Life is Getting Better

"From tonight onwards, take complete control of your life. Decide, once and for all, to be the master of your fate. Run your own race. Discover your calling and you will start to experience the ecstasy of an inspired life."
from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!!

I had a very fruitful year last 2008. I just hope I can do more this coming year.
Life is getting better for me...

How about writing some Positive Notes for 2009. Hmm, Let me try...

1) I should forget about the past. Whatever failures happened in 2008 already happened. I must use it as a benchmark to improve but never as a guideline why I cannot achieve success in 2009.

2) Many people wish for a better year in 2009. I should not wish. Wishful thinking doesn't get me anywhere, especially success. I must commit to what I want to achieve and achieve it for my own benefit.

3) I must continue being a positive thinker. I must think positive about 2009 regardless of the recession because my mind WILL influence my actions.

4) If I have to whine and blame, I must DO IT NOW. Then I must get over it and start afresh in 2009.

5) Have a plan. I should plan it out and know what are the steps that will get me closer to my goal. I can't get to my destination if I don't know what and where is my destination.

Filipino Catholics in the Eyes of Foreigners

Here's something very positive written by a foreigner named Steve Ray, about Filipinos. Steve Ray authored many best-selling books, among which are, Crossing The Tiber (his conversion story), Upon This Rock (on the papacy), and just recently John's Gospel (a comprehensive bible study guide and commentary).

STEVE RAY'S OPEN LETTER TO THE FILIPINO CATHOLICS:

We stepped into the church and it was old and a bit dark. Mass had just begun and we sat toward the front. We didn't know what to expect here in Istanbul , Turkey. I guess we expected it to be a sombre Mass but quiet and sombre it was not - I thought I heard angels joyously singing behind me.

The voices were rich, melodic and beautiful. What I discovered as I spun around to look did not surprise me because I had seen and heard the same thing in other churches around the world. It was not a choir of angels with feathered wings and halos but a group of delightful Filipino Catholics with smiles of delight and joy on their faces as they worshiped God and sang His praises. I had seen this many times before in Rome , in Israel ,in the United States and other countries.

Filipinos have special traits and they are beautifully expressed as I gazed at the happy throng giving thanks to God. What are the special traits which characterize these happy people? I will share a few that I have noticed- personal observations- as I have travelled around the world, including visits to the Philippines

FIRST, there is a sense of community, of family. These Filipino Christians did not sit apart from each other in different isles. They sat together, closely. They didn't just sing quietly, mumbling, or simply mouthing the words. No, they raised their voices in harmony together as though they enjoyed the sense of unity and communion among them. They are family even if they are not related.

SECOND, they have an inner peace and joy which is rare in the world today. When most of the world's citizens are worried and fretful, I have found Filipinos to have joy and peace - a deep sense of God's love that over shadows them. They have problems too, and many in the Philippines have less material goods than others in the world, yet there is still a sense of happy trust in God and love of neighbour.

THIRD, there is a love for God and for his Son Jesus that is almost synonymous with the word Filipino. There is also something that Filipinos are famous for around the world - their love for the Blessed Mother. Among the many Filipinos I have met, the affectionate title for Mary I always hear from their lips is "Mama Mary." For these gentle folks Mary is not just a theological idea, a historical person, or a statue in a church - Mary is the mother of their Lord and their mother as well, their "mama."

The Philippines is a Catholic nation-the only such nation in Asia –and this wonderful country exports missionaries around the world. They are not hired to be missionaries, not official workers of the church. No, they are workers and educators, doctors, nurses and housekeepers that go to other lands and travel to the far reaches of the earth, and everywhere they go they take the joyous gospel of Jesus with them. They make a sombre Mass joyful when they burst into song. They convict the pagan of sin as they always keep the love of Jesus and the Eucharist central in their lives.

My hope and prayer, while I am here in the Philippines sharing my conversion story from Baptist Protestant to Roman Catholic, is that the Filipino people will continue to keep these precious qualities. I pray that they will continue loving their families, loving the Catholic Church, reading the Bible, loving Jesus, His Mother and the Eucharist.

As many other religions and sects try to persuade them to leave the Church, may God give the wisdom to defend the Catholic faith. As the world tempts them to sin and seek only money and fame and power, may God grant them the serenity to always remember that obedience to Christ and love for God is far more important than all the riches the world can offer.

May the wonderful Filipino people continue to be a light of the Gospel to the whole world!

Be a proud Filipino.

The Beauty of Mathematics

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321


Now, take a look at this...


101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to
GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help
answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K

8+1+18+4+23+ 15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E

11+14+15+23+ 12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E

1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will
get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

A Mouse Trap Story

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning :
There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. " " I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.

"Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.

To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.

So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.
The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

_____________________________________

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER…

EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.

Yodz and Lolo Mangyan

YODZ and LOLO MANGYAN in the 21st Century
YODZ: Yodz Computer Store... Can I help you?
LOLO MANGYAN: Thanks. I’m setting up an office in my den, and I’m thinking about buying a computer.
YODZ: Mac?
LOLO MANGYAN: No, the name’s LOLO MANGYAN.
YODZ: Your computer?
LOLO MANGYAN: I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one.
YODZ: Mac?
LOLO MANGYAN: I told you, my name’s LOLO MANGYAN.
YODZ: What about Windows?
LOLO MANGYAN: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
YODZ: Do you want a computer with Windows?
LOLO MANGYAN: I don’t know. What will I see when I look in the windows?
YODZ: Wallpaper.
LOLO MANGYAN: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
YODZ: Software for Windows?
LOLO MANGYAN: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What have you got?
YODZ: Office.
LOLO MANGYAN: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
YODZ: I just did.
LOLO MANGYAN: You just did what?
YODZ: Recommend something.
LOLO MANGYAN: You recommended something?
YODZ: Yes.
LOLO MANGYAN: For my office?
YODZ: Yes
LOLO MANGYAN: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
YODZ: Office.
LOLO MANGYAN: Yes, for my office!
YODZ: I recommend Office with windows.
LOLO MANGYAN: I already have an office and it has windows! OK, let’s just say, I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
YODZ: Word.
LOLO MANGYAN: What word?
YODZ: Word in Office.
LOLO MANGYAN: The only word in office is office.
YODZ: The Word in Office for Windows.
LOLO MANGYAN: Which word in office for windows?
YODZ: The Word you get when you click the blue W
LOLO MANGYAN: I’m going to click your blue w if you don’t start with some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the Internet?
YODZ: Yes, you want Real One.
LOLO MANGYAN: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of your business. Just tell me what I need!
YODZ: Real One.
LOLO MANGYAN: If it’s a long movie I also want to see reel 2, 3 & 4. Can I watch them?
YODZ: Of course.
LOLO MANGYAN: Great, with what?
YODZ: Real One.
LOLO MANGYAN: OK, I’m at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do I do?
YODZ: You click the blue 1
LOLO MANGYAN: I click the blue one what?
YODZ: The blue 1.
LOLO MANGYAN: Is that different from the blue W?
YODZ: The blue 1 is Real One and the blue W is Word.
LOLO MANGYAN: What word?
YODZ: The word in office for windows.
LOLO MANGYAN: But there’s three words in office for windows!
YODZ: No, just one. but it’s the most popular word in the world
LOLO MANGYAN: It is?
YODZ: Yes, but to be fair, there aren’t many other words left. It pretty much wiped out all the other words out there.
LOLO MANGYAN: And that word is real one?
YODZ: Real One has nothing to do with Word. Real One isn’t even part of Office.
LOLO MANGYAN: Stop! Don’t start that again. What about financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything I can track my money with?
YODZ: Money.
LOLO MANGYAN: That’s right. What do you have?
YODZ: Money.
LOLO MANGYAN: I need money to track my money?
YODZ: It comes bundled with your computer.
LOLO MANGYAN: What’s bundled to my computer?
YODZ: Money
LOLO MANGYAN: Money comes with my computer?
YODZ: Yes. No extra charge.
LOLO MANGYAN: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
YODZ: One copy
LOLO MANGYAN: Isn’t it illegal to copy money?
YODZ: Microsoft gave us a license to copy money.
LOLO MANGYAN: They can give you a license to copy money?
YODZ: Why not, they own it....

The Hidden Meaning of "Yodz Insigne"

I find this cool stuff about finding hidden meaning of names. I tried it and, well the description is exactly me... so I posted it here.

"Yodz Insigne" - hidden meaning

You are wild and outrageous. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience. You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along. But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it's hard to get you to budge. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I Think I Needed A More Mature Blog Entries

Today, I decided to read all my blog entries. I find it odd because, of all the online geeks out there, it should be me who should be reading and updating it more often for corrections, coherence and content. While reading my entries, I find it a little childish, which is understandable because I am childish. I think I needed more mature compositions nowadays, not that I am already 28, but because a more informative subjects is I think, more nicer to read. I also tried to check how old is my blog. I am surprised because it is already four years!

THE AGE OF MY BLOG (as of the date and time of this entry)
years: 4.60 months: 55 days: 1680 hours: 40312 minutes: 2418700 seconds: 145122013
Milli seconds: 14512201300 weeks: 11758 Day of My first Blog Tuesday

I sometimes feel like deleting some incoherent entries in this blog but I decided not to. I don’t care what others will say anyway. I think I should also start a new blog dedicated for the great and not so cool books I read and also for the movies I watched. And another blog regarding the development of my thesis.

Hmmm…. I really need to manage my time well then.

I Love You Yodz Insigne

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was those chills which only fear can put in you.

He said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Yodz Insigne."

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Yodz crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from Cavite and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Yodz just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Yodz never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Yodz added, "And think of me."

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but she felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Yodz .

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a thousand peso bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her thousand peso bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: "You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you."

Under the napkin were 30 more 1,000 peso bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Yodz Insigne."

There is an old saying "What goes around comes around."

Kilala mo ba si Dan Torres ng Bikol?

Si　Danilo "Dan" Torres, isang Bicolano, nagpunta sa　US　para mag TNT.

Pumasok sya ng convenience store para bumili ng yosi.
Pagdating sa counter, sabi ng cashier, "MASTER VISA?"

Namutla si Dan! Sa isip-isip nya "Patay!
Hinahanap ang visa ko!"

Dali-daling lumabas ng tindahan, sumakay ng kotse　at humarurot ng takbo. Paubos na gasolina nya kaya pumasok sa gas station at magpapakarga ng gasolina.

"Unleaded?"tanong ng gasoline attendant.
"Unleaded"sagot niDan.
"Pay first."sabi ng attendant.

Lalong namutla si Dan! "Patay! Hinahanapan ako ng　papers!"
Iniwan nya ang kotse!
at dali-daling?naglakad
papunta sa phonebooth upang tawagan ang kapatid nya sa　New York

"AT&T May I help you?"sagot ng operator.
Pinagpawisan ng malamig si Dan! "Pati operator
alam na TNT ako!"

May nakapilang PULIS na gagamit din ng telepono at tanong sa kanya... "
Are you done?"

Napatitig na lang si Dan sa PULIS! "Kilala siya...
AKO? Alam niyang DAN ang pangalan ko!"

sa isip-isip nya. Nang di makasagot si Dan,tinanong uli sya ngPULIS,
"Are you a tourist?"

Nanghina si Dan dahil pati apelyido niyang TORRES ay alam din ng PULIS!
At nang hihimatayin na sya, inalalayan sya ng
PULIS at sabi "BE COOL!"

"Inang ko po! Alam din nyang taga Bicol ako!

WAAAHHHH!

Uuwi na lang ako sa 'pinas!"

Temporarily Losing My Soul

To escape with our daily routine during weekends, (that is eat-tambay-wash clothes-eat-tambay), me and my office buddies decided to have a little gig at E.K. Our aim is to defrost our sleeping nerves - frozen by work stress and boredom - via Enchanted Kingdom's nerve-wracking rides. It is an unplanned trip but well organized - hmmm I noticed that unplanned barkada trip is usually a hassle-free one. We decided renting an FX and bring our own food because stomach stuff inside the park can eat up your whole two-month's budget.

Weather is a little bit crazy that morning. While we are on our way to E.K., dark clouds hung above us, a rain-whole-day omen. It started pouring while we are on our way to the park and we are already discussing some alternatives like going to Tagaytay instead. We are willing to do a space shuttle ride even if it’s raining – which is of course a little bit life threatening – thus, we decided to go and take our chances. We think that, perhaps we can perform a little stop-the-rain tribal ritual dance for some ethnic rain-god so as not to ruin our plans.

But, yeah since the weather is a little bit crazy and confused that day, it decided to just leave us alone before we do some nasty tribal dance. I think the rain-god prefers to just leave us than see us perform the ritual dance or else she will give us a super-typhoon.

We had our lunch in the parking area and immediately started our spree. We are all frantic and excited. A ride-all-you-can ticket gives us the adrenaline rush which is evident in our faces. There’s no stopping us… even the rain-god.

And there comes the nerve wracking, soul splitting space shuttle ride. My physical body badly wants that ride, but I felt my soul is angrily refusing it. Despite that, I took the ride - three times. In the first two rides, my soul just temporarily left me. During the third space shuttle ride, I felt like I totally lost my soul.

We end up drained and exhausted but there’s that lingering smile in all of us .I got a dreamless sleep that night and woke up still wearing that wolfish grin . Overjoyed as Jo-ann puts it.

To my soul… I’m sorry.

HELL EXPLAINED BY CHEMISTRY STUDENT

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid term.

The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well :

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today.

Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell,then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct..... .leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.

Life is the Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and in life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:
"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

"What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and were eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and do not change the quality of Life. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided. So, don't let the cups drive you ... enjoy the coffee instead."

______________________

Source: forwarded e-mail (unknown)

Ang Alamat Kung Bakit Nagsisinungaling ang mga Lalaki

Ito ang alamat kung bakit nagsi-sinungaling ang mga lalaki.. .
Karpintero itong si Yodz at isang araw eh gumagawa siya ng isang
bahay sa tabi ng ilog.Sa lakas ng pagma-martilyo niya eh nalaglag
ang martilyo niya sa ilog.

Umiyak siya at lumitaw yung guardian angel niya, "tutulungan kita, Yodz".. .sabay lundag sa ilog.

Lumabas ito na me hawak na gold hammer, "ito ba ang martilyo mo?" ...
"hindi po"...
Lundag uli ang anghel at lumitaw na me silver hammer, "it ba?"..."hindi po"...
Lundag uli sa ilog ang anghel at lumitaw na me ordinary hammer, "ito ba?"..."
Opo" ...natuwa ang anghel. "Dahil honest ka, bukod sa martilyo mo, sa 'yo na rin ang gold and silver hammer"...

Makaraan ang ilang araw, naglalakad si Yodz sa ilog at kasama ang misis niya. Eh sa katangahan, nalaglag si misis sa ilog...iyak si Jojo.

Litaw si guardian angel, "tutulungan kita"...sabay lundag sa ilog at ng lumitaw eh kasama si Paris Hilton, "ito ba ang misis mo?"...sagot
si Yodz, "opo"...nagalit si anghel, "sinungaling ka. Akala ko pa naman mabait ka"...

Nag- reason-out si Yodz, "sorry po, angel...kasi kapag sinabi kong 'Hindi', eh lulundag ka uli sa tubig at pag-litaw mo eh kasama mo si Jessica Simpson.

At pag sinabi ko uli na hindi siya ang asawa ko, eh lulundag ka uli at ang tunay na misis ko na ang kasama mo. At dahil sa kabaitan ko, eh ibibigay mo din sa akin sina Paris at Jessica.

Mahirap lang po ako at hindi ko kaya ang me tatlong asawa, kaya 'Yes' na lang ang sinagot ko nung una.

Moral of the story: kaya lang naman nagsi-sinungaling ang mga lalaki
Eh for a good and noble reason.

Deviant and Free

Just trying some art stuff. Scrapblog, really cool. You should try it.

Pleasures of Small Town Life

Our town in Occidental Mindoro is a quaint, charming, friendly and happy place opposite with city life. I went there last October 31, 2008 to attend my father’s 60th birthday and also in time for the holidays in observance of Todos Los Santos.

Life there is really very simple, a perfect example of barrio lifestyle. Electricity is only available at 1:00 in the afternoon until 12:00 midnight, so you really have plenty of time talking to your family or visiting friends or relatives. Average TV watching is only 1 hour per day. Really nice because I hate television by the way, which I will explain in a separate blog.

A few blocks from our house, on the east-side is a beautiful beach and on the west, just a bicycle ride away, is a really fabulous mountain river – the Calawagan Mountain Resort.

Simple pleasures, such as waking up on the sounds of chirping birds and backyard chickens and lazily wait for the water to boil in the kitchen to have some kapeng barako with tuyo for breakfast. I see how the sun rises over the mountain, how the maya and other colorful birds soar across the sky, whether it is clear or cloudy day. Then, on the afternoon, I will look for my father’s bolo to have some fresh buko juice to chill-out on a hot summer afternoon.


Before the sun sets, I will walk on the beach barefoot, play with the sand and will take a dive on the clear salty water afterwards. I will swim as far as I can, while watching the sun, dreamily setting and painting the sky with magnificent luminous hue of red, orange and blue. I will just sigh in awe, watch the setting sun and enjoy the day.




And of course, my favorite place – the Calawagan Mountain Resort. The water there is really very cold, perfect to avoid the hot summer afternoon. The water is very clean. It even got an award as the Philippines cleanest inland body of water a few years ago. On its clear water, under the solid rocks and pebbles are small marine species such various species of shrimps, snails and fishes – signs of a healthy and natural river.

The only emergency that you will hear is, after palay harvest, when there are dark clouds hanging over Mt. Calavite, signaling a coming rain. Somebody will shout “Hoy, iurong nyo na yang palay, may dilim!” Next is the frantic commotion on the street, with people holding kalaykay, pansudsod and sako to save their precious harvest from the rain. My town folks are normally using the public street for drying palay after the harvest season.

To all my kababayans, let us celebrate the simple pleasures that come from living in our town.
_____________________
More about my town on www.tarangkahan.bravehost.com , a website I made dedicated to our town.
History of our town on : http://occidentalmindorohistory.googlepages.com/historypaluan

Killing Energy Vampires - When to give-up friendship

This is my thoughts on giving-up meaningless friendships.

"Lose a Friend, but don't lose the lesson."
_______________________________
Friends just come and go. Most friendship ends because of time and personal circumstances. However, once in a while you have to deliberately put an end to it.

When a friend is repeatedly questioning your integrity out of some baseless and childish reason, when a friend is asking you to give more responsibility outside the premise of your friendship, when a friend becomes an energy vampire, when you are so annoyed by the constant complaining of your friend about anything under the sun and didn’t accept any reasons from you or any of his or her other friends– then that is the time to put an end to it.

Sometimes, some of your friends will accuse you of dishonesty and will question your integrity. Even if, during the entire friendship, you already confided to them your darkest secret, just listen to them when they need it most and really care for them. During misunderstanding, out of some nonsense, they will show you that they are very hurt and do and say some terrible things about you, when in fact you are the one who’s really hurt by your friend’s lack of consideration and logic.

We must avoid selfish friends who are only concerned about their feelings.

We should also avoid false modesty - like inviting a friend even if we don't like his or her company, for the sake of modesty. That is being untruthful - "oroccan plastic" as they say.

When your friend turned to be an energy vampire, you should immediately decide whether the friendship is worth keeping. Energy vampires are those people whom always will suck-up positive energy of the group by their constant complaining, excessive negativity and pessimism. I realized that people always tend to avoid energy vampires.

I also learned that we should not share the burden of keeping the secret of our friend's friend. “You should also know this because I’m your friend,” is very common to every friendship on the premise that your friend must know the secret of your other friends.

But knowledge should enlighten us, not to give us additional burden. If it is about their private life, doesn’t concern me and will not harm my family, or me, I think it’s better that I should not know.

Friends are everywhere. Sometimes we lose some, and we find more.

If you can’t avoid energy vampires, kill them, just don't lose the lesson.

To My Child - A Sad Dad's Poem

TO MY CHILD

Just for this morning,

I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concern ed.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms.

The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming inside that little body And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.

It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day..............

_____________

Author: Unknown (forwarded e-mail)

Nice Reminder About Living Our Life

A very nice reminder to all of us....

Along time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.

Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health , time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.

One day when we look back, we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition. Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.

So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!

Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
Watch your words ; they become actions.
Watch your actions ; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character .
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny .

Regrets

"Bakit ba pati ako, binibigyan nyo ng malisya? Ano ba ang kasalanan ko?!"
- Talong

"Hindi lahat ng malakas, super hero!"
- Putok

"Paano tayo makakabuo kung hindi ako papatong sa iyo?"
- Lego

"Halika, bigyan mo pa ako ng init. Kailangan kong pumutok para ako'yiyong matikman at ika'y masarapan. Ayan na! Puputok na! Humanda ka!"
- Popcorn

"Kahit papaano, gusto ko din ng exposure!"
- Singit

"Hindi ko hinahangad na ipagmalaki mo na ako'y sa iyo. Ayoko langnaman na sa harap ng maraming tao, ganun mo na lang ako itanggi!"
- Utot

"Hindi lahat ng hinog ay matamis!"
- Pigsa

"Kapag ang katawan mo'y nag-iinit, lagi na lang ako ang hinahanap mo.Maya't maya mo akong ginagamit at pinapagod. Hindi ka na naawa!"
- Aircon

"You never even thank me for making you happy, then you throw me awayjust like that. I hate you for using me, for making my life full ofshit!"
- Tissue

"You can cry all you want, you could always blame me. You said, itwasn't fair that you just want life to be better. But remember, it's allyour fault! You stabbed me with a knife!"
- Sibuyas

"Isubo mo ang kahabaan ko. Dilaan. Sipsipin. Paglaruan sa bibig mo.Para lumabas ang katas ko na kinasabikan mo. Nag mamahal,"
- Ice Candy

"Panakip butas mo lang pala ako!".
- Panty

"Pinapaikot mo lang ako! Nagsasawa na ako. Mabuti pang patayin mo nalang ako".
- Electric fan

"Hindi lahat na walang salawal ay bastos!"
- winnie d' pooh

"Alam mo ba wala akong ibang hinangad kundi ang mapalapit sa iyo.Pero patuloy ang pag-iwas mo".
- ipis

"Hala! sige magpakasasa ka! Alam ko namang katawan ko lang ang habol mo."
-hipon

"Ayoko na! Pag nagmamahal ako, lagi na lang maraming tao angnagagalit! Wala ba akong karapatang magmahal?!"
-Gasolina

"Sawang-sawa na ako, palagi na lang akong pinagpapasa- pasahan, pagodna pagod na ako."
- Bola

"Ginawa ko naman lahat para sumaya ka, mahirap ka ba talagangmakontento sa isa? Bakit palipat-lipat ka?
- TV

"Hindi lahat ng maasim may vitamin C"
-kili kili

"Pilitin mo man na alisin ako sa buhay mo, babalik at babalik ako!
-Libag

"Anung kasalanan ko sa iyo, iniwan mo na lang akong duguan..."
-Sanitary Napkin

"Hwag mo na akong bilugin.."
-kulangot

"Bwisit na buhay ito! Araw-araw na lang, itlog! Umaga, tanghali,gabi, itlog! Itlog! Itlog! Lagi na lang itlog!"
-Brief

"Sige, kalimutan mo ako para malaman ng iba ang baho mo!
-deodorant

"Ako lang ang makakapagpadugo ng ilong ni Manny Pacquiao!"
- English

"Hindi totoong anak ko si Bakekang! At lalong hindi ko kapatid siMike Enriquez! Kaya pwede ba, tigilan na ang tsismis na yan!"
- Shrek

__________________
Source: author unknown [forwarded e-mail]

What's on my mind...

What's on my mind today?

...Ms. Heart E. - my ultimate crush,

(in a really cool beach...walking in the sand, holding each others hands and barefoot)

...a bottle of ice cold SanMig Light

...a semi-kalbo haircut (i felt like i'm always having a bad hair day this past few weeks)

...hot shower

...sinigang sa kasoy and fried tuyo for lunch

...one week vacation in the mountain to write a philosophy book or perhaps a horror-comedy-tragic book.

This is what I do when I'm tired, broke, bored and unhappy. Just letting the time pass by, with a hot mug of black coffee in my hand, clumsily sitting in my favorite squeaking swivel chair - pondering about all the good things in life.

Ang Pakikibaka Ko Bilang Isang Commuter

Medyo mahirap talaga pag malayo ang bahay mo sa work. Tapos wala ka pang sariling sasakyan. Fresh na fresh kang lalabas sa bahay, pero pagdating mo sa work, pasalamat ka na kung di ka masyadong mukhang basahan at nakukuha mo pa ring ngumiti. Challenge talaga sa pasensya mo pag commuter ka sa Manila. Naalala ko lang kasi dati uwian ako from Montalban, Rizal going to my work sa Mandaluyong, pero ngayon nag b-board na ko malapit sa work. Ibig sabihin, dati, isa ako sa mga nakikibaka araw-araw, para maka pasok sa trabaho na hindi late.

Una, sasakay ako ng tricycle. Siyempre mahal ang pamasahe pag mag-isa ka lang na pasahero. Siguro mga 25 pesos. Ang tawag nila dun “special”. Pag medyo gusto mo kunwari sosyal ka, mag a-avail ka ng especial ride… pero ganun din, mauusukan ka rin at maamoy mo rin ang driver na madalas eh amoy di-nilalabhang basahan na ipinang-punas sa suka na natapon sa malansang lamesa. Siyempre para sa pangkaraniwang mamamayan na katulad ko, e maghihintay na lang ako ng iba pang pasahero – 6 pesos lang – pero nagtaas na ata, 8 pesos na ata. Swerte mo pag medyo kaakit-akit sa paningin ang makatabi mo. Malas mo naman pag lumba-lumba.

So, after ko mag tricyle jeep naman. Favorite ko na pwesto yung sa dulo, kasi di ka abot ng abot ng bayad. Malas mo pag dun ka naka pwesto sa malapit sa driver. Wala kang magagawa kundi magpa alila sa mga kapwa mo pasahero. Wala kang gagawin kundi mag abot ng bayad ng mga pasaway na pasahero kahit na magtulog tulugan ka pa. Kasi it is an “unwritten rule” pag sumakay ka sa jeep.

Pagbaba ko ng jeep, tatakbo naman ako sa MRT, sa Quezon Ave. station. Siyempre rush hour, so isang malaking himala pag dumating ka na walang pila sa MRT. Feeling ko isa akong penguin habang nasa pila. Kasi ang hakbang mo dun pakonti konti lang hanggang makarating ka sa counter para bumili ng ticket. Madalas hanggang ibaba ng hagdan, hanggang kalsada pa ang pila. Dati masarap mag MRT kasi mga naka neck-tie, mababango at white collar employees ang madalas mong makakasabay. Ngayon halo halo na. May lasing, adik, kakalabas lang sa construction, pokpok, bakla, tomboy – all representatives of the godforsaken Philippine society andun, at ang isa pang siguradong present dun tuwing umaga ay ang mga mandurukot. Madals mo nga marinig dun ang mga linyang ito, “Next station – Cubao Station – Cubao Station, iwasan po lamang na sumandal sa magkabilang pinto ng tren at humawak sa mga handrails – MAG INGAT NA RIN PO SA MGA MANDURUKOT !” How ironic, kasi una, wala kang choice kundi sumandal sa pinto kung dun ka nakapwesto kasi nga siksikan, tapos di mo na rin kelangan humawak sa handrails kasi kahit ma-derail ang tren di ka matutumba, kasi nga wala ng space para tumbahan mo! Tapos, what?... mga mandurukot, .. mas masaya siguro kung dagdagan na nila “Mag-ingat sa mga mandurukot, mamamatay tao, manyak, at lalong lalo na sa may putok sa kili-kili.”

“Teka, ano ba naiipit mo na ang boobs ko!”, sabi ng isang babaeng disente ang damit pero mukhang pokpok. “Eh, miss mag taxi ka na lang kung ayaw mong masiksik! First time mo ba?” sabi naman ng manyak. Tapos madalas maririnig mo ang mga “sawsaw pasengers” na di naman talaga involve, “Kaya nga naka separate na ang mga babae! Dito pa rin kayo siksik ng siksik!.” E siyempre masasaktan ang iba pang babae na nandun… at yun na ang simula ng civil war.
Sabi nga nila, pag sumakay ka daw ng MRT o kaya LRT pag rush hour, pag labas mo di ka na virgin. Ke lalake ka pa o babae.

Dati nga nagka second degree burn ako dahil sa MRT. Kasi madalas, literal na parang sardinas in “pawis-sauce” ang drama sa loob ng MRT. Tapos yung butihing asawa ng mga construction worker at kung sino sino pa e pinagbabaon yung mga mister nila sa umaga ng napakainit na kanin at ulam. Ibabalot sa plastic o kaya sa pang-mahirap na baunan tapos ilalagay sa bulsa ng backpack. E ang malas ko kasi sinigang ata ang baon ng katabi ko para sa kanyang lunch. At wala siyang pakialam kung kanino mapadikit ang backpack niya. Ang kawawang AKO naman ang malas na nakakatabi niya. Ang lintik na yun, natuwa pa nung nagulat at napaso ako. Siyempre likas na peaceful na tao ako.. so ipinag pray ko na lang na sumabog sa bag niya ang baon niyang sinigang at mahulog siya sa hagdan ng MRT, magpagulong gulong, at maging biktima ng stampede. At tsaka kasi mukha siyang mason sa construction site, at nasilayan ko rin na may tattoo siya sa braso. Dalawang magkapatong na puso, tapos may nakatusok na arrow na may konting dugo at may rose na mukhang gumamela – tattoo ng typical na probinsyanong adik. So, ako na isang simpleng mamamayan, takot mamatay at may mga pangarap sa buhay, ay tiniis na lang ang paso na dulot ng pesteng sinigang na baon ng isang-takas-sa-munti-cum-construction worker na probinsiyanong adik.

At pagkatapos ng lahat ng pagsubok, pasakit, stress, pagtakbo, pakikipagsiksikan, test of patience at paglanghap ng sariwang usok - sa wakas!! nakarating din sa office, kahit na 11 minutes late, - ahhh, aircon, unlimited coffee, petiks, bolahan with co-workers…

Pero teka… bakit ang aga ng boss ko?... at nakasimangot!!!! OMG!! Ibang pakikipagsapalaran naman ito…

Taking A Break

The pounding rain outside suddenly awakened me. I checked the time on my cellphone. Its glowing screen hurt my eyes, I blinked and waited until my eyes adjusted to the sudden light and checked the time. It’s 2 o’clock in the morning. I’m still sleepy and I don’t want to get out of my bed but something was urging me to check the windows in my room for possible leaks. Some water managed to get into my room the last time it rained hard. I don’t remember whether it’s during yesterday’s lunch talk or from the news where I overheard about a typhoon coming today. I even overheard that today’s typhoon has a female name but I instantly forget it. I don’t care about typhoon names anyway. I turned on the lights and checked the windows. Everything is ok. I decided to have a glass of water and go back to sleep.

My phone’s alarm set off at 6 o’clock in the morning. I turned the alarm off and go back to sleep like all the other working days. A few minutes in bed on a rainy morning is a luxury for me. My mother used to tell me during my high school days that it is a sign of laziness, maybe she’s right but I guess I can’t deny myself those simple pleasures. When I finally decided to greet the gloomy morning and start my morning rituals, it is already 8:30. I’m already very late for work so I decided to do my morning routine without haste and just enjoy the cold, gloomy and lazy morning.

In my work, there is what they called "inevitable leave". You can file this to save your sorry ass from receiving a Tardiness Memo and avoid suspension. This is how we, the representatives from the lower level of the pyramid they called "Org. Chart", managed to survive this socialized and corporate slavery. This modern day slavery has a system called "a corporate ladder" which challenges every slave "a.k.a. employees", to elevate their corporate standing into slavevisory level, or into master slaves or managers. There is only one ladder for so many slaves so the fight is bloody nasty. If you are stupid and have a weak heart you will die in climbing the ladder or if you managed to escape death while climbing, you will end up broke, poor and unhappy.

And today, I decided to take a rest in climbing the ladder, have a break and just enjoy the day.

Tomorrow I Will Kill My Second Thought

I am awake, but my body refuses to move. It is still raining outside and the cold morning is urging me to stay a little longer in my bed. Like all the other cold mornings, I stayed in bed, awake, just letting my second thought run like a random movie. First, it suggested the idea of not working today, then a fantasy, an erotic idea, and then a song.

I am amazed by the idea of a “second thought”. Paulo Coelho, the famous author of “The Alchemist” said that we have two minds, first is the one we use in decision making and is used for logical thinking, the other one is the random thoughts and most of the time, uncontrolled. If you wake up with a song that just keeps playing in your mind, humming a melody without lyrics like a “ta-de-dum…la la la” thing, well that is your second thought doing its trick. In my case, I consider my second thought as my evil thought. Maybe that’s why Paulo Coelho strongly suggests controlling or in some instances, killing your second thought.

I don’t know why the song “Let Me Fall” by Josh Groban keeps playing in my head. I can’t get it out of my head and I am irritated by it. After struggling for 30 minutes, my body finally budges to get up to take a shower. Well of course, today is a Monday and I’m already late for work, but I just don’t care.

I have to make a plan today how to overcome my second thought, because tomorrow, I’m planning to kill it.

Blinding Darkness

"You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself. . . . the height of a man's success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. . . . And this law is the expression of eternal justice. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others."
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)

After I signed the Warrior-of-the-Light’s sacred vow last 19th of June, I thought I am indestructible. I thought that the challenges and the war over myself and the expansion of my territorial bubble would be easy. But I was terribly wrong. The war has just begun.

I seem to be losing the war for the past three weeks. I don’t know if it is because of the constant rain or because I am ignorant of the Warrior’s tactics that causes my failure.
Darkness once again blinded me and pierced my heart. I thought I already have greater dominion over myself. I thought I would never again commit the greatest of man’s error, which is self-abandonment.

I accept that once again I have fallen.
I believe that the Warrior of the Light never commits the same mistake twice, but I violated it.
I once again enjoyed the sick cycle carousel ride, only to painfully regret it.
I have to go back again to the reasons why I have to win this fight. I have to fight even if I end up still fighting because if I surrender I will have no reason to live.

I am a Warrior of the Light
I have to win this fight.

The Road to My Personal Legend

The Road to My Personal Legend
Summoning the force of Sphyneckxzeus
The way of the Warrior of the Light

I am Yodz. I believe with all my heart that I am worthy of all the endeavors

I choose to pursue. I strongly believe that I can achieve all my dreams & goals in life. I believe that happiness is a choice, & I choose to be happy. I am happy & content with my life now. I know what I want to achieve & I know what I have to do to achieve it. I am making this day & everyday a masterpiece.

I am always taking care of my body, realizing the importance of moderation & balance, knowing that as I bring my flesh under control, it will be easy to control my will & actions. Everyday, I will eat more fruits & vegetables, drink lots of water & have sufficient sleep. I am avoiding unhealthy and junk foods. I am avoiding alcoholic drinks because it impairs my mental and physical faculties, which always leads to regretful mornings. Cleanliness is always my priority & I am always practicing good hygiene so that I can face the world with confidence.
In return for good health, I will treat everyone I meet everyday the way I want to be treated. I am beginning & ending each day with love in my heart. I am appreciating the life that I have, & very delighted in the reality of being alive. My past is forever gone, my future an uncertainty, so I will be happy & thankful for each moment.

I am spending my active income only for my needs, never for my wants. Everytime I will spend or disburse money, I will ask myself "Will this bring me closer to my financial goals?"
In return for this money, I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable, rendering the fullest possible quantity & the best possible quality of service. I believe that I will have this money in my possession. My faith is so strong that I can now see this money before my eyes. I can touch it with my hands. I am seeing myself rendering the best service in return for this money. I am awaiting a plan by which to accumulate this money, & I will follow that plan, when it is received.

I am spending time in study, learning how to better serve my fellowman. I know my growth in all areas is in direct proportion to the service I give to others. I will have my Masters Degree in 2010. I will do my best to finish my thesis. If they can do it, I know it is possible for me to do it. I am always finding time to improve my skills & knowledge in areas of Information Technology, Language & Writing. I am improving my writing skills by composing more blogs, poems & writing a book. I enjoy spending time reading books.

I am spending time for my family & friends. I am avoiding gossip, criticisms & negative thinking. I will not care about what others will say about me. This is my life & I am living it the way I wanted it to be. I know that if I am influenced by opinions of others, I have no desire of my own. The Warrior of the Light does not spend his days trying to play the role that others have chosen for him. It is not my responsibility to judge the dreams of others & I am not wasting time criticizing other people’s decisions.

I am getting everything done on time. When I see a new task, I plan it, schedule it, do it. My time is valuable & I treat it that way. I also understand that by being late, I am stealing other people’s precious time so I will arrive early on every appointment and every class. This is my way of valuing and respecting other people.

I am not committing the mistakes I made in the past. It is written that the true Warrior of the Light never commits the same mistake twice.

I see & feel myself doing it. I am very sure of myself that I can do it because I am always carrying with me - FAITH, HOPE & LOVE. I am doing all these with FAITH & strong DESIRE. I am doing all this with PERSISTENCE & DISCIPLINE And I am setting all this into ACTION, everyday & every minute of my life.
This is the road to my Personal Legend & no matter how long it takes or hard it is, I CAN DO IT!
I am Yodz, the force of Sphyneckxzeus is in me.
This is my sacred vow to become a true Warrior of the Light.

Signed:

Yodz De Veas y Insigne
Warrior of the Light
19th of June 2008