Defensive

I accidentally offended someone at work (through e-mail – where A LOT of miscommunication happens).

This is due to the fact that the receiver of the message cannot see or hear HOW the sender delivered the message. And so people will react based on their emotional state at that moment when they read your message. Meaning, if they’re happy then they will read your message more positively. But if they’re frustrated, bored or feeling insecure, then your message will come off as if you’re trying to “attack” them. It happens quite a lot, especially in a big company.

Recipients will often feel all riled up because they think the sender is embarrassing them (pointing out their stupidity). When in reality, the sender is just bringing up a fact about the whole situation. This often happens when:

• the recipient has insecurities/low-self esteem AND/OR
• when the sender failed to take the time to consider the recipient’s reaction when they read the e-mail.

I have been on both ends.

The best way to diffuse the situation is to pick up the phone and talk to the person on the other side.

This could be very challenging for people who prefer to deliver the message through ‘text’ instead of talking on the phone or in-person. But that one phone call can significantly reduce the number of people you are going to piss-off, not only in your career but in your personal life.

However, you will also come across someone whose intention was really to embarrass you in front of everyone. The best way to handle that is to calm the f*ck down for at least 30-seconds and avoid reacting immediately. Yea yea I know – easier said than done. BUT you can start practicing today instead of waiting for that moment when you feel like “permanently” getting rid of that someone. The lesson? Avoid (to the best of your abilities) acting on…

Impulse

That’s how my weekend getaway came to fruition.

I received a text message from my girlfriend asking “What are we doing this weekend? I’m off for a few days.”

I didn’t reply back right away. Instead, I texted my friend in BC to check if he’s free and if we can crash at their place. He says “Yes you can. By the way, we’re hiking. You can either come with us or do your own thing…your choice”

Then I replied back to my girlfriend with “Hiking in BC”. She responded right away with “I’m in!”

That whole text message conversation happened in 2-hours. Then I asked my boss if I can take Friday off. He agreed.

Booked the flights as soon as I got home. Flights were pricey but thank goodness for Aeroplan Points.

Packed our bags 2 days after that. Then we left for the weekend.

That wasn’t the first time we’ve done something like that – to immediately pack and go with very little or no planning.

I’m a big fan of planning but it’s also refreshing to do something spontaneous. The strategy for that trip was to plan and do things as we go. In that very short period of time, we managed to check out:

• Japadog – I think this is where Kyu Grill took their business idea from. A few steps later we’re at…
• Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs – heard it was good but I did not try it. Then we kept walking until we reached…
• Canada Place – because I needed to empty my bladder. Then walked across the street to the…
• Waterfront Center – because we’re a little hungry but did not eat. Which brings me to those restaurants that made me go “Now this is called ‘good food’!”.
  • Jinya Ramen (Westside) – 11/10
  • Afghan Horsemen – 8/10…no 9/10. Extra point for the Bellydancer who entertained the customers while waiting for their food.
  • Some Korean Restaurant – the food…was good…but nothing too special. 7/10
  • McDonald’s – 9/10…jk. Although we had our breakfast there before our hike. I wanted the Big Mac but it wasn’t available in the morning – limited selections only. Unlike…
    • Uniqlo – where short Asians (like me) find the size of shirts that perfectly fit them. A lot more options for me here than The Bay or H&M or Old Navy. Which is similar to the ice cream flavors at…
      • Cows Ice Cream (in Whistler, BC) – I’m not a big fan of ice cream but I really enjoyed this one. Must be the cone – covered in chocolate/peanuts.

It’s been a busy weekend. Which explains why I failed to post “Week 26”.

However, I took a picture of it so I can post this picture in lieu of a blog post. This was my…

Plan B

Yes, the insurance for our fuck ups. You know what I’m talking about you horndogs!

No? I’m talking specifically about “insurance” when our reliance on technology fails us.

My cell phone alarm didn’t go off on Tuesday. It wasn’t because I didn’t set-up the alarm but because the phone died.

I would’ve been late. But because I was so used to getting up early every day, my body clock woke me up automatically. I had enough time to get ready for work. Then I realized how healthy habits help you become a more effective person.

I’ve been getting up early for a long time now. This time I want to “upgrade” it by refusing to sleep in even on weekends. I wanna keep my “sleep/wake-up time” consistently regardless of the day (except when I’m on vacation).

This is my definition of “Plan B” – my ability to adapt to a situation when things don’t go my way.

To further define Plan B, it’s not a thing or a person but rather a set of strategies to deal with daily nuisances.

You want insurance for…

• not having enough time to get ready for work? Sleep early. Wake-up early.
• showing up late for work due to the traffic jam? Leave early.
• stronger muscles? Work out.
• gaining weight? Eat healthier.
• acting stupid? Develop self-awareness.
• Negative emotions? Explore the teachings of the Stoics.
• Spending too much time on your phone? Get a flip phone.

Much of the material things we possess signals our inability to deal with life’s inconveniences.

Why acquire more if you can live with less?