Obstacles in our paths aren’t necessarily bad … they’re a great way to test and develop our skills.
—Cheerful Monk
As I wrote in Embracing Obstacles, when the boy in the picture saw the dog obstacle course he couldn’t resist trying it himself. I felt that way this past week…we finally faced up to switching from analog to digital TV. (For a more humorous version, courtesy of bikhikebabe, click here.)
I won’t go into the details here about what I had to go through (just ask if you’d like to know more, it was fun). Anyway, it’s something we had to face up to before February 19, 2009. It would have been easy if we just bought a new digital TV, but our analog set has served us well for 24 years and I have a certain loyalty to it. And figuring out how to keep it and still time-record our favorite programs was too enticing a challenge to pass up.
The new system is working just fine now, and I’m basking in the feeling of accomplishment.
What about you?
What fun challenges have you had in your life? Have you ever done anything the hard way for the sheer joy of it? Please share.
22 comments ↓
Fun Challenges, hmmm, let me see. Starting my blog was probably one of the most challenging things I have done. It’s not even been around for a month and I can already see it growing, expanding, and becoming more than what I had intended. It’s a lot of fun to watch something like that grow, as I’m sure you are aware. I didn’t realize just how much joy it could bring.
Have I done it the hard way for the sheer joy of it? Not that I’m aware of. I always do things the hard way. I think, subconsciously and as irritating as it is, I typically make everything a challenge. Maybe my inner-self enjoys that. If so, I’m going to be upset.
Scotts last blog post..The Ever-Changing Thought is..Um..Changing??
Sorry about that, after I re-read my last post a few more times, it sounded more like a shameless plug. Not intended.
Scotts last blog post..The Ever-Changing Thought is..Um..Changing??
Scott,
Thanks for coming by. I didn’t think your first comment sounded like a shameless plug. In fact, I refer to some of my posts in comments on other people’s blogs. I don’t think of that as plugging my blogs as much as going deeper into a conversation. I encourage people to do the same here.
I like your blog and have added it to my Live Bookmarks.
Have you ever done anything the hard way for the sheer joy of it?
yes!.. of course it depends on the time available. I am in the software field and this very applicable.
Shamelle-TheEnhanceLifes last blog post..Overworked & Overwhelmed? Achieving Life Balance Amidst Chaos
Fun challenge? Over the weekend, I started a series of lessons on snow skiing. I’ve never tried it. I kept falling down. However, I hope to conquer my fears soon!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Should The Poor Mexican Fisherman Give Up Contentment For Cash?
Dear Evelyn Lim,
Unless you live in Alaska, it hasn’t snowed yet. You need snow & a slope to learn skiing.
I am still struggling to learn HTML! I hope to become a Web Master one day. I am yet to make head or tail of it despite being at it for four days. I may well decide to go to a proper institute that teaches this rather than this DIY attempt.
rummusers last blog post..Declare Emergency In India – II
Shamelle,
That’s why I love software, we have a chance to be creative and do things in new ways…when we have the time.
Evelyn
As I understand it, you live in Singapore. bikehikebabe’s comment made me curious, so I Googled “singapore snow skiing”. Did you go to Snow City? Or am I completely confused. At any rate, good for you!
bikehikebabe,
Try clicking on the link in my reply to Evelyn. I was surprised.
rummuser,
Sometimes taking a class is the easiest way to get started. I cheerfully admit, HTML looks intimidating at first. But I write all of my posts in it now and don’t need many commands.
I just went to your site and found your picture. I did the same for Evelyn. bikehikebabe’s is here.
Eventually I’ll figure out how to include gravatars (pictures) in the comment section.
Three of the hardest things I loved doing was training for my first degree black belt and senior instructor patch; becoming an EMT; and learning firefighting skills as a volunteer firefighter. These were all tough, but oh so much fun because of the personal satisfaction achieved, the camaraderie of folks in each group, and knowing I was helping my community.
SpaceAgeSage – Loris last blog post..Requesting help from my readers
Jean- you have inspired another blog post from me. I’ve only had like 20 today. Don’t worry, I emailed the ideas to myself. Maybe that’s the hard way of keeping up with ideas, emailing instead of just writing them down…hmm. Nah.
Scotts last blog post..Hey, How is Your Day Going?
Scott,
I’m looking forward to reading the posts. I think e-mailing the ideas to yourself is a fine way of remembering them.
Lori,
It sounds as if you’ve had an adventuresome life. I’ve read your about page. It’s impressive.
Scott,
I’m looking forward to reading the posts. I think e-mailing the ideas to yourself is a fine way of remembering them.
[...] took off from a comment/reply that I had left on cheerfulmonk.com just this morning. Please read the whole post, but what I found…um…most interesting [...]
Probably not. But maybe that’s because I don’t think of it as doing them the hard way – more like doing what I want to do is enjoyable even when it’s hard work.
Evans last blog post..They Are After Attention (and so are we)
Evan,
I can understand that. But at times I’m like the boy in the photo, doing something mainly for the challenge, not for the end result.
Bikehikebabe, your modesty does not become you!
I know what you mean, when the spouse is a hot shot! Happened to me and took me a while to get adjusted to that!!
rummuser,
You must be referring to the comment in http://cheerfulmonk.com/bikehikebabe
Thanks for that! People in the past have told me that I put myself down.
I’ve wanted to run a marathon for awhile now; I think that’s going to be my “because it’s there” challenge for 2009. I also want to learn to scuba dive.
Marelisas last blog post..18 Ways to be Uber Creative
Marelisa,
Good for you! Let us know how it goes. I’m afraid running in not my thing, except for bouncing on my jogging trampoline, which is fun and easy on the knees.
Thanks for coming by.
Fun challenges? I had one moment in my life which it very fun and very challenges. That is, when I have my first baby. One time, my wife went out for buying some thing, and at the same time, my baby crying. Wow… as a young father, it is the first time I felt panic of how to calm down my baby.
This is my first challenge with happiness. Ha… ha….
love-elys last blog post..Capital Punishment Against Bali Bombers
I want to learn ruby on rails, I know a little php but I read that ruby it’s easier to learn.
Also, sometimes the obstacle are in our minds, and this are the hardest obstacle to overcome
Roberto Fonsecas last blog post..How To Get Rid Of Bad Acne – Once And For All
love-ely,
Thanks for bringing back some warm memories. My husband was nervous around babies too, so on the way home from the hospital I had him stop at the grocery store. I left him in the car with our daughter while I bought some food. I figured if they were going to have a good relationship, I would have to leave them alone together. It worked. That’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for my daughter…it’s enriched both of their lives. I wish the same for you and your children.
Roberto,
I had never head of Ruby on Rails, so I had to look it up. Thanks for the lesson.
Let me know how it goes.
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