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.