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I hadn't heard this story until I saw the group pop up on my Facebook home page. I searched for the story behind Jason Napier, to see what all the fuss was about before joining the group (and to make sure that the mention of 'chk chk boom girl' was not an indicator of the story content). 

Courage in the face of adversity is the hardest to muster, but Jason Napier is doing it in style. You can read one of many articles on Jason Napier's story here, and then join the group to help make Jason Napier famous.

Image courtesy of mikew4 at TradeMe

This link crossed my path this week, from New Zealand's version of eBay, www.trademe.co.nz (thanks Hayden). Not only is the auction quite humorous (even down to the seller's question and answer section), you can now also buy a tee shirt from the 'Scary Washing Machine' range at Mr Vintage. The pictured dinosaur is also for sale on TradeMe.

Check out the auction, it closes on the 18th June and the bid at the time of writing was already $241 - a jump from the $15 bucks I saw it at yesterday!

I interviewed for a position with local game developer Krome Studios here in Brisbane a wee while back, and after a call to say that the position had been filled internally, I was left wondering if I would ever be able to break into the gaming industry again.

Then, the HR Manager called back about a week later out of the blue, offering me the position. Success! And then... panic stations. I felt like I had been so out of touch with the gaming industry, particularly for entertainment. I started feverishly reading through news posts and reviews to try and get back in the headspace.

Two days in, and I know that I have got some serious gaming time ahead of me.

My dive back into gaming has been more of a 'dipping of the toe in the water', with the first game I have played in ages being 'Fishdom H2O: Hidden Odyssey'. Its a popular hidden object game which I got through Big Fish; the follow up to the original bright and shiny Fishdom which was a Match 3.

I love these games. It's another Playrix special, and they have beefed up the story element. The coolest thing about this game is how easy it is to get started - there are practically zero barriers to entry. It could be a little more difficult - the only point I really felt challenged was trying to spot 50 gold items in 30 seconds, but that was basically the 'let's test your tendancy for RSI' level. 


The cut scenes are nice, although you can't speed them along (I still like to read them rather than skip them completely). On the whole the look and feel is similar to Fishdom, though I prefer the new menu/tank screens and transitions to them. It's a nice touch that you can use your aquarium as a screen saver in these games - sometimes its nice to just watch the fish swim by.

I'll gradually work my way up to a current FPS - baby steps.  

I have wanted to write this piece for a long time, but haven't had a clue where to get started. Everything I have ever read covering self-development and self-fulfillment has kicked off with one key ingredient - finding your passion.

Every time I have tried to tackle this daunting pre-requisite, I would come up blank, feeling deflated and passion-less. With a recent move to a new country during a more difficult economic climate, finding passion made way for much simpler objectives like finding a home and finding a job.

During a long ride home on the train after a truly emotional start to a new job, I had a mini-revelation. I had taken a risk to try a job that I did not think was right for me, and had been faced with possibly the most difficult day of my life to date. I was overcome with emotion and mentally drained. But all of a sudden I was clearly identifying things that I did and did not enjoy. The projects in my life that I had been half-heartedly pursing suddenly took on an all new appeal, and I began feverishly jotting down notes. By putting myself in a new and, at times, uncomfortably challenging situation, I could see much more clearly where my true strengths lay.

On the journey so far, there are a few points I would share for those also setting out on their own quest for a fulfilled life:

Take stock of what you already have. Friends, family, children, love, laughter, memories, opportunities. These things can be easy to overlook on your quest to fulfill your dreams. They may also make up a large percentage of what you really need to feel fulfilled. Be thankful and appreciative - you never know when you might find yourself in need.

Be patient with yourself. Trying to sit down for an hour and come up with all the answers is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Give yourself time to identify what you truly want, and be realistic about achieving it. Reward yourself for a job well done, not matter how big or small the task at hand.

Try something new. We can plan all we want to get things done, but getting out and taking some risks is when we really see inside ourselves. Try to challenge yourself every day - and then identify how you respond to the challenge. Was it exhilarating? Or truly scary? Would you do it again? Did you find qualities or strengths you never knew you had?

Be constantly learning. As the old adage goes - you can lose, just don't lose the lesson. There is always room for improvement. Find current and varied learning channels - books, newspapers, online, people. Keeping an active mind is just as important as an active body.

Small steps lead to giant leaps. Goal setting is so important to achieving your dreams. Dream big - but remember to break it down into small, obtainable goals that will lead up to the big objective. And remember to pat yourself on the back for a job well done!