On fixing things

I love parallels between events in my life and even between mine and those of others you may find in books. The last few weeks I have come to see another. On the way home for Christmas this year, I was hit from the side by a driver that lost control. It truly was a miracle we were not hurt; Miatas are not the largest of cars, but my little red convertible was totaled. it had provem to be a very nice little car that ran most of the time without glitches. It was worth to me every penny I put into it, however upon analysis by Allstate Insurance, I realized that the actual value of the car on the market was much less because of its previously rebuilt title. The world knew not of its true worth. So now I am faced with an interesting decision. Do I repair it to its former glory, knowing every cent i put into it above its lowered value will only return me 50%? Or do I just get it off my hands, pit the whole thing behind me and move on? Even though I had this car for a short time, I had fallen head over heels for it. I had searched long and hard for a car that I felt went well with who I am, one that I fit well in. To me it was much more than a car. And as long as I do not try to get sell it or get in another wreck, (even beyond my control) it will still hold its full value in my eyes. So is it really worth fixing? What really is?

On mindfullness & the radio

It's Friday and Ive spent the last hour with my homework on my lap but noy doing anything at all. I have no desire whatsoever to do it I'm so ready for the weekend. So natutally the question arises, Why? Im thinking a bit deeper than te regular arguments of the Friday phenomenon, because this isny the only place that Ive seen a total lack of motivation and evotion the now because of the anticipation if the future. The best, and worst, example of this is the attitude of many 23 month old missionaries. They've spent 23 months giving everuthjng they've got(some not so much) but afterwrd they find it harder and harder to concentrate and put the same effort into what they are doing. they cease to enjoy it. So why? It isnt just anticipation for the future either. Just as much distraction comes from current trains of thought. The solution I believe lies in eastern meditation techniques. Recently I did and experiment where I lived as a pseudomonk for two weeks. During this time I practiced meditation and learned much about an idea called mindfullness. The idea that our minds are 100% involved in everything we do from washing dishes to work. Its the opposite of multitasking. So as I becone more mindful of what I am doing I shouls be doibg it better and accomplishing much more by accomplishing much less. I am actually practicing the exact oppiositr right now, writing this blog while learning how to run ANSYS. Solution? Maybe find a time where I am completely and uterlly ivolved in what I am doing. Eg a kiss, conversation with a friend, or listening to the radio. This morning I got in my car and Nickelback was playing. Its been a while since I listened to them so I did and let all other thoughts go. Although maybe I accomplished very little I discovered a moment of mindfullness. Now if I can only apply that in all that I do, perhaps I can accomplish so much more, using so much less of my mental resources.