Mind mapping with Mindmanager

I love mind mapping.  Mr Suttle, our Latin teacher, taught us how to do it at school. I used it extensively in both senior school and university. Then at Volvo, I discovered the wonders of MindManager, mind mapping software that took my mind mapping to a whole new level. I used it extensively at Volvo and Blackglass and in my English teaching. Most of all, though, I used it in my own life and it created the start of Compass (My life management system) and Wisdom Trove.  Much of the content in the maps also became parts of Life Trove (this blog).

I don't use mind mapping so much anymore since moving to Evernote, but I'm very thankful for the role it has played in my life.

Purpose 

Vision

Life as an art     View large

Values and Life Pillars

Focus
 

Self-knowledge

Affirmation

Habits

Compass

Taking action

Decision making

Life design

Insights

Humour

My life in review

Life highlights

2005 Highlights

Work experience

Guiding wisdom (that would become Wisdom Trove)

Decision making

English teaching

Poem from Caroline

It was back then, in the fabulous year of 2003
as we first came to meet, you and me.
And I felt already at our initial handshake,
what a super type of extraordinary friends we would make.

And for all kinds of matters, business or pleasure
you sure came to be an irreplaceable treasure
So smart and charming, intelligent as few
you’re always there, able to find the missing clue.

In addition you’ve shown to be just one of a kind
when it comes to understand my own strange mind
Both being Librans - with all what that means -
I’ve often wondered, do we share the same pare of genes?

So how strange it is, my dearest, dearest friend
that this particular journey now has come to an end.
Even though a new exciting one is just about to start,
and I wish you the best of the best with all my heart.

But… don’t you ever think you’ve seen the last of me!
Australia is actually not that far away, you see
One sunny day, when you sense it the least
I will be on your doorstep - expecting a feast!

With all my love to you and Ally,

October 2005

Farewell DVD from Volvo

As part of my farewell, Volvo put together a hilarious video show for me - super imposing my face on various scenes from Crocodile Dundee and other "Down Under" classics. They went to a lot of effort and it was absolutely hilarious. Even better than Martin's farewell presentation. Definitely something I will treasure.

Watch out for the carpet lounger!!

Checked out a house in Duxford today for the Sweden based person who is replacing me. Photos don't give a good perspective of bedroom sizes so Andrew did his thing. What a stalwart. Land lady thought we were a bit strange though.

Saying farewell to the Davidsons

Love is wearing the same pants

Saying farewell to Colleen and Steve

Breaking rules is always fun

St John's College

Autumn colours

Impressions of Newcastle (Ally)

Volvo farewell at Nandos

I had my farwell dinner from Volvo on Wednesday night. Very sad to be saying goodbye to such great people. My last day is 25 November but I had the farwell early as everyone is off to Lisbon next week for a product launch. Caroline came to visit for a couple of days too - she's hiding away in the picture above. She wrote me a wonderful farewell poem that I'll always treasure.

Mats

Best boss I ever had.

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you're scolded, run right back and make friends.

Geena for the weekend

We are looking after Geena this weekend and it's always a treat. She's so gorgeous. Took her for a long run and ball chase this afternoon.

Lavenham with Bill and Lynne

Had a lovely time in Lavenham with Bill and Lynne. What an inspirational couple they are - they have lived and travelled all over the world and have so many interests and stories. Lynne did a fantastic lunch too - so felt very spoilt. Lavenham itself was also a real highlight. Regarded as being the finest surviving example of an English Medieval town, it provides a lasting legacy of the wealthy 15th and 16th century clothiers. Of particular note is the splendid Church and Guildhall intermingled with the ancient timber framed dwellings. Bill and Lynne knew a lot about the village and gave us a fascinating tour.

Disco Diva

We went to a School 70's and 80's disco organised by Steve, a work colleague. What a blast it was!! Brought back lots of memories of my teen years, bopping to Wham and other cool tunes. But nicer - because you are so much less self conscious in your mid 30's!! This photo was taken by Steve on his mobile phone.

Mr Mop

We've started to clean the flat in anticipation of handing it back to the landlord. Here I am scrubbing the walls. We now officially have the cleanest walls and skirting boards in all of England.

Mallards

We spent a relaxing weekend doing not much. Went for a little stroll on Sunday to the river to watch the ducks. Will miss the Mallards - don't think you get them in Australia.

Family Holiday to Eastern Cape

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Our life, boxed

Our flat is looking rather sparse now that all our stuff has been sent. Managed to cram it into 13 boxes!