LIFE is BEAUTIFUL!

WISDOM

To understand reality is not the same as to know about outward events. It is to perceive the essential nature of things. The best-informed man is not necessarily the wisest. Indeed there is a danger that precisely in the multiplicity of his knowledge he will lose sight of what is essential. But on the other hand, knowledge of an apparently trivial detail quite often makes it possible to see into the depth of things. And so the wise man will seek to acquire the best possible knowledge about events, but always without becoming dependent upon this knowledge. To recognize the significant in the factual is wisdom. Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many colored lenses, which paint the world their own hue, and each shows us only what lies in its own focus.---RALPH WALDO EMERSON
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Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.---ABRAHAM LINCOLN
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state to another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.---ALEXANDRE DUMAS
“It is not because the truth is too difficult to see that we make mistakes... we make mistakes because the easiest and most comfortable course for us is to seek insight where it accords with our emotions - especially selfish ones" --- Alexander Solzhenitsyn quotes (Russian novelist, Nobel Prize for Literature (1970), b.1918)
“Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself.” ---Kahlil Gibran

Monday, November 29, 2010

Late November's FRESH SHARE


There are lots of great happenings lately only I didn't have the real time and gusto to write but anyway, at least I'm getting my fingers moving this time. Today is my father's birthday by the way and it was nice speaking to him on phone. His speech is improving gradually after his stroke and it is indeed great hearing him said that he's already 57.  :)

I felt so blessed last Saturday as I was waiting for the bus after work, a colleague mentioned of Don Bosco's relic in Thailand. She added that the relic has been toured around the globe and this time in Bangkok. I was so lucky to find out that the new church is accessible to where I stay, I haven't been to Mary Help of Christian Church until last Saturday.  I didnt think twice to go with my coworker and I felt so blessed again that the mass hadn't started yet when we got there. The mass was in Thai nonetheless, it was fulfilling to attend.  Moreover, I felt it was a privilege to see the relic for real aside from getting the chance to visit the church despite  the schedule. Don Bosco's relic is 200 year's old.  I was surprised too on the "feast" provided after the mass. Like the churchgoers had a free dinner. A variety of dishes were served as well as some  drinks. There was also a stage prepared for a video showing  on the life of Don Bosco and some singing. 



This day has been quite a day as this is also the very first day of classes at the university after  our six -week- holiday. Yes, six weeks is quite long especially that we had no idea  when the classes exactly begin.  We also got to know our schedule of classes this morning and we have more classes this term. I love it when there are more classes, it means more income however, there are also some changes on schedules like we used to have our mid terms after new year and now the exams are scheduled on Dec. 13-26. That means again another two-week-off from classes due to the test! Hahaha. so funny I remember my colleague shared today that he got depressed of doing nothing for six weeks. And now he has lots of classes and he feels like he's been treated as a robot. He added playfully with a huge grin that he couldn't understand himself getting bored when there's no work, and feeling so engrossed on the very first day of classes.  This is one thing I love about work, having people around who are cool to be with and assures that a day can be full of laughters. :)

I was done at school by the evening and decided to drop by the church. I found out from the man watching the gate that there was no service today and I should come back tomorrow for some vigil if I understood the message right.  Tomorrow should be the last day of Don Bosco's relic before the move to another place.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Someday SOON

Watched the movie "The Women" the other day, guess it was my fourth time to see the movie and just this week that I came to notice some of those touching dialogues in the story. Especially when Bette Medler talked about being selfish. That one has to so when time comes that one has to evaluate his life, he cannot put the blame to the rest for not giving much and will do away with question "what about me?".



I was struck, that point made me say "yeah." It has definitely a sense. I've heard some people who have been so selfless and yet they are hurting and in pain. I'm not sure maybe faith  and religion have something to do with the selfless and the selfish thing but I personally think the two varies depending on how a person defines the words.

One can just be doing something for himself and can tell he's selfish or the opposite, like one doing very little favor for others and then speak of him being selfless.


Giving is not new to all, it's a simple activity of humankind and so waiting for the kindness to get it back. There are times for everything, the thing is we do live in uncertainties when some matters aren't really on schedules, especially of those that  require someone else's contributions and some major resources.

That was great for the lead actress starred by Meg Ryan  in the movie to do what she wanted  after that talk. She got all the resources and started to make her own life. That she won't be living behind the shadows of another but to make  a name and accomplishment of her own. And  so when she gets  older, she can look back and say she had done something. In the story, she kept record of what she really wanted and carry it out, she designed clothing apparels and finally came up with a fashion show.


It's true for all having dreams, ambitions and goals. Sometimes staying focused to these goals can cause us defeats in other aspects and may lose some special  people in some way. Nonetheless, if the people around us truly care and understand our goals, everything will be fine. However, these people around may also have their own goals which may not be agreeable to what we aim for. If we stay focus we'll likely to lose them and or adjust to whatever they please, will perhaps make us neglect our own thus forgetting our goals or maybe even giving those up. Anyway, I should say that the bottomline is a choice.


If we are strongly committed to our goals, we will keep standing firm regardless of the challenges we meet along the way. It's not being numb but merely being brave and strong for getting your own desires.  As long as you know that you are doing good and never mislead anyone for your own benefits then the sacrifice is worth it....plus the wait.


Whatever is it that you really want, aspire, wish and hope.... embrace the  setbacks, keep your focus and have a strong faith  in God and in yourself  that SOMEDAY SOON, you'll succeed in your doing.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Trick or Treat?



We  had a wonderful  two-day Halloween party at work last Saturday and Sunday. It's a custom for us having the activity for kids but I think this year is such a lot better. The decorations were more fascinating and yes, I should say budget had been prepared for a much meaningful and more fun activities. I had all the time last Saturday to witness the games which the students obviously enjoyed and appreciating the costumes they wore  for the event. It was such a day not just on the games but the food prepared, too.

Last Sunday's event was  also great in fact, better than the Saturdays as far as the children's participation is concerned. More students  joined the costume contest and more classes presented during the show. And speaking of presentation, I had my group of kids ages 8-12 talked about halloween. I coulld sense of them getting nervous during the show but they managed it anyway and I'm sure they can do a lot better next time.




 I just wished I had more time to watch what did go on during the  entire activities but I had classes to manage. I'll be waiting then for more activites we are preparing  for next month. I'm sure that will be something for the students.



Indeed, my halloween was a treat at work and with friends later by Sunday evening. This year is great, no tricks..... just all fun. :D


David Foster and Friends Concert in Bangkok



Yes, I was so glad that I was able to be at the concert last Oct. 25. I just got so lucky that a friend who had an extra ticket told me if I was interested.  I didn't think twice of course believing it's a rare opportunity to listen to David himself, Natalie Cole and Peter Cetera.  The other guests for sure were also worth the watch like Ruben Studdard, The Canadian Tenors and who else, Charice.


One thing that really amazed me was hearing them having the same voice as they used to be. They never fade especially Natalie Cole and Peter Cetera.  I remember I used to sing their songs even when I was small and I didn't ever think that I'll get the chance to listen to them live as this point of time.


I was thinking, perhaps both of them don't have any plans anymore to come back here for more concerts, no problem with Charice, Ruben and The Canadian Tenors, for sure they'll have more chances  of getting more tours. And yes, David has been so active having shows in different parts of the world and maybe he still has more places to visit in the map. :)


One thing I learnt in the concert though that really the front seats are the best. When we talk about once in a lifetime experience and of course total satisfaction, nothing beats being close to the performers.

I had a good seat, just right across the stage, for 2000baht seat still the faces of the performers were'nt clear. Many times I was tempted to look at the screen but it wasn't that all fun changing glances from the screen to the stage. The audio was best though and yes, the concert was all beautiful making me think that two hours weren't enough. That kind of concert should last forever! :D


And yes, wish I had fotos with them but didn't make it instead got a pix with Tata young who also participated when David went down from the stage to hear some of the spectatators singing.  And yes, a photo with  Christina Aguilar. Her father is a Filipino. It's so amazing to have someone poupular in Thailand  with no Thai blood at all. And I'm proud to know she has a Fil blood.


Oppps, I thought I am to talk on David Foster and friends, hehehehe, yes, I am happy to be part of it and I made to the concert. If there'll be next chances, for sure I'll be there, too and yes, in a better seat. :)