Out of the Ordinary

Browsing through the net over a year ago, I read some really great articles about how an entrepeneur from Canada created an organization in Cambodia to help those that are disadvantaged and otherwise rejected by society. I was quite intrigued and fascinated by the actions accomplished by this person and the organization he was able to create, though many said it would never come to be and that it was truly impossible. Just because people say it is not possible, should that stop us from trying? Of course not.

I visited this organization's web site and was even more impressed by the social impact accomplished by them. So I thought to myself, wouldn't it be more meaningful to use my IT skills to help people who would truly benefit? In my quest as an idealist and philanthropist, I sent out my best resume and best cover letter I have ever written to the CEO. Lo and behold, the CEO contacted me shortly after I had sent my email. We exchanged many emails, and he even introduced me to many of his contacts and colleagues. Unfortunately, after a couple of months, my endeavor to join this organization came to a stall.

During that same time, I now remember that I had gone to Boston and visited the campus of MIT and Harvard, which are respectively the schools of the CEO. In addition, I had bought a book with regards to the flattening of the world. This book discussed the global economy of today's world. A rather thick book it is, that it took me several months to finish it. When I did get to the end, it even talked about the organization I had contacted several months before. Just a coincidence of course, but that was a year ago.

Just a couple of months ago, I again was searching through the net, and saw an opening at this very same organization. The job opening was for project management, requiring the IT skills that I have acquired throughout my career. What is interesting about the job posting, is that it was posted on a site called idealist.org, on the day of my birthday. People always say that I am an idealist and that I am so picky. Coincidence obviously.

So again, in my quest to also fulfill a childhood dream of helping my country of origin, I contacted the CEO of this company. To be honest, I thought I was just throwing another message in a bottle into the deep blue sea. The CEO quickly replied and had his colleague contact me for a possible job interview by phone. Ring, ring, I got the phone interview. I was a bit nervous at first, but all in all, everything went rather well, and lead to another phone interview. But this time, with the CEO himself!

In my first interview, I was caught by surprised, for I thought the person who would be calling would be a man, for I did not know the gender of the first name. In the second interview, I was also surprised, for the CEO initially spoke to me in French! I knew he was from Canada, but not Montreal. Interesting. So we spoke about the possibilities, responsibilities, and the details. Things appear to be a good match, at this point in time ... The CEO talked about his background, and how his family survived the Holocaust. In fact, it seems that our family share some of the same historical events and tragedies, but during different periods in history.

My friend always said to me to do something out of the ordinary. Guess what? I'm going to take a leap of faith and actually do something out of the ordinary! Tip originally means miracle in Cambodian. By no means do I think I will be able to perform miracles or save the world, but at least some of us are trying to make a difference in this world.

Come and Go

Looking at the vast blue sky above our heads, we see the clouds gathering to form shapes and symbols that only our wildest imagination can envision.

The fluffy white clouds come and go from afar, separate from one another, to again come together to be united as one.

Whether it be in the near or distant future, people from afar come and go to meet again.

As with clouds, the unions and gatherings of people symbolize memories to be cherished and to entertain our imaginations.

Busy, busy week in France

The busy week has finally ended in France where headline after headline, things are finally coming to a calm.

It all started with Thierry Henry's record breaking game against Lithania last Wednesday, October 17th, . With the French national team, Henry scored 2 fantastic goals in the last 10 minutes of the game to bring France closer to a qualifying bid for next summer's European championship in football (soccer for Americans). In doing so, Henry became the best striker in French history surpassing Michel Platini, who was until now, considered the best of the best. As they say, records are made to be broken. Final score, France 2 - Lithuania 0.

Ah but that same evening, all of France was preparing what was called a black day. Throughout France, they were numerous strikes in the public transportations. Consequently, many people were not able to work, and traffic jams were all around testing everyone's patience and nerves. Even until today, people are still struggling to find their way home with the public transportations.

Not only that, after several weeks of speculation by the press, it is official now. Our newly elected president is now a single man. Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife are officially divorced. It was indeed a black day for many, and for our president as well.

But bad news never come alone. After having defeated the so called best team in the world in rugby during the Worl Cup quarter-final against New Zealand, not only did the French rugby team lost in the semi-final against a mediocre English team 17-9 last week, but it got man-handled and humiliated by Argentina 34-10 during the 3rd place game. The French flare flamed out after France's emotional and tremendous game against the All Blacks.

All in all, the press in France and its people have many things to talk about. It is time now for Sarkozy and the French rugby team to start all over again and write up new stories and legends to inspire and intrigue us. Soon, we'll be talkin bout a revolution ...

Nothing Is Impossible

For the past 4 years, New Zealand's rugby team ,the All Blacks, has dominated the world of rugby. The All Blacks have terrorized and crushed all of their opponents with so little effort that they are highly regarded by many as the best team in the world. In fact, by looking at the scores of their past respective games, it seems that most of their effort thus far has gone into their traditional and trademark Haka ritual pre-game dance. The Haka alone frightened their opponenents.

Throughout the world, it was a foregone conclusion that the All Blacks would beat France in the quater-final of the World Cup 2007. Who are we the kid, France was no match against the All Blacks in their last 6 games. And if the first round of play proved anything, the All Blacks looked invicible in the current World Cup. Of course, when the going gets tough, and the tough gets going, the All Blacks' invicibility ended tonight against France in the quater-final of the World Cup 2007!

Experience is what we call past mistakes. While France had been embarassed and humiliated by the All Blacks for the last 4 years, it has finally learned from its past encounters against them. France finally proved the rugby world wrong by brilliantly applying a strategy to defeat the best team in rugby tonight. In 1999, France had beaten an arrogant and over-confident team in the semi-finals of the world cup back then, when the All Blacks were also considered the very best in rugby. As the saying goes, those who do not learn history are condemened to repeat it.

For the past week in France, the slogan has been Nothing is impossible! Indeed, nothing is impossible in life, espcially in sports! Allez les bleus!

4 Agreements

I have stumbled upon an interesting book entitled "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. While the four agreements may seem quite obvious to any soul, it goes without saying that it goes a long way in finding peace of mind in this world. The four agreements are as followed:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Heroes

Watching the incredible science fiction series Heroes, I found an uncanny relationship. Really, I never thought I would appreciate a series that much, and it is rather refreshing. I believe many people can relate on how difficult it is to carry so much weight on one's shoulders, much like Peter Petrelli. What to do when outsiders dont understand you, but yet, every step or decision one makes, has an impact on so many people, whether we realize it or not? Everything happens for a reason right? And eventually, we find our place and role in life, much like the heroes of the series, who gather to save the world. But you know what? There are real heroes around the globe, who also dare to make a difference and help people in dire need of help.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"----Christopher Reeves

Things That Make You Go Hmm

Is it not strange, that certain events that take place in life, all seem to happen at once? For instance, when things go bad, everything seem to go bad like a domino effect. On the other hand, when things go rather well, everything seems to be going so smoothly. Oddly enough, after 8 years of searching for a new employment, I now have oodles of choices for my next potential job. Go figure, but all these opportunities just seem to all pop up at the very same time. Hmm ...

The question is now, which job should I persue among the 3 choices I have:
1 - Stable job in a big company that will allow me to work and travel around the world.
2 - High paying job in the land of the dreams.
3 - Fullfilling and benevolant job that will enable me to utilize my skills for the better good of mankind.

This is one of those things that make me go hmm right now. Questions, questions, I have some questions ... I want to know ... Certainly, I am going to carefully think it over. Perhaps after my skydiving experience I will see the light!

Time To Move On

After 8 successful years at Arsenal in England, Thierry Henry has finally decided to move on to play for Barcelona in Spain. In England, Titi, as we call him in France, is a living legend and is amongst the best strikers in the premier leauge. Of course, he could have stayed in England and be in a confortable position for the remainders of his career. But instead, Titi seeks new adventures and mountains to conquer in Spain.

By no means am I like Titi at all! However, like him, after 8 years of loyal service to my current company, I feel I have nothing to prove anymore. Everywhere I have been, every client or project I have worked for, I have more than shown my talents and skills. Like Titi, I believe it is also time for me to move on and look for new horizons to defeat!

Do the Right Thing

After having graduated from the university back in the US, I had set my eyes to return to France. At the time, most of my chum friends did not understand why I would even consider doing that. They say, in the US, we can make so much more money. Truth be told, they are absolutely right, but there are some things not even money can buy. After all this time, no matter the adversities and difficulties I have encountered, I have no regrets with the choice I made. It was the right choice at the time.

A couple of years ago, my French colleague asked how is it I still lived with my mother. I replied that I could not just leave her by herself being my mother. Obviously, the mentality among Americans and French is different from that of Asians or Africans. The Western mentality has always been that of a bird leaving his / her nest and making it on its own. Whereas in Asia for instance, children stay with the parents for quite some time. At times, even living with the parents after marriage and having children. In China for instance, you would even see even 3 or 4 different generations in the same household!

Several years after I had returned to France, my other friends also followed and returned to their homeland. Some, like myself, had returned due to family obligations. Others, while they were also making lots of money, returned to their home to be closer to their family and friends. After all that has been said and done, it goes without saying that money is not always the most important thing in life, contrary to popular belief.

So part of me is French, as I am somewhat of an idealist, and often think too much like your typical French person! Part of me is American, for I am a dreamer at times, and always yearn for the impossible and the great adventures. Last but not least, part of me is Cambodian, for I have always been there to help my family, no matter what the sacrifices. What we must always remember, is that we are who we are today thanks to our families, and we should never forget that.

Parents in Seoul

My mother just called from Seoul. She and my father have been there for the past week. She enjoys it a lot. Of course, she says it's just OK. Ah, once you know Paris, it is a rather difficult task to compare any other city. In fact, she says that there aren't alot of people who speak English.

Hmmm, that reminds me when I visited Seoul in 2002. It is true though, only the new generation spoke English, even after the world cup. What was awkward for me then, during my 3 days in Seoul, it was that I never saw another person who even came close to my tanned skin. I felt I was the only colored person in the whole city! It was even more awkward for my Korean friend, who is a girl.

What made this trip most memorable, was the fact that a total stranger that I had met in Paris a few months back, took the time and had the courtesy to welcome me in Seoul and tour me around. I have not met a nicer girl ever since!

Failure and Possibility

As with everything in life , sometimes we must learn to accept failure and move on in order to evolve in this constantly changing world. It is not always easy to accept failure, especially after having put so much effort. Obviously, moving on and getting past the disappointment takes time. Personally, in everything I have endeavored, I always did my best and have no regrets, regardless of the outcome. The most difficult part of failing of course, is the fact that one truly believed in a given goal or objective. Sometimes, it does not matter how much effort one puts into something, it is just not meant to be, and we must let things carry out naturally. But hey, there is nothing wrong with chasing stars. Who knows, maybe one day you will catch one! There are always other opportinities in life. So always yearn for the best and the impossible!

Dreams be Dreams

While I was attending elementary school in France, during recess, my friends and I would regularly attempt to conceive and dream up a plan to drive off the evil army that was occupying and harming Cambodia, and help its people. At the time, my friends and I were only about 6 years old, but yet politically aware of what was happening around the world. It is funny, for I had not thought of this childhood dream in such a long time. Not since I was 3 feet tall. Who knows, maybe one day I'll have the chance to accomplish this childhood dream and actually help people in Cambodia. As Jack Johnson says, "Don't let your dreams be dreams."

How Old Are You?

Last year in Cambodia, I once picked up my niece and nephew from school. Upon picking up my niece, her teenage friends said I barely looked 20? Several months later in the US, while shopping with my teenage niece, her friend thought I was her cousin. She said "No! He's my uncle!" LOL. Just recently, I met this female doctor in Cambodia. She's a couple of years older than I, and inquired about me and my age. Likewise, she was surprised at my age, and thought I was barely 20??? Then my mom would go ... "Ah it's your fault, you look too young!" Huh?! How is it my fault if I look younger than my age? Shouldn't it be a compliment? Moms. Go figure.

Follow the Current

In France, the laws are rather strict when it comes to firing or laying off people. As a matter of fact, it is quite a hassle to let go of personel. So much, that there are so many consulting/service companies that exist to provide the necessary and competent work force in a timely manner to other companies. For those that work in these so called consulting companies, going from one mission to another, one client to another, is always a surprise. Some good. Some bad.

Changing regularly from client to client allows some of us to see different projects, people, environment, and technologies. It is rather intriguing at first. However, with time, some prefer to look for something more stable and fix, and not worry about what the next mission will be, or which client he or she will end up with.

When I started working for my current client several months ago, other consultants had arrived in my team before myself, and were quite interested in being hired by the client. Naturally, they worked and invested alot of their time to please the client. As for myself, like Jack Johnson says, "what will be, will be, and so it goes". I really have a don't care attitude, but I do my job professionally regardless, and everybody seems quite content.

Content may be a modest adjective, for they have asked me today if I wanted to join the company. Strangely enough, the people who have been showing off and doing everything to please the client have not had any official proposition. In the end, it is the very discreet, don't care person that has this opportunity. I suppose sometimes we should not try too hard to impress others, and just be our best naturally, and just let things be.

Hmmm .... according to the person responsible of the department (2 levels above my project manager), there are 3 reasons why they wish to hire me:
1 - I have good rational and communication skills?
2 - I have the necessary skills for the new generation of projects to come.
3 - I am very mobile.

My name keeps coming up in the list of consultants to be hired, and it seems everyone agrees about appreciating me. OK that is nice to hear this. Well of course they appreciate the fact that I dont complain like your typical French person!

In joining this company, I will be able to work on many international projects, thus travelling and discovering many new cultures and countries. In addition, I would have more vacation holidays, more bonuses, and a higher salary. Sounds nice huh?

So my answer? Let me think about it ...

Learning the Guitar

One day before Zizou's famous head bud during 2006's world cup final, I had just bought myself a folk guitar. During that summer, I had just happened to find the inspiration to learn to play the guitar. Don't ask me why, but it happened. In my quest to master this absolutely magnificient instrument, I set out to buy numerous DVDs and books to learn.

I must admit, things look rather easy at first sight, but it is far from it, believe me. Not only must you memorize the different notes, but for each note there are different chords to strum. Not to mention the steel chords on a folk guitar are quite painful to the naked fingers. But once the chords memorized and the ability to change notes correctly, I was able to start playing a couple of easy songs. Yet for some reason, the songs I played never sounded quite right. My endeavor to play the guitar lasted a couple of months til I broke one of the chords.

Fastforward 7 months later, and I finally got my guitar fixed. I now realize, though I knew the basic chords, I had played them wrong all along. While browsing through Youtube, I found this guitarist, Justin Sandercoe, who was kind enough to give free guitar lessons on the internet. As a matter of fact, his lessons are great as he give pointers on what to do and not do. The URL is the following: http://www.justinguitar.com/

So here I found myself learning to play the guitar all over again. The steel chords still feel rather painful, and my fingers are not as flexible and long as I would like them to be. It is rather difficult to play the different notes correctly, that many times, I have felt like giving up. But with practice, my fingers are starting to get used to the chords, and are becoming more flexing as well. To be honest, with all the stretching and flexing with my left hand and arm, I now feel muscles I never tought I had. In some ways, with my left arm being stronger than before, it feels as if I have found balance between my natural right arm and my left. It goes without saying that practice does make one better, so we'll see how things progress. I just need to take my time to do things the right way.

Whether it be learning to play the guitar or doing anything else, we can always find ways to improve ourselves in our everyday life or society. Nobody is perfect, and there is always room for progress and evolution. Sometimes, we just need to look into the mirror to make a change in this world.

Russian Dolls

Quotes from the French movie Russian Dolls:

If I think about all the girls I've known or ... just desired, they're like a bunch of Russian dolls. We spend our lives playing the game, dying to know who'll be the last. The teeny-tiny one, hidden inside all the others. You can't get to her right away. You will have to follow the progression. You have to open them, one by one, wondering, "Is she the last?"

I know you're not always perfect. I know you have tons of problems, defects, imperfections... but who doesn't? It's just that I prefer your problems. I'm in love with your imperfections. Your imperfections are just great!

Different Ground

Not long ago, I met a really intriguing and charismatic person. For some reason, we never seem to be on common ground. No matter what I did, nothing seems to work out and we often argue. It is not so much about who is right or wrong, but I believe it is more about misunderstanding and miscommunication. Yet, after all the efforts and good deeds I may have done, this person overlooks any good qualities I may have and only see the faults in me. As they say, it is not about finding a perfect person. It's seeing an imperfect person perfectly.

So my friend explains to me that we are on different grounds. This person vibrates on a different frequency than me, and that this person does not feel me, according to Buddhism. My very wise friend says that I probably vibrate on higher frequency, and that this person needs to bring him or herself up. I asked why is it that I vibrate higher? It seems that I have been to the West. According to Buddhism, there's a Western world where Amitabha Buddha resides. In the Western world, it's easier to reach enlightenment.

Of course, as my other wise friend says, I should be thankful that my heart was touched by someone so special, and be thankful as well for the opportunity and excitement of getting to know one another, regardless of the outcome.

I must admit, good reasoning and advice! Thanks guys!

Sarkozy

Two and a half years ago, my nephew and niece from Cambodia came to visit Paris. It was their first time travelling outside of Asia, and they were at awe with everything they saw. Everything was such a great experience to them. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

During their stay, I had shown them all around Paris. And before they left, I took them to an auto show. At the auto show, we ran into Nicolas Sarkozy, who was just a minister then. M. Sarkozy shaked the hands of both my nephew and niece, and is now the new president of France. Upon my last trip to Cambodia, I shaked the hands of both my nephew and niece, just in case I'd get lucky like M. Sarkozy.

Ever since my return, I finally got my guitar fixed ... 6 months later. Today, I even played the lottery in the Euro Million. Let's see if the wheel of fortune finally turns. One thing is sure, I still got 39% chance of luck for the end of year ... we'll see if the tables start to turn ... talking about a revolution.

Million Euro Solution

The colossal project for which I currently work for in Kobenhavn encompasses several platforms for which certain milestones and payments are due. The system on the platform for which my team and I are working on, is up and running well, and is considered the model for the other platforms. Yet, for some reason, the other platforms have not had their full system working properly for now two months, thus blocking any kind of payment. Numerous experts and other competent people have attempted to fix this problem. Noticed how I used the word attempted? That's because so far no one has succeeded to solve this enigmatic problem that is causing so many headaches, stress, and sleepless nights to so many managers.

Like any good superhero in the movies, I took upon myself the challenge to do the impossible and find the million euro solution. After several days of analyzing and investigating, and learning upon other people's trials and errors, my colleagues and I finally found the million euro solution to the little bug that's been bugging everyone. After having two absolutely gorgeous Danish women smile at me this week in Kobenhavn, I knew something special would happen, especially on Friday the 13th! I can tell you one thing, the blood pressure of alot people finally dropped! Yes Thomas Edison! You are absolutely right! We should never be discouraged, for every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward to finding solutions for today's and tomorrow's problems!

Chaul Chnam Thmey

Chaul Chnam Thmey, as they say in Khmer, is the Cambodian New Year from April 13th to April 15th. It represents the end of the harvesting season for the farmers, who take the time to enjoy the fruits of their labor before the start of the raining season. Happy Cambodian New Year to all! May prosperity be with you!