Changing Seasons

It is spring in Canada but the seasons aren’t the only thing changing.  After going through a year of post graduate studies I am also looking for a change. One that will bring me to a new chance in life.  I haven’t had anything go easy for me but that is not a complaint. It is an acknowledgement that giving up before I get to where I need to be would be borderline crazy.

I’ll be looking for a new lease on life as far as getting a job, and actually setting up some form of foundation up here in the North. I’m actually waiting on my school to clear me for graduation and so I can get the papers I need to get on the fast track.  My graduation doesn’t even matter that much. It is more of a bump in the long road I have decided to take.

My new lease also extends to love. A love I hold close and pray will grow in every aspect possible.  It’s always good to find a partner who is supportive.  Having been through a couple of relationships i find this one very refreshing. Can i exhale? I think I can.

My goals for a new start are also being worked on. The year I started detailed planning my life changed. I find myself on my long walks thinking that I need to start over with the same passion i did back then. It was called Project Hostile Takeover at the time and was a five-year plan.  It worked.  Now after changing certain things including my attitude I have tried other projects based on different approaches. They don’t work. So starting on May 8 (which was my birthday) I have created a new plan with 13 goals called Hostile Takeover 2.

Now that I have certain things off my mental plate I can start piling things I really want to back on.  The more relaxed I am, the more I will get done.  Someone very important said that to me and it turns out I already see and feel the difference.

This is more of a “soft” rant that anything else but the one thing I have learnt is you have to endure no matter what. Remember that as you read this and let it burn into your consciousness. Endure. No matter what it is. Endure. If you give up what you really want and sit there what do you really gain? Think about it.

Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

Who is the Bigger H of the Car World? Honda vs. Hyundai

It was 2001 and a new movie series was about to hit the scene that would become my favorite as well as fuel a car craze in my home country of Jamaica, the likes have not happened before it and hasn’t been matched since. It was Fast and the Furious and even though you may think that I must be joking it helped to start Honda off as a brand people just couldn’t get enough of. I can still remember all the revving engines and screeching tyres after that and every Fast and the Furious to follow. Even if you don’t think they are the greatest auto action movies ever you have to admit that they left you energized.

Even though Honda had a following before this movie hit, the brand grew exponentially especially in Mandeville where every other car was a Honda. What? you think I’m lying? People will testify that Mandeville became known as Honda Town. Half of them were souped up running on NOS or bigger engine and if you were part of that crew don’t ever say you had a non-VTEC engine.

I also got caught up in the hype to the point where I have never owned a car unless it was a Honda. But 5 Hondas later another H is catching my eye in a way I never thought possible.  For the Fast and the Furious fans I know you remember Tokyo Drift when Han said, “What? You thought I was going to let you drive around in a Hyundai?” Six years after making that statement a lot of people who laughed are actually giving Hyundai a second look.

I’m not sure exactly when it started to go wrong but it happened in a blink of an eye.  More cars in my hometown were Toyota and Nissans and there would be rare sightings of  an old school civic. The Honda Civic and Accord 2005 came out and there seemed to be hope but somewhere after that Hyundai also seemed to change their game plan.  It changed so drasticaly that jaws dropped at some of the designs to come.

What did Honda do? Nothing as far as I am concerned. The year is 2012 and the new designs for their lines don’t impress me much. At this point in time, I’d buy a Hyundai over any of the new offerings Honda has. Yes, I was a die hard fan of the brand. And yes, if they came with something not just new but impressive I would by Honda once more but for now I’m disillusioned and looking for a new brand. Those Subarus look nice too.

Anyway, this was a rant more than a comparison and I’m interested in knowing your views on the matter.  Is Honda washed up in your opinion? Would you buy Hyundai?

Disclaimer : I don’t own all pictures shown.. Some were obtained from the web while the others are my personal pics…..

Peace

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Inspired

I woke up to the warmth of her lips on the back of my neck.  I smiled because I knew it was the start of a good day.  The smell of coffee told me she had been up for a while.  The sun peaked through the window as I rolled over excited to start the day we had planned.  Even Einstein was running in circles from anticipation.

It was the middle of summer and we both had taken the day off to do nothing more than spend time together with our destination not set and the mandatory requirement of it being in wide open spaces. Some place where the only sounds other than our voices would come from the wind in the trees or Einstein barking at a squirrel.

As always, talks are both filled with laughter and serious issues.  Conversations of plans to be intertwined in each others life as our hands were as we walked along the path.  Even in moments of silence our sense of touch communicates our feelings.

I cant help but stare at her from head to toe.  I run my hand through her locks that protects a beautiful mind. I smile for the umpteenth time. I am happy.  As the day slowly turns night, Einstein leads the way home. Time spent was good and I look forward to time away with her soon.

Inspired by CD

Dog’s name changed to protect the innocent

40 years Together : My Parents Answer Some Burning Questions

My parents Donald and Carmen celebrated their fortieth anniversary on December 18, 2011.  Even though this is a feat in a world where 3 month marriages are the rage, the fact that they are still in love with each other makes it an inspiring story. You may say I’m biased  but the stories i have to tell not even Hollywood can top it. I can say that I have seen love expressed in my home since I was a kid till the day I left the shores of Jamaica.  In their house laughter is melody that rings through the windows and playing, walks just for walking sake and kisses for no particular reason are commonplace.

My Dad is a pastor and my mom is a retired teacher and both met in college where they fell in love, got engaged and married in 1971. From that union two boys, Ainsley (that’s me..haha) and Camroy were produced.  I’ve seen my parents upset but have never heard a voice raised or a door slammed from anybody being upset.  My mom would not make decisions without my Dad and vice versa.  i told them once that if I have find hall the love they have I’m on easy street. They always without fail credit their relationship with Jesus as the reason.

I thought I would share a bit of what I experienced growing up in their home so i threw out the idea for the blog on my Facebook page and what is written below are the questions that were raised for me to ask. My parents don’t read blogs at all but I must say before I get into  these questions (which by the way were answered concisely as they both are ones to get to the point) that they have set a standard for me to live by but I know it is well worth the journey to love in the way they do. Hope you guys like it and please leave comments to let me know what you think.

Q. What things did you see in this person that made you want to marry him?

A. Humility was the main thing which i admired but in addition the caring and loving attitude were also good attributes.

Q. How would you describe your spiritual life as a couple?

A. Growing and maturing.

Q. Describe how you and your husband arrive at decisions.

A. We discuss andcome to a common understanding then we make a decision.

Q. Describe how you as a couple resolve conflicts.

A. We allow each other to express how one feels about the grouse and decide on the resolution.

Q. What do you think you need to do as a couple to get from where you are to where you need to be?

A. Set goals and objectives and prioritise as we work towards realizing them.

Q. What have the tough times taught them about one another?

A. We have learned to be satisfied and make the best of every given situation.

Q. Describe how your marriage has changed over the years.

A. Technically our marriage has not changed over the yeaars. It has only grown stronger and with greater appreciation.

Q. How do you communicate dissatisfaction to your spouse? When you are hurt or angry with your spouse, what do you do?

A. Keep silent. Allow for the appropriate time to speak as it is never wise to speak when one is angry.

Q. Do you think living together before marriage works on any level?  Explain.

A. From a christian point of view,it is no. This has often led to mistrust and disrespect.

Q. What is the one thing you both want to do together that you haven’t already done?

A. We want to go on a cruise.

Q. What advice do youhave for people in long distance relationships?

A.  Long distance relationships are never generally prefered because (1) there is a lack of face to face interaction (2) lack of trust can be created. (3) it does not reveal the full character of the person. (4) it does not give the opportunity to learn family background of each person’s family. Even though its hard it can work through the will and determination of both people involved. They have to be mature and know what to expect from their situation.  If they can communicate well then they’ll make it but it should never be a prolonged situation if it can be prevented.

 

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FINAL NOTE : I told myself I’d be the one to send them on that cruise.  That’s a goal for me as well.  Don’t hesitate to hit the like button, comment or subscribe and if you really like it SHARE.  Thanks for reading.

New Year! What now?

Happy New Year everyone! It’s 2012 and everybody as always happens is excited at the prospects of the days and months to come. In this year of the dragon what will we being doing differently to make this year successful? You’re going to make resolutions? Good for you? But what does that mean? Does it mean you make a list, get all worked up and weeks later go back to life as usual?

Year after year I try to set goals that will enhance my life even in small ways. This year is no different with a 13 goal spread (plus a few left from last year). This obsession started in 2006 when I set a list of 153 goals to do by the end of the year which I did accomplish. The excitement of that and the inspiration from reading Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People pushed me to make it a yearly ritual.

After doing it for some time I started to hone in on things that were really important to me and breaking those down into sub goals. Things like spiritual growth, health, career, and travel after a couple of years of building goal lists were separated and then broken down into accomplishable tasks.  I stayed as realistic as possible with my goals  as they were all based on bigger goals based on a five year plan.

This year starts the beginning of a new five years and I’m excited.  Even though my last five years were mixed because of unforeseen problems (like business endeavours getting robbed or extorted and world economy going to crap) I still am impressed by what was accomplished and I’m definitely looking to do it bigger this time.

As I mentioned before I have thirteen goals this year. I’ll share a few with you as I close this blog. One of my fitness goals is to run a 5K marathon in the summer or fall of this year. This means training starts now. Another goal in terms of my career is to get a job in Canada which utilizes all of the experience and skill I garnered while in Jamaica.  One of my spiritual goals is to spend time in the New Testament covering the letters to the churches and how it applies to me.

I”m excited and hope all those who have set resolutions or goals may move toward them with excitement and fervour.  I also did get a life goal done this year. On my bucket list I had to go to a hockey game and was given that chance this past week. Yes!

Looking forward to your feedback. Stay strong and focused!

Ainzlee

Note : Check out my trip to the Hockey Game

Jamaica Blog Awards Nomination

Just writing a small note to let all the people who read my blog know that I have been nominated for the Jamaican Blog Awards in the category of Best Jamaican Vlogger. I’m excited and glad just to be nominated. If you want to support you can by clicking on the link AND voting for TheAinzlee.  I have one more blog before the end of the year but I still want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and the best for 2012. Link below for nominations…. Thanks again for all your support.

http://www.jablogawards.com/best-jamaica-vblog

Oh and if you haven’t seen my youtube channel that I got nominated for… Check below

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheAinzlee

School’s Out!!!

After a grueling semester of Post Grad Project Management, It’s time for a well needed rest.  By rest I mean do things I need to do so I can have some peace of mind and at least know I’m still on a track to my goals.  My grades will be out in a day or two but I’m sure I passed everything. I have three weeks of vacation and have decided to use it to  things I love. I want to spend the weeks before school in January reading, going on some adventure and getting myself ready for next year. Should be fun.

Below are videos and pics I’ve collected since I’ve been here and hopefully if I get to do these thirty things I have I’ll be able to, I’ll do a blog before year end.

Random Question : Are you strong enough to do what you need to do no matter what the distraction?

Pics and vid Below….. v

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