Knowledge and Experience

We are but a Fruit of Life

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:17:00 +0000

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night after an inspiring dream that lead you to realize the mortality of your life? Yes I said inspiring even though during the dream moment that I could remember; I felt as if I’ve wasted my whole life doing the things that I have done - playing games, procrastinating, studying subjects that I didn’t even care about, socializing and spending as much time with my family and friends as I could as a means of getting by life and avoiding work.

Its 3:50 am, cold and hungry I get up to flush down a few biscuits with some fresh water. I begin typing but cold chills are rippling throughout my body, so I prepare a hot water bottle and place it on my lap. Warm and resolved I will now tell you my dream; what I think it means; and why I think we are but a fruit of life.

I’m in a dark room, there are people watching the television, suddenly I notice my left foot has a hole in it. That’s strange I thought to myself, it doesn’t hurt, but it looks painful. One of my cousins also notices it and points out the peculiar occurrence. I compared it to my right foot and notice that the right foot is bright, glowing and healthy, while the left foot is pale, dull and lifeless. What’s going on? Do I have some illness, a tumor, cancer, disability perhaps?

I was suddenly struck with the conclusion that I am old, frail and slowing dying, but above all its too late. Too late to start living the life that I always wanted, as I have wasted time doing meaningless trivial things and gotten nowhere. I felt as if no one cares about me anymore, like an abandon soul that has lost its potential to be happy, or others acknowledgement of its existence. There’s nothing left for it but death itself. How pitiful.

(to be continued)

Feelings of regret and sorrow welled up as I see myself like this. I read somewhere that dreams are created subconsciously and hence are messages from the subconscious highlighting unresolved issues of your life. Also everything in the dream is just a symbolism of the aspects of yourself, which would mean that the same people and objects would mean differently to different people, which is why I do not think dream diaries are helpful to understanding your dreams.

(continues ...)

Then I see a commercial on the television, there is a child playing on the swings. Standing besides the child is a colorful animated design of a lady, I squint to see who that lady was and to my surprise it was my own mother. What is she doing on T.V.? For some reason I realized that she had passed away, which brought me grief and sorrow, even though for the majority of my life I did not connect with her on any emotional level, I miss her and felt sorry for her. If only there was something I could have done.

Suddenly I realized that we both have lived a pretty meaningless life. She’s always concerned about money and living a rather happier more luxurious lifestyle, and did what she could to get it. I don’t blame her because I feel the same way; it’s just that I don’t consciously admit it. Most of my mother’s life was wasted sowing clothes at home for other people who underpaid her for her skilful efforts. She is a hard worker, but ended up having heaps of dept, and financial insecurity that only burden on others that was trying to help.

I wake up, feeling regretful and sad but at the same time motivated to do something about it. I close my eyes and warmed up to the cosiness that is my bed. In my mind an animated clip of a small avocado growing in size into a big, bright, shiny glowing green fruit, only to slowly wilt into a pale and ugly green mess. That’s when I realized my own mortality and that time will eventually catch up to me, as slow as it seems.

I frown at moments when people ask me what I do for a living because I don’t have any new way to avert the question, so I vaguely as possible say that I’m studying TAFE to become a teacher, a path that I have already abandoned. Maybe it’s time to just tell the truth, which is that I’m doing NOTHING.

Yes nothing, just bumming around at my computer for half of the day with the intention of writing up my goals on Microsoft notepad so that I can inspire myself to move forward in life. One minute passes and I’m back on the “Sims 3” loading screen. I love to create a virtual life in which all my hopes and dreams are fulfilled. I have a beautiful young fiancée Jenny Aniston that I live with; in a stunning well decorated three story house. I recently have a young boy named Leon who goes to school and studies hard for good grades and my bank account is beyond the million mark, with me owning all the property that is purchasable in the fictional city of Sunset Valley.

As fun as the ‘Sims 3’ is, one would find at some point or rather that there is nothing left to do but watch, which would get boring to the point as to ‘save quite’. The other half of my day is spent worrying about the future and how messed up it looks from this angel. So what will I do now? Honestly I don’t know, I just know one thing at the moment and that is to discover what it is that I want to do most in life and start there.

For everyone else reading this, I invite you all to find your passion, to follow your dreams and give your life more meaning if you haven’t do so already. I don’t believe life is about making as much money as you can to buy the latest iphone or ipad, expensive cars, brand clothes and etc. Isn’t there something else you want to do? Something that you keep thinking you’ll do when you are financially security? What if tomorrow never comes, would you be proud of your efforts today? If you are then good for you, but if not then maybe it time to start.

2012 - Ascension or Doomsday

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 06:55:00 +0000

A pictures worth a thousand words, here's what i think will happen as gather from the Crop Circles, Mayan calender, the Egyptian Pyramids Calender, NASA's discovery of Interplanetary Climate Changes, and loads of other scientific discoveries that would lead many to believe that a golden age is on the verge of becoming.

My Motivation Wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:54:00 +0000

For those whose read my ealier post would notice that the wallpaper below is the same I've been using all these times except for some minor alterations - just to lighten up an already excellent wallpaper.

For anyone out there that may want to feel more motivated :)

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

Remember to strive for the person you want to be without infringing on others people's free will and also have a Merry Christmas ~~

My Old House

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:47:00 +0000

Yo yo, its raining elephants and hippos here, worst than cats and dogs :D so its a bit humid and uncomfortable, so instead of planting stuff I decided to stay indoors and search around on the net to see what's new

Then I found Google Sketchup 8 while going through youtube videos, the trailer looked so good I had to give it a try and WOW,

I can make Hi-Teck professional looking plans like the ones you see in the movies where some professional computer geek takes out his laptop and map out the building plans in which his team is to infiltrate.

Here's some screen shots of my house construction plan :

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

Front View (with Fog)

Front View (Shaded with Texture + X-Ray)

Front View (Monochrome + X-Ray)

Front View (In Pure White)

Back View

Bird's Eye View

Front View (Cross- Section)

Well there you go, this plan was made without measuring, I just estimated and try to make it as close to the real thing as I can. If you want to make a house plan, or any plan for that matter, go get Google Sketchup 8; its free, very easy to use, and only 40 Mb to download.

Have a good week everyone !

Funny Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:41:00 +0000

have a laugh at some of these motivational and de-motivational pictures i collected,

PhotoShop Pics - G12

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Hey y'all, it been too long since my last art/creation was posted, so lets get straight in and see whats new

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

In frustration I decided to draw my intentions and what holds me back

Angel of light

Dark angel

The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre

A great poem sang by Xiaozhao to relax Zhang Wuji as they were trap in the secret underground passage not knowing if they would ever be able to see the light of the sun again.

Things in the world are hard to describe through logic, life filled with unexpected, for nothing will keep one’s interest very long, there’s danger within good fortune, good fortune within danger

Put away your worries, don’t be so bitter, even if you’re beautiful today, you will still be old some day, life has always been like this, who cares for money and fame.”

In the end, you still can’t escape fate. Like flowing water, what goes around comes around.

Well thats all I got for now, till next time enjoy.

PhotoShop Pics - G11

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:31:00 +0000

Having a bit of free time at home on a rainy day has reawaken my creativity for some Photoshop fun. Here's what I came up with :

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

Spring bring forth a nice breeze

Super Aaron Brothers

I.R.O.N.M.A.N and Diego

Goal-Paper

Well its time I'm for my beauty sleep, so enough of Photoshop for now, Gnite y'all :D

Juicing

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:37:00 +0000

Recently I've been reading up on health and body building, perhaps inspired by watching movies where the protagonist fights for his life half naked with abs rippling through his toned body - "The Predator". BTW the main character from The Predator - Royce - look alot like Bear Grylls from "Man Vs Wild" I must say. Both, survival experts, both marines, and looks the same, I actually thought it was Bear Grylls in The Predator movie.

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

For those survival fans out there who likes to learn to survive in the wild, watch Man Vs Wild, its really good. Anyways back to the topic at hand, as I was saying I've been watching and reading up on body building and nutrition and have found that Juicing to the ideal nutritional intake for health and well being.

Allow me to briefly explain, Juicing is the process of separating the liquid part from the solid parts of the fruits and vegetable, just like squeezing the juices from a lemon. When we drink their juice instead of eating them we reduce the amount of energy required for digestion. This extra energy goes back to the immune system making you more resistant to diseases. Drinking fruits and vegetable consistently detoxifies and revitalizes the body, making you feel and look healthier.

After reading stevepalvina's experience with juicing and how it affected him positively I immediately went to Woolworths to look for some fruits and vegetables. I popped over to my uncles house, borrowed the juicer off i went to start my healthy lifestyle.

The first mistake made was putting avocado into the juicer expecting it to pump out a blended green juice, doesn't work people, it clogs the juicer due to its thick cream like texture and ended up making a big mess as it pushes all the juices from other fruits to the pulp container, wasting time and food. Other fruits not to juice include bananas and potatoes :D

Due to the detox effects that other people who tried juicing have witness I decided to not to eat meat or cooked foods to detox as well. Have since failed since its winter and hot meals are so irresistible. One thing I must mention, if your going to try juicing, its best to do it in the summer, and you better have a job cause Juicing will take up a lot of fruits and vegs and hence reduce your wallet size.

I have stopped juicing due to insufficient funds since I'm unemployed at the moment, but I still eat fruits everyday, and whenever i can i eat vegetarian meals like the ones below.

If your interested in reading up more on juicing and its effects you can read up on Stevepavlina's experience as he explains in a 3o day trail post on his site, here's the link : http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/archives/ there you'll find a list of all his post, scroll down to find October 2008 and you'll see the beginning of Juice Feasting from day 1 all the way to day 31.

If your interested on how Juicing affects physical training you can view it at this link http: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2009/11/juicing-and-physical-training/

Hope this post has enlighten you on Juicing, Have fun.

My Desk Modification

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 07:38:00 +0000

Throughout the autumn months I found myself once again to be irritated by something in my room, something just didn't seem right. And there it was - my computer, the big black tower just sitting there on the water fan next to my desk, it just stands out in some way making my room look just that tab untidy. After a while of fighting with my lazy side i decided to go for it and modify my desk so as to hide the tower along with all its ugly wires.

In my mind a tidy and clean room has no visible wires or unnecessary objects lying around. Tidy rooms makes me happy, so I spent the next 4 days pushing, pulling, sawing, measuring, drilling, hammering, and everything to get the job done as soon as possible. Here's what it looks like :

(Click on pic for bigger preview)

The first draw of my desk has been remove - don't need it anyways - then the side and back of the desk is removed so I can push the tower through the side as it didn't fit going from the front. The back is so the tower has room to breath, and a place for the wires to connect to. I also screwed the multiple power outlet under the desk to hide away more wires and for easy access.

Now I'm Happy :D time for some leisure activities ~

PhotoShop Pics - G10

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:50:00 +0000

I'm not sure why but I literally spent all day making this pic , perhaps i just don't want to leave things unfinished. Even till the end i still can't figure if i should leave the glowing effects on or not so I'll just post both with and without the glow; enjoy guys.

(Click on any image to enlarge)

with

without

and now off to bed, night y'all ~

PhotoShop Pics - G9

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Here are some new pictures I've messed about but haven't had the time to post up, I'm in the middle of washing the dishes atm but can't get myself to finish and rather update my blog :D

(Click on any image to enlarge)

Here one me and my cousin finished off yesterday,

very cool looking don't you think?!! :D

These I made for my mobile wallpaper,
so I thought I might share them for whoever.

The picture is of Leon.S.Kennedy from the Resident Evil game, like in the first pic. I usually put the blue picture as the wallpaper and the orange one as the screen saver so only the background color changes when switching between pictures, kinda cool I recon.

There's one more pic that i haven't finished so that's gonna have to wait, till next time y'all :D

*finally finished the pile of dishes lol

PhotoShop Pics - G9

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Uncle Thang in ~ Y Thien Do Long Ky

Me in ~ Y Thien Do Long Ky

Thuong in Tian Long Ba Bu

Hoang Dung as Hoang Dung in ~ Anh Hung Xa Dieu

The Furious Four

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:17:00 +0000

left to right,
Kevin's - Mantis;
Uncle 7 - Crane,
James - Tiger,
Mark - Monkey

The snake wasn't in this picture because ... erm nature calls. :D

Tai Chi

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Tai Chi - the ultimate first;
The concept of redirecting an attacking opponents' force away from yourself so they lose balance giving you a chance to create openings for a retaliation. So no matter how much force an opponent attacks you with, its useless if the attack itself does not connect.

The reason Tai Chi is practice so slowly is so that the practitioner can master balance, breathing, build internal power, and become fluid in the movements producing strong stable stances that can be used in combat.

Tai Chi is very good for all ages and I encourage everyone to practice it everyday to promote health, energy, flexibility and youth. Its usually done in the break of dawn or at sunset for best results.

PhotoShop Pics - G8

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:36:00 +0000

I've been watching some clips on YouTube of people cos-playing and acting out the game RE4 with satire, that got me thinking of making my own clip.

I've got the clothes that matches Leon's costume quite right, all i need now is an eager cast, other's costumes, a camera, and enviromental set. It's just an idea - but at least i got a poster ready ~ behold :

(click on any image here to enlarge to the full image)

Roubert with the axe looks extremely devouted to his Lord Saddler

I love this picture, GTO looks so laid back with his cigarrete
(although i must advise that smoking is a bad habbit - so please don't try it)

This is my first One-Page manga i drew up, my drawing style revolves around that of Love Hina mangas that i was so into at that time, still am though ~

This last one i decided to draw me in manga form with different expression so i could use later with more manga pictures that i would create, however no more manga pages have been created after the "Proposal".

Enjoy and feel free to comment on anything ~

PhotoShop Pics - G7

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:10:00 +0000

Aye, my first gif image

She's a noodle eating machine hahaha

Exchanged my camera for a Wii remote

running low on ammo, maybe if i flash them birds they might drop some

Freeze! I said freeze *bang bang
(James misses and runs due to low ammo)

Well these take more than 8 hours but totally worth it, YES I'm a Resident Evil fan, I especially like RE4, Leon is un-defeatable with his awesome round house kicks and my favorite suplex.

Though its strange how Leon gets pistol ammo from villages that use primitive weapons like pitch forks and axes. Also who is the mysterious Merchant? How does he get around undetected, untroubled by the villagers? Also how is it that crows drop ammo and granades, even money when flashed with a flash granade . Anyways, a game is a game, love it or hate it; I love it.

PhotoShop Pics - G6

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:06:00 +0000

Study hard my loyal minions - Mwahahaha ~~

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ELBO ATTACK !!

Anime in Reality VS Reality in Anime

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Anime in Reality

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Reality in Anime

Ok which is better? I'm still thinking ... hmmm,

so what's your thought?

Recommended books

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:31:00 +0000

A great book for everyone of all ages, basically a guide to a happier lifestyle with great life philosophy that makes sense. Personally I have only read through "Happiness Now" and have found it to be really helpful. For example here is a page from the book that I found really interesting - its about tidying up and having a clean room, like my one - hehe:::

(page 109)
Prosperity

Some people seem to get respect wherever they go - whether they are in a department store or at the doctor's or in a hotel lobby.

What's their secret?
They treat themselves well - and other people follow.
People respect you when you respect you.

To quote my wife, Julie, "Everything affects everything else.
The way you walk affects the way you talk.
The way you dress affects the way you feel.
Respect yourself and you will be respected by others."

How can you feel like a mover and shaker when you have holes in your underwear - or when your toes are poking out of your socks?

It cost so little to keep a clean office or car.

Your home may not be grand but it can be tidy!

Where you live affects the way you feel. Create a space that will uplift you when you walk in the front door. Neatness cost nothing. Better to live in a one-room apartment that is clean, than in a mansion that's a mess.

A fellow asked Julie, "How can I possibly improve my apartment? All I can spare is $20."
Julie said, "Bye a broom!"

Fred says: "When I get successful, I'll quit living like a rat!" Wrong!
To be a success you have to begin to live it. You have to feel it now.

IN A NUTSHELL
people treat you as you treat you.

Accompanying each topic of life are funny cartoon comics with their own joke designed into them. I find this book very easy to read and understand; with light-heart jokes and slangs that creates a warm reading experience. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone, just go to the library and see if you can find it, read a page or two and if you don't like it you can always put it back, but I think you will like it.

How to decorate your room with a rainbow

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:50:00 +0000

Now here's a very simple idea I came up with one day to lighten up my room using CD, You can probably guess what it is already. All you do is just place a few CDs/DVDs on the window sill that is facing the sun's direction, then on a sunny day :

There's also an unusually red shirt hanging on the door in the last picture, but that's just for fun. Anyways as you can see the room looks more "Holy" or colorful. It's just a simple and fun idea I came up with one day, thought is might be worth sharing. Enjoy =)

My Neat Room

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:10:00 +0000

Have you ever look at your room at thought " I wonder which is better; my room or a cave" ?

My room has gone through many changes in the past 2 to 3 years since I moved to my current house. I had a cupboard that took up too much space so I karate chopped it, then there was my old bed which gave me back pains and made noises, so I threw that out and got me a new one, lucky for me one of my auntie's sister wasn't using her bed cause she moved to a different state gave me her cool modern bed with draws and stuff under the bed - I'm so lucky.

What else, right - my window used to have this really ugly curtains that i just had to throw out, so now I have no curtain. I got a new computer, I cut up my table and moved it around, etc.

Here are some pictures to show some of the changes that took place :

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Ttearing up my table for leg space
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And then the - FINAL SATISFACTION

Well the last picture was when i finally decided to fill the carpet with another piece of wooden timber so that it is now even - unlike before with only half carpet half timber.
I love my new room, its very neat, tidy and best of all way more spacious than before.

PhotoShop Pics - G5

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sat, 24 May 2008 05:24:00 +0000

Hey again, its been a while since I've updated this thing; probably cause I have nothing interesting to post. Recently I've been watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S just out of boredom and to see why everyone think it's so great, before i knew it I was laughing my head off. It has now become my official FAVORITE show of all time, pushing "JUST SHOOT ME" to second. So I decided to use my Photoshop experience to make myself more involved somehow, so here it is:

From left to right: Long, Pheobe, Rachel, Dat, Monica, and James (Me).

This took roughly 5 hours

The next one I found stuffed somewhere on my hard-drive. I believe it was on my 20th Birthday I that i got these gifts from Steven and his family, I place it all on a black table and took a picture, then edit them using PS to make it look more like a prize I just won, attached it to an email and sent it off to Steven and his family saying thanks.

The reply email I got from this gave me a smile too.

Happy Birthday KELLY

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 12:35:00 +0000

Have fun on your Birthday with these brilliant birthday poems.

Because today's so special
it really wouldn't do,
to send one simple birthday wish
to last the whole year through...
So this wishes happy moments,
a day when dreams come true,
and a year that's filled with all the things
that mean the most to you.

Because today’s your birthday,
And because you’re extra nice,
One wish is not enough for you
And so here’s wishing twice…
Hoping your Birthday’s wonderful
In every single way
And next year brings happiness
For you day after day

From morning till night
May your birthday be bright
And nicer than ever before……
And as years come and go
May your happiness grow
And your dreams be fulfilled
Even more

Here's a wish for happiness
and many dreams come true
Not only on your Special Day
but always - all life through

Happy Birthday lil sis.

Save 70 cent on a new Ruler

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:12:00 +0000

Have you ever had the problem with your plastic ruler after using it too much the edges get rough and the lines you make are no longer straight, well i have invented this solution that may save you from having to throw out so many number or rulers, although it would be best to start with a brand new ruler for this.

Why would you want to do this you ask? Well it can save you money from all those rulers, even though it is only 70c in Australia to get one of these rulers, but money is still money. The following methods will make your smooth ruler edges last 10 times longer, and by not throwing out as many rulers we are being environmentally friendly.

So, here are what you will need --> ruler + clear sticky tape = simple.

(By the way, if these images are too small feel free to click on them to view the full size for a closer look.)

Choose a sticky tape length that is a little longer than the ruler and place it on the table.

Then place the ruler in the middle of the one end of the sticky tape like this:

Once you see that the ruler is lined in the middle of the tape with some extra tape from both ends, you should remove the extra tape from both ends.

Then begin to fold in the tape so that it will stick to the ruler, starting with the middle area will give you the best result for a nice stick without bubbles.

Bubbles are when you don't stick the tape the ruler air tight enough, leaving pockets of air which can ruin the look of the ruler. I get this a lot with covering my text books, but I with practice I got passed that already.

Once complete, you should repeat for the other side of the ruler for a more complete protection. Here's what mine looks like:

Good luck and hope you find this useful somehow.

Opposite of Courage is Conformity

noreply@blogger.com (James Phan) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:20:00 +0000

I was just stumbling on some popular clips on youtube when I came upon this particular one titled "The strangest secret in the world - Earl Nightingale"

The moment Earl started to talk about how the opposite of courage is not cowardliness, its conformity, I really started to listen for those lines really hit a home run for me. I've always knew this, ever since I went to Sefton High when I first learnt about conformity in English classes and watched the "The dead poet's society", it gave me the ideas of being a non-conformist, an individual. Here's someone else's written article that better explains the idea of conformity and courage.

From http://www.rhenion.com/friday_storyd7.htm :

Courage Or Conformity

The late Earl Nightingale was, for many years, the most listened to man

on radio. His radio show, "Our Changing World" was broadcast on over

1,000 radio stations around the world. He researched and wrote every

show himself. The man virtually devoured books. He was consumed with

the idea of why so few people succeed in life and so many others do not.

We all admire the courageous person and quite often consider the

individual who lacks courage, a coward. However, that is not how Earl

Nightingale saw it. He said the opposite of courage was not cowardness,

it was conformity. I believe the more you think about that, the more

you will be inclined to agree with him.

It takes courage to break away from the crowd, to go your own way, to

do the thing which may be unpopular. It takes courage to stand up for

the person who is being unjustly criticized, rather than agreeing and

going along with the crowd. It takes courage for the teenager to say no,

when all the rest of the kids begin going down the wrong path.

Earl Nightingale was correct - the opposite of courage is conforming. It

is one reason so few people enjoy any lasting success. It is so easy to

go along with the large group. We don't have to stand out, to be

different.

The next time you are encouraged to fall into line, to be a sport, and

everything in you says no - be courageous and go your own way. There is

no compensation in conformity.

Bob Proctor