Infinite Ideas http://blog.alasaarela.com by Mikko Alasaarela posterous.com Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:15:14 -0700 Sailing in San Francisco. http://blog.alasaarela.com/sailing-in-san-francisco http://blog.alasaarela.com/sailing-in-san-francisco
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Parked the boat at Pier 1 1/2. The one behind is a little bigger :)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:46:22 -0800 Inessa with hugcats http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-with-hugcats http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-with-hugcats
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Valentine's day themed fun :)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:25:50 -0800 Inessa likes her mango-banana smoothie http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-likes-her-mango-banana-smoothie http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-likes-her-mango-banana-smoothie
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She is wearing my little souvenir hat from London. Boys are still snowboarding...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:05:27 -0800 Krister chilling out http://blog.alasaarela.com/krister-chilling-out http://blog.alasaarela.com/krister-chilling-out
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The photo is taken with Camera+ for iPhone using 'so emo' effect and cropping. The editing capabilities of the app are just totally amazing!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:53:20 -0800 Krister broke his collarbone http://blog.alasaarela.com/krister-broke-his-collarbone http://blog.alasaarela.com/krister-broke-his-collarbone
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This bone was broken by a failed sledding jump that he landed on his neck. Poor kid.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:43:26 -0800 Winter arrived this morning http://blog.alasaarela.com/winter-arrived-this-morning http://blog.alasaarela.com/winter-arrived-this-morning
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I don't think this will melt anytime soon.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:39:12 -0700 Typical Finnish Customer Service http://blog.alasaarela.com/typical-finnish-customer-service http://blog.alasaarela.com/typical-finnish-customer-service
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Twenty people in line, and all service clerks are busy updating their Facebook status or playing Farmville.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:26:00 -0700 On Maturity http://blog.alasaarela.com/on-maturity http://blog.alasaarela.com/on-maturity

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When I was a kid, one of my biggest wishes was to become wise as I get older. Looking back, I enthusiastically worked towards that by studying and learning about many subjects (cultures, politics, arts and sciences, among others) on a generic level just to have a more clear big picture. At times, the increasing understanding pushed me through serious struggles, especially at moments when I realized that something that I had long thought was true, wasn't.

The quest for truth and wisdom will probably always be painful. The more you work towards it, the more you find how nearly all "truths" are somewhat relative and subjective, and choke-full with biases. However, there are also moments where the realization of truth leads to comfort, balance, and even happiness.

One of the best things to happen with increased wisdom is to become a mature person. Maturity is a major source of happiness. Years back, when I read statistics about older people being generally happier than young, I wondered how that could be possible. The studies said it being a result of older people being more comfortable and in better balance with themselves. I wholeheartedly agree.

The following quote by Robert M. Price has been influential on me(all emphasis are mine):

It is simply maturity to reach the point where you are no longer insecure and can rejoice the success of others. When you don't have to make others look bad for you to look good. The mature person is not defensive and readily yields when his opinion is refuted, because he just wants the truth to emerge, and it doesn't matter from whom. The mature person ... knows that her own interests include those of others and do not compete with them. The mature person automatically seeks out to put others at ease, feels no need to dominate conversations, and patiently views detractors as merely childish until and unless he is forced to conclude that they are evil. 

The mature person hopes to be given the benefit of the doubt and knows he must give it to others, if only to avoid jumping the gun and being mistaken. The mature human being is humble yet rejoices in his strengths, no longer thinking to pat himself on the back for them. He does not fish for compliments or make sure everyone knows of his good deeds... He does not feel impelled to set others straight and correct their opinions, believing instead that others will learn gradually and at their own pace as he himself has done. When struck or insulted, the mature person is secure enough no to return wrath or harm (unless, out of self-defense, he must repel serious violence)... When criticized, the mature one will first ask himself if the complaint is true, and, instead of resenting it, he will take it to heart. If you are mature, you will shrug off offense and look for every opportunity for reconciliation... 

It is just a question of growing in wisdom as one grows older. One must be willing for it to happen, but it is not a miracle. Nor does sincere moral maturity ever think of deserving or receiving some reward for doing the right thing.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:11:27 -0700 Summer in Hyde Park http://blog.alasaarela.com/summer-in-hyde-park http://blog.alasaarela.com/summer-in-hyde-park
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Nice summer day to be out in London. Hyde Park somehow reminds me of Berlin, and its awesome parks. No wonder I was in good running shape when we lived there.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Fri, 14 May 2010 18:19:52 -0700 Nice discount special at Ranch Market http://blog.alasaarela.com/nice-discount-special-at-ranch-market http://blog.alasaarela.com/nice-discount-special-at-ranch-market
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I bought orange muffins and saved $0.00 - great special!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:17:02 -0700 Perfect day for a hike. http://blog.alasaarela.com/perfect-day-for-a-hike http://blog.alasaarela.com/perfect-day-for-a-hike
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:47:21 -0700 Happiness is... paddling to my son's soccer game with our canoe. http://blog.alasaarela.com/happiness-is-paddling-to-my-sons-soccer-game http://blog.alasaarela.com/happiness-is-paddling-to-my-sons-soccer-game
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Amazing weather for paddling too. One of the blessings of living by the lagoon.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:33:15 -0800 Jon Jurmu balancing on a ball. http://blog.alasaarela.com/jon-jurmu-balancing-on-a-ball http://blog.alasaarela.com/jon-jurmu-balancing-on-a-ball
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Newlywed couple Jon and Kaisu Jurmu from Martinez visited us tonight.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:37:38 -0800 Finishing line at Kaiser Marathon http://blog.alasaarela.com/finishing-line-at-kaiser-marathon http://blog.alasaarela.com/finishing-line-at-kaiser-marathon
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Erja paced her half marathon run at 1:55h. She said it was a little too easy, so the plan for next half marathon is at 1:50h or less.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:02:03 -0800 Kaiser Marathon San Francisco http://blog.alasaarela.com/kaiser-marathon-san-francisco http://blog.alasaarela.com/kaiser-marathon-san-francisco
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Erja and Marci before taking off.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:58:05 -0800 Pastas are excellent in Poland http://blog.alasaarela.com/pastas-are-excellent-in-poland http://blog.alasaarela.com/pastas-are-excellent-in-poland
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Hot chicken pasta creamy sauce and spinach was every bit as delicious as one would expect.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:45:02 -0800 Inessa Thanks Santa http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-thanks-santa http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-thanks-santa
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Inessa was so happy for her presents that she wanted to send Santa a personal thank you letter. The letter was left in front of our main door, from where the elves promptly picked it up. She checked the door periodically to make sure Santa gets her letter. When it was gone, she came to tell us that now elves have taken it. She is so adorable.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:13:43 -0800 Music in San Jose - Christmas in the Park http://blog.alasaarela.com/music-in-san-jose-christmas-in-the-park http://blog.alasaarela.com/music-in-san-jose-christmas-in-the-park
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The park was absolutely packed, and every ride and kiosk had a long line.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:06:36 -0800 Inessa did a delicious and beautiful gingerbread house. http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-did-a-delicious-and-beautiful-gingerbr http://blog.alasaarela.com/inessa-did-a-delicious-and-beautiful-gingerbr
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As you would expect from a 6-year old, it is all about the candy :)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:21:07 -0800 Christmas Celebration at Finnish School http://blog.alasaarela.com/christmas-celebration-at-finnish-school http://blog.alasaarela.com/christmas-celebration-at-finnish-school
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Getting into the mood... My wife is the organizer, so it's been busy times for her.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/32634/Photo_8.jpg http://posterous.com/users/PYVFqa2NMt Mikko Alasaarela alasaarela Mikko Alasaarela