1. Spoke up! Much like yesterday, although this time at work, I was asked to join the management team in discussing the health of our department. Ususally people don't really speak out at these things for fear of offending their boss (who is also there). Maybe I've matured now or I don't really mind speaking my mind (on the right things) because I view work as just work now becuase I did voice out my opinion on important things like people and happiness at work. I think my confidence comes from this shift over the last 2 or 3 years in my view of what's important in my life and that I no longer see my work as "sacred" and walk on eggshells around it. Nice to know I know what counts nowadays.
2. Got free dinner! My trainee decided on an act of generosity and treated us to his birthday and program graduation celebration. The food was good and the company even better.
3. Had a good one on one talk with my leader. We've been going full steam in the community for the last couple of months that having a cup of coffee just to catch up. He's one of the guys who inspire me to keep this up and its nice also that we can talk about stuff outside our interests. He's a humble and real and I really appreciate that about him and that's really why I have no hesitation following his lead. I get good people to lead plus I get good a leader. Sweet.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
1 month down! (Day 30)
I've been blessed for a whole month with proof, baby! Wow there were times back there where it was so hard to blog or get myself to sit down and think hard about what to write. Sometimes it would feel boring, sometimes I'd get sad thinking that I couldn't think of a thing to list down, sometimes I felt shallow. But I realize, after one month (a long month at that), that we are conditioned by what we "believe" to be blessings. But if we just think about the joy in quiet mornings or nice text messages received, we slowly chip away at our selfish notions of what a "blessing" really is. Its still a journey for me but I think that i'm chipping away a little bit everyday.
Glad you're still here to read:
Day 30
1. I made it to Day 30! Even if internet is hard to get these days, that I come home tired and spent, that I can't seem to come up with a short entry, I have made it to Day 30. I aplogize for all the backlog but at least now I am more determined to get started on Month 2! Thanks to the guys who have been reminding me to keep blogging when I fall behind! Thanks to the Lord who has been giving me the inspiration to keep at this!
2. Happy Birthday, my trainee. I'm glad he got to graduate from the management trainee program a little before his birthday! I'm blessed to have a smart, hard-working, and funny team mate who is serious about his faith and his family. God sends us angels or helpers to help get us through the challenging portions of our life knowing we can't do it on our own, this guy is that helper in my work.
3. Found out I'm working with an old friend. We're doing a project now and I was surpised to find out that one of the suppliers is an old friend of mine. Very cool! Nice to be giving business to a friend and having someone very qualified across the table to discuss work with. Truly a convenience in stressful times!
4. Had my first meeting in this new big role in the community. I was afraid at first about being with big names. I tried my best to be early or at least on time but office work kept me in my chair 45 minutes longer than I hoped. The roads weren't empty either. The group turned out to be a fun and un-stiff one so I had a great time. I felt comfortable speaking my mind and I even enjoyed dinner :) Good start :)
Glad you're still here to read:
Day 30
1. I made it to Day 30! Even if internet is hard to get these days, that I come home tired and spent, that I can't seem to come up with a short entry, I have made it to Day 30. I aplogize for all the backlog but at least now I am more determined to get started on Month 2! Thanks to the guys who have been reminding me to keep blogging when I fall behind! Thanks to the Lord who has been giving me the inspiration to keep at this!
2. Happy Birthday, my trainee. I'm glad he got to graduate from the management trainee program a little before his birthday! I'm blessed to have a smart, hard-working, and funny team mate who is serious about his faith and his family. God sends us angels or helpers to help get us through the challenging portions of our life knowing we can't do it on our own, this guy is that helper in my work.
3. Found out I'm working with an old friend. We're doing a project now and I was surpised to find out that one of the suppliers is an old friend of mine. Very cool! Nice to be giving business to a friend and having someone very qualified across the table to discuss work with. Truly a convenience in stressful times!
4. Had my first meeting in this new big role in the community. I was afraid at first about being with big names. I tried my best to be early or at least on time but office work kept me in my chair 45 minutes longer than I hoped. The roads weren't empty either. The group turned out to be a fun and un-stiff one so I had a great time. I felt comfortable speaking my mind and I even enjoyed dinner :) Good start :)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Day 29
1. Didn’t spend Monday in the office. On a monday of the month-end closing (the week where everyone just get curious about how much you sold and the reasons why) three of us lucky souls spend the day really far away from the office :) And in turn we...
2. Saw the inner workings of show business. Ha! Yes we were at a shoot of a mini movie we’re making for our launch. We were rubbing elbows and exchanging stories with actors and getting their views on the showbiz industry. I was very fortunate to have worked with real pros who are very smart and are out to uplift the image of actors here in the country. They’re also not the gossip magazine variety and they take their work very seriously. Nice to have met real people from a made-up world.
3. Heard from one of the people in my prayer group that he wants to be a missionary. Got a message on my phone that one of the guys in my group is praying over applying as a missionary for the community in another country. Its very thrilling to know that someone from your own little circle is thinking about this very rare life choice and if he does decide to go then we’ll have first hand stories of what life is like as a missionary abroad! Nice!
4. Family day part II: Mom’s back! We had dinner in my place today. I prepared my place and mom and my brother came over. It was like having meal in our kitchen back home. We shared stories of our Christmas and hers since we weren’t together this holiday season. Its nice to have her back after lending her to our brother and sister. She was like Santa bringing us all our goodies (for me it was stuff i bought online and for my brother it was stuff everyone bought for him). Whatever age you are, you are always your mom’s baby when you’re with her.
2. Saw the inner workings of show business. Ha! Yes we were at a shoot of a mini movie we’re making for our launch. We were rubbing elbows and exchanging stories with actors and getting their views on the showbiz industry. I was very fortunate to have worked with real pros who are very smart and are out to uplift the image of actors here in the country. They’re also not the gossip magazine variety and they take their work very seriously. Nice to have met real people from a made-up world.
3. Heard from one of the people in my prayer group that he wants to be a missionary. Got a message on my phone that one of the guys in my group is praying over applying as a missionary for the community in another country. Its very thrilling to know that someone from your own little circle is thinking about this very rare life choice and if he does decide to go then we’ll have first hand stories of what life is like as a missionary abroad! Nice!
4. Family day part II: Mom’s back! We had dinner in my place today. I prepared my place and mom and my brother came over. It was like having meal in our kitchen back home. We shared stories of our Christmas and hers since we weren’t together this holiday season. Its nice to have her back after lending her to our brother and sister. She was like Santa bringing us all our goodies (for me it was stuff i bought online and for my brother it was stuff everyone bought for him). Whatever age you are, you are always your mom’s baby when you’re with her.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Day 28
Day 28
1. Woke up at just the right time. Got home at 4am and had to be at service at 9am. In spite of really bad dreams, a long drive, and a tired body, I still managed to wake up in time. My batting average for pulling off these things is the same as the sun setting in the east so this is definitely a legit entry :)
2. Another fun sunday morning service. This is the second straight sunday we decided to keep up the planning sessions for the guys we serve on the inside. We finally came up with a program with structure for this ministry and, probably not the most ideal program, this will be the first of its kind. I feel blessed that such a diverse and unlikely bunch of volunteers has come up with this program because one year ago you couldn’t fill a phone booth with volunteers and there was nothing on paper to guide us through our ministry. What was even sweeter is that we didn’t have to fight, argue, or take very long to come up with this-- we laughed, ate and laughed some more through this whole thing.
3.Lunch at a college classic. If anyone knows this classic spicy-ground-pork-with-cheese-and-coleslaw-in-a-hamburger-bun sandwich, you’ll know the legendary status of this uh...dish...food item...sandwich! Ok its so good that I tend to forget what its classification is. It is a legend of the 90s college student or movie goer and its back! And I had one for lunch!
4.(Extended) Family day. Instead of just me and my brother this particular sunday, a cousin came along and joined us. It was like being home all over again-- we bumped into so many people from back home, we over ate, we talked sports. Good times.
1. Woke up at just the right time. Got home at 4am and had to be at service at 9am. In spite of really bad dreams, a long drive, and a tired body, I still managed to wake up in time. My batting average for pulling off these things is the same as the sun setting in the east so this is definitely a legit entry :)
2. Another fun sunday morning service. This is the second straight sunday we decided to keep up the planning sessions for the guys we serve on the inside. We finally came up with a program with structure for this ministry and, probably not the most ideal program, this will be the first of its kind. I feel blessed that such a diverse and unlikely bunch of volunteers has come up with this program because one year ago you couldn’t fill a phone booth with volunteers and there was nothing on paper to guide us through our ministry. What was even sweeter is that we didn’t have to fight, argue, or take very long to come up with this-- we laughed, ate and laughed some more through this whole thing.
3.Lunch at a college classic. If anyone knows this classic spicy-ground-pork-with-cheese-and-coleslaw-in-a-hamburger-bun sandwich, you’ll know the legendary status of this uh...dish...food item...sandwich! Ok its so good that I tend to forget what its classification is. It is a legend of the 90s college student or movie goer and its back! And I had one for lunch!
4.(Extended) Family day. Instead of just me and my brother this particular sunday, a cousin came along and joined us. It was like being home all over again-- we bumped into so many people from back home, we over ate, we talked sports. Good times.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Day 27
1. Got good sleep. I needed sleep knowing I had to take a bus ride to one of our best cities early in the morning. I guess the talk with the cute girl did it because I slept so well even if I only had 4 hours to sleep in time for this next item...
2. Had a safe drive up to one of my favorite cities. So I was happy to have slept well the night before because I woke up to the news that I might have to drive 5 hours at 5am! I was praying that God makes me stay alert and awake throughout the whole drive since I’ve been quite the sleepy head lately. I was also praying that He make me not feel bad about the whole thing in spite of having to drive down that evening and not getting anymore sleep till then. But I was glad to know that when my friend passed for me, he found his missing and driver! We had a quick and very safe trip up to this favorite city of mine. This is where I first got assigned when I started working... beautiful place, great climate, and lots of character! After almost 1 whole year, I was back!
3. Attended a nice wedding of a friend and took a lot of pictures. It was our friend’s wedding that brought us up there to favorite city. I enjoyed the wedding a lot since the chapel was very quiet and isolated and there weren’t many guests. The homily was personal and the vows they exchanged were said ad lib without a guide. Also, the reception was also cool because they had this neat idea of having a long table full of the couple’s memorabilia from the time they met-- presents to each other, photos, and other small stuff. I felt very lucky to have been invited to this wedding. Of course I could not be without camera so I shot away. I think I took 500+ between 10am and 10pm. Its pretty ironic I’m getting a lot of practice during this busy time in my life :) He makes a way I tell you!
4. Had a nice time with good friends in one of my favorite cities. One fond memory of that city was that I was always with good company. This time was no different.
5. Had a safe late night drive home. My big worry was if we would be safe driving down since none of us was getting any sleep, the driver included. But apparently, he is a super driver and we drove home in record time and in one piece. 24 hours later, I’m back home with good memories and a bunch of photos.
One of the best saturdays of my life :)
2. Had a safe drive up to one of my favorite cities. So I was happy to have slept well the night before because I woke up to the news that I might have to drive 5 hours at 5am! I was praying that God makes me stay alert and awake throughout the whole drive since I’ve been quite the sleepy head lately. I was also praying that He make me not feel bad about the whole thing in spite of having to drive down that evening and not getting anymore sleep till then. But I was glad to know that when my friend passed for me, he found his missing and driver! We had a quick and very safe trip up to this favorite city of mine. This is where I first got assigned when I started working... beautiful place, great climate, and lots of character! After almost 1 whole year, I was back!
3. Attended a nice wedding of a friend and took a lot of pictures. It was our friend’s wedding that brought us up there to favorite city. I enjoyed the wedding a lot since the chapel was very quiet and isolated and there weren’t many guests. The homily was personal and the vows they exchanged were said ad lib without a guide. Also, the reception was also cool because they had this neat idea of having a long table full of the couple’s memorabilia from the time they met-- presents to each other, photos, and other small stuff. I felt very lucky to have been invited to this wedding. Of course I could not be without camera so I shot away. I think I took 500+ between 10am and 10pm. Its pretty ironic I’m getting a lot of practice during this busy time in my life :) He makes a way I tell you!
4. Had a nice time with good friends in one of my favorite cities. One fond memory of that city was that I was always with good company. This time was no different.
5. Had a safe late night drive home. My big worry was if we would be safe driving down since none of us was getting any sleep, the driver included. But apparently, he is a super driver and we drove home in record time and in one piece. 24 hours later, I’m back home with good memories and a bunch of photos.
One of the best saturdays of my life :)
Friday, January 26, 2007
Day 26
1. Had a “good news” meeting at work. From the jumping up and shouting “YEAH!” comes today’s “let’s discuss the fantastic results meeting.” All results good, hard work paid off, everyone smiling.
2. One of the biggest guys in the company took a bothersome issue off my back. We’ve been pining over this issue in the office for almost a month now. Every meeting we set we’ve been either missing one new bit of information or need to make one more assumption. Its been going back and forth but today someone finally put a stop to it and he only happens to be the biggest guy in the regional office. Basically, his suggestion (and his suggestions are actually nicely worded commands) is to stop number crunching and to start implementing. I am so for implementing.
3. Had a nice and happy 5-minute talk with my boss. The stress of the week caused me to not be nice to my boss last wednesday. I was feeling bad about it for two days now and I didn’t know how to approach her about it. Today, before the day ended, she came into my office and shared how happy she was about how our work is shaping up. She didn’t leave my cubicle for a whole 5 minutes gushing about her excitement about our work!
4. Had a nice talk with a cute girl. To end the day at the office I had a fun conversation with one of my cute office mates. I know. I’m shallow.
2. One of the biggest guys in the company took a bothersome issue off my back. We’ve been pining over this issue in the office for almost a month now. Every meeting we set we’ve been either missing one new bit of information or need to make one more assumption. Its been going back and forth but today someone finally put a stop to it and he only happens to be the biggest guy in the regional office. Basically, his suggestion (and his suggestions are actually nicely worded commands) is to stop number crunching and to start implementing. I am so for implementing.
3. Had a nice and happy 5-minute talk with my boss. The stress of the week caused me to not be nice to my boss last wednesday. I was feeling bad about it for two days now and I didn’t know how to approach her about it. Today, before the day ended, she came into my office and shared how happy she was about how our work is shaping up. She didn’t leave my cubicle for a whole 5 minutes gushing about her excitement about our work!
4. Had a nice talk with a cute girl. To end the day at the office I had a fun conversation with one of my cute office mates. I know. I’m shallow.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Day 25
1. Had my first meeting of the day 5 minutes from my house. Not only was it near my house, it was a very productive meeting too. A leisurely walk from the house started my day and at the meeting I found out that my partners, people I haven’t consulted with in a over a month, and I are surprisingly on the same page for this project.
2. Good news about something I’ve been working hard on. I got the good news after office hours in a group with people not from work and I just jumped up and shouted, “YEAH!”. Then everyone looked at me funny. It was that kind of good news.
3. Had good lunch with good friends from my last job. After my morning meeting I headed to lunch with my old office mates. Like old times it was a lot of laughs and of course I couldn’t not resist missing my old job. But later I realized that it wasn’t the job that made my last job good. It was the people I had become friends with.
4. Had fun being a model at a photo shoot. Today, for a change, I was in front, instead of behind the camera. I must say I had a lot of fun being on the other side. I was even choreographing myself! ...stupid poses and all!
5. Led a prayer at a wake of a friend’s grandmother. The night ended with a trip to the wake of our friend’s grandmother. As we came up to the coffin I was asked to say a short prayer for the group. I felt good doing it because it was like leading a prayer for my own late grand mother, someone I loved more or just as much as anything I love now.
2. Good news about something I’ve been working hard on. I got the good news after office hours in a group with people not from work and I just jumped up and shouted, “YEAH!”. Then everyone looked at me funny. It was that kind of good news.
3. Had good lunch with good friends from my last job. After my morning meeting I headed to lunch with my old office mates. Like old times it was a lot of laughs and of course I couldn’t not resist missing my old job. But later I realized that it wasn’t the job that made my last job good. It was the people I had become friends with.
4. Had fun being a model at a photo shoot. Today, for a change, I was in front, instead of behind the camera. I must say I had a lot of fun being on the other side. I was even choreographing myself! ...stupid poses and all!
5. Led a prayer at a wake of a friend’s grandmother. The night ended with a trip to the wake of our friend’s grandmother. As we came up to the coffin I was asked to say a short prayer for the group. I felt good doing it because it was like leading a prayer for my own late grand mother, someone I loved more or just as much as anything I love now.
Day 24
1. Got up early, had good early morning, and got greeted on TV. Nice leisurely start to my day. I watched a friend’s TV show and she greeted me on air. Also you seem to enjoy your cup of coffee more when you’re not glancing at the time every 2 minutes.
2. Had a good and quiet breakfast. Breakfast food in our canteen was good today. Corned beef, just what I was craving for. Yum. No bosses following you up in the canteen either.
3. Had a peaceful ride to and from work. Took a cab to and from work today. I got to organize work in my head for about 5 minutes then I decided I’d much rather enjoy the peace of not driving so I closed my eyes and took a nap.
4. Good fun with good friends at our prayer meeting. I so needed to get out of the office today. I think I even snapped at my boss. I needed to put a good end to this crazy day and I’m glad I ended up with my prayer group. I went from haggard to hyper in one evening :)
5. Got my back scratched-- well. And to cap the night I suckered one of my friends into scratching my back for 10 minutes. I will say this now, no massage will beat good back scratching. Got good back scratching tonight. Now if only I could get her to do this on a regular basis.
2. Had a good and quiet breakfast. Breakfast food in our canteen was good today. Corned beef, just what I was craving for. Yum. No bosses following you up in the canteen either.
3. Had a peaceful ride to and from work. Took a cab to and from work today. I got to organize work in my head for about 5 minutes then I decided I’d much rather enjoy the peace of not driving so I closed my eyes and took a nap.
4. Good fun with good friends at our prayer meeting. I so needed to get out of the office today. I think I even snapped at my boss. I needed to put a good end to this crazy day and I’m glad I ended up with my prayer group. I went from haggard to hyper in one evening :)
5. Got my back scratched-- well. And to cap the night I suckered one of my friends into scratching my back for 10 minutes. I will say this now, no massage will beat good back scratching. Got good back scratching tonight. Now if only I could get her to do this on a regular basis.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Day 23
1. A good workout. Just what I needed in the busy work week! Got some stress out through mitts, glove, and a skipping rope. I will only work our once this week but it was a good workout with good trainers. Also, it was an added bonus that I was working out with someone cute-- makes you push yourself harder so as not to look like a complete couch potato.
2. Talked to my dad. It was a short 1-minute talk but at least I got to make him feel he was on my mind. I got to ask him how he was and I told him I’m sending him a present. He was in a good mood even if my call woke him up. It was nice hearing him on the other end of that call.
3. Inspiration that led to turning in really good work. Finally I got time to get down to real work. No meetings, nobody popping in and out of my cubicle. Somehow this calmness finally turned into work that made me think, “Now this is what I bring to the table.” I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants lately but today I think I turned in something that will reassure my employer that I was picked for this post because of things like these.
4. Heard that the surgery of my friend’s mom went well. I don’t know her mom personally but anytime a family battles cancer and wins a small battle, it is definitely a blessing. Although I fear cancer, I think many families have experienced little miracles of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing when struggling with it.
5. Got a credit card for free. Ah the little joys of life. This is up there with finding a few bills in your jeans or your jacket.
6. Got assigned to a special assignment I like. Today I was given the special assignment of helping our team have special learning sessions. I love this stuff. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and now I get to be a teacher of sorts within the office. No need to drive to the class you teach, no need for a master’s degree, plus its a subject you like. Sweet.
7. Realization: Loving another is an end in itself. One of my friends shared this and it stuck. If we stop waiting for something as a result of loving another, things like getting loved back or nice things being said about you or favors being done to reciprocate your kindness, we won’t be let down so much. And we shouldn’t be because the command to love was not about getting something back but rather it was about giving of yourself.
2. Talked to my dad. It was a short 1-minute talk but at least I got to make him feel he was on my mind. I got to ask him how he was and I told him I’m sending him a present. He was in a good mood even if my call woke him up. It was nice hearing him on the other end of that call.
3. Inspiration that led to turning in really good work. Finally I got time to get down to real work. No meetings, nobody popping in and out of my cubicle. Somehow this calmness finally turned into work that made me think, “Now this is what I bring to the table.” I’ve been flying by the seat of my pants lately but today I think I turned in something that will reassure my employer that I was picked for this post because of things like these.
4. Heard that the surgery of my friend’s mom went well. I don’t know her mom personally but anytime a family battles cancer and wins a small battle, it is definitely a blessing. Although I fear cancer, I think many families have experienced little miracles of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing when struggling with it.
5. Got a credit card for free. Ah the little joys of life. This is up there with finding a few bills in your jeans or your jacket.
6. Got assigned to a special assignment I like. Today I was given the special assignment of helping our team have special learning sessions. I love this stuff. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and now I get to be a teacher of sorts within the office. No need to drive to the class you teach, no need for a master’s degree, plus its a subject you like. Sweet.
7. Realization: Loving another is an end in itself. One of my friends shared this and it stuck. If we stop waiting for something as a result of loving another, things like getting loved back or nice things being said about you or favors being done to reciprocate your kindness, we won’t be let down so much. And we shouldn’t be because the command to love was not about getting something back but rather it was about giving of yourself.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Day 22
1. Was warmly welcomed into a home. Today our prayer meeting was held in our friend’s home. I always like getting welcomed into another’s home regardless if its a mansion in a private village or a small hut in the province (my work gets me to places like these). When people invite you into their homes and allow you to eat there means to me that they’re sharing more than just a meal with you, they’re sharing something more intimate, more personal-- especially if they’re inviting you in their homes to pray. To top it off, the house was beautiful. Plus, i got some decorating and furniture hunting tips from the owners.
2. Made a new friend. He’s from another country and he joined us at our prayer meeting. His example is an inspiring one because he’s trying hard to be a leader, much less remain in the community, in the states. I’ve always thought it was more challenging to live out your faith in a place like the states where there’s just so many more distractions and a much smaller support group. Turns out he’s a really nice guy who extended us an invitation into his home when we’re in his neck of the woods.
3. Tense meeting turned into a smooth meeting. Like I’ve been blogging in the previous posts, its been a very busy time in the office. Its has also been very testy lately with everyone on edge knowing that there’s so much at stake with this project. We discussed maybe the most critical item today and this is an area where we failed (in the initial stages). I was leading this meeting attended by even the bigs of our company and our partners. I was getting a little scared going into this meeting that it would turn into a finger-pointing mess instead it turned out to be one of those meetings where we put aside our egos and went straight to work and came out happy with the outcome. I’m glad the group put teamwork ahead of things like intellectual arrogance, ego, selfish interests.
4. I work is the good guys. Today I was made to realize that the following people are into their faith like I am: my department head, my trainee, a major supplier at work, the R&D manager I work with, my banker, my real estate broker, and my cleaning lady. I didn’t choose them on that basis yet somehow our paths crossed. How comforting it is that the people you’re with on a regular basis are people you can, in one way of another, talk God with.
5. Realization: “Taking things for granted takes away the joy of being grateful and appreciative of God’s love.” Think about it. The higher you set your bar for happiness, the harder it is to be happy, and therefore you won’t be happy that very often. On the flipside, try and appreciate the little things and you’ll realize how blessed you are. Why make it so difficult? And after only getting it 31 years into my life, I choose to be thankful it didn’t come one year later.
2. Made a new friend. He’s from another country and he joined us at our prayer meeting. His example is an inspiring one because he’s trying hard to be a leader, much less remain in the community, in the states. I’ve always thought it was more challenging to live out your faith in a place like the states where there’s just so many more distractions and a much smaller support group. Turns out he’s a really nice guy who extended us an invitation into his home when we’re in his neck of the woods.
3. Tense meeting turned into a smooth meeting. Like I’ve been blogging in the previous posts, its been a very busy time in the office. Its has also been very testy lately with everyone on edge knowing that there’s so much at stake with this project. We discussed maybe the most critical item today and this is an area where we failed (in the initial stages). I was leading this meeting attended by even the bigs of our company and our partners. I was getting a little scared going into this meeting that it would turn into a finger-pointing mess instead it turned out to be one of those meetings where we put aside our egos and went straight to work and came out happy with the outcome. I’m glad the group put teamwork ahead of things like intellectual arrogance, ego, selfish interests.
4. I work is the good guys. Today I was made to realize that the following people are into their faith like I am: my department head, my trainee, a major supplier at work, the R&D manager I work with, my banker, my real estate broker, and my cleaning lady. I didn’t choose them on that basis yet somehow our paths crossed. How comforting it is that the people you’re with on a regular basis are people you can, in one way of another, talk God with.
5. Realization: “Taking things for granted takes away the joy of being grateful and appreciative of God’s love.” Think about it. The higher you set your bar for happiness, the harder it is to be happy, and therefore you won’t be happy that very often. On the flipside, try and appreciate the little things and you’ll realize how blessed you are. Why make it so difficult? And after only getting it 31 years into my life, I choose to be thankful it didn’t come one year later.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Day 21
Can it really be 3 weeks since this started? It feels much longer. Maybe becuase we're trained to look at what's wrong with our life rather than what's good about it. Maybe in the middle of this all, it will feel like this went by in a flash.
1. Had a good time planning our 2007 program with other volunteers. Today we spent the whole morning planning programs for our kid brothers on the inside. Not only did we have good plans we had a lot of fun. Everyone brought food to share and we also traded stories about how fulfilled we are to see changes happen in the guys we take care of and to witness the miracles that happen in their lives. In the group we are all so different (backgrounds, personalities, humor) and the only thing in common we have is this service and strangely enough, we always seem to have a good time together. We're not a lot and this service is far from being the most popular one in the community but I think this year, with these plans, we're up for another year full of pleasant surprises and answered prayers.
2. Yummy lunch. Nothing like Chinese Food after a meeting. Its almost like NBA talk over steak.
3. Got a present. I was thinking of getting a nice key chain last week and just like that, i got a new keychain as a present. It also happened to be one I liked. Now the problem I have is not knowing which keys to put in in... But another thing is that the present came from someone who doesn't have all the means to be giving presents. So I guess when it comes from soneone who really went out of his way to buy it, its more than a nice keychain.
4. Got to hang out with my brother (and planned mom's birthday). Sundays are my busiest days but they are also the best ones and a big reason why they are the best is becuase of the time I spend with my brother. We didn't have this time before and now that we're catching up, it seems like I was missing out on so much in the past. He's not only my brother, he's a buddy-- someone you really like hanging out with. Today we planned our mom's birthday (which is still in June) and we got pretty excited because we plan to have it in a high-end beach resort where we can enjoy quiet family time and the pampered life all in one place. I've been blessed with a family and doubly blessed because I really enjoy being with my family. So if I count how long its been since i was born into this family, I've been blessed 11,434 days.
...caught a good movie too, by the way :)
1. Had a good time planning our 2007 program with other volunteers. Today we spent the whole morning planning programs for our kid brothers on the inside. Not only did we have good plans we had a lot of fun. Everyone brought food to share and we also traded stories about how fulfilled we are to see changes happen in the guys we take care of and to witness the miracles that happen in their lives. In the group we are all so different (backgrounds, personalities, humor) and the only thing in common we have is this service and strangely enough, we always seem to have a good time together. We're not a lot and this service is far from being the most popular one in the community but I think this year, with these plans, we're up for another year full of pleasant surprises and answered prayers.
2. Yummy lunch. Nothing like Chinese Food after a meeting. Its almost like NBA talk over steak.
3. Got a present. I was thinking of getting a nice key chain last week and just like that, i got a new keychain as a present. It also happened to be one I liked. Now the problem I have is not knowing which keys to put in in... But another thing is that the present came from someone who doesn't have all the means to be giving presents. So I guess when it comes from soneone who really went out of his way to buy it, its more than a nice keychain.
4. Got to hang out with my brother (and planned mom's birthday). Sundays are my busiest days but they are also the best ones and a big reason why they are the best is becuase of the time I spend with my brother. We didn't have this time before and now that we're catching up, it seems like I was missing out on so much in the past. He's not only my brother, he's a buddy-- someone you really like hanging out with. Today we planned our mom's birthday (which is still in June) and we got pretty excited because we plan to have it in a high-end beach resort where we can enjoy quiet family time and the pampered life all in one place. I've been blessed with a family and doubly blessed because I really enjoy being with my family. So if I count how long its been since i was born into this family, I've been blessed 11,434 days.
...caught a good movie too, by the way :)
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Day 20
1. Had good breakfast with college group. This year we're down to 4 from 8. 3 moved to another country. 1 lives in another province. This year it will be, uh.. a very long time, since we graduated from college and since then we've been meeting up very regularly that many of the jokes and stories have been recycled 20x over. This morning, even it was only 3 of us, we still had "one of those good times". Some of us are fatter, some with less hair, some have kids now, and some are quite successful but it the same people and the same good company.
2. Quiet time at home. After breakfast I got to spend a few hours just relaxing at home sorting stuff out, finding time to be still, and thinking about the things I put off thinking about on weekdays. Yes, I am a busy person and when you don't get 8 hours of sleep or find the time to think about personal things like furnishing an empty house, doing the bills, or finishing a book, this time is PRECIOUS.
3. So in my quiet time I came upon this thought: "Does anyone ask a hammer, 'Why do you allow the carpenter to use you so much?" Ok you must be a little bit crazy to be talking to a hammer BUT think about it. If you find your purpose, the one thing you're supposed to be doing (what you were created to do), why should you not do it every chance you get? Nice way to look at things considering we waste so much time doing the things we think we should be doing.
3. Pleasant visit to City Hall. Like security guards, the cops, and public transport drivers, I'm not very fond of government offices. I know its not very good to generalize and I'm really working on these things. But today I went to City Hall to beat the deadline on my real property tax and I came in towards the end of the day. To my surprise everyone was helpful and I even got service with smiles! That stuff I really didn't expect. The line was short too-- two people.
4. Saw friends, got more inspiration, and got called to higher service at a community assembly.Went to our monthly assembly and like the last time, and the speaker's message was again something I needed to hear. Coming to assemblies like this always give me some new learning and also the reassurance that I'm not alone in this life choice I made. It assures me that I have good friends who are there to support me and that we're in this togther for the long haul. Ok so listening to the talk and seeing my friends sort of prepared me for what came next. Before the night ended, I was pulled aside and given my new assignment. I was in shock when I heard it because it was something I never thought I'd get to or be considered for but I guess this is God's way of saying, "I even use an imperfet bum like you to be a big part of my perfect plan." And that feels good.
2. Quiet time at home. After breakfast I got to spend a few hours just relaxing at home sorting stuff out, finding time to be still, and thinking about the things I put off thinking about on weekdays. Yes, I am a busy person and when you don't get 8 hours of sleep or find the time to think about personal things like furnishing an empty house, doing the bills, or finishing a book, this time is PRECIOUS.
3. So in my quiet time I came upon this thought: "Does anyone ask a hammer, 'Why do you allow the carpenter to use you so much?" Ok you must be a little bit crazy to be talking to a hammer BUT think about it. If you find your purpose, the one thing you're supposed to be doing (what you were created to do), why should you not do it every chance you get? Nice way to look at things considering we waste so much time doing the things we think we should be doing.
3. Pleasant visit to City Hall. Like security guards, the cops, and public transport drivers, I'm not very fond of government offices. I know its not very good to generalize and I'm really working on these things. But today I went to City Hall to beat the deadline on my real property tax and I came in towards the end of the day. To my surprise everyone was helpful and I even got service with smiles! That stuff I really didn't expect. The line was short too-- two people.
4. Saw friends, got more inspiration, and got called to higher service at a community assembly.Went to our monthly assembly and like the last time, and the speaker's message was again something I needed to hear. Coming to assemblies like this always give me some new learning and also the reassurance that I'm not alone in this life choice I made. It assures me that I have good friends who are there to support me and that we're in this togther for the long haul. Ok so listening to the talk and seeing my friends sort of prepared me for what came next. Before the night ended, I was pulled aside and given my new assignment. I was in shock when I heard it because it was something I never thought I'd get to or be considered for but I guess this is God's way of saying, "I even use an imperfet bum like you to be a big part of my perfect plan." And that feels good.
Day 19
Basically this post revolves around just one event today. I know I've been blessed a lot today but this is one of those all-in-one blessings that it requires all the space of this solitary post.
The best wedding I've ever been to happened yesterday.
One of my buddies got married to his girlfriend of 9 years. I've known quite a bit about his relationship and its ups and downs. I've seen them in the good times and the no-so-good times. Today the got married. And here are only 10 blessings of the many that took place in the context of that wedding today:
1. The wedding ceremony was small, intimate, and quiet and the homily was good.
2. The groom cried through the ceremony showing all of us how much a man can love his wife.
3. I was asked to be a groomsman.
4. The photography and videography was excellent. (i.e. no cheesy videos or photos). Just to know that a video production so good can shown merely 3 hours after the church ceremony is available to me blows me away.
5. Saw old officemates and got the chance to catch up. These are the guys you bled at the office with. You will always be bonded.
6. Saw an ex-officemate who is about to be my officemate again. And I remembered why she was someone we all had a crush on.
7. Caught up with one of my old cube-mates and talked about important stuff like God and life (and tech). Its always comforting to know that you have friends you can switch back and forth talking about deep things like sports and God.
8. Seeing practically all people in the groom's humble hometown drive 500 kilomemeters so see him marry.
9. (REALLY) Feeling the love of the bride, the groom, and their families throughout the church and the reception. Wow.
10. Being at the best wedding, eating warm and good food with friends (for free), laughing half the time, seeing your buddy so happy and in love, getting excited for your own wedding, the opportunity to take photos?? You have got to be kidding me. Lord, thanks so much for today!
The best wedding I've ever been to happened yesterday.
One of my buddies got married to his girlfriend of 9 years. I've known quite a bit about his relationship and its ups and downs. I've seen them in the good times and the no-so-good times. Today the got married. And here are only 10 blessings of the many that took place in the context of that wedding today:
1. The wedding ceremony was small, intimate, and quiet and the homily was good.
2. The groom cried through the ceremony showing all of us how much a man can love his wife.
3. I was asked to be a groomsman.
4. The photography and videography was excellent. (i.e. no cheesy videos or photos). Just to know that a video production so good can shown merely 3 hours after the church ceremony is available to me blows me away.
5. Saw old officemates and got the chance to catch up. These are the guys you bled at the office with. You will always be bonded.
6. Saw an ex-officemate who is about to be my officemate again. And I remembered why she was someone we all had a crush on.
7. Caught up with one of my old cube-mates and talked about important stuff like God and life (and tech). Its always comforting to know that you have friends you can switch back and forth talking about deep things like sports and God.
8. Seeing practically all people in the groom's humble hometown drive 500 kilomemeters so see him marry.
9. (REALLY) Feeling the love of the bride, the groom, and their families throughout the church and the reception. Wow.
10. Being at the best wedding, eating warm and good food with friends (for free), laughing half the time, seeing your buddy so happy and in love, getting excited for your own wedding, the opportunity to take photos?? You have got to be kidding me. Lord, thanks so much for today!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Day 18
1. Got a call from my mom and my sister. The phone rang early this morning before I hit the showers. My mom is visiting my sister and she's been gone almost 2 months. They sound good and its nice to know they're enjoying each others company and its nice hearing them gushing rather than complaining. My mom thing is really travel and sometimes she's gone so long that even the pots and pans at home miss her. But for all the work she's put into the home and the family she deserves these indulgences. I was so happy for her that I almost sent her money. But after 2 seconds I shook off the idea. My sister also gets her for a while so they can catch up and have mother and daughter time. Overall, knowing your family is happy being family even if they're halfway across the world, life is good.
2. A nice relaxing kick-back day at the office. Due to some unexpected circumstances, my boss and trainee weren't at work today and the entire group of bosses were at a meeting the whole day. I was like a vacation only inside the office. I could actually watch leaves moving in the wind in between emails. With work going in Ludicrous Speed, days like these are very very appreciated.
3. Got invited to Y! groups. Ok everyone is a member in at least one Y! group-- your class, your family's, a tech group perhaps. But today I got invited to the group of full time workers of our community. Its either they want me to leave my job and join them serving full time or they feel that I should be kept in the loop of the heart of the goings-on of the community itself. Either way, its very honoring. I look back and see how far I've come now in terms of setting my life on what's really important, I can't help but feel so blessed to have made that U-Turn. I'm still working on a LOT of things but I'm in a better state of heart than I was 5 years ago and where I am now, I never thought I'd be back then. God is good (and very merciful), dude.
4. Access to yet another camera. My bestfriend got suckered into a lens+camera deal he saw on the internet and he's been crazy over it since he saw it. He elevated this obsession to Defcon 3 which is about the same as"moth to a flame" level. So now telle me he gots the new lens and he's stuck with a really nice camera body he's never going to use. Ka-ching! I've always wanted to use that camera and now, at zero cost to me...
5. Got good eats with one of my buddies. I left the office late today and I headed for this cheap steak place with one of my buddies. Some of you may not really appreciate this but when you have cheap steak and good NBA talk, you could be stuck at the bottom of a well and still be having a great time. Nice end to a nice day.
2. A nice relaxing kick-back day at the office. Due to some unexpected circumstances, my boss and trainee weren't at work today and the entire group of bosses were at a meeting the whole day. I was like a vacation only inside the office. I could actually watch leaves moving in the wind in between emails. With work going in Ludicrous Speed, days like these are very very appreciated.
3. Got invited to Y! groups. Ok everyone is a member in at least one Y! group-- your class, your family's, a tech group perhaps. But today I got invited to the group of full time workers of our community. Its either they want me to leave my job and join them serving full time or they feel that I should be kept in the loop of the heart of the goings-on of the community itself. Either way, its very honoring. I look back and see how far I've come now in terms of setting my life on what's really important, I can't help but feel so blessed to have made that U-Turn. I'm still working on a LOT of things but I'm in a better state of heart than I was 5 years ago and where I am now, I never thought I'd be back then. God is good (and very merciful), dude.
4. Access to yet another camera. My bestfriend got suckered into a lens+camera deal he saw on the internet and he's been crazy over it since he saw it. He elevated this obsession to Defcon 3 which is about the same as"moth to a flame" level. So now telle me he gots the new lens and he's stuck with a really nice camera body he's never going to use. Ka-ching! I've always wanted to use that camera and now, at zero cost to me...
5. Got good eats with one of my buddies. I left the office late today and I headed for this cheap steak place with one of my buddies. Some of you may not really appreciate this but when you have cheap steak and good NBA talk, you could be stuck at the bottom of a well and still be having a great time. Nice end to a nice day.
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