This is just too beautiful not to share...
Showing posts with label Reflections-Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections-Reviews. Show all posts
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
PAY IN EXACT AMOUNT PLEASE
That was the sign on the window. I was supposed to pay P150 but my money was P500. I thought, they may have the change since its so early in the morning (so early in fact that I had to wait around 5 minutes before anyone took notice of me at the window. Sweating in the heat and getting impatient I might add.) and it was a nice round number. No coins to count.
But hell no! After glancing at the P500 bill she goes, “Exact amount only”, and proceeded to ignore me. Staring at the paper I had handed her she said, “Change it to a smaller bill, I don’t have any change,” looking for all the world like she didn’t care if I had to walk to hell and back to find smaller bills for her. I stood their for several minutes, wondering if she would offer me any suggestions on where I might be able to find change, a word of encouragement, apology, kindness…!? I could have stood there for an hour and she probably wouldn’t have minded at all.
I walked back to the cafeteria, about three quarters of the way I had came from to get to the cashier’s, fuming over the heartlessness of this person. Wondering over the negligent disregard of such a culture that would let its employee sit in comfort, while having the people who contributed to their salaries and benefits suffer the heat, distance, and indignity of finding smaller bills when in fact it was their responsibility to provide such change (have these people ever heard of Change Fund???).
If it weren’t for the fact that I had been part of this institution for almost 10 years, I probably would not think twice of vilifying the whole of it. I am ashamed to say that they have become archaic and ensconced in their ivory tower, blinded by their vanity, and unwilling to look beyond their arrogant assumption that they are the “best” in their field. Well, soon enough they will have to face the fact that they need to compete with “lesser” giants which have overtaken them, and will over run them with “armies” built from the brilliant troops which they have initially produced.
I was angry. But now I am sad at the thought. A famed institution well known for striving towards academic “honor and excellence” and giving “service” to its country can be reduced to this: pitiful and unsatisfactory service. For a moment, I felt doubt about pursuing my higher education in their hands. If people were this uncaring in the administration of students, what more could I expect from the professors?
But then, there are saving graces. The cashier at the cafeteria still recognized me from my high school days and chatted me up, the gardener I passed gave me a polite greeting, and the people at the division office are always helpful and kind.
So… “Pay in exact amount”? For sure. In life, as reflected in this institution (and as often iterated by its denizens), sometimes people just don’t care and we’re left to fend for ourselves. “Sink or swim”, as they say. I hope not only to “swim” but be able to extend my learning to others who’ll make use of it as a lifeline in this world.
When I returned to the cashier’s office, the lady there was combing her hair in front of her computer. My receipt was ready, so I dropped one P100 bill and one P50 bill and walked away thinking that the “Iskolars ng Bayan” need not look beyond the walls of their school to find an opportunity to start changing the world.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Coping Responsibly
Nosebleed post muna. Reaction paper ko ito for one of my classes. Desperate measures na.. haven't updated in a while so ito na lang.
*******
“How can you apply your mind to solving the problem when the problem is your mind?”
I recall this question from the movie A Beautiful Mind when I recall our visit to the Psychiatric Ward of the Provincial Hospital last February 21, 2009. It sums up quiet well the illness that afflicts one out of five Filipinos (http://gmanews.tv/).
It dawned on me the reality that mental illness is much like any other bodily ailment that we can contract through our exposure to the stresses of modern living: a cold or flu virus, a rash from allergens, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer. Yet, I feel an exceptional aversion to the picture that any one of us is at risk of losing our minds and, essentially, control over our volition and lucid thoughts. More so than the concern I may feel with any other illness.
I have always been of the belief that what I am is a product of what I think. My success or failure, accomplishments, and sense of self-worth is dictated by my concept of self and personal awareness of my environment and how I react to it. The idea that our own mind can defeat us is as scary as the idea that a serial killer is at my door. It makes me feel unsafe, unprotected, and totally vulnerable.
At the hospital I observed different cases of mental illness and the state it reduced its victims to. Some of them needed to be restrained in their beds because they exhibited violent tendencies, some had IV drips because they refuse to eat or drink, some were scared of the hallucinations they experience, some were totally lost in their fantasies, while some talk as lucidly as you or I and yet talk of alien abduction as though it were as common as rainfall.
Honestly, I was not at ease with the state that the patients where in. The ward itself was unkempt and badly needed repairs. There was a big hole in the ceiling of the male ward that leaked and the beds were not even hospital issue and looked quiet uncomfortable.
I wondered how they could possibly get well in such an unhealthy looking environment. This as much as anything else reflects the mind-set of Philippine society with regards mental illness.
I hear stories of patients who are treated no better than animals by their care-takers. I see cases of individuals who roam the city streets, sleeping underneath shrubberies and relieving themselves in full view of passersby. I feel pity for them, true. Still, I cannot imagine how their families feel. How would it be like to see your loved one slowly degenerate into a mindless mass of incomprehensible fantasies?
I shiver at the thought.
This brings us to the question of how to prevent mental illness. And the answer is to practice mental hygiene. In essence, this would require a basic understanding of the self and how a person reacts and interacts with his environment; adaption of certain forms of relaxation technique or adjustment behavior such as a hobby or exercise; a healthy lifestyle; a sound assessment of personal capabilities; and, the existence of a support group in the form of family, friends, or significant others.
Most of us would go through life unmindful of the risks we face in terms of illness and disease. This is not necessarily bad. Being too preoccupied with the thought that we can get sick or fearing illness is in certain cases an illness by itself. But, living a healthy life would entail that we have a definition of what health is. This would then result to adaption of appropriate behaviors parallel to the concept of being healthy.
For instance, we know that to be healthy means that we take care of our body. This taking care of our body can be in the form of avoiding smoking or excessive drinking, or having an exercise regimen, or food preference. Likewise, if we think that having a sound mind means having an appropriate mental handle on our stressors, then we would be able to actively engage in practices that can relieve such stressors and/or acquiring a mind-set that can strengthen our coping skills.
Interestingly, some people who are so absorbed in taking control of their life are in fact applying additional pressures on themselves. This is because we forget the basic truth that we are not in control of our life. Change can and will happen regardless of how much we resist (or welcome) it.
Sometimes, all we need do is be aware of how we react to situations and being able to handle how we deal with it. For some this can be done by prayer, or taking slow, deep breaths. Personally, when I encounter frustrating situations I sometimes say to myself, “Patience is a virtue” over and over until I can control my emotions.
Of course, there are a lot of self-help books and resources in the internet that tackles adjustment and coping. One good site (www.GuideToPsychology.com) I stumbled across gave a sound advice when encountering frustrations:
I think this is a good reminder that sometimes we just need to let go. That in order to have a stress reduced life we have to take responsibility of our self and adjust calmly to frustrations.
*******
“How can you apply your mind to solving the problem when the problem is your mind?”
I recall this question from the movie A Beautiful Mind when I recall our visit to the Psychiatric Ward of the Provincial Hospital last February 21, 2009. It sums up quiet well the illness that afflicts one out of five Filipinos (http://gmanews.tv/).
It dawned on me the reality that mental illness is much like any other bodily ailment that we can contract through our exposure to the stresses of modern living: a cold or flu virus, a rash from allergens, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer. Yet, I feel an exceptional aversion to the picture that any one of us is at risk of losing our minds and, essentially, control over our volition and lucid thoughts. More so than the concern I may feel with any other illness.
I have always been of the belief that what I am is a product of what I think. My success or failure, accomplishments, and sense of self-worth is dictated by my concept of self and personal awareness of my environment and how I react to it. The idea that our own mind can defeat us is as scary as the idea that a serial killer is at my door. It makes me feel unsafe, unprotected, and totally vulnerable.
At the hospital I observed different cases of mental illness and the state it reduced its victims to. Some of them needed to be restrained in their beds because they exhibited violent tendencies, some had IV drips because they refuse to eat or drink, some were scared of the hallucinations they experience, some were totally lost in their fantasies, while some talk as lucidly as you or I and yet talk of alien abduction as though it were as common as rainfall.
Honestly, I was not at ease with the state that the patients where in. The ward itself was unkempt and badly needed repairs. There was a big hole in the ceiling of the male ward that leaked and the beds were not even hospital issue and looked quiet uncomfortable.
I wondered how they could possibly get well in such an unhealthy looking environment. This as much as anything else reflects the mind-set of Philippine society with regards mental illness.
I hear stories of patients who are treated no better than animals by their care-takers. I see cases of individuals who roam the city streets, sleeping underneath shrubberies and relieving themselves in full view of passersby. I feel pity for them, true. Still, I cannot imagine how their families feel. How would it be like to see your loved one slowly degenerate into a mindless mass of incomprehensible fantasies?
I shiver at the thought.
This brings us to the question of how to prevent mental illness. And the answer is to practice mental hygiene. In essence, this would require a basic understanding of the self and how a person reacts and interacts with his environment; adaption of certain forms of relaxation technique or adjustment behavior such as a hobby or exercise; a healthy lifestyle; a sound assessment of personal capabilities; and, the existence of a support group in the form of family, friends, or significant others.
Most of us would go through life unmindful of the risks we face in terms of illness and disease. This is not necessarily bad. Being too preoccupied with the thought that we can get sick or fearing illness is in certain cases an illness by itself. But, living a healthy life would entail that we have a definition of what health is. This would then result to adaption of appropriate behaviors parallel to the concept of being healthy.
For instance, we know that to be healthy means that we take care of our body. This taking care of our body can be in the form of avoiding smoking or excessive drinking, or having an exercise regimen, or food preference. Likewise, if we think that having a sound mind means having an appropriate mental handle on our stressors, then we would be able to actively engage in practices that can relieve such stressors and/or acquiring a mind-set that can strengthen our coping skills.
Interestingly, some people who are so absorbed in taking control of their life are in fact applying additional pressures on themselves. This is because we forget the basic truth that we are not in control of our life. Change can and will happen regardless of how much we resist (or welcome) it.
Sometimes, all we need do is be aware of how we react to situations and being able to handle how we deal with it. For some this can be done by prayer, or taking slow, deep breaths. Personally, when I encounter frustrating situations I sometimes say to myself, “Patience is a virtue” over and over until I can control my emotions.
Of course, there are a lot of self-help books and resources in the internet that tackles adjustment and coping. One good site (www.GuideToPsychology.com) I stumbled across gave a sound advice when encountering frustrations:
“When feeling frustrated, instead of getting angry at the situation or at others, sit back, relax, and wait. Say to yourself:
As things develop, I will, through listening to guidance from my unconscious, adapt to changing circumstances and grow with them.
I may not get what I want when I want it; I trust that things will work out in their own good time, for my ultimate benefit, as long as I remain calm and peaceful.
I may not get what I want at all, and yet, in remaining calm and attentive, I may discover something else that I need even more than what I thought I wanted.”
(Richmond, 1999)
I think this is a good reminder that sometimes we just need to let go. That in order to have a stress reduced life we have to take responsibility of our self and adjust calmly to frustrations.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
unang sabado ng 2009...
gusto ko sanang mag-post ng stalker mode kuha ng kamera ni markky at ang proweba ng pagbuo ko ng IQ sphere ng BBF, pero nawawala ang flashdisk ko... huwaaah!
snif snif...
pero dahil nga sabado ngayon, at wala akong pasok, nakapanood ako ng mga pelikulang sadyang di ko nmn inaasahang makapagpulutan ng leksyun.. (etoh nlng ang ibibida ko sa post ko ngayon)
isa na dito ang Four Christmases nila Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. (mejo biased ako kasi saludo na talga ako kay Reese Witherspoon magmula ng makita ko ang Legally Blonde ---> tandaan nyo ang "bend and snap" n'ya dun? hahaha kakatuwa) enehu, bakit nga ba gusto kong ikwento ang muving etoh...
ah oo... natuwa kasi ako sa portrayal nila ng isang almost perfect na modern relationship. dalawang taong nagkakaintindihan sa level of commitment nila at sa pag enjoy sa isa't isa. pero ng mabalahura ang plano nilang magbakasyon sa fiji ng dahil sa masamang panahon at mas malas na 15-seconds of fame sa local tv, ay napilitan silang magbisita sa apat (oo 4.. di ba obvious sa taytel?!) nilang dibursyadong magulang... and nothing short of mayhem ensues!
nung una akala ko nga perfect na ang relasyun nila. maganda ang komunikasyun nila, klaro ang mga plano, at masaya ang samahan... pero ng magbisita na sila sa mga pamilya nila, dun na nila nalaman na may mga bagay pla silang hindi alam sa isa't isa, at may mga kagustuhan pala silang hindi nasasabi... i won't say kung ano ang ending... hahaha no spoilers here :p
pero, ito ang nakuha ko:
- communication is important. sometimes there can be times when it's too much but this is one thing you'd rather have more than less of.
- just because you're happy with the way things are doesn't mean that it stops there.
- set limits. don't be afraid to say what you want or settle for anything less than what you want. just beware of people who can get physical when crossed.
- you might lie to your family and not attend family events, but eventually, you'd be the one to end up missing out on things...
haaay.. buhay sana parang pelikula lng... pagkatapos ng hindi susubra sa dalawang oras ay alam mo na ang ending... happy man o hindi... pwede ka pa mag pause, fastforward, stop, repeat, at replay... :p
huki hanggang dito na muna at magpapaka OC ako!
pag-iisipan ko pa kung san ko nawala ang flash disk ko... (lechekunelong-malamig-pa-sa-umaga yun!!)
on with the show!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
tiger tygger tiger
my christmas can best be described by this cartoon:
i was asked to judge the neighborhood "macho-gay" search and they gave me this token. it was fun, seeing all those guys walking on-stage half-naked and making everybody laugh with their antics... the rain could not dampen their enthusiasm i tell you.
this mug gives me hope for the new year. it's a reminder that sometimes, life gives us a most interesting answer to our wishes.
i do believe i'm going to have an interesting year after all.
with new-found friends and old buddies on my side. opportunities popping up everywhere. yes, a most interesting year...
(~_^)
i've been selfish and self-pitying, admittedly. and i neglected to thank my friends for being there for me. i expected to be hugged and comforted but i never quiet grasped the idea that i could have been someone else's "hobbes" as well...
and so its time to let go of my tygger...
but the universe must be hearing my wishes 'cause look what i got last night, the last night of the year:
i was asked to judge the neighborhood "macho-gay" search and they gave me this token. it was fun, seeing all those guys walking on-stage half-naked and making everybody laugh with their antics... the rain could not dampen their enthusiasm i tell you.
this mug gives me hope for the new year. it's a reminder that sometimes, life gives us a most interesting answer to our wishes.
i do believe i'm going to have an interesting year after all.
with new-found friends and old buddies on my side. opportunities popping up everywhere. yes, a most interesting year...
(~_^)
Friday, December 26, 2008
dot dot dot
photo by Victor Nuno
when this year started, i never imagined how it would all turn out. i remembered feeling optimistic and excited about it (near euphoria truth be known)... and now that it's coming to an end, i feel a little bit nostalgic. it has been an eventful year. and ironically still, this has been a most boring christmas for me. maybe that's just the universe telling me to slow down a bit, eh?
december 24...
- regular work day for me. busy, lots of people coming in and out of my office since it was pay day and people were getting their payslips. prepared some documents that the boss didn't get to sign (too late).
- got sentimental at the thought of not having any celebration at home. almost bawled my eyes out while chatting with joy.
- had my sister come pick me up at the office so we could have dinner out. just the two of us at home. she came just in time to cheer me up.
- dropped by Jet's and had dinner with him too. yeay! that was a high point. and... i saw eX3. woow! that was cool! chatted for a while and then went home.
- my sister went to mass with her bf so i went to bed early. slept through christmas countdown...
december 25...
- woke up around 9 am and had raisin bread, scrambled eggs, spaghetti (from the cousins next door), and coffee for breakfast.
- watched 4 episodes of prisonbreak's season 3 (care of good ol' Jet)
- noon time i had to prepare to go home to roxas. the bus "konduktor" asked, "studyante, miss?" wahahahahahaha oh boy! that made my day alright! that and the cute guy across the aisle looked up to see my answer. (lol) he went off at Passi... tsk tsk tsk... too bad.
- spent the 3 hours travel time watching Mummy 1 and half of Mummy 2 (Scorpion King). had a good laugh at least.
- arrived at Gramma's hungry and headachey. lunch was lechon and bread, with a banana for dessert... at 4:50 in the afternoon... sweet!
*******
while at my Gramma's i had a couple of alleluia moments.
i realized that i had grown away from their tight little world. their life revolved around their daily routine. and they had no other concern except that they be able to keep their delicate bubble of self-righteous contentment. they talk of events and grudges that happened over a year ago like it was just yesterday. they count the centavos and pesos that they spent over the blessings and people that they could make happy. they remember the bitter and acrid taste of insults over the sweet smiles and sincere thank yous that they encounter...
it makes me sad. and it made me understand them a little bit better. but it also scared me. because i knew that their way of life could as easily be mine and that their pessimistic and self-righteous words could still seep into my heart like slow poison...
*******
back at home.
everyone's excited about the new year. there's going to be a neighborhood party. thanksgiving mass, gift-giving for the children...
aaah, this is the spirit of christmas i'd been missing. the willingness to share, even from those with so little. yes... it gives me hope...
a fitting end to the old year. and a welcome beginning for the new one.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
To be or not to be
In a frenzy of exultation over the closing of this year's classes, I read book two of the Twilight series, New Moon, in a little over 5 hours. That's 400++ pages. Well alright, at the last quarter of it I got impatient and started skipping the longer narratives. I just wanted to find out how it ended!
The first half of the book had quiet an impact on me emotionally. I could really relate to the struggle of wanting something really bad and not having it; having to choose, and sometimes being left to make the hard decision of making the "right" choice, between staying and letting go.
And the hard part is, sometimes you never can tell if what you decide is the right choice at the precise moment when you made it. It takes a little walk into the future to know for certain if what we did is in fact right for that situation. We all have different perspectives and different ways of looking and reacting to what goes on around us. We forget that what could be reasonable to us may not be reasonable for others, or obvious. And this could mean the difference between doing good and making things worse.
Bah! Life is complicated enough without trying to second guess ourselves. I guess, this is where faith comes in... and integrity.
*******
I read the book, The Four Agreements, awhile back. It gave me strength to move on when I was in a very dark place. Now, you really have to read it in order to get the full essence of it. Like all knowledge, it should be tempered with self truth, and must be handled with care. Otherwise, it can be as dangerous as it can be helpful.
Being the pragmatic person that I am, I only remember the parts that are useful to me. And for you, here's the gist of it:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word- Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don't Take Anything Personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don't Make Assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret."
— don Miguel Ruiz
I find this to be a useful reminder, sometimes when i get too distracted with the "real" world.
The first half of the book had quiet an impact on me emotionally. I could really relate to the struggle of wanting something really bad and not having it; having to choose, and sometimes being left to make the hard decision of making the "right" choice, between staying and letting go.
And the hard part is, sometimes you never can tell if what you decide is the right choice at the precise moment when you made it. It takes a little walk into the future to know for certain if what we did is in fact right for that situation. We all have different perspectives and different ways of looking and reacting to what goes on around us. We forget that what could be reasonable to us may not be reasonable for others, or obvious. And this could mean the difference between doing good and making things worse.
Bah! Life is complicated enough without trying to second guess ourselves. I guess, this is where faith comes in... and integrity.
*******
I read the book, The Four Agreements, awhile back. It gave me strength to move on when I was in a very dark place. Now, you really have to read it in order to get the full essence of it. Like all knowledge, it should be tempered with self truth, and must be handled with care. Otherwise, it can be as dangerous as it can be helpful.
Being the pragmatic person that I am, I only remember the parts that are useful to me. And for you, here's the gist of it:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word- Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don't Take Anything Personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don't Make Assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret."
— don Miguel Ruiz
I find this to be a useful reminder, sometimes when i get too distracted with the "real" world.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Vignettes and Gandhi
Every morning I like to watch the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG) on channel 10. I find the hosts upbeat and and the news and related features informative without sounding too dismal (or overly cheerful) about the state of our country's day to day struggles.
I was sitting there, eating my breakfast, when I saw the plight of the Negros farmers who've been on hunger strike for nine days now, trying to get the President and the nation, and maybe even the world, to see their struggle to claim a parcel of land that had been promised them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). I could see their gaunt faces, stoic and poignant at the same time, trying to answer the host's questions without reverting to their local dialect, conveying their dismay at the President's inability to make good on her word. I almost choked on my coffee when one of them started to speak Hiligaynon - it was too close to home.
I blinked back tears and wondered if the government, indeed if the President herself, could remain unmoved by their bravery and dignity.
These are men willing to lay down their life for their cause. It would be a sad day indeed if their sacrifice goes unnoticed and their voices unheard.
*******
Whereas, in the office, some people remain apathetic and totality devoid of concern for their work. I'm not too sure if they do this on purpose, or if they're merely walking through the motions of their life without seeing the connections, hence the impact, of their actions on others.
I can't help getting mad at them. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to go on a rampage (that's how mad I am). But then, that would be totally unproductive. So... damage control it is.
If they show themselves to be unreliable then they better not be surprised at being treated as dispensable.
*******
"Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny."
— Mahatma Gandhi
So, if your destiny ultimately hinges on your beliefs, what is the difference between the farmers and my co-worker? And where will it lead them? And what about you and I? What do we believe in?
I believe that we can choose our beliefs. I believe that we can change our beliefs. I believe that it takes courage to stick to our beliefs.
And, it gives me hope knowing that we can be who we believe our self to be.
(~_^)
I was sitting there, eating my breakfast, when I saw the plight of the Negros farmers who've been on hunger strike for nine days now, trying to get the President and the nation, and maybe even the world, to see their struggle to claim a parcel of land that had been promised them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). I could see their gaunt faces, stoic and poignant at the same time, trying to answer the host's questions without reverting to their local dialect, conveying their dismay at the President's inability to make good on her word. I almost choked on my coffee when one of them started to speak Hiligaynon - it was too close to home.
I blinked back tears and wondered if the government, indeed if the President herself, could remain unmoved by their bravery and dignity.
These are men willing to lay down their life for their cause. It would be a sad day indeed if their sacrifice goes unnoticed and their voices unheard.
*******
Whereas, in the office, some people remain apathetic and totality devoid of concern for their work. I'm not too sure if they do this on purpose, or if they're merely walking through the motions of their life without seeing the connections, hence the impact, of their actions on others.
I can't help getting mad at them. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to go on a rampage (that's how mad I am). But then, that would be totally unproductive. So... damage control it is.
If they show themselves to be unreliable then they better not be surprised at being treated as dispensable.
*******
"Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny."
— Mahatma Gandhi
So, if your destiny ultimately hinges on your beliefs, what is the difference between the farmers and my co-worker? And where will it lead them? And what about you and I? What do we believe in?
I believe that we can choose our beliefs. I believe that we can change our beliefs. I believe that it takes courage to stick to our beliefs.
And, it gives me hope knowing that we can be who we believe our self to be.
(~_^)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Teachers and Vampires
Last night I watched Tuesdays with Morrie, I feel a little muddled about it now, like seeing through a rain-streaked window. The rain is my mind trying to wash away the glass of my perception. But I know that if I don’t wipe it away, the rain will dry on the glass and leave moisture that dust will stick to making the glass dirty… muddled, I know.
I also finished Twilight, the book, before going to bed. That was a little bit easier to digest. But still gave me something to chew over emotionally. I keep thinking, if I were in either of Bella or Edward’s shoes, would I do the same things they did? I’ve had the occasion of finding someone whom I thought I would never be able to live without, been in that uncertain position between running away, and staying to see what would happen next.
Although, fiction can never compare with reality, sometimes I wish that it could be as convenient, as certain of the outcome, as simple as it should be.
Which brings us back to Morrie and a question I pose to myself and to you: Do you do things out of love or out of fear?
*******
Morrie says, "Life is a series of pulls, back and forth... A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. Most of us live somewhere in the middle. A wrestling match...Which side wins? Love wins. Love always wins."
And as hard as it can be to swallow, the truth is, sometimes it is as simple as that.
Would that it were as easy to live by.
I also finished Twilight, the book, before going to bed. That was a little bit easier to digest. But still gave me something to chew over emotionally. I keep thinking, if I were in either of Bella or Edward’s shoes, would I do the same things they did? I’ve had the occasion of finding someone whom I thought I would never be able to live without, been in that uncertain position between running away, and staying to see what would happen next.
Although, fiction can never compare with reality, sometimes I wish that it could be as convenient, as certain of the outcome, as simple as it should be.
Which brings us back to Morrie and a question I pose to myself and to you: Do you do things out of love or out of fear?
*******
Morrie says, "Life is a series of pulls, back and forth... A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. Most of us live somewhere in the middle. A wrestling match...Which side wins? Love wins. Love always wins."
And as hard as it can be to swallow, the truth is, sometimes it is as simple as that.
Would that it were as easy to live by.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Your words are not my truth
And others are proud of their modicum of righteousness, and for the sake of it do violence to all things: so that the world is drowned in their unrighteousness. - Friedrich Nietzsche
I’ve seen professionals do conflict resolutions. I’ve seen them use confrontational techniques in making people see the error of their ways. But let me tell you that what you did was the farthest thing from being professional.
I do admit that I was rude for being inattentive while you were speaking. In fact, I apologized twice. But that does not give you the right to malign my person and call me names.
But then again, that’s your opinion. And contrary to what you believe, I respect that even if it’s not fair nor even the truth.
I’m sorry that you were hurt by my actions. It was never my intention to be disrespectful. But you should be mature enough, at the very least, to not let your emotions get the better of you.
You asked me how I would feel if someone were also inattentive while I was speaking. Perhaps the right question should be: How would I act if it were done to me.
Let me tell you that I would not treat anyone as disrespectfully as you treated me. I would not impugn them needlessly in front of everyone. I would not shame the rest of the class with an emotional outburst that is beyond what the situation demanded. I would not storm out of the room as a mark of credence to my actions. In fact I would not mind if they talked at all, because I would rather they share information together should they feel that what I was talking about was no longer necessary to them rather than stare emptily into space and pretend to be listening. I would not mind because I would not take it personally.
And so, your words are not my truth.
But in the essence of who I am, I forgive you. As I forgive myself.
I have gained the lesson. I hope that you have too.
*******
Details have been deliberately excluded to comply with personal censorship board that does not believe in spreading unnecessary information to those who have no business with such information.
Respect starts within ourself. And we have to give it in order to get it.
I’ve seen professionals do conflict resolutions. I’ve seen them use confrontational techniques in making people see the error of their ways. But let me tell you that what you did was the farthest thing from being professional.
I do admit that I was rude for being inattentive while you were speaking. In fact, I apologized twice. But that does not give you the right to malign my person and call me names.
But then again, that’s your opinion. And contrary to what you believe, I respect that even if it’s not fair nor even the truth.
I’m sorry that you were hurt by my actions. It was never my intention to be disrespectful. But you should be mature enough, at the very least, to not let your emotions get the better of you.
You asked me how I would feel if someone were also inattentive while I was speaking. Perhaps the right question should be: How would I act if it were done to me.
Let me tell you that I would not treat anyone as disrespectfully as you treated me. I would not impugn them needlessly in front of everyone. I would not shame the rest of the class with an emotional outburst that is beyond what the situation demanded. I would not storm out of the room as a mark of credence to my actions. In fact I would not mind if they talked at all, because I would rather they share information together should they feel that what I was talking about was no longer necessary to them rather than stare emptily into space and pretend to be listening. I would not mind because I would not take it personally.
And so, your words are not my truth.
But in the essence of who I am, I forgive you. As I forgive myself.
I have gained the lesson. I hope that you have too.
*******
Details have been deliberately excluded to comply with personal censorship board that does not believe in spreading unnecessary information to those who have no business with such information.
Respect starts within ourself. And we have to give it in order to get it.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Lexis of Wisdom
It surprises me no end what you can learn from other people. Just the other day I had the opportunity to acquire a little bit of data on the fine points of my current service industry.
The following exchange has been edited to protect the identity of those involved, my job status, and to enhance the reading enjoyment of you, my beloved readers:
Uber-Visor: Let me tell you something I’ve observed about our “service” industry from my personal experience, Sub-Ordinate A.
Sub-Ordinate A: Yes, oh wise Uber-Visor. Do share a measure of your fount of knowledge on me a meager follower of your counsel.
Uber-Visor: ‘Tis this… In our industry, the males only fall into one of two categories. Either they are Gay or Manyak.
Sub-Ordinate A: *Purses its lips in confusion, hesitant to ask the obvious question: “Which one do you belong to, exalted Uber-Visor?”*
Uber-Visor: *Probably sensing Sub-Ordinate A’s unasked question.* Well, ehermm… maybe not Manyak in all instances… but , definitely mahilig…
Sub-Ordinate A: Oh…! Well, that is good to learn, Uber-Visor.
You notice the unasked question remained unanswered. But, I don’t want to speculate on that. I’d rather concentrate on the sweeping generalization inherent in the assertion of Uber-Visor and how he came to such a conclusion…!?
Lesson: One can learn much from what others say. But one can learn so much more by what they do not say.
:D
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Says Who?
I've been having trouble with my net connection and it has been insurmountably frustrating to not be able to get in contact with my online friends, plurk, or reply to comments on my blog.
However, even though my YM is going bonkers on me and I can't be sure when I'd be able to read messages again, Danny still gave me a link even though I repeatedly told him i couldn't read a thing on our YM conversation window.
I check the archive once in a while and sometimes the darned thing works. Good thing or I would have missed this:
Dr. Melissa Clouthier: Blogger Personality Type
Guys! Read Dr. M's post and I'm sure you'd be able to nod in agreement at her assessment.
Now here's something to say to your real-time friends when they look at you wierd and comment on your social skills: "I blog! What do you do??!!"
Nyahahahah.
However, even though my YM is going bonkers on me and I can't be sure when I'd be able to read messages again, Danny still gave me a link even though I repeatedly told him i couldn't read a thing on our YM conversation window.
I check the archive once in a while and sometimes the darned thing works. Good thing or I would have missed this:
Dr. Melissa Clouthier: Blogger Personality Type
Guys! Read Dr. M's post and I'm sure you'd be able to nod in agreement at her assessment.
Now here's something to say to your real-time friends when they look at you wierd and comment on your social skills: "I blog! What do you do??!!"
Nyahahahah.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Student na po!
Officially got enrolled today. Back to school na naman sa Sabado. Ano na naman kaya ang mga bagong kaalamang masasagap ko sa mga propesor at kaklase ko? I’m so excited! Weeeh!
Pero. Meron akong sabit sa nakalipas na term. May incomplete ako. *huhuhuh* For the first time in the history of my academic life I received an “INC” rating. Kahit ako man ay hindi makapaniwala na nakatanggap ako ng markang ganito. Sa totoo lang, nung undergrad pa lang ako, super-praning ata ako sa pagsubmit nang mga requirements, assignments at projects, pagkuha nang quizzes, long exams at finals, paglahad nang research at reports. Halos hindi ako makatulog kapag alam kung meron akong gawaing pang-skwela na hindi ko tinatapos… Pero ngayong nasa grad skul na, at sariling sikap ang pag-ipon nang pang-tuition, ay dito naman ako nakakuha nang kumpyansa na magmaktol sa klase at hindi magsubmit ng requirements.
Isa-isahin natin. May dalawang final paper na kaylangang tapusin sa panghapon kung klase. Ito ay (una) mag-interview, mangalap nang impormasyun, at gumawa ng assessment sa isang guidance program sa isang napiling hayskul, at (pangalawa) gumawa nang training needs assessment nang mga guidance counselors sa lungsod nang Iloilo. Dahil nga groupwork ito minabuti naming tatlong magkakasama na hatiin ang paggawa nang final output. Magsi-email nalang nang mga nagawa para hindi na kaylangan mag-meet.
Ngunit, maglilimang lingo na at hindi pa rin namin natatapos kahit man lang draft ng mga ito. Reverse social loafing ata ang nangyari dito. Tsk! Dahil alam naming hindi naman ginagawa nang bawat isa ang mga nakatokang gawain ay mistulang tinamad narin kaming tuunan ito nang pansin. Haaay!
Natatandaan ko pa ng kapanahunan sa kolehiyo na nag pwamis kay Lord na hindi na, at hindi na magkaka-cram sa tuwing magtapos ang semester at nakahilira na ang sandamakmak na deadlines at exams… Waaaah! Those were the days na hindi ko na gusto maulit pa!
Pero, ok narin ito kahit papano. Kasi ngayon ko lang nalaman na kapag pala “INC” ang grade mo, may isang taon ka para maka-comply sa requirements mo. Bakit ba walang may nagsabi nito sakin nang college pa ako???!!! Di sana, may alebyo ang nerbyus ko tuwing magkaharap kami ni Mr. Cram at Ms. Puyat. Di sana nakatikim ako nang tinatawag na social life at gimik. Di sana, di sana… hindi pa ako nakatapos ngayon! *wahahahaha*
Ay ewan… Matatapos naman namin ito (I hope!). Pero ngayon pasalamat na akong nakapag-enroll na! Bagong simula, ika nga…
At para may proweba, at souvenir narin, ito ang pictures!
Pero. Meron akong sabit sa nakalipas na term. May incomplete ako. *huhuhuh* For the first time in the history of my academic life I received an “INC” rating. Kahit ako man ay hindi makapaniwala na nakatanggap ako ng markang ganito. Sa totoo lang, nung undergrad pa lang ako, super-praning ata ako sa pagsubmit nang mga requirements, assignments at projects, pagkuha nang quizzes, long exams at finals, paglahad nang research at reports. Halos hindi ako makatulog kapag alam kung meron akong gawaing pang-skwela na hindi ko tinatapos… Pero ngayong nasa grad skul na, at sariling sikap ang pag-ipon nang pang-tuition, ay dito naman ako nakakuha nang kumpyansa na magmaktol sa klase at hindi magsubmit ng requirements.
Isa-isahin natin. May dalawang final paper na kaylangang tapusin sa panghapon kung klase. Ito ay (una) mag-interview, mangalap nang impormasyun, at gumawa ng assessment sa isang guidance program sa isang napiling hayskul, at (pangalawa) gumawa nang training needs assessment nang mga guidance counselors sa lungsod nang Iloilo. Dahil nga groupwork ito minabuti naming tatlong magkakasama na hatiin ang paggawa nang final output. Magsi-email nalang nang mga nagawa para hindi na kaylangan mag-meet.
Ngunit, maglilimang lingo na at hindi pa rin namin natatapos kahit man lang draft ng mga ito. Reverse social loafing ata ang nangyari dito. Tsk! Dahil alam naming hindi naman ginagawa nang bawat isa ang mga nakatokang gawain ay mistulang tinamad narin kaming tuunan ito nang pansin. Haaay!
Natatandaan ko pa ng kapanahunan sa kolehiyo na nag pwamis kay Lord na hindi na, at hindi na magkaka-cram sa tuwing magtapos ang semester at nakahilira na ang sandamakmak na deadlines at exams… Waaaah! Those were the days na hindi ko na gusto maulit pa!
Pero, ok narin ito kahit papano. Kasi ngayon ko lang nalaman na kapag pala “INC” ang grade mo, may isang taon ka para maka-comply sa requirements mo. Bakit ba walang may nagsabi nito sakin nang college pa ako???!!! Di sana, may alebyo ang nerbyus ko tuwing magkaharap kami ni Mr. Cram at Ms. Puyat. Di sana nakatikim ako nang tinatawag na social life at gimik. Di sana, di sana… hindi pa ako nakatapos ngayon! *wahahahaha*
Ay ewan… Matatapos naman namin ito (I hope!). Pero ngayon pasalamat na akong nakapag-enroll na! Bagong simula, ika nga…
At para may proweba, at souvenir narin, ito ang pictures!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tall Order
I have an anonymous text-friend. Sa dialect: txtm8.
I don’t know his name, age, address, profession, or even how he got my number. But, because he piqued my interest and gave me stimulating intellectual discussion (Read: He has a lot of ideas I enjoy dissecting and contradicting.) I decided not to zap him with my deadly sarcasm and instead gave him the chance to bask in the light of my wisdom.
This decision did not disappoint me. I found him to be a good grinding stone on which I could sharpen my resolve on a few beliefs and clarify uncertainties on several points. Not to mention the fact that I derive immense satisfaction in donning my Scary-Strong-Woman persona when I talk to him. (hihihi)
In fact, here are my thoughts and reactions to our discourse on relationships, love, and commitment:
I do wonder how I get these mysterious text friends. He’s actually the 3rd one whose exhibited similar beliefs about the subject. I find it irritating and sad at the same time that they could hold such misconceptions about things that I thought were so obvious. And all these texters arrived right after I broke up with my last boyfriend. What is it? Do I have a sign lit up across the universe that says “Recently broke-up. Ask about lessons learned from the experience”???
As if!
Break-up with your own boyfriend or girlfriend! Then invite me to talk about your experience!
>:p
I don’t know his name, age, address, profession, or even how he got my number. But, because he piqued my interest and gave me stimulating intellectual discussion (Read: He has a lot of ideas I enjoy dissecting and contradicting.) I decided not to zap him with my deadly sarcasm and instead gave him the chance to bask in the light of my wisdom.
This decision did not disappoint me. I found him to be a good grinding stone on which I could sharpen my resolve on a few beliefs and clarify uncertainties on several points. Not to mention the fact that I derive immense satisfaction in donning my Scary-Strong-Woman persona when I talk to him. (hihihi)
In fact, here are my thoughts and reactions to our discourse on relationships, love, and commitment:
1. You don’t fall in love unknowingly. Pero tamad at duwag lang talaga ang tao, some can’t take responsibility for themselves kaya nirarason na lang kung ano-ano.
2. Lumalabas ang pagiging psychologist ko at umiiral ang cognitive-affective leanings ko when I talk about human behavior during what most romantically refer to as “being in love” or “falling out of love”. Take the following statements he sent me:
a. “Feelings change”: TRUE
b. “Sometimes no matter how much you stop the feeling it just grows stronger. You just can’t deny or take for granted what you really feel.”: FALSE (boo!)3. People make mistakes when they give in to their weakness. Kaya, naghahanap ako ang lalaking matatag din sa puso at isipan. May nahanap at nakilala na akong mga lalaking ganito. Kaya nga lang ay may mga pag-ibig na sa buhay at kailangang respetuhin ang kanilang choice.
4. People who don’t know, not to mention like themselves, generally don’t know how to accept, let alone love, other people. Ika nga, “You can’t give what you don’t have.”
5. Idealist ako when it comes to the subject of love and commitment. Trust, honesty, and respect are words you have to learn and live by when you go into any relationship. Take note, this is true for all relationships.
6. I fervently believe that relationships can only work with a lot of hard work. It’s not always pretty, happy, or agreeable. It takes conscious effort, a lot of appreciation, compromise, and less whining, criticism, and excuses.
7. Wala akong pasensya sa mga taong kayang ipagtanggol ang sarili nila by just saying “I couldn’t help it. ‘Di ko mapigilan ang sarili ko.” Wattah!
8. Kung kaya nang lalaki maging taksil, kaya rin ni babae. Mas socially acceptable lang ang una kesa sa pangalawa. At karamihan sa mga lalaki ay hindi ito kayang tanggapin o aminin. Mas mainam na makahanap nang lalaking alam ito, para hindi siya magkamaling i-take for granted ang pagtingin ni babae.Hmmnn… I’m getting all worked up. Eto na lang. Kung interesado kayong maki-txt sa anonymous friend ko narito and ilang detalye tungkol sa kanya: (veracity unknown)
· Ang pangalan niya sa phonebook ko ay “Prayer”. He used to send me prayers
during the first month he txted me. Walang palya, kaya yun na ang pinangalan ko sa kanya.· He’s a he. Nabisto ko siya nang muntik na akong awayin nang magpasaring akong baka me boyfriend s’ya. Buti na lang at dinaan niya sa tawa. (hyuk hyuk hyuk) Guys are so predictable when their manhood is threatened. Tsk!
· He lives and works in Iloilo. Sa Miagao ang hometown niya.
· May girlfriend siya pero nag-break na raw sila. (?)
· Hindi ko gusto ang choice niya nang forwarded txt joke na una niyang binigay sakin. Doon ko nasigurado na lalaki nga siya. Read between the lines.
· He doesn’t want to give me his name so I have a dark suspicion that I know or have met him somewhere. Mokong talaga!
· Ang cellphone number n’ya ay: 09107827926. Kung kilala niyo ang taong ito… regards na lang sa kanya. Nyahahaha.
I do wonder how I get these mysterious text friends. He’s actually the 3rd one whose exhibited similar beliefs about the subject. I find it irritating and sad at the same time that they could hold such misconceptions about things that I thought were so obvious. And all these texters arrived right after I broke up with my last boyfriend. What is it? Do I have a sign lit up across the universe that says “Recently broke-up. Ask about lessons learned from the experience”???
As if!
Break-up with your own boyfriend or girlfriend! Then invite me to talk about your experience!
>:p
Monday, October 27, 2008
Initial List Only (woot)
How do you know that you’re a Plurk addict…
1. You can’t go a day without visiting your timeline and leaving a comment on at least 5 threads.
2. You become adept at limiting your thoughts to 140 characters, emoticon included.
3. You practice “multi-tasking” at work and always leave the net browser on your plurk page open.
4. You check your karma level every hour on the hour, trying to see how the darned thing computes itself.
5. You plurk on the move! Mobile phone, netbook, blackberry, pda, what-not… and if you’re looking to buy a new gadget, you make sure you get connectivity so you can plurk!
6. You chat on YM or other IM formats and you type: (annoyed), (cozy), (unsure), (dance), (rock), etc., as your emoticon. Or at least browse the emoticon list for the same.
7. You constantly refer to yourself in the third party (e.g. “the Arachne FEELS hungry ”, “the Arachne NEEDS to eat lunch, now”).
8. You inject Plurk-lingo into your everyday reaction. E.g. comment to your dad: “This Papa, watta-ewness he is!” after a certain “smoke bomb” incident.
Hmmmnnn… how many of those do I exhibit? (lol)
For those plurk addicts out there, please feel free to add your plurk… ehr comments, to my list. :D
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thank You...
These two words always have a ring of finality to them. Much more so than "goodbye" for me. Don't ask me why, but when my friends say thanks to me I feel a little creepy. It makes me want to shout: "It's not yet the end!"
Is that weird or what?
Don't get me wrong, I do know how to show gratitude to others. Maybe I'm just not used to being thanked because I tend to give without any expectation of return. Even a thank you seems to imply that I'm after something. And really, if I didn't want to help out, I certainly wouldn't do anything..!
I recently encountered the same reaction from one of my friends. It made me laugh knowing that I'm not the only one who feels uncomfortable being thanked.
:D
Is that weird or what?
Don't get me wrong, I do know how to show gratitude to others. Maybe I'm just not used to being thanked because I tend to give without any expectation of return. Even a thank you seems to imply that I'm after something. And really, if I didn't want to help out, I certainly wouldn't do anything..!
I recently encountered the same reaction from one of my friends. It made me laugh knowing that I'm not the only one who feels uncomfortable being thanked.
:D
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Deserve
a verb which means to be worthy of; to be entitled.
From the Latin word deservire which means to serve zealously.
A couple days ago a good friend of mine told me that he broke up with his girlfriend and he lamented not feeling appreciated (to put it mildly). It made me think about the time I broke up with my boyfriend over a year ago and about what he said then. He told me that he didn’t feel that he deserved me. And I began thinking about what it takes to deserve something… or in this case, someone.
I checked out the meaning of the word and to my surprise found out that the original source of the word meant “serving” someone, zealously at that! So really, if you want something, work for it. If you can’t work for it, then maybe it’s best to let go.
I think it goes back to how we value what we have and the value we give our self and how we stand up for it. Sometimes, we tend to take for granted the good things in our life: our health, our friends. Or maybe we just don’t see the good stuff: younger sibling offering to serve us breakfast, emails from long lost friends, or the cat wanting to be petted. And, sometimes, we overlook the good things because we feel that we’ve found something better. Sad but true.
So I say, be where you’re happy. Don’t let yourself be second best in anyone’s eyes, even yourself. Know what you want, what your worth… and never settle for anything less.
You deserve to be the best and others deserve our best. We owe it to others, as well as ourselves.
From the Latin word deservire which means to serve zealously.
A couple days ago a good friend of mine told me that he broke up with his girlfriend and he lamented not feeling appreciated (to put it mildly). It made me think about the time I broke up with my boyfriend over a year ago and about what he said then. He told me that he didn’t feel that he deserved me. And I began thinking about what it takes to deserve something… or in this case, someone.
I checked out the meaning of the word and to my surprise found out that the original source of the word meant “serving” someone, zealously at that! So really, if you want something, work for it. If you can’t work for it, then maybe it’s best to let go.
I think it goes back to how we value what we have and the value we give our self and how we stand up for it. Sometimes, we tend to take for granted the good things in our life: our health, our friends. Or maybe we just don’t see the good stuff: younger sibling offering to serve us breakfast, emails from long lost friends, or the cat wanting to be petted. And, sometimes, we overlook the good things because we feel that we’ve found something better. Sad but true.
So I say, be where you’re happy. Don’t let yourself be second best in anyone’s eyes, even yourself. Know what you want, what your worth… and never settle for anything less.
You deserve to be the best and others deserve our best. We owe it to others, as well as ourselves.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Melancholia
Dreary days of endless dreaming
As floating in a calm sea of black nothingness
Thoughts of gray uncertainties my only anchor.
There are just days like those.
I sought refuge in the bookshop, trying to repeal my melancholia with words. Hoping that the black and white prints would transport my weary soul from a listlessness I couldn't shake. I wanted to succumb to the tears that were threatening to obscure my vision. I wanted to walk blindly and just let them flow down my cheeks.
But, i struggled against it and burrowed my head deeper into the pages. Willing the scent of books and ink to dispel the overwhelming miasma of sadness from my heart.
As floating in a calm sea of black nothingness
Thoughts of gray uncertainties my only anchor.
There are just days like those.
I sought refuge in the bookshop, trying to repeal my melancholia with words. Hoping that the black and white prints would transport my weary soul from a listlessness I couldn't shake. I wanted to succumb to the tears that were threatening to obscure my vision. I wanted to walk blindly and just let them flow down my cheeks.
But, i struggled against it and burrowed my head deeper into the pages. Willing the scent of books and ink to dispel the overwhelming miasma of sadness from my heart.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Auspicious Days
As expected this auspicious date did not escape from the clutches of chain text messages. I just received one which ended: "this happens only once a century.."
It got me thinking and I made an interesting realization. Every day happens only once a century. Or to be more exact, once in our life. No day repeats itself, and none can certainly come back. Unless someone has made time travelling a reality, then we never can get back a single day in our life. When its done, its done.
Makes you wonder what mark you left on each day that would make it memorable.
On the other hand, we can also breath easier that a whole new day begins everyday that can make up for the not so good days we have. We can rest assured that no matter how bad today is it will end and tomorrow we can start over again.
And of course, there are those days that we wish would never end. Those days that we hope and pray can extend into eternity or at the very least will come more frequently.
So, I say, let's treat each day as an auspicious beginning, to be cherished and lived to the fullest. Let's count our days of good memories and abundant blessings for we never know when it may end.
It got me thinking and I made an interesting realization. Every day happens only once a century. Or to be more exact, once in our life. No day repeats itself, and none can certainly come back. Unless someone has made time travelling a reality, then we never can get back a single day in our life. When its done, its done.
Makes you wonder what mark you left on each day that would make it memorable.
On the other hand, we can also breath easier that a whole new day begins everyday that can make up for the not so good days we have. We can rest assured that no matter how bad today is it will end and tomorrow we can start over again.
And of course, there are those days that we wish would never end. Those days that we hope and pray can extend into eternity or at the very least will come more frequently.
So, I say, let's treat each day as an auspicious beginning, to be cherished and lived to the fullest. Let's count our days of good memories and abundant blessings for we never know when it may end.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bagyong Frank
Two and a half days without electricity, a leaking roof, and un-ironed clothes.
That's the extent of damage that I personally felt with Typhoon Frank. Sad to say, some people were not so lucky.
My heart bleeds for those who lost their possessions, homes, and even loved ones.
According to Gov. Neil Tupas (as heard on tv) there are an estimated 150-200 casualties with still a 100 more missing, around 5000 people are still staying in schools, gyms, and other public buildings temporary set up for those who lost their homes, and about 500M in infrastructure damage.
The local government have declared a state of calamity over the province and city of Iloilo. But some question the preparedness of the local Disaster Management Unit. Lack in medical supplies, food, and clothes abound with the dislocated. While schools and government offices are closed and will resume by Wednesday, June 25.
Relief and aid have started to arrive with no less than the Vice President, Mr. Noli de Castro. But I wonder, is this another form of posturing for the government considering that the President together with some select congressmen (totaling 59 in all) have left the country at the onset of this calamity?
:)
That's the extent of damage that I personally felt with Typhoon Frank. Sad to say, some people were not so lucky.
My heart bleeds for those who lost their possessions, homes, and even loved ones.
According to Gov. Neil Tupas (as heard on tv) there are an estimated 150-200 casualties with still a 100 more missing, around 5000 people are still staying in schools, gyms, and other public buildings temporary set up for those who lost their homes, and about 500M in infrastructure damage.
The local government have declared a state of calamity over the province and city of Iloilo. But some question the preparedness of the local Disaster Management Unit. Lack in medical supplies, food, and clothes abound with the dislocated. While schools and government offices are closed and will resume by Wednesday, June 25.
Relief and aid have started to arrive with no less than the Vice President, Mr. Noli de Castro. But I wonder, is this another form of posturing for the government considering that the President together with some select congressmen (totaling 59 in all) have left the country at the onset of this calamity?
Still, hope remain. The sun is shining and the new day brings relief for some us. A lot is yet to be done but with help and hardwork, most of the people will get through this and chalk it up as another day in the life of the regular Pinoy.
And for those of my friends who haven't communicated about their circumstances, I pray that it's only because of power failure in their area and not much worse.:)
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