Sweet Surrender Saturday #022 (Live For Today Edition)

A few thoughts on Living For Today + $ opportunity for a vegan + sweet links!

(I knew Sweet Surrender was a song, but I had to look up who it was by. Obviously not a Sarah McLachlin fan. Live For Today is also a musical reference. Oh goodness, just looked that up as well. Not a 3 Doors Down reference. Not ever a 3 Doors Down reference. I’m referring to a lesser-known, no-longer-together, political punk band known as boysetsfire.)

I really enjoyed the discussion (both in comments and via e-mail) on Tuesday’s Stop Trying To Find Yourself article and it’s good to see you surrendering to today.

Not in a “on your knees, hands behind your head!” type of way. In a “you know what? Right now is awesome!” type of way.

Or maybe even in a “you know what? Right now could be better so I’m going to do something to make it better” type of way.

Or even in a “you know what? I haven’t showered in 3 days and maybe if I don’t have working water and a working toilet in this apartment today I’ll go out anyway since all the clubs are smoky and that shit smells worse than me” type of way.

But if you’re living that last one you’re probably me. And if you’re me then who am I? Am I you? Or maybe you live in this building? In which case, why haven’t you said hi? I’m the tall dude in apt 6. Is it because I haven’t showered? Oh, OK, I understand.

Somebody grab hold of this steering wheel because I’m riding off road

A lot of my articles here are directed at one person. Not always the same person. Not even always a real person. It could be a person from a comment, a tweet, an e-mail, a dream, or an in-person meeting. I hope the person that article was written for has read it. (Is it you?)

Seek Danger is another great example of something that was written directly to one specific (and real) person.

Surrender yourself to these sweet links …

Free Paid To Exist Videos by Jonathan Mead

I’ve been reading Jonathan’s blog for almost 2 years now. He always has a unique perspective on things and it’s fun to stretch my mind thinking about life from a different angle.

He’s launching a program called Paid To Exist right now with a handful of videos that are worth the watch. It’s much better than TV and just as free. :)

How To Make Money With Your Blog (With Case Studies As Proof) by Yaro Starak

I like case studies for the simple fact that even if you don’t utilize what you learn directly, it’s beneficial to see how other people are doing things. There is almost never one single way to accomplish a task.

Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

Congrats to Chris for releasing his first book with a bang! I’m not able to buy the Kindle version, so I’ll have to wait to read the preview copy I got when I get to Michigan. I think my Mom is currently reading it and getting ready for World Domination.

Note: although I got a free copy I’ll also be buying a copy (probably for Kindle) and giving away my print version either here or on Twitter. Not sure yet.

Note Part Two: I’ll be at Chris’s Unconventional Book Tour on Sept 30 in Ann Arbor, MI. Let me know if you’ll make it and we’ll after-party at Pinball Pete’s. ;) I may also make it to the Houston or Dallas events as I’ll be in Austin at the time. That’ll only happen if I hitch a ride with somebody from Austin though. :)

Nate Walks America by Nate Damm

Nate’s a smart guy and he has inspired at least a few of my ideas via his blog http://www.thewaythatyouwander.com. I can tell you about one right here: Travel Roulette.

Nate’s walking coast to coast in 2011. He expects it to take 8-9 months. That’s a lot of walking!

The Cracky Farm by Kellie Kowalski

While I have no idea what the name of this blog means (OK, it’s on the about page, now I know, haha), I like the design and the fact that Kellie looks like she put a lot of thought into the site. I don’t know Kellie, and I don’t know if she’ll keep blogging (just started, 2 posts) … proof that, sometimes, if you link to somebody without expecting anything (thanks for the link Kellie!) maybe they’ll give you a little publicity. :) (What I’m saying is, don’t ask/beg for links, they happen naturally.)

Bolivia. by Havi Brooks

Like Havi, I don’t want to move to Bolivia. When I was younger I thought I did, but only because it seemed like that’s what you do when you get older. You move to Bolivia. It’s not that I’m against Bolivia. I’m sure it’s a fine place. Maybe that will change some day? I don’t know. I’ve visited the outskirts of Bolivia a couple of times (physically and mentally) and it just never felt right. If you’re completely confused, read the article. And get ready to get your mind twisted by more metaphors than you’ve read all year. ;)

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Vegan Chef Needed ($$$)

I’m looking for a vegan amateur chef who wants to make some money. By amateur I mean you like to cook things on your own and you like how they taste. :) I don’t care if you’ve never had a job in a kitchen before. Interested? Send me a 5 sentence e-mail + recipe (which can be any length) + photo of finished dish: KarolGajda at gmail.

Have a great weekend!

Sweet Soup Saturday #015 (Something I Forgot Edition)

In which I discuss a lot about the future!

Karol on the Slakkline (slack line)

Last week in my vegan travel article I neglected to mention one of my favorite breakfast foods: oatmeal! Plain oatmeal with whatever fruits I have handy. Usually sliced bananas, strawberries, or kiwis.

Filling, nutritious, available in some form everywhere I’ve been, and easy to prepare. Go oatmeal!

Last Sunday I spent all day on a Slakkline (aka slack line; pictured to your right) and it was incredibly fun, exhausting, tiring, and fun. I’m considering picking one up.

If you’re reading this on my Web site you’ll notice two new images in the sidebar. Since you’re probably not reading this on my Web site, but through e-mail/feed reader here is what they are.

First, MindControlMethod.org has a 125×125 image in anticipation of its release:

This is a very niche product and you might not be in the market for it, but it’s on a really powerful topic that’s close to my heart. I know it will help a lot of people.

And second, I’m working on a free “manifesto” called The American Dream Is Dead (Long Live The American Dream!) and I added an image for that in the sidebar as well. I began working on this manifesto early this year and then put it aside. It probably would’ve been good to release it on July 4th, huh? ;)

The release date on this is soon, but undetermined. I’ve written all the core content, but I’m still undecided on a few aspects of it. I expect it will be released within 3 weeks. (The design takes time.) :)

Sweet soupy links

The Daily Brainstorm Blogazine

This is an interesting new aggregator of blog posts, of which this blog is a part. With so many blogs being a part of it, I don’t know how valuable it will be to each contributor, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Boredom Is Public Enemy No. 1 by Jeffrey Tang

I fully agree. Boredom never results in anything good. I would venture to guess, based on my own experiences, that most cases of depression or drug addiction (alcohol, cigarettes, and harder drugs) are caused by boredom. (I’ve never been addicted to drugs, for the record!)

Veganism and Vegetarianism: Are They Healthy? by NYU Professor Marion Nestle

You know, I’m not a big fan of University, but as for social proof I know you’ll probably listen to a Professor more than little ole me. By the way, this video is hosted at BigThink.com. It’s an awesome site I learned about this week and I will be the first to admit that while I was sore and barely walking from the Slakkline I spent hours watching videos here. It’s like TED, but different.

Four High-Protein Vegetarian Alternatives To Soy by Matt Frazier

Because, for whatever reason, people still believe you can’t get protein without eating meat. I’m not sure if I told this story before so I’ll make it super short in case I have: last year in Franz Josef, New Zealand I went on a hike with 6 other people. All were meat eaters and all said eating vegan is no good, can’t possibly be good, you need meat for energy, etc, etc, myth, myth, BS. 2 hours later they all went home tired. I continued hiking for another 2 hours. Wusses. ;)

The Elements of Change by Leo Babauta

I’m really pissed at this article. Not because it’s bad, but because, dammit, I wish I wrote this part: “One last note, to anyone making changes: you will fail. I don’t say that to discourage you, but to release you from the fear of failure … because if you already know it will happen, then there’s no pressure to avoid it.”

That “release you from the fear of failure” part kills! If perfection in blogging was possible, that would be it.

Back in the days when me and my friends would hear an amazing guitar riff we’d joke: “That’s it, that is too good, I quit, take my guitar.” I feel the same about this. Leo, you’re damn good. But I won’t quit. ;)

Let’s Hang Out At BlogWorld!

As a last note, I will be at BlogWorld in Las Vegas October 14-16! BlogWorld is maybe the largest social networking conference in the … wait for it … world! If you’re a blogger or an aspiring blogger it will be a great place to network.

And what’s more important than hanging out with me? I’ll tell you what: nothing! ;)

If you decide to register let me know when I get to the USA so I can give you my cell number and we can hang. If enough RidiculouslyExtraordinary readers decide to go I will hold a special event … like dinner … or a Karaoke Party! The Weekend Pass (the one I bought) costs $395. If you want to save money on the hotel you can stay at one of the cheaper hotels on the strip. Or find a roommate to share the costs at Mandalay Bay (where BlogWorld is being held). Or CouchSurf!

That’s all for this week. I hope your July is going well!

Questions/comments/wanna walk on skinny pieces of fabric together? You know what to do …

101 Lessons Learned After 29 Years Of Living Life

101 truths I’ve learned in the past 29 years…

When I was young I wanted to live to 100. To my mind it might as well have been infinity. (I thought China was a different planet when I was 4 so maybe 100 was infinity.)

Then I got older and I didn’t want to live to anything.

Now I want to live to 100 again. As you know, I like the number 100. Actually, I’d like to live to infinity. (Wait, is China a different planet? What’s happening here? … help?)

Anyway, 29 is still very young, and I don’t claim to know it all. What I do know is what I know, you know? ;)

Much like Finding Your Right People I’ve had this post ready for a long time. I was a little bit afraid to post it, but it may be The Ultimate Filter (like The Ultimate Warrior with less color and no steroids). Maybe tomorrow I start with a blank slate.

Probably not.

I expected a lot of RSS unsubscribes after posting Finding Your Right People. Instead, my subscriber count increased by 83. For a regular traffic day that is incredible (for this site). Thank you for hangin’ out in my backyard.

This list was originally 99. Then I edited some out. Then I added some. Then I edited some out. Truth be told I think I could easily hit 1,000. But right now it’s 101. A nice, easy number we’ll also call Infinity + 1.

Infinity + 1 Lessons Karol Has Learned In 29 Years:

  1. Friends really do come and go. Some come back. Some don’t. That’s OK.
  2. Nobody cares about you as much as they care about themselves.
  3. Animals kill to survive. Humans kill for “fun” (also know as a psychopath) or because they’re ignorant of torture (I know I used to be).
  4. It’s OK to be different.
  5. Most people won’t agree with you.
  6. The people who really care will still care whether they agree with you or not.
  7. You don’t need anybody’s support to make things happen.
  8. Arguments are pointless. You can’t change anyone, don’t try.
  9. People will rationalize and justify anything and everything to be “right.” Let them.
  10. It’s easier to take a small action now instead of a big action “some day.”
  11. Some day never comes.
  12. If the music you listen to is on the radio or TV it’s pop music. Pop = popular. It doesn’t matter if there’s screaming or singing, loud guitars or soft piano, it’s pop music. I love pop music. I love unpopular music as well. ;)
  13. You’re not as different as you think.
  14. You can have anything you want.
  15. You never have to settle. Not in a relationship, not in a job, not ever.
  16. Somebody will always tell you your ideas suck. Take action anyway.
  17. You might think you’re not good enough, but you’ll surprise yourself when you try.
  18. Smoking is gross. Kissing a smoker is grosser.
  19. You don’t have to be promiscuous because you’re a male and you don’t have to be celibate because you’re a female. Do what you want.
  20. Don’t let the school system brainwash you into being average. They will try. Every step of the way.
  21. Society wants you to be average as well, but you can be exceptional if you’d like. It’s your choice.
  22. You will make mistakes. So what?
  23. It’s OK to feel sad.
  24. There is nothing wrong with you.
  25. Successful people read books.
  26. Passion can go a long way.
  27. Don’t kill yourself. It’s never worth it.
  28. Get tested.
  29. If you think you can do something you’re right. If you think you can’t do something you’re also right.
  30. The refrigerator light doesn’t always stay on.
  31. Whether you hear it or not, a falling tree always makes a sound.
  32. Money is not the root of all evil.
  33. Love of money is not the root of all evil either.
  34. You don’t need as much money as you think.
  35. Nobody cares what kind of car you drive. If they do, they’re not worth your time. (Also, replace car with: the kinds of clothes you wear.)
  36. Don’t be a pushover.
  37. Memories are priceless. Write them down daily. Even if they seem trivial.
  38. Nothing is trivial.
  39. Ask for what you want. If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.
  40. Don’t make the same mistake twice. If you do, don’t make it a third time.
  41. There will always be somebody more “successful” than you.
  42. Define your own rules for success. It’s a lot easier to rule your world than someone else’s world.
  43. Humans are the only mammals that drink milk after they’ve grown. They’re also the only mammals that drink another mammal’s milk.
  44. If you don’t feel good you probably don’t need a doctor. It’s your diet.
  45. Even if an apple a day doesn’t keep the doctor away it sure tastes good.
  46. Doctors aren’t all bad, but many will write you any prescription you ask for if you know how to ask.
  47. The fact that gay marriage is not recognized is an abomination. If you support Freedom, you support gay marriage.
  48. Religion causes a lot of problems.
  49. Telling someone they’re wrong never leads to anything positive. Even if they’re wrong.
  50. You’ll never be good enough if you don’t define great.
  51. Being dependent on TV shows or sports teams is for children and teenagers.
  52. You don’t need more than 3 pairs of shoes. 1 athletic, 1 dress, and 1 casual. Even that might be overkill.
  53. If you wear the same pants every day nobody will notice.
  54. Write down your dreams/nightmares for 30 days every morning immediately upon waking up. Some trippy stuff will start happening.
  55. It is scientifically proven that if you eat meat you’re not an environmentalist. Don’t pretend to care about the environment. Care or don’t care.
  56. Whether global warming is real or made up, is it really so difficult to throw a cigarette butt in a trash can instead of the street? (Replace the following with cigarette butt: gum, paper, bottles, anything.)
  57. If you say you love animals and you kill them for dinner (physically or by shopping at the deli counter) there is a blatant disconnect.
  58. Just because somebody tells you something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Do your own research.
  59. Jealousy is mankind’s most useless emotion. Instead of feeling jealous, feel happy.
  60. Happiness is mankind’s most useful emotion.
  61. If you help people get what they want, you will “miraculously” get what you want.
  62. It’s OK to be a follower. It’s better to be a thought leader.
  63. It’s OK if you don’t like something. Just don’t pretend that you do.
  64. There are exceptions to every rule. That doesn’t make the rule invalid.
  65. You can’t break rules if you don’t learn them first.
  66. If somebody tells you they want the best for you what they mean is they want you to do what they say and follow the rules.
  67. You should play on a swing set at least once every year. It is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
  68. Don’t blame anybody for your problems. They’re yours. The sooner you establish this the sooner you can work on them.
  69. If you can’t sing, sing anyway. Especially at karaoke.
  70. Just because a billion people do something doesn’t mean it’s right.
  71. If you eat moldy bread you might feel like shit. Pun not intended. :)
  72. Don’t wish, do. “I wish I could…” is a waste of thought energy.
  73. Some people say you should do something every day that scares you. That’s a lofty goal, but even if you do something every week that scares you you’ll come out ahead.
  74. Do what scares you.
  75. If you think something is a bad idea, it might mean you should do it. Or it might mean it’s actually a bad idea.
  76. Stop watching so much TV.
  77. It really is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Try it next time.
  78. It’s OK if you don’t want to travel the world. There are lots of things to explore in your own backyard.
  79. Don’t listen to anybody who tells you “you’re missing out” by not going somewhere or doing something. You’re only missing out if you believe you’re missing out.
  80. Don’t think of cost. Think of value.
  81. If something is expensive that doesn’t mean it’s worth it. If something is cheap that doesn’t mean it’s not. Usually, neither of those options are ideal.
  82. Maybe you can’t have it all. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
  83. You can change the world because you define your world.
  84. Jakfruit is hard to find, but so very worth it.
  85. Give away something you love. You’ll learn a) detachment and b) it feels great.
  86. Do activities by yourself. Solo Social Activities (movies, dinner, concerts, travel) can be a lot of fun.
  87. Stop depending on other people.
  88. It’s OK to complain sometimes. Don’t make it a habit.
  89. Do what you love even if you don’t get paid for it.
  90. Stop texting or checking your phone when you’re with other people. It’s rude and it’s sad.
  91. Drink more water.
  92. Show gratitude.
  93. Make more mistakes.
  94. There is no such thing as luck. No good luck. No bad luck. You either make good things happen or you make bad things happen. Nothing more, nothing less.
  95. The secret to winning is playing. Often. (This advice does not hold for games of chance.)
  96. Everybody lies. Trust people anyway.
  97. If you dwell on past mistakes you will get depressed. Dwell or don’t dwell, but know the outcome.
  98. There is always more you can do. But that doesn’t mean there is always more you should do.
  99. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Compare yourself to yourself.
  100. Low calorie does not mean healthy. Stop fooling yourself.
  101. Seek danger.

90 Second Smoothie To Kickstart Your Day

Get your day off to a great start with this 90 second smoothie recipe…

Discovering the perfect breakfast was a revelation to me.  I’m not interested in making a big meal or taking a lot of time for breakfast.  I want something that tastes great, fills me up, and makes me feel good.

For years I ate oatmeal with either sliced bananas, blueberries, or strawberries.  Which tasted good, but wasn’t much of a kickstart.

Now I’m all about the smoothie.

Drinking a smoothie every morning gets me going better than any other food, coffee (which I don’t like) or tea (which I love) I’ve ever tried.

Smoothies are perfect for either breakfast or after working out (with added hemp protein powder).  They’re easy on the digestive system (assuming you don’t use cow’s milk) which means you won’t feel sluggish.  Most importantly, they’re very quick and easy to make.

My Ridiculously Extraordinary Smoothie recipe:

  • 1 cup (8 oz) hemp milk (or any other plant based milk)
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 Tablespoon ground flax seed – Info about the benefits of flax seed here.
  • 1 serving hemp protein powder (I only use this if it’s after a workout, not if it’s just a breakfast smoothie)

Throw all that stuff in your blender, blend, and enjoy.

The downside of all this is if you’re using a blender every day that means you have to clean it every day.  Which is a hassle.  At least it was. :)  Check out my “How To Quickly and Easily Clean A Blender” video (another huge revelation for me!) right here.