A First Posting

So, what can I say to start this blog off? First, I guess, is that this is a test. A test to see how well I can stick to telling key points about my life as it progresses, and not get caught up in the details, as I so often do when I speak. In other words, I’m working on being concise. Also important, is being able to be reflect on the things I’ve done, or plan to do, more clearly, so that I am more confident with the decisions that I have made and will end up making. So, I’m working on being concise and being focused. Two things I really feel I need to improve on. Or, as an in-flight magazine that I picked up on my way to Germany last year said “a change that is long overdue”. I’m sure a lot of people I’ve known can attest to this.

So, here goes.

January 2007 was a very different month compared to that of January 2006. Last year, as I mentioned in my earlier blog, was quite hard. This year, it’s not really any easier, but it feels that way. I think I’ve learned something since then, although I can’t quite put it into words yet. Of the major things that have happened: I started a new job; I started contacting organizations I thought might be interested in the research I did in Shanghai, and will be having some of my research published soon (I know, crazy eh?); I made the Edmonton Salsaddication Dance Team.

Here’s a little more on each:

Work – It’s going well. My job is primarily a desk job (with my own computer), and I work directly with my boss most of the time. I’m really not used to the whole “serious office job” thing yet, so it has been a bit irritating to start, but compared to what I’ve been doing this week (working on the shop floor and building some of the product our company sells (My boss’ idea- so that I can get a good feel for what we create and where the problems are (I think this is a great idea by the way.))), it seems more like the experience I need to ultimately make it in the automotive industry.

This past week, working on the shop floor, has given me the opportunity to almost interview some of the workers in a way, and their stories have been amazing! It’s not my place to speak about their lives here, but I just wanted to say that despite the fact that I’ve been trying not to judge others from first impressions, when I did find out more about these people’s lives, and why they do what they do, it shocked me. As it still so often does, whenever I don’t expect a person to be or think a certain way.

Research – My sister was the one who gave me this idea, so I owe her for this, but over the next few months, including this one, I will be writing a bit for some online and traditional magazines about my research and experience in Shanghai, regarding the automotive industry and related ventures. Who would have guessed? Here I am, a guy that doesn’t really like reading or writing, especially on a computer screen, and now I am doing it “for fun”, and for professional reasons. It’s funny how that happens, isn’t it?

I’ll mention the names of the magazines, and where you can find my articles once they are produced. To me it’s not really a big deal, but as I’ve learned, it can carry some weight when meeting with people in your industry and to say you’ve published something. Personally, I just look for people’s sincerity. If you look like you really believe in something, and want to do it, then I’m all for it too- even if I don’t understand why. But then again, I’m sure I’ve been fooled many times before because of that.

Salsa – Yeah, I’m on the team. This was something, in hindsight, I really wanted to be a part of last year. 2006 was the first year this group got together, and I would have loved to grow with them as dancers and friends. Now, it feels a little different. Despite the fact that I made the team, and I feel more or less welcomed by the other members, I have mixed feelings about it.

This might come out wrong, but if I had to put it into words, I guess the best way for me to describe how I feel, would be like coming out of a prison. You’re free, and accepted by the world again, but it and you have changed. I am happy I made the team, and can share my love of dance with them, but it’s different. Maybe a part of it has to do with the switch from dancing in Shanghai, to dancing in Edmonton. It’s also hard to describe this difference, but it’s there.

Nevertheless, it remains in my mind, self-development and the joy of life, in the best way I know how, shared with others.

…

So, what’s in store for the somewhat foreseeable future? Well, I can’t say for certain, but the best preview I can give is this:

- a trip to Monaco in late March for the Ever Monaco International Exhibition and Conference (http://www.ever-monaco.com/), where I hope to make some more contacts in the automotive industry (and maybe even start securing some business- let’s keep our fingers crossed).

- A trip to Puerto Rico with the dance team. That would really be amazing!

- A trip back to Shanghai. Not sure when yet or for how long, but there are a lot of reasons to go back.

- A scooter or motorbike for the summer? I don’t know, but it would be great.

We'll see what happens.