Class of April 2015 Part 13
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spain
Posts: 2,004
Hey all! I got back to Spain on Monday night. I need to change the way I organise my holidays... I got back way more stressed than when I left! There were some nice moments though. I went back to the university town where my wife and I met some 28 years ago. It was different in some ways but the same in others. A real trip down memory lane. Part of me was left thinking about how my experience may have been different... Better... If I hadn't been drinking so much. We all drunk a lot then, but the way I drunk had a different intensity. So hungry. Guess it was in me all along.
Anyway. Hoping you are all well! All the best from Andalucía!
Anyway. Hoping you are all well! All the best from Andalucía!
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
Amp, I have a very mixed view of my University days at this point in my life. I had some great memories, but those years definitely got the alcohol beast rolling in a way that took me thirty some years to bottle back up. I don't feel a ton of nostalgia for those times now, and like yourself, wonder how different they could have been had I not been such a party animal. I guess most people partied pretty hard during the college years, but they fell back to more normal levels of drinking afterwards. I think I just continued to drink afterwards like I was still a student.
How is everyone else doing?
How is everyone else doing?
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
Hi guys!
Amp, I imagine that you are very busy getting ready for the fall season. I am hopeful your new accounts will help your business flourish this year.
How are things going Inc?
I have been trying to cut down on my screen time recently. I don't watch television for the most part, but I tend to waste hours online once I sit down. I am finding it interesting what I can get done utilizing those hours for other projects. I just cleaned out a room that has been a dumping ground for many years. Full of old books, clothes and so on. Got rid of a bunch of things and packed up items I wanted to save. It's like building an addition to my house.
Have a good day and week guys!
Amp, I imagine that you are very busy getting ready for the fall season. I am hopeful your new accounts will help your business flourish this year.
How are things going Inc?
I have been trying to cut down on my screen time recently. I don't watch television for the most part, but I tend to waste hours online once I sit down. I am finding it interesting what I can get done utilizing those hours for other projects. I just cleaned out a room that has been a dumping ground for many years. Full of old books, clothes and so on. Got rid of a bunch of things and packed up items I wanted to save. It's like building an addition to my house.
Have a good day and week guys!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,412
Hey guys 
Amp.. Man oh man..thise thoughts of "what if" used to kill me. There's still some things I cannot face, like the house I lost...and moreso the family I lost which lived in that house.
Those.. "What if" thoughts honestly killed me from the inside for the longest time. I knew it was useless to think about that, but I couldn't help myself. So many what ifs.
Honestly I'm REALLY glad I'm over that phase. For the most part. And I suppose when I go back to memory lane those thoughts will return. At least now I'm better equipped to process those thoughts.
Speaking of the house, I drove through that yesterday. The whole town has this ugly negative emotional draw to it. The pain is real. Made me realize that I need to face it. Burying that into the past will get me nowhere and it'll just show its ugly head when I least expect it.
Not sure what I need to deal with exactly. I've dealt with abandoning my family already. I guess seeing the house or town makes it real and not a vague memory of the past.
SG... Sorry I missed your IQY on heads pace. Yes, I think it's worth the few bucks. So much so I pay full price.
I'm actually pumping new life into meditation. More on this in a little bit.
Gotta log out.
BRB
Amp.. Man oh man..thise thoughts of "what if" used to kill me. There's still some things I cannot face, like the house I lost...and moreso the family I lost which lived in that house.
Those.. "What if" thoughts honestly killed me from the inside for the longest time. I knew it was useless to think about that, but I couldn't help myself. So many what ifs.
Honestly I'm REALLY glad I'm over that phase. For the most part. And I suppose when I go back to memory lane those thoughts will return. At least now I'm better equipped to process those thoughts.
Speaking of the house, I drove through that yesterday. The whole town has this ugly negative emotional draw to it. The pain is real. Made me realize that I need to face it. Burying that into the past will get me nowhere and it'll just show its ugly head when I least expect it.
Not sure what I need to deal with exactly. I've dealt with abandoning my family already. I guess seeing the house or town makes it real and not a vague memory of the past.
SG... Sorry I missed your IQY on heads pace. Yes, I think it's worth the few bucks. So much so I pay full price.
I'm actually pumping new life into meditation. More on this in a little bit.
Gotta log out.
BRB
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,412
So yeah...
I've been thinking about meditation a lot lately because I had let what was ultimately meaningless events like a new job, or new apartment pull me away from it and back into the old familiar daily grind.
I was gained a few very significant awarenesses when I did meditate, and figured I should get back on that horse and make the full trip. One of the biggest for me was experiencing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. And if I wanted to change something, like an emotion, where I needed to make adjustments.
It was actually a mind blowing revelation for me. One of a few actually. And I know that's just the cold air above the tip of the iceberg.
It's been a bit of a pain because I'm not able to enter the deep state of meditation I was able to achieve before. At least in finding that I am advancing very quickly this time.
I'd love tmfkr you guys to check out this video. It explains what happens during enlightenment.
There are several "paths" to enlightenment depending on background: Christian, Buddhist, Indian, Eastern, etc. But they all have the same outcome and experiences.
My favorite is following the teachings of "The mind illuminated". This book was written by a neuro scientist who was obsessed with knowing how the mind works. After studying the physiological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the mind, he found what he was looking for in Buddhism.
His book is an instruction manual for meditation and includes a road map for enlightenment. Which is basically seeing EVERYTHING for what it is, not what we perceive it to be.
This video details the Christian Path, which they call "Centered Prayer". I really like how he depicts the process and the experiences.
https://youtu.be/GwBH89wZLLw
I've been thinking about meditation a lot lately because I had let what was ultimately meaningless events like a new job, or new apartment pull me away from it and back into the old familiar daily grind.
I was gained a few very significant awarenesses when I did meditate, and figured I should get back on that horse and make the full trip. One of the biggest for me was experiencing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. And if I wanted to change something, like an emotion, where I needed to make adjustments.
It was actually a mind blowing revelation for me. One of a few actually. And I know that's just the cold air above the tip of the iceberg.
It's been a bit of a pain because I'm not able to enter the deep state of meditation I was able to achieve before. At least in finding that I am advancing very quickly this time.
I'd love tmfkr you guys to check out this video. It explains what happens during enlightenment.
There are several "paths" to enlightenment depending on background: Christian, Buddhist, Indian, Eastern, etc. But they all have the same outcome and experiences.
My favorite is following the teachings of "The mind illuminated". This book was written by a neuro scientist who was obsessed with knowing how the mind works. After studying the physiological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the mind, he found what he was looking for in Buddhism.
His book is an instruction manual for meditation and includes a road map for enlightenment. Which is basically seeing EVERYTHING for what it is, not what we perceive it to be.
This video details the Christian Path, which they call "Centered Prayer". I really like how he depicts the process and the experiences.
https://youtu.be/GwBH89wZLLw
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spain
Posts: 2,004
Hey all!
Totally agree that the "what if/if only" game is not only not worth playing, but can also be extremely emotionally damaging. So important to remain in the present.
I'm hoping to take up running again this autumn. I got injured on a run on Christmas Day, so I left off for a couple of months but picked up the same injury again a couple of weeks later. As a result, I put my running and fitness in general on the shelf. I think that's been a mistake for me because that is where I find my head space. Long meandering runs up and down my town have seen me through the worst of times and has been a constant companion over the last 5 or 6 years.
I'm back to work for the new season tomorrow. Hoping it's going to be a good one. Either way, I think it's going to definitive as I can't continue to work for nothing or even at a loss. I'll keep you guys posted
Totally agree that the "what if/if only" game is not only not worth playing, but can also be extremely emotionally damaging. So important to remain in the present.
I'm hoping to take up running again this autumn. I got injured on a run on Christmas Day, so I left off for a couple of months but picked up the same injury again a couple of weeks later. As a result, I put my running and fitness in general on the shelf. I think that's been a mistake for me because that is where I find my head space. Long meandering runs up and down my town have seen me through the worst of times and has been a constant companion over the last 5 or 6 years.
I'm back to work for the new season tomorrow. Hoping it's going to be a good one. Either way, I think it's going to definitive as I can't continue to work for nothing or even at a loss. I'll keep you guys posted
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
Good luck with the new season Amp! I hope this is the year that things turn around for you.
Thanks for the info on meditation Inc. I think I will try to start carving more time out for it soon. Like yourself, I just fall into the daily grind far too easily and spend more time getting through the day, and not living the day. That's not what life is supposed to be about.
Take care guy!
Thanks for the info on meditation Inc. I think I will try to start carving more time out for it soon. Like yourself, I just fall into the daily grind far too easily and spend more time getting through the day, and not living the day. That's not what life is supposed to be about.
Take care guy!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,412
Amp.. Man, I can't believe you haven't been running. That's such a huge part of your overall well-being. Hopefully you have an easier time getting into the groove of running than I am meditating. It's tough at first when you can't do what you're used to or experience the same immediate benefits.
I get the injury though. Hopefully that won't be an annoyance for ya. I've been lifting heavy weights trying to gain muscle. I hit the gym 5-6 days a week.
I started a new program which follows lighter weight but a crap ton of reps for an increase in overall volume. Muscle gain is all about increasing volume (weight x reps) each time I work that muscle group.
Well, I ended up straining a skeletal muscle in my ower back doing deadlifts. By old workout was super heavy but only 5 sets of 5 reps. I was a bit nervous with the weight and supremely careful by paying super close attention to my form.
The new routine has 8 sets of 5/6 reps with the last one being as many reps as possible (AMRAP). This effectively multiplied my chance of injury and ended up doing just that.
I couldn't work legs or lower back for a couple weeks. Thankfully it was a minor injury.
This week was the first week I was able to do squats and deadlifts again. I went ahead and did the 8 sets this week as a warm up, but going forward I'm doing more weight with less reps.
I love what the gym is doing to my body and mind.
I get the injury though. Hopefully that won't be an annoyance for ya. I've been lifting heavy weights trying to gain muscle. I hit the gym 5-6 days a week.
I started a new program which follows lighter weight but a crap ton of reps for an increase in overall volume. Muscle gain is all about increasing volume (weight x reps) each time I work that muscle group.
Well, I ended up straining a skeletal muscle in my ower back doing deadlifts. By old workout was super heavy but only 5 sets of 5 reps. I was a bit nervous with the weight and supremely careful by paying super close attention to my form.
The new routine has 8 sets of 5/6 reps with the last one being as many reps as possible (AMRAP). This effectively multiplied my chance of injury and ended up doing just that.
I couldn't work legs or lower back for a couple weeks. Thankfully it was a minor injury.
This week was the first week I was able to do squats and deadlifts again. I went ahead and did the 8 sets this week as a warm up, but going forward I'm doing more weight with less reps.
I love what the gym is doing to my body and mind.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spain
Posts: 2,004
Well, I tried going out running on Monday at a relaxed pace and about half an hour in my old injury turned up again and I've been limping around for a couple of days.Yesterday was a bit better and I'm hoping that today I'll be able to walk normally. I have an appointment with a specialist on Tuesday. I'm hoping this is fixable as a life without running would be tough.
We reopened for business after our summer break on Monday. It's a hugely stressful time of year in which my head obsesses about numbers nearly ALL the time. Basically right now we have 450 clients signed up and by the end of October we need that figure to be around 700...preferably 750+. If we land under 650 this will be my last year and I will begin to close down the company. I really like what I do and I think we are a valuable part of our community but I can't throw good money after bad anymore. I've reached the end of my savings and can't afford to take out a second mortgage. As you can imagine, with this in mind I stress and obsess nearly all the time. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we had slow days and I was ready to close the whole thing down! Then yesterday was a good day and we closed 10 deals and now I feel that this is the year when we turn the corner! So hard to keep my head in the big picture!
Glad to hear you're doing well with the weight training, Inc and that your injury was only minor. We have to be so careful at our age about overdoing exercise. When you're in your twenties and even your thirties you can bounce back from most stuff in 2 or 3 days. Forties and fifties is a different ball game!
Anyway, hoping you're all well!
Amp
We reopened for business after our summer break on Monday. It's a hugely stressful time of year in which my head obsesses about numbers nearly ALL the time. Basically right now we have 450 clients signed up and by the end of October we need that figure to be around 700...preferably 750+. If we land under 650 this will be my last year and I will begin to close down the company. I really like what I do and I think we are a valuable part of our community but I can't throw good money after bad anymore. I've reached the end of my savings and can't afford to take out a second mortgage. As you can imagine, with this in mind I stress and obsess nearly all the time. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we had slow days and I was ready to close the whole thing down! Then yesterday was a good day and we closed 10 deals and now I feel that this is the year when we turn the corner! So hard to keep my head in the big picture!
Glad to hear you're doing well with the weight training, Inc and that your injury was only minor. We have to be so careful at our age about overdoing exercise. When you're in your twenties and even your thirties you can bounce back from most stuff in 2 or 3 days. Forties and fifties is a different ball game!
Anyway, hoping you're all well!
Amp
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
Amp, I can’t imagine the anxiety these next two months will bring you. I hope you can hit that 750 number.
Thanks for the meditation and work out tips Inc. I know you always jump into new endeavors feet first. Just be careful you don’t hurt yourself long term.
Take care guys!
Thanks for the meditation and work out tips Inc. I know you always jump into new endeavors feet first. Just be careful you don’t hurt yourself long term.
Take care guys!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spain
Posts: 2,004
Thanks guys! We're doing ok at work. Numbers on the rise. We closed at 508 yesterday so still a long way to go foe the 750 we need, but at least there's movement. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
I went to see the specialist aboit my injury. Apparently it is a spur on my heel which is an irregular growth of the bone which causes bruising when you run on it. My insurance is covering me for 10 physio sessions, so hopefully that will be enough... Hoping so.
Hope you're all well
I went to see the specialist aboit my injury. Apparently it is a spur on my heel which is an irregular growth of the bone which causes bruising when you run on it. My insurance is covering me for 10 physio sessions, so hopefully that will be enough... Hoping so.
Hope you're all well
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
508 is good Amp. You are two thirds of the way there. On the home stretch, so to speak.
My boss told me yesterday at work that the company is doing away with OT except for emergencies. My salary is and has always been based on working five ten hour days. OT is mandatory, or was. Now, I am looking at a five figure loss of wages which has greatly angered everyone. No clear explanation has been given, except that the company wants employees to" have a better quality of life." I now will have more time to think about my finances. It is a pretty transparent cost move, lopping millions of payroll dollars nationwide from the company rolls. My company used to be one that I felt had integrity behind it's moves. I am questioning that now.
How is your job going Inc?
My boss told me yesterday at work that the company is doing away with OT except for emergencies. My salary is and has always been based on working five ten hour days. OT is mandatory, or was. Now, I am looking at a five figure loss of wages which has greatly angered everyone. No clear explanation has been given, except that the company wants employees to" have a better quality of life." I now will have more time to think about my finances. It is a pretty transparent cost move, lopping millions of payroll dollars nationwide from the company rolls. My company used to be one that I felt had integrity behind it's moves. I am questioning that now.
How is your job going Inc?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,412
Son of a....
Just lost a long response. Oh well. Gonna cut to the chase here...
Amp, what you up to? Do what you must to keep yourself believing. "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right" ~H. Ford
You've seen me rap on about the Law of Attraction before. I'm still a strong believer as everything that's happened to me over the past 10yrs can be reverse engineered to my thoughts and beliefs. What we think about, comes about.
SG... Dude.. That blows! Have you been able to accept it, or is it chewing you up?
How's the company doing? Their private, right? So I guess you really never know. Seems like a strong company as an outsider looking in.
My job is going well. I can't seem to hire fast enough. Other than that, I love it.
Though today my boss said Amazon is going after Print & Marketing business soon. That's a major part of our business model with 75% profit margin.
They can't take 100% of the business, but certainly can get a big slice of the pie.
In fact, we have an Amazon center opening up an hour from me. They are hiring 1,500 people. Crazy. If I wasn't so damn old, I'd apply.
I read the other day that since Amazon bought Whole foods, Trader Joe's has been losing customers.
They are brutal and single handedly changing the entire retail landscape.
Just lost a long response. Oh well. Gonna cut to the chase here...
Amp, what you up to? Do what you must to keep yourself believing. "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right" ~H. Ford
You've seen me rap on about the Law of Attraction before. I'm still a strong believer as everything that's happened to me over the past 10yrs can be reverse engineered to my thoughts and beliefs. What we think about, comes about.
SG... Dude.. That blows! Have you been able to accept it, or is it chewing you up?
How's the company doing? Their private, right? So I guess you really never know. Seems like a strong company as an outsider looking in.
My job is going well. I can't seem to hire fast enough. Other than that, I love it.
Though today my boss said Amazon is going after Print & Marketing business soon. That's a major part of our business model with 75% profit margin.
They can't take 100% of the business, but certainly can get a big slice of the pie.
In fact, we have an Amazon center opening up an hour from me. They are hiring 1,500 people. Crazy. If I wasn't so damn old, I'd apply.
I read the other day that since Amazon bought Whole foods, Trader Joe's has been losing customers.
They are brutal and single handedly changing the entire retail landscape.
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
Inc, glad your job is going well. Yes, I have accepted the inevitable and hope to stay with this company until I can retire. I know Amazon has forced down a lot of pricing at Whole Foods, though their tight inventory practices are leaving their stores out of product constantly. They are offering home delivery too, which is attractive to many. Times are constantly changing in the retail landscape.
How are things going Amp? Did you ever complete your album that you were working on?
How are things going Amp? Did you ever complete your album that you were working on?
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spain
Posts: 2,004
Hey guys! The new album, Upcycle will be out this autumn. Really excited about that. Still on edge about enrollment at my work. We're up to 610 but still need to close maybe 150 deals before the end of October. There are a couple of good weeks left and then it slows down so it's going to be close. Too close for comfort I think! I've been working 10-15 hour days since 1st September and am beginning to feel it now. Can't take my foot off the gas for two or three weeks yet though. Thanks GOD I don't drink anymore!!!
I was thinking of boycotting Amazon because I saw a documentary about their work conditions. I lasted maybe 2 weeks. Those guys are going to take over the world. Service is just too much better than anyone else.
I was thinking of boycotting Amazon because I saw a documentary about their work conditions. I lasted maybe 2 weeks. Those guys are going to take over the world. Service is just too much better than anyone else.
Quit 4/17/15
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 15,180
I feel somewhat ambivalent about Amazon now too. No one can argue with their pricing and delivery services, but the news here abounds with stories of people continually getting hurt in their warehouses. Like many companies, they own the warehouses, but employ an outside company to staff them and manage all aspects of HR. Leaves Amazon an out if negative attention comes their way. It's at the point where one almost needs an Amazon, as brick and mortar stores are rapidly going away. My area is full of half empty malls and shopping centers and they are never coming back to the levels of the 1970's and 1980's.
In the process of buying an 04 Camry from my mother in law. It is relatively low mileage, around 112k and is in good condition. This can be used by my son to drive to college if he decides to go, or to a job if not. I just couldn't stomach a more expensive car with the uncertainty with my job. Toyota's have a reputation as a vehicle that can run forever. That's why there are millions of them still out there.
How are you recovering from your injuries Inc? I get frustrated when I hurt myself and then have to stop a workout regime in order to recover. I am not looking to bulk up, I just want to strengthen what I have.
Take care guys!
In the process of buying an 04 Camry from my mother in law. It is relatively low mileage, around 112k and is in good condition. This can be used by my son to drive to college if he decides to go, or to a job if not. I just couldn't stomach a more expensive car with the uncertainty with my job. Toyota's have a reputation as a vehicle that can run forever. That's why there are millions of them still out there.
How are you recovering from your injuries Inc? I get frustrated when I hurt myself and then have to stop a workout regime in order to recover. I am not looking to bulk up, I just want to strengthen what I have.
Take care guys!
Administrator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,444
Amazon boycotted me and other aussies anyway - they won't past the sales tax the Government wants for overseas purchases.
There's an Aussie Amazon, but I'd rather use real stores in person or online or ebay stores anyway.
D
There's an Aussie Amazon, but I'd rather use real stores in person or online or ebay stores anyway.
D
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