Branching Out

“If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you’re stuck and you don’t know how to rise, don’t look outside yourself. Look inside. Don’t let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory.”

by Bruce Jenner

I find this quote so incredibly inspiring! I realized that I have only ever really done what feels comfortable in my life. I have never put myself in a position where I’m doing something that I have never done before. I have done this knowingly because the idea of looking like I don’t know what I am doing scares the heck out of me. After realizing this, I feel that limiting myself is ridiculous!

I am just shooting myself in the foot because… how can I ever grow if I never challenge myself. How can I ever know the depths of me if I spend my whole life skimming the surface and doing what is comfortable. So, I have decided to branch out. I will be directing episode 20 of Smallville this year, and I am so intimidated! It’s silly. I know that I have eight months to prep and that I have the most amazing crew of people around me that will do everything in their power to help me make something awesome, but getting past that ego that drives me has been a huge challenge. Ignoring the voice inside my head that is screaming “You have no clue how to do this!” has definitely been a challenge.

As I start to do more and more work on building this skill in myself, the voice is starting to soften and I am actually really enjoying the process. I liked this quote so much because it talks about “abolishing you fears” and “raising your commitment to the point of no return!” There is something so empowering about that phrase! So I am raising my “commitment level to the point of no return”!

I have now announced it to all you lovelies and I can’t go back on my word. It’s that silly pride thing that is actually helpful in this situation ;) I am taking on something so foreign but I have made a strong decision to enjoy the learning process! Who knows, maybe I will become a fabulous director and just have two careers! Woah… let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Thanks for all the support you provide! I love hearing from you every week. You have no idea how much joy I get out of reading your thoughts on this website!

Ciao to all
Allison

ps… Oh yeah! And check out Miss Tabby’s site, allisonmackonline.com. She is doing some really awesome stuff for my birthday! I am collecting funds for a foundation that I am starting and any support is so so so appreciated!

  • http://www.smallvillededication.com Audrey

    Hey Allison. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with directing an episode of Smallville. You do an awesome job in front of the camera and I’m sure you will do great behind it. If Tom can do it, so can you..lol. You have some great people such as Tom and Michael to get advice from and I’m sure things will go great. With all the time that you have ahead of you, means time to prepare. Relax, take it easy and go with the flow. Have fun with it and can’t wait to see the episode and all the other Smallville episode. The season to come sounds great! Can’t wait.

    Audrey

  • Erika

    Again, I can relate to the thought of venturing out into the unknown. There are many things that I am involved with in my life and I find myself sometimes getting a little stagnate and just fading off into the background, not ever really stepping up to the challenge of being in charge. Sometimes it’s because the job is being handled, but most times it’s because I don’t feel like I am qualified to take the lead and go for it. It’s a daily battle, but reading little things like your blog post, help me to further let down my guard and take the plunge, so thank you for your inspiration. Happy Belated Birthday and good luck with your directorial debut, I hope it turns out better then you could have ever imagined that it would.

  • http://www.4every1.com.br Eduardo Daolio

    Oi Allison, meus parabéns por seu trabalho, você tem muitos fãs no Brasil. Estamos torcendo por você em Smallville.

    Hello Allison, congratulations for your job in smallville, you´ve too many fans in Brazil. Good Luck!

    Ed!

  • mikah smith

    hey allison, wow i’ll be sure and watch that episode! not that i don’t watch every episode anyway….you’ll do great you have nothing to worry about good luck!!!

    mikah

  • Rene

    Hi, Allison.. I actualy just wanted to say That I’m a big fan also an aspiring actor , And your quote by Bruce Jenner is inspiring, well I just wanted to say that I think your great and would like to see more of your work..

  • JENNIFER SOMANI

    HI
    I M JENNIFER FROM CONGO,DONT BE SO SUPRISED,YOU KNOW HERE IN AFRICA WE FOLLOW SMALLVILLE A LOT AND ME +MY KIDS ARE A PART OF YOUR FAN. SO WHEN I EXPLAIN TO MY ELDER ONE WHAT HAPPEN FOR YOU HE WAS SO EXCITED AND HAPPY THAT I TOUGHT TO SEND YOU THIS MSG
    I M VERY VERY HAPPY FOR YOU ALLISON.
    AND I HOPE YOU WILL GIVE THE BEST ON YOU. A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
    WISH TO SEE YOU SOON.

  • http://www.fablefox.com Fable Fox

    Thanks for the great quote and blog Allison!

    I will be succesful one day and thanks to you :-)

    By the way, I love you :-)

    Keep on smiling, you have the most beautiful smile ever.

    - Fable Fox

  • Deon S.A.

    Happy Birthday on 29th of July.

    I’m a bit late, a couple of days, but still I hope you had a good one.
    Good for you for taking on the directing.
    We should try to do at least one thing a day that scares us.
    And what a feeling we get when we covered that milestone.

  • Josh Macelli

    It has been so incredible to watch you grow these last six season, and not just your character, although I am glad that they moved you from Clark’s sidekick to a character with her own story lines, but in all that I have seen you grow personally. Again you have inspired me by stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on a task that is daunting and not just about you. I have NO doubt that you will shine as brightly as a director as you do an actor. I can’t wait for you to prove me right. Great music by the way, kind of a mix between Etta James and Harry Connick Jr. If you like good blues, try Louis Jordan, He is amazing.

  • Lorena

    hi allison you`re awsome really I don`t know what to say about you you`re an exellent actress I wish you the best really and I die to see the episode that you`re going to direct because I know that that episode is going to be the best and please this season you have to stay with clark you`re an exellent couple really haha well that`s it and if you can send me an e-mail I will be appreciate and very very happy :) hahaha loren_mmm@hotmail.com
    take care byebye
    ****Lorena****

  • Denise

    I am sure you’ll do fantastic in the director’s chair. It’s fun to step out of our comfort zones. Remember it’s not a mistake if you learn from it. I wish I had taken a few more chances in my life.

    Best of Luck!!

  • Marco

    hello, my name is Marco ,I’m from Chile and this is my first e-mail in your web, not the last I hope,well a wants to said good luck on your directorial debut.I know it will be great.and you are beatiful and my favory character. my e-mail is marco_riveros79@hotmail.com is you want to know about my country Chile. bye and GOOD LUCK. sorry by my english.

  • Marco

    Happy birthdays allison
    feliz cumpleaños a ti
    feliz cumpleaños a ti
    feliz cumpleaños allison feliz cumpleaños a ti.
    make a wish.

  • Jace

    Hi Allison! U have a great blog, i find it by accident.. U are great in writing, is inspiring. Thanks for sharing, its awesome, as i learn something from u, i guess u are right, we should not do something we alway comfortable of, we should try out thing and should not limit ourselve, if not we will not be able to break through ourselve..

    Happy Birthday to you! Have a great time with your love ones and friends.. Good luck, i will be waiting Smallville Season 7 to be air =)

  • http://none timothy Kaz

    Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn’t know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong.
    -Anne Frank

    So inspiring just because Anne Frank went through so much yet looked at life in a positive way. She was an old sole for such a young bright person. Allison you seem like a really down to earth chica, i thought you might appreciate this quote, even though you will probably never read this message. Take it easy girl.
    -Timmy Kaz

  • http://www.allisonmack.com Knight1

    I had to post another comment in this blog after just seeing the rerun of “Freak” directed by Michael Rosenbaum.
    They really put you through the ringer in that episode, by strapping you down on that cold table with these things in your mouth. Good lord that had to be difficult to get through, I would think.
    I think its payback time and Michael should get a little bit of that medicine in return. I say when you direct your episode, turn the “tables” on him… lol …literally… and don’t forget to include all that uncomfortable hardware in his mouth. lol
    That would be a fun little twist… lol …anyhoo good luck in your new endeavor.
    Peace, Knight

  • Paul

    I realy appreciate that quote, Im gonna have to try and remeber it for the times when I realy need it. I mean its easy to feel inspired when things seem to be going smoothly but when the road gets rough….. but than that reminds me of another quote, from Napolean Hill:
    ” Every adversity carries with it the seeds of a greater benefit.”

    Im confident your gonna have a blast directing,and you may even find a few “seeds” at the same time.

    Lookin forward to critiquing episode 20!

  • http://www.danysmallville.tk Daniela Sandoval

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE EPISODE 20!!

    I WISH YOUTHE BEST!!

    OF COURSE YOU ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESFUL
    IN EVERYTHING YOU DO !!!

    GOD BLESS YOU

    DANIELA, Mexico

  • http://www.allisonmack.com Camilacg

    Hi Allison! =],

    2 THINGS:

    1)Happy belated birthday!!!! Y.Y now in spanish! feliz cumpleaños a ti!!! feliz cumpleaños a ti!!! FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS QUERIDA ALLISON! FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS A TI! i hope you had a great day with your family and the people you love the most.
    Queremos que partan la torta (8) xD

    2) I really liked what you wrote.
    Everytime i stand in front of the word fear, i think about all the things that i’ve lived through, evrything that i couldn’t do… and all the things that i could have done to prevent something to happen. I hate when someone says “i should have done smg”, maybe it’s because i have many regrets in my life and now it’s too late to go back and change it. I’m 15 and life has taught me that there’s nothing to be afraid of… we all make mistakes and evryone needs to accept it. This is one of the problems that stops us to do something new, we are not perfect and some people just don’t understand that.
    I used to be a bit shy, cause i was afraid of what everyone would think of me if i made a mistake, i couldn’t accept the idea of me doing things that aren’t right for people and then them talking bad things behind my back… but one day i realised we are still learning and we’ll always be, it’s ok to make mistakes. And now i’m a more confident person… i love trying new things, i ask myself… if i let this go… if i don’t do it now… then when? will i ever have the opportunity to do it again? i think we should explore what the world shows us and also to enjoy life and give a try to the opportunities it gives us.

    Be happy, be and trust yourself, and being optimistic helps too.

    I know that you are going to do a great job directing that episode, do your best Allison, you have everyone supporting you
    Go Allison!*!*! =D

    Besos y un muy fuerte abrazo
    (kisses and a very big hug)

    sinceramente,

    Camila Carranza (Cami)
    Lima,Peru

  • bunnyhugs

    Hey allison. Scary stuff the unknown. It is much easier to stay with what we know and are comfortable with isnt it? Good for you to branch out. Fear is a horrible thing. The more we give in to it the bigger it gets. Facing your fears head on and taking that leap, trusting that the universe will ensure your landing will be soft , can be a heartstopping moment. It gets easier each time we do it and one day we realize that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. All we ever need is inside of each of us. Enjoy your directing debut. Enjoy the journey and celebrate the final product. Im sure we will see a part of you in it.

  • http://www.myspace.com/houseofsmallville Tony Kassis

    Hi Allison I love smallville cant wait till season 7 I hope you are still on smallville.. Happy birthday !!! Keep up the good work Im a big fan of yours:)

  • http://www.hammahbergs2012.com Hannah

    Hi Allison,
    When I read that you were going to direct an episode of Smallville I thought to myself, if she’s a great actor then she can be a great director…and I know everyone says that but it’s true…you are going to do a great job of directing. So I just wanted to say good luck and hope this will not be last of you in a director’s chair :)

  • isagill

    hi allison . i am sure you going to do a greta work everybody thrust in you
    you are a exellent person and great actriz good lock
    sorry if i dont write very well . i am from ecuador
    y como diria en mi tierra
    para arriba esos animos que la gente te apoya y te quiere
    siempre con la cabeza arriba y con orgullo que el miedo es uno de los elementos que no obstauliza pero que tambien nos dice las personas que somos que enfrentamos la vida con valentia
    te quiero mucho amiga

  • Alex

    Morning Allison!

    I don’t know if it’s morning quiet yet where you are, or maybe it has been for several hours, IDK. This is my first time by the site and I just wanted to say, “I wish you luck on your direction of Ep 20! for this year’s Smallville.” I’m sure it will be amazing, and you’ll be proud of it no matter what!

    I believe you to be a great actress ( Nope, not upcoming actress I think you’ve already been there! You’re wonderful! and you’re personality just makes your characters that better ) and I can only say that you’ll bring something equally great to directing as it’s what you want to try.

    Good luck! and Best Wishes!
    Alex

  • Vaibs

    Hi Allison,

    Congrats on the directorial debut. But i hope you will come back to acting, coz many ppl might think that shifting from acting to directing is like moving on in life.

    I know that for the time being its a single episode, but you might find it exciting to shift to directing. But i think many of your fans would like to see you in front of the camera rather than behind it.

  • Taylor Nikole

    I don’t exactly hide from things that I face in life, accept some of my family issues. I’ve learned to accept things that come my way even if I get that funny feeling at the pit of my stomache when I enter the ring. I mean I’m only 14 and I can become scared of life and things around me. I’m the kind of person who loves a challenge though. I never hide behind other people or use excuses to get out of things and I’m not afraid to say no. I don’t worry about what people will say if I turn them down and I never get embarassed if I trip in the hall. I figure people will be itching to see you fail or fall if you act like something bothers you… if you don’t mind… hopefully they’ll respect you.
    I actually just decided to move to a whole new city for highschool (I’ll be a freshman). Can you imagine moving to a new school and not even knowing anyone? I mean sure it’s a whole new fresh start and you can be who ever you want to be, but at the same time it scares me. I don’t want to be anything other than myself, but is that going to put me in my own category? Am I going to eventually fall into place with a group that I will fit in with? I actually just took some summer classes at this highschool and I’m already known as the small spunky girl in class, but I haven’t exactly found the right friends yet.
    During the year I hope to show what I’m made of and challenge myself a bit. Taking the journalism class and joining the newspaper to show my love of acting. I also want to take photography and show my artistic skills ( I love to take pictures). My sophmore year I want to take drama and kinda show what I’m made of and give people a better understanding of my personality and what I love to do.
    I think my biggest challenge will be finding friends. I had the perfect friendships before I moved and I decided to throw that away for a better education. Sometimes I cry knowing that I did or write things to express the way I feel. I love my life more than anything… so I planned on giving myself a great education eventhough i had to sacrifice a couple relationships. I mean I still get to see those friends, but it’s not the same. I hope that I find the right friends for me… although that might be more difficult than it sounds. I don’t do cliques… and I have more than one personality… I have a huge personality… and I hope I find someone that can match up to my artistic and spunky personality again. I think I’m prepared to take the challenge… and get over my fears of this new environment that I’m going to step foot in…. the water seems warm enough… so what better time to jump in the water?

    Also I find your writing so inspirational… there are not many people who can take a quote and relate it to life… Eventhough your a great actress, I find your realisitc writing inspiring… My friend asked me the other day: “If you could sit in a room and chat about anything… with one person.. who would it be?”
    my response was: “Allison Mack… not only does she love to act like I do… She’s someone who seems to have a great understanding of life… For all of that she is my idol.. and who else would you want to sit and chat in a room with?”

    Sincerely,
    Taylor Nikole

    P.S
    Thanks for reading this message… i love to get how i feel out in writing.. even if it may be long

  • Daisy

    Hi Allison, I can’t tell you how excited I was when I heard that you were going to direct this season. Ever since last season when Michael directed, I got to think one of the girls should direct. I think all of the guys have done a wondeful job by the way. I’m glad you’ve decided to challenge yourself with such an exciting opportunity that not many actors get. Don’t worry girl you’ll do just fine. Not just fine but great. I always admire people who are willing to challenge themselves. I know what you mean about stepping away from your comfort zone and just taking a chance. I’m supposed to be applying for colleges this year, so that means that I will be moving out of my comfort zone. I might be going somewhere where I don’t know anything or anybody which for me is absolutely terrifying. I never been on my own ever; I’m such baby, lol . I know it’s not exactly the same but for me it’s a true challenge. I’m scared but have faith in God that everything will turn out great. I’m glad you’ve decided to do this Allison. You’re an amazing actress and you will do just fine directing. Allison Mack the director, doesn’t that sound great? The first woman to direct from Smallville. Don’t let that let voice in your head knock you down girl; believe in yourself Allison. I can’t wait to see how you do. Oh and please tell us how everything goes. Take care Allison!

  • Deon S.A.

    My quotes for the day :

    ” Envision your life as a grain of sand on the beach. A grain of sand can move unnoticed to the eye. Use this concept when you want to do something, but you are afraid. Your action can go unnoticed to anyone else but you. If you never act in life, you will always settle to react. Learn to take control of your life or life will take control over you.” – Victor Lucero.

    ” Safe is all right for the brain-dead; safe means they can’t screw it up.It also means they can’t be great.” – Doug Hall

  • rusbell

    hola escribo desde mexico disculpa por no escribir en ingles pero no es un idioma que domine bien, asi que ojala y puedas traducir estos comentarios, primero que nada quisiera expresarte la admiracion que tengo por tu trabajo en smallville ay que en mi modo de ver has hecho un personaje muuy fuerte y crucial en la historia, buenno me tengo que ir pero de todo corazon deseo que tu carrera este colmada de exito porque el talento lo tienes de sobra, mucha suerte y espero tu pronta visita a mexico, hasta luego.

  • Mark Boberg

    Allison
    The only show I’ve seen you in is Smallville. But that’s enough. The writers of the show of course decide who’s the most beautiful girl of the show according to the story. But we, the viewers, know better. You are the most beautiful and spectacular woman of that program. You’re the one Clark should be in love with! But the writers see it differently. We’ll let them have their opinion. A great thinker in Finland once said, it is better to be right alone than to be wrong with the croud. How right he was!
    Mark

  • Alli

    hey allison i love the fact that you want to be a director and i think you schould keep shooting twards your dream keep it real and by the way you probally already knows this but isnt tom w. just the HOTTEST GUY EVER!!!!!!!!

  • Alli

    hey allison i love watching you on smallville and you and erica make a perfect team keep smallville goin forever and keep shootin for glam and glory luv ya alli !!!! aka ur #1 fan ever

  • Alli

    ROCK THAT SPEACIAL GUYS WORLD AND KEEP HIM WILD!!!!!

  • Alli

    Ive caught smallville fever i cant go a day without watchin it plus i really dont want to go a day without watching it you rock smallville’s sox keep it real girlfreind

  • Hannah Montana

    hey al its ham i cant wait for my 16th bday you are offically invited and dont forget mikey or tom-tom (micheal r. or tom w.) so bring the boys and lets PARTY!!! isnt this the coolest way to invite you to a party!!!???? love ham

  • Hannah Montana

    hey al its ham i forgot to call yesterday to ivite you tom-tom, mikey and kristen to my 16th bday so here ya go bring the boys and lets PARTY!!!!!!! its friday at 7 in the flordia pent apartment on sooliy road!! PARTY!!!

  • Hannah Montana

    vaibs is right al stay in front of the camera not behind it or me and many others will feel disaponted in such a great beautiful talented actress!!! love ham

  • Dilly Dusebout

    Hey! Thats a really cool quote. I hope you do well on the episode that you are directing! I cant wait to see it. (No pressure) lol.

    Your great fan,

    ~Dilly Willy~

  • Bruno

    Bom dia Allison,
    Gostaria de elogiar teu trabalho, é realmente muito bom. Moro no Brasil mas acompanho a série e percebo que Chloe é um personagem fundamental e isso se deve ao seu desempenho. Estou certo que não encontrariam outra pessoa que faria tão bem o papel.
    Estou feliz de saber que desejas ampliar seus horizontes… não sei muito a respeito da “pessoa” Allison, mas percebo que tens boas qualidades, não as perca!
    Quanto ao episodio que vai dirigir, já estou na expectativa pois sei que será marcante! espero que dê tudo certo em seus planos, e que tenha sucesso na sua nova experiência.
    Agora já sabe que tem pessoas espalhadas por aí e que admiram seu trabalho e você como pessoa. Desculpe pelo Inglês, é fraco! Foi um prazer…

    - – - – - – -

    Good day Allison,
    Would like to praise your work, is really very good. I live in Brazil but I follow the series and I perceive that Chloe is a basic personage and this if must to its performance. I am certain that they would not find another person who would play the role so well.
    I am happy to know that you desire to extend its horizontes… I very do not know regarding the “person” Allison, but perceive that you have good qualities, does not lose them!
    How much to the episode that goes to direct, already I am in the expectation therefore I know that it will be marcante! I wait that it gives all certainty in its plans, and that it has success in its new experience.
    Now already it knows that it has people spread for there and that they admire its work and you as person. It forgives for the English, is weak!
    It was a pleasure…
    bruno_tomaz@hotmail.com

  • Laureen and David

    Hi Allison,

    Very exciting news for you. You do such a great job in front of the camera that we’re sure the work you do behind it will be equally top notch. You’ll find that soon enough your fear will become your passion. Best of luck and we look forward to seeing the episode.

    David and Laureen

  • http://coomingson Gerardo Jacinto Astudillo

    En hora buena Allison, yo estoy impresionado por tu desempeño en la serie y estoy seguro que con tu dedicacion y talento lograràs cualquier cosa.

    Atte. Un admirador que ansia verte.
    Saludos desde Mexico.

  • Paul Esparza Lopez

    HOLA ALLISON, TE FELICITO POR TU PERSONAJE!

    ESPERO PUEDAS LEER ESTO Y ME GUSTARIA QUE ALGUN DIA VINIERAS PARA MONTERREY,MEXICO

    AQUI TIENES A MUCHOS FANS ESPERANDOTE

    Y SOY UN ADMIRADOR TUYO

    ERES MUY GUAPA

    SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO

    BYE

  • Muhammed

    Hello Allison,

    I’m a HUGE fan of Smallville & YOU are my favourite actress in the show.I like the way you play the role.I can’t think of anyone else that can play Chloe Sullivan.Anyway I like to wish you well on your future endervours & I heard you’re directing one of the episode,wish you well on that too.I’m looking forward to season 7 of Smallville.Thank you for inspiring me.

    Muhammed,Singapore

  • http://myspace.com/rayvin78 Ray Vinciguerro

    Allison, it will be a piece of cake! It’s not like you are walking into this new experience blind. You’ve worked with your acting family for years now and you know that they will help you out as much as possible. “Don’t waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • Evan Walker

    Hey Allison,

    I just wanted to say that I hope all goes well for you and that I’m sure you’ll be an awesome director. I’m a fan of Smallville and I think you do great! Could you please e-mail me sometime? I already have an e-mail ready, i just don’t know if you’d actually see it or not so please e-mail me at fro_walker@hotmail.com.

    Keep it real

  • Lucía

    Hi allison! Congratulations for your directorial debut, you are going to be great!

    All the best!

    Kisses From ARGENTINA!

  • Bookmark

    HI!Allison
    我是一个中国人,我想说因为smallville这部电视剧,因为chloe这个迷人的角色,在这个遥远的国家许多人都成为了Allison 的忠实支持者。实际上中国的smallville迷们大部分更喜欢chloe这个角色!不得不承认你的微笑实在是太迷人了,你才是我们在smallville中的最爱。希望能够一直支持你,无论是在smallville中或者是你的其他作品。
    我可不指望你能看的懂这些汉语,但无论懂不懂,能送到这一份祝福就够了!
    (because I want it to look special,I write it in chinese.Regardless of whether you understand it。Just remember,Allison is always the best one in our heart.)
    Form a chinese people

  • Steven Buckle

    Hey Allison Mack aka.(Chloe Sullivan)
    I Hope You do Well Directing
    And You Are Awesome.
    You’re a Good Actor in Smallville
    Its a Little Too Late To Say This But Happy Birthday!!!
    I Wish You Luck for Many Great Things To Come
    Anyways heres my e-mail adress maybe you can send me a e-mail sometime(stevenbuckle_07@hotmail.com)

  • http://dontcallmeveronica.blogspot.com Tony Myles

    The biggest step in all of this is the one you just took – declaring it. Now there is accountability to follow through.

  • Karthik

    Howdy Allison,

    Well…I believe that you will do do a great job as director. your cast have all done it before and even your are overcoming your obstacles. So…I am sure from that point of view, that you will give a great show.

    I’ve always loved smallville and its fantastic.

    Looking forward to the episode and Season 7 in general..so all the best.!!!