How do you document your life?

Earlier this year I picked up a diary book from Foyles in the hope that i could have a repository to track my state of mind as time passes by. An entry from Keel's diary is not as simple as the name would have you to believe. Encapsulated within in this diary are pages of quirky ponderings for you to consider in tracking your everyday life.

Allow me to present you an example.

Date:

You day was
( ) sweating
( ) seet and sour
( ) sorry about it

Explain why __________

If there were no tomorrow, you would end up being a /an __________

You have been swamped with responsibility
( ) Yes
( ) No

Some give affection
( ) like a racehorse
( ) cozay as a pillow quietly
( ) as clueless as a politician
( ) full of expectations
( ) with a childish temper
( ) as generous as the lottery

Who had a bigger influence on you (sorry)
( ) you mother
( ) your father
( ) someone else

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Realizing my 2010 Goals.

We all love to set personal goals. It gives us a sense of purpose and direction. I'm no different and instead of setting a New Year's resolution goal immediately after post festivities that herald the new year, I've managed to have a good hard think about what my future endeavours will be.

The goals for me to achieve for this year 2010 are as follows:
To set and complete my photography objectives and fulfil my aspirations in being a paid photographer.
Create and complete a social task/challenge that is rewarding not only for myself but beneficial to others.
To improve fitness and compete(and complete)in a marathon(42km)

I intend to go further with follow-up posts regarding each goal, breaking them down into quantifiable and specific components. This will make objectives less ambiguous and provide a finish line to know that such tasks have been completed. I've stuck to three which I believe challenge a person in the areas of mental, social and physical states.

Some may feel it somewhat absurd to broadcast these goals to the gargantuous black hole that is the Internet, but in doing so I am publicly encouraging any of YOU to challenge ME on my commitment in achieving my goals and not being distracted by the old women who offer us candy and often leading us astray. Drop me a comment at anytime to ask questions / give advice / prod me along. God knows that I'm going to need it to stay focused.

So let's rock this year out!

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Happy New Year to all you out there!

Happy New Year to you all. May 2010 usher in new found direction, clarity of mind and good times. Whether you make resolutions or not, I can only hope that you as an individual continue to aspire for your goals and endeavour to pursue your dreams. Make the most of opportunities that present themselves and don't deterred when failure/obstacles come your way.

I got a few things to tick off in terms of accomplishments and goals, but that can wait for the new year. I hear the champagne bottles popping and laughter all round... got to get them priorities straight.

Peace out 2009 and the "Noughties" decade. It has been swell!
See you on the other side.

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Snow ... and we awaken the inner child.

First snow sightings in London. from Warrenism on Vimeo.

And so the winter season has really commenced.
For most Northerners, the appearance of snow barely raises an eyebrow of a reaction. Yet again, another day of cold bitterness and gloom. However, for the recent migrated Southerner, it invokes the inner child. How delightful it is to have the soft gentle flakes float down and rest on the bridge of our noise. Like mana falling from the skies, we eagerly devour the delights on offer.

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Where do you stand #4

Where do you stand #4, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Sometimes, it's not about where you stand but what you stand on it with!

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{15-52} - Big kids should never grow up

{15-52} - Big kids should never grow up, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

What does getting older mean?
Is it about being sensible and serious about career progression, financial security, responsibility, commitment to others? Or is it about learning from past experiences and making changes to our lives to ensure we don't make the same mistakes.

As serious as life can get, you have to make sure you are enjoying the ride. At times we can become too preoccupied with the things that we have to achieve by a certain time. We simply check things off for the sake of appeasing others, whilst losing focus on what our true ambitions/goals lie.

My advice: unleash the inner child. Realign your thinking to what it was that you wanted to be/do all those years back. It never is too late to pursue your dreams and to fulfil the long forgotten aspirations.

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Where do you stand #3

Where do you stand #3, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Tesco Extra - Slough - Approx 13,360 m2

Earth's surface is covered approximately by 29% land, so have you considered it as a scarce commodity? We walk, peddle, drive over without necessarily giving too much thought of the ground we tread on as we live our lives. This is my journey to document where I stand.
So where do you stand?

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Where do you stand?

Where do you stand?
Well.. it definitely has been a while since my last update. 2 months in fact! Time to get back into gear and give this another go.I've started another little project (not that I have complete any of the others.) This one is slightly easier to manage and deliver over the coming months.

Where do you stand?

Earth's surface is covered approximately by 29% land, so have you considered it as a scarce commodity? We walk, peddle, drive over without necessarily giving too much thought of the ground we tread on as we live our lives. This is my journey to document where I stand.
So where do you stand?

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{12-52} - Waiting for my Apocalypse to come...

Will it rain down fire? Will the slumbering zombies arise from the earth and eat our brains? Will the forecoming of Apocalypse be announced with the sound of trumpets sound or the thrashing of distorted metal guitars grinding out a screech?
I'll be waiting with open arms, but in the meantime, i've got so many weeks to catch up on in my 52 Weeks Project..
________________________________________________

I piggy backed this shot off an art installation in the church(www.markswysen.com). Upon walking past this church in Bruges, we initially saw smoke billowing out of the doorway. Armed with half litre water bottles, we were ready to put out the fire! Much to our disappointment, turned out it was merely a smoke machine...
This installation as noted in the flyer, "invites you to search the very heart and direction of your existence. The walk across the misty water lifts you out of every day reality to another level of experience".

My Rant: It's confronting when you are posed a question/statement concerning your own personal goals and aspirations. Often, I get caught up in routines and habits without necessarily providing much thought as to why I do what I do.
I'm not a fanatical self-reflective person who is seeking Zen but on occasions where i have taken time out to review the things i have done and do, it's really quite mind-boggling. I've yet to do achieve something as grand as develop a cure for cancer or create a wicked hoverboard but by through sifting through the haze of obscurity, anaylysing and reviewing my actions, strategising and implementing my goals, i do hope to find clarity in realising my dream that is of benefit to the wider community.

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Don't Panic!

I am still here, free from mucus and kidnapping from my adventures.

A whole lot has happened since my last post and are sitting in the pipelines waiting to be flushed out! However, like any normal social person, I'm just prioritising my social outings and events over blogging.

So forgive me for my lack of updates, but do hold on and more will follow!

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Ireland: Dublin - Take 1

Ireland, home to leprechauns, shamrocks and the infamous Guinness brew. Eager to explore beyond the cliches and stereotypes associated with the nation, i was quietly excited to be setting off for a short international trip.

I present to you; Dublin.


It's always the small details that one can overlook and subsequently results in drastic consequences.

Having arrived early at Gatwick airport to mitigate against travel delays and overzealous security( note to others; don't bother with any personal items over 100mL - Pat lost hair gel, deodorant and creams) Pat, Kaan and I were on-time to fit in a hearty meal. Turns out that our flight had been delayed by 30 min. Not a problem! Lets pass the time by indulging in a game of air hockey.

The time arrives when the boarding gate open and passengers are called to embark. Boarding passes out and we are only a couple of hours out from wrapping our lips on some glorious Guinness. Passengers shuffle towards the boarding gate, it's looking to be a packed plane for the last flight for the evening.
"Hold up," says the boarding lady, "I'm sorry, but you haven't gone through the Visa Check."
"What! What Visa Check?" geninuely astonished i reply, "I'm an Aussie! Everyone will let us in".
"I'm sorry sir, but you have to go back to the departures and validate this boarding pass, it's company policy".
Shocked and confused, we hurry towards the Customs and security gate. They have no idea what this validation of visa is required. "Speak to the RyanAir service desk".
Just our luck that the RyanAir service desk is now closed. The attendant servicing passengers traveling on Aer Lingus is in though. She however, has heard of no such policy where visa checks are required. Panicking, we plead for assistance.
"Surely, there is a stamp that you could give us?", "I don't have a stamp to give you i'm afraid" was the reply. Instead, she offers to take us down to Border Control and see what they are able to make of it. At this point, it becomes obvious we are not alone in our plight to board flight FR119. Two Americans and a fellow Aussie join us in the confusion.

We weave through the labyrinth that is an international airport and soon arrive at Border Control. They too are perplexed in terms of what Visa check is required and are unable to provide us a stamp. Next stop, the airport booking desk. More corridors and back passages. Time is ticking! Arriving, at the service counter, agitated and flustered we proceed again to tell of our misadventure. No joy. He states there is nothing he can do as the check-in is now closed. The Americans ain't happy. Phonecalls are being made to friends onboard the plane. The flight attendants are apparently trying to hold the flight. Pleading now turns to an authoritative demand. "We need to get on this flight!"
The service desk attendant makes a call then leisurely strolls around the corner. Success! Apparently a check-in desk is still open. We rush on over. Passports are inspected, boarding passes are exchanged. "Run, don't walk! I can't guarantee they will hold the gate for much longer." We bolt.
Bags are thrown through the X-Ray machines for the second time. Pat struggles to get his belt back on. He won't be able to run if that belt doesn't hold his pants up. Kaan had already disappeared on his own accord earlier. He was nowhere to be seen. I tie up my laces. I am cheetah! I am faster than Usain Bolt! I run. 50m, 100m, sidestepping sleepy passengers in waiting. I hurdle over baggage and trolleys - I'm going to catch this flight! The finishing line is close, but wait, what is this? People walking back from the departure gate.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The gate is closed. Our fellow comrades, the Aussie and two Americans are walking with the boarding gate attendant. We lost the battle. Pat, huffing and wheezing joins the party. His furious, his not built for running. Dejected, we are lead through the back passages to exit of the airport. RyanAir won't be refunding our flight and the next flight is at 10am the next day where we would have to buy a whole new ticket - 120 GBP. Home is the next destination.
Lessons learned: Read the small print; Americans are great at being forceful; Red underwear does not make you run faster.

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G20 Protest

I don't profess to know much about world politics, but what i do know is that there are a large group of passionate and vocal people who want their thoughts to be heard concerning the current state of affairs. News reports state about 35000 showed up around the banking district of Moorgate / Old Street and supporters no doubt made their presence felt. With anti-capitalists calling for reform, greenies demanding for climate change to be addressed and those calling for bankers' heads, there was little doubt most had an issue of contention on their mind.









More can be seen in my London set here

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2009 - Another year rolling on

So yeah, i'm late in my New Year postings but it's better late than never.
Happy 2009!

I don't do New Year resolutions for the reason that one shouldn't wait until the New Year rolls on to do something for yourself. If you want to fulfill or attain an objective, go out and reach for it! Don't wait until you have a regrets that you didn't give it an attempt.
As i want to further my photographic skills, i have set some photographic goals for 2009 that i hope to be able to review at the end of year and tick off.

- A image that i can proudly hang on a wall (A2 Size)
- Score a paid gig to shoot an event.
- Have images published by a media publication (online/print)
- Complete 52 Weeks (1 self portrait a week for 52 weeks)
- Make a photographic calendar/photo album to be presented to the family.

So let's see how i go.

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Gone Pro..

Dec 15th 2008 - I bit the bullet and went pro - Flickr Pro.

Now the arduous task of organising all those images into sets and collections.
It's also reason to back up all those images i have taken in the past year since acquiring my DSLR. I've spent too much time not to have these stored elsewhere besides my HDD.

Let the fun and games begin.

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What's in your bag?

Home on a Friday night and got nothing to do...
Why not empty your bags and document it to show the world?



Ever since i got hooked into Flickr so many moons ago, it never ceases to surprise me on the creative ideas that emerge from this social photo sharing site. What can seem such a simple concept to an individual can actually be taken to a whole new level when shared with others.
Take the "What's in your bag" group that i have recently joined. The concept; take a photo of what is in your work / camera / travel / hand bag and let others catch a glimpse of how you tick.
I find it a truly insightful way to see how we have evolved and think from these modern age. Rarely will you not find some mobile or electronic gadget in one's bag. Have we become all to dependent on these electronic gadgets in order to survive the fast paced lifestyle?

So what's in yours?

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