What is 100? According to Wikipedia, one hundred is the basis of percentages (literally "per hundred"), with 100% being a full amount.
Today, I am posting my 100th entry to this blog of mine. What started as a walk down memory lane became a habit. The habit to write down insights and surprises in life. It is the habit to write down blessings and frustrations on my digital diary. It is my way of sharing what I have learned and what I intend to do from those learning.
I wanted to list 100 of the best moments of my existence. I wanted to say thanks to 100 interesting people I have met in my life. I wanted to vist 100 more countries and do 100 more interesting things I haven't done. There is more than to a 100 but that is for now. Then maybe another 100 after this.
So I have to start with 1 tomorrow so I can add them all up. 100 means to achieve, to aim, to gather, to acquire, to experience life at its best.
Wednesday, January 30
Sunday, January 27
Chapters of Our Lives (January 27, 2008)
I have a friend who is getting married today.
There are many chapters of our lives that we wanted to start and to end. I have these pressing chapters on friendships and love that I wanted to end. I have some guilt and hatred that I wanted to throw away. I have some inner conflicts that I wanted to put to rest. And with the throwing and ending comes a new beginning, a new chapter to start.
Marriage is one new chapter of our lives. We end the last page of singlehood facing a new challenge to our existence. It is going to be pages and pages of new things. They might come in the form of surprises, of disappointments, or pure joy. It is the anticipation of what's going to happen next that makes the reader awake, and reading.
With my friend's new chapter, I send him all the best.
Thursday, January 24
The Treasure (January 24, 2008)
Sometimes one must travel far to discover what is near. (The Treasure)
When I was still living with my parents, I took it for granted the very relationship I have with my mum and dad. It was just an everyday meet, greeting each other in the morning and saying good night. It was just an ordinary get together during lunch and dinner. We rarely speak, rarely say what we feel, and rarely sit down for a chat.
I am now far away from my parents and from my friends. I had been away for many years though I visit them when I can. Lately, I have noticed that I am becoming lonelier and lonelier. I am feeling homesick and alone most of the time. I also feel that I have not been a good son to my parents because I had been away for a long time.
So now, I grab what I can to be able to visit my parents such as time and opportunities. I make sure that when I am there I am listening and sharing and showing my true affections. Distance and time made me realize the beauty I left and the lost, I am now feeling.
When I was still living with my parents, I took it for granted the very relationship I have with my mum and dad. It was just an everyday meet, greeting each other in the morning and saying good night. It was just an ordinary get together during lunch and dinner. We rarely speak, rarely say what we feel, and rarely sit down for a chat.
I am now far away from my parents and from my friends. I had been away for many years though I visit them when I can. Lately, I have noticed that I am becoming lonelier and lonelier. I am feeling homesick and alone most of the time. I also feel that I have not been a good son to my parents because I had been away for a long time.
So now, I grab what I can to be able to visit my parents such as time and opportunities. I make sure that when I am there I am listening and sharing and showing my true affections. Distance and time made me realize the beauty I left and the lost, I am now feeling.
Tuesday, January 22
A Gift (January 22, 2008)
I received a special package through the mail. The mail carrier probably threw it in the house coz the package couldn’t fit in the mailbox. It was wrapped in brown paper with two huge elastic bands. It was from a friend far away.
I opened up the package and it was a book, a birthday present. It has two of the most important characters of my existence: God and children.
The book is entitled Kid’s View of God and it feature perspectives and stories of children about God. It is a pleasant surprise coming from someone I have met just recently. We do not know each other well, yet my friend knew that such a book is something I myself will appreciate and love.
So I would like to say a big thanks to Stephen for always being there for me. I appreciate all the efforts and the time he had been giving. God works extremely well that he gave me a friend, a true and sincere friend to keep.
I opened up the package and it was a book, a birthday present. It has two of the most important characters of my existence: God and children.
The book is entitled Kid’s View of God and it feature perspectives and stories of children about God. It is a pleasant surprise coming from someone I have met just recently. We do not know each other well, yet my friend knew that such a book is something I myself will appreciate and love.
So I would like to say a big thanks to Stephen for always being there for me. I appreciate all the efforts and the time he had been giving. God works extremely well that he gave me a friend, a true and sincere friend to keep.
Saturday, January 19
War Against Change (January 19, 2008)
The Cats in Krasinki Square is a book that tells about a young girl whose family has been destroyed by war. Even as she and her sister struggle to survive amid the war’s chaos, they risk their lives on a plan to help those still trapped behind Warsaw’s infamous Ghetto walls.
And while my student and I were discussing the content of the story, we suddenly stopped thinking to ourselves how war can affect us as individuals. The young student I was with was concerned about her family asking questions about the main character of the book. I was more concerned about what the future holds if conflicts and wars continue to happen.
Maybe the war that is to happen won’t be the same war we have heard from the past. The war that will escalate will be a war against change: the change in our daily lifestyle, the change in our attitude and the change the world is now manifesting.
And while my student and I were discussing the content of the story, we suddenly stopped thinking to ourselves how war can affect us as individuals. The young student I was with was concerned about her family asking questions about the main character of the book. I was more concerned about what the future holds if conflicts and wars continue to happen.
Maybe the war that is to happen won’t be the same war we have heard from the past. The war that will escalate will be a war against change: the change in our daily lifestyle, the change in our attitude and the change the world is now manifesting.
Friday, January 18
First Smile (January 18, 2008)
It had been a long time since I smiled and laughed at an e-mail sent to me. I was smiling and laughing not because it was funny in content but because it was so heartwarming that I felt talking to the person vis-à-vis. The feeling was different.
Perhaps it was because I haven’t seen the person for some times or it might be the way the message was written. It was candid and straight to the point. It was sincere and honest. I enjoyed reading it many, many times.
It might take some more days or months or probably years to receive something like what my friend sent but, I am hoping that writing e-mails can still be as candid as talking to someone face to face. It is magic!
Perhaps it was because I haven’t seen the person for some times or it might be the way the message was written. It was candid and straight to the point. It was sincere and honest. I enjoyed reading it many, many times.
It might take some more days or months or probably years to receive something like what my friend sent but, I am hoping that writing e-mails can still be as candid as talking to someone face to face. It is magic!
Tuesday, January 15
Acquaintance or Friend (January 15, 2008)
Exactly ten years ago, a friend sent me a packet of letters from each and everyone in our group thru snail mail. I wasn’t hooked up to the net at that time so this last packet of letters was sent to cheer me up.
In one of the letters, it says,
I decided to send you this article (The difference between an acquaintance and being a friend) coz I feel the message of “Being a Friend” is quite nice and timely. I’m sure you’ll like it too as it have a touching message. It’s also our message to you that wherever you are and whatever your decisions are; we’ll always be there to support you. And we should be thankful that we have a group and that we continue to grow with our friends emotionally and spiritually. (D.)
Today is her birthday and I wanted to assure her that I will always be around even if we are separated by great distances. It is a celebration of friendship and not just being acquainted with one another. It is also an assurance to my friends that even if I am not always calling, e-mailing or sending messages; you are often thought of, prayed and deeply cared for. I miss all of you dearly.
In one of the letters, it says,
I decided to send you this article (The difference between an acquaintance and being a friend) coz I feel the message of “Being a Friend” is quite nice and timely. I’m sure you’ll like it too as it have a touching message. It’s also our message to you that wherever you are and whatever your decisions are; we’ll always be there to support you. And we should be thankful that we have a group and that we continue to grow with our friends emotionally and spiritually. (D.)
Today is her birthday and I wanted to assure her that I will always be around even if we are separated by great distances. It is a celebration of friendship and not just being acquainted with one another. It is also an assurance to my friends that even if I am not always calling, e-mailing or sending messages; you are often thought of, prayed and deeply cared for. I miss all of you dearly.
Friday, January 11
Hugs (January 11, 2008)
The first week of school is over and I am exhausted. I am tired not because of the workload but because I just came from a three weeks vacation. As they say, one needs a vacation after a vacation.
I miss the children. The children came in to class and they were full of life, stories to tell, things to share, and the joys in their faces are just the needed incentives for being a teacher. They gave me hugs over and over again in a span of two days. It was beyond expectation.
The power of hug is just miraculous. When one is scared, a hug from a mum is just what a child needs. When one is hurt, a hug from the nanny makes the bruise hurt less. When one is crying, a hug from a friend eases the burden momentarily.
There is nothing more rewarding than to see happy faces, great spirits, and fond enthusiasm from children. They might not be my own children but they certainly are my life's treasures.
I miss the children. The children came in to class and they were full of life, stories to tell, things to share, and the joys in their faces are just the needed incentives for being a teacher. They gave me hugs over and over again in a span of two days. It was beyond expectation.
The power of hug is just miraculous. When one is scared, a hug from a mum is just what a child needs. When one is hurt, a hug from the nanny makes the bruise hurt less. When one is crying, a hug from a friend eases the burden momentarily.
There is nothing more rewarding than to see happy faces, great spirits, and fond enthusiasm from children. They might not be my own children but they certainly are my life's treasures.
Tuesday, January 8
One Fine Student (January 08, 2008)
There is only one student in my many years of teaching that is still in contact with me. She was in my summer class when she was 5 and it made an impact to both of us as she learned how to write her name and I got to meet a very intelligent child.
She is now in high school meaning I am getting old. She still writes occasionally asking my whereabouts and how I am doing. I enjoy receiving and reading her mails. It is rare to find a student who acknowledges her strengths and success to her teachers.
Then I thought to myself if I had been as good as her, remembering the many teachers I had during my student days. I can only recall three who made an impact in my life. One was from my primary grades named Ms. Sibal while the other two were from my high school years, a speech and drama teacher (Mrs. Era) and a language teacher.
Ms. Sibal is an absolute delight as she is always fun and entertaining while maintaining a sense of direction and discipline. The other two high school teachers are brilliant as they encourage their students to do their best. Their words of wisdom and support are invaluable. They are models for me to follow.
So I bring to my class what I learned from them: dedication, spontaneity, creativity and my love for teaching.
She is now in high school meaning I am getting old. She still writes occasionally asking my whereabouts and how I am doing. I enjoy receiving and reading her mails. It is rare to find a student who acknowledges her strengths and success to her teachers.
Then I thought to myself if I had been as good as her, remembering the many teachers I had during my student days. I can only recall three who made an impact in my life. One was from my primary grades named Ms. Sibal while the other two were from my high school years, a speech and drama teacher (Mrs. Era) and a language teacher.
Ms. Sibal is an absolute delight as she is always fun and entertaining while maintaining a sense of direction and discipline. The other two high school teachers are brilliant as they encourage their students to do their best. Their words of wisdom and support are invaluable. They are models for me to follow.
So I bring to my class what I learned from them: dedication, spontaneity, creativity and my love for teaching.
Saturday, January 5
Clouds in a Bottle (January 05, 2008)
When I was very young, I used to think that I can put some clouds in a bottle and bring it home. I haven’t been on a plane ride that when I hear someone going on a trip, I asked them if they can bring me some clouds. Of course, times had changed and I have learned more than putting clouds in a bottle. It is an impossibility.
Some memories can be stored in a bottle but there are many that has to be put away, released and forgotten. Memories that had been putting negative vibes should be discarded. It is not healthy to relive and reminisce them. It destroys our inner core.
It is time to move on. It is time to see what is ahead and do something to make it easier for us to walk the path rather than tread with heavy feet. It is time to heal.
Some memories can be stored in a bottle but there are many that has to be put away, released and forgotten. Memories that had been putting negative vibes should be discarded. It is not healthy to relive and reminisce them. It destroys our inner core.
It is time to move on. It is time to see what is ahead and do something to make it easier for us to walk the path rather than tread with heavy feet. It is time to heal.
Thursday, January 3
Simple Joys (January 03, 2008)
There is this market in here that I frequent every weekend. I like walking along the many lines of stalls and seeing many beautiful people. I enjoy listening to occasional musicians displaying their virtuoso as well as other interesting mini-shows. It reminds me of my stay in Paris when I would stop to look and amaze myself with the mini-performances on the streets.
It just shows that people are all different that they have their own way of living, their own way of creating happiness for themselves, their own way of communicating their inner feelings to others through their arts. It is in looking at them that I see their spirits of hope and dedication. It is in watching them that they convey a simple message. I need to start living all over again, to look for the way, the way to happiness.
It is either in painting, in singing, or in performing that I can probably find my place because it is in these endeavours that I was happy.
It just shows that people are all different that they have their own way of living, their own way of creating happiness for themselves, their own way of communicating their inner feelings to others through their arts. It is in looking at them that I see their spirits of hope and dedication. It is in watching them that they convey a simple message. I need to start living all over again, to look for the way, the way to happiness.
It is either in painting, in singing, or in performing that I can probably find my place because it is in these endeavours that I was happy.
Tuesday, January 1
The Year That Was (January 01, 2008)
Come and go had been phrase evident during the last twelve months of the year. Friends, opportunities, love and dreams come and go. It had been timid but currently changing.
Blogging had been my only outlet to let go of the feelings, the anger, the tensions, the unrequited love and friendship, the disappointments and the successes. I am still lucky to have faced the storms with much courage and hope. And with God the whole time, things had been received better.
Changes are part of life and it is in having an open mind that we can accept the changes that come in our everyday dealings. Let us all face the year ahead of us with much optimism and hope. It is in facing our troubles that we get to be braver and stronger. Life is a learning experience.
Blogging had been my only outlet to let go of the feelings, the anger, the tensions, the unrequited love and friendship, the disappointments and the successes. I am still lucky to have faced the storms with much courage and hope. And with God the whole time, things had been received better.
Changes are part of life and it is in having an open mind that we can accept the changes that come in our everyday dealings. Let us all face the year ahead of us with much optimism and hope. It is in facing our troubles that we get to be braver and stronger. Life is a learning experience.
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