In this tiny corner labeled #15, I make my final post for the year. I have about fifteen minutes before I log off. The coins in my pocket can only afford one hour's worth of internet use. Oh well...Here goes.
What a year this has been. Quite a year. Sad times, happy times. Moments of laughter, moments of sorrow. Special memories and forgettable ones. Wise moves, miscalculated ones. Moments of endless chatter and those of prolonged silence.
Half an hour ago, I check my email just to have a heads up on what week one of January 2006 will be like at work.
It is quite obvious but let me just say, in life, rarely do we get a 'heads up', if at all. But here I am ready to face the new year.
Comforted in the goodness and grace of God, I say.....Bring it on!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Some Changes
We are moving to the 19th floor.
I don’t think I have mentioned that my employer recently (and finally!) closed the deal with the property management of the building that we are leasing. We currently lease three floors of the building and in January 2006, we will occupy half of the 19th floor.
Talks have been ongoing as to which of the teams will be moving. Chris informed me moments ago of the final arrangements.
“Jovy hasn’t mentioned anything to you?” he asks.
“No. It may have slipped her mind.” I reply.
Moving to another place, be it to the next room, next door or the next street can be stressful. My mind is a bit frazzled already so the news did not sit too well with me. And oh, have I mentioned that I am moving to another apartment next month as well?
I wanted to ask Chris something else but I decided not to.
The question? ….
Where, in this new arrangement, will I be located?
It honestly didn’t matter whether I still get a room or not. Had it not been for Chris, I would have felt so alone in this lonely corner. A room isolates, I realize. It has been a huge adjustment from the open space I have when I was with finance. I opted not to blog those sad times when I wish can only turn my chair and I have someone to talk to or simply stand up so I can bother the person on the other side of the cubicle. (Chris is not always around) I thought it too juvenile for a blog entry.
I realize at the time that I am more of a people person than I care to admit. I love interacting with people. I honestly do not know how long I can sustain being some kind of a recluse by the sheer nature of my job.
I am rattling but my real question behind THAT question?
Will I share a room with Mia? Or will my cubicle be next to hers?
I have spoken to Mia maybe just three times. Let me share with you the most recent encounter.
She came up to me and asked for some updates on a project that was taken from her. (she took a two-month leave). I informed her of the two managers who currently handle the projects.
Mia exudes a confident air and owns an unusually loud voice…. for a female. She also has that habit of not letting you finish your sentence. A combination of traits that I don’t particularly like.
One of my friends in the finance department was right, she very rarely smiles. (as you may have guessed, she is a ‘popular’ figure in the office)
“From how I understand, William used to do it this way and that way…. I wonder how it is being done now?” Mia asks me. William is the guy I replaced. I thought to myself, my side of the universe deals with data content, her team takes care of process.
I remember another warning from a colleague. “She tends to meddle in the business of others and criticize you behind your back.”
Hmmm. But, I asked myself, what harm can she do to me? So, I decided to humor her and gave her a general idea of how my boss wants to approach projects going forward.
I sense an eagerness in her to share what she knows so I let her have the chance. She took a board marker and started writing on the huge white board. For 15 minutes, I let her speak.
I must admit, she gave me very useful information. So, I listen and ask questions. She voiced her concerns that the people handling the project may not have a full grasp of the issues confronting Asia and Japan. The two project managers (her team mates) are based in the UK and the US. The girl has a point.
How did our talk end? Quite well, I must say. I encouraged her to speak with their boss because I have no hand in how projects are assigned. She agreed and said she is eager to go back into the thick of things. I in turn, agreed that we needed someone in Asia to represent such projects.
She smiles at me.
Whoa! Progress! In half an hour. I give myself an imaginary pat on the back.
“Patayin mo sa bait (disarm her with kindness)” I remember one of my friends’ advice regarding her. Will do my best.
So, do I still want to share a room with Mia? Do I want my cubicle next to hers? With that voice?
Not really. She is okay. But maybe in small doses. if it's a cubicle, chances are, mine will be right next to hers. I suppose I should be ready for anything.
Be ready for anything. The song of my life. I let out a sigh. This change is nothing compared to the other things in my life right now.
One of the things that I learned in 2005 is not to sweat the small stuff.
I look out the window and grimace at the huge unsightly structure that I call my view.
I can’t help but smile. Hmmm. Wait a sec. I wonder, which half of the building are we occupying?
I don’t think I have mentioned that my employer recently (and finally!) closed the deal with the property management of the building that we are leasing. We currently lease three floors of the building and in January 2006, we will occupy half of the 19th floor.
Talks have been ongoing as to which of the teams will be moving. Chris informed me moments ago of the final arrangements.
“Jovy hasn’t mentioned anything to you?” he asks.
“No. It may have slipped her mind.” I reply.
Moving to another place, be it to the next room, next door or the next street can be stressful. My mind is a bit frazzled already so the news did not sit too well with me. And oh, have I mentioned that I am moving to another apartment next month as well?
I wanted to ask Chris something else but I decided not to.
The question? ….
Where, in this new arrangement, will I be located?
It honestly didn’t matter whether I still get a room or not. Had it not been for Chris, I would have felt so alone in this lonely corner. A room isolates, I realize. It has been a huge adjustment from the open space I have when I was with finance. I opted not to blog those sad times when I wish can only turn my chair and I have someone to talk to or simply stand up so I can bother the person on the other side of the cubicle. (Chris is not always around) I thought it too juvenile for a blog entry.
I realize at the time that I am more of a people person than I care to admit. I love interacting with people. I honestly do not know how long I can sustain being some kind of a recluse by the sheer nature of my job.
I am rattling but my real question behind THAT question?
Will I share a room with Mia? Or will my cubicle be next to hers?
I have spoken to Mia maybe just three times. Let me share with you the most recent encounter.
She came up to me and asked for some updates on a project that was taken from her. (she took a two-month leave). I informed her of the two managers who currently handle the projects.
Mia exudes a confident air and owns an unusually loud voice…. for a female. She also has that habit of not letting you finish your sentence. A combination of traits that I don’t particularly like.
One of my friends in the finance department was right, she very rarely smiles. (as you may have guessed, she is a ‘popular’ figure in the office)
“From how I understand, William used to do it this way and that way…. I wonder how it is being done now?” Mia asks me. William is the guy I replaced. I thought to myself, my side of the universe deals with data content, her team takes care of process.
I remember another warning from a colleague. “She tends to meddle in the business of others and criticize you behind your back.”
Hmmm. But, I asked myself, what harm can she do to me? So, I decided to humor her and gave her a general idea of how my boss wants to approach projects going forward.
“But everything is still in the drawing board,” I end my spiel.
I sense an eagerness in her to share what she knows so I let her have the chance. She took a board marker and started writing on the huge white board. For 15 minutes, I let her speak.
I must admit, she gave me very useful information. So, I listen and ask questions. She voiced her concerns that the people handling the project may not have a full grasp of the issues confronting Asia and Japan. The two project managers (her team mates) are based in the UK and the US. The girl has a point.
How did our talk end? Quite well, I must say. I encouraged her to speak with their boss because I have no hand in how projects are assigned. She agreed and said she is eager to go back into the thick of things. I in turn, agreed that we needed someone in Asia to represent such projects.
She smiles at me.
Whoa! Progress! In half an hour. I give myself an imaginary pat on the back.
“Patayin mo sa bait (disarm her with kindness)” I remember one of my friends’ advice regarding her. Will do my best.
So, do I still want to share a room with Mia? Do I want my cubicle next to hers? With that voice?
Not really. She is okay. But maybe in small doses. if it's a cubicle, chances are, mine will be right next to hers. I suppose I should be ready for anything.
Be ready for anything. The song of my life. I let out a sigh. This change is nothing compared to the other things in my life right now.
One of the things that I learned in 2005 is not to sweat the small stuff.
I look out the window and grimace at the huge unsightly structure that I call my view.
I can’t help but smile. Hmmm. Wait a sec. I wonder, which half of the building are we occupying?
Monday, December 12, 2005
Decidedly Feminine
It is an orange pointy slip-on shoes encrusted with tiny sequins.
It caught my eye, despite the assortment of shoes displayed all over this small shoe store in Glorietta (one of the big malls in the business district). The sequins give it a sparkle, yes, but it is its certain shade of orange that fascinated me.
I grab my friend EVA, she looks at the price tag and checks how the shoes look on my feet from the full length mirror in front of us. She nods in agreement, “It is great! Go buy!” (Thank God for girl friends! Especially when they support a purchase decision. Ha ha ha )
Yep, I bought it. On sale. At 50% off.
After asking the saleslady on how to clean and maintain this recent purchase, (cleaning it will be tricky), we leave the store.
Next, we go from store to store looking for a pair of white pants.
It can be quite frustrating looking for the right pair of pants. It got to a point where I seriously thought of buying white skirt instead. (It is more difficult to buy pants than skirts).
“It has been awhile since I wore a skirt,” I tell EVA. “Maybe it is time I go back to wearing them again.”
I had no particular reason why I decided to stop wearing skirts. It just became convenient to just slip on to a pair of jeans or slacks when going to the office (or anywhere else for that matter).
Then, a good friend, Beng forwarded me this article In Defense of my Pink Slingbacks.
“I remembered your floral shoes”, she tells me.
I realize then that, my flair for girlie shoes and accessories could well be my attempt to avoid falling into the gender-neutral zone.
I am sure all women will agree that the right pair of shoes does something to a woman’s stride. I think the right kind of skirt creates the same effect.
Going back to our malling, I found a nice pair of white pants from one of my favorite stores, its price hugely discounted as well.
As we find our way towards the counter, EVA says, “Yeah, I think it is time you start wearing skirts again.”
I give her a meaningful smile.
It caught my eye, despite the assortment of shoes displayed all over this small shoe store in Glorietta (one of the big malls in the business district). The sequins give it a sparkle, yes, but it is its certain shade of orange that fascinated me.
I grab my friend EVA, she looks at the price tag and checks how the shoes look on my feet from the full length mirror in front of us. She nods in agreement, “It is great! Go buy!” (Thank God for girl friends! Especially when they support a purchase decision. Ha ha ha )
Yep, I bought it. On sale. At 50% off.
After asking the saleslady on how to clean and maintain this recent purchase, (cleaning it will be tricky), we leave the store.
Next, we go from store to store looking for a pair of white pants.
It can be quite frustrating looking for the right pair of pants. It got to a point where I seriously thought of buying white skirt instead. (It is more difficult to buy pants than skirts).
“It has been awhile since I wore a skirt,” I tell EVA. “Maybe it is time I go back to wearing them again.”
I had no particular reason why I decided to stop wearing skirts. It just became convenient to just slip on to a pair of jeans or slacks when going to the office (or anywhere else for that matter).
Then, a good friend, Beng forwarded me this article In Defense of my Pink Slingbacks.
“I remembered your floral shoes”, she tells me.
I realize then that, my flair for girlie shoes and accessories could well be my attempt to avoid falling into the gender-neutral zone.
I am sure all women will agree that the right pair of shoes does something to a woman’s stride. I think the right kind of skirt creates the same effect.
Going back to our malling, I found a nice pair of white pants from one of my favorite stores, its price hugely discounted as well.
As we find our way towards the counter, EVA says, “Yeah, I think it is time you start wearing skirts again.”
I give her a meaningful smile.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Mud pies and holiday
"Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are halfhearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
I have read this quote before. I even think I have posted this in my blog (have I?). While I skim over an interesting site, I saw this passage by C.S. Lewis again.
I wonder if the hopes and desires I have at the moment are mere mud pies. The dictates of a rather harsh global culture and the lure of materiality that we come face to face every single day can unwittingly get under our skin. Without reminders from the Word of God, wisdom from well-grounded friends and tough love from family, it is so easy to get shortsighted. Even easier to have our priorities muddled.
So muddled that yes, we might even fail to see the holiday at sea that God is willing to give to us. If only to Him we’d say --
“Okay then, have it Your way."
I have read this quote before. I even think I have posted this in my blog (have I?). While I skim over an interesting site, I saw this passage by C.S. Lewis again.
I wonder if the hopes and desires I have at the moment are mere mud pies. The dictates of a rather harsh global culture and the lure of materiality that we come face to face every single day can unwittingly get under our skin. Without reminders from the Word of God, wisdom from well-grounded friends and tough love from family, it is so easy to get shortsighted. Even easier to have our priorities muddled.
So muddled that yes, we might even fail to see the holiday at sea that God is willing to give to us. If only to Him we’d say --
“Okay then, have it Your way."
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
With bated breath
624 U/ml.
My heart sank as I stared at my mother’s latest CA125 lab result. Three months back (after her sixth chemo), we had an encouraging 45 U/ml from a pre-chemo count of 4000 U/ml.
The cancer cells do not waste time, I thought. A few days ago, my sister sent me a message. “She has to undergo chemotherapy again.”
The cancer cells are active, says the doctor. In my heart, I wished he said, “cancer is in remission” instead.
Three months. She only had three months of reprieve from the effects of the potent medicines. Now, she goes back to the hospital and takes in doses of chemo again. Will her body respond as positively as the last cycle? Can her body sustain another round of strong medications?
I think my mind went blank when I got the confirmation of my mother’s next cycle of chemotherapy. The same blank feeling I got each time I hear updates of my father’s condition during the two days that he was in ICU. (that was just a few months back!)
But in the privacy of my room, I give myself a chance to feel, to cry. To release the heaviness and take in fresh doses of strength. The next few months will be times of … what..? I really don’t know. Day by day. Morning by morning, I just need to take things one at a time. Each day, we are given grace that is sufficient for today . Admittedly, there are certain moments that I lose composure and go through moments of doubting. But I remember a verse from the Bible: “who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”. No one really. Tomorrow is another day. I cling tightly to God’s comforting arms. I brace myself.
Postscript: We actually got news of my mother’s latest tumor marker test (CA 125) a few weeks back. I guess, I try hard to make myself feel that things are simply routine. Many times I wish that my days will just take usual ho-hum route. My form of denial. But no, life is far from routine.
My heart sank as I stared at my mother’s latest CA125 lab result. Three months back (after her sixth chemo), we had an encouraging 45 U/ml from a pre-chemo count of 4000 U/ml.
The cancer cells do not waste time, I thought. A few days ago, my sister sent me a message. “She has to undergo chemotherapy again.”
The cancer cells are active, says the doctor. In my heart, I wished he said, “cancer is in remission” instead.
Three months. She only had three months of reprieve from the effects of the potent medicines. Now, she goes back to the hospital and takes in doses of chemo again. Will her body respond as positively as the last cycle? Can her body sustain another round of strong medications?
I think my mind went blank when I got the confirmation of my mother’s next cycle of chemotherapy. The same blank feeling I got each time I hear updates of my father’s condition during the two days that he was in ICU. (that was just a few months back!)
But in the privacy of my room, I give myself a chance to feel, to cry. To release the heaviness and take in fresh doses of strength. The next few months will be times of … what..? I really don’t know. Day by day. Morning by morning, I just need to take things one at a time. Each day, we are given grace that is sufficient for today . Admittedly, there are certain moments that I lose composure and go through moments of doubting. But I remember a verse from the Bible: “who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”. No one really. Tomorrow is another day. I cling tightly to God’s comforting arms. I brace myself.
Postscript: We actually got news of my mother’s latest tumor marker test (CA 125) a few weeks back. I guess, I try hard to make myself feel that things are simply routine. Many times I wish that my days will just take usual ho-hum route. My form of denial. But no, life is far from routine.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Huh?!
Check out an email message from my boss addressed to her entire team:
Guys,
I just wanted to recognize JC and RB for being awarded the XXX Company Bottoms award.
This award is given to the XXX employees who under-perform on an annual basis. Their underwhelming performance did not go un-noticed.
Let’s applaud JC and RB for their accomplishments.
Congratulations and keep up the poor work!
To which one of the team members replies: "Let my people GOOOO!"
I am not really sure what is going on. Some joke I am not privy to. I get the feeling that I am the only one in the dark over this. Maybe, I will ask Maria. This is the thing with globalization. You call 'team mates' people who are half a world away with Microsoft Outlook as your only link. Maria's anecdotes about the team in the US gave me a picture of a pretty tight and happy team. They are very generous with their praises, Maria especially (maybe because she is of Latin descent). I would love to know the story behind this email. (sigh ..sigh..)
Maria expressed her desire and intention to make me feel that I am part her team, never mind the distance that separates me from all of them.
"Just drop me or anyone of us an email anytime." was her last instruction before we ended the call.
"You know, Maria. You really should bring me to New York. Wouldn't a team building activity bring us all together? What do you think? ", I said to her.
-------
No, I didn't. HA! But what a thought, huh?
Guys,
I just wanted to recognize JC and RB for being awarded the XXX Company Bottoms award.
This award is given to the XXX employees who under-perform on an annual basis. Their underwhelming performance did not go un-noticed.
Let’s applaud JC and RB for their accomplishments.
Congratulations and keep up the poor work!
To which one of the team members replies: "Let my people GOOOO!"
I am not really sure what is going on. Some joke I am not privy to. I get the feeling that I am the only one in the dark over this. Maybe, I will ask Maria. This is the thing with globalization. You call 'team mates' people who are half a world away with Microsoft Outlook as your only link. Maria's anecdotes about the team in the US gave me a picture of a pretty tight and happy team. They are very generous with their praises, Maria especially (maybe because she is of Latin descent). I would love to know the story behind this email. (sigh ..sigh..)
Maria expressed her desire and intention to make me feel that I am part her team, never mind the distance that separates me from all of them.
"Just drop me or anyone of us an email anytime." was her last instruction before we ended the call.
"You know, Maria. You really should bring me to New York. Wouldn't a team building activity bring us all together? What do you think? ", I said to her.
-------
No, I didn't. HA! But what a thought, huh?
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Disoriented
Monday at half past seven in the evening. I wear a satisfied smile on my face while I attach the excel file and type in a summary of the report. I felt pretty good about the report I have put together for my boss. As I click the ‘send’ button, a surge of eagerness washed over me. I can't wait to discuss this one with her tomorrow, I thought.
During my initial meeting with Maria (my boss), we agreed to have biweekly phone calls, with or without any deliverables. Being managed by a superior located halfway across the globe is quite difficult without the regular updates and yes, some small talk.
Tomorrow, is our next scheduled call.
Anyways, the next day, 9am. I dial her number and I hear her machine. I leave a quick message to tell her I will call in ten minutes. Maybe she is having dinner with her husband, I thought. Ten minutes later, I call again. Still, the machine picked up my call. I leave a second message. Hmmm. This is unusual. Absentmindedly, I check my calendar and - Oh no!! I thought in dismay. Then ended up laughing aloud. By myself. Imagine how that looked.
……..….
Oh yes, I called a day earlier! I should call her Wednesday, 9am. (Tuesday 8pm EST). Arrgh! I scolded myself, “you have been calling her Wednesday mornings for the past three months, why get confused after all this time?” My answer, “ I don’t know. Tao lang. ( I am only human).”
I drop Maria an email, apologized for the confusion and promised to call tomorrow.
I am just relieved she didn’t pick up the call herself! Not that she will get angry or anything. She’ll probably laugh but … I cringe at the thought.
The rest of my Tuesday was uneventful after that. In this case, I’d take uneventful anytime!!
During my initial meeting with Maria (my boss), we agreed to have biweekly phone calls, with or without any deliverables. Being managed by a superior located halfway across the globe is quite difficult without the regular updates and yes, some small talk.
Tomorrow, is our next scheduled call.
Anyways, the next day, 9am. I dial her number and I hear her machine. I leave a quick message to tell her I will call in ten minutes. Maybe she is having dinner with her husband, I thought. Ten minutes later, I call again. Still, the machine picked up my call. I leave a second message. Hmmm. This is unusual. Absentmindedly, I check my calendar and - Oh no!! I thought in dismay. Then ended up laughing aloud. By myself. Imagine how that looked.
……..….
Oh yes, I called a day earlier! I should call her Wednesday, 9am. (Tuesday 8pm EST). Arrgh! I scolded myself, “you have been calling her Wednesday mornings for the past three months, why get confused after all this time?” My answer, “ I don’t know. Tao lang. ( I am only human).”
I drop Maria an email, apologized for the confusion and promised to call tomorrow.
I am just relieved she didn’t pick up the call herself! Not that she will get angry or anything. She’ll probably laugh but … I cringe at the thought.
The rest of my Tuesday was uneventful after that. In this case, I’d take uneventful anytime!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
New Snow
Look, look out on the trees
Well, from here it looks like crystal
Shining in the breeze
Look, look out on the land
Well it finally looks like winter
So just reach out your hand and --
Feel the new snow falling softly 'round me
a second chance to make things alright
Like a new love calling
New snow is falling
Just outside my window tonight
It is an excerpt from the song New Snow by Flim and the BBs**.
It is a ballad that talks not just about saying goodbye but also of hope and new beginnings.
Let us just say that this old song came to mind (and became my anthem) with Colin, one my friends and constant companions at the office, deciding to move on to another company. Yes, another fixture in my work life off the shelf!
The song speaks of footprints disappearing into the new snow. I think of the footprints of people who have walked my way and have moved on to different paths. I think of the footprints of those that continue to walk my way.
I also see some footprints going a certain way…I look down, pause, turn and deliberately take a different direction. Yes, sometimes, we do need to take stock of things and choose which footprints we want to see right beside our own.
I think of the path ahead of me. And though I haven't seen snow, I think of the song, beautifully accompanied by piano and saxophone. Then, I imagine looking out the window, reaching out my hand and feeling a certain new breeze embrace me.
**The more popular and commercial version is from Michael Ruff, i think.
Well, from here it looks like crystal
Shining in the breeze
Look, look out on the land
Well it finally looks like winter
So just reach out your hand and --
Feel the new snow falling softly 'round me
a second chance to make things alright
Like a new love calling
New snow is falling
Just outside my window tonight
It is an excerpt from the song New Snow by Flim and the BBs**.
It is a ballad that talks not just about saying goodbye but also of hope and new beginnings.
Let us just say that this old song came to mind (and became my anthem) with Colin, one my friends and constant companions at the office, deciding to move on to another company. Yes, another fixture in my work life off the shelf!
The song speaks of footprints disappearing into the new snow. I think of the footprints of people who have walked my way and have moved on to different paths. I think of the footprints of those that continue to walk my way.
I also see some footprints going a certain way…I look down, pause, turn and deliberately take a different direction. Yes, sometimes, we do need to take stock of things and choose which footprints we want to see right beside our own.
I think of the path ahead of me. And though I haven't seen snow, I think of the song, beautifully accompanied by piano and saxophone. Then, I imagine looking out the window, reaching out my hand and feeling a certain new breeze embrace me.
**The more popular and commercial version is from Michael Ruff, i think.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Somebody's gotta do it
“Hello.” came the curt greeting from the other line.
“Hello, Lito. Are you ready for lunch?” I said cheerfully.
Before he could reply, “Wait a second. Are you going to be bad company today? You sound sad again. Please, can we talk about happier things? Please..?” He has been grouchy since beginning of the week and I can’t stand another day being at the receiving end of this whining. Again.
“I can’t help it. There is just something that Anne (Anne is one of his team members) said … "
“You know, I think I’ll have indigestion if we spend an hour of negativity,” I said sweetly. “Oh please can we talk about other things over lunch, please? I won’t like you as my lunchmate if you give me another round of those complaints. Only happy thoughts. This one time?” The sugary tone didn’t escape him.
“Okay,” he says with a sigh.
I relented. “Okay, I give you 15 minutes tops to let it out and that is it.”
“No. I promise. No complaining this time.” Happily, i put down the phone proceeded to the 8th floor cafeteria.
When I met him at 8th floor, I saw Anne with him and we spend an hour free of office issues that usually dampen their moods. But our new topic leaves a lot to be desired as well. (sigh) I prefer to keep it at that.
Four hours later, Lito calls me up for snacks. This time, with Colin. Still no complaints (yess..) but his face was morose and at one point, he bowed his head and rested his cheek on the table. Colin and I looked at each other, with questions in our eyes.
There are a lot of times when I do prefer not to have Lito join us for meals. He tests my patience. Whining has become his bad habit.
But I felt a wave of compassion for the guy.
“Cheer up. Lito.” With a defeated sigh, I said, “ Okay, let’s hear them.”
Without hesitation, he begins a litany of his office angst. We listen patiently. After he was done with his monologue, it was my (and Colin’s) turn to speak. We gave him harsh but honest words. Some were reminders. Others were corrections.
We gave him hard questions. He was quietly nodding his head. I just hope he realizes that Colin and I sincerely want to help him see things in a different perspective.
I don’t know how much of what we said really hit home. We did our part. The rest is up to him.
“Hello, Lito. Are you ready for lunch?” I said cheerfully.
Before he could reply, “Wait a second. Are you going to be bad company today? You sound sad again. Please, can we talk about happier things? Please..?” He has been grouchy since beginning of the week and I can’t stand another day being at the receiving end of this whining. Again.
“I can’t help it. There is just something that Anne (Anne is one of his team members) said … "
“You know, I think I’ll have indigestion if we spend an hour of negativity,” I said sweetly. “Oh please can we talk about other things over lunch, please? I won’t like you as my lunchmate if you give me another round of those complaints. Only happy thoughts. This one time?” The sugary tone didn’t escape him.
“Okay,” he says with a sigh.
I relented. “Okay, I give you 15 minutes tops to let it out and that is it.”
“No. I promise. No complaining this time.” Happily, i put down the phone proceeded to the 8th floor cafeteria.
When I met him at 8th floor, I saw Anne with him and we spend an hour free of office issues that usually dampen their moods. But our new topic leaves a lot to be desired as well. (sigh) I prefer to keep it at that.
Four hours later, Lito calls me up for snacks. This time, with Colin. Still no complaints (yess..) but his face was morose and at one point, he bowed his head and rested his cheek on the table. Colin and I looked at each other, with questions in our eyes.
There are a lot of times when I do prefer not to have Lito join us for meals. He tests my patience. Whining has become his bad habit.
But I felt a wave of compassion for the guy.
“Cheer up. Lito.” With a defeated sigh, I said, “ Okay, let’s hear them.”
Without hesitation, he begins a litany of his office angst. We listen patiently. After he was done with his monologue, it was my (and Colin’s) turn to speak. We gave him harsh but honest words. Some were reminders. Others were corrections.
We gave him hard questions. He was quietly nodding his head. I just hope he realizes that Colin and I sincerely want to help him see things in a different perspective.
I don’t know how much of what we said really hit home. We did our part. The rest is up to him.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A price I willingly paid
Sure, I just came from a ten-day off from work. Sure, two days of that were spent recovering from a cold virus that almost ruined the rest of my vacation. Sure, a day before my long break, six of Chris’ (the guy I share the room with in the office) staff were tasked (by my boss) to ‘assist’ me so I can complete my deliverables. (Yep, I will complete them upon my return. Isn’t my boss the coolest?!)
But their help came with a price. Rey, together with the two other guys in the team teased me no end about buying them merienda… What a naughty, rowdy trio.. They feign a cough while saying “pizza! pizza!”. They give me melodramatic lines about how they need to squeeze in this extra job to fit into their hectic schedules. I thought to myself, oh dear, I kinda see myself in them. This is payback it seems. I am sometimes guilty of sweet talking my way to a freebie. Guys usually give in easily.
I held my ground. I laughed with them as they continued in their spiels. I smiled at them as they stepped out of the room, unsuccessful. Whew! It was difficult to refuse but I had a budget to think of given my long break. Okay, honestly, I just wanted to win that round. My competitive streak was on.
Day one of my return to the office. We hold a meeting to discuss issues. With Chris’ permission, I ask them to do one more simple thing which I know my boss will ask. Once again, the three guys (the three ladies were shy, it seems) began reciting the phone numbers of a pizza company and a burger chain. Over and over again. Now, that is new.
And where was Chris throughout this 'ordeal' ? Right there with us, quietly watching, smiling and wondering if and when i will give in to the pressure.
To their surprise, I said 'okay, go. snacks on me'. I handed Rey the money and suddenly, the three boys blushed! I laughed seeing them squirm in embarrassment. They didn’t expect my response. Three huge guys blushing Ha ha ha How adorable! They said they were just kidding. I said, sure you were.
When I get a freebie, I just clap with glee. No apologies. Maybe because they are boys, err men. And they just ripped off a lady… (umm..that would be moi) .. That, while calling me ma’am. The three ladies were less vocal but I see their potential.
Half an hour later, you see us in the pantry, gorging on pizza.
But their help came with a price. Rey, together with the two other guys in the team teased me no end about buying them merienda… What a naughty, rowdy trio.. They feign a cough while saying “pizza! pizza!”. They give me melodramatic lines about how they need to squeeze in this extra job to fit into their hectic schedules. I thought to myself, oh dear, I kinda see myself in them. This is payback it seems. I am sometimes guilty of sweet talking my way to a freebie. Guys usually give in easily.
I held my ground. I laughed with them as they continued in their spiels. I smiled at them as they stepped out of the room, unsuccessful. Whew! It was difficult to refuse but I had a budget to think of given my long break. Okay, honestly, I just wanted to win that round. My competitive streak was on.
Day one of my return to the office. We hold a meeting to discuss issues. With Chris’ permission, I ask them to do one more simple thing which I know my boss will ask. Once again, the three guys (the three ladies were shy, it seems) began reciting the phone numbers of a pizza company and a burger chain. Over and over again. Now, that is new.
And where was Chris throughout this 'ordeal' ? Right there with us, quietly watching, smiling and wondering if and when i will give in to the pressure.
To their surprise, I said 'okay, go. snacks on me'. I handed Rey the money and suddenly, the three boys blushed! I laughed seeing them squirm in embarrassment. They didn’t expect my response. Three huge guys blushing Ha ha ha How adorable! They said they were just kidding. I said, sure you were.
When I get a freebie, I just clap with glee. No apologies. Maybe because they are boys, err men. And they just ripped off a lady… (umm..that would be moi) .. That, while calling me ma’am. The three ladies were less vocal but I see their potential.
Half an hour later, you see us in the pantry, gorging on pizza.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Mumblings
We do have the weirdest weather in Manila. It can't seem to make up its mind.
It was a humid Monday night with barely a breeze in the air.
A very promising Tuesday, the morning sun promptly making its (heated) presence felt.
Midday, the sky turns dark, the mood downcast, the air cold. Minutes later, the heavy clouds give way.
An hour-long downpour.
Now, three hours later, I look out the window and the sun shows up again, drying up the puddles that muddied my floral shoes earlier (I just had to say that! Ha ha ha).
When I think about it, life mirrors today’s changing condition .…..
But I think it mirrors a woman’s mood swings even more.
(A woman speaketh). =D
It was a humid Monday night with barely a breeze in the air.
A very promising Tuesday, the morning sun promptly making its (heated) presence felt.
Midday, the sky turns dark, the mood downcast, the air cold. Minutes later, the heavy clouds give way.
An hour-long downpour.
Now, three hours later, I look out the window and the sun shows up again, drying up the puddles that muddied my floral shoes earlier (I just had to say that! Ha ha ha).
When I think about it, life mirrors today’s changing condition .…..
But I think it mirrors a woman’s mood swings even more.
(A woman speaketh). =D
Friday, October 21, 2005
Ignoring life's little pains
I twisted my left ankle several days ago. Just a minor thing, really. (as I am able to walk seconds after that “incident”)
Blame it on my 1.5 (or is it 2?) inch light brown shoes that provided little protection, if at all (but the shoes look very feminine and stylish..oh dear me...the price of vanity). Or maybe I can blame it on the sloped side road I was brave enough to walk on or maybe I am just innately clumsy. (I’ve always thought of myself as flat-footed because of the regular ‘slips’, but I am not. I just needed a plausible excuse)
I don’t feel any pain at all but just to give my poor ankles a rest, I put that pair of shoes aside.
Once in a while, to give my feet its much-deserved exercise, I do the usual stretches. Now I move it in a gentle and gradual circular motion… ouch! Did I just say I didn’t feel any pain? I take it back. My left ankle hurts.
It is not the kind of ache that needs a bandage, not the kind that would render me immobile, not the kind that would require me some pain relievers, not the kind that would hinder me from walking.
But it is there.
Ironically, I feel it when I am resting. I feel it when I touch the portion that bore my weight from that near-fall.
I am sure of two things:
It does not give me an excruciating ache, just a discomfort, a slight sting.
It does not hinder me from my regular routine.
In the meantime, how do I deal with it? What’s the best anesthetic?
Nothing. I just have to ignore it. When I do feel a semblance of pain, I endure it and simply walk it off.
See, there is one more thing I am certain of, this pain is temporary.
That is how I choose to deal with my little pains, be it from a sprained ankle or from something else.
Blame it on my 1.5 (or is it 2?) inch light brown shoes that provided little protection, if at all (but the shoes look very feminine and stylish..oh dear me...the price of vanity). Or maybe I can blame it on the sloped side road I was brave enough to walk on or maybe I am just innately clumsy. (I’ve always thought of myself as flat-footed because of the regular ‘slips’, but I am not. I just needed a plausible excuse)
I don’t feel any pain at all but just to give my poor ankles a rest, I put that pair of shoes aside.
Once in a while, to give my feet its much-deserved exercise, I do the usual stretches. Now I move it in a gentle and gradual circular motion… ouch! Did I just say I didn’t feel any pain? I take it back. My left ankle hurts.
It is not the kind of ache that needs a bandage, not the kind that would render me immobile, not the kind that would require me some pain relievers, not the kind that would hinder me from walking.
But it is there.
Ironically, I feel it when I am resting. I feel it when I touch the portion that bore my weight from that near-fall.
I am sure of two things:
It does not give me an excruciating ache, just a discomfort, a slight sting.
It does not hinder me from my regular routine.
In the meantime, how do I deal with it? What’s the best anesthetic?
Nothing. I just have to ignore it. When I do feel a semblance of pain, I endure it and simply walk it off.
See, there is one more thing I am certain of, this pain is temporary.
That is how I choose to deal with my little pains, be it from a sprained ankle or from something else.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
I gripe
I have a messed up desk right now. Papers strewn all over the place. I remember agreeing to have a table smaller than what I should have in order to accommodate the other occupant of this room. It seemed spacious enough especially since I was given a very nice 19-inch flat panel. Now, I feel like saying, “I want that table back!”
Whew! Breath in, breath out. I steal a glance at Chris, my very mild-mannered, soft-spoken, nice looking roommate.....
...........
Okay, okay!. No more complaints.
Whew! Breath in, breath out. I steal a glance at Chris, my very mild-mannered, soft-spoken, nice looking roommate.....
...........
Okay, okay!. No more complaints.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
This one is for you
We all have fixtures in our lives. They keep our days predictable and secure. And though sometimes, days become routine, fixtures make them bearable. Some fixtures, you will have your entire life, others, for a brief moment.
Yet no matter the length of time, fixtures leave happy and fond memories, memories that lift that corner of your lips to a happy smile.
For over a year, this fixture shared my passion for two important loves of my life - music and writing (a rare combination that this fixture shares with two others), among other many little things.
For over a year, it has entertained, educated and enlivened me. Over the last year, it has been exactly that, a fixture that decorated my shelf called life.
Now this fixture has left its usual place on my daily shelf. And though I feel a tinge of sadness and nostalgia, I am also filled with a huge amount of gratitude -- for the happy and carefree company.
This post is for you, James. My way of saying you were a daily fixture on my shelf that I will remember with fondness. And with great pride.
Here’s to your new and bloggable adventures! Cheers! (you’ll be saying a lot of that, I am sure!)
Yet no matter the length of time, fixtures leave happy and fond memories, memories that lift that corner of your lips to a happy smile.
For over a year, this fixture shared my passion for two important loves of my life - music and writing (a rare combination that this fixture shares with two others), among other many little things.
For over a year, it has entertained, educated and enlivened me. Over the last year, it has been exactly that, a fixture that decorated my shelf called life.
Now this fixture has left its usual place on my daily shelf. And though I feel a tinge of sadness and nostalgia, I am also filled with a huge amount of gratitude -- for the happy and carefree company.
This post is for you, James. My way of saying you were a daily fixture on my shelf that I will remember with fondness. And with great pride.
Here’s to your new and bloggable adventures! Cheers! (you’ll be saying a lot of that, I am sure!)
Thursday, October 06, 2005
This thing called IFRS
It turned the financial reporting world upside down - International Financial Reporting Standards.
The international standards for accounting and auditing have been in existence since the 60s, serving as the rudder that steers the direction of the world of financial reporting. But these standards are by far reaching an unprecedented significance as the world moves closer towards international convergence.
One by one, countries from all over make the gradual and painful transition from their existing local standards to IFRS. Other countries are more prepared than others with their respective accounting standards council initiating revisions in their local standards to make it parallel to IFRS.
IFRS shook a portion of the standards’ foundations. I am not privy to the process that went with the finalization of IFRS but the powers that govern the finance world is autocratic. The Council draws up the details while the rest of us wait in anxious anticipation. Suffice to say, IFRS is geared towards fair market value reporting. The Standards also addressed the contentious ‘off-balance sheet’ items arising from derivatives. Off balance sheet no more!
As a corporation that sells financial information, my employer prepared well for the radical changes, making headway in product enhancements and database adjustments. Our production group and technology group had to be up to speed in order to provide subscribers with the latest and most updated information.
With some of the basic accounting rules revised or totally discarded, I had to do a lot reading and studying to ‘update’ myself. Some of my days are spent helping some non- accountants in the team understand the changes.
Change!!! It is all about change and how resilient we need to be. I remember that little (but expensive) book called Who Moved My Cheese. In the age of globalization, we can’t be complacent. We have a choice between becoming like a Hem or a Haw.
IFRS. It is the force that pretty much renders the latest editions of all accounting books obsolete.
The international standards for accounting and auditing have been in existence since the 60s, serving as the rudder that steers the direction of the world of financial reporting. But these standards are by far reaching an unprecedented significance as the world moves closer towards international convergence.
One by one, countries from all over make the gradual and painful transition from their existing local standards to IFRS. Other countries are more prepared than others with their respective accounting standards council initiating revisions in their local standards to make it parallel to IFRS.
IFRS shook a portion of the standards’ foundations. I am not privy to the process that went with the finalization of IFRS but the powers that govern the finance world is autocratic. The Council draws up the details while the rest of us wait in anxious anticipation. Suffice to say, IFRS is geared towards fair market value reporting. The Standards also addressed the contentious ‘off-balance sheet’ items arising from derivatives. Off balance sheet no more!
As a corporation that sells financial information, my employer prepared well for the radical changes, making headway in product enhancements and database adjustments. Our production group and technology group had to be up to speed in order to provide subscribers with the latest and most updated information.
With some of the basic accounting rules revised or totally discarded, I had to do a lot reading and studying to ‘update’ myself. Some of my days are spent helping some non- accountants in the team understand the changes.
Change!!! It is all about change and how resilient we need to be. I remember that little (but expensive) book called Who Moved My Cheese. In the age of globalization, we can’t be complacent. We have a choice between becoming like a Hem or a Haw.
IFRS. It is the force that pretty much renders the latest editions of all accounting books obsolete.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
A Certain Smile
How could I have forgotten Johnny Mathis in my roster of favorites?! Admittedly, I only know two or three of his songs. But (again!) my father liked listening to him and Mathis’ voice grew on me. I always mistake him for Nat King Cole. They sound the same to me. That is why I like them both.
Most of all, I love his song A Certain Smile
Years back, I watched an old movie with the same title. (One of the local networks had a month long feature of classic movies. You bet I didn’t miss a single one.) It is a love story set in France. Of course, the actors were all French except for one vaguely familiar name – Joan Fontaine. I think she was a famous Hollywood star.
Where was I? I am rambling.. Oh yes.
To my surprise (and pleasure!), Johnny Mathis himself made a special appearance in the movie and sang the song.
His song, nominated for Song of the Year during the 1958 Academy Awards, is a classic. The lyrics…Whew! And his voice..! You just have to hear him sing.
A certain smile, a certain face
Can lead an unsuspecting heart
On a merry chase
A fleeting glance can say
So many lovely things
Suddenly you know why my heart sings
You love awhile and when love goes
You try to hide the tears inside
With a cheerful pose
But in the hush of night
Exactly like a bitter sweet refrain
Comes that certain smile
To haunt your heart again
I used to only know the very first line and last four lines. That was enough for me. It had me at .. a certain smile.
Most of all, I love his song A Certain Smile
Years back, I watched an old movie with the same title. (One of the local networks had a month long feature of classic movies. You bet I didn’t miss a single one.) It is a love story set in France. Of course, the actors were all French except for one vaguely familiar name – Joan Fontaine. I think she was a famous Hollywood star.
Where was I? I am rambling.. Oh yes.
To my surprise (and pleasure!), Johnny Mathis himself made a special appearance in the movie and sang the song.
His song, nominated for Song of the Year during the 1958 Academy Awards, is a classic. The lyrics…Whew! And his voice..! You just have to hear him sing.
A certain smile, a certain face
Can lead an unsuspecting heart
On a merry chase
A fleeting glance can say
So many lovely things
Suddenly you know why my heart sings
You love awhile and when love goes
You try to hide the tears inside
With a cheerful pose
But in the hush of night
Exactly like a bitter sweet refrain
Comes that certain smile
To haunt your heart again
I used to only know the very first line and last four lines. That was enough for me. It had me at .. a certain smile.
Monday, October 03, 2005
When the heart hurts
I was watching one of my favorite shows when one line from one of the lead characters floored me. It went something like this -
“I am not just sad. I am broken.”
I blinked to fight the tears. Exactly how I feel.
I recently had a bitter argument with someone who means a lot to me. Sadly, I still don’t have the strength to confront the situation and mend the relationship.
Thinking about the strained relationship gives me a hollow feeling. A deep sadness. A certain brokenness. Writing about it still makes me cry.
Last weekend, I get a text message from a friend. “ I hope you can find a way to make things right…”
I am sure things will normalize but at this point, some pieces of my broken whole may take a while to find. And may take awhile to put back together.
I don’t go about my day long-faced and grouchy. I manage a genuine smile and give a hearty laugh every so often.
But sometimes, I do flash a smile that never reaches my eyes. Maybe sometimes, for a brief moment, I look down to hide a pained expression triggered by a memory.
"The mighty God will not despise
The contrite heart for sacrifice;
The deep-fetched sigh, the secret groan,
Rises accepted to the throne.
He meets, with tokens of his grace,
The trembling lip, the blushing face;
His bowels yearn when sinners pray;
And mercy bears their sins away.
When filled with grief, o'erwhelmed with shame;
He, pitying, heals their broken frame;
He hears their sad complaints, and spies
His image in their weeping eyes."
“I am not just sad. I am broken.”
I blinked to fight the tears. Exactly how I feel.
I recently had a bitter argument with someone who means a lot to me. Sadly, I still don’t have the strength to confront the situation and mend the relationship.
Thinking about the strained relationship gives me a hollow feeling. A deep sadness. A certain brokenness. Writing about it still makes me cry.
Last weekend, I get a text message from a friend. “ I hope you can find a way to make things right…”
I am sure things will normalize but at this point, some pieces of my broken whole may take a while to find. And may take awhile to put back together.
I don’t go about my day long-faced and grouchy. I manage a genuine smile and give a hearty laugh every so often.
But sometimes, I do flash a smile that never reaches my eyes. Maybe sometimes, for a brief moment, I look down to hide a pained expression triggered by a memory.
"The mighty God will not despise
The contrite heart for sacrifice;
The deep-fetched sigh, the secret groan,
Rises accepted to the throne.
He meets, with tokens of his grace,
The trembling lip, the blushing face;
His bowels yearn when sinners pray;
And mercy bears their sins away.
When filled with grief, o'erwhelmed with shame;
He, pitying, heals their broken frame;
He hears their sad complaints, and spies
His image in their weeping eyes."
Friday, September 30, 2005
My Lifelong Love Affair
I can’t recall when I first heard this song. I can only remember how my older sister, Becky liked it. (During my impressionable years, I pretty much liked everything that my older siblings liked.) I hardly learned the lyrics but the melody and the singer’s voice, I distinctly recall. The song? Stereo by America. From lyrics.com, excerpt of the song goes:
Stereo
We’re livin’ it in stereo
We fix it so our love is high fidelity
Mix it so we never lose the melody
We try to equalize our lives in stereo
We’re livin’ it in stereo
We tune it till we have a perfect parody
Commune with such a fine-cut, crystal clarity
It seems to symbolize
Our lives in stereo
Growing up, I developed my own taste in music. My interest spawned from Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Fra Lippo Lippi, Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles, Usher and Nelly. It even went as far back as Matt Monro, Engelbert Humperdinck, Patti Page, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, etc etc.
Still, the soulful sound of the late 70’s draws me and for some brief moments brings me back in time – to the music industry’s glory days. I love the songs of James Taylor, Seals and Croft, Jim Croce, John Denver, Bread and Don McLean. Their music defies time, I believe.
Some years ago, it happens again. I hear this old song every so often but never catch the jocks mention the artist nor the title. For the longest time, I don’t know anything about the song and hardly paid attention to the lyrics, except that the voice is vaguely familiar. I am sure it is another one from the 70s.
Just recently, I chance upon the disjock (Bless him!) giving his listeners a background on my elusive song. The song’s title, Right Before My Eyes! Finally!
The Artist? America! What do you know? The two songs that kept me guessing are from one group of gifted musicians from the 70s! Right away, I check lyrics.com and smile as I read the lyrics. Do humor me as I share some words from the song and agree how mushy (and how vintage!) it is.
Every day I sit beside you
On the bus to Madison Avenue
Work in the big gray store
With the revolving doors
You don’t even know my name
I guess that I’m to blame
Don’t know the right things to say
So I pretend away
That I’m Rudolph Valentino
Pull up in my limousine
Oh, won’t you come in out of the rain
Things’ll never be the same
And then just like Greta Garbo
You stare like there’s no tomorrow
And you’ll know what I’m thinking of
Right before your eyes I fall in love with you
I kinda know that Valentino and Garbo are Hollywood icons. Maybe I could just change it from Valentino to Brad Pitt and Garbo to umm…Angelina Jolie. Just to keep with the times. But then I realize, those two names made the song distinct. Besides, I don’t like Angelina right now. And Brad Pitt, for that matter.
There! I found my song. What next? Nothing else. Those who love music like I do can understand that “finding” my elusive song is reward enough. And maybe, just maybe, adding a greatest hits album to my collection.
“There have been others but never two lovers like music, music and me.” Oh yea. I like Michael Jackson’s music too. Way, way, way back when …
Hmm. Liked my title? What did you think this was all about? =)
Stereo
We’re livin’ it in stereo
We fix it so our love is high fidelity
Mix it so we never lose the melody
We try to equalize our lives in stereo
We’re livin’ it in stereo
We tune it till we have a perfect parody
Commune with such a fine-cut, crystal clarity
It seems to symbolize
Our lives in stereo
Growing up, I developed my own taste in music. My interest spawned from Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Fra Lippo Lippi, Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles, Usher and Nelly. It even went as far back as Matt Monro, Engelbert Humperdinck, Patti Page, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, etc etc.
Still, the soulful sound of the late 70’s draws me and for some brief moments brings me back in time – to the music industry’s glory days. I love the songs of James Taylor, Seals and Croft, Jim Croce, John Denver, Bread and Don McLean. Their music defies time, I believe.
Some years ago, it happens again. I hear this old song every so often but never catch the jocks mention the artist nor the title. For the longest time, I don’t know anything about the song and hardly paid attention to the lyrics, except that the voice is vaguely familiar. I am sure it is another one from the 70s.
Just recently, I chance upon the disjock (Bless him!) giving his listeners a background on my elusive song. The song’s title, Right Before My Eyes! Finally!
The Artist? America! What do you know? The two songs that kept me guessing are from one group of gifted musicians from the 70s! Right away, I check lyrics.com and smile as I read the lyrics. Do humor me as I share some words from the song and agree how mushy (and how vintage!) it is.
Every day I sit beside you
On the bus to Madison Avenue
Work in the big gray store
With the revolving doors
You don’t even know my name
I guess that I’m to blame
Don’t know the right things to say
So I pretend away
That I’m Rudolph Valentino
Pull up in my limousine
Oh, won’t you come in out of the rain
Things’ll never be the same
And then just like Greta Garbo
You stare like there’s no tomorrow
And you’ll know what I’m thinking of
Right before your eyes I fall in love with you
I kinda know that Valentino and Garbo are Hollywood icons. Maybe I could just change it from Valentino to Brad Pitt and Garbo to umm…Angelina Jolie. Just to keep with the times. But then I realize, those two names made the song distinct. Besides, I don’t like Angelina right now. And Brad Pitt, for that matter.
There! I found my song. What next? Nothing else. Those who love music like I do can understand that “finding” my elusive song is reward enough. And maybe, just maybe, adding a greatest hits album to my collection.
“There have been others but never two lovers like music, music and me.” Oh yea. I like Michael Jackson’s music too. Way, way, way back when …
Hmm. Liked my title? What did you think this was all about? =)
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
And Nature Speaks
“We used to call this sportsman's paradise," said a Louisiana native. "But sometimes Mother Nature will come back and remind us that it has power over the land. That's what this storm did."
I had to pause while reading the news on the aftermath of the two lady hurricanes that hit Texas and Louisiana. The words seem to jump out of the computer screen.
I can almost feel the profound emotion, the loss. But only someone who has witnessed that terrible devastation can truly relate.
"All we can do is hang on".
"We've taken quite a beating."
I read story after story and viewed hundreds of pictures of properties destroyed by Katrina and Rita. But the words from that Louisiana native rang in my head.
I continue to read:
Long before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, governments and engineers with lively imaginations have come up with some strange ideas for how to combat nature's wrath, including drawing up plans to seed clouds, spill oil, set up windmills and even drop atomic bombs to soften the blow of lethal storms (AFP/NOAA/File)
Man, no matter how brilliant, can never outsmart the hand of God. There are people who seriously believe they can maneuver their way out of a natural phenomenon. They think they can 'jump the gun' on God. Calamities like these remind me of my humanity, of how defenseless man can be when nature lashes out her fury.
A passage from Isaiah 40 comes to mind:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
We can never fully understand why disasters happen. It is difficult to make sense of such events especially in the minds of those who seem to be near death’s door. How painful it is to those who are literally picking up the pieces of their broken lives. How seemingly hopeless and desperate to see your places of security in a pile of rubble.
I always remember someone telling me: Everything we go through always passes through the loving hand of the Sovereign Creator. This too, shall come to pass.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
In the face of disaster, we come to terms with our humanity. We remember our own mortality and helplessness. We remember compassion. We remember hope. We remember to pause. And pray. The most human thing to do, is pray.
I had to pause while reading the news on the aftermath of the two lady hurricanes that hit Texas and Louisiana. The words seem to jump out of the computer screen.
I can almost feel the profound emotion, the loss. But only someone who has witnessed that terrible devastation can truly relate.
"All we can do is hang on".
"We've taken quite a beating."
I read story after story and viewed hundreds of pictures of properties destroyed by Katrina and Rita. But the words from that Louisiana native rang in my head.
I continue to read:
Long before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, governments and engineers with lively imaginations have come up with some strange ideas for how to combat nature's wrath, including drawing up plans to seed clouds, spill oil, set up windmills and even drop atomic bombs to soften the blow of lethal storms (AFP/NOAA/File)
Man, no matter how brilliant, can never outsmart the hand of God. There are people who seriously believe they can maneuver their way out of a natural phenomenon. They think they can 'jump the gun' on God. Calamities like these remind me of my humanity, of how defenseless man can be when nature lashes out her fury.
A passage from Isaiah 40 comes to mind:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
We can never fully understand why disasters happen. It is difficult to make sense of such events especially in the minds of those who seem to be near death’s door. How painful it is to those who are literally picking up the pieces of their broken lives. How seemingly hopeless and desperate to see your places of security in a pile of rubble.
I always remember someone telling me: Everything we go through always passes through the loving hand of the Sovereign Creator. This too, shall come to pass.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
In the face of disaster, we come to terms with our humanity. We remember our own mortality and helplessness. We remember compassion. We remember hope. We remember to pause. And pray. The most human thing to do, is pray.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Mishka
Check out my first autographed CD!!!
It’s an album by a talented young jazz artist Mishka Adams.
I still find it hard to believe that that voice is from someone who is in her early twenties. Those who appreciate the legendary voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday will definitely love her sound. What makes her more special is her lineage. She is half Filipino. Born and raised in the Philippines!!
I must thank James for introducing me to her new CD. Thank you!
And special thanks to my friend Malou for giving me reason to drop by Tower Records that night to find something for her birthday. Otherwise, I would not have found out that Mishka is coming over to the store for a mini-concert and autograph session.
I would have missed the pleasure of meeting this awesome young talent!
So, this is how it feels to be an adoring fan.
It’s an album by a talented young jazz artist Mishka Adams.
I still find it hard to believe that that voice is from someone who is in her early twenties. Those who appreciate the legendary voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday will definitely love her sound. What makes her more special is her lineage. She is half Filipino. Born and raised in the Philippines!!
I must thank James for introducing me to her new CD. Thank you!
And special thanks to my friend Malou for giving me reason to drop by Tower Records that night to find something for her birthday. Otherwise, I would not have found out that Mishka is coming over to the store for a mini-concert and autograph session.
I would have missed the pleasure of meeting this awesome young talent!
So, this is how it feels to be an adoring fan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)