AJGodinho's Lensography
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About Anthony Godinho
In this lensography and About Me web page, I'm going to take you on a tour into the world of yours truly - ajgodinho a.k.a. Anthony Godinho. You will learn about my journey from one corner of the world (a tiny dot on the map) to another (worlds apart).
We'll talk about almost everything under the sun concerning me like my beginnings, my family, my likes and dislikes, my favorite places and foods, my passion, my hobbies and much more. Oh and of course, what on earth, am I doing on Squidoo?!
Writing an "About Me" web page is probably not the easiest of tasks to take on. One of the main reasons being, a lot of us don't like to write about ourselves, me included. Anyway, welcome on into my world...
Where it all Started
Goa, India
It all began in a small state called Goa, which was once a Portuguese colony on the west coast of India, some 40 years ago. My first name is actually Antonio (yes, it's the Portuguese connection).
My dad passed away over 10 years ago, but I still miss him much. I have a mom, two older sisters and a younger brother - all married with wonderful kids. We're all a very close-knit family and have weathered much, ever since I can remember and I love them dearly.
My parents gave us a good up-bringing, education, taught us conservative values and the importance of love, honesty, integrity, respect, hard work and sacrifice. These character attributes has surely served me well in life.
My dad worked at a government instituition, which focused on meteorology (weather processing and forecasting), but with 4 growing kids and a stay-home mom, making ends meet was always a challenge, so he sacrificed a lot.
I went to an English school and then to university, graduating in Physics at the age of 19. I was never serious about studying, but still managed to get decent grades. Growing up, I liked to draw and paint a lot. I was fascinated by architecture and the beauty of nature. I used to paint a lot when I was younger and then just lost touch - maybe I'll rekindle that hobby some day!
Goa is a beautiful place and a tourist location - it is located along the coastal line, so there are sun-soaked beaches all over. Almost all year round, it's hot and sunny weather - Goa has only two seasons, summer and monsoons (Spring) and it can pour cats and dogs for days on end!
As kids, we spent a lot of time on the beach and outdoors having fun! We played games like cricket, football (soccer), badminton, basketball and sometimes, just plain hide-and-seek!
Learn more about Goa at Wikipedia.
Interesting Travel Books on Goa, India
The Middle-Eastern Connection
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In my quest to help my dad because of all the sacrifices he made for us, in April 1992, I journeyed to Dubai, U.A.E. - it was a long and tough road to get there.
At the age of 23, without much experience under my belt, but a bachelor's degree and some raw skills, I managed to get a job at an American bank working in the Finance department and then moved into Human Resources (HR).
This was the start of my career in HR and I never looked back. In HR, I managed to gain experience in various areas like workforce planning, payroll and benefits, compensation, performance management, training and reporting.
I really enjoyed the field of Human Resources and my career flourished. My job at Citibank was my first and last job in Dubai. I spent just over 6 years there and loved it. So having worked in Dubai, I was able to help my dad in many ways and that felt like mission accomplished.
In Dubai, I encountered Christ through a Muslim convert, whom I met in a very weird fashion. I won't get into all the details, but sufficed to say, my life has never been the same, ever since. It's been a long and challenging journey, but a victorious and fulfilling one.
My spiritual life has been enriched in a way that I cannot put in words. I walk by faith and not by sight - to some this might seem foreign. In simple terms, I've been victorious and successful in everything that I've done, not 'cos I'm smart or anything like that, but because Christ is in control of my life inside and out.
Of course, when I make a statement like that, don't get me wrong, I've had my share of mistakes and mishaps, many times ready to give up, but I stand today, victorious because of Him!
Dubai in one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Did you know that each of the emirates has a different color of sand? They sure do, see the picture on the left.
I was fortunate to visit all the seven emirates and able to collect the sand and frame it in this picture - ok, just kidding about collecting the sand. The frame was a gift from a dear friend and I still have it with me ; )
The weather out there is dry and can get really hot during the peak summer season (how about plus 50 degrees Celsius?) - so out there, air-conditioning is a necessity.
Learn more about Dubai at Wikipedia.
Travel Books on Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7 Things About AJ Godinho
The funnies...
- I like to be very organized, of course, sometimes it's just an organized mess!
- I almost drowned once, for real...shhhh no one knows about it
- I like to keep fit - I'm working hard on it!
- I'm so not a morning person and it's so hard when I wake up
- I've been called many names, one of them, "skinny bone jones"...ha!
- I play the guitar, better than Eric Clapton - ok, not quite, just a few chords
- I pick my nose sometimes - it must be an Indian thing!
O Canada!
My home away from home now...
I thoroughly enjoyed my 6 years in Dubai, I made a lot of friends there and was doing very well in my career. But somehow, I never felt a sense of belonging there. It was more like a place of transition, so in 1998, I immigrated to Canada.
It was a very difficult decision to make, but one that I don't regret because Canada worked out to be the land of opportunity for me. I started off in Toronto, Ontario where I spent around 4 years and then moved up north to a small town called Thornloe, Ontario.
It was a huge change from 2.5 million people to a tiny population of 200 people. It was a good experience though and I adjusted well. I enjoyed my short time there before I moved to St. Catharines, Ontario (close to Niagara Falls). After spending about 2 years in St. Catharines, I moved to Burlington, Ontario and then finally ended up in Mississauga, Ontario.
I've loved experiencing the diversity, especially of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) - this tapestry that weaves together people from all over the world, with different cultures, languages, cuisines, and so much more. As well, I've enjoyed the beauty of every season, even winter!
Yeah, I know, I've moved a lot, but I've enjoyed experiencing all these different places, cultures and meeting many wonderful people along the way, some of who are still my very close friends. Where next? Well, I'll have to wait and see...but I'm enjoying the ride!
Learn more about Canada at Wikipedia
Travel Books on Canada
Healthy Living is a Smart Choice
One of my Passions is Healthy Living
I've worked in the corporate world, in Human Resources, for over 15 years now and spent most of my years working really hard, putting in long hours, working with tight deadlines and major projects. So it's safe to say that it's been quite a stressful experience.
During those years, I was able to accomplish much and mentor many people, which was a fulfilling experience. However, I've always wanted to branch out into something that I could do much more in terms of helping people.
So in late 2008, I decided to take the entrepreneurial route in the health & wellness industry and use internet marketing. It's been a challenging road, but I'm grateful to be have had the opportunity to be able to take this step of faith.
It's made a considerable difference in my life and I'm looking forward to continuing building relationships with like-minded individuals who are interested in living a healthy life and helping people.
Healthy Living Poster: Buy at AllPosters.com
My Vacation to Goa in 2007 & 2010
It was awesome to see my wonderful and loving family
I've been out of Goa for over 15 years now, but the Lord has always made a way for me to visit my family, sometimes once every year and sometimes once every two years.
Every time I go down to Goa, it's a feast and I enjoy every bit of it - the time just seems to fly by so fast even if I take a 4 or 5-week long vacation. I really focus on spending most of time with the family during my vacations to Goa.
Here are some pictures from my 2007 vacation in Goa with my family. They were taken at my brother-in-law's cottage. It's a beautiful place atop a mountain, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I was fortunate to be able to go down in Jan/Feb 2010 ~ see video below of my vacation pictures.
My Experience as a Young Dad
Well, sort of...I'm a god-father...
I'm still a single guy and am enjoying my freedom...really...ok, it does get lonely at times! But, the closest I've come to being a dad (so to speak) was when I was around 19 years old and still in Goa, when my oldest sister gave birth to her first baby, a beautiful baby girl.
I pretty much lived with my sister and it was one of the most amazing experiences learning to take care of this little bundle of joy, doing everything from changing diapers, to giving her a bath, to singing her to sleep, playing and hearing her say those first words, and seeing her take her first steps and all that good stuff...it was awesome!
I remember the day I was leaving for Dubai, on my quest, she just wouldn't let go of me and made us all cry...it was indeed difficult to let go, even for me...
Today, she's all grown up into a beautiful, young lady and actually in Dubai, completing her university! The beautiful thing is that we've build a wonderful relationship and stay in regular touch. I have 4 other wonderful nieces and 2 nephews, who are all growing up too fast. I thank God for all their lives.
Cool Dude Dad and Dudina!
10 More Things About AJ Godinho
On a serious note...
- Healthy living to me is a lifestyle
- I also trade in the stock markets for a living
- I was in a car accident once, it wasn't my fault - honest!
- My favorite food, of course, anything my mom cooks
- Some hobbies: oil painting, analyzing stock market charts, making Squidoo lenses
- I like taking power naps, when I can
- It hurts me to see people living in poverty
- Fall is my favorite season
- My favorite place, home sweet home
- I'd like to visit Europe some day
What on Earth am I doing on Squidoo?
Writing and making money, silly!
I was introduced to Squidoo by a friend when I was still new to the blogging world. I had heard about blogs and I knew what they were and had visited many of them. Though Squidoo is not a blog, it's so much more.
However, I was never interested in having one of my own, until recently. So I decided to give Squidoo a try before trying any other blogging platform and boy was I surprised by the amazing functionality that Squidoo provides and it's free!
It was my intention to start blogging since I saw it as a great medium to educate like-minded individuals, as well as learn from them. And so my blogging journey began...I guess it's safe to say that I was introduced to Squidoo at the right time and I haven't looked back since.
I think Squidoo is a great community where people from all walks of life, cultures and countries come together to share and learn from one another. I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with some wonderful squids in my short time with Squidoo and I'm looking forward to building lasting relationships with them as we move forward.
Squid Banner Courtesy: ArtByLinda
These are My Current Squidoo Lenses
Not all, but some I consider my best
When I first joined Squidoo, I must admit that I was pretty overwhelmed with all the stuff that I had to learn to build a quality lens, however, I didn't let that stop me!
I visited as many lenses as I could during my first month. I found some really good lenses that helped me in my journey. I decided to compile and turn them into a compendium which gave birth to my Squid-School lens below. This is my way of acknowledging some of the Squidoo lensmasters who have helped me in my Squidoo journey.
On October 5, 2010, I was appointed as a Squid Angels which gives the privilege to boost quality lenses on Squidoo and ding any spam or junk. In the lens below called Squid Angel Blessings by AJ, you will find the lenses I have blessed.
Health and Wellness Related Lenses
One of my passions is health & wellness. Healthy living to me is a lifestyle. There is much that we can all do to take care of our health to put our focus on being proactive.
We live in a world that's so reactive rather than proactive and that's why our generations are being hit by degenerative diseases! We need to understand the importance of supporting a healthy immune system.
My vision is to educate like-minded individuals to make healthy living a lifestyle!
Philanthropic and Charity Related Lenses
Philanthropy has always been one of my passions ever since I was young, but I don't talk much about it, I just focus on doing it.
I guess I get it from my father, who gave so much and taught us to do the same. But I think more importantly, I've learned it from my Heavenly Father, who gave it all.
The Hunger Site is such an innovative way to help the less fortunate and it's so simple!
Nature Lenses and Causes
I've always loved nature ever since I was a little boy. I was fascinated by its beauty in various forms, be it waterfalls, sunsets, beaches, seascapes or just natural parks. These lenses explore this fascination of mine!
Squidoo's Money-Making Related Lenses
Yes, you can actually make money or donate to charities with Squidoo. There are several money-making modules and I've featured many of these modules in the lens below.
How-To and Internet Marketing Related Lenses
I'm a Human Resources professional, Trader & Entrepreneur, who has spent over 15 years in the corporate world in various HR functional and management positions.
Understanding internet marketing is one of the keys to successfully building your business. Check out these lenses on the power of Attraction Marketing, Video Marketing, Article Marketing and how you can use it in your business
Sports Related Lenses
I've always enjoyed being involved in sports. Football or soccer has been one of my favourite sports ever since I was a young boy. The following lenses are on 2010 World Cup soccer tournament that took place in June/July 2010 in which Spain became first-time World Champions.
Lenses Devoted to Helping New Canadians
The following lenses are focused on helping newcomers to Canada. You'll find a checklist to assist new Canadian immigrants settle down when they first arrive to Canada; helping new immigrants find jobs in Canada and much more to come; help with the citizenship test which is required to obtain Canadian citizenship; and more.
Inspirational and Motivational Lenses
Mind renewal is such a critical aspect in our lives and especially in today's world filled with stress, negativity, darkness and despair. We can find comfort by walking in faith and looking beyond the horizon.
Christ is my solid rock and foundation. I'm not talking about religion here, but a lifestyle of spiritual awareness and consciousness. Below are lenses which are focused on helping not only Christian, but anyone else who wants to tap into their inner power.
Some of My Favorite Music
Jazz, Instrumental and Christian Music
I like a variety of music, but mostly music that has variation, meaning and soothes the soul. My 3 favorite music catagories are Jazz, Instrumental and Christian music. These are some of my hand-picked albums.
I like Jazz because it has variation. They say Jazz is difficult to define because it spans Ragtime waltzes to 2000's-era fusion.
I like Christian music because, mostly, it has meaning behind it when it's used to praise God and thank Him - it lifts up the spirit!
I've always liked instrumental music ever since I was a kid, there is something about it that soothes the soul - I find it very relaxing!
My Music Squidoo Lenses
Smooth Jazz and Christian Music Lenses
Some of My Favorite Quotes
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverbs 29:18
"The biggest mistake people make in life is not making a living at doing what they most enjoy." - Malcolm S. Forbes
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13
"Know love, know happiness. No love, no happiness." - Anonymous
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were all sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." - Theodore Roosevelt
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
![The Bourne Trilogy (The Bourne Identity | The Bourne Supremacy | The Bourne Ultimatum) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ogz7vkkAL._SL75_.jpg)
![High Crimes [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513qvQYZX-L._SL75_.jpg)
Did You Like this Lens?
Give it a "Thumbs Up"...Thanks! :)
~ ☆ ~ This Squidoo Lens was Awarded a Purple Star ~ ☆ ~
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Guestbook: About Anthony Godinho
Thanks for dropping by...please let me know you were here
Hope you enjoyed my little world. It was a pleasure meeting you, but don't just leave - feel free to introduce yourself (below)!
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wheresthekarma
Feb 11, 2012 @ 4:52 am | delete
- Great lens about yourself! It must be interesting to be able to live in different countries and learn the different cultures. I havent been to Ontario but have other friends there and one day hope to get there. I was in Canada a month ago but only in the Niagara Falls. THe story about your niece was so sweet. You seem like such a great guy! THanks for an interesting look at your life!
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naheedahsan
Feb 8, 2012 @ 11:53 am | delete
- You are a truly interesting person,
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jeremykim2011
Jan 17, 2012 @ 2:14 am | delete
- Thanks for sharing your lensography via Twitter.
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bloomingrose
Jan 16, 2012 @ 9:02 pm | delete
- This lens was wonderful - bookmarked to come back too. We have a few things in common - I immigrated to Canada (back in the US now but grateful for that experience) I have a series of lenses on the Greater Good as well (that's ok :) such a worthwhile cause and both of us will add something, the more eyeballs on these charities the better) my spirituality defines and I love Squidoo! Sincerely, Rose
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ajgodinho Jan 17, 2012 @ 2:56 pm | delete
- Nice to meet you Rose and see that we have a few things in common. Wishing you all the best in your goals for 2012 (I just visited your lens). Yes, the more people share, the better, in terms of the worthy causes of the GreaterGood Network. Stay blessed!
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Tipi
Jan 13, 2012 @ 12:20 pm | delete
- Was flying by and noticed my blessing had worn off here and enjoyed reviewing some fun facts about you....you are an inspiration in all things excellent!
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photofk3
Jan 11, 2012 @ 1:35 pm | delete
- You are a truly interesting person, glad to get to know more about you. Thanks for sharing.
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girlfriendfactory
Dec 24, 2011 @ 11:02 pm | delete
- Nice lensography! I like the way you incorporated the about me info and the lenses, too instead of just a list of all the lenses you've made.
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fullofshoes
Dec 3, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
- Thanks for all the info here, it was great to read. I can see now...exactly how to make a fabulous lensography. I've been looking for a model to follow and yours is an excellent one.
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collettehrock
Nov 27, 2011 @ 8:12 am | delete
- Hi Anthony now I know a lot about you gee I wouldn't have thought you were over Forty, what a beautiful place that you came from Goa, you would have found it really hard to leave. I am sorry about your dad. I imagined you as a very organised person, another great lens, thanks for sharing. I also noticed that you were in Squidoo's sexiest people as well as getting a purple star you are voted one of the sexiest people on Squidoo, I loved that page as well it made me really smile
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- It's been wonderful getting to know you, Collette, all the way from the other end of the world. You sure have been working hard to learn the ropes on Squidoo. I really like your DIY stuff. Regarding the awards, LOL I guess over time, we all get them at some point. Thanks for stopping by! :)
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JoeCinocca
Nov 27, 2011 @ 1:13 am | delete
- I feel like I got a crash course in culture with this lens. One reading and I know facts about UAE, Goa and you! Nice lens!
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getmoreinfo
Nov 22, 2011 @ 7:11 pm | delete
- Thanks for sharing your story, it really is encouraging for me as a newbie on squidoo. You are a blessing to many people and its nice to see how successful blogging has become for you. I like your lenses because they are so well constructed and organized. I had to mention that my favorite movies are the Bourne Trilogies too!
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- Thanks for stopping by and your kind words! I've enjoyed being part of the Squidoo community and have met some wonderful people, many of whom have become friends. If you need any help with Squidoo, you know where to find me. Wishing you all the best! :)
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Aquavel
Oct 9, 2011 @ 8:22 pm | delete
- Outstanding lensography. What a beautiful family you have (Squidoo included)! Thanks for sharing! Love your info, family photos and slideshow video too! Goa looks wonderful!
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incomenetwork
Sep 17, 2011 @ 3:35 pm | delete
- Great informative lens! It's nice to get to know more about you AJ!
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daria369
Sep 14, 2011 @ 6:00 pm | delete
- Quite an autobiography you have here - very much enjoyed it and blessing it! :)
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TravelingRae
Sep 4, 2011 @ 10:03 pm | delete
- Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. What a great about me page and lensography.
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awakeningwellness
Sep 4, 2011 @ 8:51 pm | delete
- This is an excellent lensography, thank you for sharing yourself with all of us...by the way, I hate getting up in the morning too!
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akumar46
Jul 4, 2011 @ 7:24 am | delete
- It is very interesting to know about yourself. You had really enjoyed the challenges of life and conquered.
Your story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
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elyria
Jun 24, 2011 @ 6:30 pm | delete
- It's so nice to get to know you! I have read several of your Lenses in the past but now it feels like I've properly met you :)
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ajgodinho Jul 3, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
- Thanks Elyria...nice to meet you too. I've checked some of your work and you've made great progress in a short time...all the best! :)
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hamshi5433
Jun 15, 2011 @ 3:36 pm | delete
- I know a lot about you now..and the best out of all is knowing about how you came into Christianity! :) God bless u.
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ajgodinho Jun 16, 2011 @ 1:14 am | delete
- God bless you too, Hamshi...wonderful to get to know you here on Squidoo...stay blessed! :)
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AirT-23
Jun 7, 2011 @ 4:47 am | delete
- A really nice lensography! Great presentation of your life and some great adventures you had! Thank you for sharing with us!
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.
Updated: February 15, 2012
by ajgodinho
In this lensography, you will learn a lot about me, from a very personal perspective.
I've enjoyed my life so far and spent over 15 years in various...
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You Guide to Goa
The Rough Guide to Goa
Amazon Price: $10.44 (as of 02/15/2012)
The Rough Guide to Goa is the most thoroughly researched and engagingly-written guide to Portugal's former colony. You'll find detailed accounts of every major tourist sight, along with candid reviews of all the best places to sleep, eat, drink and shop, in all price ranges. The Rough Guide to Goa is like having a local friend plan your trip!
Dubai & the Dream of Capitalism
City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism
Amazon Price: $5.22 (as of 02/15/2012)
The modern city-state of Dubai exists largely because two men willed it so. Through a combination of prescient investment of resources, grandiose vision and the freedoms of absolute rule, the late Sheikh Rashid and his son Sheikh Mohammed transformed the backwater village into a global powerhouse erupting onto the earth. A fascinating study of a small nation that has taken the ideas of modernization and capitalism to their outer limits.
Your Travel Guide to Canada
Canada (Insight Guides)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 02/15/2012)
This guide to Canada includes a full run-down on the essential places to see from Niagara Falls to Grouse Mountain and from Long Beach to Kouchibouguac National Park. The best of Canada section will allow you to set priorities and gives you some tips and tricks even some of the locals won't know. With hundreds of spectacular colour photographs and detailed maps, you can really get a feel for the destination prior to your trip.
