FORMULATING THE LIST
It's 3 days to go. It will soon be 2007. I am slowly formulating my resolution list. I guess now would be a good time to do some "work" offline since the internet's been crawling at a snail's pace due to the quake in Taiwan. Well, a lot needs to be worked on and a lot of reinforcement needs to be put in place for stuff left off from 2006's unfinished list. I realized that you can't put in too much into the list because a lot still has been piled up from previous years. Like they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I firmly believe I still can and though I recognize I can't change overnight, I do acknowledge that change is possible if you will it. So here's more to patience, acceptance, confidence and working harder for my goals. To a more discerning EQ, to assertiveness, to more professionalism, to less of fancies and more of realities, to more bold actions than bold what ifs, to listen more and know when it is time to seize the microphone. To handle the spotlight better and work towards having it focused somewhere else. To closer friends than mere acquaintances. To more meaningful friendships, relationships and value for self worth. Cheers to a more dynamic and crazy 2007! Bring it on!
Friday, December 29, 2006
INSOMNIA
I think my body isn't too happy with cutting some slack for the Holidays. I do get to start my days with the usual nine to ten morning rise, but I suffer the nights with insomnia plaguing me. It's been like this for days now and I usually fall asleep (forcibly) around three in the morning. It's as if my body needs to burn that extra energy such that it can't rest without getting the energy level to fall below some marker. Hopefully the spirits I bought would ease the problem. I'll be back to normal bed time in 4 days. So till then I would have to manage this dilemma.
Well to burn energy, I just need to think through stuff in the hope that my brain will consume the excess energy faster, more like throttling a processor to drain the laptop battery for storage. Well, I thought of things and I somehow got the thought that I'd be able to accomplish most of my goals in TWO YEAR's TIME!!! That's a freak'n stretch. Wonder if in two year's time, I'd once again say, "In another two year's time please." Round and round it goes. Ugh.. sometimes it is best to leave things in reckless abandon. But then again the purpose of thinking in circles about this crazy idea is to... right!... to get me to sleep. Sleep you darn turd!
I think my body isn't too happy with cutting some slack for the Holidays. I do get to start my days with the usual nine to ten morning rise, but I suffer the nights with insomnia plaguing me. It's been like this for days now and I usually fall asleep (forcibly) around three in the morning. It's as if my body needs to burn that extra energy such that it can't rest without getting the energy level to fall below some marker. Hopefully the spirits I bought would ease the problem. I'll be back to normal bed time in 4 days. So till then I would have to manage this dilemma.
Well to burn energy, I just need to think through stuff in the hope that my brain will consume the excess energy faster, more like throttling a processor to drain the laptop battery for storage. Well, I thought of things and I somehow got the thought that I'd be able to accomplish most of my goals in TWO YEAR's TIME!!! That's a freak'n stretch. Wonder if in two year's time, I'd once again say, "In another two year's time please." Round and round it goes. Ugh.. sometimes it is best to leave things in reckless abandon. But then again the purpose of thinking in circles about this crazy idea is to... right!... to get me to sleep. Sleep you darn turd!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
THE EXTRA MILEAGE
I'm running short of power now. I enjoyed a whole day at the beach with relatives who flew in from Australia to be with us for the Holidays. It was my first time to be in Plantation Bay ever since its opening. I've been there once to enjoy speedboats and kayaking, but all I was able to see was the beach front then. The pools and cottages were still on the drawing boards as far as I knew.
Tonight, I was busy entertaining them, especially Jaymes, my 10-year old cousin. Well I've given an introduction of him in my previous post. I was watching Harry Potter with him over DVD... it has to be my nth time watching that film, so I kinda dozed off. I woke up to have a glass of water since my throat was running dry from the airconditioner. To my surprise it was 12MN and my uncle and aunt were still awake enjoying some drinks over the dining table. So I joined them. I realized I am capable of the extra mileage if given the right "fuel". Just a glass of something that tastes like Coke and Kentucky bourbon... I'll have to settle for Pepsi and rhum.
I look up to this aunt of mine since I know she's one big risk taker and she carved out her career path really well... and she still continues to innovate and reinvent herself. Learned a lot of things from her, especially when it comes to making decisions that border between family and career. It is something that I consider difficult. And for those who have careers, you'd know what I am talking about. I figured out that as months go by, I'd be making more and more decisions of this sort. So I dared to ask how to draw the line. They are reputable grownups and I need to learn from those who would know..
Like Lisa said, work is hazardous to lovelife... is hazardous to family and to health. But I believe also that without it, the hazards are just the same and could even be of greater magnitude. So the solution is balance. In the months and years to come, I'd have to figure that out for myself... and it is only that way that I get to define for myself where the line really lies. It is 3AM and the line for sleep tells me that I need to sleep now to not feel cranky tomorrow morning.
I'm running short of power now. I enjoyed a whole day at the beach with relatives who flew in from Australia to be with us for the Holidays. It was my first time to be in Plantation Bay ever since its opening. I've been there once to enjoy speedboats and kayaking, but all I was able to see was the beach front then. The pools and cottages were still on the drawing boards as far as I knew.
Tonight, I was busy entertaining them, especially Jaymes, my 10-year old cousin. Well I've given an introduction of him in my previous post. I was watching Harry Potter with him over DVD... it has to be my nth time watching that film, so I kinda dozed off. I woke up to have a glass of water since my throat was running dry from the airconditioner. To my surprise it was 12MN and my uncle and aunt were still awake enjoying some drinks over the dining table. So I joined them. I realized I am capable of the extra mileage if given the right "fuel". Just a glass of something that tastes like Coke and Kentucky bourbon... I'll have to settle for Pepsi and rhum.
I look up to this aunt of mine since I know she's one big risk taker and she carved out her career path really well... and she still continues to innovate and reinvent herself. Learned a lot of things from her, especially when it comes to making decisions that border between family and career. It is something that I consider difficult. And for those who have careers, you'd know what I am talking about. I figured out that as months go by, I'd be making more and more decisions of this sort. So I dared to ask how to draw the line. They are reputable grownups and I need to learn from those who would know..
Like Lisa said, work is hazardous to lovelife... is hazardous to family and to health. But I believe also that without it, the hazards are just the same and could even be of greater magnitude. So the solution is balance. In the months and years to come, I'd have to figure that out for myself... and it is only that way that I get to define for myself where the line really lies. It is 3AM and the line for sleep tells me that I need to sleep now to not feel cranky tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
I AM NOT ALONE
Last night, I had too much good food to eat and too many pictures to take during our family dinner. That was an exception to the cliche, "Anything in excess is bad." Anyway, to top the night off, I had a wonderful chat with a friend whom I've kept through all these years. I was astounded by the words she had to say. Makes a lot of sense. I feel good that I can relate better with people nowadays... I mean my thoughts are almost always in agreement to theirs. I never imagined that someone within my peers would actually have it all figured out just like what I believe in.
Maybe because she started talking "deep" and I am not accustomed to her doing such? Or maybe she did grow up to be one smart woman. Nonetheless, it is the idea that matters most and not the ageing part. She said two things really hit the bullseye, as far as I'm concerned.
First, she had a quest of finding out why she's not attracted to men who aren't "smart". And I believe her quest ended right there and then when she shared her answer (which came in in two parts): 1. She learns a lot from them. 2. They understand what she is talking about (and not just pretend to be in agreement for the sake of faking to "get the point". If you've observed how Joey in FRIENDS fakes being smart, that's what I meant.)
Second, I know her criteria WAS at some point in the past very "teeniebopper"... but now it's getting better... and I hope many of you reading this would agree that she changed for the better or that she bloomed from girl to woman. If you aren't then it also says the same of me that I'm an immature turd that needs to get in touch with reality. Don't be afraid to tell the truth even if it offends me. "Frank" is my friend. Anyway, second hit on the bullseye was when she said that she yearns for someone whom she can have good conversations with. Her answer, like the first, came in 2 parts: 1. Someone whom you just know what to talk about when you meet him. 2. Someone whom you can talk to for hours and it would seem as if it was just minutes. Reason for these is that as you grow old, talking to your partner becomes essential. You would be too weak to go out around town so you'd yearn to just sit back on some porch and just talk all day. I read that same thing in a book somewhere about, "As you age, your conversational skills will become very important." Couldn't have said it any better myself!
Am I "feeling" old already to be able to appreciate such depth in life's perspectives? I guess it is just wisdom... comes with the age perhaps or with the people you meet. Well, the focus is not the age but it is on the wise thoughts given. I think my wish of being able to have people understand what I think is slowly coming true. I cringe everytime I go "deep" and people tell me, "You are what? 24? You are still young. Just enjoy life." I am, perhaps just not in the timeframe you expect me to be... you'll see.
Last night, I had too much good food to eat and too many pictures to take during our family dinner. That was an exception to the cliche, "Anything in excess is bad." Anyway, to top the night off, I had a wonderful chat with a friend whom I've kept through all these years. I was astounded by the words she had to say. Makes a lot of sense. I feel good that I can relate better with people nowadays... I mean my thoughts are almost always in agreement to theirs. I never imagined that someone within my peers would actually have it all figured out just like what I believe in.
Maybe because she started talking "deep" and I am not accustomed to her doing such? Or maybe she did grow up to be one smart woman. Nonetheless, it is the idea that matters most and not the ageing part. She said two things really hit the bullseye, as far as I'm concerned.
First, she had a quest of finding out why she's not attracted to men who aren't "smart". And I believe her quest ended right there and then when she shared her answer (which came in in two parts): 1. She learns a lot from them. 2. They understand what she is talking about (and not just pretend to be in agreement for the sake of faking to "get the point". If you've observed how Joey in FRIENDS fakes being smart, that's what I meant.)
Second, I know her criteria WAS at some point in the past very "teeniebopper"... but now it's getting better... and I hope many of you reading this would agree that she changed for the better or that she bloomed from girl to woman. If you aren't then it also says the same of me that I'm an immature turd that needs to get in touch with reality. Don't be afraid to tell the truth even if it offends me. "Frank" is my friend. Anyway, second hit on the bullseye was when she said that she yearns for someone whom she can have good conversations with. Her answer, like the first, came in 2 parts: 1. Someone whom you just know what to talk about when you meet him. 2. Someone whom you can talk to for hours and it would seem as if it was just minutes. Reason for these is that as you grow old, talking to your partner becomes essential. You would be too weak to go out around town so you'd yearn to just sit back on some porch and just talk all day. I read that same thing in a book somewhere about, "As you age, your conversational skills will become very important." Couldn't have said it any better myself!
Am I "feeling" old already to be able to appreciate such depth in life's perspectives? I guess it is just wisdom... comes with the age perhaps or with the people you meet. Well, the focus is not the age but it is on the wise thoughts given. I think my wish of being able to have people understand what I think is slowly coming true. I cringe everytime I go "deep" and people tell me, "You are what? 24? You are still young. Just enjoy life." I am, perhaps just not in the timeframe you expect me to be... you'll see.
Monday, December 25, 2006
CHRISTMAS 2006
This year, I can truly blog about Christmas since I am spending it in my hometown with my family. As the years go by, our "feeling" towards Christmas changes. It is like the tide that ebbs and rises depending on circumstances. This year, I gave myself the chance to put Christmas up there on my list of events that matter... so that it doesn't go down in history as "Just another ordinary day."
The day before Christmas, I spent it with close friends. We had nice talks over... bottomless iced tea... I no longer enjoy coffee as much as before since I kinda lost taste for anything known to have with caffein in it. I have replaced it with hot chocolate. Anyway, we also went around the mall to do my "last minute" shopping. I realized that it is difficult to shop when you keep an 8-5 job, especially one that gives good premium for doing OT. Well, it's been awhile since I had friends tag along to shop with me. It takes forever for me to buy something when I shop since I am so picky (even when buying gifts). So it was a good thing that one of my friends possesses the same "taste" as I have so it was really quick to find a nice blouse for my mom. I had it reserved for my mom to fit, but when I mentioned it to her, she told me to buy her a nice brush for her hair. I guess this is a more practical way to gift giving. Ask and spare yourself from thinking too much about it. They get what they want anyway... just make sure it fits into the budget. But for family, there is no such thing as "budget"... as long as it isn't a car, a plane, a yacht or a house and lot, I can and will afford it.
I missed Christmas eve. I woke up 10AM Christmas morn, not knowing whether I ate last night or what time I slept. I was supposed to fetch relatives at 1AM last night...err early morning, but I was shocked to wakeup to a window that tells me it is Christmas morning already. I was so tired the whole day yesterday since I attended misa de gallo with my mom and aunt at our village clubhouse. Lunchtime Christmas Day is the time when we go open our gifts under the tree. I watched my little cousins dash towards the Christmas tree while their plates still had food on them. I guess they can't help it. It was truly a nice sight to behold... the excitement, the eagerness to know what's inside the wrappers and the joy of seeing faces light up after opening the gifts and getting what they wanted. Wish I was a kid... but then when I was a kid, I wished I was already an adult... and maybeeven till now I wish I were 5-8 years older, rich, well-to-do and established.
Well, it's been a great Christmas. Lotsa food, good food at that. More to come tonight as invitations keep piling up. Family from Australia is here and I have no regrets in declining that offer to travel to the US before Christmas. My cousin Jaymes grew up real fast and I'm glad to see him grown up like a Filipino raised in a Western environment. Plus I just knew that he is a tech-freak like me. I think he's around 10 year's old and he's got a laptop, an iRiver and a PSP. His nickname in school is "Techno" Cool kid!!! I could just imagine if I had toys like that when I was 10, I could only guess what kinds of toys I'd be fascinated to have right now.
I asked Santa this year for a car (Hey, I still give it a try... I might just be surprised). And I got a 1:18 ratio model car. Hahahaha! I guess I wasn't a very good boy this year. Well, it could only mean that I have to earn it one way or the other... inching my way to it actually. Well, I'm happy about the gifts I got. Biggest gift of all is to have my family beside me to celebrate the holidays. And I get to have mass with them and do Christmassy stuff with them. I guess that's the reason for the Season... to experience Christ with the people closest to your heart.
Merry Christmas to one all!
This year, I can truly blog about Christmas since I am spending it in my hometown with my family. As the years go by, our "feeling" towards Christmas changes. It is like the tide that ebbs and rises depending on circumstances. This year, I gave myself the chance to put Christmas up there on my list of events that matter... so that it doesn't go down in history as "Just another ordinary day."
The day before Christmas, I spent it with close friends. We had nice talks over... bottomless iced tea... I no longer enjoy coffee as much as before since I kinda lost taste for anything known to have with caffein in it. I have replaced it with hot chocolate. Anyway, we also went around the mall to do my "last minute" shopping. I realized that it is difficult to shop when you keep an 8-5 job, especially one that gives good premium for doing OT. Well, it's been awhile since I had friends tag along to shop with me. It takes forever for me to buy something when I shop since I am so picky (even when buying gifts). So it was a good thing that one of my friends possesses the same "taste" as I have so it was really quick to find a nice blouse for my mom. I had it reserved for my mom to fit, but when I mentioned it to her, she told me to buy her a nice brush for her hair. I guess this is a more practical way to gift giving. Ask and spare yourself from thinking too much about it. They get what they want anyway... just make sure it fits into the budget. But for family, there is no such thing as "budget"... as long as it isn't a car, a plane, a yacht or a house and lot, I can and will afford it.
I missed Christmas eve. I woke up 10AM Christmas morn, not knowing whether I ate last night or what time I slept. I was supposed to fetch relatives at 1AM last night...err early morning, but I was shocked to wakeup to a window that tells me it is Christmas morning already. I was so tired the whole day yesterday since I attended misa de gallo with my mom and aunt at our village clubhouse. Lunchtime Christmas Day is the time when we go open our gifts under the tree. I watched my little cousins dash towards the Christmas tree while their plates still had food on them. I guess they can't help it. It was truly a nice sight to behold... the excitement, the eagerness to know what's inside the wrappers and the joy of seeing faces light up after opening the gifts and getting what they wanted. Wish I was a kid... but then when I was a kid, I wished I was already an adult... and maybeeven till now I wish I were 5-8 years older, rich, well-to-do and established.
Well, it's been a great Christmas. Lotsa food, good food at that. More to come tonight as invitations keep piling up. Family from Australia is here and I have no regrets in declining that offer to travel to the US before Christmas. My cousin Jaymes grew up real fast and I'm glad to see him grown up like a Filipino raised in a Western environment. Plus I just knew that he is a tech-freak like me. I think he's around 10 year's old and he's got a laptop, an iRiver and a PSP. His nickname in school is "Techno" Cool kid!!! I could just imagine if I had toys like that when I was 10, I could only guess what kinds of toys I'd be fascinated to have right now.
I asked Santa this year for a car (Hey, I still give it a try... I might just be surprised). And I got a 1:18 ratio model car. Hahahaha! I guess I wasn't a very good boy this year. Well, it could only mean that I have to earn it one way or the other... inching my way to it actually. Well, I'm happy about the gifts I got. Biggest gift of all is to have my family beside me to celebrate the holidays. And I get to have mass with them and do Christmassy stuff with them. I guess that's the reason for the Season... to experience Christ with the people closest to your heart.
Merry Christmas to one all!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Of Decisions and Intentions
Making a decision requires time to think things over. More often than not, time is something that is constrained and made least abundant at times when you need eons of it. In this fast paced world, you wouldn't be surprised if "I'll have to think it over" is a statement endowed only to the luxurious lot. I'm sure even Bill Gates has and will have to make a time-critical decision in a snap.
Regret is something that always comes in the end and yet regret is something that I personally do not keep in my vocabulary. Decisions are made given a specific condition and given a specific amount of resources (time is a resource). Decisions always have consequences... sad to say that consequence is almost always given a negative connotation, but nevertheless for this blog entry, consequence refers to the end result be it good or bad.
Why "No Regrets?" It is all about the intent. It is not faulty to have a negative consequence coming from a good intent. Such a case would be considered as "There is a reason for everything." A negative intent on the other hand is something that would bring forth regret. Good intentions may get you negative results at onset, but it should not be confused with punishment. A negative result could be a blessing... take the 9/11 stories of people who escaped death from missing a train ride or having their heels broken while on the way to work. Good intentions always get rewarded by God. That I believe is true. The reward may not come in the immediate, but for sure it will never be left unnoticed. It shall come within this lifetime or in the next.
So when deciding, weigh the options based on current resources and current conditions. It is helpful to have some foresight into what might happen, but you can never tell the future. So decide on what is reasonable, what is current and what is your heart's desire. And with good intentions at its core, you're sure that no matter what happens, good will always come out of it.
Making a decision requires time to think things over. More often than not, time is something that is constrained and made least abundant at times when you need eons of it. In this fast paced world, you wouldn't be surprised if "I'll have to think it over" is a statement endowed only to the luxurious lot. I'm sure even Bill Gates has and will have to make a time-critical decision in a snap.
Regret is something that always comes in the end and yet regret is something that I personally do not keep in my vocabulary. Decisions are made given a specific condition and given a specific amount of resources (time is a resource). Decisions always have consequences... sad to say that consequence is almost always given a negative connotation, but nevertheless for this blog entry, consequence refers to the end result be it good or bad.
Why "No Regrets?" It is all about the intent. It is not faulty to have a negative consequence coming from a good intent. Such a case would be considered as "There is a reason for everything." A negative intent on the other hand is something that would bring forth regret. Good intentions may get you negative results at onset, but it should not be confused with punishment. A negative result could be a blessing... take the 9/11 stories of people who escaped death from missing a train ride or having their heels broken while on the way to work. Good intentions always get rewarded by God. That I believe is true. The reward may not come in the immediate, but for sure it will never be left unnoticed. It shall come within this lifetime or in the next.
So when deciding, weigh the options based on current resources and current conditions. It is helpful to have some foresight into what might happen, but you can never tell the future. So decide on what is reasonable, what is current and what is your heart's desire. And with good intentions at its core, you're sure that no matter what happens, good will always come out of it.
Friday, December 22, 2006
FIRST DAWN MASS
I attended my first misa de gallo since nineteen forgotten. I couldn't sleep since I had too much energy left at the end of the day (We did no work at the office today since the Christmas spirit is just too overwhelming as Christmas Day is just right around the corner). So it was close to 5AM and I decided to attend misa de gallo at Sto. Nino Village. T'was chilly outside (since I am not used to being up early in the morning), vampire that I am. I have a friend who lives in the village whom I know attends the misa de gallos without a miss. So I contacted her and we went together to hear mass along with her twin sister and their househelp. I enjoyed the mass since it felt very "Chrismassy" with the nice choir and the priest who looks so much like Santa Claus. If he wore a red suit instead of a white robe, I would have thought that Santa visited Cebu for the ASEAN Summit... hehehe. I haven't enjoyed such a Christmas atmosphere in ages and it was a nice one to start the trend once more. I will most likely bring along my family tomorrow to hear mass at dawn.
So after the mass, I invited them for breakfast at Jollibee... but they counter invited that I have breakfast with them in their house. I was hesitant at first since I've never been in their house before and I knew they would have to prepare extra food for me and that would probably make themm run late for their work this morning... but since it was a nice and warm invitation, I gave in after some amount of cajoling. It was nice to be welcomed so warmly into their home. Some dish was served which seemed like corned beef mashed into servings of rice, but there was no meat in it. It tasted just like rice. The red color makes it more appetizing to taste. Interesting. Well, thanks for the breakfast and the warm welcome into your home.
So now, I'm back at my house. I have work at 10AM and I doubt it if I could wake up in time for work if I took a short nap. So I'm blogging and sticking it out for another day. Hopefully the Christmas atmosphere and fun at the office would keep me pumped up till bedtime tonight.
I attended my first misa de gallo since nineteen forgotten. I couldn't sleep since I had too much energy left at the end of the day (We did no work at the office today since the Christmas spirit is just too overwhelming as Christmas Day is just right around the corner). So it was close to 5AM and I decided to attend misa de gallo at Sto. Nino Village. T'was chilly outside (since I am not used to being up early in the morning), vampire that I am. I have a friend who lives in the village whom I know attends the misa de gallos without a miss. So I contacted her and we went together to hear mass along with her twin sister and their househelp. I enjoyed the mass since it felt very "Chrismassy" with the nice choir and the priest who looks so much like Santa Claus. If he wore a red suit instead of a white robe, I would have thought that Santa visited Cebu for the ASEAN Summit... hehehe. I haven't enjoyed such a Christmas atmosphere in ages and it was a nice one to start the trend once more. I will most likely bring along my family tomorrow to hear mass at dawn.
So after the mass, I invited them for breakfast at Jollibee... but they counter invited that I have breakfast with them in their house. I was hesitant at first since I've never been in their house before and I knew they would have to prepare extra food for me and that would probably make themm run late for their work this morning... but since it was a nice and warm invitation, I gave in after some amount of cajoling. It was nice to be welcomed so warmly into their home. Some dish was served which seemed like corned beef mashed into servings of rice, but there was no meat in it. It tasted just like rice. The red color makes it more appetizing to taste. Interesting. Well, thanks for the breakfast and the warm welcome into your home.
So now, I'm back at my house. I have work at 10AM and I doubt it if I could wake up in time for work if I took a short nap. So I'm blogging and sticking it out for another day. Hopefully the Christmas atmosphere and fun at the office would keep me pumped up till bedtime tonight.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
What a way to end the year... as if it never existed. What a way to spend time, money, effort and resources... as if they were as abundant as sunshine. What great power it is to play all these at the tip of ones fingertips. It must probably come with years of experience and a paycheck that's worth more than what I could ever have in a lifetime.
REFUELING
It is good to refuel the brain once in a while. I think I've been too focused at my work such that I've depleted my mind's ability to generate "wisdom hormones". I know there aren't many out there that I consider my fuel tankers... high octane PREMIUM unleaded quality for that matter.. but I'm glad I was visited by one and got the refill that I needed to get my brain back to production once more.
Thanks Lisa for the advice which was in CAPS. That's where the PREMIUM quality is in. I'll think about it and hopefully I'll make the right choice, given the right circumstance at the right time.
It is good to refuel the brain once in a while. I think I've been too focused at my work such that I've depleted my mind's ability to generate "wisdom hormones". I know there aren't many out there that I consider my fuel tankers... high octane PREMIUM unleaded quality for that matter.. but I'm glad I was visited by one and got the refill that I needed to get my brain back to production once more.
Thanks Lisa for the advice which was in CAPS. That's where the PREMIUM quality is in. I'll think about it and hopefully I'll make the right choice, given the right circumstance at the right time.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Making Choices
I've made some good ones and some bad ones. Whatever good.. or bad... that came out of them, there's one thing for sure that I got from them: a lesson well learned. I learned that when making choices, two views need to be considered: long term and short term. Almost always, you can't have both. I've made some that made me get what I want, but I paid for them in the long run... and some, I suffered in the now, but have reaped the long term gains. As what my uncle said, "No pain, no gain." No wonder they say the best things in life are free... 'coz rarely can you have something without having traded it for something else.
I oftentimes wondered whether the people who have sought out for greener pastures in distant lands have actually found their putting green. It is interesting to know that a lot of effort and sacrifice came their way for them to even just overcome the inertia of taking such bold steps. As to how satisfied they are with their lives now, I would know only if I did same. Some came back with stories of frustration, while some have too much good to say such that you'd think that they should be under the payroll of the country's Department of Tourism or whatever name they have for such. I've left family and friends for nearly a year... and it hasn't been a year till I was back and now I am two weeks close to leaving once more. A lot has come up over the months... and though I feel compelled to start something before the year's end, I must yield to the fact that I will be gone once more and thus freeze whatever I have going for now. I've sort of realized that I can view my trips as an escape from facing life's real issues. I sorta view it that if I am away, my life here stops and freezes... and if ever anything moved/changed, I had to accept it with grace as something that is not within my circle of influence (Thanks Chris for the lessons on the 7 Habits). I think I am so focused on a stable financial future such that money and skills are the only things that matter to me... and well... the travel and adventure are what makes all the effort and sacrifice worth the while. I think I need to make a better choice, but do I have choices? Maybe... just maybe, I need to be taught a new lesson.
I've made some good ones and some bad ones. Whatever good.. or bad... that came out of them, there's one thing for sure that I got from them: a lesson well learned. I learned that when making choices, two views need to be considered: long term and short term. Almost always, you can't have both. I've made some that made me get what I want, but I paid for them in the long run... and some, I suffered in the now, but have reaped the long term gains. As what my uncle said, "No pain, no gain." No wonder they say the best things in life are free... 'coz rarely can you have something without having traded it for something else.
I oftentimes wondered whether the people who have sought out for greener pastures in distant lands have actually found their putting green. It is interesting to know that a lot of effort and sacrifice came their way for them to even just overcome the inertia of taking such bold steps. As to how satisfied they are with their lives now, I would know only if I did same. Some came back with stories of frustration, while some have too much good to say such that you'd think that they should be under the payroll of the country's Department of Tourism or whatever name they have for such. I've left family and friends for nearly a year... and it hasn't been a year till I was back and now I am two weeks close to leaving once more. A lot has come up over the months... and though I feel compelled to start something before the year's end, I must yield to the fact that I will be gone once more and thus freeze whatever I have going for now. I've sort of realized that I can view my trips as an escape from facing life's real issues. I sorta view it that if I am away, my life here stops and freezes... and if ever anything moved/changed, I had to accept it with grace as something that is not within my circle of influence (Thanks Chris for the lessons on the 7 Habits). I think I am so focused on a stable financial future such that money and skills are the only things that matter to me... and well... the travel and adventure are what makes all the effort and sacrifice worth the while. I think I need to make a better choice, but do I have choices? Maybe... just maybe, I need to be taught a new lesson.
Monday, December 11, 2006
The Godfather
Chris lent me his DVD copy of The Godfather. He has lately been citing a lot of lines taken from this movie in his day-to-day conversations, so I gave it a shot to watch the movie. I had a movie marathon yesterday straight from morning till evening, spanning The Godfather Part 1 to Part 3.
Apart from the bloodshed, the movie offers a lot of wisdom in what makes a man a real man. The arguments and situations in the film deal with a lot of issues regarding the realities of life be it with family, business, friends, etc. Among the lines I loved are: "The old makes way for the new", "Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer", "Never hate your enemies. It clouds your judgment", "Never let anyone know what you are thinking", "What should I do... (weeps)... You can always choose to be a man!"
And, the best line of the movie would have to be: "A man can never be a real man unless he spends time with his family."
Chris lent me his DVD copy of The Godfather. He has lately been citing a lot of lines taken from this movie in his day-to-day conversations, so I gave it a shot to watch the movie. I had a movie marathon yesterday straight from morning till evening, spanning The Godfather Part 1 to Part 3.
Apart from the bloodshed, the movie offers a lot of wisdom in what makes a man a real man. The arguments and situations in the film deal with a lot of issues regarding the realities of life be it with family, business, friends, etc. Among the lines I loved are: "The old makes way for the new", "Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer", "Never hate your enemies. It clouds your judgment", "Never let anyone know what you are thinking", "What should I do... (weeps)... You can always choose to be a man!"
And, the best line of the movie would have to be: "A man can never be a real man unless he spends time with his family."
Friday, December 08, 2006
24
In the 24th day of this month, it will be Christmas once more. Let's see how this year differs from those of the past years.
In 24 hours, I need to at least establish some form of stability in the project I am handling. My brain is dead set on having that well deserved R&R. I hope I can make some significant progress so I can have a good weekend free from thinking about WORK. (I am slowly falling into the pit where all I can think of is work).
In 24 days, I will once again embark on a journey that will take me to a whole new adventure. Meet familiar and new people and places. It will be at winter's peak, but thanks to this jacket (that costs as much as I love it!) that was given to me by my mom for my birthday (Twas a delayed gift that I asked her to continue postponing till I found something useful and worth the buck...) I can be more winter-friendly this time around. I've got exactly what I need... for the moment. I think after this journey, I can afford to have what I have been wanting and needing all these years. What's with boys and their toys?
In the 24th day of this month, it will be Christmas once more. Let's see how this year differs from those of the past years.
In 24 hours, I need to at least establish some form of stability in the project I am handling. My brain is dead set on having that well deserved R&R. I hope I can make some significant progress so I can have a good weekend free from thinking about WORK. (I am slowly falling into the pit where all I can think of is work).
In 24 days, I will once again embark on a journey that will take me to a whole new adventure. Meet familiar and new people and places. It will be at winter's peak, but thanks to this jacket (that costs as much as I love it!) that was given to me by my mom for my birthday (Twas a delayed gift that I asked her to continue postponing till I found something useful and worth the buck...) I can be more winter-friendly this time around. I've got exactly what I need... for the moment. I think after this journey, I can afford to have what I have been wanting and needing all these years. What's with boys and their toys?
Monday, December 04, 2006
DRIED UP
My team lead is leaving... this time, for good (I knew its certainty just TODAY!). I've been OK with his leaving for trips to the US or trips to Manila (knowing perhaps that he will always be back from them). This time, he is moving towards greener pastures, along with his family. I feel good for him knowing that he and his family will be happier there. It is moments like these when you realize how much certain people mean to you. We live our daily lives as if everything will always be just like this. And like they say, the good times will always be there but they never last. It is just the 3 of us here. We are a "tripod" as what my American manager once said. Someone new will be joining soon. And I could only wish that we will see a tripod once more, have good times... and even better ones... who knows, ryt?
I'd say that I'm a cold hearted and inhuman jerk if none of this affected me in some way. I feel bad that he is leaving. We had so much fun in the US and when I had tough times, he was there ready to cheer me up, distract me with our food trips or simply offer me his Magic Sing so that I could just sing away my sorrows. Things like these, though simple and may seem insignificant at that very moment, definitely have this captivating power in them. And now I feel that this will be another part of me that gets ripped off. It makes me wanna weep, but like they say big boys, or men for that matter, don't cry. In as much as I feel like wanting to, I can't 'coz no tears would fall. Life's battles have dried up my tear ducts... the sorrow just remains inside. This too shall pass and my "leaving" will make me get past this. We all leave. It is just a matter of time.
My team lead is leaving... this time, for good (I knew its certainty just TODAY!). I've been OK with his leaving for trips to the US or trips to Manila (knowing perhaps that he will always be back from them). This time, he is moving towards greener pastures, along with his family. I feel good for him knowing that he and his family will be happier there. It is moments like these when you realize how much certain people mean to you. We live our daily lives as if everything will always be just like this. And like they say, the good times will always be there but they never last. It is just the 3 of us here. We are a "tripod" as what my American manager once said. Someone new will be joining soon. And I could only wish that we will see a tripod once more, have good times... and even better ones... who knows, ryt?
I'd say that I'm a cold hearted and inhuman jerk if none of this affected me in some way. I feel bad that he is leaving. We had so much fun in the US and when I had tough times, he was there ready to cheer me up, distract me with our food trips or simply offer me his Magic Sing so that I could just sing away my sorrows. Things like these, though simple and may seem insignificant at that very moment, definitely have this captivating power in them. And now I feel that this will be another part of me that gets ripped off. It makes me wanna weep, but like they say big boys, or men for that matter, don't cry. In as much as I feel like wanting to, I can't 'coz no tears would fall. Life's battles have dried up my tear ducts... the sorrow just remains inside. This too shall pass and my "leaving" will make me get past this. We all leave. It is just a matter of time.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Angels
To most of us, angels are winged creatures robed in white with a halo donned on them. To me, they are people who make you feel that life is more bearable with them around. They are those that come to your rescue at a moment that you least expect them to. What's even great about them is that they help you even if they don't know you, haven't even seen you. My project is now in dire need of a savior (I didn't mess up OK? It is just darn difficult to ask from just one mere mortal. I still got a lot of rice to eat and datasheets to read.) Who would expect some smart guy all the way from India would drop you a line saying "Hi, John. I see what you are doing and I can help." And as the days go by, you realize that this one person has made the light at the end of the tunnel draw nearer (and the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train!) And as you walk down the path with brighter light to guide your steps, you then ask him how he knows this much and he says "Well I actually work as a consultant for the company that made the chip you are using."
Who would have thought that I was being mentored by Einstein himself. It is simply amazing to be getting the help that I needed without even knowing exactly who I was getting it from. The best part is the level of enthusiasm and willingness to help. Considering that we don't know each other, we live thousands of miles apart, and he is not paid to do this, it is truly noteworthy that people like him reaffirms the fact that there is a lot of good in the world. So don't give up when crappy people give you sh*t. Most probably, their specie is just a grain of sand in the world God has for you. There are angels out there. Believe.
To most of us, angels are winged creatures robed in white with a halo donned on them. To me, they are people who make you feel that life is more bearable with them around. They are those that come to your rescue at a moment that you least expect them to. What's even great about them is that they help you even if they don't know you, haven't even seen you. My project is now in dire need of a savior (I didn't mess up OK? It is just darn difficult to ask from just one mere mortal. I still got a lot of rice to eat and datasheets to read.) Who would expect some smart guy all the way from India would drop you a line saying "Hi, John. I see what you are doing and I can help." And as the days go by, you realize that this one person has made the light at the end of the tunnel draw nearer (and the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train!) And as you walk down the path with brighter light to guide your steps, you then ask him how he knows this much and he says "Well I actually work as a consultant for the company that made the chip you are using."
Who would have thought that I was being mentored by Einstein himself. It is simply amazing to be getting the help that I needed without even knowing exactly who I was getting it from. The best part is the level of enthusiasm and willingness to help. Considering that we don't know each other, we live thousands of miles apart, and he is not paid to do this, it is truly noteworthy that people like him reaffirms the fact that there is a lot of good in the world. So don't give up when crappy people give you sh*t. Most probably, their specie is just a grain of sand in the world God has for you. There are angels out there. Believe.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
VAMPIRIC TUTOR
In the next few weeks till the New Year, I will slowly transform into LeStat......'s protege. Care to ask why? Well, I'm supposed to be in Bluegrass County now for a business trip. Call it ill-timed, anyone would think it's very odd to be traveling AWAY from home at this time of the year when everyone's taking flights TO where home is. The thought of experiencing my would-be second winter is dreadful enough to make me hesitate from accepting the offer, but that actually wasn't heavy enough to tip the scale. The big ball 'n chain is the idea of spending Christmas away from home. Spending Christmas alone is sad and lonely enough (Had a bRRRRrrrry White Christmas last year!). If you enjoy the sight of snow falling outside the window with everything else frosty (just like in Chirstmas movies), I tell you snow amuses the ignorant for just 2 days.
And so I shall fly a few days after 2007 gets ushered in. In the meantime, my refusal to fly ASAP has compelled the project's schedule to push me to live the call center life. This way, I get to work at a schedule that overlaps with the US' working hours. Hope this interim solution works... or else I would need to pull off my own version of "The Transported Man" First Act (The Pledge): I'll be the only person in the entire 12th floor. Creepy? I don't believe in moo moos.
In the next few weeks till the New Year, I will slowly transform into LeStat......'s protege. Care to ask why? Well, I'm supposed to be in Bluegrass County now for a business trip. Call it ill-timed, anyone would think it's very odd to be traveling AWAY from home at this time of the year when everyone's taking flights TO where home is. The thought of experiencing my would-be second winter is dreadful enough to make me hesitate from accepting the offer, but that actually wasn't heavy enough to tip the scale. The big ball 'n chain is the idea of spending Christmas away from home. Spending Christmas alone is sad and lonely enough (Had a bRRRRrrrry White Christmas last year!). If you enjoy the sight of snow falling outside the window with everything else frosty (just like in Chirstmas movies), I tell you snow amuses the ignorant for just 2 days.
And so I shall fly a few days after 2007 gets ushered in. In the meantime, my refusal to fly ASAP has compelled the project's schedule to push me to live the call center life. This way, I get to work at a schedule that overlaps with the US' working hours. Hope this interim solution works... or else I would need to pull off my own version of "The Transported Man" First Act (The Pledge): I'll be the only person in the entire 12th floor. Creepy? I don't believe in moo moos.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
ANONYMITY
No one wants to be a nobody. It's 3 freakn o clock AM here and what have I got to say this time. I just came from a game of DotA (I can't believe I got myself fixated to this) and I was about to hit the sack when I decided to check my mailbox. As if I don't have enough email in my office mailbox, I had to read those that come to my personal online pigeon hole. Life is indeed one big wheel. You see the contrasts of how people are living their lives. Up and down, round and round it goes. I've realized that most, if not all, that we do is to be somebody. Whether to be somebody means being somebody else or being our own ideal image. The fact remains that we all live our daily lives to be uniquely defined of some sort according to what we perceive ourselves ought to be.
This mundane existence so to speak is nothing more but a reflection of Achilles' quest - a name to echo for a thousand years. You realize that each one has quest to follow. One cannot say for sure that the weallthy are blissful, nor can you say that the smiles before you are true as they are. Neither can you say that the poor are dumb (Someone said that it takes a lot of intelligence to survive with nothing. I totally agree!), nor can you say that the weeping are doomed to cry oceans. No one stays there for long, because we all do something to change the state we are in. With each rise and fall, we learn something and that serves as another pebble to the castle that is our destiny. Everybody wants to be somebody or at least wish to be.
No one wants to be a nobody. It's 3 freakn o clock AM here and what have I got to say this time. I just came from a game of DotA (I can't believe I got myself fixated to this) and I was about to hit the sack when I decided to check my mailbox. As if I don't have enough email in my office mailbox, I had to read those that come to my personal online pigeon hole. Life is indeed one big wheel. You see the contrasts of how people are living their lives. Up and down, round and round it goes. I've realized that most, if not all, that we do is to be somebody. Whether to be somebody means being somebody else or being our own ideal image. The fact remains that we all live our daily lives to be uniquely defined of some sort according to what we perceive ourselves ought to be.
This mundane existence so to speak is nothing more but a reflection of Achilles' quest - a name to echo for a thousand years. You realize that each one has quest to follow. One cannot say for sure that the weallthy are blissful, nor can you say that the smiles before you are true as they are. Neither can you say that the poor are dumb (Someone said that it takes a lot of intelligence to survive with nothing. I totally agree!), nor can you say that the weeping are doomed to cry oceans. No one stays there for long, because we all do something to change the state we are in. With each rise and fall, we learn something and that serves as another pebble to the castle that is our destiny. Everybody wants to be somebody or at least wish to be.
Friday, November 10, 2006
THE CRUSADE OF OUR TIMES
"There is a lot of intelligence in being able to survive with nothing."
- spoken by a comedic European sponsor of Gawad Kalinga in an assembly to promote GK777
This statement was made by one sponsor who humored a crowd to solicit funds for GK777. I really had to process the depth of that statement to extract the underlying truth behind the humor. Today I watched a video clip shown by the company as part of how we give back to the communities we live in. It was an inspirational video of how GK777 has silently given light to those in the dark. The term was derived Gawad Kalinga's plan to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years.
And here's the icing to the cake:
"As a friend of mine helped me drive a nail deep into the coco lumber into the cement block. It took us 15 minutes to get that nail in. All sweaty, I realized that we were building a house for someone else. What about my own house? (Audience laughs) But then I thought to myself, They have nothing and I have given them a house. But I still have my best asset, my education (points to his head)"
- spoken by a co-employee as he recounts his experience as a voluteer for GK777
Would that merit an applause from you? Would you perhaps have the same realizations? It's all about perspective and how we define what is "valuable" to us.
"There is a lot of intelligence in being able to survive with nothing."
- spoken by a comedic European sponsor of Gawad Kalinga in an assembly to promote GK777
This statement was made by one sponsor who humored a crowd to solicit funds for GK777. I really had to process the depth of that statement to extract the underlying truth behind the humor. Today I watched a video clip shown by the company as part of how we give back to the communities we live in. It was an inspirational video of how GK777 has silently given light to those in the dark. The term was derived Gawad Kalinga's plan to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years.
And here's the icing to the cake:
"As a friend of mine helped me drive a nail deep into the coco lumber into the cement block. It took us 15 minutes to get that nail in. All sweaty, I realized that we were building a house for someone else. What about my own house? (Audience laughs) But then I thought to myself, They have nothing and I have given them a house. But I still have my best asset, my education (points to his head)"
- spoken by a co-employee as he recounts his experience as a voluteer for GK777
Would that merit an applause from you? Would you perhaps have the same realizations? It's all about perspective and how we define what is "valuable" to us.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
MOVIE LINES
"A king may move a man, a father may claim a son. But remember that, even when those who move you be kings or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say, 'But I was told by others to do thus' or that 'Virtue was not convenient at the time'. This will not suffice. Remember that."
- King Baldwin IV, Kingdom of Heaven
"A king may move a man, a father may claim a son. But remember that, even when those who move you be kings or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God you cannot say, 'But I was told by others to do thus' or that 'Virtue was not convenient at the time'. This will not suffice. Remember that."
- King Baldwin IV, Kingdom of Heaven
Saturday, October 28, 2006
TIME CAPSULE
I visited www.timecapsule.yahoo.com The welcome splash screen never ceases to amaze me. Click on the small images that revolve on the sphere. Move your pointer around it and see how the world turns to your whim. Indeed, UI has gone a long way from green screens that use asterisks, commas, semicolons, etc to give viewers a more presentable interface.
Jonathan Harris' creation made me realize something that could have been in his mind prior to making this wonder. We are so used to viewwing time capsules as devices that transport us through time in an instant. Well, he must have thought that time nowadays flies too fast for us to remember stuff. So years forward would still pass as "in an instant" Well, this time capsule works. It just doesn't go forward though. But if we can go from green screens to UIs such as this, maybe transporting to the future might not be too far away. I think I need some sleep.
I visited www.timecapsule.yahoo.com The welcome splash screen never ceases to amaze me. Click on the small images that revolve on the sphere. Move your pointer around it and see how the world turns to your whim. Indeed, UI has gone a long way from green screens that use asterisks, commas, semicolons, etc to give viewers a more presentable interface.
Jonathan Harris' creation made me realize something that could have been in his mind prior to making this wonder. We are so used to viewwing time capsules as devices that transport us through time in an instant. Well, he must have thought that time nowadays flies too fast for us to remember stuff. So years forward would still pass as "in an instant" Well, this time capsule works. It just doesn't go forward though. But if we can go from green screens to UIs such as this, maybe transporting to the future might not be too far away. I think I need some sleep.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
WHAT MATTERS
I had a chat late the other night with two managers who are in the US for a business trip. One is my immediate manager and the other was my previous immediate manager who is now my immediate manager's manager. I sure was sleepy and tired after a long day's work, but something happened that beats any espresso in perking me up. Here's the telecon snippet (not verbatim) of what happened. This is what I mean by what really matters more to me than enjoying my paycheck at the end of pay periods:
Top Manager: Yesterday, I was at the product launch of ******. When I saw the display panel, I knew that it was all John's code behind it.
Me: *speechless (I didn't see that coming!)
My Manager: Great job John! (My teamlead was now teasing me with funny comments from his desk. I was smiling ear to ear)
Me: Hehe Thanks. It would have also been nice to be there for the launch. It's great to know the product is finally out into the market.
My Manager: Yeah. We had ice cream and some food here. You should celebrate there too!
Me: It would be nicer if you share the ice cream and food with all of us once you get back here. hehehe (I meant, treat us with FREE food and ice cream once you get back)
Top Manager: You should be proud of your accomplishment. That printer just recently received 4 out of 5 stars from PC Mag (My team lead then shouts from his cubicle "Oh ano, promotion?")
My Team Lead: How about another trip to the US for John? (He knows I love the trips more than a promotion! I'm dead serious on that!!!!)
Top Manager: When John quits smoking.
Me: Actually, I have. It's been more than a month now. Ask my manager who's there beside you. (What else was I to say?)
Top Manager: AND when John gets himself a girlfriend (I could now hear my teamlead laughing hilariously from his desk)
Team Lead: Impossible!!! hahahaha
My Manager: LOL!
Me:I guess I will never see the light of day. hahaha! A simple NO would have been a good answer to the request. hahahaha!
My Manager: LOL!
Top Manager: LOL!
It's so nice to work with people who enjoy great laughs as well as making them. I've never laughed harder with anyone else more than I have with the people I work with.
In the job that I've kept for more than a year now, I've learned that what matters most are 5 things:
1. The relationships you cultivate with the people you work with;
2. The happiness you derive from both the skills you've polished and from monetary compensation;
3. How you carry yourself in various circumstances;
4. How you communicate your decisions and feelings;
5. Execution.
I had a chat late the other night with two managers who are in the US for a business trip. One is my immediate manager and the other was my previous immediate manager who is now my immediate manager's manager. I sure was sleepy and tired after a long day's work, but something happened that beats any espresso in perking me up. Here's the telecon snippet (not verbatim) of what happened. This is what I mean by what really matters more to me than enjoying my paycheck at the end of pay periods:
Top Manager: Yesterday, I was at the product launch of ******. When I saw the display panel, I knew that it was all John's code behind it.
Me: *speechless (I didn't see that coming!)
My Manager: Great job John! (My teamlead was now teasing me with funny comments from his desk. I was smiling ear to ear)
Me: Hehe Thanks. It would have also been nice to be there for the launch. It's great to know the product is finally out into the market.
My Manager: Yeah. We had ice cream and some food here. You should celebrate there too!
Me: It would be nicer if you share the ice cream and food with all of us once you get back here. hehehe (I meant, treat us with FREE food and ice cream once you get back)
Top Manager: You should be proud of your accomplishment. That printer just recently received 4 out of 5 stars from PC Mag (My team lead then shouts from his cubicle "Oh ano, promotion?")
My Team Lead: How about another trip to the US for John? (He knows I love the trips more than a promotion! I'm dead serious on that!!!!)
Top Manager: When John quits smoking.
Me: Actually, I have. It's been more than a month now. Ask my manager who's there beside you. (What else was I to say?)
Top Manager: AND when John gets himself a girlfriend (I could now hear my teamlead laughing hilariously from his desk)
Team Lead: Impossible!!! hahahaha
My Manager: LOL!
Me:I guess I will never see the light of day. hahaha! A simple NO would have been a good answer to the request. hahahaha!
My Manager: LOL!
Top Manager: LOL!
It's so nice to work with people who enjoy great laughs as well as making them. I've never laughed harder with anyone else more than I have with the people I work with.
In the job that I've kept for more than a year now, I've learned that what matters most are 5 things:
1. The relationships you cultivate with the people you work with;
2. The happiness you derive from both the skills you've polished and from monetary compensation;
3. How you carry yourself in various circumstances;
4. How you communicate your decisions and feelings;
5. Execution.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The "FF >>" Button
I think I've found the fast-forward-only time machine I've been looking for. Time flies fast when you're having a good time. Not that I'd like to jinx it, but I'm thankful I've gotten the right beat. And now to figure out a way to zap these headaches out everytime I have a good laugh.
I think I've found the fast-forward-only time machine I've been looking for. Time flies fast when you're having a good time. Not that I'd like to jinx it, but I'm thankful I've gotten the right beat. And now to figure out a way to zap these headaches out everytime I have a good laugh.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
MAKE SURE THE JUICE IS WORTH THE SQUEEZE
Ever wonder if what you are thinking or doing is ever worth the time and energy? Wouldn't it be a lot easier if you just go ahead and think and do what you want to without ever analyzing what it will be worth? I'm most likely to disagree. I believe in The Girl Next Door's saying, "Make sure the juice is worth the squeeze." I had an intellectual conversation with a friend of mine during his birthday party. And as we toured the city aimlessly before heading home, we talked about "Whether it is worth it." Is it worth thinking about the things in life or is it all about letting things unfold, thus acceptance? I seem to have found a lot of peace and stability in the latter. Why worry when you can just accept?
I sometimes wonder and even laugh at the idea that someone in our office praises me for a lot of things. It's flattering and nice to hear, but truthfully I oftentimes think that it is I who has a lot to learn from him. Maybe his only handicap is that he probably doesn't know he has what it takes. And what amazes me is that I actually might also be unaware of my very own potential. Well, to make it even, I'd say we have a lot to learn from our friendship. I believe there's still a huge difference between settling for less and accepting what there is. With acceptance, I've freed myself from unnecessary thinking. I've learned that you can't change much of the world yourself, but you can in your own way be different and thus spark change. Emotional stability is the prime result. Things become simpler, but I've noticed a side-effect. I have somehow lost taste as to what matters to me. It's like "If I can have it, then great. If not, then I have to accept and be fine without it." Whatever the outcome is, it matters not anymore because whatever the outcome is, I only have two choices: to accept or not to.
ON ACCEPTANCE
I've learned to....
Accept that with the people you hate, the best thing that could ever happen is for them to become your best friend and the ordinary would be that they remain as they are: the enemy. The worse is for any party to cause violence. Accept that the people you hold dear might just leave you out of the blue. Focus on the act and treat reason as an alibi or an escape tunnel. Don't let it distract you. The best thing to happen WAS for them not to in the first place and the worse would be for you to expect them to even look back. Accept that, like you, they have their own lives and they are probably just coping and living with it and so should you. Honor is something you rarely find nowadays. A friend once told me that he claims no best friend. I'm sure there was a good reason for it. Accept people for who they are and be wary whose feathers you choose to add to your own. Accept that those who care for you will continue to do so even if you've not been a bit close to being worthy of an ounce of it. Someone defined that as grace. You are how you deal with your own life. Your life is defined as your body and how it interacts with the environment around you. If you run from it, you are most certainly a coward not to have enough respect for your own worth. If you tread the rough tide, then you are a fighter my friend, but a friendly advice: be prepared to die for it. Figuratively and maybe literally so. If you just go along the flow, then do so without complain. They say change what you can change and accept what you can't. The second part of that sentence is the hardest thing to do. I've bled trying to prove it otherwise, but I learned that there is nothing heroic about doubting what is as certain as death and taxes.
Accept and hope others will too. But don't expect them to. It is not for you to decide. This is not preaching and was never intended to be taken as such. These are reflections which are intended to resound in my heart and mind... to constantly remind me of my worth.
Ever wonder if what you are thinking or doing is ever worth the time and energy? Wouldn't it be a lot easier if you just go ahead and think and do what you want to without ever analyzing what it will be worth? I'm most likely to disagree. I believe in The Girl Next Door's saying, "Make sure the juice is worth the squeeze." I had an intellectual conversation with a friend of mine during his birthday party. And as we toured the city aimlessly before heading home, we talked about "Whether it is worth it." Is it worth thinking about the things in life or is it all about letting things unfold, thus acceptance? I seem to have found a lot of peace and stability in the latter. Why worry when you can just accept?
I sometimes wonder and even laugh at the idea that someone in our office praises me for a lot of things. It's flattering and nice to hear, but truthfully I oftentimes think that it is I who has a lot to learn from him. Maybe his only handicap is that he probably doesn't know he has what it takes. And what amazes me is that I actually might also be unaware of my very own potential. Well, to make it even, I'd say we have a lot to learn from our friendship. I believe there's still a huge difference between settling for less and accepting what there is. With acceptance, I've freed myself from unnecessary thinking. I've learned that you can't change much of the world yourself, but you can in your own way be different and thus spark change. Emotional stability is the prime result. Things become simpler, but I've noticed a side-effect. I have somehow lost taste as to what matters to me. It's like "If I can have it, then great. If not, then I have to accept and be fine without it." Whatever the outcome is, it matters not anymore because whatever the outcome is, I only have two choices: to accept or not to.
ON ACCEPTANCE
I've learned to....
Accept that with the people you hate, the best thing that could ever happen is for them to become your best friend and the ordinary would be that they remain as they are: the enemy. The worse is for any party to cause violence. Accept that the people you hold dear might just leave you out of the blue. Focus on the act and treat reason as an alibi or an escape tunnel. Don't let it distract you. The best thing to happen WAS for them not to in the first place and the worse would be for you to expect them to even look back. Accept that, like you, they have their own lives and they are probably just coping and living with it and so should you. Honor is something you rarely find nowadays. A friend once told me that he claims no best friend. I'm sure there was a good reason for it. Accept people for who they are and be wary whose feathers you choose to add to your own. Accept that those who care for you will continue to do so even if you've not been a bit close to being worthy of an ounce of it. Someone defined that as grace. You are how you deal with your own life. Your life is defined as your body and how it interacts with the environment around you. If you run from it, you are most certainly a coward not to have enough respect for your own worth. If you tread the rough tide, then you are a fighter my friend, but a friendly advice: be prepared to die for it. Figuratively and maybe literally so. If you just go along the flow, then do so without complain. They say change what you can change and accept what you can't. The second part of that sentence is the hardest thing to do. I've bled trying to prove it otherwise, but I learned that there is nothing heroic about doubting what is as certain as death and taxes.
Accept and hope others will too. But don't expect them to. It is not for you to decide. This is not preaching and was never intended to be taken as such. These are reflections which are intended to resound in my heart and mind... to constantly remind me of my worth.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
MODERN
A lot would say, "It's a modern world." A lame excuse for just about anything. What makes today's world modern? Is it by the way the chip keeps getting smaller and faster? Is it by the convenience of email and wireless technology? I think the world hasn't changed much contrary to what many would claim.
The purpose of technology is to improve the quality of life of man. Other than the medical field, I believe that technology has made life more complex. With faster means of communication, it's difficult to control where emails go... how fast viruses multiply... who has access to such media content. As new gadgets arrive in the market, the more we thirst for "better". Ages ago, a simple Nomad would have sufficed as a mobile jukebox. Now it's should be an MP3 player that is at the same time a USB drive, that is also a cellphone (should be 3G-capable), that also has a builtin 3MP camera. Talk about complexity. A split-second snatch unfortunately gets the gadget stolen and your life becomes a total mess. The rare MP3 tracks, the phonebook contact entries, the photos with sentimental value, the files! With the loss, the 40K something cost of the device wouldn't even hurt you a bit.
A modern world is one where things are in their right places. Brains are things. As I grew older, I realized that it is very important for ones mindset to be in the right place. I continually strive to have it synced to what is important and what is right. I believe that life gets simpler and more convenient if we all know what is universally important at any given situation. Life is a big market where you make tradeoffs, sacrifices, and various exchanges. And in this market, the currency is not in peso or dollars... it's in utils of happiness. Till then, the world remains the same: crude.
A lot would say, "It's a modern world." A lame excuse for just about anything. What makes today's world modern? Is it by the way the chip keeps getting smaller and faster? Is it by the convenience of email and wireless technology? I think the world hasn't changed much contrary to what many would claim.
The purpose of technology is to improve the quality of life of man. Other than the medical field, I believe that technology has made life more complex. With faster means of communication, it's difficult to control where emails go... how fast viruses multiply... who has access to such media content. As new gadgets arrive in the market, the more we thirst for "better". Ages ago, a simple Nomad would have sufficed as a mobile jukebox. Now it's should be an MP3 player that is at the same time a USB drive, that is also a cellphone (should be 3G-capable), that also has a builtin 3MP camera. Talk about complexity. A split-second snatch unfortunately gets the gadget stolen and your life becomes a total mess. The rare MP3 tracks, the phonebook contact entries, the photos with sentimental value, the files! With the loss, the 40K something cost of the device wouldn't even hurt you a bit.
A modern world is one where things are in their right places. Brains are things. As I grew older, I realized that it is very important for ones mindset to be in the right place. I continually strive to have it synced to what is important and what is right. I believe that life gets simpler and more convenient if we all know what is universally important at any given situation. Life is a big market where you make tradeoffs, sacrifices, and various exchanges. And in this market, the currency is not in peso or dollars... it's in utils of happiness. Till then, the world remains the same: crude.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
THIRD EYE VIEW
Some of us in the office gathered around my desk just to chat while waiting for the rest to join us for lunch. We discussed about the use of vacation leaves (VLs). Since we're already into the BER months, it is just right to be contemplating about vacation. One of us said he'll be visiting Australia for more than a week and he was asking if it was possible to take a leave longer than the allowed 12 VLs. Sure, but with permission from management (which is almost always a yes, especially for hardworking employees like him). And then he went on saying that he plans to migrate there someday because he has relatives there who also work as programmers and engineers. Out of the blue, he asked me what my future plan was. And before I could give him a quick answer, he added whether I'd be contented with just staying here in Cebu. My brain froze and I forgot what my answer was gonna be. I stared at him speechless wondering at the wonder that I was not able to say something.
Years ago, I had great plans for life beyond. Now, I could say that the idealist in me must have died. This could be something good. I've seen the ways of the world and how reality bites you in the ass the moment you start daydreaming and drawing fairies in the air. I then realized that I'm actually living life on a per day basis.
I think the future plans aren't totally lost. They probably got misplaced in the rubble. For now, what I do is just the default KKK, work, save, and technology research. I believe I'm not the only one in this and maybe now I could say it's more beautiful backstage. For many months now, I've been keenly observing people; mostly officemates and people whose lives matter to me. I'm learning new approaches and new alternatives; doing away with what was routinary and common. Time with family and friends has never been this great. I get to laugh till my head hurts and talk stuff till I no longer make sense.
In my years, I haven't had the chance to find people who are worthy to be called my role models or to say "It would be great to be as as !". In a year, I've found three. It's nice to have someone to look up to. I now know how it feels.
Some of us in the office gathered around my desk just to chat while waiting for the rest to join us for lunch. We discussed about the use of vacation leaves (VLs). Since we're already into the BER months, it is just right to be contemplating about vacation. One of us said he'll be visiting Australia for more than a week and he was asking if it was possible to take a leave longer than the allowed 12 VLs. Sure, but with permission from management (which is almost always a yes, especially for hardworking employees like him). And then he went on saying that he plans to migrate there someday because he has relatives there who also work as programmers and engineers. Out of the blue, he asked me what my future plan was. And before I could give him a quick answer, he added whether I'd be contented with just staying here in Cebu. My brain froze and I forgot what my answer was gonna be. I stared at him speechless wondering at the wonder that I was not able to say something.
Years ago, I had great plans for life beyond. Now, I could say that the idealist in me must have died. This could be something good. I've seen the ways of the world and how reality bites you in the ass the moment you start daydreaming and drawing fairies in the air. I then realized that I'm actually living life on a per day basis.
I think the future plans aren't totally lost. They probably got misplaced in the rubble. For now, what I do is just the default KKK, work, save, and technology research. I believe I'm not the only one in this and maybe now I could say it's more beautiful backstage. For many months now, I've been keenly observing people; mostly officemates and people whose lives matter to me. I'm learning new approaches and new alternatives; doing away with what was routinary and common. Time with family and friends has never been this great. I get to laugh till my head hurts and talk stuff till I no longer make sense.
In my years, I haven't had the chance to find people who are worthy to be called my role models or to say "It would be great to be as
Monday, September 25, 2006
SEASONS OF LOVE
525,600 minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee, in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife? How about love?... Measure in love. Seasons of love.
I don't get it actually. How do I measure a year? Hmmm... perhaps the number of times I turn on my laptop?
I couldn't resist the nagging urge to actually count how many minutes there are in a year. 365 (days/year) X 24 (hours/day) X 60 (minutes/hour) = 525,600 minutes/year. Turns out they're right! Forget the 1/4 day a year.
It started as an MP3 download request from one of my favorite colleagues. And then it turns into these unusual and involuntary hums in the office. (I can't believe I'm not spared from LSS) And then comes the lyrics courtesy of good 'ol Google. Fill-in-the-lyrics at the elevator hallway everytime we cross paths; A full blown presentation at POD5 (score 89) as he graduates from "The Berks" and crosses over to "The Dark Side" as he's now the newest addition to the management team. And next thing you know, it evolves into a sudden fascination for Broadway. Should have gone to a show at NYC... or perhaps get a ticket to see the Rent show in Chicago. Tsk... The camera sure gets glued to my hands when I'm in foreign territory.
Speaking of Seasons, I badly need a Fast Forward Button. 01|01|2010 please.
525,600 minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee, in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife? How about love?... Measure in love. Seasons of love.
I don't get it actually. How do I measure a year? Hmmm... perhaps the number of times I turn on my laptop?
I couldn't resist the nagging urge to actually count how many minutes there are in a year. 365 (days/year) X 24 (hours/day) X 60 (minutes/hour) = 525,600 minutes/year. Turns out they're right! Forget the 1/4 day a year.
It started as an MP3 download request from one of my favorite colleagues. And then it turns into these unusual and involuntary hums in the office. (I can't believe I'm not spared from LSS) And then comes the lyrics courtesy of good 'ol Google. Fill-in-the-lyrics at the elevator hallway everytime we cross paths; A full blown presentation at POD5 (score 89) as he graduates from "The Berks" and crosses over to "The Dark Side" as he's now the newest addition to the management team. And next thing you know, it evolves into a sudden fascination for Broadway. Should have gone to a show at NYC... or perhaps get a ticket to see the Rent show in Chicago. Tsk... The camera sure gets glued to my hands when I'm in foreign territory.
Speaking of Seasons, I badly need a Fast Forward Button. 01|01|2010 please.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
A Test of Willpower
It is oftentimes important to test how far you can go in keeping your word... or reigning in your horses when you have been accustomed to doing something that's actually getting you nowhere. Try new things, ditch the old routine and start anew.
In the past, I've been asked of a cure for an addiction; be it alcoholism, smoking, gambling and even the urge of swiping that credit card. Yeah, that's an addiction alright, not to mention the effects it has on your financial well-being (unless you and Paris share the same dad).
A low cost solution is not a trip to the therapist nor to the bookstore. A NO-COST solution is found just within you. Willpower. You actually become creative when you fight back an urge. A friend of mine transitioned from Absolut! to Mudshake to hot chocolate. Amazing! The trick in managing bad habits is to exactly know how far you can go till you say you've lost control. That's why it's tolerable to be a social drinker/smoker/gambler... seasonal shopper (Sale!). Though totally not being one is best... but we are humans and sometimes our minds tell us that things like these make us more human. Dare ask a drunk for a litany of reasons why he loves the state he is in. You'll get more than what I've just mentioned. So it's all about drawing the line. Knowing how far you can go with something and whether you are still able to say "I'm getting bored with this. It's about time I quit."
So today, I'm letting go of one nasty habit. Let's see how I fare. I know I'll be successful. That's step 1.
It is oftentimes important to test how far you can go in keeping your word... or reigning in your horses when you have been accustomed to doing something that's actually getting you nowhere. Try new things, ditch the old routine and start anew.
In the past, I've been asked of a cure for an addiction; be it alcoholism, smoking, gambling and even the urge of swiping that credit card. Yeah, that's an addiction alright, not to mention the effects it has on your financial well-being (unless you and Paris share the same dad).
A low cost solution is not a trip to the therapist nor to the bookstore. A NO-COST solution is found just within you. Willpower. You actually become creative when you fight back an urge. A friend of mine transitioned from Absolut! to Mudshake to hot chocolate. Amazing! The trick in managing bad habits is to exactly know how far you can go till you say you've lost control. That's why it's tolerable to be a social drinker/smoker/gambler... seasonal shopper (Sale!). Though totally not being one is best... but we are humans and sometimes our minds tell us that things like these make us more human. Dare ask a drunk for a litany of reasons why he loves the state he is in. You'll get more than what I've just mentioned. So it's all about drawing the line. Knowing how far you can go with something and whether you are still able to say "I'm getting bored with this. It's about time I quit."
So today, I'm letting go of one nasty habit. Let's see how I fare. I know I'll be successful. That's step 1.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
"FLOWERIZING" FLOWERS
Tonight, my brain let out a jolt. It's funny how it conjures up all this bullcrap that actually makes sense come to think of it. It asked, "Who wouldn't be glad to receive flowers?" (Of all random questions, why that???) And it came up with two compelling answers that surely blew a number of fuses to get to these: (Enjoy the complexity, the raw, gramatically-challenged line of thought!)
1. A seriously ill person with a mind that has been illness-degraded, and perhaps pessimistic already prior to such ill condition; a mind that thinks that being given flowers is a sign that he/she will die. In short, one sick quack o' wacko.
FYI: There's a huge difference in calling someone "ill" vs "sick". Use the right term.
2. A person who receives it from someone who is defined as an enemy or has causa priori to inflict possible future damage or harm. For this condition to fully answer the expectations of the question, the flowers given must either be any of the three arrangements: 1. An assortment with fresh crysanthemums 2. An assortment with dead crysanthemums 3. Any assortment that is olfactory-offensive; dead stinkin' flowers, bluntly put. In short, one over-analyzing, paranoid freak.
Flowery enough for 'ya? Blow me!
Tonight, my brain let out a jolt. It's funny how it conjures up all this bullcrap that actually makes sense come to think of it. It asked, "Who wouldn't be glad to receive flowers?" (Of all random questions, why that???) And it came up with two compelling answers that surely blew a number of fuses to get to these: (Enjoy the complexity, the raw, gramatically-challenged line of thought!)
1. A seriously ill person with a mind that has been illness-degraded, and perhaps pessimistic already prior to such ill condition; a mind that thinks that being given flowers is a sign that he/she will die. In short, one sick quack o' wacko.
FYI: There's a huge difference in calling someone "ill" vs "sick". Use the right term.
2. A person who receives it from someone who is defined as an enemy or has causa priori to inflict possible future damage or harm. For this condition to fully answer the expectations of the question, the flowers given must either be any of the three arrangements: 1. An assortment with fresh crysanthemums 2. An assortment with dead crysanthemums 3. Any assortment that is olfactory-offensive; dead stinkin' flowers, bluntly put. In short, one over-analyzing, paranoid freak.
Flowery enough for 'ya? Blow me!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
TIMER TICKS
What happens when you have a processor that services too many interrupts than it could handle? It misses one and you get a watchdog error just in time before everything gets really nasty. There are lot of critical checks and balances in computer systems. It amazes me at how intelligent they are now. And I could only wonder whether humans have it too. As we speak, Bill and Steve must be overclocking their "brains" to come out with more intelligent and robust systems.
Do we have our own watchdog timer? Let's say at a given point, your mind is thinking of so many things. You have your deadlines, meetings, family gatherings, "gimik" with office chaps, out-of-town trips with the good 'ol buddies, business opportunities to discuss, relationships to build, finances to balance... the list could go on. Prioritize. Yes, but the computer does that too. Pace yourself? To a computer, lowering that clock speed or pipe bandwidth would mean loss of efficiency. I think Mr. Enriquez' tip came true. I could never forget the tip he gave me outside high school computer class. He said, "To be good with computers, you must go down to their level and THINK like them." For 8 years, following the tip did wonders for my understanding of the world of computers. And adhering to the tip for 8 years now, THINKING like a computer MADE me into one? tsk tsk tsk I still believe humans are smarter than computers. They just do more things at shorter times than humans. But without a voltage or current supply, they are pieces of metal and silica.
The question is, do we have a watchdog timer in us that tells us, "Hey, you're at your highest efficiency now considering all those tasks you are juggling all at once. You're one amazing multi-tasking fella, no doubt about that... but hey, you missed one request there and the poor thing just walked away feeling less important. I believe I have to stop what you are doing till someone figures out why you missed that... or till they all understand your limits."
Life has opened its horizons before me. So many choices... so many interesting opportunities that come... everyday. Everytime I do my work in the office, the more innovative ideas come to mind. Edison must have felt the same way when he invented the light bulb. Could he have thought that with the light bulb he has built, he could take it further... from large spotlights as powerful as Luxor's beam towering over Vegas... to the minute-sized pixel we see in today's LCD, plasma and HDTV screens? So can I make printers smarter? Endless possibilities.
Sometimes when someone walks over my desk and admire at the way I do Powerpoint slides, I ask myself... could I take this further into developing multimedia content where I could personalize services like those you see in Minority Report? Maybe so. Or when someone asks me to write a speech for them to deliver before a large audience, I ask myself... could I take this further and become a more diplomatic Bush and talk Mr. O out into making peace with America and the world for good... or could be the other way... be the Mr. O who doesn't twist Islam to justify his reign of terror and convince America to be more humble with its might, to serve more than showing off...by being setting a good example myself.
And when someone talks business stuff with me... will this concept work and could this humble beginning be similar to the ice cream parlor that Jollibee once was. It could. And when some fellas try to convince me and a friend to consider dating at this point in time, we wonder at our readiness. Sometimes gut feeling tells me, "This one is THE gift from Heaven for you... Your missing rib." And at other times I just pray that the right gift is one that is the right thing at the right time. Taking it either way still brings endless possibilities.
When I catch up with friends about the happenings in their lives, I am amazed to note that they too are experiencing the same... they watch the night sky and lo and behold! the vast universe appears before heir eyes. Endless possibilities.
So the question remains, can we maintain the same level of efficiency and service all that comes our way? Most likely not. Even processors have limits. But what acts as man's watchdog timer? What tells him that he missed something that's part of the big picture? A reality check? Is falling illl man's way of manifesting a watchdog error? If so, then what limits man in his quest for endless possibilities is his physical limit... mind and body.
What happens when you have a processor that services too many interrupts than it could handle? It misses one and you get a watchdog error just in time before everything gets really nasty. There are lot of critical checks and balances in computer systems. It amazes me at how intelligent they are now. And I could only wonder whether humans have it too. As we speak, Bill and Steve must be overclocking their "brains" to come out with more intelligent and robust systems.
Do we have our own watchdog timer? Let's say at a given point, your mind is thinking of so many things. You have your deadlines, meetings, family gatherings, "gimik" with office chaps, out-of-town trips with the good 'ol buddies, business opportunities to discuss, relationships to build, finances to balance... the list could go on. Prioritize. Yes, but the computer does that too. Pace yourself? To a computer, lowering that clock speed or pipe bandwidth would mean loss of efficiency. I think Mr. Enriquez' tip came true. I could never forget the tip he gave me outside high school computer class. He said, "To be good with computers, you must go down to their level and THINK like them." For 8 years, following the tip did wonders for my understanding of the world of computers. And adhering to the tip for 8 years now, THINKING like a computer MADE me into one? tsk tsk tsk I still believe humans are smarter than computers. They just do more things at shorter times than humans. But without a voltage or current supply, they are pieces of metal and silica.
The question is, do we have a watchdog timer in us that tells us, "Hey, you're at your highest efficiency now considering all those tasks you are juggling all at once. You're one amazing multi-tasking fella, no doubt about that... but hey, you missed one request there and the poor thing just walked away feeling less important. I believe I have to stop what you are doing till someone figures out why you missed that... or till they all understand your limits."
Life has opened its horizons before me. So many choices... so many interesting opportunities that come... everyday. Everytime I do my work in the office, the more innovative ideas come to mind. Edison must have felt the same way when he invented the light bulb. Could he have thought that with the light bulb he has built, he could take it further... from large spotlights as powerful as Luxor's beam towering over Vegas... to the minute-sized pixel we see in today's LCD, plasma and HDTV screens? So can I make printers smarter? Endless possibilities.
Sometimes when someone walks over my desk and admire at the way I do Powerpoint slides, I ask myself... could I take this further into developing multimedia content where I could personalize services like those you see in Minority Report? Maybe so. Or when someone asks me to write a speech for them to deliver before a large audience, I ask myself... could I take this further and become a more diplomatic Bush and talk Mr. O out into making peace with America and the world for good... or could be the other way... be the Mr. O who doesn't twist Islam to justify his reign of terror and convince America to be more humble with its might, to serve more than showing off...by being setting a good example myself.
And when someone talks business stuff with me... will this concept work and could this humble beginning be similar to the ice cream parlor that Jollibee once was. It could. And when some fellas try to convince me and a friend to consider dating at this point in time, we wonder at our readiness. Sometimes gut feeling tells me, "This one is THE gift from Heaven for you... Your missing rib." And at other times I just pray that the right gift is one that is the right thing at the right time. Taking it either way still brings endless possibilities.
When I catch up with friends about the happenings in their lives, I am amazed to note that they too are experiencing the same... they watch the night sky and lo and behold! the vast universe appears before heir eyes. Endless possibilities.
So the question remains, can we maintain the same level of efficiency and service all that comes our way? Most likely not. Even processors have limits. But what acts as man's watchdog timer? What tells him that he missed something that's part of the big picture? A reality check? Is falling illl man's way of manifesting a watchdog error? If so, then what limits man in his quest for endless possibilities is his physical limit... mind and body.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Understanding the PLAN
Things just keep on coming and we can only do so much as to go with the flow or oppose it. Going and opposing, each has its own merits and there's no certainty as to which is right. Whichever road we take, there will always be consequences both "good" and "bad" *defined subjectively. Nothing ever happened out of chance but all things come with a purpose. And that purpose will perhaps be clear to us only if we take that imaginary leap forward in time and care to fathom how far it has taken us. Sometimes the purpose remains unknown till the sands of time is over. Maybe it no longer matters then, because we have already lost track of the numerous bridges we've crossed. Built... burnt... many bridges; too many to account for each state. Doesn't really matter anymore what started it all. What's built is built. What's burnt is burnt. Rebuilding the burnt and burning the built is of another story yet to be composed. What matters is where and how far the currents have taken us.
Everyday we make choices. Doing something about it, letting it pass us by, analyzing before making the next move, staying stuck waiting for a miracle. These are just some to name a few. But one thing's for sure: with whichever choice, we are taken someplace else. Missing the train can be a stroke of luck. Catching the train can also be a stroke of luck. All these belong to the fabric we call our daily lives. The stitches can only be understood looking at the quilt when it is done.
Things just keep on coming and we can only do so much as to go with the flow or oppose it. Going and opposing, each has its own merits and there's no certainty as to which is right. Whichever road we take, there will always be consequences both "good" and "bad" *defined subjectively. Nothing ever happened out of chance but all things come with a purpose. And that purpose will perhaps be clear to us only if we take that imaginary leap forward in time and care to fathom how far it has taken us. Sometimes the purpose remains unknown till the sands of time is over. Maybe it no longer matters then, because we have already lost track of the numerous bridges we've crossed. Built... burnt... many bridges; too many to account for each state. Doesn't really matter anymore what started it all. What's built is built. What's burnt is burnt. Rebuilding the burnt and burning the built is of another story yet to be composed. What matters is where and how far the currents have taken us.
Everyday we make choices. Doing something about it, letting it pass us by, analyzing before making the next move, staying stuck waiting for a miracle. These are just some to name a few. But one thing's for sure: with whichever choice, we are taken someplace else. Missing the train can be a stroke of luck. Catching the train can also be a stroke of luck. All these belong to the fabric we call our daily lives. The stitches can only be understood looking at the quilt when it is done.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
F-U-N Night
Don't bother what the DAY had to offer... It's the same as any weekday... but still fun.
ToNIGHT I went out with a friend whom I haven't seen for nearly half a decade. She's leaving town... and country to migrate to Canada for good. I am happy that she has this opportunity to find greener pastures someplace else. In as much as I want to still be patriotic, I think grass in the North American continent is greener than here. Sad fact but I'm basing it just on what I know and what I've experienced. I could only wish her the best and hope someday I would have the same fortune as well. So we made the most of the night out by hopping from Ayala to Formo then to POD5. She brought along her boyfriend from Manila and a classmate from UP Cebu. So we had lots of laugh at Formo over stories she shared from her stint at UP Dil. Paella was great... maybe that was better than Aranos' famous paella. I now think so. Then at POD5, we just had super duper fun. Bloopers maxed out! definitely one heck of a nightout on a weekday...
Just got home and I'm hitting the sack now 'coz got work tomorrow... 8AM
Don't bother what the DAY had to offer... It's the same as any weekday... but still fun.
ToNIGHT I went out with a friend whom I haven't seen for nearly half a decade. She's leaving town... and country to migrate to Canada for good. I am happy that she has this opportunity to find greener pastures someplace else. In as much as I want to still be patriotic, I think grass in the North American continent is greener than here. Sad fact but I'm basing it just on what I know and what I've experienced. I could only wish her the best and hope someday I would have the same fortune as well. So we made the most of the night out by hopping from Ayala to Formo then to POD5. She brought along her boyfriend from Manila and a classmate from UP Cebu. So we had lots of laugh at Formo over stories she shared from her stint at UP Dil. Paella was great... maybe that was better than Aranos' famous paella. I now think so. Then at POD5, we just had super duper fun. Bloopers maxed out! definitely one heck of a nightout on a weekday...
Just got home and I'm hitting the sack now 'coz got work tomorrow... 8AM
Monday, August 28, 2006
SIMPLICITY ISN'T AS SIMPLE AS IT IS DEFINED... (or is it?)
The definition of simplicity evolves as one moves from one stage in life to another. (does it?) To a child, simplicity might just be playing with toys, listening to bedtime stories as daddy or mommy tucks him to sleep, watching cartoons and perhaps just peeking out the window all day from his bed. To a teenager, simplicity might just be relating with family, seeing friends at school, studying or perhaps just reading a good book at home. To an adult, would all those still define simplicity? I would hope so. But from what I've experienced, I can't afford such simplicities. How much is it worth?
It strikes me that nowadays I ponder at what living a simple life means. I want one (who doesn't?) I occasionally converse with people trying to understand what living a simple life means to them. Are they happy... are they contented? Or do they say they are for the lack of knowing that life could offer them something better? Even if they are aware of that, do they say they are contented because they getting out of their comfort zone would be too much risk? Is there even a "better" or does wanting such contradict what contentment really means. I'm unsure whether I am living a simple life or whether I am having a complicated one... or much worse I complicate the simple life I already have. I think many would think (and I too think the same) that it's the latter. I dunno. Most often than not, I believe that I could do so much more but just don't know what I still can do. I think there is more but for the lack of knowing what lies ahead, all I can do is think "What else is there?" Maybe I just defined COMPLICATION instead of looking for the definition of SIMPLICITY. Curious, I am indeed.
The definition of simplicity evolves as one moves from one stage in life to another. (does it?) To a child, simplicity might just be playing with toys, listening to bedtime stories as daddy or mommy tucks him to sleep, watching cartoons and perhaps just peeking out the window all day from his bed. To a teenager, simplicity might just be relating with family, seeing friends at school, studying or perhaps just reading a good book at home. To an adult, would all those still define simplicity? I would hope so. But from what I've experienced, I can't afford such simplicities. How much is it worth?
It strikes me that nowadays I ponder at what living a simple life means. I want one (who doesn't?) I occasionally converse with people trying to understand what living a simple life means to them. Are they happy... are they contented? Or do they say they are for the lack of knowing that life could offer them something better? Even if they are aware of that, do they say they are contented because they getting out of their comfort zone would be too much risk? Is there even a "better" or does wanting such contradict what contentment really means. I'm unsure whether I am living a simple life or whether I am having a complicated one... or much worse I complicate the simple life I already have. I think many would think (and I too think the same) that it's the latter. I dunno. Most often than not, I believe that I could do so much more but just don't know what I still can do. I think there is more but for the lack of knowing what lies ahead, all I can do is think "What else is there?" Maybe I just defined COMPLICATION instead of looking for the definition of SIMPLICITY. Curious, I am indeed.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
This town aint big enough for...
Is it a good thing or a bad thing that this town is just so small? I feel that this place is closing down on me like some torture chamber with 4 walls moving nowhere but towards me. So squish me and let us get this over and done with... It's rather interesting that this place which I so once loved is starting to haunt me like one gigantic nightmare. Could this be that I spent too many years here already that I no longer get a kick out of it anymore? Is it high time that I leave and start anew someplace? Does it have something to do with my age? Or is population in this place growing rapidly? Are people nowadays too friendly that everyone seems to know just about everyone? I think it would make more sense to me if I just blamed it on my years of residency, thus blaming my age. That would close the issue and it would definitely save me more braincells by not having to think about it anymore. Lately I feel so helpless at so many things... accept, accept and accept... change what you can, accept those that you can't... wuuuuuu..... zaaaaaa...
Is it a good thing or a bad thing that this town is just so small? I feel that this place is closing down on me like some torture chamber with 4 walls moving nowhere but towards me. So squish me and let us get this over and done with... It's rather interesting that this place which I so once loved is starting to haunt me like one gigantic nightmare. Could this be that I spent too many years here already that I no longer get a kick out of it anymore? Is it high time that I leave and start anew someplace? Does it have something to do with my age? Or is population in this place growing rapidly? Are people nowadays too friendly that everyone seems to know just about everyone? I think it would make more sense to me if I just blamed it on my years of residency, thus blaming my age. That would close the issue and it would definitely save me more braincells by not having to think about it anymore. Lately I feel so helpless at so many things... accept, accept and accept... change what you can, accept those that you can't... wuuuuuu..... zaaaaaa...
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
"Ang buhay ay parang gulong... minsan nasa taas... minsan... nasa vulcanizing shop", a friend of mine would say. I'd say life is a journey into the unknown; a journey with a lot of givens yet what is required remains oblivious to most of us. Not all givens are useful. They could just be there to distract you from the real focus, a mathematics professor once tipped me.
The beauty of contrast: To the artist, it may be how the colors compete for attention. To the blind, it may be the unique sound of footsteps that tells him he is home. To the seeker, it is that sparkt in the dark that signals he is bound to find some treasure there. It is with contrast that we know what stands out from the dull rest. It is with contrast that we affirm what we really want in life. We all seek for something that is unique; not something our next door neighbor has or could have. We all seek our own elusive happiness, which only a few of us ever really find. You get what you settle for.
The beauty of contrast: To the artist, it may be how the colors compete for attention. To the blind, it may be the unique sound of footsteps that tells him he is home. To the seeker, it is that sparkt in the dark that signals he is bound to find some treasure there. It is with contrast that we know what stands out from the dull rest. It is with contrast that we affirm what we really want in life. We all seek for something that is unique; not something our next door neighbor has or could have. We all seek our own elusive happiness, which only a few of us ever really find. You get what you settle for.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
"Birds of the same feather flock together..." I know that people are not birds, so this analogy wouldn't apply to humans.... but I think there's a lot of wisdom and discernment when one believes in it. Most people often see the negative first saying "Oh... that's stereotyping... that can't be good." But in what world does one live in if he has a counter argument all the time? I believe people need to think deep first before saying something. It makes more sense that way.
Realists vs Idealists
It's a real world out there and there's no such thing as an ideal. Correct! But it doesn't mean one should stop striving for the ideal. It doesn't mean that an athlete that sprained his ankle in the middle of a race can't strive to finish it. Moments like these are what you call pure passion. Idealists are governed by a goal... and such a goal is the drive that pushes them beyond the ordinary. They may not get what they want most of the time, but when they hit a mark, they hit it with accuracy and precision. They live longer too since they are more optimistic. Realists, on the other hand, are almost always correct. They judge things the way they are in accordance to what is "practical". There's no point arguing with them because you'd probably lose a bet with them most of the time. But they're mediocre... content with how things are and unwilling to shake the balance or serenity they have found in their lives. There's nothing more than everyday routine.
So would you rather be correct than be the odd one who thinks different? Will you settle or will you think there's more to what you experienced? Would you rather live long for a goal which you might never eventually reach, or live life knowing that every move you make is a goal in itself? there are more questions to it... and the answers yet to be weighed. I don't think the scale would show all points on one side and none on the other. It would be some here and some there... but the scale has to tip to one direction. What does it show on your scale?
Realists vs Idealists
It's a real world out there and there's no such thing as an ideal. Correct! But it doesn't mean one should stop striving for the ideal. It doesn't mean that an athlete that sprained his ankle in the middle of a race can't strive to finish it. Moments like these are what you call pure passion. Idealists are governed by a goal... and such a goal is the drive that pushes them beyond the ordinary. They may not get what they want most of the time, but when they hit a mark, they hit it with accuracy and precision. They live longer too since they are more optimistic. Realists, on the other hand, are almost always correct. They judge things the way they are in accordance to what is "practical". There's no point arguing with them because you'd probably lose a bet with them most of the time. But they're mediocre... content with how things are and unwilling to shake the balance or serenity they have found in their lives. There's nothing more than everyday routine.
So would you rather be correct than be the odd one who thinks different? Will you settle or will you think there's more to what you experienced? Would you rather live long for a goal which you might never eventually reach, or live life knowing that every move you make is a goal in itself? there are more questions to it... and the answers yet to be weighed. I don't think the scale would show all points on one side and none on the other. It would be some here and some there... but the scale has to tip to one direction. What does it show on your scale?
Saturday, February 04, 2006
When pictures can say a thousand words, it still leaves a lot of room for pondering. I visited a photo site in search for clues to a past (If there ever was one). And seems I can't find remnants of me being in those time-lapsed artifacts. Time could turn rock to sand and the wind scatter the fragments till no trace of it is left. We live our lives and the world doesn't stop living its own either. No wonder we love movies, because it has the capacity to distort time and space. I guess it's all about rowing your boat wherever the rapids take you. You can't blame much of yesterday nor can you withhold today for bits of tomorrow. Now is the time.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Breathtaking Moments
The phone rings... wrong number. Nonetheless, it could pass as my wake up call. It is time to hear mass afterall. As I crawl my way amidst a labyrinth of pillows, I am greeted by a spectacular view of hail and icefall by the window. I must have gotten out from the wrong side of the bed. "There's no way I could go to church without getting bruised." Curious me, I opened the door nonetheless, and a huge piece of ice came tumbling indoors. And before I could turn around and seal the door shut, the wind whirls to a halt and suddenly it's like the first day of Spring. Simply breathtaking. Then I wonder, did I just wake up on the wrong side of the bed or am I still asleep, dreaming. Forces of Nature.
The phone rings... wrong number. Nonetheless, it could pass as my wake up call. It is time to hear mass afterall. As I crawl my way amidst a labyrinth of pillows, I am greeted by a spectacular view of hail and icefall by the window. I must have gotten out from the wrong side of the bed. "There's no way I could go to church without getting bruised." Curious me, I opened the door nonetheless, and a huge piece of ice came tumbling indoors. And before I could turn around and seal the door shut, the wind whirls to a halt and suddenly it's like the first day of Spring. Simply breathtaking. Then I wonder, did I just wake up on the wrong side of the bed or am I still asleep, dreaming. Forces of Nature.