20

So after 3 years of living in different timezones and countries, upheaving everything in my life, I find myself suddenly in a nice quiet place.... taking stock of some realizations, and reconfirming some older beliefs...

1. Any movie that has Adam Sandler in it, is going to be just plain awful.

2. People are remarkably consistent. Their behavior, habits, faults and traits rarely change much over time. There are exceptions of course, but not many.

3. The NHL has changed quite a bit since I've been away. Speed, skill and scoring are the mantras. Wow!

4. Dare to risk, dare to dream. Anyone who risks getting out of their set-in-concrete lives, win every time. This is now a firm part of my belief system. But here's the kicker - you may not win the way you expect, and you may not realize the "victory" until well afterwards, perhaps even years later. But, it will be a victory nonetheless. And this leads to number 5 .....

5. Figure out what's really happening. Often the life that's running in your head is much different than what's really happening on the outside. Pay attention and sync up. You are allowed 5 time-outs in life - use 'em all.

6. The last truly great and original movie I've seen was Lost In Translation. And that was in 2003.

7. You see your reflection in every person you encounter. This is valuable information for the great mystery that is your life.

8. Every bad thing that happens to you is a golden opportunity to grow, change and even fulfill a dream. Like many, I truly believe things happen for a reason.

9. I find most people annoying.

10. Don't strive to be different. Strive to find, and be, yourself. Then you'll truly be different.

11. I still believe in: the paranormal, spirit-guides, UFOs, the afterlife, the individual, my family, me and god. I still don't believe in: people, governments, and the media.

12. You are a product of your life.

13. If the Jays' can solidify their starting rotation, they could go far in the autumn.

14. Mistakes through living your life are to be cherished.... Apathy, inaction and a hiding-from-life strategy are the true failures of life.

15. Everytime I get bitter in life, it eventually leads to a gut-wrenching action that causes a positive change in the area I am most bitter about. This is my weird process.

16. I don't want to live life by consensus any more. Been there, done that. And so I don't give a rat's a$$ if you understand, agree or disagree with me on any of these 20 thoughts. Have a nice day.

17. There are two types of people in the world: complainers and non-complainers. I'll take the second group every time.

18. Whether it's Taiwan, the Baltics or Canada, family is the most important thing.

19. blog = ego.

20. Getting cocky in life means it's time for new challenges.