Freecycle

"Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement

that reduces waste, saves precious resources
and eases the burden on our landfills
while enabling our members to benefit
from the strength of a larger community."

— Mission Statement of Freecycle

Freecycle got my attention when I read an article on it in the Mid-day where people offer there stuff for free without expecting anything in return. I had heard about this group before which believes in giving out free gifts to others in order to reduce wastage, saving resources and a way to provide others that they could not afford.

One of the guys got a second hand Guitar which was put on offer and was ready to dole out music after a replacement of strings. I liked the idea of what they are doing so I too joined in though I am yet to put something on offer but I have short listed some books for which I made an offer to receive.

Lots of people have joined in, I guess after reading the article. Some of the stuff they want makes me wonder if they think they are going to get lucky :)

For instances people have posted their needs of getting a laptop, music keyboard, N72 mobile, used ipod and who can forget the musical instruments. Items that are on offer are a Washing Machine, books, audio cassettes, movies, games, etc.

I liked the idea behind the Freecycle, it’s like giving out items which has become useless to you but others might find useful/in need of them.

If you too want to join the group here is the site name www.freecycle.org and can search for Freecycle groups in your cities. Do read the general rules and guidelines.

In case if you are from Bombay here is the link to the Bombay yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mumbaifreecycle

Ideate

"An Idea that is developed and put into action
is more important than
an idea that exists only as an idea"

— Buddha

One can think of many creative things in their mind but talk about bringing them into existence and you fall flat. I believe that if you can imagine it, you can bring it to life too. The hard part is to bring them into existence. My problem is that I am unable to bring my "ideas" into existence. The ones I want to see the light of the day.

I can say that I am good at coming up with ideas, my managers and others would vouch for that. I have been successful in implementing my ideas in the work environment, it is the personal ones where I need to show more initiatives to bring them to life.

My collection of ideas are screaming, begging to me and doing everything so that I get into a mode of bringing them to life in the real world rather than stay a figment of my imagination.

Most of them are related to writing novels, plays, story plots, some requires me to become an entrepreneur and some wants me to work for the benefit of the society. I tried my hand of doing justice to them, but most of the time I found myself lost in my own world and hardly took notice of it, though I knew about it.

What a writer I am. I write as long as the plot keeps me interested when it fall short, I forget about it. I hope to change that. Though I did managed to write a story plot and also a short story. After that I just keep telling myself that I have to write another but never do it.

To become an entrepreneur you need more than just a business proposal. One requires finances and the right kind of people backing up for your venture. I have not found anyone with whom I could collaborate and make it happen. I am working towards making a website (not aimed at making money) which requires minimal funding. Let see if I am able to get it through. My social initiatives will requires me to a gather a lot of information about what I want to do and travel, something that I can not do right now. Hopefully I should be in a couple of months down the line.

The three ideas that I hope to work on this year are:

Writing a novel: I hope to devote at least one hour a day for a start. My problem is that I tend spend most of my time on other non productive stuff then doing something useful. Hoping to change things for better. If you happen know about any publisher of books, do let me know.

Building a website: Building a website which is aimed at strengthening the human spirit and give hope. I tried to create this through the “create free websites”. I need to try something different to work it out.

Gaming Cafe: This is something closest to my heart. I am not a big time gamer but the idea of having people playing games through LAN thrills me a lot. There are some other things too which will surely make this gaming cafe rock when it hits the roads. I do hope I can make this happen. Rest I leave it to GOD.

I hope to do a lot of things different this year. This is my way of making a start :)