Balance: Career and Personal Life

For many of us, twenty-four hours is not enough in a single day! With jobs, Night-outs, and the hope of a social life, each of us is cramming as much as we can every day. While we are trying to keep up during this highly competitive age, working too much has some negative, lingering effect with the study shows what happens when people overwork themselves.

A psychologist finds that a vacation is essential for mindfulness, which is mediating in a non-judgmental way. This allows individuals to be present while clearing their minds and has plenty of health benefits, like lowering both heart rate and blood pressure.

It is extremely hard to shut down the computer, turn off the phone, and just unwind. Most of us have this ridiculous fear that we will miss some amazing opportunity or not respond fast enough to the "oh-so" important email. But, at the end of the day, our health, sanity, and well-being must be put first. There is nothing wrong with working hard, but we all must strike a balance between work and play.

Are you a workaholic? Do you think there are ways you can change to better yourself?

To read more on the benefits of taking a vacation, click here.

To read more on the value of your time, click here.

Contemplating

As I get to relax and ponder on at my office seat I decided to write a short analysis of what happens during I came back from my vacation with all the loads of paperwork's lining in and waiting to be signed and bothered by something else in my mind, I get to pause and re-think twice.

Many things happen for a reason, happy at the moment and later on sad. I was surprise to know that things are not permanently as they use to be and even the situations here in the place I work is indispensable. Being affected so far here and back home has given me insight that life as we know it is really unpredictable.

Moving forward, we just got to get going as life is a past phase like a bullet, better be ready and prepared for whatever outcome it will bring.

Best Vacation I have - Wanna Know Why?

I didnt even expect it will turn out to be the best so far in all vacations I have in the past as I was only there to renew my passport, not bad I guess as visiting places I haven't been and meeting new and interesting people that brought shed of light to my life onwards and the importance of it. Let me refresh my memories as to what happens during those period with my Regine's "Fantasy Album" as my inspirations while writing this...

Let me start my journey by visiting "Laiya Resort-Batangas" where I happen to purchase a small piece of property that will eventually be my retirement upon settling back to Manila for good. This resort is actually to be the home, vacation spots and gateaways by some of the famous celebrities like Renee Salud, Lorna Tolentino, Aga and Charlene and even Regine as I heard from my broker purchase a property. I wouldn't be surprise as the developer of "Punta Fuego" is making this to be the center of travel spot among local and will eventually attract tourist.

Another interesting journey in that place is that I was able to join with my long time friends on the other resort and had a quick but was indeed wackiest and enjoyable moments. Time flies as you can see mostly of them gained weight probably because we get matured as time passed but nonetheless to say they were great and no hang ups, no pretensions just be yourself and be whatever you want.

Next Journey, Hundred Island, Alaminos Pangasinan where I shared my fun and enjoyment with my family only.   After a haggard no rest trip from Batangas, I went straight ahead as the fiesta is just about to start that nigh I left Manila via Victory liner. Arrived in the morning and had quick nap and invited family to go straight to a place which considered to be the booming tourist spot destination. We had a quick tour from some of the amazing island namely 'Romulo Island, Childrens Island, Bat Cave Island where you can see in daylight the hanging Bat's, and lastly the Quezon Island where we settle and enjoy the rest of the day. My family mostly of my Nephews and Nieces had great time there as this was the first outing ever we had. I was happy to see them really smiling and enjoying every moment of it and for that I am relieved.

Then I headed to the south, this time "Palawan" where I brought my 2 best buddy Dave and Jay as we visit straight to Coron recommended by a close colleague of them by the name of Edge. We stayed in Inay Glo's humble resort house  but with fabulous tour package and fantastic serving of foods. The short stay was indeed a memorable as we get to see the magnificent islands, had a quick lunch and again made a tour, its good thing the weather was very merciful as we relish the scenery as well as the surprising formation of rock. One thing that cathes my attention as when we stop by to an island named "Twin Lagoon" where I was amazed by how this lagoon was preserved surrounded by a fabulous formations of rocks. I will never forget my experience as I even recommended it to my fellow officemates to do the same.

Last journey ended in Boracay in Caticlan, considered to be one of the world class beach resort and stayed in one of the best resort there "Fairways and Blue Waters". There I get to see a good friend of mine Joel and got to be introduce to some of his colleague Ava. Who would forgot Patch which surprise me too. I was even delighted to meet some of their Taiwanese friend the night they had a party at "Paraw".

The enjoyment I had, the fun and the good beaches extended my happiness along the way. The long stretches of white sand from station 1 to station 3 give me the best impression that Boracay was indeed "World Class Beach Resort".

On the concluding note, Why do you think its the best vacation I have so far, simple, mainly because I got the chance to know him more, short but very meaningful. It was then that everything materialize for the 3rd round. My first and 2nd visit was short as I have to leave for my U.S. trip. Any possibility of making it more and perhaps a permanent one? Who knows as time will tell. I am not closing my door as I know there is something very interesting that I need to know more on him. That "Something" is really a trademark indeed.

Different

If you do not want what I want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong. Or if my beliefs are different from yours, at least pause before you set out to correct them.Or if my emotion seems less or more intense than yours, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel other than I do. I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will only come when you are willing to give up trying to change me into a copy of you. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself to the possibility that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear as right – for me. To put up with me is the first step to understanding me.
Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but


that you are no longer  irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And one day, perhaps, in trying to understand me, you might come to prize my differences, and, far from seeking to change me, might preserve and even cherish those differences. I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, your colleague. But whatever our relation: You and I are fundamentally different and both of us have to march to our own drummer.

Kabul with Love

What do we basically have in our mind when we hear the word "Kabul"? frightening and scary place, careful with talebans and suicide bombers. But really this country has interesting things that you see that you cannot actually going find our from other place. Have you seen a bread hanging outside the store? Would you dare to buy it and eat it?  Whenever I go to my office, I usually pass by on this road with store selling this bread hanging outside with all those busy traffic vehicles passing by and I couldn;t imagine this Afghan people of the health it will cause. I guess its in the culture.

Another interesting view to see here is the mud house being built in the mountains. There were so many built solid mud house as well as concrete ones that goes even at the tip of the mountain without a clear stairs going there. You would wonder if there is a water and electricity being provided there plus of course the very important one - How are you going to "Pee and Poh" and where does it go? I just really couldn't guess and go further with my analysis as long as they happy and enjoy, then I'm happy then.

On the other side, risky and threat are still everywhere, you cannot go out in the evening as there is much questioning and curfew in some areas. visibilities in public are restricted, restaurants and bars are quite not sure to hang out, supermarkets are nowadays are also being targeted by the suicide bombers.The powerful blast killed at least 8 people including three western women who were shopping in the store at the time and injured six.

Finest Supermarket is located across the street from the British Embassy and sits at the entrance of Wazir Akbar Khan, a popular neighborhood with diplomats, journalist and other foreigners.  I was suppose to be there to buy some of my day to day toiletries. I guess its not time yet.

Places of Interest: There are some places that you will be delighted to visit here in the day light, planning to buy some souvenirs such as precious gem stones, fabulous carpets, few selected electronics, great items that are actually originated in Afghanistan only.The old part of Kabul is filled with bazaars nestled along its narrow, crooked streets. Cultural sites include the Afghan National Museum.Other places of interest include Kabul City Center, which is Kabul's first shopping mall, the shops around Flower Street and Chicken Street, Wazir Akbar Khan district. One thing for sure that when you go out, try to bring somebody with you especially for women as this is a place that you really are not sure of your safety.

Life Begins at 40 (Birthday)

What do people go through once they hit the big four-zero? What goes on in their minds? What about their lifestyle, does it change? Their relationships, their worries, problems and secrets. Life begins at forty. This is the revolutionary outcome of our New Era. Today it is half a truth. Tomorrow it will be an axiom

In the coming 2 days from now, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday here in Kabul Afghanistan with much hope and wish that I will be safe. They say that by the time you are forty years old, you have enough experience and skill to do what you want to do with your life. (Often said as an encouragement to those reaching middle age. also, by that time we had enough financial security to enjoy our-self now and then, rather than having to work all the time.

If you are running thirty nine, it means that your count down has begun for turning into forty; you need not unduly worry about your aging and you are getting into in your forties. There is an English proverb ‘Life begins at forty. How true it is! In fact it is a prophecy. There’s something about turning forty that brings out the philosopher in us all. “You’re only as old as the person you feel”

The liberation of the big 4-0 has enabled me to look at myself and my own needs from not so much a selfish point of view but an assured and settled one. This in itself is quite magical from an ‘inner sanctum’ point of view as it offers us, for perhaps the first time in our adult lives, freedom from the weight of others’ judgement that we have perhaps unknowingly carried around with us since our childhood. Suddenly, in our forties we acquire the liberating understanding that no-one’s judgement really matters except our own. That, instead of feeling responsible for other people’s happiness, we can simply choose to embrace the understanding that we can’t change the world after all and that, instead of watching our life go by through the expectant eyes of others, we can actually start living it on our own terms.

So, to all of you about to turn forty I say this: be prepared for the unexpected - you! Enjoy your fortieth birthday and the years to come with all their magic, miracles and above all the understanding that life really has just begun. Happy Birthday to me on March 10.

Farewell

As i began to rest for the whole day from work as usual Payroll week preparation,  I decided to write this in behalf of my direct superior last day of job supervision in the office.  He has been so supportive and a believer that any person can be somebody regardless of his chosen gender. He has help me to become who I am now and he did not look at me as to what I am in my physical appearance thus, he measure my capabilities and strength to cope up with the pressure and toughest job being in the finance department only Gay handling straight and multinationals across Afghanistan. With his expectation, I gave my dedication and hardwork, loyalty and honest supervision of the financial of the entire company. But sad to say his leaving the Afghanistan for good to embark on another journey. I say thank you for the support you have given to me for without you, I would not be here in my position. Let me share the letter he wrote to the finance personnel which is very heartwarming to me as follows:

Dear Finance Team:

There always comes a time in life when another stage of development comes often quicker than you want.  The almost three years in Afghanistan for me is coming to a close as I begin the next phase of life.  Ping and I will be returning to the US permanently.

My last day of work will be this Thursday.

With that being said I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work in the Accounting department.  Without your support and dedication nothing could have been accomplished.  We have all seen many changes here not only with more new people and even some returning, but with many issues arising daily.  Not only have you been a part of a team, but have become a family in my mind.  We will miss each of you and will have fond memories of the good times we have shared.

Never look back in life, but look to the present and future in your quest for whatever goals you have set for yourself. Keep a positive attitude and you will achieve those goals.

Again, thanks for your hard work and friendship here in Afghanistan.

God Bless,

Tom K Stiles

Thank you for everything that you have done to me, My life changes from the start that you have fought for me from the beginning, from all the struggles and difficulties i have been through, you were there to support and even defended me to all my detractors.  Indeed, you will be truly missed.