Quote for Thu December 30, 2010

Quote for Thu December 30, 2010: "

'Believers have not been distinctly guided to see that nothing is more natural and beautiful and blessed than to be nothing, so that God may be all...'

— Andrew Murray

"

Year end 2010

As we near to end the year 2010, I tend to reflect the past things that happened to me personal and professional wise.  This year brought so many things into my life, I got to visit last February for the 1st. time in 4 years my families and friends and it was a blast celebration, family gatherings, sharing of blessings (in kind and monies) and Outings as well.  My visit was short but very meaningful as I will be headed to Singapore along with my Mom and Sister in Law Grace.

This year was also a surprising one as I receive a surprise bonus from the Company I work with here in Afghanistan and It that help me to purchase a "Toyota Revo" for the entire family so that they can be able to use it for picking me up in the airport along with some other family activities.  I got to purchase also another property to be added in the list of the investments I have, securing myself through Insurance and saving as well in the near future and clearing up some other obligations.

It was also on this year that I got a chance to visit U.S. for the 2nd time (LA,Utah,Denver and New York), exploring new places and meeting some interesting people around the area. indeed, my visit was a successful one. Aside from U.S., I have also again visited my families and  friends back in  the Philippines for a very short period of time making it a complete journey to Include Singapore where I got to see my "kumare" Mardy along with her husband Nathan and my "Ina-anak" Madeleine.  Singapore was a very inviting place along with the formula 1 being held at that time.

This year was also a sadden part as I got to miss a very good colleague I have in the finance department as he was terminated due to some politics being run in the company.  A recent death of the husband of my Sister is also a very tragic one to remember this year. I guess not all can be enjoyed and be happy this year but again to be thankful that I'm still here surviving.

Lastly, with only 3 days remaining before saying goodbye to 2010, I wish that the coming 2011 will be a promising and very enjoyable one to remember.  Of course I have already seen the 1st. positive sign of it as I have receive again a surprising gift from my boss "Bonus" but this time it was tripled, a product of handwork, dedication to my work  and loyalty to the company. Indeed, 2011 is a very good year to look forward to.

9 Years without Christmas

 Its 2 days more to go and Christmas is coming and that will be added to my list of absence back home for my families and friends not to mention to my "Ina-anak".  I'm sure they are chasing me already with so many dues I need to pay back and a lot to miss.  Its will be still be the same just like the previous years, work and go home and sleep and that's what I do to keep up for my loneliness.

Back here in the office as I rest for a while, I decided to write this and think is it worth it that I need to sacrifice for a little while for the love and care to my loveones back home?  Yes its been a while since I did not feel the spirit of Christmas as I am very far away doing what is best for myself, families and future.  A lot of my colleague are also doing the same sacrificing for their families just to give the best of everything for them.

There will be a quite celebration tommorrow with my fellow office-mates bringing all the foods to celebrate, get together, gift giving and a little of song and dancing and I'm sure it will at least erase the feeling of loneliness back home. I haven't purchase my "Monito Munita" for tomorrow's gift giving so I need to check what's good to give? Perhaps I will just dig to some of my old souvenirs I brought with me from my recent U.S. trip and for sure they will like it.

Indeed, this coming Christmas will be again a celebration of birth, "Pasasalamat" and most of all celebration of him for all the things his done to me and to my families. I say "Merry Christmas" to myself then.

Fabulous Vacation "Engrande" - 3rd Part

My journey ended in New York city as I arrived in the late afternoon of Oct 05 and headed directly to my hotel somewhere in Manhattan street area. It was going to start getting cold in that period and luckily, I was able to bring some of my winter clothes. As soon as I unpack my luggage, I went out and explore the beautiful scenery of the area. Indeed, NYC has never change, full of surprises and busy people walking along every avenues.

On the 2nd day, I got the chance to visit way down below the Chelsea are, the bazaar with so much to offer and I have one good Shirt souvenir locally printed but amazingly done that I purchased there. Then I headed to Gay shop along that area where I bought some sexy underwear and a trunks. That shop offers a lot to visitor like and I could not resist to come back again for the 3rd time. When I arrived in the hotel to rest just before going up, I bump to a shelves just beside the reception offering a variety of Broadway shows. That's one of the thing I miss in my last first visit to watch any of the popular shows there so I decided to pick few sadly, some of my favorites were already fully booked and I ended up getting the reservation for show "West Side Story and Phantom of the Opera".

First Broadway I watch "The West Side Story", the curtain open and the lights went off. The show starts and all I could do is just to listen and be amazed with the performances of the Actors. The song "Maria" struck me to death, it was sung beautifully and I got carried away with lyrics. The last part was so tragic That Tony has to die and leave Maria suffer in her heart.  Overall, the performances of all actors are excellent and they have given me the show that I want. before leaving the theater, I got the chance to buy some of the souvenirs and this I will keep for quite sometime.

3rd night were allocated only to watch another Broadway show and this time "Phantom of the Opera", this is different as the show, costumes, the scene, were done somewhere in the medieval times and it was brilliantly performed from the start down to the ending. One thing I like and move to the performance was the song "that's all I ask of you" which remind me of the song of Barbara Streisand. Indeed, another great and memorable show to watch again. Eric, Christine, and Raul made and exceptional performances all the way. Of course, I will not going back without buying a souvenir, a nice bracelet beautifully crafted with the show itself.

Remaining days were still incomplete without visiting the central park, 5th ave where I bought some clothes from Gap and some stuff from the big Macy store. I got to visit again the famous busy central station and took some picture in it. I did not feel any tiredness in myself as I wanted to explore every single scenery that NYC can offer and even the cathedrals of St. Patrick and some others were also scheduled during that day. I had a great time in NYC visiting each of the churches has made my faith more closer to him and this I can keep as long as i live. He has given me much and what more can I ask for but only to thank him for the wonderful things that happen to me.

I had made a chance to visit some of the magnificent high rise building that you can only see in New York.  The Flat Iron building which are located just below Chelsea area, the Empire State just across Manhattan and the famous  Chrysler tower once considered to be tallest tower in the world and many others.  Still as bright and popular, the Rockefeller plaza with the famous Ice Rink just below made it more exciting to visit from visitors. There were some famous boutique such Vesace, D&G, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren to name a few that has bee in line in the 5th. Ave. I had also a chance to dine in some of the exciting restaurant along Manhattan and Chelsea but of course eating in the street area can never be the same as indeed an experience to remember.  My trip to New York was indeed a memorable and will again take the chance of visiting it in the near future.

Thanksgiving

As we celebrate thanksgiving, I thought to myself why cant i write something for this occasion since I have been receiving good share of abundant blessings from above.  We all know this is being popularly celebrated in the United States every 4rth. Thursday of November for the bountiful harvest of the year. Indeed, they are worth being something for this and I kind a different for my side to celebrate.

I want to celebrate personally for myself, Thanksgiving for all the things most especially the good sides of it in the last couple of years that have change my life drastically. All the improvement that had happen to me truly gives me the clarity of what a life is all about. Yes, they are truly the product of hardship, struggles and sacrifices to make a life a different, something that will encompass all the difficulties but in the end it is worth to gamble and play because we know that something good awaits in the end.

There is still things to be done and more to improve in our lives as we take the step of another challenge in the coming days and we don't know if  we are ready to face on it. We can never be sure that what were enjoying and celebrating it today maybe the same for another year to come but we can only hope and pray that things will be good because that's what we want - to make our lives a more stable, balance and sustainable to live with.

I only wish and thanks for one, that I'm still here in this world hoping to make others lives change for a better, my families who are relying on me most, I want them to have different and good life to live. Life is a gift and we should take care and value it for we only have one chance to use it. Most of all, we should give thanks for the life that we have receive.

Why are we so miserable in our happiness?

THERE ARE TWO TRAGEDIES in life, Wilde said. One is not getting what we want, the other is getting it. Be careful what you wish for.

Impatient for instant gratification, technology has given us an over-wired world of gadgets and gizmos. We are living longer; science and medicine have created cures for the ailments and distemper that modern life serves up. The world is moving so fast, we can be connected to anyone, at anytime, anywhere in this small world through warp-speed aviation, the click of a mouse, the ping of a cellphone.

When we already have so much, why do we want more? We want so much to be happy it’s making us immeasurably miserable!

it is said that people in poor countries became happier once they could afford the basic necessities. That within a society, rich people tend to be happier than poor people, but rich societies tend not to be happier than poor societies, and as countries get richer, they do not become happier. Life gets better but people feel worse.

Despite radically improved living standards, no amount of material benefits has been able to buy us a meaningful, or a happy, life. Money buys lots of things—a wife, but not her love; a house, but not a home; a new heart, but not health.

Are we contented of what we have or do we still want more and not be satisfied that will lead to a miserable happiness?

Fabulous Vacation "Engrande" - 2nd Part

As I finish my journey in Salt Lake City - Utah, I began to get ready on my exploration on Denver Colorado, another new place to me in the heart of the mountainous state of U.S. I Left 2pm bound via Delta Airline and it took me only 2 hrs. to travel and by the reach there it was already 4:30 PM. I stayed in Hilton Cherry Creek, Denver and the accommodation were good. Unpack all things and went outside for sightseeing.

First Night, I went to the 17th. ave where I sat in a fine dining restaurant "Olivea" and had an amazing dinner. The restaurant actually caters to gays and Lesbians so mostly all the clients are 3rd sex. After that, there was a popular Gay bar and this is just beside the resto and it was called "JR's along the same street also. I stayed there for a couple of hours and I had a great time. It was a mix of Gays and Lesbian and they really dont mind each other as they want to enjoy every minute of it to their friends.


The next Itinerary I have was on the tour, the first half of it were actually allocated on the City Itself, familiarizing what the city of Denver can offer. I got to see the Capitol, Union train station, the famous Stadium where Obama made a historical speech, A park that was popular for Marathon, and the famous Blue Wild bear being displayed on the convention center. Denver is also popular in the shopping area. there is 16th street along the city where they offer a lot of stuff to buy and this is very long long way to walk. Indeed, my half tour was excellent.


The 2nd half of my tour were a bit far and this in on the mountain side and they call it "Red Rock Mountains". the travel went for about 2 hours and lasted for about 6 hrs all in all. The first stop of the tour was in the Red Rock Mountain itself, I got to see the magnificent dashing red mountain and they also offer amphitheater where you can arrange Concerts and shows. Next stop over were the wild one "Buffalo Bills Grave. My first time to witness the wild life animals which include also the wild Elk. I was able to get some photo shot of those wild animals and got a taste of Buffalo Beef burger.


The trip was exhausting but memorable as I have explore the entire city of Denver and also the wild animals and the famous Red Rocks Mountains. As soon the tour fnish, I headed directly to the restaurant as I got to meet an important person I chat and met in the gay connection chat. Indeed, a lovely evening, and memorable night I have with Annette, friend I met in Denver. I also bump to meet but for the last minute and His name is Hector and got a chance to get to know him more for the remaining hours i have and he took me to the airport bound to New York City for my final Journey of U.S. trip.

We’ve Become Experts at Being Alone?

a friend once told me: our tragedy is that we’ve become experts at being alone. you know, that i’ve learned how to be happy by myself. i used to say, ha! good for me! i still do sometimes. but is that a good thing, really? or a fatal flaw? sometimes i think those people who just can’t live without a partner may be on to something. they seem to be embracing (and feeling) a kind of life i’ll never know, probably because i’ve “learned” to. is it a death of some kind of innocence? did we kill it?

Are we really secure of being alone? or Perhaps a partner for security only?

These are thoughts in my mind that bothers me and that's why I ask this in one of the Gay Network Queer Questioning. I am still single for some reason will be single for the rest of my life. I choose not to but fate will probably keeps me from finding difficult partner in life. I enjoying life and the love and support my family has given me is the one that keeps me from believing that you can be happy and content without having to take or involve in a relationship a partner in life. As I have posted this, a lot of great and inspiring responses surprises me. Indeed I was awaken. I'm copying one of the great response and I hope this will help me and other readers that being alone constitute happiness too.

"I think some people develop such an independence and invulnerability about them that they become totally unable to function in a relationship, which requires interdependence, vulnerability and trust.

For a lot of people, it has nothing to do with being happy as a single before being in a relationship...and more about simply not having the strength within themselves to open themselves up to another person and experience the deep (and sometimes downright uncomfortable) feelings that meaningful relationships usually bring about.

Even people who are married, coupled or "partnered" (and this is not exclusive to gay couples either), many of them seem to have a sense of superficiality about their relationship because they still keep themselves partially guarded from each other, which I think is one of the reasons the relationships don't work out. In gay culture, it's especially easier for guys to just pitch the towel and run because we can always find sex, which is an easy momentary diversion from coming face to face with our own loneliness (and yes, you can be in a "healthy" relationship and still lonely at the same time).

A relationship requires trust that continues to grow deeper as the people make themselves more vulnerable (it's a process). It's not always comfortable to grow that way, and a lot of people just pitch in the towel, rather than consider that the long-term reward of hanging in there and growing (which is painful) may actually be greater than that current pain of the moment. "

Fabulous Vacation "Engrande" - 1st Part

Its been a very busy and tough month for me when I started my journey, a journey that gives me a a good and an exciting adventure. I started to visit Manila, my hometown where my family and friends were delighted to see me, it was a short 5 days stay but was able to complete everything from paper works to attending bdays, and meeting of friends and going out and even till the last day was very busy. At last, I embark may trip out of the Philippines to Singapore where I meet my very good friend Mardy along with my "bitbit" Mom and Sis-Law. We stayed in Bishan, which I considered a 'Palace' and home to stay. We also get a chance to see the fabulous hotel - Marina Bay Sand Hotel, magnificent one and considered to be a one of the top hotels in Singapore. My stay was significantly memorable and I wish to be back again soon.



Next Stop of journey, Los Angeles, California, 2 days of stay but was able to maximize a little of Sightseeing. I stayed in the Hotel Airport - Raddisson Hotel which gives me a good relaxation and comfort during my 20 hours of flight including my stopover connecting flight to Dubai. I was able to see the area of Manhattan Beach and got the chance to watch the famous "Beach Volley Ball". along that area there were some stores where I bought some souvenirs. I also stop to eat into one of the restaurant there and got the chance to meet some friends too. My journey in LA was short but meaningful indeed.





Next stop of Journey, Salt Lake Utah, A very conservative state in the U.S. mainly because that is the home of Mormon Church. I stayed in one of the classy 3 star hotel along the city itself. I already booked for a tour as I am new in that area and had a chance to visit the Mall "The Gateway" a small but very nice to shop. the tour went well as I was able to get to know more of the history of Utah itself. It was a whole day tour and almost everything I want to know were given to me. The mos astonishing tours I have is in the Temple Square where I get to see the Church of the Mormon, The tabernacle, and the Auditorium. Indeed that evening was great and very memorable to me.

Finally its Over...

As I am writing this in my room, totally bed ridden from sickness that has been attacking me in the past few days, my fear is already over. The payroll that was suppose to be prepared, finalized and released on the 15 has been moved earlier because of the Eid preparation for Muslim. As usual, i have been pressured again for the early deadline.

With all due efforts made from my colleague, my determination and perseverance to finish it early. the said reports were done only today, ahead of the deadline for another 3 days. I am glad this is over and will only be dealing with disbursement schedule which is again hectic and traumatic.

Still sick and cannot do much work for today, the only I can do now is to rest in bed, making another historic statement of the events happening to me on the past days. with that being said, I am now looking forward to have my vacation on the 15 of September and will embark on another journey. A journey of travel and visiting places. family and friends are already waiting for me so I guess i need to just seat and relax and wait for the period.

Another hopefull for Ms. Philippines on Miss U.

It was a big surprise this year 2010 as Philippines landed on top 5 for the prestigious Miss Universe Pageant. At an early arrival, Philippines already caught attention by the Media as well as the Judges, Rumors says that Trump, the Organizer was even amazed by her beauty and charm. 11 year since Philippines sneaked to semi finals and almost 37 years since we have won the Prestigious title. She was the crowd favorite and and even give justice in every event she participated.

Landed in the 15 slot for the semi finals, Philippines made pave way for no. 3 slot in the Top 10 making here the top favorites from the judge. Still with the fearless beauty, she again landed in the top 5 finals making here the sure winner hopeful that Filipinos are waiting for.

The only thing that give us proud was during the final Question? What is your greatest mistake in your life and what did you do fix it? With the nervous that trigger her, she eventually did not justified the answer making her the 4rth runner up.

Not bad, we may not able to get the crown but for sure we made the Filipinos proud as she represent the nation with grace and beauty.

Mild Injuries but nothing serious...

I was suppose to write this 2 days back but due to very busy schedules in the office (Bank runs,and disbursement of payroll),I have to set aside this first. I jut had a mild injuries cause from a vehicular accidents. As usual what do you expect from a War Zone countries like Afghanistan. My right Arm was hit a by a broken windows as i have to cover my face.

With this, I can't do much except to rest and take anti-biotics to quickly heal the pain and wrapped it with bandage. its a little pain but I need to work on it and just let it go. The office is a little quiet now as we have the 2nd day schedule for the release of payroll.

By the way, I am counting the days left for my vacation, its 29 days more and still a lot of things to do and be busy with for the close out period. I'm just a bit worried as to what's gonna happen to my other staff just in case they will not be absorb by the new company. Something to look forward in it.

Is it still Worth Staying In Afghanistan?

I guess this is it. The project is about to close, a lot of reports to be made, closure of some other sites and demobilizing gradually all the staff. I must admit I have been here for a quite a while. 3 yrs is not much but I love to look forward on another adventure. But before that, I will have to go for my vacation first and I cant wait to see my family and friend back home. I also miss my friend in Singapore and excited to visit again U.S.

My Future is undecided yet, I have come back and luckily my boss is offering another position for me so I dont know yet, Love to be here as my Income extended across my family and some investments in the Philippines.

As I am writing this, my office is full of Afghans taking their salaries and as expected, the smell of of this people not taking a bath and practicing Ramadan fasting really vomit me too much. by the way, it is my first writing here in my blog.