Canada on Wednesday. I agree with myself when I say I deserve it after two weeks of report writing.
Newcastle takes on Portsmouth tomorrow in what is the best football league in the world. I will definitely watch it on the telly. Then I think it is a great idea to play with three strikers, especially as they are probably the three most gifted players in Newcastle's current squad.
The Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt takes on China this weekend in a meeting on climate change. I am surprisingly knowledge-less about this meeting as I am usually a news geek (I blame my journalistic past).
China is an interesting country and I promise to devote a blog post to it before the Olympics kick off (or whatever Olympic games do).
Regarding my future career there are no major news. I will go down to London for an interview before I leave for Canada. I do not have much information yet what the role entails (apart from that it is marketing). They will probably be able to answer my questions when I meet them.
I have told God that he has the great opportunity of putting me wherever he likes. He will - as it is in his interest. And hopefully hindsight will show that it was in my interest as well...
In five year's time I hope to:
Have a job that I am passionate about (I have no problem with being 'married to my job' for a while)
Be without debts (might work if I get a graduate salary of 40k - I have no problem with having a grad salary of that!)
Fly a lot (as flying is freedom in plane-shape)
Work with competent people
Play ice-hockey again
Speak decent French
Speak German fluently
Understand Italian
Today Simon has:
Listened to These R the Thoughts by Alanis Morissette
Read CNBC European Business
Noticed that the local Indian's Peshawari naans are terrific!
I have the privilege of going to Canada on Wednesday. I agree with myself when I say I deserve it after two weeks of report writing.
Newcastle takes on Portsmouth tomorrow in what is the best football league in the world. I will definitely watch it on the telly. Then I think it is a great idea to play with three strikers, especially as they are probably the three most gifted players in Newcastle's current squad.
The Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt takes on China this weekend in a meeting on climate change. I am surprisingly knowledge-less about this meeting as I am usually a news geek (I blame my journalistic past).
China is an interesting country and I promise to devote a blog post to it before the Olympics kick off (or whatever Olympic games do).
Regarding my future career there are no major news. I will go down to London for an interview before I leave for Canada. I do not have much information yet what the role entails (apart from that it is marketing). They will probably be able to answer my questions when I meet them.
I have told God that he has the great opportunity of putting me wherever he likes. He will - as it is in his interest. And hopefully hindsight will show that it was in my interest as well...
In five year's time I hope to:
Have a job that I am passionate about (I have no problem with being 'married to my job' for a while)
Be without debts (might work if I get a graduate salary of 40k - I have no problem with having a grad salary of that!)
Fly a lot (as flying is freedom in plane-shape)
Work with competent people
Play ice-hockey again
Speak decent French
Speak German fluently
Understand Italian
Today Simon has:
Listened to These R the Thoughts by Alanis Morissette
Read CNBC European Business
Noticed that the local Indian's Peshawari naans are terrific!
Friday 14 March 2008
My Default Age
There are many reasons why I try not to write in the night. One of the reasons is that you might get the impression I am drunk. Or just full of crap.
I am always skeptic when it comes to thinking loudly online. But hey - it's my blog! I can write nearly whatever I like. And if it annoys you, it's likely more your problem rather than mine hehe...=>
Well, to cover the headline then. I have lately become concerned with my age.
Sometimes I wonder if I have missed out on lots of fun because of my default age (which seems to be 46). Throughout my life, I have generally behaved like I am older than I actually am.
What do normal 23.5 year olds do then?
I don't know if I am able to go clubbing as I don't like getting my ears trashed in an environment where I can't hear what people are saying. I could add as well that my dancing abilities are unknown since I dominated the P.E. bugg floor as a 15 year old.
One thing that has changed is, when I was little, I was no risk taker at all. I always played things safe. That has changed. Risk is amazing and to me the word equals opportunity.
There you go. Here are my public promises. The most radical ones since I bought a pair of jeans a bit more than a year ago I guess (cheers Geord).
I will:
Get another pair of jeans and another bag for my uni stuff
Give the amazing(?) nightlife of Newcastle a go
Try to move my body in a way which is appropriate to the music played
The first one will be easy. The second point will be scary as I don't know how to do. I blame the fact that I am brought up in the middle of nowhere and in a cultural context where going out was seen as sin.
The third point won't be scary for me. It will probably be very scary and embarassing for people around me though. Unless they are too drunk to remember. Which I this time hope that they will be.
(below is the moral bit which is best read in a Jerry Springer voice)
I recognise that all the changes I will make are extremely superficial and they will probably not make me a happier person. They might though give me at least a good night out in a new environment. For you, that new environment might be in a completly different place.
Anyway, on Tuesday I will go to the theatre. I know, that is so 46 year old, but it is something I usually do not do.
That's me for now. Thank you for reading. Please tell if you have found anything in my behaviour that you believe I could gain from changing.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Mannen i den vita hatten (16 år senare) by Kent
Read two amazing articles in the latest Fortune about Steve Jobs and Apple
Noticed that he has amazing friends in the Christian Union which do everything they can to change his default age.
I am always skeptic when it comes to thinking loudly online. But hey - it's my blog! I can write nearly whatever I like. And if it annoys you, it's likely more your problem rather than mine hehe...=>
Well, to cover the headline then. I have lately become concerned with my age.
Sometimes I wonder if I have missed out on lots of fun because of my default age (which seems to be 46). Throughout my life, I have generally behaved like I am older than I actually am.
What do normal 23.5 year olds do then?
I don't know if I am able to go clubbing as I don't like getting my ears trashed in an environment where I can't hear what people are saying. I could add as well that my dancing abilities are unknown since I dominated the P.E. bugg floor as a 15 year old.
One thing that has changed is, when I was little, I was no risk taker at all. I always played things safe. That has changed. Risk is amazing and to me the word equals opportunity.
There you go. Here are my public promises. The most radical ones since I bought a pair of jeans a bit more than a year ago I guess (cheers Geord).
I will:
Get another pair of jeans and another bag for my uni stuff
Give the amazing(?) nightlife of Newcastle a go
Try to move my body in a way which is appropriate to the music played
The first one will be easy. The second point will be scary as I don't know how to do. I blame the fact that I am brought up in the middle of nowhere and in a cultural context where going out was seen as sin.
The third point won't be scary for me. It will probably be very scary and embarassing for people around me though. Unless they are too drunk to remember. Which I this time hope that they will be.
(below is the moral bit which is best read in a Jerry Springer voice)
I recognise that all the changes I will make are extremely superficial and they will probably not make me a happier person. They might though give me at least a good night out in a new environment. For you, that new environment might be in a completly different place.
Anyway, on Tuesday I will go to the theatre. I know, that is so 46 year old, but it is something I usually do not do.
That's me for now. Thank you for reading. Please tell if you have found anything in my behaviour that you believe I could gain from changing.
Today Simon has:
Listened to Mannen i den vita hatten (16 år senare) by Kent
Read two amazing articles in the latest Fortune about Steve Jobs and Apple
Noticed that he has amazing friends in the Christian Union which do everything they can to change his default age.
Friday 29 February 2008
Everything Changes
I told a friend that things have changed in my life since I came to the UK. She said that was not in line with the statement I made when I set up this blog (I am well chuffed that somebody, apart from Johannes, actually read my blog!).
I had claimed that the only thing that has changed was the setting (in this case country) and that I was the very same person today as two years ago. Now I have changed that statement in the top-frame and I am also explaining it further here.
I know that I have changed a lot, and I am not sure if I like all the changes - even though I like most of them. When I studied journalism, one of my tutors said to me that values you strongly believe in now will very likely change as you get older. What I thought when she said that was something similar to "No way!".
She was right.
About change itself then. I believe that the change I experience is sometimes perceived greater by me than people around me. In some instances I guess it is perceived greater by people around me. Finally, some people probably do not notice anything as you only meet them for a very brief moment.
Another description for change could possibly be personal development. Maybe that sounds more positive?
Compared to one year ago I believe I am:
Not as cynical (Yeah, right)
More determined (I will get there!)
More positive (not that I have ever been negative, but now nothing is impossible)
Better in trusting myself and God
Today Simon has:
Listened to Simple Plan's latest single
Read The Economist - at last I am a subscriber again
Noticed that he should stop stalking people - yeah, you!
Watched Jersey Girl which is a wonderful film
I had claimed that the only thing that has changed was the setting (in this case country) and that I was the very same person today as two years ago. Now I have changed that statement in the top-frame and I am also explaining it further here.
I know that I have changed a lot, and I am not sure if I like all the changes - even though I like most of them. When I studied journalism, one of my tutors said to me that values you strongly believe in now will very likely change as you get older. What I thought when she said that was something similar to "No way!".
She was right.
About change itself then. I believe that the change I experience is sometimes perceived greater by me than people around me. In some instances I guess it is perceived greater by people around me. Finally, some people probably do not notice anything as you only meet them for a very brief moment.
Another description for change could possibly be personal development. Maybe that sounds more positive?
Compared to one year ago I believe I am:
Not as cynical (Yeah, right)
More determined (I will get there!)
More positive (not that I have ever been negative, but now nothing is impossible)
Better in trusting myself and God
Today Simon has:
Listened to Simple Plan's latest single
Read The Economist - at last I am a subscriber again
Noticed that he should stop stalking people - yeah, you!
Watched Jersey Girl which is a wonderful film
Monday 4 February 2008
Who's wearing the t-shirt?
A competition is on. Who is posing with this amazing t-shirt on an equally amazing upper body? Answers can be e-mailed to me and the one who has right gets a free coffee/tea from da man on the pic.
Monday 28 January 2008
Waiting and Results
I am fairly happy today as I got results from two modules back. I did well so now I just hope that the remaining results will not destroy my, for now, awesome average.
Right now I am waiting on the decision from a company regarding placement. I really hope that I will get it as it is in my favourite industry. I will tell more about this when I get their decision. So that is the only info you will get for now.
Now I have to make myself ready for a metro trip to dodgy Byker. Exec meeting with the Christian Union. It is exciting time as we will change Exec Committee during the next couple of months. I will probably write more about that later as well.
That's me for now. Best wishes to you all.
Today Simon has:
Listened to new lectures at uni
Read The Times
Noticed that time flies on Northumberland Street
Right now I am waiting on the decision from a company regarding placement. I really hope that I will get it as it is in my favourite industry. I will tell more about this when I get their decision. So that is the only info you will get for now.
Now I have to make myself ready for a metro trip to dodgy Byker. Exec meeting with the Christian Union. It is exciting time as we will change Exec Committee during the next couple of months. I will probably write more about that later as well.
That's me for now. Best wishes to you all.
Today Simon has:
Listened to new lectures at uni
Read The Times
Noticed that time flies on Northumberland Street
Saturday 26 January 2008
Getting Things Done
Sorry that I have not written here for ages. I hope that a Christmas holiday and a run of busy uni life is a good excuse for my absence.
I have had the privilege of hosting one of my best mates from Sweden, Johannes, for a week. It has been good fun and I have really enjoyed being tourist guide. Sadly his journey back to Sweden was quite a hassle as the bad weather led to some flight cancellations.
I have ordered some French language software which will help me to brush up my French. This because I have neglected it for almost one month (and now I feel completely lost French-wise).
I have also neglected the gym for ages as I have had a cold during the last two weeks. I am gonna go in a few minutes so wish me good luck! =)
Today Simon has:
Listened to Lavigne's latest
Read options re flights for his parents to Ncl
Noticed that it is already after noon!
I have had the privilege of hosting one of my best mates from Sweden, Johannes, for a week. It has been good fun and I have really enjoyed being tourist guide. Sadly his journey back to Sweden was quite a hassle as the bad weather led to some flight cancellations.
I have ordered some French language software which will help me to brush up my French. This because I have neglected it for almost one month (and now I feel completely lost French-wise).
I have also neglected the gym for ages as I have had a cold during the last two weeks. I am gonna go in a few minutes so wish me good luck! =)
Today Simon has:
Listened to Lavigne's latest
Read options re flights for his parents to Ncl
Noticed that it is already after noon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)