I am writing again…

After  a couple of months of writing hiatus, I am back again.  I want to share my life again.  I don’t know where my motivation to write again comes from. I just feel the urge to do so. I am happy that I am doing this again.  This is all for now. In the coming days, I would write more on the following topics.

1.  Slumdog Millionaire.  This is one rare movie I have loved this much.  Really great!

2.  Of Plaids and Whisky….  I met this wonderful person from, you’ve guessed it, Scotland through Facebook.   

3. Today’s homily.  I have been wanting to share priests’ homilies of Masses I attended to but  today’s was simply great.  It was so short, comic and inspiring 

I hope I could have the wisdom, courage and inspiration to write them real soon. 

Eureka! Eureka!

This is what Archimedes exclaimed when he had found out his mathematical rule (which led to greater mathematical discoveries) .  

Eureka! I silently told myself as I  have finally found that  special someone I have constantly been praying, searching, hoping and wanting.  As I get to know this person more, I have all the more reasons to smile, to look forward to something beautiful. It maybe too early to tell how this story of us would end as it has not totally begun but what can I do?  I can’t help but be excited to what the future awaits for us.  I guess it is my being optimistic again inspite of how little has happened so far. 

A couple of days ago, we chatted for almost a day at FB.  Then we talked for more than two hours on the phone.  It was indeed refreshing.  Finally, you feel that you have just found your match. You realize that this person is what you been looking for, fits your taste to the T, shares your views yet  you remain  complimentary in terms of differences.   We have not even met, not just yet, but I can’t take the smile off my face.  I always check my phone for new sms’s, my faceboook for new messages. 

Still, I keep myself grounded.  I am praying that everything we are hoping with each other would be affirmed once the D-day comes.  I am keeping my fingers crossed until then.

Am I found?

I thought I was  a couple of weeks ago but I refused to be so.  Perhaps, it is not yet time.  Maybe, it was not really meant to be.  It was just my first date with this person, hoping that the universes conspire and so after, I could proclaim mightily that I was found!  Unfortunately, things unfolded the way I half-expected.  There was no magic but fleshy desires.  There was no future to uphold, only moments to savor.

That first date was followed by a second and third one and most probably by a fourth and fifth and so on. But that’s all about it.  Just dates, no commitments, no strings attached, no expectations for now.  Who knows?  What we may have overlooked (and continue to overlook now) may turn out to be beatiful someday.  Well, this one is worth taking slowly. Though, I am neither waiting nor expecting.  I am just enjoying the ride ’til it last.

One thing is definite. I shall be found… soon!

GOD is awesomely great, always!

One of my closest friends email this to me and was touched once more by how awesomely great God is. He may not give what we want but He will surely surprise us with His never-ending kindness.  I am sharing it today and will always go back to this entry to make me grounded thru  His love that heals and endures.

Written  by  a doctor who worked in South Africa

One  night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite  of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a  crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby  alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).  

We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on  the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student  midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that  the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the  fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to  tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily  in tropical cl imates). ‘And it is our last hot water bottle!’ she  exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in  Central Africa it might be considered no  good crying over burst water bottles They do not grow on trees, and there  are no drugstores down forest pathways.

‘All right,’ I said, ‘put  the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby  and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby  warm.’

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have  prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I  gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told  them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby  warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so  easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister,  crying because her mother had died

During prayer time, one  ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our  African children. ‘Please, God’ she prayed, ’send us a water bottle. It’ll  be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this  afternoon.’

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer,  she added, ‘And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for  the little girl so she’ll know You really love her?’

As often with  children’s prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say,  ’Amen’. I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I  know that He can do everything, the Bible says so.  But there are  limits, aren’t there?  The only way God could answer this particular  prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland.  I had been in  Africa for almost four years at that  time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone  did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle?  I lived  on the equator!  Halfway through the after n oon, while I was  teaching in the nurses’ training school, a message was sent that there was  a car at my front door.

By the time I reached home, the car had  gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I  felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent  for the orphanage children.

Together we pulled off the string,  carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear  it unduly. Excitement was mounting.  Some thirty or forty pairs  of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted  out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out.  Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the  children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and  sultanas – that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put  my hand in again, I felt the….could it really be? I grasped it and  pulled it out – yes, a brand-new, ru b be r hot water bottle. I cried. I  had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth  was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, ‘If  God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!’  
  
  

Rummaging  down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully  dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking up  at me, she asked: ‘Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that  little girl, so she’ll know that Jesus really loves her?’

That  parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former  Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God’s prompting to  send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put  in a dolly for an African child – five months before, in answer to the  believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it ‘that afternoon.’  

‘Before they call, I will answer’ (Isaiah 65:24) This awesome  prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer,  that ’s all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to  whomever you want – but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free  gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.

 

 

Onto the next….

This has been my mantra  everytime I let destiny take its own course, especially during failed relatiosnhips. :) Onto the next!  The optimistic person that I am, I always look forward to better things to come. Thus, I embrace 2009 with all positivity. 2008 was a good year but I am almost definite that 2009 would be life changing.

This year begins my journey to my fourth decade of existence as I turn 31. I am taking braver and bigger steps to achieve my personal goals in life. With God’s grace and the support of those dear to me, I would stride my way to success.

Well, if  all my efforts have gone futile, I would simply say, Onto the next! 

For now, I would just play to win!

My Colorgenics

Found this at www.goldinuniverse.com and is quite accurate. Whew, it really sums up my feelings now.  Bravo to its creator, Prof. Paul Goldin!

Name: Reyginald
Date: 12/27/2008
Colorgenics Number: 17302465

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At this time you are feeling ‘uptight’ and you are urgently in need of rest and relaxation; but perhaps even more than that you need to overcome that feeling that you have been ‘hard done by’ and treated with a complete lack of consideration. Maybe you have, but whatever may have been the cause of your inherent anxiety, you regard the situation as intolerable. Your are, however, sufficiently competent to turn that situation around – you have overcome similar problems in the past, and really this one isn’t too different.

Being impulsive and irritable, your desires and needs are paramount. You do things with insufficient thought – with little regard to the consequences that may follow. As a consequence of this attitude, you may be experiencing stress and conflict.

Enough is enough – but the problems never seem to stop. They never stop. You feel, and maybe you are right, that the problems seem to go on and on and you have indeed had more than your fair share of trials and tribulations. But to give you credit – you bounce back time and time again – you stick to your beliefs because deep down you have that inner knowledge, that ‘belief’ system that in the end, everything will turn out OK – and you are right -it will!

For whatever the reason, you find it extremely difficult to sustain relationships – that is to sustain them in the manner that you would wish. You are a very gentle sort of person, full of feeling, sensitivity and susceptible to love and affection, looking and longing for a partner with whom you can enjoy ‘All things bright and beautiful’ – someone with whom you can seek out the more esoteric things of life. But up to now this person has only existed in your imagination. You are very choosy, appreciative, refined and extremely artistic in temperament and it is your hope to seek others who will allow you to form and express your own taste and judgement and who at the same time may assist you in your intellectual or artistic growth.

You are inclined to be too trusting and you feel that you need to be on your guard against the possibility that your endeavours and actions may be misunderstood. Too often you have been taken advantage of and you have been mentally abused. Now you are seeking a relationship which can provide peace of mind, where you can be yourself and not have the need to put on a false front.

My favorite number is 7 but…

I got this from my Facebook account.  Almost everything is true except a single negative trait.  I don’t think I am discontented. 

Your Life Path Number is 6
Your Life Path Number represents the path you should take through life and the talents and skills you have to make your journey a rewarding one.

Your Life Path Number makes you a both a healer and a provider. You maintain a balanced life and are looked upon by others as a stable and trustworthy person. You are sympathetic and caring, which makes you a good listener and counsellor. You are able see the best in people around you.

Positive Traits Nurturing, Responsible, Dutiful, Family Oriented, Kind, Stable, Devoted Negative Traits Intolerant, Discontented, Dictatorial, Dogmatic Associations Tarot: Lovers Astrology: Venus, Virgo, Gemini Rune: Wunjo I Ching: Sung Tree of Life: Tiphereth, Beauty Hebrew Letter: Vau, Samekh Shamanism: Duck, Snake, and Lion Element: Earth, Air Alchemy: Air Aura: Rainbow Color: Blue Gemstones: Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond Crystals: Blue Tourmaline Month: June Week Day: Friday Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9, 15, 24, 33, 42, 51, 60, 69, 78, 87, 96, 105 Flora: Tulip, Rosewood, Chrysanthemum

Rants over wants…

I am totally pissed off now.   I am disappointed with my boss for his inconsistencies.  I can blame him though, as he is Korean and I need to understand that we are a Korean-funded start-up company.  Hence, we need to submit to the regulations of the culture he was raised and that of our investors.

Still, I can’t help but rant now. I know that I have my share of inconsistencies. I try to avoid being one.  But when I am aware that I am being incosistent, I am diplomatic about the issue especially when my associates are involved.  Shallow as it may look like, but certain issues should be resolved no matter how substantial  it is. Read: substanstial not irrelevant.

I believe that I have complimentary leadership skills with my boss.  He is authoritative while I am people-oriented.  We have one unified goal but getting to that goal is another story.  Sometimes, we debate on issues. What is good is, we end up in a compromise most of the time.  In rare times, I need to submit to his authority.  Afterall, I am just his employee. 

But this is the only time, I think I am right but felt helpless.  Certain things  I am fighting for the sake of my associates but my boss rejected the idea only after sometime when negotiations and huggling already took place. I felt that my word was on the line. That I need to bite the bullet and admit to my associates that I was wrong.  That there was a miscommunication within the management.  Sadly, I am part of this management.

Well,  I expect my people to understand me.  But I cannot undo the fact that my words could not be trusted by them all the time.  I  have to earn their trust and loyalty again. 

Finally, I should learn a lesson or two from this experience which I have yet to  unravel. For now, I need to be more focused with my job at any given circumstance.

Oh My Banana!

I used to have what I call Banana diet a few months ago.  I stopped for reasons I can’t remember now. Now, I want to do it again. My reasons why….  (a former colleague emailed this to me.)

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class
about bananas.? He said the expression “going bananas” is from the
effects of bananas on the brain.? Read on:

Never, put your
banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.

After reading this, you’ll never look at a
banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars -
sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant,
sustained and substantial boost of energy.


Research has proven that just two bananas
provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana
is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can
help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of
illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people
suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is
because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts
into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make
you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains
regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of
hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet
low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food
and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official
claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200
students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams
this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost
their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can
assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore
normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to
laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest
ways
of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The
banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted
blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system..

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you
suffer from heartburn, try e ating a banana for soothing relief…

Morning Sickness: Snacking
on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning
sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the
affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly
successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous
system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria
found pressure at wor k leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese
were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to
avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar le vels
by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal
disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit
that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also
neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the
stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit
that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant
mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their
baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural
mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,
B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help
the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat,
sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are
stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by
reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a
high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine,
eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes
by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to
kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the
yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical
tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for
many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein,
twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A
and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in
potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change
that well-known phrase so that we say, “A banana a day keeps the doctor
away!”

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are
so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes??
Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe…polish with
dry cloth. Amazing fruit !  - Anonymous 

My Christmas Wishlist

100ml Clinique Happy for Men

Quiksilver wovens (courtesy of Maan) (size S/P)

Quiksilver collared shirts (again, thanks to Maan) (size S/P)

Panasonic  Battery-Operated Shaver

Long Leather Black Unbranded wallet

Addidas Rubber Shoes (size 44)

A new pair of Puma sneakers (size 44)

Trip/s to Boracay, Bangkok and/or Hong Kong

Black Crocs Flip Flops (size 9)

Jeffrey Archers’s Prisoner of Birth or The Gospel….

A designer bag (an LV would do. hehehe)

A unassuming leather bag that of a size of short bond paper (somewhat like LV’s Luka bag)

 A Canon DSLR camera

A Cash Bonus from my boss. (parinig? hehehe)

I hope my Santa Clauses see this list. 

I will add more to this in the coming days!