"Nothing is worth more than this day...

...You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond your reach." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Gathering all our emotions, thoughts and energy and concentrating them in the ‘Now” is not an easy task. It seems to be human nature to brood over the past and worry about the future. Yet philosophers down the centuries have believed that living in the moment is the secret to happiness. Letting go of the past is a liberating idea. To start each day afresh with nothing occupying our minds but breakfast is certainly appealing. Is it the best way to live a life? Surely there are lessons to be learnt from past failings, and good memories are the basis of enduring relationships. Dealing with the past requires a method of filtering out the guilt, shame, anger, and sorrow, leaving only wisdom, however painfully gained, and joy. Joy is a rare and precious commodity. The memory of past joy warms us when the present is cold and unfriendly. Planning for the future is prudent but should not stop the pleasure and satisfaction of today. We set goals, put plans in place and work toward them. But, as Goethe said, “tomorrow is beyond our reach”. The future unfolds and we must make the most of it. The problem is, we often tend to over-think and over-plan until we become anxious and agitated, and even neurotic. So we should plan calmly and not get too excited. We should be flexible and versatile, understanding that we may need to change or modify our plans as we go along. Rules for living in the present:  Accept that you cannot change the past.  Don’t dwell on hurt feelings, forgive others, move on  Mistakes happen - remember the lesson, forgive yourself the mistake  Take a moment each morning to count your blessings  Expect change and adapt to it  Live today well

Employers Federation

Well, what was he thinking! I expect there are lots of blokes out there who think like this, but to say it on national television...what a disaster. And it makes you think doesn't it. If that's what they are thinking, we don't have to worry about the glass ceiling - most women are never going to get near it anyway. I am not a great admirer of Helen Clark but I bet she never had time off because of her 'monthlies'! In fact, thinking of my female friends and colleagues, I don't ever recall any of them having time off for period pain and associated discomfort - they take pain killers and get on with it. I can, however, remember many a male workmate having time off after a hard weekend drinking or a tough Saturday playing rugby, or having weeks off after a dirt bike accident, pulled muscles playing sport or doing physical work at home. Men are also more likely to have car accidents and heart attacks. And then there is 'Man Flu' - a sniffle cold that a woman will work through is cause for a day or two in bed for a bloke.

Fresh Air for Sale

The New York Times recently ran an article claiming that "carbon will be the world's biggest commodity market, and it could become the world's biggest market overall."
So someone finally found a way to make money out of selling fresh air! I guess it had to happen. I'm sure someone has already sold ice to the Eskimos.

ETS

I'm trying to get my head around the Emissions Trading Scheme. I mean I'd like to see emissions reduced - thats a "no-brainer" - but how will the ETS do that. As I understand it, nearly every New Zealander is going to be paying money. Its collected by the Government and given to people who plant forests, except the forest planters have sold their "credits" to others - who? To "emitters" I guess. So we have a money go round with Joe Blow consumer picking up the tab. But wait there's more.... Joe Blow taxpayer will have to top up whatever is collected from Joe Blow consumer. And what happens when the trees are cut down? Who pays for the loss of the carbon 'sink'? Where does the collected money go then? Do those who bought the credits loose them when the trees are gone? And how is all this going to save the planet? I presume the idea is that consumers will buy less petrol, power etc and so decrease carbon output. I remain sceptical.

Sewers and old sheds

I am constantly surprised by special interest groups who forget about common sense. They develop tunnel vision. A case in point is the movement to preserve the sheds on the wharves. After years of allowing the demolition of characterful historic buildings:
Partingtons Windmill, Victoria Arcade, Captain Cook Brewery, New Lynn Hotel, His Majesties Theatre Arcade, Newmarket Borough Council Chambers and numerous 19th century hotels for starters,
Aucklanders have decided to preserve some ugly rusty old sheds on the waterfront! Demolish the sublime but preserve the ridiculous.
For goodness sake - let the sheds go. But put some money and effort into ensuring the Ferry Building is preserved - something worth saving and very much at risk. Please use some COMMON SENSE.

Ever wondered?

Ever wondered what happened to common sense? Every day more examples of a total lack of common sense jump up and slap me in the face. I expect it is because I am getting older and my tolerance level is decreasing. I wonder "Why can't they SEE how completely irrational they are?". So I'm going to highlight examples each time I update my blog - mainly as an outlet for my frustration - and please add your own. It could be quite amusing at the very least.