I'm planning to merge all my LJ posts to blogger. I thought I only had a few LJ posts but I was wrong since there was a long list in the archive section. So consider this as a TO DO.
GTG. BYE.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Through the Looking Glass
In Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, Alice realizes she's lost in an unfamiliar forest. She comes to a crossroads and has no idea which way to turn.
Then, Alice sees the Cheshire cat in a tree and asks him which path she should take. He replies, "Where are you going?"
"I'm not quite sure," she says.
"Well, then, it doesn't matter which road you take," the cat notes.
And I'm about to face crossroads once again in my life...
I'm about to get married in 6+ month's time. Once I do, I would need to think not for myself only but for my family and for the future to come. The decisions that I would make for my career would not lean towards self-fulfillment or actualization but more on what puts food on the table, what is logical and practical.
Although, in hindsight I've already made that decision when I started working with Accenture, there is still that hope in me to break free.
But now, I am once again presented with a crossroad. Shall I head deeper toward the path I've taken or shall I take the road less traveled?
Dear God - I know it took a lot of contributors for this article to come out as the first search result in my Google search..and for this, I thank you.
http://www.christiancollegeguide.net/article/Its-a-Plan
Like Alice's journey, the transition from high school to college brings a lot of decisions, challenges and opportunities. The Cheshire cat's question doesn't just apply to our choice of schools. "Where am I going?" also makes us think beyond college. It makes us think not only of what we want to be, but also who we want to be.
You grow and learn during your college years in ways that are more dramatic and significant than in any other period of your life. It all starts with your freshman year. Here are five tips for making the most of it.
Have you heard the story of the three bricklayers who were all asked what they were doing? The first man answered gruffly, "I'm laying bricks." The second man replied, "I'm building this wall." But the third man could see more than the bricks or the wall. He declared, "I'm building a cathedral."
Getting the most out of freshman yearLike the third bricklayer, knowing what you are building will determine your blueprints. When you develop a clear vision of who you want to be, you can better focus on how to get there. It also gives you increased energy and fulfillment since you know what your work and choices will lead to. You have something specific to work toward. You are doing more than "taking a class" or "getting through the semester." You are, brick by brick, building your future.
Decide where you're headed. Do you have a clear picture in your mind of what you will need to do to get there?
As you choose your goals for the future, be sure that you go beyond just having goals, such as:
"I want to have a degree."
"I want to have a job and a car."
Those goals are fine, but there is more to life than just having certain things. Real goals include action:
"I want to exercise regularly."
"I want to travel."
"I want to attend a weekly Bible study."
"I want to serve."
Real goals are also about developing your character. Who you are (much more than what you have or do) will determine the quality of satisfaction of your life. Effective goals ask, "Who do I want to be?"
This question takes a lot of thought, but it also requires prayer. Proverbs tells us if we lean on God for direction—and not our own understanding—he will make our paths straight (3:5-6). Through prayer, we can spend time with God figuring out who he wants us to be.
Planning doesn't put you in a straitjacket. It's OK to change your plan as time passes. Setting goals doesn't lock you in for life. In fact, just the opposite happens—you begin to experience a new freedom that comes from a clear picture of why you are attending college and what you want to accomplish.
You can always adjust the plan and choose new ways to reach your goal. As you grow, God may show you a new path. By preparing now, you can be ready for what God has in store for you.
As you make a plan to become the person both you and God want you to be, your ability to make wise choices improves and decision-making even becomes easier. You can make decisions about how to spend your time, what classes to take, and what activities to join by asking questions about your long-term vision. How does this ready me for the future? How would doing this strengthen or hurt the person I want to become?
You won't be able to control everything that happens during this first year at school, but you can choose how you will respond. A big part of that response will depend on your beliefs and values. As you leave high school and head to college, take time to reflect on who you are, what you believe, what you want from life, and what you value. These things will determine your answers to the numerous choices you'll be presented with.
Pray that God will lead you through your choices and use the transition from high school to college to help refine who you are, what you believe, and what you value. Talk with close Christian friends, your parents, or a pastor about choices as they come. When you pray, ask God for a good attitude and for a support system of friends who have the same values.
Colleges have everything students need to reach their goals. When the alarm clock goes off on the first day and you head to class, you will find scores of professors who have earned academic degrees from colleges and universities around the world. These men and women teach all kinds of amazing courses in subjects ranging from marine biology to 18th-century literature.
In addition, the heart of every campus is a library or a learning resource center stacked with thousands of books, periodicals, electronic search services and hundreds of computers. You will never be in an environment with so much knowledge and learning right at your fingers. Take advantage of these things from day one. Explore diverse and interesting subjects. Learn to use all of your library's offerings. Meet with your professors. Ask questions.
Focusing right away in college on what you want for yourself is important, but more important is discovering the path that God has in store for you. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
God wants you to succeed and wants you to be happy. His intentions for you are good. Sometimes we might think that God just puts a lot of rules on things we want to do or spoils all of our fun. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Jesus said, "I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Abundant living—that's what God wants for you.
Luke 5 gives us some words to think about as we move from high school to college. As Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret one day, he saw two boats left by the fishermen who were washing their nets. He got into one owned by Simon and asked him to stop the boat a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Peter obeyed and was amazed by an incredible miracle: a net overflowing with fish.
There is a message in there for a new college student: Don't hesitate to launch out, as Jesus says, into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.
Why deep waters? Shallow water presents no challenge and therefore yields no reward. God wants us to dig deep into him and also to discover who we are. Deep water brings an abundant catch and produces men and women of depth and character—men and women fit for life. So dive in.
Then, Alice sees the Cheshire cat in a tree and asks him which path she should take. He replies, "Where are you going?"
"I'm not quite sure," she says.
"Well, then, it doesn't matter which road you take," the cat notes.
And I'm about to face crossroads once again in my life...
I'm about to get married in 6+ month's time. Once I do, I would need to think not for myself only but for my family and for the future to come. The decisions that I would make for my career would not lean towards self-fulfillment or actualization but more on what puts food on the table, what is logical and practical.
Although, in hindsight I've already made that decision when I started working with Accenture, there is still that hope in me to break free.
But now, I am once again presented with a crossroad. Shall I head deeper toward the path I've taken or shall I take the road less traveled?
Dear God - I know it took a lot of contributors for this article to come out as the first search result in my Google search..and for this, I thank you.
http://www.christiancollegeguide.net/article/Its-a-Plan
It's a Plan!
How to get the most out of your freshman year.
by John and Jill Bowling
Like Alice's journey, the transition from high school to college brings a lot of decisions, challenges and opportunities. The Cheshire cat's question doesn't just apply to our choice of schools. "Where am I going?" also makes us think beyond college. It makes us think not only of what we want to be, but also who we want to be.
You grow and learn during your college years in ways that are more dramatic and significant than in any other period of your life. It all starts with your freshman year. Here are five tips for making the most of it.
Start with the end in mind
Have you heard the story of the three bricklayers who were all asked what they were doing? The first man answered gruffly, "I'm laying bricks." The second man replied, "I'm building this wall." But the third man could see more than the bricks or the wall. He declared, "I'm building a cathedral."
Getting the most out of freshman yearLike the third bricklayer, knowing what you are building will determine your blueprints. When you develop a clear vision of who you want to be, you can better focus on how to get there. It also gives you increased energy and fulfillment since you know what your work and choices will lead to. You have something specific to work toward. You are doing more than "taking a class" or "getting through the semester." You are, brick by brick, building your future.
Decide where you're headed. Do you have a clear picture in your mind of what you will need to do to get there?
Define your plans
As you choose your goals for the future, be sure that you go beyond just having goals, such as:
"I want to have a degree."
"I want to have a job and a car."
Those goals are fine, but there is more to life than just having certain things. Real goals include action:
"I want to exercise regularly."
"I want to travel."
"I want to attend a weekly Bible study."
"I want to serve."
Real goals are also about developing your character. Who you are (much more than what you have or do) will determine the quality of satisfaction of your life. Effective goals ask, "Who do I want to be?"
This question takes a lot of thought, but it also requires prayer. Proverbs tells us if we lean on God for direction—and not our own understanding—he will make our paths straight (3:5-6). Through prayer, we can spend time with God figuring out who he wants us to be.
Planning doesn't put you in a straitjacket. It's OK to change your plan as time passes. Setting goals doesn't lock you in for life. In fact, just the opposite happens—you begin to experience a new freedom that comes from a clear picture of why you are attending college and what you want to accomplish.
You can always adjust the plan and choose new ways to reach your goal. As you grow, God may show you a new path. By preparing now, you can be ready for what God has in store for you.
Make choices carefully
As you make a plan to become the person both you and God want you to be, your ability to make wise choices improves and decision-making even becomes easier. You can make decisions about how to spend your time, what classes to take, and what activities to join by asking questions about your long-term vision. How does this ready me for the future? How would doing this strengthen or hurt the person I want to become?
You won't be able to control everything that happens during this first year at school, but you can choose how you will respond. A big part of that response will depend on your beliefs and values. As you leave high school and head to college, take time to reflect on who you are, what you believe, what you want from life, and what you value. These things will determine your answers to the numerous choices you'll be presented with.
Pray that God will lead you through your choices and use the transition from high school to college to help refine who you are, what you believe, and what you value. Talk with close Christian friends, your parents, or a pastor about choices as they come. When you pray, ask God for a good attitude and for a support system of friends who have the same values.
Take advantage of your "resources"
Colleges have everything students need to reach their goals. When the alarm clock goes off on the first day and you head to class, you will find scores of professors who have earned academic degrees from colleges and universities around the world. These men and women teach all kinds of amazing courses in subjects ranging from marine biology to 18th-century literature.
In addition, the heart of every campus is a library or a learning resource center stacked with thousands of books, periodicals, electronic search services and hundreds of computers. You will never be in an environment with so much knowledge and learning right at your fingers. Take advantage of these things from day one. Explore diverse and interesting subjects. Learn to use all of your library's offerings. Meet with your professors. Ask questions.
Let God guide the journey
Focusing right away in college on what you want for yourself is important, but more important is discovering the path that God has in store for you. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
God wants you to succeed and wants you to be happy. His intentions for you are good. Sometimes we might think that God just puts a lot of rules on things we want to do or spoils all of our fun. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Jesus said, "I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Abundant living—that's what God wants for you.
Luke 5 gives us some words to think about as we move from high school to college. As Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret one day, he saw two boats left by the fishermen who were washing their nets. He got into one owned by Simon and asked him to stop the boat a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Peter obeyed and was amazed by an incredible miracle: a net overflowing with fish.
There is a message in there for a new college student: Don't hesitate to launch out, as Jesus says, into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.
Why deep waters? Shallow water presents no challenge and therefore yields no reward. God wants us to dig deep into him and also to discover who we are. Deep water brings an abundant catch and produces men and women of depth and character—men and women fit for life. So dive in.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
A Visit to the Psychiatrist
At the back of my mind is this thought that the reason I'm such a workaholic these days is to numb the pain of loss..
I accidentally clicked 2009 on my Facebook timeline and saw our Ilocos Trip album with my mom. That was the last Christmas before she found out that she had Stage 4 cancer.
I miss her so much.. seeing her that healthy and happy and smiling in pictures and contrasting it with everything she went through...the pain, the suffering that she fought so bravely....
Sometimes I think i actually want to just feel so tired that I won't feel anything else...
Someone told me a while back that I'll never be the same again, that I'll never be okay and I thought that it was such a weird thing to say. Aren,t we supposed to be hopeful that we'll eventually be okay?
Well, right now I realized I'm still not okay. I miss my mom so much.
And before, I stupidly said that I don't fear death.. well I think I still don't but with regards to people dying, though you understand that it's part of the circle of life, it still hurts like hell. It hurts so much. The pain of loss is just driving me crazy.
What will happen to me on my wedding? 1) I'll act happy coz there are other people around 2) I won't be able to contain my emotions as I walk down the aisle and burst into ugly tears.
Darn...sigh.
6 months have passed since my mom left this world. About just 1 week since I started work. If i stay in my current work for 1 year then it'll also be my mom's 1 year death anniversary.
I'm really glad she's okay now, I hope I'll be okay, too soon.
While passing by Guadalupe a while ago, I saw a black and white spotted butterfly hover near my window and when I was younger, the older people told me that butterflies represent people who passed away. So a while ago, I thought that the butterfly could be my mom.
I was having trouble breathing in the bus so I thought she was reminding me not to tire myself too much and take care of my health as she would remind me before when she was still alive...
I accidentally clicked 2009 on my Facebook timeline and saw our Ilocos Trip album with my mom. That was the last Christmas before she found out that she had Stage 4 cancer.
I miss her so much.. seeing her that healthy and happy and smiling in pictures and contrasting it with everything she went through...the pain, the suffering that she fought so bravely....
Sometimes I think i actually want to just feel so tired that I won't feel anything else...
Someone told me a while back that I'll never be the same again, that I'll never be okay and I thought that it was such a weird thing to say. Aren,t we supposed to be hopeful that we'll eventually be okay?
Well, right now I realized I'm still not okay. I miss my mom so much.
And before, I stupidly said that I don't fear death.. well I think I still don't but with regards to people dying, though you understand that it's part of the circle of life, it still hurts like hell. It hurts so much. The pain of loss is just driving me crazy.
What will happen to me on my wedding? 1) I'll act happy coz there are other people around 2) I won't be able to contain my emotions as I walk down the aisle and burst into ugly tears.
Darn...sigh.
6 months have passed since my mom left this world. About just 1 week since I started work. If i stay in my current work for 1 year then it'll also be my mom's 1 year death anniversary.
I'm really glad she's okay now, I hope I'll be okay, too soon.
While passing by Guadalupe a while ago, I saw a black and white spotted butterfly hover near my window and when I was younger, the older people told me that butterflies represent people who passed away. So a while ago, I thought that the butterfly could be my mom.
I was having trouble breathing in the bus so I thought she was reminding me not to tire myself too much and take care of my health as she would remind me before when she was still alive...
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I'm Getting Married!!!
An update...because I'm getting married!!
Well I've been engaged for 5 plus months already and have booked major suppliers like the reception venue, church, photo and video coverage, florist, designer, etc. but the reality of it hasn't fully sunk in yet until I watched THE BRIDE WARS movie!
I needed some kind of superficial inspiration to get me into the wedding preparation groove: slimming down and prettifying myself.
It's not that easy to get back to that mode again since I've gone through MBA and got myself into a logical IT job. It's all been business-like and all about getting ahead.
But for my wedding, I need to channel the girly Grace once again. The BRIDE WARS made me wear my engagement ring while watching. I don't wear it much at home, it's just a symbol after all. I realized, though, that symbols are there for a reason. So I must wear it - it can be a reminder that I should watch what I'm eating or maybe it can even coax me to work out.
I need to be a "girl" again (if you know what i mean) even when I have to be logical and practical. This is my challenge now: be prepared for my wedding while doing well at work. After all, where will I get money for the big day if I don't have this job (albeit stressful).
Thus, I have made some goals and the pictures below should remind me of how I was before and how I should look in 9 months time!
Well I've been engaged for 5 plus months already and have booked major suppliers like the reception venue, church, photo and video coverage, florist, designer, etc. but the reality of it hasn't fully sunk in yet until I watched THE BRIDE WARS movie!
I needed some kind of superficial inspiration to get me into the wedding preparation groove: slimming down and prettifying myself.
It's not that easy to get back to that mode again since I've gone through MBA and got myself into a logical IT job. It's all been business-like and all about getting ahead.
But for my wedding, I need to channel the girly Grace once again. The BRIDE WARS made me wear my engagement ring while watching. I don't wear it much at home, it's just a symbol after all. I realized, though, that symbols are there for a reason. So I must wear it - it can be a reminder that I should watch what I'm eating or maybe it can even coax me to work out.
I need to be a "girl" again (if you know what i mean) even when I have to be logical and practical. This is my challenge now: be prepared for my wedding while doing well at work. After all, where will I get money for the big day if I don't have this job (albeit stressful).
Thus, I have made some goals and the pictures below should remind me of how I was before and how I should look in 9 months time!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Valentine's 2012
It was so unlike the boyfriend to splurge on a meal but hey, it's Valentines which made me appreciate the treat even more :) He bought me Royce Nama bitter chocolate which I absolutely love then we had an early dinner at Cyma. I was impressed by the research he did coz he ordered Spinach Artichoke FOndue which was uber yummy and tasty as well as Grilled Pork Chops that were so thick and juicy, I couldn't help but close my eyes with each bite! A certified lamb 'lover', I ordered Youvetsi solo which was really in a for sharing size. I dunno why but I like the pungent taste of lamb, exotic!!
I initially wanted to try Buenisimo for the ambiance but it was already closed and will be replaced by Svensens' ice cream. Cyma's ambiance is more for the family (there were tables with kids) than for a romantic dinner but the food was really good, especially the lamb, that I forgot the noise of the kiddies with the sheer ecstasy of every bite of the bread with fondue, the slice of rich lamb, and the juiciness of grilled pork...mmmmmmm all in all made for a very memorable post Feb 14 date :)
Impromptu Despedida
Feb 15 was my last day at the office and my teammates where shocked yet they still managed to create a farewell message collage and give me a Seattle's Best brownie in a pretty box as a parting gift - effectively touching my heart and making me realize how much I am appreciated (on whatever I was able to contribute, I'm not really sure).
Someone even wrote me a farewell poem coz we both were under the literary department back in highschool. I won't post it here of course, but all in all, everything they did for me was very sweet :)
Turns out that (in this company) new friends seem to cherish you more than the old ones that you've been with for almost four years. How ironic!
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
End of Project
Just found out today that I'm getting rolled off from my project of almost 4 years on Dec 29. I was shocked coz for some reason I thought i was untouchable but well budget cuts are tough and someone can do my share of the work.
I was shocked and a bit insecure but I'm glad that God prepared me for this event. The End of Project email was sent yesterday but I somehow did not receive it and went straight to the career group year end meeting last night. The testimony shared by Glenn apparently was not only applicable to Edward but to me too. I also liked what Bro JR and Kervin shared about expecting more challenges to come in our life. Although having a comfortable life is not bad, we also need the tough times to help us be stronger so that we can grow and mature.
Those words were really planted in my heart and mind so when I read the End of Project mail, there was already a stronger me that cushioned the blow.
And also, it's not really a bad thing coz they were happy with my service and just had to remove some people. My manager also told me that I'm already lined up for another project (possibly with her) so that's one less thing to worry about.
Whatever is in store for me, I know that it's part of God's plan. If it's gonna be challenging, I know that He will help me through it. So help me God.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Birit Theory
Why do Pinoys like to sing in birit style? Why do Pinoys love to sing using the karaoke? I realized that its a coping mechanism. We are hard-working, persevering people who are resilient like the bamboo. Many challenges may come in our life but we still go on and do not commit suicide on something earth-shattering, rather we hold on and survive. Our outlet for this survival is the karaoke. We need to sing, to let it out, albeit in the words of other people. Singing in birit style drowns the sound of sadness that goes through the head, one that might make you crazy if you overthink. Singing provides an avenue for us to channel our despair and thereby lessening the mental stress that sad thoughts bring to our minds and bodies.
I just listened to Taylor Swift sing Long Live.
P.S. I totally forgot about my LJ! I've been using blogger more often
I just listened to Taylor Swift sing Long Live.
P.S. I totally forgot about my LJ! I've been using blogger more often
Birit Theory
Why do Pinoys like to sing in birit style? Why do Pinoys love to sing using the karaoke? I realized that its a coping mechanism. We are hard-working, persevering people who are resilient like the bamboo. Many challenges may come in our life but we still go on and do not commit suicide on something earth-shattering, rather we hold on and survive. Our outlet for this survival is the karaoke. We need to sing, to let it out, albeit in the words of other people. Singing in birit style drowns the sound of sadness that goes through the head, one that might make you crazy if you overthink. Singing provides an avenue for us to channel our despair and thereby lessening the mental stress that sad thoughts bring to our minds and bodies.
I just listened to Taylor Swift sing Long Live.
I just listened to Taylor Swift sing Long Live.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
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