Writing down your goals

About 6 or 7 years ago, I was unhappy with the direction my life was headed in and I wrote down a few things that would really be amazing if I could accomplish. I wrote this list on my bed on the back of a receipt. Here is a picture of the list I wrote:





There are 8 goals there. In case you cant read my handwriting they are:

1. Be a computer scientist (even if for just a short while)
2. Travel
3. Be ripped or strong (even if just for a short while)
4. Learn Guitar
5. Run my own business
6. Own a house on a local campus
7. Be a professional day trader
8. Live outside of Ontario or North America

I wrote this list then put it in my wallet where it sat for 6 or 7 years. The amazing thing is, I have accomplished most of those goals.

Before coming to Ireland, my major definite purpose was the following:

"I work in high tech in Dublin, Ireland. I earn 40,000 Euros per year."

I wrote this goal down every day for several weeks on a lined notepad. I now have a job in high tech that pays even more than my initial goal.

This stuff is pretty amazing and I am sure it will work for you. I will post soon what my next major definite purpose is. Please hold me accountable over the next few years to it.

Feel free to send me your goals and I can hold you accountable to the ones that are important to you.

Exciting stuff eh?
--Ben

First day at Microsoft

Sorry for not writing in awhile.

Julie & I went on a relaxing trip to Bulgaria last week. It was very nice. Great weather & beaches. The food left much to be desired. We are glad to be back on a Dublin Diet.

So, Microsoft. Yesterday I had a boring full day orientation of procedures and policies. But Today, I got to work. I arrived this morning with 4 Computers (all in boxes) on my desk and 1 more computer already setup. I have a total of 5 computers now on under my desk. However, they are all connected to the same monitor, keyboard and mouse so its very easy to switch between them. I spent half my day just getting all of the computers out of the boxes and up and running.

4 of the 5 computers are all Macintosh. Today was my first real experience with the mac platform and it was a pleasant experience. Very easy to use even for doing complicated tasks like partitioning the hard drive. I feel that I can already use a mac fairly quickly and efficiently, which is awesome news!

The very last part of my day I spent on learning a new programming language called Applescript. This will be the language I will be writing most of my automated tests with. It seems like an easy but powerful language and I am looking forward to using it.

Lunch at Microsoft was awesome too. I had salmon, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, and potato wedges. It was very tasty. I sat with my boss and colleague and we talked about traveling, youtube, sports, and Microsoft. The cafeteria is subsidesed by Microsoft. I am told meals are usually around 3.50 to 4.00 euros which is pratically cheaper than me bringing in my own lunch. They also have free soda and coffee which is nice.

It takes me about 60 minutes to get to work which kinda sucks, but its all just walking and taking the train. I plan on listening to Spanish lessons or Brian Tracy on my mp3 player during the time, so it will not be wasted.

Microsoft is a surprisingly ethical company. They talk about ethics alot and they are very much a part of the green movement.

All in all, it was a great day and Microsoft seems like an awesome company to work for.
--Ben