Welcome Sandrine Raine!

We have a new addition to the family! Her name is Sandrine Raine, and she's sooo pretty! I'm not kidding. Well, i guess it runs in the family hehehe. My sister gave birth, through caesarian section last Dec 16. I had to come home earlier than what I planned because there wasn't anybody to assist them with errands and things at the hospital.

My new niece is so cute and pretty really. I think she takes after her mommy. Her big sister Althea is also very excited to have her. It's too bad she can't come near baby Nica (that's her nickname by the way, according to Thea) because she has a cold.

Here are some pictures of my new niece:)

Tired...

Lately, I just can't seem to muster much enthusiasm about anything. Everything that I do each day just seem so mechanical...like I'm a robot going through all the motions...my heart's not really in it. I may smile and laugh during the day but, after the lights go out my thoughts just come crowding in. Questions...so many whys...what ifs...what about...what's going to happen...all of these just keep resounding inside my head, unanswered because I don't have the answers.

Late at night, when i'm alone with my thoughts, I can't help but think about what I've really always wanted. Can't help questioning why we don't get what we really want in this life. In my heart of hearts, I don't think that what I've ever wanted was that hard, but why does it continue to elude me? To be constantly out of my reach? All I've ever really wanted was that one thing, but why is it so hard to find? I've prayed, I've waited, and prayed again but still nothing...I'm getting tired of waiting.

Jellyfish: The Rarely Seen Beauty Under the Sea

Have you ever seen a jellyfish up close? I have. I think it's one of the most beautiful creatures of the sea.

Take a look at these. These pictures were taken at the Ocean Park in Hong Kong when we went there last October.

Great Materials for Home and Office

I find myself thinking about a lot of things lately. I know what I need is a diversion to keep these thoughts at bay and maybe they will just go away. But what? Hmm, how about redecorating this room I’m living in now? Not much can be done about this room anymore. It’s just too bad because I found a site that provides an extensive array of products that can be used for home improvement. Logo mats are great stuffs for changing the look of a certain area, right? So, maybe it will make this room look better.

Stores, offices, and other establishments will find this very useful as well. If they have exhibits or trade shows coming up, they will find the trade show carpet very beneficial for giving their booth a cosy ambiance. Attractive materials are used in the trade show flooring and trade show carpet so, they will definitely add pizzazz to the place. And if the exhibit is located outside the building, the logo canopy will surely come in handy as well. A variety of styles and designs are available for people who need high-end materials for professional use and even for people, like me, who are looking for materials to be used in minor room improvements.

True Friendship Beyond Distance

One of my best friends left for abroad today. I won’t be seeing him for two years. I know some think that it’s not really too long but, I just can’t help feeling lost somehow. Ever since I came here in Manila, he’s been one of the people who’ve been like a constant companion. He's always there to listen to my woes and just about everything. He's very comfortable to be with because I could talk about almost anything with him. Last year was so much fun because we used to go to church together with our other closest friends Mandy and Jeni. And now, he’s gone away. It feels like I’ve lost a friend again. But I know that true friendship never ends even when two people don’t see each other for some time. He’s like my little brother though he’s really so much bigger than me. He’s one of the nicest and gentlest guys I know, a true friend who won’t let you down. I hope you’ll be okay there Bunso. Be happy!

Poetry: An Hour in Coffee Bean

An Hour in Coffee Bean


I gave you so many chances to explain
About all the promises you made in vain;
Though I may look like a fool in this place
It doesn’t matter if in the end I’ll have peace

But the clock is ticking, and time is passing
By now I should realize you’re never coming,
Still, I’ll wait ‘til the very last minute,
I’ll give you the chance though you don’t deserve it.

Half an hour to go and that is all
This is the time whether we stand or we fall;
I’m trying to be positive about everything
But like a flood, anger and resentment again are starting.

Now the time is almost through
And it’s proving that nothing you ever said was true.
If anything were true and real
You’d be here and all wounds would heal.

I stare through this huge glass
Watching absently as people pass,
Hoping to see a familiar face break through the crowd,
But that’s just wishful thinking on a cloud.

Just in the nick of time you came
But it all ended up the same.
The questions were still left unanswered;
Maybe I shouldn't have even bothered.


We can never bring back what used to be
Even the friendship between you and me;
Maybe in time I can really forgive, and finally forget;
Until then, I hope our paths never meet.

After All This Time

I saw you again. I was shocked to see you there last Saturday. I wasn't really expecting it, or you. Maybe if we hadn't turned back to the front door I wouldn't have seen you, or you me. It was you who saw me first. I wasn't really minding the people walking by, but suddenly there was a tap on my arm, and when I looked it was you. After nine months of silence and just wondering what happened and why everything turned out the way they did, I saw you. I didn't know what to think, what to do. When you looked at me it was like you were so glad to see me, but then when I looked at you I couldn't help the feeling of resentment over the unexplained things that came flooding back. But I fought it and I tried to act normal. I guess I didn't smile when I saw you because suddenly the smile was wiped off your face as well. But you came with us anyway. I acted nonchalantly the way you did. Call me pretender but that's really what I did. I pretended to be civil, to be polite, to be friendly despite the resentment I was feeling. I kept thinking to myself, "why am I even talking to you?" but I couldn't help myself. I guess I was giving you the chance to explain, but you didn't. Until we parted ways.

I texted you that night, asking how you were. I sent you a message that we needed to talk about the unresolved things, but you never replied. Finally, it really made me think that there was nothing I could do about it anymore if you didn't want to talk to me. But through someone's advice I gave you another chance. I texted you again that if you wanted to talk I will wait for you at this specific time and place. I guess it was hoping for too much to expect any reply. But though there wasn't any reply, I went there and waited. I gave one whole hour. I sat there, sipping my coffee and thinking how stupid I could be waiting for nothing. But I waited. One hour. But the minutes passed, and still nothing. To pass the time I tried to write a poem about that hour. I looked at my watch again, 5 minutes to 5. Then I received a text from you. You came. If the hour went by without hearing anything from you, it would have been goodbye forever, without resolution, without healing all the hurt. So, we talked, or rather I talked...all the resentment, all my hurt. You just stood there with the somber look on your face. I asked why you did what you did, but I wasn't satisfied with your reasons. But I just let it go. It's just time for me to stop hurting, to stop blaming myself because you know in your heart it wasn't me but rather your deceitful heart. After all this time I'm finally letting all my hurt go...I'm letting you go.

Sunsets

Did I ever mention here that I love to watch sunsets? It's true. If you make me choose between sunrise and sunset, I'd always go for sunset. I don't know why, but the sunset has more appeal to me than the sunrise. When I was still living at home I could watch beautiful sunsets that sometimes I tend to take them for granted. But when I got here in Manila, I rarely have the chance to watch the sun go down. When I go out of the office it's always dark already.

I was able to experience the sunset again when we went walking along Baywalk a few weeks ago. It was fun. Although the sunset could have been better if the sky wasn't overcast with clouds.

Here are some of the pictures I got with my camera.

Poem: Over and Done

An Answered Prayer

This day has been great! I feel so blessed! Once again I was given proof that God answers prayers. Lately I've been thinking of a way on how I can serve him in my own little way as a sign of my gratitude for all the goodness He continues to bestow in my life, and I prayed that He lead me to the path He wants me to take. I've made a post previously about my joining the Sign Language Seminar, and now I really believe that God led me to it.

Just this afternoon, after our class, our teacher Lychel requested me to stay behind, so I did. I was curious why because even though I always attend the class I've never really spoken that much to them,. But all of the people in the class are very friendly and nice. Anyway, we talked and I was really surprised when she asked me if I'd be willing to be a part of the core group for the Deaf Ministry. I immediately said yes! It was an answer to my prayer. I feel like I've found my place in God's vineyard and I feel so blessed to be given the chance to serve in this way. I really just can't contain my joy that's why I am writing about it here. Next Saturday I'll be sitting with them in front. I'm looking forward to it a lot. I just really hope I can do my part diligently as we reach out more into the silent world.

Back to History and Nature

I think it was two Sundays ago that my friends from work and I made our little adventure in the historical part of Manila. Care to take a guess where? Hmm, it was in Luneta Park! Hehe. It was fun! Our first stop was Lapu-Lapu's statue. He had great pictorial there. And then we checked out the Relief Map of the Philippines. We were just on our way to exploring the rest of the park when the rain came pouring. Good thing the Museu was open, so we just decided to explore the nation's treasures there. It was really our lucky day because there was no entrance fee. The guard there said it was free during Sundays. The rain was pouring down real hard there that is why we spent most of the day there. We didn't have the chance to go to Intramuros.

Our next stop was Ocean Park. Again we had a splendid time. There were all kinds of sea creatures - fish, starfish, and even sea horses! It was my first time to see one live.

Anyway, here are some photos of our little adventure with history and nature.

Reaching Out to the Silent World

I think it was back in high school or maybe elementary when I first became amazed by Sign Language. I used to refer to the illustrations at the back of my notebook then, and I imitate the figures of the hands drawn there. But as I got older...and busier, the interest left me as well. I guess it's just natural when one becomes wrapped up in other things. But, even though it's been years, I found out that, the desire to learn Sign Language hasn't entirely left me.

Last February, there was a Sign Language seminar at Pasay Adventist Church, which I joined. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend all sessions. If I remember it right, there were three, and I was only able to attend one.

But I was again given the chance to learn when someone from the PAC Deaf Ministry texted me, informing me about the upcoming Sign Language Seminar every Saturday afternoon. To make the long story short, I attended the first session last Saturday. We started with the basics. All in all, it was very interesting, especially interacting with the people in the silent world. I hope I can attend all 10 sessions and be used in reaching out to the silent world for HIS work...

Image: Talkwithyourhands

Something About the Ten Commandments

I have one question, do you know the Ten Commandments? If you are know all ten, then I’m pretty sure you can easily pinpoint what is wrong with this list. This picture was taken outside one of the most popular churches in Manila. I won’t say which one, it’s up to you to find out! My friends and I just went to that particular church just to have a look-see. I wasn’t really paying much attention to anything when these two tablets of stone with engraved words on them caught my eye. I read it and realized it was the Ten Commandments translated in Filipino. When I was reading it, I realized there was a discrepancy. I did a double take when I read the word Sunday in that commandments list, then after a few seconds I was also bothered because of its incorrect order.

You see if you will read in EXODUS 20:1-17, you will see there that the 4th commandment is “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” And all translations of the Bible state the word Sabbath, meaning the seventh day of the week and NOT Sunday. The one posted in the tablature clearly states Sunday as the day of worship, when in fact the Bible clearly says it’s the Sabbath. Read Exodus 20:1-17 and see for yourself.

Poem: Over and Done

OVER AND DONE
July 23

It’s over and done

I let you go

Like the wind I can’t hold you in my hands

Now go on your way and I’ll go mine

Like the length of a string

Our lives will unravel

Until we discover who we really are

As different as day and night you and I

No more common ground to stand on

It used to be love

But now it’s gone

Yes...it is over and done...

Good Read: The Crooked Smile

After the negative feelings I've been having the past few days, I need something as a pick-me-up. To start my day in a positive way, I browsed through the net and looked for an inpiring story to motivate me to look at the positive side. Here's what I found. I hope it will also inspire you.

This story is entitled The Crooked Smile.

The Crooked Smile
As we rolled five-year-old Mary into the MRI room, I tried to imagine what she must be feeling. She had suffered a stroke that left half of her body paralyzed, had been hospitalized for treatment of a brain tumor, and had recently lost her father, her mother and her home. We all wondered how Mary would react.

She went into the MRI machine without the slightest protest, and we began the exam. At that time, each imaging sequence required the patient to remain perfectly still for about five minutes. This would have been difficult for anyone - and certainly for a five-year-old who had suffered so much. We were taking an image of her head, so any movement of her face, including talking, would result in image distortion.

About two minutes into the first sequence, we noticed on the video monitor that Mary's mouth was moving. We even heard a muted voice over the intercom. We halted the exam and gently reminded Mary not to talk.

She was smiling and promised not to talk. We reset the machine and started over. Once again we saw her facial movement and heard her voice faintly. What she was saying wasn't clear. Everyone was becoming a little impatient, with a busy schedule that had been put on hold to perform an emergency MRI on Mary.

We went back in and slid Mary out of the machine. Once again, she looked at us with her crooked smile and wasn't upset in the least. The technologist, perhaps a bit gruffly, said, "Mary, you were talking again, and that causes blurry pictures."

Mary's smile remained as she replied, "I wasn't talking. I was singing. You said no talking." We looked at each other, feeling a little silly.

"What were you singing?" someone asked.

"Jesus Loves Me," came the barely perceptible reply. "I always sing `Jesus Loves Me' when I'm happy."

Everyone in the room was speechless. "Happy? How could this little girl be happy?" The technologist and I had to leave the room for a moment to regain our composure as tears began to fall.

Many times since that day, when feeling stresses, unhappy or dissatisfied with some part of my life, I have thought of Mary and felt both humbled and inspired. Her example made me see that happiness is a marvelous gift - free to anyone willing to accept it.

Something's Wrong...

Something's wrong...I don't know why, but I've really been feeling this unease...restlessness since Wednesday. Last night I found myself crying again when I said I won't cry anymore. It's really difficult to find the solution when you don't even know what's really wrong and you just feel this "something" nagging at the back of your mind! I wish I know what it is...all I know is what I feel. And I feel that there is something wrong...

I couldn't sleep well again last night. It was past 12:00 a.m. again when I got to sleep. Good thing I didin't have to go to work today and I was able to sleep until noon. I tried to divert my attention, tried to keep myself busy so that I won't notice this bad feeling I'm having. I'm hoping it will just go away...

I'm also hoping that by writing it here, I'll find release from this nagging feeling and my thoughts will be made lighter.

Just Been Tagged

This is the first time I took time to do this tagging thing thanks to Nays over at A Celebration of Life. I must say it's fun, especially that this strictly requires a single word answer to all questions. This got me sweatin' some hehe. But take a look at what I came up with.

1. Where is your cell phone? Bed
2. Your hair? Tied
3. Your mother? Strong
4. Your father? Shit
5. Your favorite food? chocolate
6. Your dream last night? Weird
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. What room you are in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Music
11. Your fear? Rejection
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? House
14. Something that you aren’t? Contented
15. Muffins? Chocolate
16. Wish list item? House
17. Where you grew up? Muladbucad
18. Last thing you did? Texted
19. What are you wearing? Pajamas
20. Your TV? MyScreen
21. Your pets? Dog
22. Friends? Many
23. Your life? Routine
24. Your mood? Sad
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Car? Someday
27. Something you’re not wearing? jewelry
28. Your favorite store? None
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When was the last time you laughed? Earlier
31. Last time you cried? Now
32. Who will resend this? Me
33. One place that I go to over and over? Church
34. One person who emails me regularly? Bhong
35. My favorite place to eat? McDonald's

After answer the last question I came to realize that there's more to this tagging thing than mere word-play. In a way, it gives insight to one's personality. Well, this particualr tag anyway.

So, now I'm tagging Tinny.

Post-Birthday Lunch

A post-birthday celebration also transpired here in Manila. I didn't have the time nor the inclination to cook anything, I just decided to treat my friends at work to lunch. Red Ribbon was the place we went to. A week before, Glady also celebrated her birthday and treated us to lunch at the same place. Yeah, I was the copy-cat but that's alright. At least we got to try the different food there.

I was able to persuade Dex to bring his Nikon cam so we had some great shots there. Have a look-see.;)

Another Year Added To My Life

Well, the 22nd of June is over, which means I’m really one year older. So how do I feel about being at this age? Frankly, I feel older too, though I don’t look it haha. It’s but natural I guess. No one goes through life unscathed as they say and these experiences can make one feel and even look older than his years. But I’m thankful that even though life hasn’t been that good to me lately, it doesn’t show that much on my face. (that said with a smug look;))

Anyway, I had a very nice time at home. Saw my family, my nieces who are really getting bigger each time I see them. We had a nice celebration on Sunday. By we I mean my cousins Yagz, Gold, and I. Although none of our birthdays fall on the 21st of June, we decided to hold our bit of get together that day. There was great food and what we love most - videoke!:D We sang our hearts out til late at night.

See some pics of how I spent this year's birthday.

Counting the Hours

I'm counting the hours. Five hours more to go and I'll be heading back to where I belong, Frankly, I really miss home, my bed, and all my creature comforts when I'm there. Need I mention the fresh air? the morning sunlight streaming through my window when I open my eyes? It's been 2 months since I last saw my family. I don't know but this time it feels like it's been forever. I miss my nieces.

One of them, Thea, has started school last Monday. Time really flies so fast. She used to be just this tiny baby I could carry in my arms, but now she's a young lady already.
The other one, Gale, I think she'd be naughtier now too. Well, I'm counting the hours that I could be with them again.

And I can't wait for the get-together we're going to have on Sunday. It's going to be our birthdays again. Three of us will be celebrating - Yagz, Gold, and I. It's going to be a busy weekend for me. But I have to say, this is one busy time I'm so looking forward to. :)

Thanks To You

"Some people come into our lives for a reason, a season, and a lifetime."

This is the quote that entered my head on my ride home. But I'm not sure if I got it right. Sad to say I forgot where I read this line. Anyway, it just seems so appropriate right now.

Someone made my life interesting even if it was just for a little while. In a big way he helped me realize something and loosen the shackles that continue to bind me to the past, my past. His friendship came at a time when I needed to feel cared for in a way. Even if you're not going to be able to read this post, I thank you, for waking me up from my stupor and making me realize that life is still good. You came at the point in my life when I was looking for a good reason why things happened the way they did. One text message you sent especially made an impact on me, made me think that you unerstand me even though you don't know my story, "Things are never lost completely. They are put away, misplaced or taken by someone else. Sometimes, they are transformed into something else. Just like the love you have for someone who is gone - that love does not disintegrate. One day when you least expect it, you will find that things are less achy. You will be amazed at how much the heart can bear. And yes, you will be grateful for all that you've lost and all that you'll find in time."

The time and effort you gave are very much appreciated. Our lives touched for a reason and I thank you for coming even for just a season...Maybe someday we'll meet again in this lifetime...

Photo Credit: Funmunch

Just Words to Inspire

Have you ever experienced laughing so hard, but your laughter seemed like a hollow sound? You go about your daily tasks, but for what? There are times when you can hardly make it through the day. This is how I’ve been feeling lately. I guess I really need some inspiration. We all do at certain points in our lives, right?

I found this material on the net, somehow it helped me see more of life’s realities. There was no author but it’s not hard to imagine that the person who wrote this had gone through a lot in her/his life as well to be able to say all these realities. Read for yourself.

I BELIEVE

I believe- That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe- That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in awhile and, you must forgive them for that.

I believe-That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe- That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe- That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe- That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be
the last time you see them

I believe- That you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe- That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we
feel.

I believe- That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and therehad better be something else to take its place.

I believe- That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe- That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe- That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time!

I believe- That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe- That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe- That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe- That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe- That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe- That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe- That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe- That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, And justbecause they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe- That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe- That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe- That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't
even know you.

I believe- That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe- That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human
being.

I believe- That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life.Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Source: Roger Knapp

Poetry: I Still Think Of You

MY SHELTER AND MY FRIEND

MY SHELTER AND MY FRIEND
April 4, 2009

In moments of doubts and fears
In times of sorrow and tears
You never let go of my hand
You give me the strength to stand

When defeat overwhelms me
Boundless grace You give for free
You make me feel a winner
And everything seems brighter

Though I stumble over and over again
And all I ever do is cause you pain
You still won’t let me go on my own
You always take my hand and lead me home

You never get tired of waiting for me
When your truth I just don’t seem to see
Patiently, with arums wide open to receive
You wait ‘til once again I come to believe

All the things you’ve done and all you will do
With all my heart and soul I thank you
Never have I found a friend like you
Someone whose love is so pure and true

And I pray you’ll never let me go
May your love in me forever flow
Please stay at my side ‘til the end
Always be my Shelter and my Friend.

He Remains Faithful

HE REMAINS FAITHFUL

In this life friends come and go
Many come but few remain true
Not many will offer a helping hand
When you no longer have the strength to stand

They don’t see you standing at the edge of the abyss
When your heart is full of aches and sadness
Too blinded to see the tear falling from your eyes
Too caught up in their own busy lives to ask why.

But there is one friend who’s always faithful to you
Someone whose love is ever abundant and true
He is the One who’ll stay by your side forever
Wherever you go He’ll be right there.

Though you stumble and make mistakes
He’s still going to be the friend who never forsakes
He shares and knows everything about your life
He remains faithful in happiness and in strife.

Online Dating, Anyone?

Being alone is tough, I know. Getting over a broken heart is tougher. When you had your heart broken, it sometimes feel like you’re never going to fall again, right? But they say there’s a reason for everything that happen in our lives. It could be that, that person was never meant for you. Your one, true soulmate is still out there looking for you too, the way you’re searching for him or her. But then, maybe you aren’t. If you’re not it’s time you do. Nothing’s going to happen if you just sit there twiddling your thumb and hope that one day he or she is going to knock on your door! If you’re not ready to find that someone face to face, then maybe you can go online. Being a bit of an online flirt is not bad. In fact many have found their lifetime partners in these dating sites.

But, sometimes it doesn’t mean you have to immediately find a husband or a boyfriend. Just be open and friendly and see where it will go on from there. Sometimes giving in to this pressure is one of ingredients to a disastrous relationship. Make it light. And if it’s meant to be, it will naturally blossom, bit by bit into real love, and into a lasting relationship. It won’t hurt to give online dating a try, right? You deserve to be happy, but no one can give that happiness to you. You have to go out from your comfort zone and take the first step!

Poetry: If Only...

God's Love

GOD's LOVE

This night more than ever
In my heart is loneliness only You can sever
Never have I felt more alone than now
To move away from this plane, please show me how.

I’ve sought happiness in the wrong places
Compromised in this world of transient graces;
Satisfaction found is but the fleeting kind
How I long to leave it all behind.

My weakness causes me pain; it shrivels my soul in shame
But Lord, You stand by me and never lay on me the blame;
As tears of pain and regret fall from my eyes each night
I can feel Your arms wrapped around me, holding me tight.

You give me comfort like no one else can
You listen to my troubled heart over and over again
You always shine Your light on my way
When no one would give me the time of day.

This night I will find rest in your gentle embrace
Enfold me in your love, in your strength, and everlasting grace.
And should the last breath be taken in the gloom of midnight,
May Your eternal peace encompass me like an everlasting light.

Know Your Carbon Footprint

Every one of us has that sympathy for the plight that our environment is suffering these days. However, very few do something about it. Some just let it end in feelings while others take action. To which category do you belong?

As we all know, pollution is one of the biggest problems our world is facing today. All of us are contributors and all of us are guilty. Although we vary in the amount we contribute, it still boils down to the fact that we are a part of the circle that feeds the demise of mother earth. But, aren't you just a tiny bit curious how much you contribute to carbon dioxide production? Well, if you want to know, join the Carbon Advice Group. They have a program called "Carbon Footprint", which aims to help individuals and businesses reduce consumption for the betterment of our planet.

Good Read: The Story of Two Teardrops

When my mind is becoming drained from writing about auto parts, I give myself a little break by reading inspiring stories. This is one story that made an impact on me today. It states realities about love that I never would have been able to put into words. It's from gagirl.com.

The Story of Two Teardrops

Two little teardrops were floating down the river of life. One drop said to the other, "I am the teardrop of a girl who loved a man and lost him." Who are you? "Well, I am the teardrop of the girl who won him."

Love is very strange. Love is unconditional commitment to an imperfect individual. You need it but when you love, it's like destining yourself for pain. You become addicted and dependent on the person. You become strong and at the same time, you open yourself up to being hurt. Love can make you bear any kind of pain and any kind of sacrifice. It can also make you feel stupid and act stupidly. Sometimes when you love and end up giving so much of yourself, subconciously you only discover how much you've given when the person you love hurts you or has to say goodbye.

Then you realize, an important part of yourself is already with that person. It goes away when he leaves and you are left with a sickening, empty feeling inside.

Tears are bound to shed from your eyes no matter how you force yourself to keep them in. Most teardrops ever shed on this earth have been for love or lack of it. When tears dry, a silent loss sticks to your heart for a long, long time.

Well, that's what you get for caring so much about someone. But how can you regret it? To give yourself freely and lovingly is the most beautiful thing you can do. Loving
makes you real. Loving also makes you cry. And that is why a teardrop is also BEAUTIFUL.

Author Unknown

Take Life One Day at a Time

Has there been a time in your life when each day that comes seems to be like a battlefield? I felt that way too. The later part of the past year has been pretty hard. At every turn I only seem to make bad decisions. As we all know, once decisions have been made and acted upon there’s really no turning back. These decisions have corresponding results; sometimes the outcome is good, at other times not so good. But as I’ve said there’s no turning back. There are times, during my quiet moments that thoughts like “what if I’ve done things differently” creep into my subconscious.

Thoughts like this keep popping in my head lately but I have to shake them off because they won’t do me any good now. I know I can never bring back what used to be. But, sometimes, in the middle of the night I find tears running down my cheeks, wetting my pillow. I know tears are futile, but, they help ease the pain of regret. And I know the day will come when these tears will dry up. My friend Gellette gave me a good advice, she said “Learn to slow down and see what God’s plan is for you.” That made me think. It’s really true. One of my weaknesses is patience. I find it difficult to wait.

So, now, I had to learn this lesson the very hard way...I made so many mistakes and lost everything that mattered because of it. And now I’m just beginning to pick up the pieces of my life. I’m taking life one day at a time until I find forgiveness in myself and finally rebuild what has been lost...

First Post 2009!

Had a nice, long vacation back home. It's back to work again here in the urban jungle!

Photo Credit: Clipartguide.com