Made the switch to Wordpress

If you're reading this post, you've found my old blog. I have officially moved im.seeking.balance to Wordpress and you can find it at http://imseekingbalance.com

Thanks Blogger, it's been a ride, but Wordpress is WAY more fun!

Pessimistic or Analytical?

I keep thinking lately I might be seen quite differently than I perceive myself. I consider myself an optimist. In general, that is. Since some time in my early 20's when I really sensed ovewhelmingly that things would always work out well for me... I used to joke around that I had my own private angels in heaven watching over me. Any time I'd get into any kind of freaky situation, financial or otherwise, right at the last second something will happen to fix everything and I live happily ever after.

When it comes to my work, on the other hand, I think I might be seen as more pessimistic than I am. A co-worker and I were discussing this just yesterday and we both seem to suffer from the same thing:

In any situation I tend to immediately see how something can be improved - be it and idea, a thing or a process, a program, a design or copy or what have you - and don't stop to celebrate everything that's right about.

Maybe it's just a bad habit, or maybe it's just the way I'm wired, but either way, I think I sometimes bring people down. It's not inherantly a bad trait I don't think; rather, I think it comes from my analytical mind. See, I'm a problem solver. I love improving things, making things more efficient, more effective, easier, quicker, better... and in order to do that, I need to look at how things could be better.

I think I really need to stop and verbalize all the ways something is great rather than skipping right over that part and diving in to improvements. It might improve the way others perceive me.

Photo: pusgums on flickr

There's nothing like clarity

Yesterday I was asked to have some artwork created for some signs. I responded that I was happy to do so and would need some specs in order to determine the right creative. This is what I received today:




A scanned PDF file of three pieces of cardboard. Awesome.

Urban Shore is now on Facebook

I figured it would be a good idea to get the conversation started on Facebook in order to generate ideas to fuel my reviews for the Urban Shore blog. So now I've created an Urban Shore: North Vancouver City Living Facebook group. It might prove to get more of a community feel to it there - discussion boards and posted items I'm sure will be a benefit.

New Blog Site: UrbanShore.ca

I'm not sure if it's just a God-given trait of all mankind or if it's the artist in me, but I constantly feel the need to create something. I have this overwhelming yearning to create something of value to the people around me; something that will enhance the lives of others.

Whether it's writing, singing or playing music, writing or sharing intimate conversation with people, the drive to create seems to be rooted in this longing to contribute to the betterment of mankind.

I am on the edge of creating something new right now - a new hyper-local website/blog about urban living in the City of North Vancouver - and mostly the mid to lower Lonsdale area. This is my neighbourhood and I think it's the best place to live anywhere. I really just want to find a way that all of us who live here and love it can share ideas about the best places to shop, eat, play... all those places that make this community unique.

And so now, urbanshore.ca is live. Welcome. Sit down and stay a while. Tell me what you think are the best places to enjoy this vibrant place. Share it with me.

Life In The Kingdom Starts Now

This weekend has me filled with a renewed excitement about my faith, my church, my life and my ability to relax in the middle of the craziness. Tomorrow marks the launch of a ten week series on Life In the Kingdom that will include Sunday sermons, a book study and weekly small groups. I'm hopeful this shift of focus will help put my faith right back in the centre of my life where it belongs and that I'll gain valuable insight and inspiration to live it out every day no matter what my environment or circumstance.

Today is a day of preparation for the upcoming 10 weeks. It's a day of prayer and fasting and I also have the privilege of being a part of the worship team that will be leading our congregation tomorrow, so today we get to rehearse, which is just a big bonus for me. This morning's biggest challenge was getting up and not pounding a giant mug of coffee with cream and sugar - probably my biggest vise. Instead I've opted to get through the day drinking herbal tea. I was surprised how relaxed I was about it... I'm usually just mean when I don't have my coffee, but I guess God's in the house ;)

It seems the last few months have seen me get busier and busier as I delve into some areas of exploration in my life. It's good to take a step back and spend some time focused on what really matters. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

Awful Ads

Sometimes I'm ashamed to be in the field of marketing. This video makes me throw up a little in my mouth. I love some of what the Canadian Dairy Farmers are doing - I LOVED their Canadian Cheese Rolling Event concept, but this is just shameful.