my sense and sensibility

Missing Mom

2011-08-13T03:52:00.001+08:00

I’ve never spoken much about Mom in public since she passed away last May this year. For one, I believe that I was still at the stage of denial. Maybe. Well, that was what I thought.

Now? Again, maybe I haven’t moved on yet. I haven’t found my closure.

Although Mom lived life the fullest, however short, I on the other hand hang on with regrets, guilt, and frustrations. I want to turn back times. I wish I could have done more, and sacrifice my personal agenda with hers.

It’s too late.

I blame myself. Yeah, I do.

I miss you Mom, more than what my endless tears could express whenever I think about you.

My Second Dip into the Freelancing World

2011-01-25T08:37:00.007+08:00

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I went back to my corporate life. I thought I missed it, but it was actually more of a necessity than a want. No regrets.

One of the major wake-up calls was the office politics, yeah; I must admit that while I know my way around, I get lost more often. I lose my temper, my focus, and even my sense of decency.

This is not to say that these are my final words, but I believe that I was really meant to work as a Freelance Consultant. More than sixteen years of corporate life were just meant to prepare me, mold me for what I am really meant to pursue in my career. Make a difference, as they say. I will. In my own way, I will.

It is interesting to note here that the word “freelance” originally refers to medieval warriors who owe no allegiance to any king or kingdom. They fight for money, for a cause, and others, for honor. Some of them are loosely referred to as mercenaries. They are in effect “free” agents, and “lance” is their primary weapon.

Well, I am no mercenary. But it is much better to enjoy freedom from corporate bickering, rivalries from your peers, and working with an all-knowing, insecure and paranoid boss. Besides, there is greater potential in doubling my income in a short period of time compared to being employed. I dictate my pace. No long drives, because my office is just a 5-second commute from my bedroom. Best of all, I don’t have to inform anybody when I don’t have to show up for work.

This is my second dip.

I have learned my lessons well, and I am better equipped now to take on projects that will showcase my passion and skills. I am my BOSS.

This time, I am swimming into the deep, where the current is stronger, where the sharks are –with no life vest, except the assurance that this is what I really want to do with my life. For I am now more than ready to take on anything the world has to offer.

Man with a Golden Voice: A Case of Second Chance

2011-01-06T09:31:00.000+08:00

The video speaks for itself:

2011 – Moving Forward

2011-01-04T02:52:00.003+08:00

I went back to corporate ‘rigging’ in 2009 till 2010 –nothing has changed. That is in so far as my expectations and how the way things are in that work environment. I changed though, in many ways.

For one, I learned that while you cannot please everybody, there are those who will value you for what you are and not for what you can give. This means, true respect, admiration from other and friendship.

Two, I was ‘born-again.’ Some call it as going through a mid-life crisis; others, finding your sense of purpose and life’s meaning. I believed I had both. Not that I don’t have the latter, that corporate experience fastened it solidly in my being. I was ‘born-again’. With that, I felt that I can take on the world again without fears and reservations.

Lastly, I started valuing relationships again; family, business, and friends. You can never buy these. Never.

In all these, as Helen Keller puts it, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

With that, I am moving forward in 2011

When Quitting is the Only Choice

2010-10-22T15:07:00.002+08:00

“When things go wrong as they sometimes (or aptly, more often) will…rest if you must, but don’t you quit!”

The phrase kept reverberating in my head. Nagging.

I’m no quitter, although on a few occasions I did. Serious reasons, of course. Whilst it never occurred to me that I’ll pass that road again, and I have to quit.

Now, hear me.

There are moments in our lives where the best thing to do is quit, surrender, give-up, throw the towel, bail-out, etc. It’s not a question of what is right or wrong, moral or immoral, nor out of convenience but of principle and for the greater good of many. This includes deciding whether you resign from your job or stay, break-up with this person or work it out, and so on. Quitting could be a better option. Could be. And sigh, “…fight another day.”

Although what I am espousing here is not as the same with the predicament of Jan as he wrestles with the issue of quitting smoking, albeit, I’d like to take his lead, adapting to my context of course:

Quitting while still ahead. But only because it has forgot to put me under the grave yet. It’s insane to tempt the fates further. I’d rather quit now.

Life Skills #1: Resiliency

2010-09-10T10:16:00.007+08:00

Note: This is a 're-post' from my sister's blog CoffeeSteam, no permission was obtained. :) Thanks Sis! ^_-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Like many of us, I drift. I lose my focus. I wander off.

Sometimes, you find it almost impossible to snap out of a trance —the lure of quick successes, easy-to-get happiness, or complacency. It's foolish. At times, it takes the pain of losing or falling flat on the ground to make us face ourselves again and think...

But, one thing that always takes me back on track is resilience. It's a life skill that needs time and practice to master. And it's worth it. Here's how:

Bend but not break. Life doesn't always happen the way we plan it. If something is worth building, the cost keeps changing. The stakes can get higher. Even our backup plans fail. And when that happens, it is our ability to bounce back every time that matters most.
Dip but don't drown. Along life's journey, we all go through dark and scary valleys. There, we fail often. But there will always be more dips along the way. So, the next time you get into one, hold on. It's no use shaking your fists in anger at the people on the bank who pushed you there. Swim back to shore. Or if you can't, at least shout for help.
Get squeezed but not powdered. Life's demands can leave us gasping for breath sometimes. We get squeezed out to a pulp. And when that happens, our ability to remain "intact", sanity included, matters the most. Because the more we get squeezed, the cleaner we come out of a mess.

Remember, no matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can, and must, always bounce back. So, practice the skill. And don't forget to breathe.

When there is nothing to blog about –Take 2

2010-04-06T11:44:00.002+08:00

I went back. I told myself that I am done with corporate life, kissing corporate ass, and kicking corporate AH’s (my apologies). Here I am.

Now, blogging is taking again another back seat.

So, when there is nothing to blog about, you blubber.

Nah. You say something –“SOMETHING.” Yeah, “something.” Then let the reader judge for themselves. At least, you are being transparent.

I broke my own rule, I broke my promise

2010-04-03T12:31:00.005+08:00

It’s been almost 5 years. It’s not a great feat worth celebrating, I must say. But I have been indeed sober for almost 5 years until last Thursday.

10 years of struggle with alcoholism, 2 years in therapy, and I threw it all in one night.

No justification here, only remorse.

This is day 3, and yeah I started counting the days again. I am still determined to keep my promise.

On another note, I shared a quote with a friend from Helen Keller that reads:

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

And ask how she lives hers. I was surprised by a simple yet profound answer –SIMPLICITY.

What struck a resonating note in my mind was, slowly, I realized that I am beginning to complicate my life again. I am returning to a life that once I thought I enjoyed, but actually had just led me to miseries and pains.

I don’t want that anymore. Simple life is preferable.

Simple living is practical, is ideal, and is desirable. Thanks for reminding me Les.

Are You Doing What You Love?

2009-12-10T21:18:00.003+08:00

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. -Albert Schweitzer (1875 - 1965)

We are busier than we have ever been, working long hours and feeling under more and more pressure. How do you spend your days? For many people work and pleasure are seen as separate, with work being a chore that has to be done to pay the bills. It doesn’t always have to be like that. Although we don’t have to love everything we do, we do need to gain some enjoyment from most of what we do. Take a moment to see if it is time to start afresh and do something you love, something that adds the pleasure factor back into your working life?

Think about what matters to you and why you do the things you do. For each person that means something different. What aspects of a job are important to you? List them. Think about your dream job. Does it motivate and inspire you? If not, think again. It has to mean something to you; otherwise you will not be prepared to put in the effort to achieve what you want. Ask: ‘What am I prepared to give up to make this happen?’ ‘What would I love to try?’ ‘What options do I have?’ ‘What are my talents, skills and qualities?’ ‘How can I utilize them in my ideal job?’ How can you take an idea and turn it into reality? Get creative and think through how you could make money doing what you enjoy.

Starting anew requires courage, confidence and commitment. Hold on to your sense of purpose. Believe in yourself. Ignore the critics, for there are bound to be some, and face your fears (there will many of those too!). Ask for help from those people who can assist you and get supporters to keep you motivated. Research things that interest you and, if necessary, go back to basics and learn new skills. Develop a clear vision of where you’d like to be in 10 years’ time – and why. Write it down. Be specific. This will provide you with something to focus on. Think creatively. This may not happen all of a sudden, but if you work at it gradually, day by day, it can happen.

And if starting something new is not for you, how can you love the job you already have? You can’t always control your situation, but you can always choose how you react to it. Your attitude colors how you face every day and has an influence on the people around you. Choose to be positive. Are there areas of your job that you can improve on? Who can you discuss this with? Is a change to a new role in the same company an option? Examine the possibilities. Your job does not define you, but how you do it does.

And why bother? Doing what you love gives you a good reason to get up every morning. Your life will be challenging, certainly, exciting, definitely. Doing things you enjoy which give you personal fulfillment and satisfaction has been shown to contribute to good health and longevity. Don’t wait for perfect circumstances to start. Begin now!

Reading Business Trends in Gold and Oil

2009-12-07T03:36:00.004+08:00

I am no financial market savvy, however I always try my best to learn the basics in stock trading. So, even if I don’t understand most of the terms used in the stock market, I read updates anyway.

In my mind, there are at least two fundamental shakers in the market, the price of gold and the price of oil. Our currency worth hinges on how much we have stockpile gold in our reserves. Oil on the other hand, being a fundamental commodity, it dictates inflation rates. I closely watch how these two performs on the trading floor daily. Two updates a few hours ago that is worth your while:

The latest from the FinancialTimes.com:

The price of gold continues to trade at fresh highs, so the fact that a quarter of global fund managers say it is overvalued should come as no surprise... “The continuing spike in the gold price leaves investors increasingly uneasy,” says BoA Merrill Lynch. But that has not stopped people piling in. At the time of writing, the spot price of gold had finally broken the $1,200 per ounce mark, almost 40 per cent higher than it was 12 months ago.

From AP:

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia’s oil minister says the current global oil price is “perfect” and the market is stable… Naimi told reporters “the price is perfect” and that the global crude market is stable. Benchmark crude futures settled on Friday at around $75 per barrel.

Perhaps the average Joe will not appreciate any of this news. For most of us however, we know that the high and lows of these two commodities can greatly affect how we do business and go about our daily grind. Okay, there is nothing here to hint that you start investing on oil or gold coins (which is rather more practical and you might want to check out GoldCoinsGain.com and find some interesting gold coin collection there)-far from it. What I meant is, it much better to watch how the prices of these items behave because it greatly affect us in more ways than we think.

The Pursuit of a Stress-Free Life

2009-12-03T00:09:00.004+08:00

Stress-free life is as elusive as any other ideals. Ironically, it is also stressful to pursue it. In fact if you have considered living alone like a hermit, you will realize that it is more stressful than having people you hate around you. If you have watched Tom Hanks in his movie flick, "CASTAWAY" you will immediately nod in agreement with me there. Spending alone from time to time is good, but living alone in an isolated hideaway is stressful than you can imagine.

How does one live a stress-free life? You will see, that many offer a plethora of solutions. I will not add to that.

However, there is one advice worth noting though – acceptance. This means, looking at your own realities as objectively as possible, and accept the facts at hand. On the other hand, this does not necessarily mean surrendering yourself to the circumstance/s. It simply means that problems exist; bad things happen to good people, and some things are beyond your control. Acceptance of these realities allows you to find solutions, create possibilities, and hope for something better.

A stress-free life is always concern about the present, the now. It looks at situations with an objective eye, accepts that particular reality, and does something to change it –now. There is no dilly-dallying. You face life head on.

It's not easy, I know. However, acceptance is always the best step to take if you want to live a stress-free life.

Quick Money – Here now, Gone tomorrow

2009-12-02T21:17:00.003+08:00

Gambling promises the poor what property performs for the rich—something for nothing. ~George Bernard Shaw

We live in the era of ‘INSTANTS’. From instant coffee to instant noodles, from instant internet connection to instant celebrity status, from instant millionaire to instant wife, and on and on –name it, you’ll have it in an instant. Yeah! ‘Instant mentality’ pervades in our way of life, that we no longer value hard work and patience. More so, it is no wonder that many are lured into instant or quick money schemes. Some are even hoping that a single winning lottery ticket or a huge jackpot from one of the best casinos online is their sure way out of poverty. I can’t blame them. Quick and easy money is desirable. However, what they don’t realize, quick money here and now is also quickly gone tomorrow.

There is no sweeter fruit than the fruit of hard work and patience.

Delays and Waiting – What can we learn from them?

2009-12-02T00:45:00.002+08:00

“Lord, give me patience. I need it NOW!”

Have you prayed the same? I bet you did. Probably not in the same token or we have not actually verbalized it.

We hate waiting. We hate delays. We hate being late. Yet, we go through life with all of these in tow. Unknowingly, these things take a piggyback ride on our daily affairs. They exasperate us and more often may ruin our day when left unmanaged.

However, have you ever thought or consider that sometimes delays were meant to teach us something? I know there are delays that cannot be justified, and oftentimes, senseless. Besides that, there are good lessons you can learn from them.

For one, and probably the most important, delays teach us patience.

We’ve heard it, patience is a virtue. It means patience is a good quality or trait worth developing. But it doesn’t grow overnight. It is a garden needed nurturing on a daily basis, a flame needed panning from time to time, and a muscle needed weightlifting to develop. But when patience is rooted well in our soul, in our character, it pays well in crunch times.

One way of effectively nurturing patience is via delays and waiting periods. The more we are exposed to them, the better our character becomes. As we make allowances for delays and waiting time, we will get to enjoy life more. Our day becomes pleasant and bearable, and we become better people in the process.

The Game Called Life – How far can you raise your stakes?

2009-12-02T00:36:00.003+08:00

Life is a gamble where
Where you search and you ramble
And you try for the high that will help to see you through
Life is a gamble and so if you can handle
The uncertainty of tomorrow with me, Today I'll bet on you ~from “Life is a Gamble” words and music by Bobby Cochran and Harry Garfield

I do not gamble because of two reasons: one, I hate losing on things of which I have no control of, and two, because gambling is a game of chance. I tried online once, a couple of years ago at the urging of a friend and the lure of online casino bonuses for grab…and I lose. I never played since; although I love watching poker games live. I love the tension heaping when the stakes are higher, and how the players try to read each other’s hands and expression. Then one by one, the players starts conceding until only a pair left. This is the climax. This is where silence grips the room until the last card was drawn –win or lose but winner takes all.

Life can be like that if we take it as a game of chance. Yeah, there are decisions where you take risks, gamble, and let fate. But on a day to day basis, life should be lived with a purpose, not by chance. When your future is at stake, you don’t just gamble it away. You plan, prepare, and take calculated steps to win until the end. You don’t relegate it to chance.

Alright, enough of the allegory and the reflection.

On the side:

Should you have the opportunity to try any online casino games, take these two-nugget advice before you throw your money away (or your life savings away):

1. Play only on legitimate online casinos. However, if you are a novice like me, how can you tell between the real mackoy and scams? If you want an assurance that you will be entering a legitimate den, consult Online Casino Gold List. This site provide the essential information you need about legitimate online casinos, games, software, and bookings. The information you glean from them were meant to protect you from illegal gambling scams proliferating on the net. So in effect, what you get is an assurance that you will be playing with a certified host and a guarantee that your needs and concerns will be properly addressed.

2. Play only those recommended games. The first was ensuring that you join the legit. Here, you want ensure that you play on those games recommended by other players like you. In this case, ProudlyCasino.com would be a good resource. What they actually do is sip through a plethora of available online games, and create a list of those sites which players have rated, so that you are assured of a fun and worthwhile playing experience. More, they also do background investigation so that you will be guaranteed of a legit host.

Ramblings: On Politics, Culture, and Religion

2009-11-19T01:09:00.002+08:00

I must admit, the first page I turn to whenever I read a broad sheet (yeah, I still read the morning paper) is the editorial cartoon. I appreciate how these artists capture the important or big events of the day in simple caricature –indeed; a picture speaks a thousand words. More often, I care more what they want to mean in those drawings than what the editorial is. Why? Because they unabashedly convey truth in those few strokes.

Philip Yancey, one of my favorite evangelical journalists, in his book entitled: Finding God in Unexpected Places, opined that cartoons reveal a lot about the general drift of culture. I agree. He shared some of his collection and remarked:

The New Yorker Magazine pictures a waiter in an expensive restaurant explaining the menu to a patron: “The ones with asterisks are those recommended by the religious right.”
A nationally syndicated political cartoonist drew a church building with a “Christian Coalition” sign on the front. From inside comes the voice, “Reverend Falwell, Reverend Robertson, there’s a gentleman waiting outside to see you. He says he’s not a republican.” Their reply: “Tell him to get lost!” Outside the church stands Jesus.
Yet another political cartoon depicted a classic American church building with the sign out front, “First Church of Anti Clinton”

The culture wars have been heating up on both sides. Even as Christians feel like an embattled minority with their values under constant attack, the surrounding secular culture sees Christians as a growing threat.

This issue is as old as the church but still is an ongoing debate. Politics, civil actions, environmental concerns, and other issues have always divided us. Much more, religiosity somehow always managed to pull a cape of hypocrisy in the guise of dignified righteousness. When we address morality and corruptions in the government, we could not even raise a finger to do something about it except preach against it.

Obviously, we shield ourselves on the pretext of separating church and state. I see this inconsistent. In matters of managing the affairs of the state, yes, let religion be separated. However, in matters involving morality, culture, values and other concerns, religion should be on the forefront. We cannot allow morality to be dictated by those who govern us. Although, it is incumbent of them to exemplify it.

I cannot help but go back to the ideals of Martin Luther King. Again, for without his staunch stand against apartheid, which led to his martyrdom, we will not be enjoying freedom and equality today.

Election is fast approaching, for whom do we raise our banners? Where do we stand for? Good governance over questionable morality or bad governance over above reproach morality?

Managing the URGENT now!

2009-11-11T17:25:00.002+08:00

What seems so necessary today may not even be desirable tomorrow. ~Anonymous

I have always lived an ordered life. Meaning, I do things as scheduled. Routines are my company, day-in and day-out.

To some, it may look like a very boring life -it’s not.

Routines and schedules keep me focused, and enable me to live a balanced life. While that seems rigorous, I still enjoy spontaneity. However, most of the time I prefer things to be planned ahead and done on time.

I must admit, occasionally, I am caught in the web of urgent matters and I drift away from my day’s marching orders. Unplanned events are inevitable. Unexpected calls and visitors, reading unsolicited emails, attending emergency meetings, and troubleshooting are some of those things, which tend to throw me off-balance. Some are important, and some are simply nuances caused by people who want others to conform to their selfish agendas or tag along their unorganized way of doing things. What is worse? These things are more often uncontrollable, yet they demand my immediate attention.

So, how do I cope?

Frankly, I do not have straight rule.

I act contingently. Attend to what is more important, and return to my schedule the soonest. If I tarry, I will end up accomplishing nothing at the end of the day. Goals are essential here. Keeping them is very crucial, and I think it is one of the best ways of sipping through the urgent of the day and attend only to those, which will help meet those goals. My daily activities are tied up with my short and long-term goals. They serve as an anchor that prevents me from drifting away and bowing to the tyranny of the urgent.

How about you, how do you deal with yours?

Teaching your Kids to Love Mathematics

2009-11-03T10:37:00.007+08:00

What was the first cognitive skill you taught your kids? Most likely, it’s counting, ayt?
However, how many of us have realized later how our kids hate mathematics, algebra or anything that has to do with math problems? You need not blame yourself. Because difficulties in learning mathematics or number concepts are often less understood than any other cognitive skills such as writing, reading, and verbal reasoning.

The culprit in most cases is our failure as parents or guardians to rouse the interest of our kids towards a fun learning of numbers and their associated concepts. Math word problems, for example, if viewed to be a fun way of looking at common problems would be easier to learn and solve. Alright, I am not a pedagogue expert here. Nevertheless, what I am trying to share here is that, mathematics when a young kids mind is aroused can actually be fun and not rigorous, as they would perceive it.

Kids, more often, need to like and love certain things in order for them to do them well and for fun. I must confess, the difficulty lies in making them like and love these things. I would suggest that you begin by showing them those numerical exercises or lessons, for example solving algebra word problems, are exciting, thrilling, and exhilarating. They are not to be views as tasks difficult to perform but games fun to play.

In my case with my 3-year old son, I always take anything that may present itself as a learning opportunity rather than making him sit with me and do his numbers. More often, math answers are easily recalled this way. For example, when I am preparing his breakfast, I would lead him to count the items in the table. Notice the word ‘lead.’ I don’t teach him per se, but lead him to learn the basic concept of counting.

Alright, that’s my piece. What’s yours?

Faith and Existence -Finding a Balance

2009-10-28T00:43:00.004+08:00

Whenever someone asks me about my faith or religion, I would readily say that I belong to the mainstream protestant. Then readily admit that I am nominal

It is not that I am flaunting about it, I simply want to unmask myself immediately whenever religion crops up. On matters of the faith, I always try to strip myself of any hint of pretenses or guise of religiosity.

I have observed that people tend to quarrel and squabble about religious doctrines or teachings, but not on the ultimate question of faith, existence, and the after-life. And more often hate each other, rather than respect each belief.

On the one hand, we exist and co-exist, whether you like it or not. The question really is, finding and knowing the purpose of our existence.

Faith on the other hand, though more often ignored, is something that we have inherently. Anyone has it. The problem here is the same with the problem of existence. For most of us, we simply do not know what to believe in and whom to believe. That is, finding the object of our faith. Moreover, when we finally found faith’s mooring, we don’t know how to act in faith.

I can relate so much with the sentiment of Philip Yancey when he said:

“I don't worry much about nuances of particular doctrines, but every so often catch myself wondering about the whole grand scheme of faith.”

Honestly, I tend to vacillate in both categories and predicament. When my faith wavers, I tend to forget the object of my faith and the purpose of my existence. Thus, I try to pinch myself by touching base once in a while with my faith’s community.

Why I buy 2 pairs of shoes every other year?

2009-10-19T11:45:00.005+08:00

I don’t collect shoes. But I know some do. Beginning from my mom, my sister, my ex-wife and a couple of my ex-girlfriends. Okay, don’t take me wrong if I have obviously mentioned the women who were (some once) dear to me.

I am the type who typically buys shoes every other year. Yeah, you read it right; I buy shoes every other year. I have a pair of running shoes and a pair of sneakers that I actually bought more than 5 years ago. And I am not likely to buy new pairs of those in the next couple of years. They are still in good condition, and still serve my purpose well.

On the other hand, I buy 2 pairs of ‘business’ shoes every other year. I usually go for comfort, durability, and the least, on style. Although you enjoy a more comfortable pair of shoes after a month of wearing them everyday, or sometimes longer. Like Mr. Obama, I still prefer wearing a pair with worn-out soles because they are comfortable.

Price has never been an issue for me, because I save money for this once every 2 years buying affair. You may ask, why 2 pairs? Oh, because I try to wear them alternately. And I call them my 'business' shoes or working shoes, because these are the pairs that I wear everyday going about my business. I would even refer to them as my business partners. Yeah, I do.

An old mentor of mine during my days as a salesman (by the way, I still do some selling these days, otherwise, I will run out of clients) told me that you can easily qualify a client who has the capability and authority to buy by looking at what shoes they are wearing. I took him seriously, and proved him to be right at 7 over 10 batting averages. Meaning, I was able to accurately qualify 7 decision makers or bonafide buyers out 10 potential clients who walked in our sales showroom or whom I called on their offices. Hence, since then, I have always invested on the best shoes I can afford so that I project a credible, and sometimes commanding, impression.

That’s my shoes story? What’s yours?

By the way, you might want to check-out this online shoes buying guide. Many thanks.

TV and Waiting

2009-10-17T10:54:00.005+08:00

I recently posted my feelings about waiting in line, and somehow this post is directly related.

How many of you sat on a diner while you waited for the food you ordered (that sometimes may take eternity when you are really hungry)? Alright, it was silly to ask. Besides, I am being rhetorical there. Anyways, most of us, ayt?

TV’s are now commonplace. You have them in passenger terminals, in almost any type of public transportation, diners, pubs and bars, shopping malls, banks, and even in public parks. According to a survey, 80% of business establishments who have Direct TV Business have actually experienced increase in their business. There is no way for me to validate that, but one thing for sure, directv business, can ease tensions, boredom, and sometimes anxieties for people who have to wait in line, wait for something or someone, or simply vegetate and let time pass.

When you see something else that deviate you from what you are waiting for, mine by the way is reading, you unknowingly ease yourself from the angst of waiting itself. You get entertained or you get to reflect on some other things, mundane or otherwise serious life issues. Surprisingly, in some companies I called on, they have now also TV sets in their applicants’ waiting lounge. Well, I can imagine, that would at least ease out the tensions while waiting for an interview. And probably, a good improvement would be a subscription on a Commercial DirecTV.

Now, on the side, why direct TV for Business and not cable? Two basic reasons actually: one, superior satellite technology, and second, excellent choices of network that is appropriate in your business setting.

The Angst of Falling in Line

2009-10-13T09:48:00.004+08:00

You cannot probably blame me, but in today’s world of ‘instant’ anything, queuing in a long line is exasperating at times. To add to your frustrations, there seems to be some people who made it a habit to ignore barricades and stanchions to keep everyone on the line. Call this ranting, yeah. From time to time, a post like this is necessary.

I’ve been to a concert lately, and if not for the thrill, sensation, and the fun that the band promised and satisfyingly delivered, I’d rate the concert as an epic fail in terms of crowd control. Well, I must admit that in concerts, the blast of the loudspeakers, the crowd, and the music itself is electrifying. But entering the venue is another thing.

A velvet rope is supposed to tell you people that there is a need to fall in line. But unfortunately, for some, it’s “who cares? I wanna get in now!” attitude seems to be the rule. When people ignore simple things like this, anarchy and chaos follow.

Our attitude about and what we do when waiting on or falling in line is required actually reflects how we behave in society in general.

We wait in line not only because it is in order, but because it is for the greater good. We wait in line because; we are specie that values law and order. We wait in line because we respect others and we value their rights.

Update Your Look Before You Update Your Resume

2009-09-28T23:37:00.006+08:00

Have you heard that maxim “first impression lasts?” It’s true.

Having been involved in the recruitment all my career life, my colleagues and I always give an additional point to a job applicant who comes ‘well-groomed’ and ‘well-mannered’. You see, the way you carry yourself speaks a lot on how you will tackle your job when you are hired. Let me elaborate on that later.

A recent “Gillette Survey of HR Professionals Reveals that Well-Groomed Guys Have an Edge in the Job Market.” How does that sound? You may want to head on at the Gillette Career Advantage to read the results of that survey. In a gist:

Results from a recent survey of more than 500 HR professionals - commissioned by Gillette(R) [PG] and conducted by Harris Interactive(R) - indicate that 84% of HR professionals agree that well-groomed employees climb the corporate ladder faster than those who are not well-groomed.

While there are many other important criteria for judging job applicants’ suitability for the job, it cannot be ignored that how they present themselves carry much weight as well. In fact, that could have been their first step into a potential job offer.

I understand that certain jobs may not demand ‘good appearance.’ Regardless. There is really no reason why one should not look good at work and out. In the first place, how you look outside can, more often, project or reveal what you really feel inside.

So gentlemen, you might want to check out the Gillette Resource Center, you will find great stuff there to use to update your look before you update that resume of yours for your next job interview…or probably, on your next date.

Good hunting!

Family: Essential to a “Thriving Human Community”

2009-09-25T10:54:00.010+08:00

Coming from a strong family background, I have always believed on the importance of the family being the most important unit in our society. It has been said that destroy the family, and you destroy the entire community. As Ariel and Will Durant assert, “The family is the nucleus of civilization.” Thus everything that we value in our lives today hinges on our family.

You cannot build a new family by tearing down another. Probably it worked for some, but generally, it breeds complications untold, and more often pains and miseries for the concerned. Sorry, I digressed a bit here.

Moving on; on the one hand, some are lucky, or more appropriately, blessed to have a family in the natural way who have no need for the services of an egg donor agency to have the most coveted gift of life –that of another life. Children are gifts from God, albeit they carry huge responsibility for the parents.

On the other hand, some, who are not blessed that way. However, they do not need to lose hope nonetheless, because they can always tap a surrogacy agency for their need or ardent desire for a child of their own. Alternatively, if you are a kindhearted individual, you might also consider joining the roster of healthy egg donors to help those who are not capable of conceiving the natural way.

Among the questions that probably linger in your minds right now, may well be the same as mine: Does a surrogate parent has a responsibility over the child? Does God (or most probably, your church) approve this ‘unnatural’ way of conception?

Well, I am leaving the answers with you as I wrestle with mine. These deep theological, religious or moral issues depended entirely on where you are coming from, your culture, and your values.

A family, however how it was formed (like adoptions, out of wedlock, lesbians and gays parenting, etc.), should stick together through good times and bad times. I hope we continue to embrace what Ben Silliman observes about the American families, and I believed applies to all families around the globe:

...families have always shown remarkable resiliency, or flexible adjustment to natural, economic, and social challenges. Their strengths resemble the elasticity of a spider web, a gull's skillful flow with the wind, the regenerating power of perennial grasses, the cooperation of an ant colony, and the persistence of a stream carving canyon rocks. These are not the strengths of fixed monuments but living organisms. This resilience is not measured by wealth, muscle or efficiency but by creativity, unity, and hope. Cultivating these family strengths is critical to a thriving human community.

‘Tis the Holiday Season Again

2009-09-20T12:34:00.005+08:00

A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. ~Garrison Keillor

I know that I am sounding the bell too early.

Can’t help it, we are already half-way down September. And before you knew it, the holiday shopping rush starts. To top it all, my list has grown longer.

Nah, I am not complaining here. It’s just that, the holiday that used to be an exciting and festive season, has now turned into an obligation of sort –gifts to buy and holiday cards to send. Worse, for some, the recession makes any form of celebration no affordable. Of course, celebration need not be lavish, and we always celebrate in simpler and inexpensive ways.

Fact is, in the Christendom Christmas is indeed ‘compulsory’. For the right reason, it must. It is the birth of Christianity. “Peace on earth and Goodwill to all men” is a resounding message that is worth commemorating repeatedly. We need to be reminded. We always forget. Just look around you.

I am not trying to be preachy here. I just want to sound off something that we tend to neglect. I how this time may we be reminded that "'tis the season to be jolly."

You Reap What You Sow | An Act of Kindness Repaid in Full

2009-09-15T15:18:00.008+08:00

You have probably heard it a thousand times, “You reap what you sow”. In other religion or faith, they call it ‘Karma.’ But more often, we associate this maxim or principle (if you will) to ‘negative effects or repercussions.’ Actually, it is also very true in the positive sense.

Here’s another unsolicited email I received today, that I thought might enlighten you about “an act of kindness being repaid in full”:

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, as so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled. However, to his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
"Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away!"

The woman's smile became even broader.

Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then, a police officer came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He has been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the police officer answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place"

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He is the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."

She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And thank you for the coffee."

Fashion is a form of ugliness?

2009-09-06T10:59:00.005+08:00

Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months. ~Oscar Wilde

I don’t know if you agree with Wilde there, besides he’s speaking in the fashion of his era –the 19th century. However, if you look closely at fashion trends these days, you will notice that he seemed to be commenting relevance today.

With money to spare (well, even those who don’t), anyone can easily go to a cosmetic surgeon for physical enhancement or alteration. Easy. Quick. Though not cheap. It’s the trend.

We are species that are never satisfied on how we look. We spend more time looking at ourselves in the mirror than introspection or how the world looks these days. We spend more money on fashion accessories, cosmetics and cosmetic surgeries, clothes and jewelries rather than investing on our health. Why? Because we don't want to look ugly. Or because we don’t want to be left behind. We always wanted to look better than the Joneses. As if we always uglier than our neighbor and thus we need to change how we look more often to satisfy our ego.

Fashion can be rightly called a form of ugliness if we fail to appreciate what real beauty is.

Am I making sense? If I am not, poked me please.

Student versus Teacher Drag Race | Price: A 2010 Ford Mustang

2009-08-19T06:07:00.011+08:00

I grew up admiring the Ford Mustang (next to a Chevy Camaro), dreaming of owning and driving one someday. One thing that attracted me to it: the brusque design of both the body and its engine. This was retained since it first graced the road in 1964 until what we have now the power look of a 2010 model.

Here is the 2010 Ford Mustang in action (ey, I didn’t meant for you to drool on this one, ayt):

The FORD 2010 Mustang is equipped with a 4.6-liter SOHC V8 Engine under its hood, which means it carries:

315 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque
Horsepower gains via cold-air induction
Mated to a standard 5-speed manual trans

Honestly, that kind of power can easily intimidate anyone in its class. By the way, should I be driving that, will I need all those power?

Now, if you are impressed what is under the hood, you will be thrilled more with what’s inside. Because, unlike its beastly power, inside it is a all comfort and amenities you dreamed of in a car:

All-new interior. New style. New materials.
Premium feel within a modern environment
New seat trim, door trim, and sew styling

Ahh!

Alright, quit day-dreaming and get back to work. ^^

Acceptance as an AA Principle : What can we learn from it?

2009-08-18T05:24:00.007+08:00

Are you familiar with the serenity prayer being uttered by Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) before and after they start their meetings?

God grant me
the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change,
COURAGE to change the things I can,
and the WISDOM to know the difference.

I have prayed that myself many times, unfortunately, I could no longer recall. Nevertheless, for me it is more than a prayer. It is a promise myself. A pledge that must be to fulfilled. An action item that needs to be executed. Something I/you have to do and must 'will' to do.

Psychologists would often say that the first step to solving your issues is by facing them head on. Accept the fact that you have issues and problems that you need to address. Furthermore, they would advise that you need to pass over the first stage, which is called denial by an honest acceptance of your current predicament. Otherwise, you will go nowhere.

Denial is rather obvious when we have recently experienced a lost of a love one or lost of something of value and important like a job, losing a limb, missing an opportunity or failing to achieved our desired goals. More often, we go on a state of shock, thus it's difficult for us to believe that those things really transpired. But bad things do happen to good people -that's another fact.

We withdraw ourselves from the world and hide behind our self-made walls. We sink in despondency and accuse the world, God and everyone else for conspiring against us. This is but plain and simple denial.

While some of us easily recover, most of us find it very difficult to cope. And worse, some of us think it is impossible to regain composure in situations like these.

The key to getting ourselves out of this quick-sand of helplessness is acceptance. That is; the willingness to accept defeat, loss, and failures without which there is no other path to your self-redemption.

At AA, they espoused and live that. There, unless you recognize that you are an alcoholic, there is no other way for you to get out of that vicious vise. Similarly, unless we recognized where we are (or who we are) now, we cannot move on. Personally, when I am in this kind of rut, I always tell myself: this too shall pass. Yeah. I have always believed that, as long as we are living, there is always hope.

But it begins with you by taking that first bold step called -acceptance.

Web Hosting Guide for Online Entrepreneurs

2009-08-17T16:58:00.003+08:00

Many small business owners are turning to the internet for new source of business and customers. Sadly, some were misled into thinking that website development is easy and cheap. Probably for the internet savvy, the experienced bloggers, and seasoned online marketers, the case is true. However, offline business owners and those who are venturing for the first time online, without the right guidance, website development can be difficult and costly. Dedicated server hosting these days may cost you a fortune if you fail to do your homework and compare prices. Add that web developers who charge more than what they can actually offer in return.

I know, because I’ve been there.

There are no short cuts for online entrepreneurs, as some try to sell you.

The good news though, there are great website building articles and tips available online to avoid costly mistakes. Web Hosting Geeks’ Blog, for example, offers you a great guides and other information about webhosting, eCommerce, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and SEM (Search Engine Marketing), and more. Just invest a portion of your time digging into their articles before you embark on your journey, as an online entrepreneur will prove to be useful in your business decisions.

Elsewhere, you can find more –and these are absolutely free. Again, FREE! Believe me, those who sometimes charge for a fee for the same information have actually (more often) knocked-off information. It’s a tricky world out there. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a web hosting guide written by experts, the blog I mentioned above is the site to refer from. Head on there please.

The Pursuit of Happiness : Is it an Exercise in Futility?

2009-08-15T22:20:00.006+08:00

“Sooner or later in life everyone discovers that perfect happiness is unrealizable, but there are a few who pause to consider the antithesis: that perfect unhappiness is equally unattainable. The obstacles preventing the realization of both these extreme states are of the same nature: they derive from our human condition which is opposed to everything infinite.” ~Primo Levi: This is a Man

The pursuit of perfect happiness is everyone’s desire and dream. We work hard, sacrifice many things to earn more so that we can pursue real happiness beyond the corridors of our laborious life. Consider though that one reason so many of us are still unhappy is that, though we are too busy pursuing happiness, we do not even care to pause to think what it is. If asked, lamentably, we can’t hardly define what real happiness is.

We want to be happy, but most people seem to think that happiness will come their way when everything else starts to go their way. We tend to believe that when things are in order and going smoothly as planned –we will be truly happy. However, life isn’t like that, except perhaps in a circus show. What is perfect happiness? How do you find it?

I hate to be cynical here, but to me, the pursuit of perfect happiness is an en exercise in futility unless we learn how to truly live a contented life.

Series of unfortunate events has always a way of creeping into our lives when we least expect them. We cannot expect everything always to go our way. Because if happiness is related to that kind of situation, we must settle for a fair measure of unhappiness.

Happiness is difficult to find for those who try to pursue it for its own sake. Real happiness cannot be bought nor asked.

We fail to find happiness because we don’t know where and how to seek it. Try harder we must in pursuit of happiness; we will not find it if we don’t know what it is, or if we seek it where it isn’t.

Lastly, happiness is not necessarily related to happenings or social strata, it is the condition of the heart, a state of the mind. Hence, it is possible for people to be happy in difficult and unpleasant circumstances.

What is real happiness for you? Where do you find it? If you have found it, how?

Challenge and Importance of Fatherhood

2009-07-29T01:29:00.006+08:00

"Who giveth this woman?" This woman. But she's not a woman. She's still a child. And she's leaving us. What's it going to be like to come home and not find her? Not to hear her voice calling, "Hi, Pops" as I come in? I suddenly realized what I was doing. I was giving up Kay. Something inside me began to hurt.

I recently watched the 1991 movie ‘Father of the Bride.’ It was hilarious. That statement by Stanley T. Banks (portrayed by Steve Martin) during his daughter's wedding caught my attention and so I copied the subtitle for this post.

I may have failed to give a concrete connection here, incidentally, the battle with my son’s custody is still pending in the higher court. What I have is only a temporary court order to keep my child. It is quite amusing to read the custody case of Britney (I know, this is old news or history), because the case is quite similar with ours. The difference is, we are no celebrities. Okay, I digress.

I am just probably feeling melancholic when I was deeply touched by Banks’ line there. No, I am not giving my son as a bride –silly. I mean, when the custody case is finally over and I lose –I will be giving up my son. That hurts. Really hurts. I don't want to come home in an empty den. I earnestly believe that I am a capable father, and I am up to the challenge of fatherhood.

However, I must confess that I cannot deny the fact that my son also needs his mother more than I need him.

U.S. and Canadian Business Directory | Get the Top 10 Businesses in your Area

2009-07-29T00:49:00.003+08:00

With the advent of the internet, people rarely use the Yellow Pages anymore. Because in single click of the Google or Yahoo search button, you are offered with a plethora of business listings you are interested. However, the downside this convenience, SERP (Search Engine Result Pages) would more often return millions to choose from. Before you knew it, you have wasted your precious time trying to wade through those results in order to get into the business service that you need.

What if, instead of hitting those popular search engines, you simply visit comprehensive Business Directory online that gives you the top 10 businesses you seek in your area? Tenlist.com is a your ideal business directory on the net today, listing the top 10 business in thousands of categories for the United States and Canada, and more.

All you have to do is bookmark the site in your browser, and search within it. The site is easy to navigate and is user-friendly; hence, in an instant you will have the top 10 list of specific business services in your area. This translates into saving you time, and the angst of wading through a huge list that you are not interested in.

What makes TenList different from other business directory? Because most of the companies listed in their directory were recommended or referred by people like you. Moreover, consumers’ reviews of these businesses were carefully evaluated so that what you have is a list of credible and reliable business outfits, so done away with the “fly-by-night” companies.

Blind Faith is Fatal | A Reflective Sunday

2009-07-26T00:39:00.004+08:00

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

However, blind faith is fatal.

Gone are the days when you question anything about God or religion and it is considered a treason or you are labeled a heretic. Today, we embrace if not accept any religious belief, regardless of form as long as it does not violate common acceptable moral standards.

Your faith, however, has to stand intelligent scrutiny otherwise you will be labeled a blind fanatic or in some segment of our society –a lunatic. Of course, that would be the extreme. Well, certainly others are forgiving and they will just tolerate you for being different.

Faith must be grounded on perceived solid facts and truth.

However, believing the existence of God, or your ‘god’ (whatever you wanna call him/her, please note I am not being sacrilegious here nor do I want to offend anybody –my apologies) is not easy sometimes, especially when you see and hear sufferings and miseries around you, and worse, when you are in the middle of it . Let alone you are the victim yourself. Faith here is tested. So, will it stand?

Blind faith is fatal without a basis, a foundation to lean on.

How about you, how do you strengthen the moorings of your faith? How do you justify it intelligently?

Technology and Life : A Short Reflection

2009-07-19T03:06:00.012+08:00

“Quality of life” is an elusive idea. Many equate it with having money, but it does not address everything we want in our lives such as our physical and mental health. By providing us with ways to control the uncertainties of Mother Nature, technology has certainly allowed us to increase the quality of our lives in terms of survival in the practical sense of the term (subsistence). But, beyond that, what has technology done for us? (Dyske Suematsu of dyske.com)

That was a legitimate observation.

Who would have thought that you could call anyone, anywhere in the world? have a direct TV service access in the remotest part of the globe? have the information you need available at the touch of your keyboard? set-up a permanent laboratory on the moon?

The limitless imaginations and trail-blazing spirits of a few have made these possible. Technology is advancing at a pace that sometimes it is hard for many of us to cope. The younger generations could not appreciate where we begun. That before the iPod, there was the walkman; that before the xBox, there was the 'game and watch'; before DVD, there was VHS or Betamax; before Direct TV or Directv system, there were those aluminum aerial antennas. For us baby boomers, we are simply in awe as we look back at those (now) archaic technologies.

What does this means for us?

Technology has immediate and lasting effects in our lives in a positive or negative way. While it provided us comfort, convenience, and has increase the quality of our lives (positive), in some instances it has rob us of the essential elements of normal living.

We have now a plethora of high-tech communication devices and systems available at our disposal, and yet we hardly improve the quality of our relationships. For example, divorce rates continue to rise, which as a result has taken apart many families; there are now available cure for virtually any type of disease and cancer, but the same technology is being used to develop bio-chemical weapons that can kill others; and so on. Ironic huh.

I can go on with a very long list of ironies here, but suffice it to say that technology is here and we are responsible to harness it to improve our way of living by connecting it with the basics of existence.

So, am I making sense?

Why quit?

2009-07-04T04:10:00.006+08:00

"People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to." ~George Herbert Allen*

I stopped reading the news lately because good news seems to be rare these days. Wars and political upheavals, calamities and hungers, robberies and murders, scandals and deaths –are the daily dose we get each day. And with these kind of news, you need not be surprised if these things continue to perpetuate on and on. Pardon, my cynicism here.

When your mind is fed with negative things daily, it will eventually encroach into your system. You will not immediately recognize this. In fact, the impatience you display while driving through heavy traffic, the sudden outburst of anger over your kids slight misdemeanors, little tolerance for mistakes at work, worries over your finances are but symptoms of negativity taking roots within you. Worst of all, negativity is the main culprit why people lose hope and quit.

It is so easy to quit now. Easy. But to go on takes courage, perseverance and hope.

Too many people quit easily. Thus sometimes I wonder if there is benefit in quitting early? Maybe there is. An immediate relief from the struggle perhaps? Nah. There are no benefits in quitting except regrets in the end.

Why quit?

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! If you must; but don't you quit! ~ Anonymous

*George Herbert Allen (April 29, 1918 – December 31, 1990) was an American football coach in the National Football League and the United States Football League. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. (Wikipedia)

Complete Property Management

2009-07-04T03:26:00.000+08:00

In my previous stint as head of the company’s administration department, maintenance of the offices and the entire factory was among my major responsibility. It was not easy because I do not have an engineering background vis not technically competent. The role was even made harder because it includes managing other company properties outside the main factory, such as the employees’ dormitories and managerial staff apartments. I rely more on my section supervisors to manage these properties. Hence, I proposed to outsource a complete property management for these properties. Would I have known the likes of Maxim Enterprises, the job would have been easier. Nevertheless, the management approved the proposal, and I was relieved of that extra work.

Change to Something Better?

2009-07-04T01:40:00.009+08:00

Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer. ~Shunryu Suzuki

Everything is changing. And sometimes, at a rate that we rarely notice until we realized that we are left behind. The only thing that never changes is change itself.

I am year older.

As I look back (which by the way is something that I am not fond of doing) over the last two decades that passed, I have changed considerably in many ways. Some of these changes were conscious efforts, but some were something that somehow crept-in overnight. I also noticed that I somehow lost my consistency.

Many things that took place in those years change me in ways that I am still trying to figure out if I have to accept them and let life, let it be.

No.

We should strive to change into something better as a daily positive experience, as a habit, as a lifestyle. Things change –that is inevitable. However, when changes do occur in us, let those be to something that will make us into better person, good role-model, and eventually, a better neighbor.

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France

How to start blogging for a living

2009-06-15T05:57:00.011+08:00

It's more than a year and a half now since I ventured into professional blog writing. I blog for other people and small businesses. And I have also monetized my personal blogs through various means which includes affiliate marketing, both private and third-party ad selling, and paid posting. It was not easy, as many bloggers pitch. It takes time and hard work to develop a single blog into a moneymaking machine.

If you are considering of turning your blogging hobby into a blogging-for-living, you might want to check if you possess the following:

Basic writing skills, which includes a good command of the English language and its grammar;
An in depth working knowledge of a particular topic/theme or niche;
Basic technical knowledge on blogging platforms and web hosting. Aside, when you choose a web host plan, consider WebHostingGeeks.com. They regularly provide reviews and web hosting awards. Check out their blog for other useful info.
Basic SEO (search engine optimization) knowledge and skills;
Social networking skills;
Willingness to learn;
Lastly, a high tolerance for frustrations.

1 and 2 are core skills that are essential to professional blogging. 3,4, and 5 are soft skills that you can and must learn along the way. The last two are important traits that a successful professional blogger have. The blogosphere is already flooded with ‘wannabees’ who are competing for a shrinking pie. If you are not willing to learn and do not have the patience to compete, you will end up earning nothing at all.

By the way, did I tell you that you would be shelling-out money on the process? You will be investing on domain names and monthly hosting fees. Also, if you still have a day job –keep it. Although professional blogging is financially rewarding, it takes more than what I have enumerated above to equal or double what you currently earn right now. The good news though, many before us succeeded so why can’t we.

What does the future hold?

2009-06-12T00:52:00.004+08:00

In difficult times, especially in a bad economy such as this, that question is prevalent to many. And in my mind, if there is any redeeming value in this global financial crisis, it is the realization among us that good times never last and preparing for the future pays.

Lambert Jeffries in his pessimistic outlook about life, remarked:

Foresight is the spending of fifty years of adult life in comparative drudgery in order to be able to spend the remaining ten in a nursing home.

I do not like to share the sentiment of Jeffries there, although I must admit, what he pointed out is inevitable.

I'd like to prepare for my future, and those that depended on me. However, when thinking of the future, there is good and bad news.

The good news is we can plan for it. If we do our best to anticipate the future, we are better prepared for it. We do not know what the future holds, and no one can predict it. However, we can reduce the number of surprises it brings upon us by attempting to have a positive vision of the future, and prepare for it the best way we can. For those who are prepared, nothing can come as a surprise.

The bad news is that focusing on the future can easily make us forget the lessons of the past. It is popularly opined that anything that is new is good. Or, we tend to believe that is.

Think of the future but think with a plan in mind. Take the time and effort to prepare for it. Build upon your past by taking the lessons it gave you. Start in the present and look forward.

Planning for the future is easy, but executing those plans takes a lot of will, discipline, and efforts. What the future holds is not ours to predict, but we can always create a better and brighter future today.

What’s your take? How do you plan and prepare for your future?

A Confident Talk on Self-Confidence

2009-05-17T08:55:00.000+08:00

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

‘Over confidence’ is believing on who you are not. This is not healthy, because it leads to pride, prejudices, and pretensions. It also undermines the confidence of others. On the other hand, a healthy self-confidence is mirroring who you are, your real worth, and what you are capable of. It harnesses your potential from within, and when utilized and exuded, it boosts others confidence as well.

Where does it begin?

Believing in yourself is the cornerstone of a healthy self confidence. Hear it from the head of The Blixseth Group –Tim Blixseth, who failed as a Hollywood songwriter and rose-up as one of the richest people in the United States and proud owner of exclusive Yellowstone Club resorts and golf courses:

“The turning point, I think, was when I really realized that you can do it yourself. That you have to believe in you because sometimes that's the only person that does believe in your success but you.”

Well said. Should I add more? Nah. Here’s your take:

Believe in yourself regardless how and what the world believes otherwise, this is the key to a healthy self-confidence and success.

And here’s another:

"If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." ~Vincent Van Gogh (Famous Dutch artist - Post Impressionist painter)

Are you having trouble with your self-worth and/or self-confidence? How did you overcome it? Your story will surely inspire others. We'd love to hear it. Would you care to share it?

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Note: The image used here was actually one of more than 2,000 paintings by Van Gogh entitled: The Zouave 1888. Vincent van Gogh painted several portraits of Zouaves, including his friend Paul-Eugene Milliet (not the sitter for this portrait). A zouave was a regiment of the French army dressed in an arabesque influenced manner because of its Algerian background.

Van Gogh wrote about the Zouave painting in a letter to his brother Theo van Gogh, saying "I have a model at last.. a Zouave.. a boy with a small face, a bull neck, and the eye of a tiger, and I began with one portrait, and began again with another; the half-length I did of him was horribly harsh, in a blue uniform, the blue of enamel saucepans, with braids of a faded reddish-orange, and two yellow stars on his breast, an ordinary blue, and very hard to do. That bronzed, feline head of his with a red cap, I placed it against a green door and the orange bricks of a wall. So it's a savage combination of incongruous tones, not easy to manage. The study I made of it seems to me very harsh, but all the same I'd like always to be working on vulgar, even loud portraits like this. It teaches me something, and above all that is what I want of my work. The second portrait will be full length, sitting against a white wall." (from ArtQuotes.net)

Cars and Lifestyle

2009-05-16T21:31:00.004+08:00

The kind of car you own and drive may be an indicative of the kind of lifestyle you live. It can easily show whether you are ostentatious, frugal, practical, and pompous or proud. Well, if you have the money to spare, who would not be tempted to buy the most desirable car one dream of.

In an Asian culture where I came from, cars are considered as luxury items and social status symbol, rather than necessity. Perhaps, because, on the one hand, the majority of my people cannot afford the cheapest available used car in the market, and public transport is cheaper. I, on the other hand, buy a car because of necessity. In fact, convenience may still take the back seat when I pick a car to buy because next to necessity, practical usability or functional benefits are my second priorities, then the price.

However, if have surplus money in the bank, I would definitely buy a brand-new 5-door Peugeot 308 Estate. This car, which is available in a Peugeot Dealer near you, is definitely one of the most practical and fully functional cars I have seen and driven. Not only that it boasts of a fuel-efficient 1.6 or 1.4 liter engine, manual or automatic transmission, a reliable power steering rack for smooth maneuvers, it has an extra row of seats, which gives it a huge carrying capacity like other multi-purpose vehicles or MPV’s. This car is definitely a family car. Nevertheless, be not deceived, for it is a family car that has a look of an executive car. Thus it adds a commanding presence on the road and to the one behind the one behind the wheel.

Equally, in terms of functionality, a Peugeot 107 will be next in my list. Fuel efficiency, smooth ride, huge space for a small hatched-back car –this one is definitely the best choice.

In my mind, as the recession seems does not hint any sign of waning yet, buy a car that is fully functional, and that will not drain you financially. Besides, still, a car does not really define who and what you are, it is but a necessity.

Why are we so obsessed about reversing the aging process?

2009-05-16T08:34:00.006+08:00

I have posted about growing old gracefully a few months back, but in a more light-hearted manner and on a different perspective. Here, is an attempt to look at the physiological aspects of aging. After all, the physical attributes are immediately evident when we mature.

But, why are we really obsessed with reversing the aging process, when it is nature’s design? Today, derma fillers are commonplace. With money, and without any surgical procedure, one can easily ‘buy’ a youthful look.

Cosmetology is a billion-dollar industry that is seemingly unaffected by the global economic pandemic. Why? Because medical science breakthroughs made it possible. According to Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D. of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine:

“It is now possible to make dramatic progress in altering the aging process. Convincing clinical and laboratory studies indicate that: the aging process in humans and animals can be either slowed down or reversed; partial starvation has prolonged the lives of experimental animals; a combination of l-acetylcarnitine and alpha lipoic acid reverted very old rats to middle-age status; the use of growth hormones has reversed the fat/muscle ratio in elderly humans with ratios returning to levels found in younger people.”

Cosmetic or Aesthetic procedures, such as radiesse injection, as a result grew exponentially in popularity and demand. The celebrity look and shape can now be bought. Of course, if you have the money to spare, why not spend a little on physiological enhancements or improvements.
I on the other hand would like to take the path suggested by Dr. Michael Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Authors of YOU: Staying Young:
…living to 100 isn't about avoiding diseases like cancer, heart disease or stroke. We could rid the world of those common killers, it would add less than a decade to life expectancy. Aging is not about avoiding disease, it is about living with vitality."
Agree.
“Living with vitality” is far more important than aesthetic improvement. The body will eventually give way to aging.
For an interesting info about how to inject restylane, you might want to check this video by Dr. Dolores Kent, a Beverly Hills-based cosmetic surgeon:

Debt Consolidation | Stopping the Cycle of Debts

2009-05-15T06:45:00.008+08:00

As modern living becomes our preferred way of life, it seems that getting into debt has become a part of it. In fact, debt has become a cultural trait for those who pursue the credo of living the American dream. In our effort, we succumb to living way beyond our means. We spend twice or thrice than what we actually earn. Hence, by ratio comparison, the average income earner has a deficit twice bigger than the government. I know that is a bit an exaggeration. But obviously, many of us seems to be spending more and more time working, not to enjoy a quality of life, but in order to pay our debts.

To whet our appetite for things we so much wanted and crave for, many of us would easily jump into the first credit offer that comes our way without careful thought. The result, we are caught in a myriad of unsettled loans, and demand letters kept on coming. With this financial shamble, the tendency is to ‘bite the bullet’ by getting another loan after the other to pay for the existing bad loans. It is vicious cycle. Unless you start making prudent and sound financial decision, this will bury you in debt.

One practical solution in this predicament is debt consolidation. However, before you get any of the seemingly best debt consolidation advices you hear, take the time to make an inventory of other better ways to bail yourself out of your bloated debt. Wanton spending should be stopped immediately. To consolidate debt is but one among many alternatives out there. However, when you opted for this, you must be committed to get yourself out of debt for good. Because although you are offered lower monthly payments and interests for a single loan to cover all your existing debts, there is a tendency to get back into the old habit because of this available remedy.

Stop the cycle of debts in your life. Start today. And experience a better way of living –debt free!

How do you protect your family’s welfare?

2009-05-11T09:19:00.005+08:00

“Physically you are a human being, but mentally you are incomplete. Given that we have this physical human form, we must safeguard our mental capacity for judgment. For that, we cannot take out insurance; the insurance company is within: self-discipline, self-awareness, and a clear realization of the disadvantages of anger and the positive effects of kindness.” (Dalai Lama quotes -Head of the Dge-lugs-pa order of Tibetan Buddhists, 1989 Nobel Peace Prize)

I will not attempt to allegorize insurance as the Dalai Lama did there. However, I would like to take the issue of ‘safeguarding’ the welfare of our family, which we can do through insuring our self and them. How do you protect your family’s welfare?

Actually, there are many ways. Businessmen try to build business empire to leave as a legacy to their family members. Some invest on properties. While some save money in the bank. As an average employee, earning a meager wage, how do you protect yours? The value of our 401k has lost its value due to the current financial crisis, so what is the most feasible, cost-effective, and affordable alternative?

One thing comes immediately to mind: term life insurance policy with a refutable provider.
Term life insurance is probably the simplest and cheapest form insurance. Although the extent or time of the coverage is already predetermined, for example 10 or 20 years or until retirement age of 65, it is nevertheless a practical alternative for an average employee.

However, the first thing you need do is to find out what policy or plan that suits your needs. Due to the higher cost of living and the increasing insurance premiums, it is important to figure out what you need and what you can do without. Also, you want to make sure that you have the right coverage should the inevitable happens. Get one today while it will cost you less. For as Kin Hubbard (American Humorist) remarked:

“Fun is like life insurance; the older you get, the more it costs.”

Q&A Online Community

2009-05-01T09:52:00.007+08:00

The internet has virtually all the answers that anyone could ask. However, with the amount of information available at the click of the mouse, it is so easy to get lost, and hence your question remained unanswered, and you may end up confused than before. For example, if you ask how to buy a used car, google will return you more than 45m search result pages or SERP or even if you narrow that to video torrents, you'll almost have the same result.

How about a questions and answers community where you can ask anything and community members will try to give you the answers you sought or needed. Easier huh. Rather than wading through the millions of SERP’s that google, yahoo or msn gives you, you ask and somebody answers you directly.

AnswersFinder.com was built on the premise that to find answers on any topic should be a breeze, and also fun. In this community, you can virtually ask anything on any topic and members will try to give you the best answer using any available media such as pictures and images. What more, the community is accessible in 10 different major languages including French and Chinese, among others. More so, the community has its own dictionary where members can contribute their terms and their definitions.

What do you think? Sounds like fun huh.

Online Education | An Alternative to Conventional Education

2009-04-28T08:28:00.005+08:00

I am often been referred to as a guy who is a 'jack of all trades but a master of none.' I didn't mind. I love to discover and learn new things that capture my interest.

In my view, education did not cease when we walked down that aisle and received our diploma in college. Education is an on-going process. Continuing education for that matter is essential to personal development. This generation is more fortunate because there are better alternatives to conventional education and accredited online degrees are now available on the net.

I remembered taking a short course on basic electronics 15 years ago on a correspondence-type school. In that method, you enrolled by mail and instruction materials are sent to you. After completing a particular module or subject, you have to mail back the resource book. You learn at your own convenience and at your own pacing. It is tedious and boring at times because of the lack of interaction. Fortunately, today, while same principle or medium applies, education that leads to a productive personal development is available through online schools.

Unlike with the correspondence type of education where you rely solely on the printed material, with online education, you have more access to a vast wealth of information available on the web, and is interactive.

From baccalaureate to graduate degrees, short courses on any field, personal development seminars, etc. -these are now accessible to any student of any age. And online degree scholarships are even available for deserving students.

What does this means for us? In my mind, as long as you have the desire to learn new things, any medium of acquiring knowledge and skills will prove useful. However, online education is an excellent alternative, than the conventional mode of learning.

Debts and Credit Cards : Can we escape these traps?

2009-04-28T08:18:00.006+08:00

We chose to be entrapped by these, don’t we?

Debts and credit cards have not only became a part of our lifestyle, but we have also managed to sediment it into culture. Getting into debt in particular, has become a cyclical aspect our financial life. We enjoy the purchases, then, pay the bills. Then we purchase more until we are unable to pay no more. Then we get a loan or worse, use our business credit cards to cover for the bills –it is a cycle. Dan Caplinger observed:

When you are in debt, your finances can get overwhelming in a hurry. Just coming up with enough to make your minimum monthly payments on loans and credit cards can push you to the limit.

Should I say more? He did not end there, in fact he admonishes us:

…you can escape the debt trap. You just have to go a bit further and find some extra money to pay down your debt. Once you do that, it's just a matter of time before you come out debt-free.

What does your credit report tells you about your financial lifestyle? Poor huh. What I can see there, it seems that we can’t live with debts, and we can live without them. Ironic huh. Okey, I am not trying to judge or ‘condemn’ you there. What I am trying to say here is manage your finances –and that includes those credit cards and personal loans. You might want to check free credit report from time to time to monitor your progress. Also on the side, beware of identity theft when you submit your personal info online.

Greed, Money, and Lifestyle

2009-04-25T08:04:00.006+08:00

“People do not resent having nothing nearly as much as having too little.” ~Ivy Compton-Burnett

Greed is universal and is amoral

Greed, according to Encarta, is “an overwhelming desire to have more of something such as money than is actually needed.” In this definition, two fundamental elements are present, namely: overwhelming desire and more than needed. Let me move on to this further.

In my mind, greed is amoral, not evil. Because having an ‘overwhelming desire’ for something is not bad, and is in fact necessary for success in any endeavors. And wanting more than what you need is not bad either. It is but natural for us to want for something we do not necessarily need. This ‘wanting’ is also a good motivation. We want more because we aspire for a better quality of life, and we do not want to worry about not having.

But the real issue here is, will we stop desiring for more money if we have already fill our treasure chest to the brim and are already living the lifestyle we want?

Greed can be practical

When I wake-up in the morning, I think of work. I work not to survive, but to make money, more money. In that sense, I am motivated by a desire to have more, by greed. Does that make me evil?

Greed in that sense is but made practical. Because in that way I make use of my skills, time, energy to get what I need and wanted. However, if I satisfy that motivation in an immoral or illegal way, or when I placed that above any other things that are more valuable in my life such as family and my faith, then I am in deep trouble.

Money is not god

While money tends to become the prime mover for almost everything we do today, it is nevertheless should not be regarded as god as some of us would.

Although money is but the token representation that we use in buying and selling, it is a necessity. Obviously, it is our means for fending our needs, getting what we want. But, again, when we value money more than our family, friends, dignity, and spirituality we become enslaved by it. Instead of letting it serves us for our purpose, money becomes our god. This is evil, per se.

Lifestyle dictates how we value money

Money should not dictate our lifestyle as most of us have. Our chosen lifestyle will dictate how much we value money, the way we earn it and how we spend it.

While greed and the love of money is an issue, the problem of money or the lack of it has plague many of us. Some of these problems emanated from a wrong lifestyle or unbridled greed for more things that one does not actually need. Excessive or unmanaged use of the credit card and wrong priorities like leaving insurance on the bottom the list are but among the culprits behind our financial mess.

Money is important. It is a necessity. Earn it. Work for it. Save it. Spend it wisely. As US Film Maker Woody Allen put it bluntly:

“Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.”

Music Must Inspire | A Discordant Thought

2009-04-20T13:46:00.005+08:00

"It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception." (When asked about his theory of relativity) - Albert Einstein

I am an R&B and acoustic music buff, however I listened to and enjoyed other genre, that is, depending on my mood. I have no favorite singer, although I love the music of Kenny G, James Ingram, MLTR, and The Tony Rich Project. What’s yours?

I used to compose songs. Yeah. I do. I write the lyrics and hum the melody in my mind afterwards, and would usually hassle my brother to find the right notes or keys in his guitar. But none of those ever went close to a recording like what they offer at Ravel Virtual Studios. If the 80’s have been the days of the youTube, we would have probably uploaded several of those rough music sessions.

Nevertheless, I still love listening to music in excellent recording, where you can appreciate the minutia of the scoring. No booze can replace the kind of “high” it brings.

I noticed though that most of my productive time working is when I have a good music piped in on the background. Well, it seems that Einstein and I share the same experience. On the other side of the spectrum, great music that inspire were actually born out real inspirations.

I don’t know with you, but when I listen to a particular music, more often I listen to the man behind that music, the singer or the composer. As Charlie “YardBird” Parker puts it,

"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art."

Indeed!

It is said that music is the language of the soul, and hence should be born-out within. And when music is inspired like that, it also inspires another soul.

Single Dad’s Homelife Recipes

2009-04-02T00:00:00.011+08:00

Experiments in the Kitchen

Okay, before I mislead you with the title, allow me to say that I am not about to show you any secret recipe to whet your appetite. Although, one of the exciting and fun things about being a single dad is learning how to cook. Yeah. And sometimes, some of these ‘works of art’ are not really fit for human consumption. Lol. Alright, I am still learning. I know a wifey always does it better. I'm glad that my son was not poisoned in any way with my cooking experiments. On the contrary, he seems to have developed a liking for my ‘unknown’ cuisines. Poor child! Does he need to suffer the role of a genie pig every time I experiment on a new recipe I got from blogs I read?

House Re-engineering

Other than my misadventures in the kitchen, I have somehow adapted myself into the homelife thingy, that is, working and staying at home almost 90% of my waking life. I have also learned how to go about re-engineering the house (forgive the technical term there).

I am no longer particularly concerned how my garage looks and the tools (I rarely use) on my collection. I now see every room in the house in a different light. Meaning, I am now concerned about how the living room is lit, the dining room is set, and how the bedrooms should look. And lately, after just completing a minor renovation on the kitchen, I am now considering small bathroom remodeling. ‘Small’ in the sense that I want it completed soonest and in the cheapest possible way. Because next to the kitchen, a complete renovation of the bathroom is costly and is not practical these days.

Budgeting 101: Managing House Operational Expenses

Another, I have learned to budget house ‘operational expenses’, which includes paying bills, groceries, the nanny, my extra-curricular activities (fewer dates, nowadays! *sighs*), pimping my car (none of that these days actually), etc. One interesting habit I also acquired is keeping and using coupon codes and trying free samples. (Sheews! Yeah, I do. Especially when I do my weekly tour-of-duty to the supermarket). Mind you, I am saving a lot. Funny, before I took these things for granted, but now I collect and use them on my purchases. Isn’t that amazing? Wouldn’t that make me more appealing to the ladies out there? (",) Not only that, I now keep tabs of mall sales, and prefer buying discounted products.

Alright, nuf of the bragging there. I know, these are not really homelife recipes but more of the not-so-mundane things that I begun to appreciate about staying at home, and how mothers do it well.

Child Rearing | A Passion or an Obligation?

2009-03-16T11:51:00.012+08:00

“A child will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for” ~Unknown

Single parenting is a bliss and sometimes (or occasionally) a disaster.

No matter how long or how tiring my day is, a smile, a hug, or a kiss from my son would immediately ease me of the weights I have been unsuccessfully trying to carry all day long. Though, I work at home most of the time, but I do miss my son whenever I spend more than 5 hours on my laptop. With pressing deadlines in tow, I sometimes feel sorry that I cannot attend personally to his needs and leave that to the nanny.

For me, that is a sure road to disaster in parenting. Don’t take me wrong.

I know that as parents, it is our primary obligation to provide for the material needs of our children. However, in my mind, this should not be at the expense of withholding them what they need most –our attention, and personal touch.

Child rearing is meant to be a passion, not an obligation. Obligation follows passion, not the other way around. Caring for our children on the basis of our love and our passion to ensure their welfare and future is the best way of parenting.

Toys, however expensive or educationally beneficial will not substitute for a personal attention.

How many of us have been guilty of these impositions? Don’t touch that! Don’t go there! NO!!! Don’t do that! Wipe your nose! Go play with your toys! I am busy!

We are actually imposing stiff rules on very fragile minds. Do they really understand the meaning and intents of those prohibitions? Would it be possible instead to do it the other way, like ‘do this’ with your assistance, and a little of your time (or a short pause from your reading, TV watching, phone conversation, work, etc.)?

Child rearing is not a mere obligation that needs to be dispensed. It is a calling. It is privilege. It is a passion.

I am still learning.

Share your thoughts please.

Positive in crisis? Are you kidding?

2009-03-09T23:34:00.009+08:00

This is supposed to be a part of my Reflective Sunday Series and originally entitled: “Thinking of Noble Things” based on the letter of Paul to the Philippians.

I went to church last Sunday. It's not that I am heralding my religiosity to the world, it's simply something that I seldom do in the last 5 years. I have nothing against the church or any Christian affiliation. Admittedly, I simply put-off attending to my spiritual needs. Of course, this can’t go on forever.

Anyway.

The preacher shared a very timely message based from Paul's letter to the Philippians. While the sermon centers on the theme of "Remembrance of the good things about the past, of the present, and the prospect of a better tomorrow," I cannot help myself but reread this short letter again in its entirety, while I was listening (think of multi-tasking even while in church ^^). These three phrases caught my attention:

...for I have learned to be content whatsoever the circumstances 4:11b (NIV)
...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation 4:12b (NIV)
...if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -think about such things. 4:8c (NIV)

And to me, they echoed back two very important life’s lessons in a nutshell: contentment and positivity.

If you were familiar with the life of Paul as a Missionary, you would probably consider him as the real epitome of trial, hardships, and sufferings. Imprisoned unjustly, shipwrecked, beaten and stoned almost to death, and so on. Virtually all the negative karma in the world was dumped on this guy. In spite of that, he remained steadfast, resilient, and faithful to his calling. Then this letter. These words: I have learned to be content? Think of praiseworthy things? Ey! This guy might be out his mind! He had taken so much beating and probably something was loosened inside his already bald head. Oh boy, this guy must be kidding! How can you possibly put –on a positive instance in circumstances like those?

But Paul did! And he meant every word he said.

Do you know what his secret is?

Other than his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul learned how to be contented and positive in any and every situation. He always sees a glass that is half-full, a radiant sun behind the dark clouds, and a light at the end of long and narrow tunnel (although more often, in our lives this light could be that of an incoming train . ^^ ) Oh, fill-in your own metaphor please. His message is clear. Anyone can weather any crisis as long as you know how to adjust, and hope.

Positivity, not positive thinking, is anchored on an optimistic outlook. It is based on reality. That while things or circumstances may not seem favorable, an optimistic person sees something positive in any of these, and can even find something to be thankful for.

Three people were asked about the significance of a glass half filled with water:

The environmental activist opined: "It signifies one of the worst shortages in the world - the lack of clean, drinkable water."
The engineer replied: "You just made the glass too big."
The bar tender observed: "It means that even in a lesser or reduced amount, we must be grateful for what we have, and allows us to live in scarcity."

So, which typifies you?

An uninspiring ending and money lessons on the side

2009-02-14T02:31:00.007+08:00

I am a movie addict.

I love espionage movies, but more often, I prefer to watch (and collect DVDs) ‘feel-good’ movies. Among my all-time favorites are Jerry Maguire, With Honors, TAPS, Forrest Gump, Phenomenon, The American President, Dave, and Finding Forrester (Okay I gave you my list so that you have something good to watch during the weekend eh).

I rarely follow any TV series, except for the sitcom, “Two and a Half Men.” However, recently, I religiously trailed the Korean TV Drama, “Money War.”

I am not familiar with the actors, but the title itself intrigued me. In addition, the plot is similar with that of ‘Jerry Maguire’. A former topnotch fund manager, Geum Nara, was having a good life but suddenly went broke and utterly destitute because of his father’s debts (which by the way caused the demise of both his parents.). In a gist, he sought the help of a renowned ‘loan shark’ master who taught him the fundamentals of money-lending business and how money is to be earned, invested, and valued.

Tonight was the airing of the last episode and I was anticipating an inspiring ending, as the story seems to lead there. In this final episode, Nara was already a successful CEO of a big Korean Financial company, albeit he felt that something is lacking. So went to see his ex-girlfriend and proposed to marry her. All is going well so far until a visit from his ex-boss (a notorious loan shark) on the day of the wedding.

Darn! I was already feeling good, and then I almost drop my coffee mug when the soap ended with the death of Nara. Darn! Darn! Darn!

Alright. Call me shallow, but IMO, it was the most tragic or worst ending I’ve seen in a TV drama series. Probably the scriptwriters are masochists or do not one to compromise with the most common “and they lived happily ever after” ending; nevertheless, they could have chosen a better ending other than death.

Lessons on money and life in general, here are a few:

Luck is for the lazy. Hardwork, determination, and resiliency are important pre-requisites to succeed (and to getting rich).

What you sow, you reap. It is a fundamental law. Need I explain more?

Lastly,

“It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy.” (George Horace Lorimer)

Importance of Professional Certifications and Training for Job Applicants

2009-02-11T00:35:00.004+08:00

With the soaring unemployment rates and the scarcity of job openings, I hate to see the throngs of applicants lining-up for a single job vacancy. In my recruitment days, when this occurs, I would sometimes just scan for the applicants’ pictures to thin their ranks. I know that is not fair.

However, on the recruitment side, when you are required to fill a vacant position within five working days, you cannot afford to waste time by conducting initial interviews or even testing more than a hundred applicants. You need to come up with a short list as soon as possible.

Nonetheless, if you are going to ask me, what could make a job applicant stand out among the rest? There is one -professional certifications relevant to the job.

While experience, education, and other traits matter, core training on specific job requirements is indispensable. For example, if you are looking for an IT personnel or staff, you will naturally prefer someone who has Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MPCD) credentials or MCPD Training. Of course, you would want that this professional certification would come from a bonafide Microsoft certification training provider.

As I have always told my staff, job security is a myth. It only exists as long as your company exists and is profiting. When crunch times come, you will wake-up the usual time but with not place of work to go. So what do you do? Take this: while you are still at the umbrella of your current employment, develop new skills through professional certification programs. Who knows, you might need that added arsenal when you join the ranks of the unemployed.

What are you thankful for?

2009-02-09T12:14:00.013+08:00

“Thank you.”

Whenever I sincerely say those two powerful words, I realized a sense of good feeling wells-up within. Also, on numerous occasions, the person I am showing my gratitude to would beam a warm-hearted smile in return. In many instances, I would be asked: “What are you thankful for?” “What are you thanking me for?” If I have no immediate answer in mind, I would simply return a smile and say again the words: thank you!

Being thankful for everything and showing our sincere gratitude to people is actually an attitude. In fact, many of us who will survive, better yet, thrive; in this worsening global economic crisis are those who have learned to be thankful in any circumstances. No wonder, a “systematic study of gratitude within psychology” is gaining popularity in recent years. Why? Because, as Melody Beattie puts it aptly:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

So, what are you thankful for? Why do you need to put on an attitude of gratitude?

Perhaps, the following prayer below that I chance upon while doing my keyword study for one of my posts, will give you a basis or sufficient reasons why you need to be grateful always:

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life!

What’s our take?

“To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” ~Albert Schweitzer

Thank you for taking the time to read, and for your most valued comments.

Namaste!

On Growing old

2009-01-19T04:02:00.009+08:00

A friend forwarded this story to me a few weeks ago, and I thought you might enjoy this. It is actually a letter from an old woman about the five men of her life:

I have become a little older since I last saw you, and a few changes have come into my life since then. I am seeing five gentlemen every day. As soon as I wake up, Mr. Power helps me out of bed every morning. His first name is Will. That’s right, Mr. Will Power. Then I go see the next man in my life who really gives me great relief. His name of course is John.

Then Charlie Horse comes along and when he is here, he takes a lot of time and attention. When Charlie Horse leaves, Mr. Ritis shows up and stays the rest of the day. I don’t’ really like Mr. Ritis, you know, his full name is Arthur Ritis. He does not like to stay in one place very long so he takes me from joint to joint. After such a busy day, I’m really tired and glad to go to bed with Ben Gay. What a life! I like his scent and he makes me feel cool. These are the five men I have to live with everyday of my life now that I have grown older.

By the way, the preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, “Oh, I do that all the time. Whether I am in the parlor, the kitchen, upstairs, or down in the basement, I ask myself –What am I here after?”

Another year has passed, then a new one. I am year older, and so you!

We don’t want to contemplate the issue of growing old because we all want to stay young. No wonder that the cosmetics and health supplement industries are among the most lucrative businesses in the world. Come any recession, these industries remain stable –because we all use their products in order to look young and possibly stretch our life (health) a year longer. However, there is no stopping with aging. We will grow old, and growing old can be done gracefully like that old woman, with humor and a positive disposition in life.

The wonders of Reflexology

2009-01-19T03:55:00.004+08:00

Have you tried going through reflexology lately? Health spas seem to mushroomed everywhere, and their primary offering is reflexology services.

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. (The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology: 3d Ed. )

It does wonders to the body and the mind. Among the benefits one can get are:

Improved Relaxation
A sense of wellbeing
Improved blood circulation
Detoxify the body

Our career, business or lifestyle can cause so much stress on our body and mind. A simple hand reflexology can actually generate deep relaxation, allowing healing energy to flow and resetting the body's homeostasis and therefore relieves one of stress. More so, it cleanses your body and gets your natural energy flowing the way it should. Therefore normalizing the glands and reducing physical as well as emotional tensions. Amazing huh!

Find out more info in this massage dvd.

Sexiness is an attitude

2009-01-19T03:03:00.008+08:00

We define sexiness in different ways but mostly in relation to ‘sex’ or one is wearing sexy or revealing clothes. Take these quotes for example:

“I like someone who is a little crazy but coming from a good place. I think scars are sexy because it means you made a mistake that led to a mess.” ~Angelina Jolie

“When somebody gives you a sexy look, you know they're trying. It's terrible! But when you smile, it's so much sexier!”~Joseph Addison

“From the moment I was six I felt sexy. And let me tell you it was hell, sheer hell, waiting to do something about it.”~Bette Davis

“If you're going to be sexy in a photo, you'd better be thinking about sex rather than about being sexy.”~ Peta Wilson

See what I mean? I like these two better because they narrow on the issue of attitude rather than what is seen:

“Nobody thinks of themselves as sexy, really. Some days you go, 'Hey, I'm not going too bad today.' But if you try and be sexy, you'll never be sexy.” ~ Jennifer Aniston

“I love life and I love that about people... I adore the human experience, I really adore the ... I love the contradictions of people... I don't mind being sexy and girlish and womanly, and all those things at the same time... smart and very” ~ Jewel (American Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist)

Sexiness is an attitude. More often you do not need to wear sexy lingerie to feel and project that you are sexy. It is something that you exude, from within. I do not mean here an open invitation for casual sex, but something that is more attractive and powerful. With or without the sexy lingerie, one can always feel, and evoke sexiness; however, I must admit, wearing sexy lingerie can make a big difference. ^^

Organizing your Finances

2009-01-15T12:20:00.004+08:00

One of Suze Orman tips that really struck me was:

Financial insecurity makes you vulnerable even to minor life events. Something as small as a broken boiler can send you into a spiral of debt for years to come. Having financial freedom means not having to worry about such things.

So true! In fact, failing to organize our finances is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. Unpaid bills filing-up, small loans left unpaid, and unnecessary purchases clutter our personal finances that we oftentimes overlook until the demand letters from our creditors start arriving. We panic. Hence, we embrace the first debt consolidation proposal we receive without much thought.

Organizing your finances is in fact easy. It simply takes a little amount of discipline and will-power to do the most basic money management practices you know, like prioritize your needs over your wants in your purchases, lower your bills, spend less, and save more. This is organizing. You do not have to be a financial planner expert to do that. A few minutes of your time, a calculator, a pen and a notebook will do wonder, this will help you take those small steps to financial freedom.

Believe me, recession or not, the key to a happier life is an organized personal finances. Do yourself a favor, start today! This is no rocket science. In fact it is easier than you think, as Orman puts it:

Managing your finances is similar to organizing your house. It is easier to control you debt once you know exactly how much you owe and to whom.

Restlessness

2009-01-15T01:22:00.003+08:00

Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. ~Thomas A. Edison

Restlessness is similar to boredom. The only difference is you tend to panic or worry when you are restless. I am restless right now. In fact, a few things are causing me sleepless nights lately. Albeit, I feel relieved to know that restlessness is an ally.

Another rollback on fuel prices were effected tonight but inflation is still high. The .50 cents rollback will not push prices of basic commodities down. Not to mention that the price of LPG will spike in the next few days. The DOE (Department of Energy) is still denying that there was indeed a shortage in supply.

The controversies over whitewashed drug-related cases bespeak only of further mistrust on our government. Honestly, I am contemplating of going back to the U.S. with the rate things are going here in the Philippines –it is very discouraging.

Although I am very optimistic that this will be a better year, yet there seems to be no good news in sight. Business is still sluggish, and most of my clients are reluctant to shell-out money for new projects.

Preparing for Unemployment

2009-01-14T00:32:00.005+08:00

Many are losing their jobs these days. And what is lamentable, most of these people were caught surprised. With no alternative income source, and the scarcity of jobs available making it worse, they are clueless.

While you are still comfortable with your current day job, here are some thoughts you might want to consider to prepare yourself for any possible unemployment:

Franchising

Instead of starting your own small business, you might want to consider the better alternative of franchising. According to Franchising for Dummies, franchising is defined as:

…when a business (the franchisor) licenses its trade name (the brand, such as Wendy’s or Midas) and its operating methods (its system of doing business) to a person or group (the franchisee) who agrees to operate according to the terms of a contract (the franchise agreement). The franchisor provides the franchisee with support and, in some cases, exercises some control over the way the franchisee operates under the brand. In exchange, the franchisee usually pays the franchisor an initial fee (called a franchise fee) and a continuing fee (known as a royalty) for the use of the trade name and operating methods.

IMO, this by far one of the best ways to start your own business. But don’t just dip your fingers into this if you do not have sufficient franchise information.

Semi-retirement fund

Set aside a portion of your current income for semi-retirement or temporary unemployment. Ideally, a savings that is worth a year of net income is ideal. However, a six-month worth of income is okay. This fund should only be used when you hit the road unemployed and you have used up your post-employment money.

Business Start-up Capital

If you have a good credit standing (I suggest that you keep it that way), getting a small business loan is easier. Although in times like these, interest rates are usually high. Still, the best policy is that you save for this. This means thinking on a long term basis. Your 401k or other retirement benefits may be put aside for this.

Home or Small Business

In a recession, these throngs of small businesses are the lifeblood of the ailing economy. You might want to start stocking up yourself of some information on small or home business that you deem has a higher chance of success rate during a bad economy. Get the skill required. Read books and trade magazines.

Recession or not, in my mind, we should always be prepared for the inevitable. In a recession, job security is a ‘myth.’ When sales are down and overhead expenses are high, the company will either close shop or retrench its employees in order to survive. Where this does leads you if you are not prepared?

Random Five: Less is more

2009-01-13T17:24:00.008+08:00

Sensible readers and their expectations: Kcee of BarefootedMe gave me two beautiful recommendations at Blogged and BlogCatalog. Thank you Kcee. From time to time I get to have recommendations and praises from sensible bloggers like her. While ‘accolades’ are flattering, they carry in them certain degree of responsibility and more expectations. Honestly, I am not good at meeting the latter. I am trying my best to be sensible here as much as I can, although my frailties and a few dollars (blame the recession! Or Bush? ^_^) sometimes get in the way and I blubber non-senses –will you forgive me please.

Professional Blogging: 2008 was my debut in problogging and I must say that it was fun, an eye opener, and most of all a potential (main) source of income. In fact, I earned total revenue of $ 5,194 last year! Or roughly $ 432/month. I earned half of those on the first quarter alone. Please don’t ask me how I did it because I am still figuring out how. Again, I beg your forgiveness. I am set at increasing that by 250% this year in spite of the recession. I kept 10 blogs last year, and I am set on maintaining just half of them and devote more time on building quality content.

Offline Consultancy: This took a hard hit last year. I barely survived and lost half of my clients because of the recession. I am realigning my priorities and plans to find other opportunities in this crisis.

Relationships: Less is more. Well, I spent lesser time on projects but I spent more time with my son and my family. I need to make amends to a few severed relationships in the past and find some closure there.

Love: I am open. Anyone available? I am still available. (Oh shameless plugging! Lol)

Money: Save more and spend less.

Generating Sales Leads for your Business

2009-01-04T02:27:00.004+08:00

Direct selling and online marketing thrive on sales leads that convert into actual sales. Probably, generating these leads is one of the hardest parts of the sales process. I have seen more and more businesses turn to B2B or Business to Business Telemarketing efforts to fill their sales pipelines with qualified leads.

The selling process begins in finding potential customers

A potential customer or “prospect” is first identified as a sales lead, which simply means the salesperson has obtained information to suggest that someone is likely to avail the service or purchase the product being offered. However, finding these qualified leads or prospect is a tedious and time-consuming process. Your sales turnovers, regardless of your business type, hinges on your ability to find these prospects and convert them into sales.

Sales leads can come from many sources

And one of the best ways of generating sale leads is by outsourcing it through experts like The Lead Dogs. It is a lead development company that works with business-to-business marketers helping them manage inquiries, generate leads by phone and nurture interested prospects into sales-ready leads or qualified prospects. They have been into B2B since 1994 and have steadily carved a good reputation in their niche. You might want to consider their expertise to help you finding and keeping your potential customers.

Practical Tips on How to Be Faithful in 2009

2009-01-04T01:02:00.003+08:00

What makes another year bad lies on how well we stayed focus and followed through our commitments. We hastily say ‘YES’ when we actually meant the opposite. So, we end up being unfaithful and our credibility tarnished.

The Rev. John MacArthur gives us some practical tips to help us stay faithful and committed in all our dealings and day-to-day encounters. You might want to consider the following as you start 2009 anew and with resolves:

Start small. Start with your room. Clean it, and then keep it clean. When something is out of place, train yourself to put it where it belongs. Then extend the discipline of neatness to the rest of your home.

Be on time. That may not seem very spiritual, but it’s important if you’re supposed to be somewhere at a specific time, be there on time! Develop the ability to discipline your desires, activities, and demands so that you can arrive on time.

Do the hardest job first –doing that will prevent the hardest job being left undone.

Organize your life. Plan the use of your time; don’t just react to circumstances. Use a calendar and make a daily list of things you need to accomplish. If you don’t control time, everything else will!

Accept correction. Correction helps make you more disciplined because it shows you what need to avoid. Don’t’s avoid criticism; accept it gladly.

Practice self-denial. Learn to say NO to your feelings. Occasionally deny yourself things that are all right just for the purpose mastering doing it. Cultivating discipline in the physical realm will help us become more disciplined in our spiritual and even financial lives.

Welcome responsibility. When you have an opportunity to do something that needs to be done, volunteer for it if you have a talent in that area. Welcoming responsibility forces you to organize yourself.

Best of luck in 2009!

Single Parent Chat City

2009-01-03T05:35:00.002+08:00

I am turning 41 this year. Well, it is no big deal for me really. Besides, they say that life begins at forty. Forgive me if I am trying to justify my existence (age) here. I still date. In fact, I am quite surprise to learn that more and more young women prefer older men (chuckles ^^). This is an added advantage for me huh.

I said, I still date. But it is not as often as I used to before I got married and after the divorce. Business has taken so much of my time. Not to mention that I have a son, who is turning three this year, to fend and spend more time with. (Occasionally, I get to attract gorgeous ladies when I bring him with me in the shopping malls. ^^ And funny that I recall that episode in “Two and a Half Men” where Charlie Sheen used his nephew to bait on women. A good idea though. ^^)

So, most of my free time, I spend it online meeting, chatting, and making friends with potential dates. Incidentally, I found this interesting site recently -a Single Parent Chat room. It is where many single parent users from everywhere in the world comes together to chat. Joining and availing of the service is a 100% free. It’s a great site! If you are a single parent like me, you might want to check it out.

Seven Things I should have Known before I got Married

2009-01-03T05:06:00.004+08:00

I stumbled upon Ylonda Gault Caviness’ very enlightening article entitled, “Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage.” Honestly, I wish somebody told me these things before I sent those wedding invitations and I would have probably saved my marriage from divorce. Anyway, there is nothing I can do about that now. Perhaps, on my next marriage I should keep these things in mind.

Here’s the list of seven things you (i) should know before you (i) say “I DO”:

You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever?
You'll work harder than you ever imagined.
You will sometimes go to bed mad (and maybe even wake up madder).
Getting your way is usually not as important as finding a way to work together.
A great marriage doesn't mean no conflict; it simply means a couple keeps trying to get it right.
You'll realize that you can only change yourself.
As you face your fears and insecurities, you will find out what you're really made of.

In a gist, marriage is actually pure hard work, and tons of bitter pills to swallow. I remember when my dad was asked on their 40th wedding anniversary celebration on what was the secret formula for their long and successful marriage, he replied, “Love and Obedience.” Simple as it sounds, he continued, “My wife love me so much, and I obey her all the time.” Everyone roared in laughter. However, I think he really made a lot of sense there. As Ylonda concludes her article:

“That's the strange beauty of marriage: It's full of hard times and hard lessons that no one can ever prepare you for. But in the end, those are the things that give richness to your life together -- and make your love even deeper and stronger than when it began.”

Self-lifestyle Check

2009-01-02T16:07:00.007+08:00

I hate being dictated in how I want to live my life. And most likely, you share the same sentiments.

However, sometimes we do need people who are mature or experts in certain aspects of life to tell us what needs to be done or corrected to ensure that we live a healthy lifestyle. Now, if you are not also comfortable with that idea, you might as well spend a day or two to conduct a self-lifestyle check. Change for the better will not come unless you re-examine your ways, attitudes, values, priorities, and goals, and make the necessary adjustments.

A self-lifestyle check is a good exercise towards personal growth or maturity.

If you are apprehensive about what 2009 brings because of the ongoing global economic slowdown, you might want to put your finances in order too. Debts are one of the most pressing priorities that you should attend to this year. The recession shows no sign of waning. Understandably that sometimes, remedies do not come easily. In this case, you might need outside help, like credit counseling or a debt consolidation expert.

As I have mentioned at the outset, sometimes we need others to tell us what needs to be done. Managing your finances, and your debts especially, requires expertise. Admit it. I know that this is not easy. But who said that the cure is not painful? It is. Nevertheless, you know that it is the right thing to do.

Every New Year, I do not simply write a new year’s resolution as some of us commonly do, and then forget throughout the year. I spend time to reflect on what I have accomplished for the year, lessons from wrong decisions I’ve made, relationships I ignored, goals not met, and things that I think I should have done. More often, in some aspects of this self-lifestyle check, I ask somebody who knows me well to help me realign my priorities for the New Year. I must admit, it takes a lot of humility, courage, and openness to do this. But, it pays.

People Celebrated Less as 2008 Ends

2009-01-01T09:36:00.006+08:00

I am not surprised as many people preferred to stay at home and wait the unfolding of a new year with their love ones. The New Year for some seems to be full of apprehensions as the global economy is hitting more nerves, and more pockets.

This is but a natural reaction. Although I remain optimistic that some good things can still come up from the recession, and I know that there will be great opportunities ready to be plucked in 2009. I hope also that our fears will be channeled to more productive and constructive efforts.

Faith, hope, and love should pervade us all in the trying times ahead.

I wish you all a prosperous new year!

Christmas is…

2008-12-25T23:52:00.004+08:00

“What is Christmas?” asks Agnes Pharo. “ It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. “

However, far from that definition, we usually hear many say that Christmas is for children who believe in Santa Claus. For which, I would readily disagree. It is lamentable that we somehow have really forgotten its real meaning huh.

Here a few quotes about Christmas that you might want to reflect on. But wait –not all of these witty quotes reflect what Christmas is. Just make them a starting point for a meaningful reflection will ya.

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make
as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.
~Bill McKibben

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold,
everything is softer and more beautiful.
~Norman Vincent Peale

The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart.
~Helen Keller

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart,
a wide open heart that thinks of others first.
The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history,
because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love
which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years...
Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.
~George Mathhew Adams

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to put our love into words.
~Harlan Miller

Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.
~Mary Ellen Chase

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
~Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.
~Shirley Temple

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
~Unknown

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.
~Harlan Miller (Better Homes and Gardens)

If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.
~Unknown

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
~Hamilton Wright Mabi

Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all,
but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.
~Freya Stark ("The Wise Men" Time and Tide)

Finally…from Charles Dickens again:

It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well,
if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!
And so, as Tiny Tim observed, "God Bless Us, Every One!"

Another Simple Money Saving Tips for the Holidays

2008-12-22T12:18:00.004+08:00

It’s the season to be jolly. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for so much spending. And for some, they tend to view this kind of spending justifiable because of the season. I think we can celebrate without spending beyond our means, ayt? Sometimes, it is just a matter of perspective and couple that with good budgeting and planning. Here are a few simple money saving tips for the holidays that you might want to try:

Buy and give inexpensive yet meaningful gifts.
Instead of spending the holidays elsewhere, why not spend it with your family at home. If your extended family is within the vicinity, you might want to invite them in and agree to contribute something for the Christmas dinner.
Take out the excessive Christmas lights that used to surround your whole patio and garden, this help lower my bills on electricity, it will help you too.
Also, amidst the holiday cheers, this is the good time to discuss with your family about your finances, make plans, and budget. The holiday cheers will soften sensitive discussions about finances and expenditures especially that we are in a recession.
Lastly, treat yourself a good holiday cheer by being debt free after the holidays!

Makes sense? Care to add?

Affiliate Marketing

2008-12-21T15:24:00.001+08:00

I am still considered a novice in internet marketing. In fact, I haven’t earned a cent in all those affiliate network I joined. However, I am not quitting. I am still trying other methods and affiliate sites.

By the way you might ask, what is Affiliate Marketing. By strict definition, it is actually revenue sharing between online merchants and publishers, whereby compensation is based on performance measures, typically in the form of sales, clicks, registrations, or a hybrid model. Simply means, you get a commission for every referrals you make or products you sell online via a network and sometimes directly from the merchant itself.

Incidentally, Pepperjam is one of the pioneers of affiliate marketing having started out as an affiliate and then successfully building one of the largest, most respected and recognizable full-service internet marketing agencies in the United States.

What are the benefits of joining an affiliate network like Pepperjam? Usually it includes the potential for automating much of the advertising process (accepting & approving applications, generating unique sales links, tracking & reporting of results) and payment only for desired results (sales, registrations, clicks). So basically, again, you do not need to have a product of your own and even handle the hassles of monitoring your sales. Those were being taken care of by the merchant or affiliate network. As a blogger, you will just basically concentrate on building powerful and informative content, traffic generation, and promotion.

Good luck!

Creating Opportunities in 2009?

2008-12-19T14:09:00.003+08:00

Eleven days more to 2009. It seems like yesterday. Time passes too quickly!

It is not being nostalgic, but I’d like to look back and see what went right and wrong about 2008.

I began the year full of optimism. It was my second year as a freelancer. Goals were set. Some were met, some were not. If I am an ardent believer of Feng Shui, I will not accept any misfortunes this year. This is supposed to be one of the luckiest years of my life, according to that practice or belief. However, life is not like that. Choices were made. There are circumstances that are beyond our control. There are inevitable events. How we cope, and the choices we make determine the outcome, good or bad.

If there are regrets about this year, these are the missed opportunities. Was it Francis Bacon who said:

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

Well, I am no wise man in this case huh. I allowed great opportunities to pass me by, and when warranted, I failed to create opportunities for myself. I’d like to see myself mature in this area come 2009. Regardless how this recession will go, I will find, if not create, opportunities in every turn. It’s ambitious, I know. But it can be done.

On Dating?

2008-12-19T04:19:00.002+08:00

Hardly.

It has been work, work, and my son. Occasionally, I would spend chatting with online friends, but dating. Nah.

There is a new free online community called Friendsation that facilitates live chat. It seems to be nice site. Signing up is free. And unlike other similarly themed sites, you can instantly chat live with its members. By the way, the site is still in beta stage but you might be interested because it allows free blogging within the site.

Another note on the recession and quick-rich scams

2008-12-19T02:28:00.002+08:00

The US is officially in recession. Alright, alright, that is old news. Well, I tend to repeat it because many people still believe otherwise. In my home country, the Philippines, the government still believes that we have a very stable economy and in no way will be affected (in large scale) by the US recession. I really don’t know if they are being optimistic or they were just trying to convince us that the government is in control. In my mind, it is more of a denial. A denial of the fact that when a superpower like the US goes through an economic meltdown, underdeveloped countries who have economic ties with Uncle Sam will experience the same fate to some extent.

Reality hurts, but it helps us cope.

On another note, the (now) global economic slowdown has also bred another problem –more quick-rich scammers. Though these people have been proliferating in the internet for years, they seemed to have doubled their numbers lately. They are feeding on people’s desperate craving for relief from the recession. While most of their schemes are out rightly dubious, many are still falling prey. What is worse, there are those that offers legitimate advices, means, and principles on how to make money are being labeled as fraud. One of which, is the so-called Nouveau Riche Scam.

Have you heard of a real estate investment college called Nouveau Riche University? Well, actually, this is not your regular university where you spend 5 years or more on a degree then end up joining the growing numbers of unemployed and debt-ridden after graduation. It offers instead courses on real estate investing and business related classes including short sales, wholesaling, fix & flip, business financial management, foreclosures, retirement plan investing, buying out of state deals and more. In short, they educate people on how to earn more money than the average Joe. Some people labeled this as Nouveau Riche Scam, without close examination on the merits of what they offer. In fact, they are not actually peddling quick-rich schemes but proven principles in real estate investing, business, and finance. There is no Nouveau Riche Scam. Honestly, what I see are people who were victimized, probably, by quick-rich scammers and so are being suspicious of Nouveau Riche University. Well…

Holiday Worries, Inflation, and debt consolidation

2008-12-17T10:51:00.003+08:00

I hate doomsayers because I am an optimist. However, what most of them have been saying about the world’s economy happenstances in 2008 came to pass. While crude oil prices in the world market continue to drop, almost on the same pace when it climbed early this year, inflation rates continue to worsen. What does this means for us? Can we spare ourselves from the agony this recession brings?

Higher Consumer Spending

We are expecting, or at least the government is, that with the holidays drawing near, consumer spending will take a spike and awaken the economy from its slumber. What I am seeing and hearing is the contrary. More and more people are too reluctant to spend their measly income. This attitude is positive in a way. It means people are now slowly learning the value of frugal living (in a hard way though). However, this attitude could have been more appropriate in better days.

Better Economy in 2009?

While I am an optimistic that there will be a good turn around on the economy come 2009, at the same time, I remain pragmatic about the current situation. It could still get worse. Am I contradicting myself there? Or again, am I simply stating the obvious?

Prepare for the worst recession in history

More and more people are foreclosing their mortgages, though the cost of low-cost housing development dipped. IMO, it’s the right thing to do. No, it is the smart thing to do. Why let yourself suffer in making the obligatory payments when you are struggling to make both ends meet? Cutting your losses as early as possible is the smartest thing to do. You need all the money you can save today to prepare yourself and your family for the worst economic recession in history.

Debt-free Lifestyle and Frugal Living

Debt free lifestyle is no longer an option here, it is necessary. In fact, in bad times or good times, getting yourself into debt should not even be an option at all. How does it feel when you get a free credit report and it tells you that you have an outstanding rating and that any bank and lending institution can give you a loan with no strings attached? It feels great right? A debt free lifestyle does not only guarantees an A+ score in your credit ratings but a worry-free living, and enjoy the holidays more than your neighbors. It’s not too late to start today, In fact, this the perfect time to do just that. Start with debt consolidation to manage and eliminate your debts, then move forward.

Take a rest

The holiday season is supposed to give all of us a rest, even if it is short, from our toiling and worries. Take a more positive step in eliminating those worries. And whichever it is, make it a long term solution like a permanent change in your lifestyle. Frugal living, after all, has a more desirable effect regardless on what the current economy is. Do yourself a favor, take a rest this holiday.

Am I making sense? What is your take?

Video Games may Control our Lives

2008-12-15T12:01:00.003+08:00

That is no news.

Hide and seek used to be a fave past time during my childhood, and adults are devoting more time in worthwhile hobbies or a reading more. With the current technology, there is a radical difference in what we do with our spare time nowadays. More and more people, regardless of age, are getting hooked into computer or video games.

For leisure, moderate that is, video games are fun. However getting addicted to them is entirely different. This addiction can really control your life. With children, this could mean less social interactions with their peers, less physical activities (sports or plays), and less concentration on studies.

Video games can be a lot of fun, but it should not replace the more essential and sensible things in life. In this case, moderation is best and is required.

By the way, if you are looking for perfect gifts these Christmas for your kids and are considering game consoles or video games, you might want to check out these home console guides and video game buying guides over at ShopWIki.com.

Advance Happy Holidays!

Cheap Area Rugs for my Home

2008-12-15T09:49:00.004+08:00

I must confess, I am not really good at decorating my house. Oh yeah, my home definitely needs a woman’s touch, but that is beside the point. However, if there is one feature of the house that I really wanted to be as comfy as possible is the floors. And the only way that this can be achieved is by having the whole house carpeted with quality area rugs and a centralized air conditioning. I have the latter completed already last year. The former is halfway.

Incidentally, Superior Rugs offers a huge inventory of high quality rugs. Regardless of your house design or motif, they have the right rugs for you. These are what I am getting for my humble abode.

So, why buy area rugs from Superior Rugs?

First, because they have just about everything you look for in area rugs; quality woven and designed Persian and oriental rugs that will fit exactly to your home’s design.
Second, because they are cheap and affordable. Regardless of your budget, you will find what you need here. Unlike other rug retailers, they can offer big discounts on quality and cheap rugs because they offer prices right off the factory floor. They do not have intermediaries or middle men who add to the price tags; they manufacture and sell their own quality rugs. Hence you are guaranteed value for every dollar you shell out.
Third, because they can back your purchase for 30 days, and 60 days for manufacturing defects. Their competitors cannot simply offer the same guarantee.
Lastly, if you don’t know what rugs to use for your home, they offer advice and/or assistance to help you decide which rug to use. Simply measure your space that you plan to put your rug. They sell many different shapes in rugs; rectangular, oval, round, and runners are just to name a few. A rug should harmonize with a room's decor and bring everything together. And one of the most powerful decorative component in setting the mood of a room is color. Not only the size, the color scheme you choose for your rug is very important. Hence, they have a trained staff waiting to help you through every choice you need to make.

Tempering Temper

2008-12-08T12:44:00.005+08:00

Please forgive the pun.

They say that uncontrolled temper sometimes go with age. The more we mature, the more likely we are able to control our temper. But I noticed, it seems happening to me the other way. And more often, it goes unbridled when I am driving. I curse, and sometimes would go my way to step out of the car (if I have the chance) and lash-out (with bad bad words) on the other driver. It was really bad. Very bad. Words leave wounds that do not heal easily. And if they do heal, they leave ugly emotional scars.

Have you heard about the story of a boy who had a bad temper like me, and his father taught him a very profound lesson how to temper his temper (again, pun intended)? The story goes:

His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said "you have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one."

You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there.

Make sure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you will regret later. (Author Unknown)

In addition, watch what you say when you are in anger or better yet, wait a little longer if you need to say something. And when you are about to say it, focus on the wrong deed/s not on the person and how the incident can be avoided. Temper your temper, bridle your tongue, and you will gain more friends and strengthen your relationships. Namaste!

Too young to die?

2008-12-08T11:26:00.008+08:00

Marky Cielo, a Filipino young actor died at the age of 20 yesterday. With a budding acting career and growing popularity, ain't he too young to die?

My sister relayed that to us yesterday while we were on our way to church. A friend texted her the news. I was driving and I don’t know if they noticed it, but I literally froze there for a few seconds. The first thing I said was, “darn, I am still lucky huh.” “I was in two near death car accidents (due to drunk driving), and here I am still alive and kicking,” I sullenly remarked (although hoping to grow old and wiser).

The pastor’s sermon zeroed in on God’s love and loving Him back in return. It was the typical sermon you hear on evangelistic rallies, Christian TV shows, or from Christians testifying about their 'close-encounter' experiences with God. Somehow, with the sad news of Marky’s senseless demise, that unfading message hits me anew.

I was loved, and so I was spared. This is not to say that Marky was not loved in that way. It’s just that, specifically for me, God was telling me again that I was loved and that I should stop running. Probably, he’s telling me instead that I am too young to die. Yet.

RIP Marky.

Search Engine Marketing

2008-12-07T01:59:00.002+08:00

Other than my day job as a management systems consultant, I have been seriously contemplating of putting up my own online business. Although partly I have been into ‘paid to blog’ on a part-time basis, it seems that in a global economic slowdown like this, an online business seems to be a feasible option.

Search Engine Marketing is a new area that I need to learn. Otherwise, an online business that is not carefully planned and launched with search engines in mind is doomed to fail. An online business thrives and prospers in properly executed search engine marketing plan. While direct referrals are desirable, according to experts it is organic traffic that really converts.

Travesty

2008-12-04T01:24:00.004+08:00

Every man alone is sincere. At the entrance of a second person, hypocrisy begins. We parry and fend the approach of our fellow-man by compliments, by gossip, by amusements, by affairs. We cover up our thought from him under a hundred folds. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Friendship," Essays, 1841

Life can be a travesty of something more real. It’s one of the reasons that sometimes it is difficult to trust people.

Reflecting on the passion of the Lord (I know this is a bit untimely, as His birth will be celebrated), especially on the occasion where two of his disciples betrayed him, namely Judas (who hanged himself afterwards) and Peter, His most trusted disciple. He continued to trust them in spite.

Unlike Him, foreknowledge like that is impossible to handle. We can easily cloak ourselves with a charade of goodness even deep within we harbor suspicions and deceits.

Thankfulness is an attitude

2008-11-28T18:21:00.002+08:00

If you tend to be pragmatist and a person who is always on the go or a perfectionist who tends to expect only what is best, like me, there are times that we find it difficult to find the best in little things. This kind of lifestyle and attitude can more often fill so much of our attention that we forget to be thankful for the things that we have now, what others have accomplished, and more importantly, what God has bestowed us.

Thankfulness is an attitude. It is that innate feeling and conviction that regardless of where and what we are or how we feel now, we can still find in our hearts to be thankful for things that come our way. In fact being thankful is the key to true happiness. The late G.K. Chesterton, one of my fave writers, reminds me:

“When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? “

Yeah! Why not.

You know why we are celebrating thanksgiving yearly and how it started. One among many reasons, according to H.U. Westermayer:

“The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”

Showing and giving gratitude is an attitude. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Why I did not join the Marine Corps?

2008-11-28T17:57:00.003+08:00

I grew-up in Subic, Philippines where the biggest US Naval Base in the Asia-Pacific used to reside until the Philippine Senate vetoed the extension of its lease in 1992. My dad was US Navy personnel himself; hence, I am used to seeing Marine in uniforms most of the time. I dreamed of joining the US Navy’s Marine Corps then, but time never permitted me. I took up Engineering then Business Management, so the dream of becoming a Marine faded.

Well now, other than enjoying the adrenalin rush of an online combat-simulated game like First Strike, on my free time I spend shooting practices with friends in the Police force. In addition, lately, I was hooked into soft gun games (one of my guilty pleasures). Somehow, in that game I am able to live what I used to fantasized about going into mission. The game is addictive, and a bit costly. Other than having a good soft gun set, you need to gear up like a marine. That’s why I cannot help myself but to drool on the new Tactical Pants I saw online.

Going back, you may still wonder why I did not join the Marine Corps? Well, foremost, I did not get Mom’s blessings, and second, there was a radical change in my ideology about war. The former is self-explanatory huh. The choice was mine actually. My parents allowed us to decide which path we want to take, with or without their blessings. The latter reason is bred more from idealism. You will find me contradicting myself here, but I really do hate violence in all forms. I am still wrestling with this issue, so bear with me there. Anyway, the military was instituted to keep peace and safeguard our liberty hence it is necessary. But honestly, in all these, it was a conscious choice I made.

Budget Reform is NOT an Option

2008-11-26T03:26:00.006+08:00

The title of this post can easily speaks for itself.

“Budget reform is not an option. It's a necessity!” said President-elect Obama in his speech today upon presenting his economic team. I will not delve more on his speech nor of his economic agenda. I am just darn glad, like most Americans, that we have a new US President who means business and he is focus on jumpstarting the economy. I’d like to discuss more on the implications of this profound statement on the average income earner like me.

“Budget reform” should not only be the governing agenda in any government, but on the personal level. If you will notice, that as technology grows so is our individual debts. New personal devices like PDA’s, cellphones, MP3 players, among others, although they do serve their purpose albeit they have added financial burden on us. I am not saying here that I am against these things. They are desirable to have, but not necessarily needed. New models are being developed almost every day, and so in our desire to keep up with the Joneses, we spend unnecessarily.

There is no better way to weather this financial crisis on the personal level than reforming our budgeting. Getting another part-time job will no longer do the trick. We have to take into account every cent and dollar we spend, and ensure that we only spend them for those that are really important needs, not wants.

Your take.

A Work Bench for My Son this Christmas

2008-11-26T02:42:00.004+08:00

Fathering is fun. Other than the weight of the responsibilities of rearing a child alone, fathering is a privilege and a very exciting job. If not for the need to work, I’d probably choose to spend all my time with my son. I am afraid, it were not so. Nonetheless, I savor every hour and minutes I have with him in spite of the ‘hyper-activity’ he’s displaying lately.

Sometimes working at home on a tight deadline is difficult when he is around in my little home office and punching those keyboard keys. ^^, He’s too young for a pc of his own. What could be the best gift for him this Christmas huh? I’ve thought originally of dragons figurine or robot toys, but I really don’t know if he can really appreciate them.

Thankfully, browsing the online catalog of Mega Brands, I’ve found the perfect toy set for him. Voila! The CAT WorkBench! It’s perfect! See that picture up there? With that, not only would I prevent him from tapping my laptop’s keyboards, he will be busy in his own world on tinkering something. Not only that, this is the ideal toy that can give him the right experience to exercise and develop his creativity and imagination. Amazing huh.

*Forgive me if I talk too much about my son here, and also for not posting any picture of him (as much as I wanted to, a court order due to child custody would not allow me).

Obama and the burden of US Presidency

2008-11-25T04:01:00.005+08:00

Unlike his predecessors, Obama does not have a high-profile lineage to boot. He rose from the rank, fatherless while growing up, raised by his mother and grandmother. Not to mention, he is not pure white. He’s been in the major league politics for more than a decade only, and surely becoming the president of the most powerful nation in the world is a very daunting feat.

People wonder why I watched the life of Obama closely. I would normally answer because he is an embodiment of what real America stands for. I am a Filipino, and will always be a Filipino. But I cannot help admire the influence of the US in my country and on myself in my short sojourn there. Obama inspired me to look beyond my colors and roots. He showed me that it is not impossible to become great in an arena when (some) people might think you do not fit by virtue of standards and expectations they set (or most notably, due to their bias and prejudices?). I care less.

Being ushered in the limelight for a responsibility that seemed to have been designed for the ‘super human’ is very intimidating. And, it is not only about the tediousness of the tasks and the (overwhelmingly) weight of the responsibilities, but the life that is being placed under the scrutiny of public eyes is not easy to bear. Privacy here now becomes a much-sought luxury. It is like living in an aquarium where people can see the details and intricacies of your personhood, and probably they will even try to peek into your soul. IMO, this is a heavy burden in all sense of the word.

I am hoping and praying that Obama delivers what he promised in spite of the pressures surmounting. Let us all hope that as he step at the bat’s plate come January 20, 2009, he will be able to turn the US ailing economy around in two years time as he envisioned.

Personal and Whiplash Injury Claims: Do they matter?

2008-11-20T23:23:00.004+08:00

I have been into two major car accidents in my driving career. The first, thank God, only a few bruises and I was not even confined in the hospital for further treatment. The second was worse. My car was a total wreck, no third party was injured, but I was not spared. Two weeks in the hospital and three more months of physical therapy. Those were probably the worst four months of my life. Thank God though that my life was spared. Thank God also for a reliable medical and accident insurance, and for the quick facilitation of my personal injury claims. Hospital bills and the physical therapy afterwards were fully covered including the compensation for my absences from work due to that accident.

Frankly, that was a turning point in my life.

After that, I have now a higher regard on the importance of safe driving and Car Insurance Young Drivers. The premiums I paid were all worth it. Compensations for whiplash injury and car accidents are very important, I realized. Too often we overlooked bicycle accident claims and whiplash injury claims. We deem them to be too trivial. But are they that really unimportant that we take them for granted? Do you realize what a whiplash injury is? It usually causes injury to your neck. That’s not trivial –IMO. This kind of injury can render you jobless for days, weeks, or months. Hence, it is but fitting that you are properly compensated.

Take these things seriously, if you want to live a normal life. I know the recession has been causing many strains on our finances, but do not set aside or postponed the payments for your insurances. You may not know when you will need them. And should that time comes, get the assistance of experts like First Personal Injury to facilitate your claims and compensations.

Am I worried? Should I?

2008-11-20T02:20:00.004+08:00

I have been closely monitoring the recession in the US since last year. While there is no declaration yet from the Bush Administration that the US is indeed in a recession (dunno really what he is waiting or trying to project), on the contrary, Japan’s government is quick to admit that Japan (being the second to US in terms of economic size and stability) ‘slipped into recession.’ This means that 52,000 Japanese will wake-up in the coming days jobless!

I am worried, because in the same token as Bush, the Philippine government is also in its ‘denial stage.’ The telltale signs of recession are screaming and they can still afford to look the other way.

Funny that in the evening news, it was reported that while the peso dipped into a low of 49.99 per dollar, the government said that this was advantageous for the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) and the export industries. Hello?!! Are they out of their mind!? How can a weak peso be advantageous and beneficial to these sectors? It could have dove to more than Php 50 to dollar had the BSP (Central Bank of the Philippines) intervened. The average family’s purchasing power has already reached rock bottom, the price of raw materials continue to soar (most of these, btw, are imported) –how can that weakened peso be beneficial? Again, hello?!!

I am really worried.

Two of the world’s biggest economy are already in recession, and so are some of the countries in Europe and Asia, the Philippines will inevitably follow, or is already in a recession if we only admit it.

Why insist on admission? Because, that’s the beginning of the road to recovery. We can brace the worst of times if we know how to assess the present, accept our failings, and make the necessary corrections or adjustments.

So, should I be worried? I should! But I am channeling this feeling right now in a positive way. I am making plans and preparations.

Basic Considerations when Choosing a Website Hosting Plan

2008-11-11T16:29:00.003+08:00

Your blogging activity will come to a point where you will no longer be contented with a free hosting platform. As you learn new things, and your blog grows in popularity or readership, you may want more control for which a free platform cannot fully serve. However, for a newbie (like me) choosing a website hosting plan can be a bit intimidating. Hence, allow me in this post to offer you the most basic considerations that will help you in your decision:

Price. We normally equate pricey plan with better hosting packages. This is not always true. Although I listed price here first, IMO, it should be considered least. Review what the package includes, and listen to what others have to say about the web hosting provider too. Better yet, ask other bloggers. Good hosting packages ranges between $6 to $10. More or less than that range, you might not be getting the value of your subscription.

Bandwidth. This is the allocation that accommodates how much visitors or hits your site can take on particular time. In a more techie term, this refers to the capacity it takes for the data you provide to travel to different browsers, more often simultaneously. They say that a ‘DIGG effect’ can sometimes cause your site to exceed its bandwidth. I think most bandwidth offered in a typical hosting plan for blogs can handle your requirements.

Support. Can they offer seamless 24/7 support? All website hosting providers promise that they can. It pays that you read reviews, and again, ask feedback from other bloggers.

These three, IMO, are the most basic. You might want to check on other features like Cpanel, email accounts, type of servers, free software, adwords’ discounts, etc –all else, it will still boil down on the issue of price, bandwidth, and support.

The Choice is Ours...

2008-11-11T15:51:00.006+08:00

A busy executive Mom wrote these inspiring notes* to her daughter:

Trust in a bigger plan.
Find strength in adversity
Failure today leads to success tomorrow.
The worst event in life is often a catalyst for the best.
Positive or Negative. The choice is ours.

I am an incurable optimist myself. Although, there are times where I falter. I doubt. I fear. But most of the time I stand resolute that tough times, and tougher ones, are only temporary. There is always a “bigger plan.” It is just but a matter of patiently discovering it amid the noise and bad news that beset us everyday.

The choice has always been ours. To believe or to doubt. To fear or to stand stouthearted. To give up or to persist. It’s a choice. The negative path is more often the easier one to take, albeit taking our future in peril. The positive path is harder, if not harsher, to take. But in it lies a better future. With little sacrifice, a dash of patience, and hope, everything will somehow turn-out for the better.

Am I making sense?

*The No Complaining Rule, p.117

A change in lifestyle

2008-11-08T13:10:00.004+08:00

The US presidential election is over. It’s really time for change, not only in America, but in our lifestyles. While the whole world has (almost) receded from their applause on the landslide win of Obama, most of the Americans are looking forward to a radical ‘change’ or more aptly, turn-around on the US economy. It was the number one reason for the vote casted anyway. All eyes are fixed on the hope that Obama will remedy this financial crisis. I, on the other hand while among those, believe that the remedy in the crisis rests not only on government but also on each of us. We are directly responsible.

A quick self-inventory on our lifestyles will immediately reveal where the real problems are. We chew more than we can swallow. We live above our means. We care less about the future (although, more often we talk about it). We live as though there is no tomorrow. We have placed our trust and confidence –contrary to what we profess at the back of the dollar bill –on our bonds, insurances, and stocks. Now, we are at the peril of losing them all together.

If there is a real change that is needed, as Obama preached in his campaign, it is the change in our lifestyles. Frugal living is a choice. Frugal living is a lifestyle that can cope any crisis. Real change should begin with us. Here. Now. Our lifestyle.

When the news of the imminent financial meltdown among the world’s largest financial institution in the US, fear gripped me immediately. One client after the other started rejecting my proposals, and some cancelled scheduled projects. I realized also that my life’s saving is not even equal to our 3 months expenses. Panic ensued. I had to double my efforts. Meaning less time with my son, less sleep, more coffee, and more work. This to support a lifestyle that I am comfortable with, and which I realized is too expensive to maintain.

So? What’s was my remedy?

Here are some of the immediate actions I have taken since June of this year and which I started to enjoy the benefits there from:

I identified the essentials and made them my priorities. Things that I think I can’t live without, like my laptop, eyeglasses, cellphone, my son’s milk, health insurance, among others. We need these.

I discarded what I don’t (really) need. I sold my car. Gasoline and maintenance is costly. Since I stayed mostly at home and calls on clients almost twice a week only, I opted for services of cabs. I disconnected my Cable subscription, surrendered my credit cards, and more.

I started saving 20% of what I earned regardless.

I prioritized the payments of bills and outstanding loans. Interests and penalties add up to my expenses if these things are delayed.

Surprisingly, these actions actually changed my lifestyle. It was uncomfortable at the outset, but now I am happy with the choice. Even if the economy will fare better or worse in the future, I care less now because I know I can survive. A change in lifestyle, frugal living, was all that I need.

Faith, Love, and Kindness

2008-11-07T15:09:00.008+08:00

Faith allows you to see the good in bad things. It allows you to look at your miseries with hope that there is a kind and almighty God who will see you through all these ugliness. Understandably, this is weakened when crisis after crisis hit us the hardest, and when we are not most prepared. Faith strengthens us. It is actually the wind beneath our wings. Hold on.

Love is the best gift that anyone can get and give. Cherish it and nourish it. It's not simply a word or a concept. It goes beyond the tried philosophies we espouse. It is real. It transcends time and space. It enlivens. It gives hope. It rekindles faith.

Kindness is the expression of love and faith in action. You cannot say that you love your neighbor and in dire needs you look the other way. It is the manifestation that you indeed knows how to love. Give it generously, and expect no returns.

Catching-up with my son

2008-11-06T11:23:00.000+08:00

It’s amazing how kids grow so quickly.

My son is barely two years old but by comparison (okay, I may be a bit bias here like most parents are) he’s taller than the average. However, like other kids he’s a bit hyperactive. The nanny can’t hardly cope with him when he’s at play. So do I. (I’m not whining people.) The Pedia said, it’s but natural. It’s not a disorder as some kids may have. My son is smart and is even very attentive when instructed to do this or don’t do that thingy.

Working at home most of the time gives me the advantage to really watch him grow, although there are many times that most of my waking hours are spent with my laptop. Work work work. Had to. For him. For both of us. I tried my best though to catch up with him whenever possible, or when I take intermittent breaks.

I’m thinking of remodeling his play room. Other than the kids bed, I’d like to stuff it with some more ergonomically-designed kids furniture like childrens desk and book shelves. Well, he doesn’t know how to read yet, but I just wanted to pass-on the influence that my father had on me about the love for books and learning itself. Besides, he loves to hear stories. I see to it that he reads one before he goes to bed every night. In fact, I have already memorized some of the stories that sometimes I just try to recite one while I am tapping on my laptop (talking about multi-tasking huh.).

There's so much to learn about him, and I am really thrilled with the privilege of raising him alone. Albeit, with a partner would be preferable. Anyone? Lol.

Nearly all men can stand adversity

2008-10-20T19:06:00.011+08:00

Robert Samuelton of Washington Post wrote an interesting article today entitled: In Good Times and Bad Times. He opened with this interesting observation based on James Grants’ book, “The Trouble With Prosperity”:

“If things seem splendid, they will get worse. Success inspires overconfidence and excess. If things seem dismal, they will get better. Crisis spawns opportunities and progress. Our triumphs and follies follow a rhythm that, though it can be influenced, cannot be repealed. Good times breed bad, and vice versa.”

While he was quoting this in context of an economic theory, I believe on the other hand that this is actually a life’s important lesson that we need to learn from. We are a breed of survivors, and that separate us radically from the animal species. We survive in the worst of situations. In fact, we survived two world wars that left us in economic and emotional depression as result. We survived other worst man made and natural calamities. It is our inherent nature to survive. No doubt.

Ironically, we don’t stand strong in wealth, success and prosperity. Grant was right after all. We become complacent when things go well with us. Our success and overconfidence as a result become our Waterloo. Why is that? No wonder Abe Lincoln’s wit rings timeless truth:

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power...”

Although he was referring this remark in the context of political power, it holds true in any similar situation. Who would have thought that in an age where technology has advanced beyond what we can imagine, and where the exchange of information is done in split seconds, that the whole world will still go on an economic slowdown like this?

Were we caught unaware? Are these things simply the results of our own folly? When will we ever learn?

Best Value Custom Home Building

2008-10-20T12:53:00.000+08:00

The recession has caused many families to cower from building their dream houses. Who is not? Costs of commodities continue to rise, and it is but fitting to save our hard earned money, right? But a home is an investment. And I think, it is one of those investments that you cannot just postponed if you have planned and save for it. What you need is an expert home builder that can give you real value for your investment. At Schumacher Homes, their philosophy - and their business - has been built on a different approach to custom home building; because they have combined custom home building and value at a very reasonable price. So, why hesitate with that investment?

Sporadic blogging?

2008-10-20T07:30:00.004+08:00

Maintaining several blogs is not an easy feat, especially when you have a day job to keep and a 3-year old son needing your attention. I am not complaining, nor being defensive here. I am making a public confession –I am not being consistent. It's frustrating. I hate it.

I owe it to you and to myself that I should be consistent in my blogging.

Blogging daily for a few weeks, then failing in the next is like mowing your lawn intermittently. It is unsightly and uncomfortable. Other than the fact that you are creating anticipations that, you are not fulfilling. This should not be the case. I apologize.

This can only be rectified by creating a schedule and sticking to it.

Are you on the same predicament? How did you deal with it?

What is the best way to a healthy lifestyle?

2008-10-20T07:12:00.000+08:00

We all know the answer to that. Forgive my being rhetorical there. Balance diet and exercise. However simplistic, the Surgeon General will always insist on these two. Easier said than done. We love to recommend it but we can’t hardly do it. Because these require discipline and consistency, which most of us struggle with. We would rather take the easier and quicker way through safe diet pills or surgical procedures.

I quit smoking and drinking three years ago. However, driving less and staying at home most of the time has caused my belly bag to grow a little bigger than usual. I realized that my eating habit changed considerably when I started working at home. What used to be a no breakfast and no supper typical workday is now substituted with an average of 3 square meals and 4 snacks a day. Whew! I definitely need to trim-down my eating habit, or else I might be forced to visit the Surgeon General for an unpalatable reason. Oh, I should exercise too. He he.

Grace in a Ungraceful World

2008-10-20T06:46:00.006+08:00

Grace, says C.S.Lewis, is Christianity's unique contribution among world religions. 'Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more... and grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less,' is Yancey's best attempt to define a marvelous but elusive concept (p.70, What’s Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey)

What made me retain my faith in orthodox Christianity is the teaching about “grace.” Although, many Christians differ in their perceptions about this, I on the other hand take the position of Yancey.

In an ungrateful and ungraceful society, we need grace to abound. We need it most when we are downtrodden, sick, needy, desperate, depressed, despondent, accused of wrongdoings, and undeserving. We need it even when we are not as I have described there. We all need it regardless of what and who we are. This is the easiest part –receiving. But, how about when you are on the other side of the fence? Can you offer grace?

That was the hardest part.

Can you?

A good test as to whether your church (or YOU) is grace- or ungrace-filled might be Tony Compolo's provocative/prophetic ploy when speaking at Christian colleges. '"The United Nations reports that over ten thousand people starve to death each day, and most of you don't give a sh-- . However, what is even more tragic is that most of you are more concerned about the fact that I have said a bad word than you are about the ten thousand people dying today." The responses prove his point: in nearly every case Tony got a letter from the chaplain or president of the college protesting his foul language. The letters never mentioned world hunger.' (p.201, ibid.)

Help! My Kitchen is flooded!

2008-10-14T16:46:00.004+08:00

I hate floods. And I hate my kitchen being flooded because of clogged drains. In fact it is one of those disgusting and frustrating home disasters I do not want to attend. I definitely need outside help for this. Unfortunately, in a crowded city neighborhood, even without a heavy rain this can happen. Worse, when it rains, and the unattended septic tank overflows. Yay! Imagine the smell and stain it will leave on the tiles and walls. Plus, the smell stays for awhile even after you have dried and disinfected the whole area affected.

I am sure that most of you who stays more at home could easily relate to me. There is no messier floor than having it flooded with stinking water. In times like these a sewage backup is necessary. Am so darn glad this is immediately available.

Another Reflection on What Matters Most

2008-10-14T11:20:00.002+08:00

Three companions for you, according to Rumi:

Number one, what you own.
He won’t even leave the house for some danger you might be in.
He stays inside.
Number two, your good friend.
He at least comes to the funeral.
He stands and talks at the graveside.
No further.
The third companion, what you do your work,
goes down into death to be there with you, to help.
Take deep refuge with that companion, beforehand.

In a previous post (A Reflective Sunday: What matters most), I already touched on this issue. However, I delve more about possessions taking precedence over other things. Here, I’d like to take a second look at our careers and friends. Do they take so much of our time that we tend to neglect what matters most? As Rumi said, they can only be with us at certain point: our friends on our funeral and work dying with us.

So, if not these things, what really matters most? What can be more important in life until death