Honoring Santo Nino de Cebu

          This coming 3rd Sunday of the month, one of the most popular fiesta celebrations in the Philippines will be commemorated. Sinulog festival will be held in honour of the Holy Child. Not just being celebrated by the local Cebuano people, but this festival is so popular that it annually attracts many visitors every time that it is held. Sharing with you here a short history of the Holy Image.

"           The Santo Nino de Cebu (Cebuano: Balaang Bata sa Sugbu, Filipino: Batang Bana ng Cebu, Spanish: Santo Nino de Cebu) is a Roman Catholic title of a statue of the Child Jesus in Cebu City of Philippines. The image is venerated as miraculous by many Filipino Catholics. It is one of the oldest Christian relics in the Philippines, originally given in 1521 as a gift by explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon and his wife when he landed on the island. 

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          The statue measures approximately twelve inches tall, is made of a dark wood in baroque style and depicts the Child Jesus as a king dressed like Spanish royalty. The statue is clothed in rich fabrics, wears jewelry such as gilded neck chain and bears imperial regala including a gold crown, globus cruciger, and various sceptres mostly donated by devotees. (Source: Wikipedia- the Free Encyclopedia)

          It is said that this image of the Holy Child is a miraculous one thus many devotees come and visit it at the Basilica Menor del Sto. Nino. These devotees believe that whatever prayers, needs, thanksgiving etc. that they extend to the Holy Child will be heard and answered. Nowadays, this festival is becoming so popular that it is now celebrated outside of Cebu like in Melbourne, Australia and other places. 

                               

The Importance of Being Happy

Guest Post:

Have you ever thought that happiness is an integral part of our life? For many people happiness is tightly connected with material things and well-being. However, there real meaning of this concept consist of spirituality.

Very seldom we pay attention to the fact that happiness is around us. You can find it in the smile of the stranger, in the rainbow, in the beauty of the nature. To be happy, you need to find inspiration in the things you do. For example,try to do something new every day. Today, you may start painting (even if you can't), tomorrow you can learn how to cook some dishes, etc. The wind of changes will inspire you and you will feel yourself confident and happy. 

Pay attention to the things that surround you and pay attention to the details. There are so many amazing events and moments! Open your heart to the world and you will see that life is an incredible thing, and you should be happy every day.

Be grateful for the things you have, and you will learn how to value every minute. Life is short, that is why it is important to be happy every minute. Do not forget to smile, because our smiles are the steps on our way to happiness and success. 

Laugh, enjoy your life and remember that our life is full of adventures and fun, and each of us has all the chances to be happy in this world. Happiness is inside you.

About the author:

Melissa Marzett is a professional writer, who is able to write on any topic. Her talent is magnificent, and she knows everything about the beauty of the word and she can show it to you. Simply visit, as Melissa works for this service: royalediting.com and check for her articles. 

                                             

The Treasure of Being Together with Loved Ones

           Due to certain recent priorities that came out, I did not have anymore the luxury of having sufficient time to update my blogs. Yet I don't have any regrets since the time that I spend now with my family ( my wife and kid) is more precious than those other times. 

          Anyway, those moments spent with my love ones were treasures which are beyond any material possession. These memories would always remain in the deepest part of my heart. Having recently reunited with our son meant a lot for me as a father ( and for sure, same goes with my wife being a mom). There were times that my patient was tested by my 4 year old kid but I always tell myself, the adult in me needs to come out rather than just allowing my inner child to interfere.

          As a grown up, I know that there are things that my son, at his stage, doesn't exactly know and beyond his grasp of comprehension thus, whether he behaves properly or the other way around, it is then my responsibility as well as role being a father to guide him what then is best for him.

         As a whole, my treasured and bonding moments with my family will then be a personal source of strength to move forward and look ahead on what is at stake before me. 

Intellectually Giant but Emotionally Dwarf

          While attending a service today, I was struck when the presider said that many among the young children of today grow as intellectually giants but emotionally pygmies. And while I was listening to him, I slowly nodded my head in affirmation. And to add to that, I think the only legacy that any parent can leave to his children is the examples of being a good and kindhearted individual. 

          Sometime last week, I remember reading it online that a son of a very well known intellectual family committed suicide since he did not find any consolation anymore in the family. What were normally brought during table conversations were topics on achievements, figures, big amount of money, etc. and he was feeling left out since at that very moment, he was already sensing like being choked in the neck. What he needed at that time was a breather and not all those accomplishments, greatness, incentives etc..

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         On the other hand, there was another sad story of a very intelligent man who became so famous in the world of entrepreneurship yet due to later pressures in his life, decided to abandon his family to prove to his detractors that he was right with his theories in the business. These are but just two examples of people who have enormous intelligence yet they ultimately failed for they were not able to cling to what is essential in life.    

         Thus for parents and for other adults, you perform a crucial role to the total formation of your children and the other young ones around you. The best examples then that you can give to them is by living all those good ideals and values in life. Constantly teach your children well and let them realise that being successful in life is not merely gauged by medals and awards but also on how you treat other people especially those who seem to be lower than you in social, financial, psychological and other status in life.    

                                                

A Reflection on Life

          Nearing to the culmination of this year, I made a reflection on what has transpired to me all throughout those months starting from January this year up till the end. I was surprised to realise how blessed am I as I recalled back all my activities this year. And everything boils down to this reality that life is such a precious gift. And it just come and go hence we need to embrace every second of it. 

Consequently, I can compare life with a three-legged stool in the following components: 

photo credit: Windmill 'De Berk', Veenpark, Netherlands - 1534 via photopin (license)

-just like the stool which relies on its three legs for strength, we also need various support systems in life. Hence we need to establish as many friends as we can for they can journey with us no matter what kind of surface that we are trekking.

-while on top of a stool is a space for a comfortable sitting, we also have spaces in our life that allows others to feel comfortable with us. In relation to this, it is therefore impossible for us to live just by our lonesome. We can't hide or deny the fact that we need others. 

- finally, the stool also are supporting each other thus they are intertwined with each other. Similar with life, we need to have a space at times but we also need to extend ourselves to others. We need to establish that equal footing among us and as such, we are all invited to render equal respect for each other notwithstanding differences in terms of race, status, age, or gender. 

                                              

The Art of Driving

          A while ago, I was talking to my wife and she mentioned that when she was driving back home from work yesterday at the Freeway, there was an accident involving 4 vehicles. Those cars were in front of her and luckily she was spared from that accident and all its hassles. Then I tried to remind her to constantly maintain a proper and safe distance between her and the car in front of her so that if it suddenly applies brake, it would not put her into danger. 

           As I tried to reflect on that situation, I realised that life is like driving- that our actions are similarly affecting us and those people around us.  Anyway, here then are few similarities between the two of them:

1. Direction- in driving we always need a direction where to go and where to perform stops, turns and  slowing down. In life, we also need to have that directions (goals) for from them, we also set our strategies and steps on how to achieve them. In driving, we need to be in full control of the steering wheel so that we will have a safe and pleasurable trip. While in life, we also need to have that full control of ourselves but we also need to rely and submit everything to Him Above for we know that He is our constant Guidance.

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2. Routine Maintenance- cars should always have a regular maintenance like checking the lights, indicators, windshield washer fluid, engine oil level, oils, hoses etc.. Our life also needs a constant checking and maintenance like we need to pause once in a while to check if we are still tracking the right path towards the achievement of our goals. We also need to check our primary and other forms of relationship to see if we are still in congruence with what is acceptable or not. 

3. Peace of Mind- when both of them (car and life) are in good hands and going smoothly then we are assured that we can experience a harmonious trip and life every single day. Though we still need to check all other cars on the road and we also need to observe what is going on with life but if we religiously perform the first two main responsibilities of being drivers to both cars and to life, we are assured that we can reach our destinations safely and with lots of fun memories to remember. 

                                      

The Agony of Waiting

          My wife underwent thyroidectomy last Monday at Austin Hospital. Before her scheduled surgery, I was already trying to anticipate what will be the various scenarios on her big day. What I perceive was just a simple surgery then maybe after an hour or two, everything will be alright. 

          However, on the day itself, it was a long wait for me and I was filled with mixed emotions as I stayed in the hospital waiting for her to complete her procedure. What was perceived as an easy ordeal became a long and tedious waiting. We arrived earlier at Austin Hospital (actually she was expected to arrive at 11 am but due to our excitement, we decided to go to the hospital earlier). We went to the information booth and were  instructed to proceed to the 3rd floor for her initial steps prior to the surgery.

          At the waiting room, she filled up paper works and got ready for her knife appointment. Past 1pm, 3 personnel talked with her and told her she needs to go into another scan for they detected something on her last scan result which they were not sure what exactly it is. So she had her scan and luckily at 2pm, she was given the go signal to proceed with the surgery. Hence from 2pm onwards, I was left on my own since I was not allowed to go with her on the theatre. I didn't exactly know what I really feel by that very moment that she started her ordeal. 

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          The fact that I had no idea what was going on at the theatre was the thing that gave me that sort of "agony". The waiting period was seemed eternal. First hour quickly passed and I was still feeling alright. However at six in the evening and I still had no idea what was going on with her, I started to have that feeling of anxiety and worry thus I went to the information centre and enquired of any progress but the nurse in charge was clueless also. Eventually, at quarter past six, her surgeon passed by the waiting area and I wasted no time to converse with him about my wife's progress. And I was relieved of my agony when he told me that everything went well. 

          I finally saw my wife again by half past seven and even with all those instruments attached to her, I was still feeling relieved and grateful that she passed her surgery. At times, when we are in a situation wherein we seem to be helpless and clueless, there is no one much greater to comfort us except Him Above.

PS: 

Special thanks to the following people for their assistance during that journey:
Harvey, Dundee, Marilyn, Dr. Allan and his team, nurses Meghan, Kelly, Carissa and all those who have wished me and my wife the best of everything. All your support and prayers allowed us to have peace of mind and harmony on that difficult time of our life especially Myra. Thanks in a great way to HIM Above.



                                          

Celebration of LIFE

          In life, we have numerous occasions that we termed as milestones. What makes them deep-coloured is when we have the chance to celebrate them with good friends and special people in our life. We have gatherings such as work anniversary, golden wedding anniversary, retirement, birth of a new baby, birthdays etc.. 

          As I celebrate one highlight of my life, my birthday, I am grateful to all people who have come and made it colourful. At the outset, I am thankful to God for the gift of life that He has entrusted to me. And although I know that it is but a borrowed one and that sooner or later, I am going to return it to its Creator, I am but extremely joyful that I embrace this life. Consequently, I recognise that I have a great responsibility to take care of it thus allowing it to grow into the kind of life that will make its owner happy. On the other hand, knowing that I have both yin and yang of this life (light and dark shadows), I also have the accountability to grow into a more mature person and to share this life with others.

          I am also thankful to God for showering my life with wonderful people, first and foremost, my two treasured gifts- my wife Yanyan and our beloved kid, Kurt Kristoff. Being light bringers, they both radiate a constant positive energy to me to get up and face squarely whatever is at stake on every single day. As a social being, I am also indebted to other people who have  shared both my pains and joys. People come and go in our life and I am forever thankful to those who have helped me achieve the person that I am  now and would still be willing to journey with me to the rest of my life. 

         No matter how simple or challenging this life journey could be but with the presence of all these significant others in my life, I know that I could acquire the positive energy each day to continue with this journey. 

 

                                          

Cherished Moments With Friends

          Last Friday, October 2, we did our overnight camping in Venus Bay. All in all, we were 16 people in our group. Indeed we had a great time exploring some interesting places in Victoria. From home, me, my wife Yanyan and friend, Rod, jumped off and hit the road at 5 a.m. We proceeded to pick up two more friends at Harvey's place. 

          After settling down in each of our cars, we progressed  to our meet up point in one of the petrol stations in Chadstone. From there, we departed to our destination, Venus Bay Park, with a side trip to Wilson's Promontory. Our next stopover was Tidal River. " It is a perennial river of the West Gippsland catchment, located in the Wilson's Promontory region of Victoria."- source- Wikipedia- the free encyclopedia.

         During this stop off, we spotted some kangaroos a few meters away from us. They did not mind us at all and some of us were able to take photos of them. After a few minutes, we continued with our trip and next place we visited was Wilson's Promontory itself. We took our lunch near the visitor centre. Before lunch, we trekked first one of the rivers of Wilson's Prom. Everybody in our group enjoyed the amazing wonder of nature.....around us was a picture of life so vivid and inviting. We took photos again to preserve memories of our visit. Then we also visited the famous Squeaky Beach and had some fun.

          After the wonderful lunch, we hit the road again and directed to our camping site at Venus Bay Caravan Park. We set up our tents and subsequently,  prepared dinner then had some fun taking photos as well as exchanging pleasantries. The next day, we went to Venus Bay beach and did some fishing. Efren, our best catcher of the day, luckily caught some fish and we joyfully brought them back together with a couple of crabs to our campsite. Harvey and Den, our two chefs of the trip, made some wonderful recipe out of their catch. 

          Hence, we treasured our camping experience and everybody believes that it is a sort of experience worth doing the next time around. Time such as this one allows us to enjoy each other's company and appreciate the beauty of nature. 

      

Moving Interstate: How to Beat the Challenges

A Guest Post:



Change is a part of life. Every day we face different scenarios. Sometimes, we have no control over them. While, sometimes we do. Thus. the graph of life's activities is never constant. One such challenging activity is moving interstate. When we put in such a position,  most shudder at the thought of all the work involved. But, we have to go through the process if it has a positive impact on our career, family, or education.

Moving interstate is a task which could get very annoying and complex, even for those who are used to moving locally. But, getting all irritated and giving up is not the solution. One must learn how to deal with this hectic and time-consuming task efficiently. 

imagecredit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Moving_house.JPG

Presented below are some techniques that will help you get through this frantic challenge. 

1. Pre-Packing Plan

It is very important that one must start their preparation of moving correctly, from the day the news is out. Planning well will buy you time to make sure all your important stuff is packed. Other than that, it will also save you from breaking and losing your fragile stuff in the process. This is the first step to help you beat the upcoming challenges. Once you are done with this part properly, the rest of the difficulties that would have had to deal with when moving interstate become easier to execute. Keep in mind that this step also includes where you would start packing your stuff from. 

2. Time to Pack your Stuff

Once you are done with the first step, it's time for you to start packing your things. Make sure to check and clean every drawer and closet systematically to avoid missing and losing any precious items. Try to pack the same category stuff in one place. Books in separate boxes, clothes in others, electronics in another, and the list goes on. Make sure to list down the category name on the boxes. Try to leave the items that you will need at the end until the last day.

3. Contact Friends and Family Living in that State

Remember to contact your family, friends, colleagues, and relatives (if any) living in the state you're moving to before you move.  This will be of great help for you if you are a complete stranger to the state. They can help you get to know the area and people in your new state a little better. 

4. U-Haul or Movers

There are quite a few reasonably priced movers that can help you move from your home state to wherever  it is you're moving to. However, they are priced higher than what it would cost to move yourself. U-Haul and other trailers that you could hire to move your things are also available for affordable rates.  Consider both options carefully before you decide one. 

imagecredit: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2064/2224917035_88115fd957_b.jpg

With a mover, you'll have to pay more but do less. Whereas, if you hire truck then you'll save more but will need to do a lot more. 

5. Unpacked Systematically

Once you've moved to your home, you're faced with the last challenge - unpacking. Try to come up  with a system rather than aiming to unpack everything simultaneously. Setting up furniture in the bedroom should be the first step, you would also most likely want to unpack some of your clothes second. The process can take hours to weeks depending on how organised you are. The above-mentioned tips can be of great help in facing interstate moving challenges. Remember, there really is no one-size fits all approach to moving. However, moving can be easy or the most difficult thing you ever do based on how well you've planned. Good luck! 

This article is shared by the expert removalist team @Walkmove

For more information about their company, check this link.

                                      

Light'emUp! Creative Lamps----Lamps for All Occasions

          Light'emUp Creative Lamps- a Company owned by May Advincula- Chan,  is a store that makes and sells various and distinct kinds of lamps. Her designs are meticulously chosen therefore all are guaranteed to be new and can be used as modern alternative decors.  Basically her lamps are modular that if one purchases them during the holidays such as Christmas, they can alter the shape so that they can be used for any other places like bedrooms, living rooms or use them on special gatherings such as birthdays and parties. 

          Moreover, the lamps' shapes can be changed into 22 different configurations. Hence, if somebody likes to reshape any of his purchased lamp, he can bring it directly to May for the reshaping and without any additional cost at all. If distance is a factor, then they could also be given a copy of the instructions and do it themselves. On the other hand, these lamps are weather and water proof meaning one can use them either indoor or outdoor such as gardens and lanai (porch) and since they are waterproof, cleaning is not an issue. One can just easily knock down the shade, and wash with soap and water, or with a rubbersocket inside (like those of the lantern type) they can spray the lamp with water, no need to dismantle them. 

          One distinctive feature about these lamps is the material used and that is non-toxic polycarbonate sheets- this is a 100% recyclable and does not release hazardous emissions on combustions. Furthermore, it is also extremely durable material with a lifespan of 10 years. It is also a clear plastic that offers excellent visibility and transmits light better than alternative materials. 

Another significant factor for these lamps is on the idea of home redecorating. If one is on tight budget, then these lamps could be his answer when it comes to house styling since what they need to do is just the lights. Whether one is into a modern or classic home, these lamps can provide ambiances, vibrant, relaxing, calming and festive mood since these are the kinds of lamps that naturally adapt to every customer's mood. Their geometric multi-petaled design comes in range of pop colours that can surely add a glow to their interiors or exteriors.  

          For more information about these uniquely featured lamps, direct your queries to:

May Advincula-Chan

Owner- Light'emUp! Creative Lamps

#lightenupco #creativelamps

www.facebook/com/lightemupco

Mobile numbers: +639237035775/ 09054461988

                                 

Another Fruitful Month for LPUCI

             Lyceum of the Philippines Culinary Institute (LPUCI) enjoys another fruitful month as it celebrates a twin positive affairs on this month. The first triumph of LPUCI is its winning major awards on the just concluded Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC). This competition was held on August 5 to 8 and what made this event a more significant one is that it was held alongside another prestigious occasion and one of the country's biggest food expo, the World Food Expo (WOFEX). 

             This event is a major one since it gathers together the country's culinary schools and battle with each other on different categories. LPUCI has been an active and an accomplished participant on this event  during the previous years and this year, it became more successful when it gathered the following awards: seven (7) gold medals, nine (9) silvers and nine (9) bronzes. 

          On this success, Chef Joel Tanjimenez, LPUCI Chef Administrator and over-all coordinator of LPUCI culinary competitions remarked, " We believe that LPUCI participants deserve the honours they reaped from PCC. It was no-piece-of-cake as they invested a lot of time on practice and perfecting their skills and their crafts for this event. Such medals is truly the fruits of their labors as we help mold these future culinary connoisseurs." 

         On the other hand, another source of jubilation for the whole LPUCI community is the hosting of an international baker on two specialized programs. The internationally known chef, Master Baker Chef Peter Yuen, conducted sessions both on Viennoiserie and European Artisanal Bread programs. The said presentations were attended by young culinary apprentices as well as professionals who wished to improve their skills. 

          What makes Chef Yuen's presentation a more enticing one is its approach which is hands on and really centred on students. By so doing, he had the time to personally make a follow up on each individual participant. Chef Dan Basilio, Culinary Director of LPUCI made this statement on this regard, " I have known and witnessed the talent and skills of Chef Yuen for years. I believe that his expertise cannot only help the Filipino baking students and professionals improve their proficiency but also give them an edge in the global setting." 

          On behalf of this successful event, LPUCI announced that Master Chef Yuen will return next year 2016 to conduct another set of specialized programs. This is made possible for the benefit of those aspiring students and also for those who have missed this year's event. 

          For more updates on LPUCI's programs, one can visit their Facebook's page www.facebook.com/lpuculinaryinstitute or pays a visit to their office and campus at Victoria corner Muralla Streets, Intramuros, Manila. For any enquiry, contact +632  318 4000 or send them an email on info@lpuculinary.edu.ph or marketing@lpuculinary.edu.ph

Here are the winners and the different categories:

U.S. Beef Category:
Silver ---- Errine Keith Jaramiel (Student)

Wedding Cakes Category:
Gold   ---- Jireh Rodriguez (Student)
Bronze---- Justine Valdez (Student)
Bronze---- Calvine Dale Magsombol (Student)

Dress the Cake Category:
Silver---- Dan Pausal (Student)

U.S. Pork Category:
Silver---- Justin Joshua Calayan (Student)
Bronze---- Jan Vincent Patron (Chef Instructor)

Sous Vide Category:
Silver ---- Vince Patron (Chef Instructor) and Maria Filipina Lumingkit (Student)

Chocolate Pastry Showpiece Category:
Bronze---- Anthony Sagubiense (Student)

Bread Pastry Showpiece Category:
Gold---- Holly Ann Manuel (Student)
Gold---- Nelson Gamurot (Student)

Sugar Pastry Showcase Category:
Bronze---- Jonathan Miranda (Student)

Fantasy Dessert Category:
Bronze---- Heinz Pelayo (Chef Instructor)

Local Fish and Seafood Category:
Gold---- Raymond Mendoza (Chef Instructor)

Lamb Category:
Gold---- Gyle Gicana (Student)

Young Chefs Category:
Gold----Leroy Borrega (Student) and Arriane Alovera (Student)

Pasta Category:
Silver---- Gyle Gicana (Student)

U.S. Poulty Category:
Silver- Lacel Gem Jacob (Student)

Dream Team Challenge Category:
Bronze---- Heinz Pelayo, Abram Peralta, Junjun Barlan, Grace Obrero Martinez (Chef Instructors)

Filipino Cuisine Challenge Category:
Bronze---- Ma. Louisse Enipto, Angelique Chua, and Mary Joy Gella (Students)

Plated Desserts Category:
Silver---- Angelo Zevasthian Bagos (Student)
Silver---- Maricel Masongsong (Student)
Bronze---- Myca Callo (Student)

World of Bread Category:
Gold---- Earnest Artuz (Chef Instructor) and Kris Edison Tan (Student)

Congratulations to all winners and to LPUCI...

                                  

How Then Could We Find Relevance on Social Networking Sites Such as Facebook?

          Social networking sites nowadays have emerged like mushrooms and to name a few, sites such as Facebook, Linked, Pinterest, Brimble, Twitter, and many more have enjoyed much popularity as each day passes by. To cite a specific interest, we will take one particular site which is very popular nowadays and this is Facebook. 

           As of March this year, there are " 665 million users everyday and 751 million using Facebook from a mobile device each month."  (Reference: https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=xdDXVYIBo-7zB-XZvfgL&gws_rd=ssl#q=statistical+data+of+facebook+users). From this figure, one can find out how much relevance Facebook is having then at the present time. 

          But one may ask, how then could we find relevance in our time using any of these  social network sites? Answers may differ from one person to the other yet the most common relevant matters we could get out of this activity are the following:

imagecredit: 

1. checking out one's disposition- Facebook allows us to check out the whereabouts, situations, conditions, moods of our friends most notably that of our loved ones. Though it also solicits vigilance on our part since we need to monitor that others will not exploit nor manipulate our status and our personal state but nevertheless, Facebook enables us to have an update both on our own and others' conditions;

2. making friendships-  through Facebook, we will be able to establish new relationships and friendships with others thus enabling us to expand our connections. As social beings, we are happy when we make more connections since no one among us can deny that we  need each other. On the other hand, it also solicits from us a certain responsibility and that is to take care of each of these friendships. We can't just ignore our established relationships with others hence we should devote time to nurture our relationships. 

3. making one's Facebook experience profitable- online advertising nowadays is one of the most popular forms of earning money online thus with the use of these social media platforms most especially Facebook, we then could earn money if we are able to acquire the necessary skills to facilitate advertisements on them. 

          These are but just a few of the positive things that we can get out of our Facebook experience. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, we also need to be careful with our time and connection on this site. We should refrain from allowing  these sites to interfere with our very basic yet primary relationship with loved ones. Thus, we have to ensure that we devote quality time with them especially to our partners and children before we consume time on these social network sites. 

                                        

Why are We Afraid of Failures?

" Many of life's failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up."- Thomas Edison

          Every now and then, we hear of people saying, " I'm tired of this world.", "I'm such a failure." "I don't want to move on anymore."..... so on and so forth. 

          How then do we gauge our life? Is life merely a matter of collecting successes (and never failures) along the way? Or is it the other way around?

          At times, what makes us think that we are a failure is the standard that we put on ourselves and that of others. As Thomas Edison said beforehand, many among us fail when we are supposed to be at the verge of success. 

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          Actually there are varieties of meaning to failure yet the very common one among them is the reality that no one among us wants to experience that hurt and pain as a consequence of failure. Our willingness to step one foot forward is hold back by the many "ifs" that we have in ourselves. Consciously or unconsciously, we are telling our mind of certain negativity such as "what if I fail?...what others will tell me if I will not attain that grade?....if I will fall down, would I be able to get up and continue the fight?....

          Thus, for us to be able to embrace this thing called failure, we need to convince both our minds and our hearts that it is still alright if we stumble and fail. We need to believe that we are more than the failures that we have in life. After all, and whether we agree or not, life is but a race and only those who are fit and have the will to move forward can finish the race.   

                                                     

Patience is a Virtue

          Sometime last month, I accompanied my wife for her follow up check concerning her coming thyroid surgery. During that day, we waited for four hours before being accommodated. Though we were waiting for such a long time but I made use of my time by coming up with this blog post regarding patience. 

          When our appointment number was displayed, we were ushered to room number 24, back to the reception area and then room 4. While inside the room, she had her physical exams like getting her blood pressure then the doctor also tried to feel her thyroid nodes like those in the neck both left and right sides. Afterwards, the attending physician showed to us the result of her last  blood test and he was telling us that the thyroid seems to be stabilising. 

photo credit: Just when you thought it was over God paints this picture via photopin (license)

          When she was done with all her check up, we went back to the reception area for booking on her next doctor's appointment and proceeded to the ground floor to have her CT scan schedule. All in all, our visit to the hospital made me realise that at times, we tend to become anxious of what lies ahead of us. This is exactly as a consequence of us not knowing what will happen next in our life. 

          On the other hand, I also realise that being patient with life and with everything allows us to gain peace within. While some could become agitated, impatient or disturbed while waiting for their turn in such a hospital setting, what could then be beneficial is by being present to that moment as well as to make use of the time on whatever available resources in store for us to become productive.  

                                    

T.G.I.F......What's in a Friday?

          It's Friday once again. It may not sound true to you but it is just a personal observation that when it is Friday, the atmosphere around and everywhere is that of excitement and thrill. I know that it is probably a matter of mindset but for many people, Fridays means time for break from work, time to spend with loved ones, opportunity to relax after spending much time in offices, shops, workplaces etc.

          From a woman's point of view (my wife), it sounds though much similar to mine like Fridays and weekends are days to spend for bonding, relaxing, having time together for activities that could build further the relationship as husband and wife, as friends, as ordinary people.

          In my workplace, when Friday comes, people are so excited in coming to work and in ending their respective responsibilities also. This is contrasting to what Monday brings to people. Mondays are the opposite meaning some people seems to be still floating in the air having the after effect of the weekend's activities. Others are feeling sluggish coming into work. 

          Anyway, whatever our motivations for Fridays, may it always be for the betterment of our being and that of our relationships with others. To spend quality time with people dear to us is highly priceless. So come..... let us spend this day and the coming weekend in a way that both we and our loved ones will share alongside each other moments of togetherness and oneness. After all, life is meaningful when it is shared with others.