Paradise isn't always a place.

#SorryMyMistake. 

 Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to say "sorry" when you know you're right, or probably when you think your opponent's mistake is heavier/greater than that of yours. Right? Sometimes, saying "sorry" doesn't always have to mean you're wrong, sometimes it just goes to show that your relationship with another person is more important to you than your ego. 

There are people who eagerly want to make you smile when you've got the "suko na ko" feeling. People who intend to convince you that tears are never an option. People who try their best to prove to you that your first won't always be the best. People who give the words "kaya yan!" a meaning. Yeah, those people? You don't hurt those kind of people. In fact, you don't have the right to hurt anybody. Don't give them a reason to think that whatever good they've been showing you is something to regret and forget. 

<<<------ Those people?

They'll be your shoulder when you're at your worst. Your hands when you just can't grip on life's pillars as the deamons of regrets seek your trust. Your knees when you need to kneel down, look up and tell God "Lord, thank you for the gift of life.". Your brain that constantly tells your heart to get back to being a whole when pain simply cracks them into bits and pieces. They'll be your ladder when you need to climb the "highest of the high" mountains. Your bridge when you need to cross decisions. Decisions that are merely compatible. They'll be the wind beneath your wings. The spoon to your fork, the peanut butter to your bread, the lead to your mechanical pencil, but most importantly, the desire to your dreams. 

See, what did I tell you? You don't hurt those kind of people. You can be Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, or any other "man" you want to be, but Superman. SuperMANHID. 

Darling, paradise isn't always a place.. sometimes, it's the comfort you find in someone's presence.

P.S. Sorry, Santo! - Messy 

Author: https://twitter.com/carminagarcia3

A Truly Merry Christmas

I can't deny it, when my daughter is in the mood she really loves the camera.  And when she is ready for her shot, there is no telling what she will do in front of the camera.  But always she can put a smile on your face.

This Christmas is a little more special than the previous ones.  This year, my daughter is more aware of what Christmas is all about.  And for kids it is about gifts, celebrations, parties and a lot of fun stuff.  But we do tell her that there is more to Christmas than just gift giving.  it is the birthday of Jesus.  So with that said, she now sings happy birthday to Jesus when ever she can.

Youngest Member of the Happy Eaters' Club

We love to eat and I can see that my daughter is a true member of the Happy Eaters' Club!  Our motto is simple - We Eat With A Smile.

Eating has become more than just a necessity of life.  it has become an artform in our family.  We love to explore new tastes and new ingredients while enjoying tried and tested concoctions.  Recipes handed down from one generation to the other are often included in our menu during gathers.  Of course last Christmas was no exception.  the usual spring rolls, of the family was served, the maja blanca that my mom makes is a favorite.  the dinuguan that my dad cooks is also a mainstay.  Suffice to say, being in our family means eating and enjoying food.  My daughter has a good head start in a life where eating is done with a smile.

Although she still drinks milk, she eats a lot of solids now and her taste buds are treated to different textures and tastes.  I suppose introducing kids to different tastes at an early age makes them a little less picky.

Eat healthy and eat with a smile!

For The Love of Swimming

My daughter loves to swim.  Even at an early age, we saw her love for water.  Whenever we can, we give her the time of her life in the the water. Perhaps this runs in the family.  Her om and I love the water as well.  

Swimming is a wonderful bonding time for the family.  I remember going on summer trips with the whole family to hot springs.  And when i say whole family it means the entire clan.

As a new tradition of ours, the whole family goes to the beach during New Year.  It is a wonderful way to spend a quite time with the family away from the fire crackers and the inevitable air pollution.  I am looking forward to another swimming adventure with my wife and daughter.

Happy to Be With My Daughter

The long break means more time spent with people you love.  In this case, more bonding time with my daughter.  Thanks to camera phones, we can take snap shots anytime we want.  This is really a wonderful technology to capture snippets of our lives.

Children grow up so quickly and for that particular moment, we can just capture a single fraction of time.  time passed is time gone.  But when we we take a picture, we preserve it.  In so doing, we preserve the happy moments (and sometimes those tear-jerking moments).  When you are a dad like me, every moment is precious - especially when you spend it with your daughter.

Mom's my best buddy

So let's use the #ThrowbackNotThursday

This is a photo taken around 2 years ago at the village barangay.

So let's use the #ThrowbackNotThursday

This is a photo taken around 2 years ago at the village barangay hall. Until today, Yna still enjoys playing there. You can tell by her face the amusement she's facing. Amazing, isn't it?

But why this picture? Home is first found in a mother's womb. Your momma had been carrying you in her womb for 9 months before labor. She's been through a lot. Times when she can't eat just anything she wants, she can't travel because she's putting you as her MAJOR MAJOR priority, she can't run nor jog to achieve that "sexy shape" she wants. Whoops. But life doesn't stop there. Eventually, when you get older, she'd have to feed you, drive you to school, wash your clothes, keep you in her circle of things to be shown care. On your 7th birthday, she'll be your "secretary", precisely assisting you and accommodating your guests every single moment. On recognition day, she'd be there shouting "that's my girl". On graduation day, she'll be sitting in that little corner praying to God, thanking him that he gave her a kid like you. On prom, she'll be there, helping you pick out your dress.

Your mom? More of your bestfriend.
Now, these two still have a long long way to go! :)

Artwork on the Wall

I know my daughter loves doing art works.  And when I saw one of her artworks at school I can 't help but take a picture of it.  At an early age, we let her experience painting, coloring, pasting, cutting and all sorts of activities that will support her creativity.  Likewise, these activities help improve her fine motor development.  Through her artwork, she expresses her emotions and shares her ideas with us.  Sometimes we spend the whole afternoon just painting, drawing and coloring.  She even makes stories out of what she painted.

Right now, she tries to be very deliberate in the way she colors her pictures.  She tries not to go outside the lines and she is very conscious about the way she hold her coloring materials.  The interest in art is there.  The skills are being honed and we are looking forward to doing more artworks in the future.

Elsa Role-Playing Taken To Greater Heights

Every little girl I know wants to be Elsa, the Queen in the Animated Movie Frozen.  However, not everyone is perhaps like my daughter.  Apart from dressing up as Elsa, her pretend play is one of a kind.

When she held  the wire fence she immediately went into character.  She started to say that she can't bring summer back to her kingdom.  After a few "I can't bring back summer" outbursts, she went into a heart-felt rendition of Let it Go.  Then she broke off character and said, "Dad take a picture of me, I'm in the castle dungeon, they captured me."

She held onto the wire and went into a contemplative mood as if thinking how she can bring back summer.

My daughter takes role-playing to another level!  All I can say is WOW!

Preparing for Her First School Christmas Party

It's my daughter's first school Christmas Party and she was excited.  She wanted to go as Else from Frozen but buying an Elsa gown is quite expensive and we won't be able to use it as often.  So we decided to buy something similar but can be used for more occasions.

On the day of the party, Yna wore her dress and held up a small mirror and her transformation to a princess was complete.  She even had to close her eyes and open them again just to make sure that it was real.   Oh, my sweetheart, you are always a princess.

It is these little moments that make life more special.  The joy in their eyes is priceless.

Is Life Too Hard

Our lives are full of challenges.  Some are too great to carry while others are so simply we just play around with them.  But regardless how huge and daunting it may be, these forge us into the person we are.  Some turn into stronger individuals while others become consumed by ill emotions.

Do you see life's challenges as opportunities to grow or stumbling blocks that stop you to move further?  Either way, how you see them will determine your attitude towards life.  I choose to see challenges as doors to to a better me.

Take Control of Your Life

You choose your life!  that s the hard truth many of us fail to understand.  Although we are influenced by others, the final decision on how to live your life is your sole responsibility.  You have the option to say yes and to say no.  Either way you decide.

t is easy to blame others for our misfortunes.  And it is easy to blame circumstances.  But in the end, we have to realize that these events in our lives have come to pass because of our own decisions.

We choose and that is a powerful force that drives our lives.  No one else has this power over us.  So choose properly. your life depends on it.

Treasure Your Friends

How many friends do you have on Facebook?  Now, think how many of these are really your friends?  It is quite interesting that the world wide web connects many people.  But this connection falls short of being true friends.  Of course there are those that bloom into a mature friendship but being connected does not make you truly friends.

For those who have found true friends, it is just to keep it and nurture it.  The beauty of friendship lies in knowing that you have someone you can turn to even when the rest of the world turns its back on you.  Friendships that are true lasts forever.  And it is these friendships that are worth keeping.

Isn't Love Beautiful?

Do you remember how it felt when you first held your love's hand?  How about the time when you first kissed?  Sometimes reality is far better than our dreams.  And when you are in love you know that you are living a wonderful life.  Sleeping becomes a chore since you risk not gazing at the one you love.  Reality becomes special when you are in love.  And it becomes double wonderful when the love you have is reciprocated.

Lucky are those who find love and get loved back.  When you do find it, nurture it life your life depends on it.

Live Life to the Fullest

Life is beautiful.  Although many say this, not everyone who does realizes what it really means. Many are still afraid to let go and live life.

Do realize that living life is not merely being reckless.  Rather it is being free.  It is when when we live freely that we truly enjoy being alive.  It is when we are free that the simplest of acts become truly magnificent.  when we dance, we dance with all or being.  When we sing, we sing with all our souls.  No one can make this real other than ourselves.  Live life to the fullest.

You Are An Influential Person

We all have a huge power and responsibility to the person next to us.  We have the ability to influence actions and thought.  But rarely do we understand the impact of this ability.  Moreover, we often neglect the responsibility that we have for others. We all have the power to influence.  But are you using that power to ensure positive change?

The more we realize how we affect others the more we become aware that we are all connected.  In addition, if we take on more responsibility to create a better world, we will realize that each of us plays a significant role.

In the end, one question remains - are you a positive influence to others?

Take an Interest on Life

DO you give life enough attention?  Or are you breezing through it like it's not a big deal?  For many of us, we see living as just existing.  but there is more to life than the breathes we take.  Life is an opportunity to explore our talents and improve what is around us.  If we do not take interest in life, we miss out on the opportunity to really live it.

The more curious we become about the simplest things, the more we can appreciate every day that we spend alive.  There is beauty everywhere and we need to enjoy it and appreciate it.  Life is a spectacular journey.  We should not be mere spectators in our lives.

How To Hide Like A Toddler

Hide and seek is one of my daughter's favorite games.  And she plays it like a true little girl.  It is not more of the hiding that really matters.  Rather, it is the thrill of being found.  Covering one's self with a blanket is a usual tactic.  however, standing up while doing this is quite unconventional.  I am not sure if it is for the ease of running around or just the illusion that it is a mound of pillows covered by a blanket.  regardless of the reason, it is just cute.

Smoking is a Filthy and Addictive Habit

Do you smoke?  You'd better stop now before you regret it.

This Filthy and dangerous habit has plagued our society for a long time now.  Reports have shown that smokers are getting younger.  This means that more individuals are exposed to the ill effects of smoking earlier.

Although warnings are mandatory, many still do not heed the sound advice.  In addition, legislation has made it clearer that smoking is bad for your health.  Unfortunately tobacco companies continue to be one of the most lucrative business around the world.

Health and Fitness Short Cuts

Why do you want to have a healthy and fit body?  It is hard not to notice the huge importance of health and fitness in our society.  The premium given to people with chiseled bodies, rock hard abs and really great buttocks is astounding.  Moreover, numerous health and fitness fads have emerged and they continue to confuse the masses.

There are no quick fixes to health and fitness.  Although products and services have shown that there are.  But what really works is commitment and honest desire to have a healthy and fit body.

What are your health and fitness goals?  More importantly what do you intend to do to achieve these goals?

On Being Good

Being good is subjective.  Since what sees as good may not be the same for someone else.  Cultural differences, religious disparities or plain personal values can differ.  And these differences can so huge that our perception of what is good can be distorted.

What is being good for you?  Is it a universal notion of what is good (if such a thing really exists)?  Or is it just a personal concoction of what is beneficial to you.

Heath and Fitness is for Everyone

 

Health is not just for the young and those fearing a coronary complications.  rather, it is for everyone.  One important part of a healthy lifestyle is eating properly.  Unfortunately, with all the health hypes around, it is quite difficult to keep track of what is really healthy and what is not.

In the end, common sense is an important tool in living a healthy lifestyle.  Moreover, it takes a considerable amount of will power to choose to live a healthy life.  But it is worth the effort.

Car Makes its own U-Turn Slot

Watch a driver make his own u-turn slot instead of using a perfectly good one around 200 meters away.  I am not sure if it is just impatience to drive or honest to goodness stupidity.  Because of this, he almost caused a collision, slowed down the traffic and not to mention, irritated  other motorist.

This is another pathetic driving practice of many Filipino drivers.  Many accidents have happened because drivers opted to go over the center island and make a U-turn there.

Be careful when you drive in the Philippines.  Drivers can really be rude and inconsiderate especially buses.

Truck Drives Into On Coming Traffic

A truck drove the wrong way along Araneta Ave., a key high way in Metro Manila.  It suddenly popped out of a corner and instead of following the right direction it drove right onto on coming traffic.  The driver then turned into a side street as if what he did was normal.

Many Filipino drivers are so used to driving onto on coming traffic just to save time.  This puts other motorists in peril. But what makes it even more annoying is that there were traffic enforcers along the high way but they did not do anything about this truck.

Life Is what We Want It To Be

Sometimes our own mind plays tricks on us.  Whether it is a false memory or we simply convinced ourselves with an alternative reality what is real can be subjective.

Seeing is very different from perceiving.  One simply uses a sense the other includes previous experiences, beliefs, ideals, values and a host of other items that we use to draw conclusions.  The truth is, life is more of perceptions than just seeing.  What you may find alluring can be despicable for another.  This is why many cultures clash.  And when perception collides, there is no telling what can happen.

A World Of Inconsiderate Drivers

Some drivers can really annoy you while others can put you at the brink of homicide.  However, this one just tickles my annoyance a tad little more than the usual.  Some drivers are inconsiderate of others.  Instead of leaving space for others to park, they's make sure to annoy you.  Instead of parking close to the wall, the driver of the light blue car opted to occupy the space nearest the road so he could get out easily.  He left his car that way for the rest of the day!  Sometimes drivers do not have the decency to be kind to others.  All that matters to them is themselves.

Seriously, This Is NOT Takeout

I was unfortunate enough to go to a local fast-food chain that is supposedly kicked the well-loved clown all over the world.  But this Overweight Happy Bee is far from doing an excellent job providing service to its customers.

I ordered food for takeout and had to wait for the items.  That
s no biggie.  But what was irritating was that the person at the counter simply placed everything on my tray and asked me to move aside.  What is this? Assemble your own takeout?

So as not to ruin my day, I decided to assemble my own takeout while waiting for the rest of the order.  After 10 minutes of waiting I just had to approach a service crew to ask for my food.  I showed him the number and waited another 10 minutes before I got them.  Suffice to say, this Overweight Happy Bee franchise is just annoying.

I lLove My Dirty Shoes

Most people do not realize that their shoes are one of the most under-appreciated item that they own.  But they tell stories about your life and your troubles.

I heard an inspiring quote before which says: "I detested the fact that i did not have shoes until I saw a man without feet." Or something to that effect.

Our life has given us much but we rarely appreciate it.  this world has given us more than what we need but our greed makes us want more.  And all that we have seems inadequate.

Regardless of what we have in life, we should be happy.  Of course people want more.  But when we think of what we really need rather than what we actually want, then we begin to understand human graving.  But we are blessed with so many things even if you think it is inadequate.  We simply have to put value to what we have right now.  Then you will know that you are rich.

How Do You Spend Your Time?

How crammed is your schedule?  Sometimes we don't even have time for our selves.  that is sad since we work hard and fail to appreciate what is going on around us.  Whether you are a parent who forgets a ballgame or a spouse who chooses work over your loved ones.  We often rationalize our lack of time for the people we love by saying all efforts are for them.  Perhaps that is true.  But every single moment spent with the person you love is an irreplaceable moment that you lose forever.  

Have a break from all the busy stuff.  Turn your attention to the most important person in the world.  that can be your child, your spouse or heck, it can be you.

Age is Just A Number

Age is just a number.  How old you are depends entirely on your ability to go beyond how many days you've stayed on earth.  Rather it is how much you can make out of what life has given you.  We create meaningful and memorable moments every second of the day.  Moreover, we cherish them throughout our lives.  Age is just a number.  We choose to be young or old.

A Spiritual Connection

Do you talk to God?  Does he talk back?  The first question is easy to answer.  But the second one will take a few minutes before you actually answer.  Perhaps it is because people might think you are crazy.  No one wants to be branded a lunatic.  but many of those called by God are seen as such.  So, whether it is a clinical condition or honest to goodness divine communication, we will never truly know.  I know someone who claimed to have been talking to the Virgin Mary and even had a huge following.  But after some time that person just faded away.  Until he...became a she then pursued a singing career which unfortunately failed as well.  Whether the conversation with the divine were true or not I have no idea.  

In the end, our connection to the Divine is on a personal and spiritual level.  

The LUXURIOUS CHOICE for the RICH and CONVICTED

Are you sick and tired of jail guards that do their jobs so well?  How about prison authorities that don’t let you enjoy your incarceration?   Is your rival gang taking over your territory? Are you losing your mojo because of life in prison?   They are laughing right at your face!

You deserve an upgrade!

Choose New Bilibid Prison, Philippines.

This prime real estate is sanctuary to a community of inmates that offers a break from the traditional management and facilities.   Remember that there is a better choice than just being in prison – it’s New Bilibid Prison!  It’s the luxurious choice of the convicted.

• Get your dignity back as a scumbag
• Keep your illicit businesses running even after the courts have declared you guilty of atrocious crimes. 
• Serve your time while enjoying best money can buy

We come to you with one principle in mind:

Anyone can be bought for your convenience!

And we make it happen

Call your nearest BJMP broker and check out available units.

NO RESERVATIONS, NO DOWNPAYMENTS

JUST GET CONVICTED AND WE’LL DO THE REST!

It is time to upgrade your prison life to a luxurious lifestyle.   If you think you deserve the very best in prison accommodations, CALL OUR BRIBE HOTLINE RIGHT NOW

Bribe Hotline:  1-800-NBPBRIBE.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

The New Bilibid Prison in the Philippines will change your view of prison management and incarceration. This not so state-of-the-art prison facilities comes equipped will all your needs in prison life.  Just give us the right bribe and we’ll make it happen.  Just check out what you can enjoy in here:

• Video and audio entertainment featuring high definition flat screen TV (porn sold separately)
• Gym and gym equipment that rivals the ones BJMP offers their own people
• We guarantee you won’t get raped when you take a shower
• 24/7 goon protection by your own private army inside the prison complex (your choice of hoodlooms)
• Free of charge high-powered weapons – we’ll even throw in side arms and knives for the first 5 drug lords to get life imprisonment every fiscal year FREE OF CHARGE
• Girls on call for lonely nights for a discounted fee (upgrade to premium account and get girls, guys, minors, dogs or any livestock you want because we don’t judge your preference)
• Your own shabu stash for personal use or for in-prison business (Check the BJMP concierge for other available illegal substances – fees and charges apply)
• 24/7 BJMP help desk for your other needs and demands
• We have an In-Prison Business Plan Upgrade so you can run your illegal business from anywhere in the prison community.  Don’t let incarceration stop you from running your business!

GET ALL THESE AND MORE.

ONLY AT NEW BILIBID PRISON, PHILIPPINES

The nicest maximum security prison your money can buy

If you are a scumbag that deserves only the best

CALL OUR BRIBE HOTLINE RIGHT NOW

1-800-NBPBRIBE

Don’t let a rival gang beat you to it.  CALL NOW!

_______________________

If you are tired of corruption in the Philippiones 

Help fight it!

_____________________

image by ErikaWittlieb CC-0 via Pixabay

Lazada Will Ruin Christmas

Yup, you got that right, Lazada the online shopping site is ruining Christmas.  My wife ordered from the site more than a month ago and it was delivered to our home.  However, it was not working!  So we followed the return procedure and waited for a response.  Unfortunately, the online shopping site had some internal system error and was having difficulty processing the return order - that's what they told us.  The screw up was horrendous!  First, the representative we talked to said that the shipment was cancelled.  Of course we did not cancel it.  We paid for it and we intend to get our purchase.  When we spoke to another representative we were promised that the item will arrive soon.  However, after a few days the courier informed us that the address they had was missing a street name.  All they had was a house number! How in the world did Lazada manage to screw this up?  They were able to deliver the faulty product to us several weeks back!  Afterwards, a representative promised to call us for updates but not a soul from that freaking online shopping site called us – not even an email nor a text message was sent.  After more than a month of lame excuses we are still waiting for the item. 

Some of you may have good experiences with this online shopping site and that is good for you.  But so far all they have manage to do is make them distrust their company even further.  So far their service is pretty much pathetic.  I am close to saying “Close up shop and rid us of your incompetence and poor service.”  But I won’t…not just yet.

However, let this be a warning to all online shoppers – shop at Lazada and have a miserable time getting your items.

In the spirit of the Yuletide season...Merry Christmas Lazada.  I hope Santa can scrap you off his naughty list this year.  

IMPORTANT NOTE TO LAZADA:  Deliver our item before Christmas and I will personally write to Santa to remove you from his naughty list this year.

image courtesy of OpenClips CC-0 via Pixabay

Lolo's Gumamela Flowers

 Yna's lolo (grandfather) loves to take care of plants.  One of his favorites is Gumamela.  They come in different varieties and he pretty much has a lot of them in the garden.  

I remember taking the leaves then crushing them and mixing it with soap to make bubbles.  We don't do that anymore.

Now, we simply en joy the flowers when they bloom and my daughter like them.  She sometimes get up early in the morning just to say hi to them.  At times she gets her little water can and drizzles some water on the plants.

I grew up taking care of plants and flowers and I am glad that my daughter is enjoying this activity as well.  I think spending time in the garden tending the plants is a wonderful bonding time my little princess and I can do more often.

Some of lolo's flowers:

A Budding Artist

At an early age, my wife and I introduced art activities to our daughter.  Apart from honing her fine motor skills, this is a wonderful activity to practice concepts like colors, shapes, lines, textures and all those school stuff topics.  Weekends are her art day and nothing can stop her from dabbing some paint on canvass.  For this piece, she used acrylic paint on canvass.

What's amazing about this artwork is that she was careful to blend colors.  Likewise, she even took the time to make some colors more transparent than others to give it some texture.

But in the end, it is not about art techniques.  it is all about getting messy and having fun.

We All Make Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes and that is a part of life.  But unless we rectify them it will remain a hindrance to our success.  Many successful people have made huge blunders but continue to strive to do better.  And those that take the time to improve themselves find success.

What was the last significant mistake you did?  Have you done anything to correct this mistake?  

Are You Willing To Help Others?

How much does it take to help someone in need?  Perhaps for some people it takes a whole lot of effort just to lift a finger.  But for a few, it is as easy as breathing. Considering that humans are social beings, helping others should be natural.  Yet, I've seen people turn their heads the other way when someone is in need.  But I have faith that people can still muster the will power to help others without thinking of themselves first.

A world that is ready to lend a hand is a world destined for peace.

A Toddler's Letter To God

One afternoon, my daughter took out her crayons and opened her notebook.  She paused for a short period as she gazed at the wall.  Then she begun scribbling with much enthusiasm.  After her exuberant scribbling, she took the notebook and asked me to tear off the page.  Of course at first I was perplexed at this request.  But she insisted that I tear it off so she can mail it at once.

While I was tearing the page I asked what she drew.  She said it was a letter to God.  Curious at what she wrote, I asked her to read it for me.  Then she looked at the paper and begun reading.

Dear God,

Thank you for taking care of my mommy, toys and daddy.  Thank you for making well.  

Love Yna.

If you look at the page it may seem like piece of paper filled with scribbles.  But to my daughter it was a letter with heart-felt gratitude to God.

PS.  I was third in line and toys preceded me.  I'm not complaining.    LOL

Humility Will Unlock Doors

We often think that we know enough.  On the other hand, some curious few think they know more than others.  But the truth is we know only a fraction of what the world is all about.

How many of us have the humility to admit that there is someone out there who knows more.  Likewise, it takes a lot of effort to admit that we do not know enough.  But it is when we make these realizations and accept them that we begin to unravel more and learn more.  Our own humility lets us soar beyond our limits.

Sad Horses at Manila Zoo

This is truly a sad sight.  The emaciated horses at the Manila Zoo just underscores the lack of funds and proper facilities to care for the animals here.  I just hope that they live long enough to experience an upgrade in living conditions at the zoo.

I have no idea how miserable these animals may feel.  But looking at them shows that it can definitely be better.  If you can help these animals in any way you can, please do so.

Please share this so more people can be aware of the conditions that animals at Manila Zoo are experiencing.  And perhaps some help reach them.

Stop and Smell the Roses...or Pollution

We live in a fast-paced life.  the 24 hours in a day seems inadequate for the things we have to accomplish.  I am not really sure if this is because we try to cram too much in our day or if we just don't know how much we can handle.  regardless of the reason, the day seems to be not enough.  However, we do need to stop and take a break from time to time.  We deserve to recharge and contemplate about what we have accomplished.  This break can offer us a different perspective of our life and perhaps steer it at the right direction.  

The daily rush seems to consume everyone.  But are we rushing towards what is truly necessary in our lives?  we put so much effort in the mundane that it eventually seen as necessities.  The break that we need can help us fine tune our perspective and perhaps give us a better view of life.

When was the last time you took a break and slowed down for a change.

The image above is free to use.  You can right click it and save it on your computer.  Hot linking is not allowed.

What is Happiness for You?

Everyone defines happiness differently.  Some find happiness in family, others in fulfilling work, some turn to financial success or some other source.  the point is we have varying parameters for success.  But what is real important right now is to identify how you define happiness.  The next step is to strive for it and make sure you achieve it.

Happiness is a wonderful gift that we can get from life.  but it is our own attitude and efforts that can give us the happiness that we desire.

Wisdom is a Scarce Trait Nowadays

Do you strive to become wiser each day or do you simply breeze through life without learning anything?  In all the things we do, we have the opportunity to learn something and grow.  What is more fascinating is that with the advent of the internet, information has gone global.  But wisdom goes beyond facts and trivia or the latest list of hottest women on earth.  rather it is taking your experiences and learning and putting them into a wider perspective.  This world needs wiser people.  will you be one of those striving for wisdom?  Or are you just one of those coasting through life?

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It Is Not Too Late To Do Something Significant

Age should never be an issue to start doing significant things in your life.  We tend to postpone activities that will impact our lives.  For whatever reason, we convince ourselves that tomorrow is a better time to start something.  Little do we know that every moment wasted is lost forever.  And when we grow older, we face a horrible realization that we could have done something better long ago.  But it is never too late to do remarkable stuff in life.

Start now and surprise yourself.  I do not believe that old dogs can not be taught new tricks.  Every day is an opportunity to create and discover.  This is regardless of your age.  We can contribute up to the last day of our lives.  we can discover up to the moment the our heart stops.

Do not deny yourself the opportunity to explore life.  One lifetime is not enough to completely discover the world around us.

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Are You Insane Enough to Innovate?

Exactly what is insanity?  Is it merely deviating from the norm.  If this is the case then many of the great innovators throughout the human history can be considered insane.  The truth is, it is the ability to think out of the box that has made numerous advancements possible.  Being able to conceive something new ideas is the seed of improvements.

Likewise, we should not be content when there are better ways to accomplish things.  Innovation and improvements provide ways to become more efficient.  A mind that challenges the current ways in a positive way opens doors to wonderful discoveries.

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Be Responsible; Be Accountable

One of the most common faults I find in the corporate world is the lack of accountability.  As much as I want to say that this is limited to a certain position in a company it is not.  I am unfortunate enough to have worked with and have worked under people who lack accountability.

One thing is clear, this undesirable trait can pull companies down, strain relationships and ruin lives.  I've seen great companies slowly dwindle into a pathetic heap of organization because of people who fail to acknowledge their responsibilities.  Likewise, I have seen companies lose millions because of this dismal behavior.  Also, I've seen demoralized and disgruntled employees because of the same annoying habit.

Being accountable shows strength of character especially during situations that are less than favorable for the person.  In addition, being accountable ensures that the organization is run by matured and qualified people who will strive to work for the organization's interest.  Not all are willing to be accountable and responsible. Are you one of them?

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Staring Contest Against a Parrot

She loves staring contests.  Now, it is with a parrot at the zoo.  She was serious at giving the bird the stare down of its life.  What do you know, the bird did not back down!  It was one of the toughest staring competition my daughter ever faced.  But thanks to the money in the next cage, the bird got distracted.  And yes, Yna won this time.

trips to the zoo is always a fun activity for the family.  Moreover, it is an adventure everyone of us enjoys.  We can't wait for the next trip to the zoo.  And who knows who she will have a staring contest next.

Who Loves Trains?

Who loves trains?  With an enthusiastic wave my daughter Yna confirms her love for trains.  It is a great that there is a train ride in Fairview Terraces Mall and she loves the trip around the mall.  Although the ride was just a few minutes long, it was a worthwhile trip.  Happy daughter makes a happy daddy.  Plus I did not have to carry her around!  It was a win-win deal for everyone.

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The Lemon Cupcake Test

My daughter loves the Lemon cupcake from Sonja's.  But can she pass the cup cake test?  It our crude version of the Stanford marshmallow experiment back in 1960s.   We told her she will get a surprise if she can wait for a while before eating the her favorite cup cake.  

It took a lot o will power and self restraint but she passed with flying colors.  My daughter Yna loves this cake but was willing to wait.  And when it was time to feast on her cupcake she enjoyed herself.  Plus she got the surprise promised to her for waiting.  It was a happy ending to a harrowing wait.

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