How Did We Survive?

Back in June 2008 I wrote about rules and how they put a damper on creativity. Now I am starting to have an additional view about those rules and regulations we all read and either must comply to or feel obliged to due to some new "best practice". Here are two examples that will give you context.

One. We recently moved in to a house built in 1965. Before buying it we had it inspected. The house is in great shape, buy it. Great. We did. In the report there were a few things that the inspector noted. One of the items was that the window sills are made of brick. Those particular bricks are a little more exposed to rain water, snow and the thawing and freezing affects because of their flat orientation. He suggests that we should put some sort of water sealant on the sills to protect them. This all makes sense of course.

So here is the way I have digested the information. "Oh my gosh! The bricks need to be sealed as soon as possible because they are on the verge of breaking apart and this will end up costing us thousands as the brick layer would need to come and somehow change the bricks! Quick, seal, seal. Crap I can't as I need four consecutive days of no rain! What am I going to do...help!!" Hmmmmm....I've overlooked the fact that the house mysteriously stood up to the elements for the last forty-four years. Yep, Olivier....this is the year. Chill.

Two. Sign post says "Dogs allowed off leash in this area". The other sign states "Dog On-Leash Area". Yesterday, before the signs were posted I did not care about whether a dog was on leash or not (unless of course the little bitch ran up to me and jumped on me). Today, when I see an unleashed dog in the "Dog On-Leash Area" I get upset. Yesterday the same pooch on the same blades of grass was fine. Today it no longer is and I get upset? Upset because someone is breaking some rule about an action I did not care about the day before.

Rules, regulations, best practices, etc. One needs to look at them, interpret them and then decide on whether to apply them and get attached to them. Yes, perfection is great in theory but I can tell you that it can drive one mad. Aaaarrrrgghhhh.

Chill Oli...chill.

Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!

Comments

Dominic said…
Great food for thought. We all need to chill once in a while, I for one , probably more than most. Thanks Oliver for your poignant articles, always a pleasure to read...
November 08, 2009
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Banning Russian Teams and Athletes

Speaking Tuesday to legislators in London about Wimbledon, British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Absolutely nobody flying the flag for Russia should be allowed. Many of us would be willing and able to [allow them to] compete as non-aligned, non-flag-bearing entities. But I think it needs to go beyond that. We need some potential assurances that they are not supporters of Vladimir Putin and we are considering what requirements we may need to try and get some assurances along those lines." (source =  https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/wimbledon-british-government-in-talks-about-russian-players-1.6386102 ) The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sparked much debate in the world of sports.  Should Russian teams be banned from competing?  Should individual Russian athletes be banned?  Should teams of athletes be allowed to compete but without flag, uniform, country name, anthem, etc.? Some athletes have said that it is unfair to mix politics and sports.  They rightly state t
Read more

A Personal Request

To my readers, Yesterday I registered to run the 5K HSBC 2009 Childrun.  This is an event that is being held June 7, 2009 for the 24th year.  It raises funds to help provide care and treatment to children who suffer from cancer.  I consider it a worthwhile cause and I am therefore asking you to donate whatever you can.  Here is a link to my personal web page where you can make a donation.  Thanks in advance for your support. Olivier Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!
Read more

Ash Barty

The news that Ash Barty has taken the decision to retire at the age of 25 has caused many people to react.  Some understand, others question, others accuse.   Her decision has touched off a few ideas of my own. When is enough actually enough?  When do we decide we have enough?  When can we stop and just be content with what we have? At 25 she has achieved so much.  I have seen words accusing her of lack of character, of quitting or of not having the mental fortitude (one person I saw was wondering what was wrong with women's tennis?)  I think none of these people can really speak with any authority.  First of all most of these people, writing the drivel, can hardly speak from a place of success.  How many grand slams have they won?  How many tens of millions of dollars have they earned, how many weeks at number one have they spend and how well known are they in the world?   At some point, enough is enough.  I respect Ash Barty for taking a personal decision.  She has enough.  She h
Read more