Andrew's Positive Growth Blog

Fired Up and Ready to Go!

This is the slogan of Barack Obama's 2012 campaign. I heard it in one of his speeches and have to admit it even got me fired up....

 

Whitney Houston Passed Away...

Sad new is that Whitney Houston passed away this weekend. It is sad but I'm not really surprised. We all make lifestyle choices and unfortunately hers involved cocaine. What an amazing talent though, I listened to a lot of her songs growing up. 

  

Goodbye 2011..... and Welcome 2012!!!

What an amazing year! I can't complain about 2011, I experienced so many things this year and for that I'm really thankful. The best thing of all is I'm happy and I'm healthy. Without good health, it doesn't really mean anything because you won't be able to fully enjoy all of the wonderful things the world has to offer. 

I feel like in the past year I've learned more about myself and my passions. I went to Germany and the Czech Republic and was able to go all over the place and see so much. I enjoyed the trip so much that this year I have trips planned to Cuba and a number of countries in Europe (tentatively Spain, England, Scotland, Ireland and France).

The past year has shown that the world is constantly changing. Look at all the dictators and revolts that have happened this year alone. Europe's economy seems to be getting worse by the day, and there seems to be this fear of things slipping back into how they were in 2008 again. But I don't blame people for thinking this, governments all over the world have acted irresponsibly and the interests of a select few. Jobs that were once there for the middle class have all but disappeared. While politicians continue to say that the jobs will come back and that the real problem stems from Europe, the truth is these jobs have disappeared because of technology. Technology has been one of the bright spots of the past few years and it has enabled businesses to increase their efficiency while cutting back on staff and saving on costs. 

Here in Canada things appear to be "different". The government and media have convinced people that the problems that have existed outside of the country will stay that way and that Canada will remain strong. I do not believe this to be the case. Most people have their money wrapped up only in real estate and if you tell people you aren't buying they look are you weirdly. Perhaps if I tell them the story of the Tulip Bubble in Europe they will come to reality. Bull markets end with good news and bear markets end with the worst possible news; I'm expecting 2012 to be a good news year. 

Regardless I'm very optimistic about 2012 and all the new challenges I will encounter. My ultimate goal for next year is to put myself in the position of being totally self-sufficient; being able to do what I want and when I want. Total and absolute independence. I want to explore more and continue to pursue my passions with all of my energy. Good things await and I will see you in 2012. Happy New Year!!!

  

How badly do you want it?!?!?

A blog I follow posted this video, I found it really inspiring. Makes you think about how hard you are trying and what lengths you will go to achieve success!!!

Thought I would share it.

  

Remembering Jack Layton

Jack Layton passed away earlier this week and I thought it deserved a post on my blog as I have been a huge supporter of his. It started back at University, I read his book Homelessness. It showed compassion and provided me with an understanding of a large issue at the time. While many politicians were suggesting to throw these panhandlers in jail or have them exported in school buses; Layton was developing policies to create support networks so that these people might one day have the opportunity to make more of themselves. It was at this point I realized that not all people have the same opportunities in life and to show compassion for those that have less. Layton also lived with a homeless person at one point; I assume that was for his understand and because he genuinely wanted to help.

People like this, especially in the realm of politics are few and far between. I supported Layton during this past election because the ideals that he presented were of a Canada that I hoped could one day exist. A Canada that created the same opportunities for people of each gender and race. One that didn’t exclude different social classes in society as the current Harper government has done. People rallied around this notion. I used to be a Liberal supporter but when I heard Jack Layton speak and back up those words with actions I knew that I must be a part of this. When I emailed issues that I wanted to be brought up, he responded. An open conversation with a leader that had time for each and every voter and citizen of Canada. It sounded like a rare dream; one that differed greatly from the current leader that hardly has the time to answer the questions of reporters.

I watched the funeral this past weekend on TV and also walked behind the procession in the streets. Why did I do this? Something inside was telling me it was the right thing to do, when something happens to people that you learn from and respect you support them. You get behind these people because they represent the good in society. I was amazed at the diversity and positive message at this funeral. It gave me hope that there are some Canadians out there that still share my view and that still share the same values of building an inclusive society.

US Open Golf , Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods

This past weekend, I watched the US open golf tournament. Golf is one of my hobbies and I try to watch as many events as possible.This weekend was special for sure, Rory McIlroy won the US open and achieved the lowest score in US Open History. He also broke numerous other US open records but believe it or not that is not what impressed me. 

If you tuned into the Masters this April and saw Rory McIlroy come into the final round with a significant lead, you know exactly what I am talking about. He blew the lead, had a train crash of a round and went on to lose at the Masters. He handled it so well despite losing like that, that impressed me. I put him on my US Open top 10 pool list because I sensed that he might surprise a lot of people. Once is a fluke but twice means you have some serious talent. It isn't just physical talent, the one thing that set him apart was his mental strength. To come back from losing an event in such a vile way is tough, to win a major in which the other 160 competitors want to win is tougher. 

Don't get me wrong this was special, but I don't think it compares to Tiger Woods winning the US Open at Pebble Beach by 15 strokes. Not one player that weekend ended under par excluding Tiger Woods. In the past two years he has gone through a rough ride. I think he will come back when he is 100% mentally and physically. He is the perfect example of what someone so talented looks like when they aren't mentally balanced. I still believe he can break the magical Jack Nicholas record, if healthy.

The dream match would be to see a final afternoon pairing of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods at a Major event, I would want to see it in person. I've never been to a golf event live but I wouldn't miss that for the life of me. 

Chris Sacca Commencement Address

This speech was totally inspirational, make sure to watch the whole thing when you get a chance. So much of what was said in this interview is so true. The most memorable thing said in this video was "if you were to die tomorrow, would you be happy with who you are and what you have done?"

  

Smallville - the Series Finale

" When you believe in someone it's not for a minute, or just for now, it's forever."

Last night was the Series Finale of Smallville and it didn't disappoint. There are few shows that I commit myself to watching but I'm proud to say that I have watched Smallville for the past 10 seasons, a decade. 

Last nights episode was simply amazing and left me wanting more. In the past 3 episodes they brought back Zod, Supergirl, and finally in the finale Lex Luthor who is the best Villian period. I can't think of another show that has such a powerful message. I have never been one to get into Grey's Anatomy, CSI, or any of those shows...they are just not for me. 

On Friday evenings I would religiously run to the TV and not make plans so that I could watch the show. I'm going to miss this show like no other!!!

Press Dinner- Barack Obama jokes about Donald Trump

This is really funny, it is from the press dinner in the US. There are 2 parts. I particularly enjoyed the jokes about Donald Trump.

  

  

Donald Trump doesn't belong in Politics

For the past couple of weeks something has been bothering me, it is the way in which Donald Trump has been attacking Barack Obama. It reminds me of stuff you would expect to hear in the 60's, it isn't very progressive at all. Trump has been calling for Barack Obama to show his birth certficate. I don't know about you, but to me there are some serious racial undertones to this. Name one other American president who has gone through such scrutiny despite winning the popular vote. I can't think of one. So why should Barack have to show his birth certificate on Trump's request when he had to show it to run for President in 2008. 

This is the problem with politics in the States, it is more about race than about the issues. Trump states that he is trying to appeal to his base, let me guess they live in Alabama and Missouri??? What really bugs me about this, is that Trump hasn't even said if he is going to run for office or not. Better to take cheap shots now than later. And who better to provide advice on how to run the country then the business tycoon Donald Trump. Of course, he could probably provide great advice on bankruptcies since one of his Casinos had to file for bankruptcy.

I read and own many of his books and respect the guy as a business person but his antics of late have enraged many people. Bill Cosby for instance was ticked off about it on the Today Show and I can't help but agree with him. 

The better question is why does some billionaire want to become the President??? Donald Trump doesn't strike me as the type of person that could put others needs above his own.