Dogs have so many friends because they wag their tails instead of their tongues

Love can cause so much. It's true that sometimes, some things (some people) can really get into our nerves. There are situations when we're pushed to our boundaries. If you get easily pissed, that's even worse. Yes, I know some people who just can't help but react right off on what annoys them. And I mean, violently reacting to what's annoying them. Very poor in patience. That's alarming. I don't know if it's a contagious attitude. Just imagine, what if everyone is as cranky as some of these people I'm talking about? Whatta chaotic place the world would be! Right? I mean, please do agree with me. I hope I am not the only one dreaming of a peaceful place to live in.

While I work hard to stay patient, other people give lesser effort to understand another person's difference. Don't get me wrong. I am not putting so much expectation on anyone. But, I cannot deny the fact that I am somehow expecting that people would work too, at least to avoid reacting violently at some trivial issues. Oh, but you know what? Worse, there are people who drag more people to dislike the person they dislike. Then they end up like a plattoon of bitter people attacking one already disabled soldier. Whoa! So ridiculous.

I've learned that LOVE can truly handle situation. If people just have enough love (in their hearts) to give, then it wouldn't be so hard to just let rude people go. "To put the person ahead of their actions." The article below tells more about RESPECT and LOVE. I posted this article last year on my protopage. I want to share with you.

(The above photo is my artwork hehe)

"Love Respects Others"

"[Love] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own." —I Corinthians 13:4 NKJV

It is difficult to control one's temper, when one is waiting in line and someone jumps in ahead of you. But trouble can be averted, if you have enough love in your heart to keep your mouth shut. You might even say a prayer for that rude person, thereby preventing yourself from also being rude.

Your attitude can make all the difference in your treating people with respect or treating them rudely. When you get up in the morning and ask God to fill your heart with love, you're more likely to have a pleasant day, rather than a painful one that is filled with confrontations. For your attitude determines your actions.

Joni Eareckson Tada, a paraplegic since a teenage accident, is so loving that she is able to say, "Don't get angry at the person who acts in ways that displease you. Give him a smile he lacks. Spread the sunshine of your Lord's limitless love."

Christmas is the season that we celebrate God's infinite love for us through Jesus Christ. Many people want to take Christ out of the holiday season. Instead of getting angry and saying rude things, we have the opportunity of exhibiting Christ's love by being unselfish and respectful to all.
Lord, give me the courage and strength to be polite and loving in the face of rudeness. Amen.

The above devotional message is written by Jane Douglass White and recorded by Rev. Ted Nace, Vice President of Stewardship of Guideposts.

Between grief and nothing... I'll take grief

We all learn something in life as we deal with different people, problems, situations... Everyday as we get up from bed, there are new experiences waiting. Nobody promised everything's going to be smooth or fun. It is always a combination of pain and delight. No matter what failure or heartaches we encounter, the important thing is to learn from each experience and become a better individual.

I've Learned - by Omer Washington

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. I've learned that it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes, after that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. I've learned that it's not what happens to people, it's what they do about it. I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides. I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you'll see them. I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I've learned that there are people, who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance same goes for true love.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief. I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life. I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing, As well as talking, Can ease emotional pains. I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe. I've learned to love and be loved. I've learned.

Fortune smiles at some and laughs at others

The UE Red Warriors defeated the San Beda Red Lions in yesterday's championship game for the 2006 Collegiate Champions League, 66-59 (Rizal Memorial Coliseum). *sobs*

James Martinez, who used to play for San Beda College, let out 3 point shots almost unstoppably, ending with 16 points for the game. He definitely made a name on this championship game.

San Beda went home with P200,000 while UE took home the trophy (not to mention the title), P500,000 worth of scholarship grants and sports equipment.

UE 66 -- Martinez 16, Borboran 13, Gregorio 12, Espiritu 10, Labagala 5, Arellano 3, Bandaying 3, Thiele 2, Canizares 2, Lingganay 0, Briones 0.
SAN BEDA 59 -- Aljamal 14, Ekwe 11, Menor 7, Escobal 7, Maggay 6, Tecson 6, Angeles 4, Gamalinda 2, Taganas 2, Evangelista 0.
Quarter Scores: 1st: 14-6, 2nd: 27-25, 3rd: 50-45, Final: 66-59

Earlier, the Jose Rizal University Bombers defeated the Mapua Cardinals, 76-72. The Bombers took home P100,000 worth of scholarship grants while Mapua P50,000.

JRU 76 -- Wilson 15, Nocom 12, Cagoco 11, Pradas 11, Dedicatoria 10, Hayes 9, Sena 6, Se 2, Caspe 0, Fenequito 0,.
MAPUA 72 -- Tiongco 18, Gonzales 15, N. Pascual 12, Mazo 7, Del Rosario 6, Guillermo 6, Co 3, Sumalinog 3, Migraso 2, Acosta 0, J. Pascual 0.
Quarter Scores: 1st: 29-10, 2nd: 47-30, 3rd: 66-47, Final: 76-72

Later that day, the San Miguel Beermen defeated the Ginebra Kings (Cuneta Astrodome) in an overtime game, 101-97.

Quarter Scores: 1st: 24-14, 2nd: 47-33, 3rd: 68-57, 4th: 86-86 (Reg.), Final: 101-97 (OT).

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All my favorite teams were defeated! *sigh* I am so sad. Still, the Red Lions are the 2006-2007 NCAA champions. hehe

The smile wears thin and the lies begin

"Gossip needn't be false to be evil - there's a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around. "

~Frank A. Clark

Nowadays, I find people so into the lives of other people. It has been their hobby to talk about another person's affairs, situations, decisions, mistakes and a lot more. Which makes me wonder, why? Why are they taking pleasure in matters that are none of their business? I mean, yes, I have to admit that there are also times that I get to listen to some gossips about some people I know. And I really listen as if it's music to my ear. I cannot understand why I listen, but I know in my heart I don't pass it along.

Let me, take that back. There were instances that I am guilty of passing along gossips to some trusted people. And I am also guilty that sometimes I get to pass some gossips to another out of necessity... so that I'd have something interesting to share, for instance. For whatever reason, I am guilty. It doesn't make me happy nor proud of myself because I know it is so wrong. And I know in my heart that if someone would do the same to me, I will be deeply affected and will be badly hurt.

Maybe, it is our nature, human's nature to meddle on other people's life. It's weird and very petty. When we could always find a lot more sensible and useful things to do. Quoting Dolley Madison, "It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people's business," I hope to make it a point not to spread gossips anymore, no matter how true the story may be. Like come on! It is none of anyone's business anymore if a co-worker got pregnant, or the janitor was once accused of a crime (as long as you're not directly affected), or the supervisor is cheating on his girlfriend. Damn, these are just things we have nothing to do with anymore!

I am just bothered that it might become a fad or something. Worse, a hobby. Personally, I intend not to continue on tolerating people telling me any form of hearsay, anymore. I noticed that tolerating such things in my life makes me part of it. If I just listen, sure it's not just going to stay with me. It's going to come out because I already have a shared knowledge of something. Once, the topic is opened, I'd sure begin to talk about what I know. It's not right. Also, it's going to cause me to become judgmental. So, I hope I can gather all the strength I need to do what I should do. To put on brakes.

A bumper sticker motto expresses the goal of a campaign to curb gossip: “Put the breaks on loshon hora.” The movement began with Rabbi Chaim Feld in Cleveland, Ohio, who says the Bible forbids speaking words that hurt other people in any way. Loshon Hora is a Hebrew phrase for negative or cruel speech—an evil that causes untold damage.

Rabbi Feld says, “If you’ve never met Michael, and someone tells you he is a jerk, then Michael has been murdered for you, before you even met him.”

Someone has said, “When tempted to gossip, breathe through your nose.” That’s a good way to keep our mouths shut, but we also need a solution that gets to the heart of the issue.

The antidote to the poison of gossip is love, which neutralizes the toxin in our hearts before it escapes through our lips. The Bible tells us, “’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ love does no harm to neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:9-10).

Whenever we’re tempted to pass along negative word about someone, even if it’s true, let’s seek God’s help in putting the brakes on gossip. Instead of loshon hora, let’s speak word of kindness and love.

- David McCasland

Temper's the one thing you can't get rid of by losing it

I reviewed my old blog entries in multiply. There are some that I think I should copy and post here.

I chose to post the story below to remind myself that I need to remain patient at all times. Also, to share with my readers that they have a responsibility to remain patient and respectful of others' differences.

Most of the time, we get irritated or angry because someone failed to meet our expectations. It is just normal. But to get easily angry is another story. To burst in anger is even worse. We can never expect people to act or react according to our expectations. There may be instances that could really push us to our boundaries, but to be mean and rude is never a good response. We don't know how much pain we can induce to a person if we let our anger rule us.

Yes. There are irritating people. So many of them. I have some things I dislike about someone. And I cannot deny the fact that maybe there are some who have some dislikes about me too. So, that makes us mutual, right? Having this in mind, I know where to put myself. I know that it is my responsibility to respect the difference of every individual I have to deal with everyday. They can do silly things that could piss me, but that doesn't mean I have the right to be rude. I have to keep in mind that my parents sent me to good schools so I can be a good person. Therefore, I will try harder to be a good person. For all I know, I also have some attitude that's annoying to others.

Just imagine how lovely the world could be if all of us work to bring harmony into it. If we respect and not judge. If we just accept each other's differences...

Here is the story...

This is a true story which happened in the States.

A man came out of his home to admire his new truck.

To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck.

The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment.

When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital. Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands.

When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, " Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck." Then he asked, "but when are my fingers going to grow back?"

The father went home & committed suicide.



Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't.

Too often we fail to recognise the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever.

Pause and ponder. Think before you act. Be patient. Forgive & forget. Love one and all.

My eyes have been opened, I can never go back

“What is a friend, anyway?” This line is taken from the movie, “Jawbreaker”. Had seen the movie quite a number of times and the line remained echoing in my head since. Dunno but maybe my quest for a friend, who I can really call a friend, just caused me too much frustrations and regrets. Sometimes, I get to ask myself whether it’s me or it’s them. Whether I’m putting too much expectation on potential friends or I’m just one despicable person who anyone can’t get along with. This is already with reminding me not to be hard on myself, would you believe that?! Just that, I can’t help it. What is damn wrong with me?! Ok, I am not like everybody else. So? I mean, I didn’t think it is a requirement to be just like everybody else to get along. What is individuality about if that’s the case? Friends accept one another. At least, this is one of the few ways I can describe how friendship is.

There’s this person who I used to find objectionable, but he turned out to be like a mentor to me. He taught me about ‘investment’ and its relation to friendship. At first, it sounded odd. Investment?! Like what are you talking about? I am not after anything. And I am neither buying friends just so to keep one. Of course I had to allow him to explain, which I did. And now, I know I can never stop thanking him for what he had taught me. He may not know it but, what he taught me is something nobody else had taught me. Not my old friends, not my enemies, not my relatives, not my parents. It’s from someone who I didn’t like before for his attitude. Guess, I was so wrong for clinging to my impression of him. It was very wrong. Still, I walk with my head up and guiltless because once, we talked. That talk means a lot to me. I was able to tell him like straightforwardly how I used to see him and with that I allowed him to show his concern for me.

Investment has nothing to do with being real or not. It’s just knowing where to put your efforts to. Just like in business, you don’t just throw your money to this or that direction without thinking ahead where will it lead you to. Money nowadays is just so damn hard to earn just to waste it away for some nasty scams. So, you study it and you analyze if it is worth the effort. Same with friendship. You can’t just invest your effort on someone when you know your effort is worth your heart. Because the moment you give your heart to someone, you already allow that someone to take a part of you. And you’re not even sure if that part of you which they take with them they will handle with utmost care. It’s risky. In the end, you’re the only one who will get badly hurt. In my case, I always end up like that. And it hurts to think that none can take me as I am.

He’s right. And I have given it a thought. I told you, since that talk, I never stopped thinking and rethinking about how he said those words. I know and I guess everybody knows how brilliant he is. Because he is, indeed, brilliant. He is an experienced man. A man with principles, a man with wisdom and experience. Maybe, he is a true friend. I just didn’t know. Because of all people, I never expected him to be that concerned about my feelings and my condition. Who would really waste effort on someone who is nothing to you? Someone you don’t even get to spend time with, but he? He did that. For whatever reason, I will never have an idea. But how I appreciate it.

A friend is like a mirror. He shows you what is wrong without faking, missing a point or exaggerating. “He” just had to say what he needed to say the way he saw it. One day it’s like I wasn’t looking so good and I just had to look in the mirror. Yes, I saw myself clearly through him. There is something wrong. There is something I could not see so he showed me. Now, I am a learned person. Somehow I know what to do. Somehow, I know what to do.

A FRIEND

I've still been searching
And long have I waited
For someone to like me as me
To laugh with, to cry with
To be just beside with
A friend that's who I need

To fight with, make up with
To know that you need them
Believing that they need you, too
To walk hand in hand with
To argue, to talk with
A friend that's who I need

And even though I make mistakes
And never do anything right
A smile, a hug, can change all that
And everything will be alright

Someone who'll share all my dreams and ambitions
Someone who'll love me as me
I need this person, someone to rely on
A friend that's who I need
A friend that's who I need 

Come in, I've been expecting you

Twas a long day yesterday (thursday, actually). I accompanied mom to Batangas, her father’s hometown. Considering I came from work the night before… I had just a few hours of sleep. I couldn’t sleep because I was anxious of how the day’s going to turn out. Like will I survive the trip? Will I be able to get along with the people there? Was thinking about lotsa things. Twas around 2 in the morning that I was able to finally doze. Only that I kept waking up, checking the time.

I slept on the couch in front of the television. I didn’t turn it off or set it to turn off by itself. I intended not to. Dunno, but, since my office friends told me about ghost stories, I’ve become uncomfortable staying in the living room by myself with the lights off. I couldn’t sleep with the lights on so, I left the television on the whole night.

At past 4am, I started fixing myself after I read mom’s text message telling me we need to leave at 5:30. I didn’t bother taking a long shower anymore. Also, the water’s cold so… The thought of commuting to Batangas alone made me feel sick. She couldn’t bring the car so, we had to put up with the hassles of commuting. I reiterated to myself that I shouldn’t give mom a headache. I secured some finger snacks and candies in case I get dizzy during the 2 and a half hours trip. Oh, did I mention that mom sent me a text message telling me we have to leave at 5:30? She actually, reached my place 7:00. I was able to nap a few times between 5:30 and 7!

The bus ride was not as exhausting. The heat was. Mom kept me entertained with her stories. She’s so loquacious. Don’t get me wrong…it’s actually a compliment. Since, I don’t have anything to talk about, I asked her questions. Different questions like mostly about her relatives who I was about to meet. As if, I’d really remember them all through her stories.

We went straight to the hospital where her lola Pacing is confined. Oh, I haven’t mentioned yet the purpose why we had to go to Batangas (when I should be at home resting). Her aunt, lola Pacing has terminal cancer. Lola Pacing is her father’s older sister. She leaves in the bahay kubo beside a small chapel. Well, that’s the only thing that reminds me of her so, it’s important that I mention it here.

Lola Pacing is a tall woman. It shows in her long arms and legs. When we got inside her room, she was sitting on one side of the bed facing the door. She’s so skinny. Like really skinny…(what should I expect?) Well, it’s lung cancer she’s battling with. We stayed there for some minutes and then left.

The next destination was the bahay kubo (lola Pacing’s house. i call it bahay kubo due to lack of adjectives to use...hehe...it looks like a bahay kubo to me!). There were some people reconstructing it. I think the area also tasted the wrath of the super storm that struck the country a week ago. We stayed in one corner since everyone’s busy doing something. Both men and women there had something to do. Damn, I thought to myself, good for me that I wasn’t born in the province! They are damn assiduous! Gosh! Like they don’t even stop to rest. The women, I noticed, were cooking for the men doing the carpentry. And the weather is damn irritating. Humid and scorching hot. Whew!

I felt a lil bored because although they were talking, I couldn’t understand what they were talking about. Like clueless. Dunno what language (dialect) they’re using. Or they just didn’t want me to understand them? Hmmmm…well of course not! What? scheming not to get me involved in their conversation! That’s pretty petty! Wild imagination you have, paper tiger!

They did try to make me feel comfortable. Like, they set an electric fan right beside me. It helped somehow. Lunch was ready. Mom and I didn’t right off eat. We had the working people eat first. They need food the most. All the while I was thinking how was I going to eat? What was I to take? Oh! I felt so helpless. I didn’t want to make them feel bad or something. I wanted to get along. Good thing they used serving spoons. At least…only whenever they get rice or viands, they just touched the food. Like, they couldn’t help it. Whoa! Please, just let me get mine *sigh*.

I don’t think I will ever survive in the province, really. More observations…but I just don’t want to share them anymore. I mean, people differ because of different factors like upbringing, culture, and what have you… I respect each and every person I meet. Just that I felt weird because that’s not the kind of environment I grew up with. Like, they talk loud…like yelling at each other. I even thought they’re already fighting or something. Oh well…it’s them. But, one thing I can say about Batanguenos…they’re so caring. You’ll always feel their warmth. You’d feel you’re welcome, you won’t feel left out. Something I didn’t feel with dad’s family. There’s close-family-ties.

When I was younger, I often heard about close-family-ties from school. It’s one of the dominant traits of the Filipinos. Hospitality being the first. I just heard about it. But I never knew what it really meant til I met mom’s family and relatives. It’s not just really about staying together or doing things together. It’s actually more than that. There’s a certain bond between them. Something that’s not physical, rather, emotional. It’s an attachment. It’s feeling and caring for one another. And you can truly feel it with them. I can’t really describe it as how I feel it but I hope in case you haven’t experienced what a close-family-ties is, I hope you would. It’s such an experience. Experience is indeed the best teacher.