Monthly Archives: February 2018

D18/16 – Time

Week 8, 2018
Turku, Finland

In anyway I am claiming that today I discover time, instead, I have been aware of its existence and importance since long. Instead, I do claim that to be aware might have different levels of intensity. Meaning there are different levels to be aware of something.

Today, the intensity level of my awareness about time increased +1. This increased, thanks god, came by reflecting upon my dreams. Meaning, everything is fine with me and my surroundings (thanks life!). I mention this because often we realize about time when someone dies, or when we have a loss. We realize how important is to live and time is a very scarce resource we have.

This +1 level of awareness about time came, as I said, when reflecting upon my dreams. I am very fortunate, as some of my dreams have been reached. Others are on the made, and some, unfortunately will be for another life.

One BIG dream was to get my PhD. The dream was conquered thanks to many people surround me. At the same time, after getting that dream I was extremely exhausted. I was burn out, and confused of what to do next. It was, honestly, a demanding task for me, to aim to achieve this dream/goal; and afterwards, I was lost. I needed to re-connect to myself. Listen again to my inner voice. Re-connect hast taken me a human eternity of 5 years and 6 months (approximately).

Today I can’t say I am fully recovered. However, I can state: I feel more reconnected than 5 years and 6 months ago. Energy is coming back, as well as dreams. It was dreadful no idea what to do next, I mean of course is the academic career and follow the “traditional” paths, but how to do it if you are not connected with your heart in all these.

Now, for me, life is about learning. I am blessed because within this time I have had INCREDIBLE experiences, that without them I wouldn’t have re-connected. As I am thankful, also I am aware that time is passing by so quickly and I had already “lost ” 5 years and 6 months. Many dreams are popping, and now, I need to prioritize as I have less years of life left…..

Thus, my awareness about time has increased by +1, unquestionably!

— cais

D18/15 — Values and Trust

Week 6, 2018
Turku, Finland

This weekend Finland showed me what it is made of. This is a new perspective. I already recognize its SISU, as I have talked even at events (example here).

In this weekend I learn about values and trust. Here are the specific examples.

*** Saturday

At the K-market , which is a chain of supermakets, I bought an electrical house appliance because it had 30% of discount for store affiliates. My companion to the store holds the store’s card, so we bought this machine. Once at the cashier I paid my bill with a debit card. When I got my receipt, I notice the system did not reflect the 30% off my purchase. This discount should appear automatically on the bill and it did not. So, as soon as I notice the discount was missing we told that to the cashier. Then, the cashier made a phone call, apparently to check what happen, and once she hang up, the following happen:

The cashier clicked something at its “computer” and gave me a new “ticket”.
I signed this new “ticket”, as the cashier informed she was returning me the money of all my shopping to my card. Note: I did not put my card on the card-reader to proceed with this step.
After signing, the cashier printed a new receipt with the total of my shopping, now showing the 30% off (note: this was done based based on what the cashier’s “computer” has recorded because the items were not registered again).
I paid this new ticket by adding my card into the card-reader.
We left the store as nothing had happened. The cashier did not give me any paper proving what has happened (the return of the money at least).

I was anxious, to be honest. My companion, who is Finnish, was certain that everything will be ok. Myself, honestly, I was not trusting the system 100% and I was concern what would happen if they charge me both amounts. 24hrs later, I can confirm that my bank account only shows the second payment. The first one was, indeed eliminated.

Still, I feel strange that all this process is done without a hard-copy proof of the event, with the cashier and without “supervision”. It is amazing the trust on the system. Also the values of everybody to make the system work.

*** Sunday

We went to play bowling, and the shoes were without surveillance.

I have never seen this, and I have been in different countries playing bowling. The shoes are always behind someone who is controlling them. If you think it is because is a small city, well, I think with 182k inhabitants (as it is registered by 2014) it is evident that the trust on people is present. Customer behave and respect the property of this business.

I only can say, Finland, I take my hat off as a sign of respect to you. You have incredible values and trust.

— CAIS

D18/014 — My time in January 2018

Week 5, 2018
Turku, Finland

It is AMAZING, today is already 4 of February!

This 4.2. is a beautiful Sunday in Turku, and before heading out, it is time to pragmatically review, my January 2018.

Fact:
– According to toggl I recorded 296:41:22 hrs worked. How much is that per day? well, if January had 23 working days, then by dividing 296/23 gives me 12.86 hrs a day.
– I was able to safe money. Yes I also register all my expenses.
– I reach milestones related to work (Ubium & UTU).
– Some details in the house were also achieved, e.g. paints are hanged.

Learned:

Life brings life. I knew this in advance, but I can confirm it now. Being surround by people who transmits life, one gets life. Energy is present, and I need / want this.

Learn to solve: I like what I am doing, however I am not advancing. I need to focus because at the moment I am walking in circles. I have an eternal question: what do I want? which after my PhD defense has been harder to answer….. Now answer the question is not enough, one must take action too….. which brings me to the next challenge: Finalize what I start is challenging, and create new habits.

Much to do still!

— cais