Hypocrasy, Ad Naseum

I say a lot of the same stuff over and over again.

About goals. Directions. Ambition. Excellence.

A dozen posts declaring this the 'first day of the rest of my life.'

(this one isn't much different)

But what had really changed?

Honestly. What?

A tired message, I know. But I read a lot of what I had blogged in the past, and the glimmers of hope were over-shadowed by a lot of things I didn't like.

I better grow-up and carry on.

I miss my friends.

And I drank too much coffee today.

Love you all.

-R.

Not Lost - Just Found

It's amazing what else you stumble upon when looking for a paticular item that you just know you have.

Example - this evening, I was hunting for my birth certificate (see, I'm human, and have the paperwork to prove it!). Although Morgan swears she's never seen it in the house (and she's usually very astute about these sorts of things), I absolutely know it is here. Somewhere.

So I flip through the filing cabinet.

Nothing.

Fire safe!

Mmmm... nothing.
(wait - why isn't it in there? Or any of our other vital statistics documents? In fact, where's our marriage certificate? Oh no...)

"Hey, there's some envelopes on the bookshelf," I ponder. "Maybe it's there!"

Nope.
(found the marriage certificate, though)
(and a bunch of pictures)
(and all my certificates from CF courses)
(and my diploma)
(a bunch of pictures)
(one of Morgan's college diplomas)

Crap. Do I have to get a new one?

Another flip through the filing cabinet - man, folder by folder, this will take forever. Pull the first one out, and there it is, hiding slightly behind an old transcript.

Yes, this is rambling... but in the end, I found what I was looking for - plus a bunch of other cool stuff.

And that made me happy.
(and that's all I need)

Say g'night, Gracie.

-R.

Under My Skin

They say you get 'bitten by the travel bug.'

I don't buy it.

I think the travel bug is more like a tic, and burrows under your skin until you are totally infested with the idea of going somewhere.

Morgan and I have been spitballing some ideas for vacation next year. I've got a serious infection.

For me... I don't know. I like the traveling part as much as the being-at-your-destination part. It's such an integral part of the experience. I'm not saying the flight or bus or train ride has to be spectacular, but to me the idea of travel is motion, and every conveyance you are on - even if it's your feet - will have a story to tell at the end of the line.

Honestly, the idea of traveling somewhere and staying in that same spot for two weeks turns me off a bit. I loved how we went to Ontario this year, and then drove all over the place. Finding cool towns and shops. Seeing new scenery. Being mobile.

You'll always have your preferred spots - but even then, you don't want to spend all your time there. Defeats the purpose, no?

For all those reminiscing about travel, those on adventures, and those about to take some - relish in the journey as much as the arrival.

Have a superb weekend, my friends.

-R.

Excellence v. Mediocrity

My friend Candace, B.Comm, M.Ed, recently picked up the last set of those letters at her convocation from the University of Calgary. Her Master of Education degree in hand, she was sharing with me some words that were in the commencement speech (and I paraphrase):

"We are living in a society that is constantly more accepting of mediocrity. It is our job, as Masters, to strive for excellence."

Now, I'm not going to argue if we are, as a society, more accepting of mediocrity or not. Not my point today.

These words reminded me of a Woodrow Wilson quote that Ashleigh gave me in a frame one day. Wilson's words:

"You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world."

Strong words. Lofty aspirations. Ambition, even!

Which, reminds me of a quote that Chas has in his office, and Christina recently wrote on our Squadron whiteboard, courtesy of Aristotle:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Everyone knows I have had struggles staying motivated with my degree, and keeping organized enough - or at least with enough momentum - to keep on top of all the tasks I have at hand. Repeatedly.

Is failure - or mediocrity - also a habit as opposed to an act?

Am I failing to live up to my obligations as a citizen to enrich the world around me?

The answer to both questions - well, a definite yes the former. The latter - I would have a greater impact if excellence was my habit.

We could all have a greater impact if excellence was our habit.

I look back at these exchanges and conversations, and am grateful for them. I do draw motivation from them. Living in excellence is something I must do, but not be afraid of failing in. For as long as you are striving for excellence, mistakes are learning as opposed to failing.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

-R.

A Quarter of a Century!

Happy 25th birthday to my lovely wife - and partner in life - Morgan.

I love you.

Aaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhh!

Sorry, folks - just felt the need to scream.

On a non-scream related note, my pirate name is Lazy Eye Jude.

Sweet.

Catching... My... Breath...

I'm starting to notice an increase in pressure for the month of November, and we're only a few days into it. Work, school, cadets - I'm quickly seeing free days struck from my calendar as a plague of responsibilty and taskings take over the little blocks that represent those units of time we call a 'day'.

I find myself having to sit back and focus. I feel quite vulnerable to stress right now. Maybe it's more that I'm fearful I will drop the ball? After Remembrance Day, I'll feel better. And after this course. And the field exercise.

I'll have an intense, yet oddly relaxed time for work next week. Attending a certification course on packaging. Everything I do in the office will be taken care of - which is nice - so I get to go downtown and get fed breakfast and lunch everyday and play student. All in all, not a bad deal, but it is fourteen days of material stuffed into four. And I know I'll be exhausted after Friday. Remind me not to go to the Legion after for beverages.

Not really much else to talk about. Morgan bought some espresso when we were grocery shopping, so I've rediscovered my love of our espresso machine. And I had my first Starbucks coffee in recent memory last night. We acutally sat in for awhile. It was nice. And the coffee was amazing.

Keeping focused, keeping organized, keeping on task... so I guess I should go do that. Have a great Friday, everyone. Marc, Megs - see you at 1930h. Keg-a-rific!

-R.