My name is Edward
I am a software engineer and an aspiring strategist in life and business
It is my dream to earn so much money that I don't know what to do with it
Ok, I lie. I will know what to do with it
I will just earn it all and give most of it away
Money talks in this world
But that's not all
Not just money, but I will give words
Words that bring hope, full stomachs, mended hearts
This is my dream
But it's not my only dream
I'd like to get married
I'd like to have sons and daughters
I'd like to smile through the good and bad days
I'd like to make everyone proud, including the Big Guy that keeps me in check
Yes, THAT Guy. People call Him God... for those of you that don't know.
Right now I know I'm slowly getting there
Right now I know I need to keep learning
Right now I feel that the hardships will be worth it
But right now, I also need help
Because I know, I can't do it without those around me
And because I'm weak
But that's life eh?
So how about it?
You and me and a bunch of other people
Let's do somethin real fun and cool
My hands are extended open
And the door always open =)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What do I believe in?
I'm not quite sure exactly what it is that I believe in that convinces me to make the decisions that I make. I guess you could call it a hunch, and despite that things don't fully seem to be going my way, I wonder if that is only because they are the steps required to reach the last level.
Of course, if this was a video game, that would mean there's a mean, nasty boss waiting for me at the last level, and I gotta do everything it takes to beat it. However, before I do, I must beat a handful of lesser bosses to attain all the key ingredients to defeating the final boss. That which is the ultimate weapon, like a sword of justice, to impale the final boss with. Some kind of protection, like a shield of righteousness, to quell the boss's attacks. Perhaps a few magic potions to heal me during the entire battle? Ok, I've gone too far into this metaphor now.. hehe
Life is no video game. You can't save and walk away, or restart and build your characters up perfectly. It's more like a one time opportunity to do lots of stuff before you pass away and can never do it again. Sounds kind of depressing when you think about it, but that's how precious life is. It's a one time shot, so you make the most out of it.
Going back to where I started, however, we live this single life following some kind of belief that we could achieve our ultimate happiness. That we could find peace within ourselves by doing various things in life that bring what we think are the desired results. You have a belief, and I have mine. Mine's is deeply rooted in my Christian background, but that is not to say I am right or you are wrong. We believe in what we believe.
However, lately, I really do wonder where this faith really comes from. Whether what I believe in is really Christianity, or just a gut feeling that I'm hoping is from God. We make decisions off these beliefs everyday, so it's important to know exactly what we believe and why. To reflect and question ourselves everyday to make sure we are on the right path.
It was once said that one should ask even if he/she knows the path.
I've got many decisions to make in front of me. There are some things I know, and some things I don't know. I guess the key to life, then, is not to simply do your best. But rather, know where you're headed first. After that, you can hack away into that jungle called life and reach your ultimate destination.
Of course, this is not possible until you stabilize yourself with whatever it is that you can firmly believe in, and say that you could trade this life for.
Of course, if this was a video game, that would mean there's a mean, nasty boss waiting for me at the last level, and I gotta do everything it takes to beat it. However, before I do, I must beat a handful of lesser bosses to attain all the key ingredients to defeating the final boss. That which is the ultimate weapon, like a sword of justice, to impale the final boss with. Some kind of protection, like a shield of righteousness, to quell the boss's attacks. Perhaps a few magic potions to heal me during the entire battle? Ok, I've gone too far into this metaphor now.. hehe
Life is no video game. You can't save and walk away, or restart and build your characters up perfectly. It's more like a one time opportunity to do lots of stuff before you pass away and can never do it again. Sounds kind of depressing when you think about it, but that's how precious life is. It's a one time shot, so you make the most out of it.
Going back to where I started, however, we live this single life following some kind of belief that we could achieve our ultimate happiness. That we could find peace within ourselves by doing various things in life that bring what we think are the desired results. You have a belief, and I have mine. Mine's is deeply rooted in my Christian background, but that is not to say I am right or you are wrong. We believe in what we believe.
However, lately, I really do wonder where this faith really comes from. Whether what I believe in is really Christianity, or just a gut feeling that I'm hoping is from God. We make decisions off these beliefs everyday, so it's important to know exactly what we believe and why. To reflect and question ourselves everyday to make sure we are on the right path.
It was once said that one should ask even if he/she knows the path.
I've got many decisions to make in front of me. There are some things I know, and some things I don't know. I guess the key to life, then, is not to simply do your best. But rather, know where you're headed first. After that, you can hack away into that jungle called life and reach your ultimate destination.
Of course, this is not possible until you stabilize yourself with whatever it is that you can firmly believe in, and say that you could trade this life for.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Quick, decisive action
Earlier this year, I thought of creating a fitness based website to create some kind of workout buddy software in addition to creating a community hotspot for those who wanted to live an active lifestyle. I had drawn up all sorts of plans and ideas on what to do over the past few months, and was about to give it a go with some help from a few people I've talked with.
Over the past few months, however, there has been a site that launched late last year that quickly grew into the type of website that I wanted to build, including building their own iphone application to extend their website functionality. I was pretty impressed, but at the same time a bit deflated because they implemented over the past couple of months about 95% of what I wanted to build.
It's not too late the jump into the market and go through with my project, as I believe marketing is a huge factor when launching new websites. However, they have a clear upper hand to which I am unable to counter at the moment. Making some noise will effectively increase their exposure as well, and without an app to compete well against theirs, my attempts may only end up helping the competition.
Ultimately, there is no way to tell unless I jump in and give it a try. I've got nothing to lose, except maybe a few hundred dollars in hosting fees and other associated costs. However, as I think about it, I realized the importance of taking quick, decisive actions when playing in the business realm.
In my current scenario, quick action probably wouldn't have sufficed. The competition simply has more people and had a 6 month window of a headstart. However, there will be times when I have an idea first, and if I don't act quickly, someone else might take what could've been mine.
Of course, with any business idea, you gotta scout first and get a feel of the market and obstacles around you. However, sometimes, you just gotta move forward and strike fast... lest you be struck first!
Over the past few months, however, there has been a site that launched late last year that quickly grew into the type of website that I wanted to build, including building their own iphone application to extend their website functionality. I was pretty impressed, but at the same time a bit deflated because they implemented over the past couple of months about 95% of what I wanted to build.
It's not too late the jump into the market and go through with my project, as I believe marketing is a huge factor when launching new websites. However, they have a clear upper hand to which I am unable to counter at the moment. Making some noise will effectively increase their exposure as well, and without an app to compete well against theirs, my attempts may only end up helping the competition.
Ultimately, there is no way to tell unless I jump in and give it a try. I've got nothing to lose, except maybe a few hundred dollars in hosting fees and other associated costs. However, as I think about it, I realized the importance of taking quick, decisive actions when playing in the business realm.
In my current scenario, quick action probably wouldn't have sufficed. The competition simply has more people and had a 6 month window of a headstart. However, there will be times when I have an idea first, and if I don't act quickly, someone else might take what could've been mine.
Of course, with any business idea, you gotta scout first and get a feel of the market and obstacles around you. However, sometimes, you just gotta move forward and strike fast... lest you be struck first!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Doubtful Injections
Ever notice how sometimes, you go into battle without a shadow of a doubt that victory will come, until someone comes up to you and asks that 'what if' question? 'What if we lose?' And then, out of nowhere, the reality hits you that it's still possible to lose.
I wonder why things like this happen. Do they come up when it's time for a true hero to be born? Or is this just foreshadowing a cruel fate for our beloved protagonist?
Obviously, the one who is shaken up, as a result of this simple 'what if' now has to go through the unending chain of thoughts that occur when doubt fills the mind. It's not as if the situation has really changed, but it still seems like the playing field has totally changed for the worse.
So 'what if' you lose? What are you going to do about it? Are you gonna cry? Are you gonna grit your teeth and try harder? Are you gonna walk away and find a different solution to what you seek? I wonder...
I wonder why things like this happen. Do they come up when it's time for a true hero to be born? Or is this just foreshadowing a cruel fate for our beloved protagonist?
Obviously, the one who is shaken up, as a result of this simple 'what if' now has to go through the unending chain of thoughts that occur when doubt fills the mind. It's not as if the situation has really changed, but it still seems like the playing field has totally changed for the worse.
So 'what if' you lose? What are you going to do about it? Are you gonna cry? Are you gonna grit your teeth and try harder? Are you gonna walk away and find a different solution to what you seek? I wonder...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Knowing you're not in debt: Priceless
Decided to switch back to money talk for a little bit. As you all know [if you kept up with my blog], our housing market is in a slump, and has caused us some major trouble in the financial world where banks have lost so much money, that they're selling off whatever they have to raise capital. While they're at that, they are not able to make loans for people who need some extra cash to do whatever they need to do, and ultimately, causing the bottom line of the economy to slow down.
Most people are slowly starting to come around that we're experiencing recession. Furthermore, unemployment is still on the rise [though not as fast] and prices for basic necessities are still increasing. Money is tight everywhere, but people are still somewhat getting by.
I think a part of this has to do with another potential pitfall in the grand scheme of American consumer culture. There are probably hundreds of thousands of people out there that would've lived off fumes if not for a small plastic card that behaves just like money. Indeed, credit cards have been the alternative financial fuel that people have resorted to in hard times, and during these hard times, it's not surprising to see this trend.
The question is, however, what happens when you reach your credit limit? What happens when people can't pay their credit cards either? Are we going to go through another one of these financial blowups again? My guess is that it won't be as bad, considering we have a fresh wound still in need of healing in the form of the housing bust. However, it makes me wonder about what more financial gloom and doom we might have to face in the near future.
For those of you who've bought stock in the CC industry, I hope you guys know what you're doing. I'm sure you can ride those stocks up a little while longer, but who knows when they'll drop down. The trend lately seems to be stocks being driven up by good speculation only to be deflated back down lower by the bottom line, which can be found in those financial statements that show them yummy earnings reports. De~Lish!!
Most people are slowly starting to come around that we're experiencing recession. Furthermore, unemployment is still on the rise [though not as fast] and prices for basic necessities are still increasing. Money is tight everywhere, but people are still somewhat getting by.
I think a part of this has to do with another potential pitfall in the grand scheme of American consumer culture. There are probably hundreds of thousands of people out there that would've lived off fumes if not for a small plastic card that behaves just like money. Indeed, credit cards have been the alternative financial fuel that people have resorted to in hard times, and during these hard times, it's not surprising to see this trend.
The question is, however, what happens when you reach your credit limit? What happens when people can't pay their credit cards either? Are we going to go through another one of these financial blowups again? My guess is that it won't be as bad, considering we have a fresh wound still in need of healing in the form of the housing bust. However, it makes me wonder about what more financial gloom and doom we might have to face in the near future.
For those of you who've bought stock in the CC industry, I hope you guys know what you're doing. I'm sure you can ride those stocks up a little while longer, but who knows when they'll drop down. The trend lately seems to be stocks being driven up by good speculation only to be deflated back down lower by the bottom line, which can be found in those financial statements that show them yummy earnings reports. De~Lish!!
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