mindfulness...

I'm fascinated on reading things that would enlighten me and one of those are reading writing from or about Buddhist monks. This time i read Oprah's interview with Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk for more than 60 years. Oprah, shares a few words of wisdom during her interview with him.

If you want to read the detailed interview, you can visit this site http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Oprah-Talks-to-Thich-Nhat-Hanh

~ "Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves. It is a daily practice… No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out." ~

~ "People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar." ~

~ "Enlightenment is always there. Small enlightenment will bring great enlightenment. If you breathe in and are aware that you are alive—that you can touch the miracle of being alive—then that is a kind of enlightenment." ~

~ "Many people are alive but don't touch the miracle of being alive." ~

~ "It is possible to live happily in the here and now. So many conditions of happiness are available—more than enough for you to be happy right now. You don't have to run into the future in order to get more." ~

~ "People suffer because they are caught in their views. As soon as we release those views, we are free and we don't suffer anymore." ~

~ "Mindfulness helps you go home to the present. And every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes." ~

~ "Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now." ~

~ "When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?" ~

~ "To be loved means to be recognized as existing." ~

~ "Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature." ~

~ "We have to continue to learn. We have to be open. And we have to be ready to release our knowledge in order to come to a higher understanding of reality." ~

oddity...

I’ve got crazy ‘bout the sudden pouring of comments in one of my photo in my facebook account. As far as I remember, I uploaded this photo almost a year ago and since last week it receives a lot of comments from my friends lists…am happy to receive comments but seeing them making “fiesta” on it made me feel coy. Well, maybe they are suprise seeing me on that swimwear especially that i don’t used to wear shorts or 2 piece but since it’s a family gathering I’ve got the guts to wear it! Plus, I’ve got a very nice angle in that photo so my tummy didn’t showed up, so i look a bit sezy on my pose. :D

Though some comments are flattering but seeing lists of comments did exhausts me, so I decided to delete it to stop their musing anyway.

narrow road of life...

There’s always a peer pressure at every age and stage in our life. Let’s face it. We always tend to follow where the crowd is going, no matter what that may cost us.  Since everybody’s going, I’ve got to go with them.

But here’s what Jesus said about our decisions to follow what most of the flock is doing.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is that gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
~ Matthew 7:13-14

He said that the right way is usually the road not taken, or at least the road not taken by many. The wrong road is easy - at its beginning. But the farther you go on it, the harder it gets...until it takes you right over the cliff. The right road is hard and it's even lonely at first, but it's the one that leads to life. Make a destination choice - not the one that will win you the most friends right now, but the one that will take you where you want to end up.

May we always follow the road where God leads us... :)

pruning...

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." ~ John 15

Pruning, is the act of cutting off or removing dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve its shape or growth. Like plants that needs to remove a lot of top branches so the interior branches are exposed to the sunlight and bear a lot of fruits in result. So as for the human being, pruning thing needs to be understand by everyone one of us that this is an act of God's most important tools in growing us so we can be fruitful.

But before the fruit, comes the pruning. You maybe are experiencing some difficulties in life or loss right now but this are some cutting back to help us grow. God let some unpleasant things to happens in our life, lovingly removing things that we think we need, things that may be holding us down, holding us back, or holding us captive. The cutbacks are painful..it doesn’t feel good but it is good because God is taking out and subtracting so He can shine on what's left and do what He could have never done if you still had what you've lost.

Pruning is actually God's loving surgery to let His light go deeper into your life than it has ever gone before. You may not enjoy the process. Well, you probably won't enjoy the process, but you and everybody else, is going to love the results!

love love love love love

happey heart's day everyone!

Since it's heart's day, i'm gonna share something cheesy 'bout love...

Is it love...

when you always think of him?

when you always wanted to talk to him?

when you’re happy talking to him?

when you care about him?

when you have this chill factor in your heart?

when you suddenly smile with the thought of him?

when you..when you...when you???

Is it love???

Do you think i’m inlove? Cheesy! LOL

laptop is down

My laptop suddenly didn’t turn on after I left it for a nap this afternoon. I’m not sure if it’s overheat or over charge...I tried to remove the battery and just use the charger but it still didn’t work at all. I’m a bit worried that the prob might be in the motherboard so i’m crossing my finger that it’s not, because it will cost me a lot for the repair. My friend says if that would happen it’s better for me to buy a new laptop then. Damn, i’m really broke and i can’t afford to get a new one if ever...not now.

I’m currently using my friend’s laptop, it just happens that he went for a date so i can use it while he isn’t here.

girls are like...

What do you think guys??? ;)

silly proposal

So my ex, my first boyfriend actually, talked to me and proposes me something today. To give him a last chance and let him wins me back and even asked me if I still love him. Oh oh…it’s almost 6 years since we broke up and I even had 3 years relationship next to him and he will ask me if I still love him??? Is he kidding me???

Here’s what he wants…we’ll try to work things out thru "long distance relationship" again but without commitment. Just try. Am I insane to agree on this arrangement??? He cheated on me and even failed my LDR in my 2nd bf and now he'll asked me to give our love a chance on the same way? Nah! Whether his serious or not I don’t think I’ll give damn in his proposal coz it’s all over.

I'm old enough and somehow learned my lessons in all my failed relationship so i'll be more wise the next time. Don't want to do the same mistake again...i want a serious and a relationship that would last for a lifetime. Good luck to both of us then.

stupidness...blooopers!!!

I’ve got a terrible evening lastnight…it’s Jessica’s 2nd month bday so her mom caren invited us for a dinner in their place in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Their place is actually a ride away from my office so I left early to take a bus and hopefully play with Jessica while waiting for the other visitors. So I left at 5 in the office, went to bus stop and from there all the bloopers had started…

1. Found out that I left my card in our house. While walking towards the bus stop, I was searching my bus card in my wallet…in my bag…and presto I don’t have it with me. So that means, I am not allowed to take a bus since I don’t have my card. Anyway, bus card is a must here in Dubai if you’re a commuter because buses here are not accepting payments anymore.

2. Since I left my card at home, I was forced to buy a new one - I actually have 3 cards now because I always left my card. Take note, you can’t just buy it anywhere. Either you’ll buy it in the metro station or bus station. Other than those place, nothing. So I took a cab went to the nearest metro station in our office to buy a new card because I need it when going back home later. Can’t afford to take a cab from JBR to Karama. So there, I spend AED16.00 instead of maybe just AED2.00 if I just took a bus. Bought a new card that worth AED20.00 then took a bus again to JBR.

3. On my way to JBR, I remember that my credit card due was yesterday and I really have to pay it to avoid penalty. So I was cramming if where can I find a payment center in JBR. I have to call Raymond and ask him if they have a branch in JBR so I can go there and pay. He said they have but in Murjan plaza. Since I’m not really familiar in JBR, I asked caren if she knows the location she said no so I asked some kabayan about the location of UAE Exchange and they said it’s in the beginning of “The Walk” and they even gave me a map.! As if I’m a tourist huh. Hehehe

"The Walk"

Can't find their map so i can show you guys how long did i "walk" in The Walk :D

Anyway, my greatest adventure in “The Walk” started. I always wanted to roam around in this place actually. Gawd, can you imagine, it has 6 plaza’s (1) Murjan; (2) Sadaf; (3) Bahar; (4) Rimal; (5)Amwaj; & (6) Shams, and my location is at Shams! Those kabayan told me that I can take a walk from Shams to Murjan since I’ll enjoy the scenery instead of taking a cab and it’s also cold so it’s better to take a walk. So I walked in the beach side, but didn’t I imagine that I’m gonna walk that long + I almost lost my way + those cab doesn’t want to take me to Murjan since it’s only 5 minutes drive + i have to make a lot of asking in the guards in every plaza that I’m passing. For short, I wasn’t able to enjoy the scenery. Then eventually I reached Murjan. There plaza is a bit gloomy, it doesn’t have much light so I have to ask one by stander for the UAE exchange location and he said that I have to go down from the stair. I went down and I was suddenly outside the Murjan already! ahahaha…so I asked the guard again for the UAE exchange and there I found out that they are closed since last week I think. Damn! After the long walk that I did??? Wheeew! So I took a cab again to go back to caren’s place and to my surprise I saw the Al Ansari exchange on the corner side of Murjan plaza. WTF I can also pay there! Uuuurrrggghhhh!!!

4. I left early in caren’s place because I have to reach in Karama before 10pm before the closing time. As I’ve said I’m not really familiar in JBR and even to caren’s building + I always buckle-up when I am tense. I took the other lift going down the building and went out in the parking. Suddenly I wasn’t able to find the exit. Went on the other side, it’s not there…on the other side it’s not there too…damn! I’m lost again! good thing there is one lady that I asked the exit and she told me to take the lift and go to plaza level instead and there is one guy who assist me on going out the building. So ignorant of me really!

5. Take a cab to metro station…and guess what??? The cab that I flag down was the same cab that refused me to ride twice when I was walking towards Murjan. Ahahaha

6. Lastly, our internet connection was cut! So exhausted and don’t want to go out again and pay.

Anyway, despite of those bloopers, I’m still thankful for the following:

1. That I’ve got my salary, so atleast I have money for my transportation. Anyway, I spent almost AED70 for my transportation just for this evening! Sorrow :(

2. I was able to pay my bill in the last minute and avoid penalty.

3. And see baby Jessica & caren after they came back from Philippines.

4. Slept early because of my exhaustion. :D

with or without home...

After months of being lone, i’m pretty surprise that I am peacefully content of where I am now…single yet enjoying the freedom of doing things without being bothered of anything or anyone. Never did I imagine that I can cope this storm easily but God did a great miracle in me. I’m a firm believer that God will rebuild those who are broken in his perfect time. It’s not easy to go through the process of moving on but anyone who did pass would agree that it’s such a wonderful feeling passing that stage of brokenness…Though not totally recovered but still I can say to myself that I’m happy & contented now with or without a human home. I’m glad that like any other, I was able to coped this thing in a positive way…it’s not easy, but truly with God nothing is impossible.

I’ve learn that in order for you to move on, you must not just let go but FORGIVE. Forgive the person or people who have hurt you and forgive yourself. And not just forgive but FORGET. Forget not the person but forget the things that they have done to you.

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explore new road...

"Don't dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do u not perceive it?" - Isaiah 43:18-19.

Don't be afraid to explore new grounds that you don't know exactly what you're going to encounter; how you're going to have what you need to meet whatever is on the new road. God is putting new things in front of us so let’s not miss every possibility that He is giving to us by keep on embracing the same old things that we used to do. God says, I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland; I'm going to amaze you by making a way where there is no way; I'm going to send resources where there seem to be no resources - 'streams in the wasteland.'"

singa-pade!

Aside from working here in Dubai, Singapore is my 1st ever international escapade. Had a 3 days stop-over in Singapore before i flew back home for my annual vacation. I was invited by a good friend who used to work there and her bf toured me during her absence.

Apologize, these are a bit old already coz this was taken on July 2009. :D

arrived in Singapore early in the morning...just took a nap and start my adventure!

@ 2nd day @ National Museum of Singapore

just roam around the city

dinner @ hooters in clark quay

this trip to Malaysia consumed almost my last day only to find out that the only place that i can visit there is the mall extended to the train! gawd!

late lunch & early dinner @ outback

(not really enjoying na because we're so damn late for sentosa and it's raining!)

my Song of the Sea experience...it's awesome!

(came late & this is the only attractions open in Sentosa...show still goes on even if the audience are soaking in the rain)

Uniquely Singapore...

avoid messing up

The plan for keeping a life clean is don't let a mess get started. When you know that you are messing up, stop it and clean it fast.

There's not one of us who doesn't have things we wish we hadn't done or things we wish we had done. We've all got things that make us feel dirty, ashamed, guilty, or unworthy. The problem is that too often when we mess up, we give up, so we just keep giving in to more and more spiritual mistakes. So the darkness grows. The garbage starts piling up until it ruins us. Don’t drown yourself in sinning. As soon as you've realized what have done is wrong, don't run from God; run to God. Confess it to Him immediately. That's the way to keep a mess from accumulating. Do a spiritual shower as soon as you get dirty. As the Bible says, "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:23-24).

Imagine a clean start each new day. Don't carry yesterday's garbage into today.

sorrow for my pinkie!

I’ve been having hand sore since I transferred here in this flat. I’m not really sure if it’s with the water or not, but how come that I’m the only person who’s getting this thing if it really comes from water then. Before I used to have just a “sore” now it’s “sores”! I woke up yesterday feeling itchy in my finger and when I check it they're just too many! Gawd. So I decided to wrapped it up with band aid to avoid scratching but tonight since I’m doing my laundry I can’t avoid not to soak it in the water and now the skin was removed…water comes out from the swelling, it leaves holes and it twinge! Can you imagine an almost 10 swelling lumps in my pinkie??? Sorrow :(

love is in the air!

Since it’s the love month, I think it’s time for me to share my favorite verse ‘bout love. This is my reference when it comes to love especially if I’m in a relationship. I’m not perfect to really live on this verse but I really did try…hope that I could meet someone whose fondness is same as mine.

nightmare + rejection

nightmare...
Was awaken this morning by a very bad dream… I dreamed about my mom that she died in front of me. it’s really a nightmare. :s( After seeing that happen in my dream, I immediately woke-up and send her a message…I was crying because I’m so afraid. Never did I dream like that before. Maybe it’s because I am worried about our parents lately and I’m just afraid of losing them. Not now that I need my parents the most. I can’t afford of losing them when they are the only people that inspire me to do so. I haven’t given them the good life that they always dream of…the life that they deserve after they gave everything to us…not now.

I keep on praying to our God that may He give them long life, to keep them from harm, to give them good health, to heal them in their illness and give us, their children a chance to give them the best of life.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you, before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

~ Jeremiah 1:5

rejection...
As part of the homily during the holy mass this evening, the priest tackled about rejection. How people rejects Jesus when He was declaring the word of God, how He got a lot of rejection during His time. And we are also prone of rejection in this world. How many times are we being rejected by others? How many times did we experience betrayal even if we know that we really don’t deserve it? How many times did people leave us in expense for other? How many times did we feel hurt because of their selfishness? Willnyou still able to count it? :D

No matter how many times did people rejects, betrayed, left or hurt us, one thing is for sure people surrounds us would do those horrible things to us but God will never will. He will never cease of loving us, of chasing us, of embracing us because He is the only person who accepts us with arms wide open despite of our inequities. No one will do, except HIM alone.

God bless us all!