QOTD

 QOTD #32: On fear, courage... and love.

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by PAM

"Man, I was... I was terrified. I tried drinking, you know, make it all go away, but... it didn't work. Nothing did.  Then I realized a good Marine doesn't act in the absence of fear.  They act in the face of it.  So, I did."

- Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), 'Virgin River' S6:E3

Yep, it's one of those weekends when there is so much to digest and reflect on because the whole week has been a 'colorful collage' of many important events, many of which were challenging, a handful were stressful and tiring, and some quite sobering.  

So, yep, I had a week of emotional roller coaster filled with intellectual 'adventures' and leadership puzzles, and personal realizations.  Unlike Jack Sheridan - the lead character played by Martin Henderson in the Netflix series, 'Virgin River', though, who was also faced with a colorful barrage of dangerous encounters as a Marine captain and thereafter, I didn't try drinking - I never will.  I do understand the fear - the unsettling awareness of the danger that lies ahead, and how it can strike at any moment.  It doesn't help that I tend to overthink things sometimes...

especially when there is very little known alternative to avoid the expected danger. Such anticipation can lead to panic and decision paralysis, which is the worst effect of fear.

When I was younger, I was usually unafraid to take on 'fearsome matters' just because I believed... no, I knew, I knew then that the more fearsome the challenges were in front of us, the greater the learning - whether the challenge was surmounted or not.  Therefore, 'acting in the face of fear', and acting with the best possible decision under the circumstances, always brought the most satisfying outcome - win or lose.  

These days, after learning so much from previous experiences, I have been losing my appetite for facing danger and all the monstrosity that comes with it.  Not that I am afraid... I remain unafraid.  Let's just say that I am more in touch with my mortality these days... and given all the time I spent in facing danger and the excitement of 'acting in the face of it' in a thankless job, I am now more inclined to the quiet, 'less exciting' life.  I guess the thankless nature of my job is the biggest factor of danger that I usually faced (and still face), and the biggest reason why the 'appetite' dwindles and it inclines somewhere else.  I now enjoy getting home before the sun sets, cooking and savoring freshly cooked meals, watering the plants and almost literally watching them grow... and just enjoying a quiet evening without so many things racing in my head, and keeping me awake all night.  Many people say, I'll get bored and will soon crave the 'dangerous life'.  So far, my interest keeps inclining somewhere else.

These days, spending 'busy' weeks are so unbelievably stressful for me even when such weeks are actually just a 'walk-in-the-park when compared with my pursuits back in the days when I was the equivalent of Jack Sheridan's Marine captain in my Academic Unit in the University.  I guess my passion for dangerous pursuits has dwindled... or, I may need a new scenario to rekindle my appetite for slaying danger and all the monstrosities that come with it.  And just exactly how will I do that?  Okay, now... that might just be the equivalent of 'acting in the face of danger'.  And my pulse quickens.... 💓🙏

***     

Image credit:  The image in this post is from Netflix through Entertainment Weekly - thanks both.

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QOTD

 QOTD #31: On the journey of discovery, getting off track... and returning to one's true passion

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by PAM

"Who you are isn't finite.  You'll be different a year from now, ten minutes from now.  So, embrace who you are in this moment."

- Ronnie Sullivan (Brandon Quinn), 'Sweet Magnolias', S4:E7

Yes, I am one of them worriers in this world.  I sometimes am unable to stay in the moment... I will admit.  Okay, I just did... admit.  By the time people say, "ahhh", "hmmm," with eyes closed and face seemed to be illuminated by a glorious light from up above after taking that perfect bite from a delicious main course of a fabulous dinner, I would already be imagining the dessert... and all the very many possibilities... such as someone choking if the dessert was a rice cake of sorts.  My hyper imaginative mind will then race to far flung places such as 911 and someone being rushed to the Emergency Room due to some nasty tapioca pearl getting caught in someone's throat or something.  So, if someone would ask my opinion about the steak and whether or not it was cooked to my liking, I wouldn't know how to answer.  In fact, I hardly know what were served at dinner at all!  But when someone gasped for air... that's it, I would be on my phone dialing 911 - emergency, someone is choking!!         

As I binge-watched Season 4 of "Sweet Magnolias" to have my favorite young couple, Ty and Annie, keep me company as I work, work, work... into Valentine's Day, Annie's Dad, Ronnie, caught my attention as he set Annie's worried mind at ease.  The gorgeous, kind and naturaly talented budding artist, Annie, was stressing her brains out over College applications.  She was doubting herself whether this or that school would be a good fit for her as she wants to study photography... and what if she chose one school and then realized one day that photography was not her real passion?  What then?  She was imagining a thousand and one scenarios, and it drover her crazy.    

I can relate with Annie... not that I'm a 17-year-old girl deciding about college!  No, not that, of course!  I was fifteen (15) years old when I started college... and I just wanted to study!  I didn't have the crisis that Annie had.  My National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) Test (yes, we had that in the Philippines when I was in High School) score and qualitative analysis indicated that I can pursue anything... and I positively felt that way, too.  I chose chemical engineering in two universities where I took entrance examination, political science and journalism in another.  I passed in all... but I decided to study chemical engineering at the University of Santo Tomas (UST)... not that I knew what I was doing.  I let my faith work, and it led me to teaching chemical engineering in the same University later.  The rest is history as they say.    

These days, I am handling a relatively important assignment at work... and I remain interested and engaged.  However, as I also begin to 'slow down' in preparation for retirement, my original passions that I consciously set aside to give way to what was practical for me and my family decades ago are now 'bubbling back' towards the surface... and it's becoming more and more difficult to ignore. So, my passion for what I do at work started to dwindle a bit... until it's becoming quite impossible to ignore my real passion.  

Decades ago, it was easier to choose between what was practical and needed, and what I was (am) passionate about.  I chose 'practical and needed', hands down... because I love my family and I have always been committed to my family.  I never regretted my choice because, over the years, as I wholeheartedly fulfill my obligations, I discovered myself... and the many gifts that God gave me that enabled me to accomplish many things.  Everyday, I felt excited because of the hope to discover something new.  Without a doubt, who I am and who I can be is finite as only God is infinite.  But putting trust in God as I embarked to the journey of discovery, I felt that the hope in my heart - that is centered in God's love, made me believe that 'anything is possible'. Indeed, 'the possibility is endless' as they say... and if we worked hard, we can realize many of those possibilities. Sometimes, our choices cause us to stray away from the road that leads to the better version of ourselves.  This is when prayers lift the clouds in front of us, fortify our vision... and the road to happiness reveals itself in front of us.  The journey continues.  Perhaps, that's what Ronnie Sullivan meant when he said to Annie, "what you are isn't finite".  One moment, we are plunged in a sea of confusion, but with a small prayer and lots of faith, we are bathed in a light of clarity... a beautiful experience that only God's love can afford us. 

I can say that the journey of discovery has been awesome!  These days though, there are a few remaining reasons to stay practical... but the call to pursue passion gets louder and louder.  I feel that there is more to discover. And, to continue discovering... I have to change course.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

***

Image credit:  The photo of Ty (Carson Rowland) and Annie (Anneliese Judge) is borrowed from Tudum by Netflix - thank you.

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QOTD

 QOTD #30:  When reality strikes... and it takes you by surprise.

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by PAM

 

"...and since I am currently one of the women sitting home thinking, 'if I could only find a man like Aragorn', he picked me.

- Lorelai Gilmore, "Gilmore Girls" S4:E22 

I wasn't thinking of posting anything here today... or in the next few days, or maybe weeks.  I have planned to spend my 'free time' just getting back to healthy state and just forgetting about work, or anything that requires an effort to not be the introvert that I truly am - regardless whether the reason for getting out of my 'introvert cocoon' is a family matter, friends matter or what have you.  I planned of locking myself inside my own little introverted world and resume

binge-watching "Gilmore Girls" (GG) on Netflix... and ignore the (ignorable) fact that there is a whole wide world out there... a teeny tiny part of which is curious whether I am still alive or have ceased existing altogether.  

And then GG S4:E22 came on - an episode where Lorelai was contemplating dating her long-time dependable and permanent ('cause nothing much in Lorelai's life is permanent, except the love between her and her daughter, Rory) friend, Luke Danes.  In the previous episode, Lorelai and Luke attended Luke's sister's wedding... and they 'oddly' hit it off as they danced at the reception... and after Luke realized in the middle of listening to a self-help audio book that at every important point in his life (good or bad) in the last (almost) two decades, there has always been that one person he would like to share it with - Lorelai.  Hence, the odd feeling of being together at the wedding, and saying goodbye afterwards at Lorelai's doorstep... which did not escape Lorelai. So, in E22, she was dissecting the situation with Rory... trying to determine whether Luke would really like to date her, or just taking pity on her newly single self (again) after her last relationship ended abruptly due to 'family complications', which is almost always the case for Lorelai's lovelife.

Ah... that caught your attention, didn't it?  Lovelife!   You think I'd be talking about my own lovelife here.  Well, I am sorry to disappoint but I do not have a lovelife, at least, not the romantic kind that you might be expecting... and therefore, there is nothing of the sort to talk about here.  That's the reality, my reality.  It's a good reality, too, and I'm happy.  So, deal and move on!

***

Thinking of Aragorn in a universe parallel with Lorelai Gilmore's

What caught my attention in GG S4:E22 is Lorelai's mention of Aragorn from the "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR).  I've seen this scene before... but it still caught me by surprise.  I blame my current (and, perhaps, forever) 'single blessedness' to him, Aragorn.  He is so dashing, brave, intelligent, incredible leader, and just about perfect, especially as portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in the series of films by Peter Jackson. That 'Aragorn speech' at the Black Gate in "LOTR: The Return of the King" (LOTR:TROTK) alone, and the courage he showed to make good his speech all throughout the film series, especially in that monumental Battle of Helm's Deep in "LOTR: Two Towers", and in the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, will forever haunt me, and will always be the standard on which men should be measured... in my book.

"Hold your ground, hold your ground... this day we fight!"

So, if this scene from LOTR:TROTK made many women in this world, including the fictitious Lorelai Gilmore, to expect even the smallest hint of perfection in men, can you blame them?  Can you blame us?  Still speechless in amazement?  Uhm, yeah... that's what I thought!    

Alright, back to GG... and the thoughts of Aragorn. Oy!  

Ciao!

***

Video Credit:  Thanks, Youtube, for the video link.

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QOTD

 QOTD #29: The simple little things in which we find joy... and a lot of 'cheese'.

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by PAM

"...small things are the big things. The good things only happen from all the hundreds of  tiny steps you take along the way."

- David (Tyler Hynes), "It was always you" (A Hallmark movie)

Can you keep a secret? I have a confession to make. Ah, uhm... I'm a Hallmark TV movies junkie! Shhh... don't tell.  Haha... 

Of course, I always appreciate beautifully produced full-length 'Oscar-worthy' cinematic films, especially those that are superbly directed and edited; and with excellent cinematography and musical scoring, too. Sometimes though, especially when I'm dealing with complex matters, mind-boggling films are simply not appealing.  I just want to be entertained with some light, feel-good, wholesome, uncomplicated and family-oriented 'bite-size' movies that takes my mind away from complexities. And that's what Hallmark usually offers... and they have tons of movies to choose from, albeit formulaic and very predictable.  In that pile of 'cookie cutter' movies, there are a good number that are worth watching and re-watching with deliberate plan to enjoy rather than just to mindlessly decompress.

While I 'seasonally' like sappy movies, I remain to be that 'tough little cookie' who wears that engineer's hat underneath the big Higher Education admin hat that's humbly decorated with a passionate teacher's tiny golden apples and a (wannabe) scientist's magnifying glass. There is always room for 'simple little things' that bring enormous joy in a world where people expect you to be constantly busy thinking deeply, critically and analytically. *eye roll* Haha...  In fact, I make room for simple little things in my own life... no matter what! So, whenever time allows, and especially during holidays, my favorite thing to do is to curl up in the big chair in my bedroom with a bag of chips, a bowl of hot chunky salsa dip and a tumbler of soda... and go on a Hallmark movies marathon like there's no tomorrow!  And when the situation chooses to be stingy with personal downtime, I wrestle it to make time!  

I particularly love the heart-warming Christmas themed Hallmark TV movies that revolve around family and loved ones.  I have soft spot for those that involved cute and smart kids, and/or pets, especially dogs.  I love how Hallmark movies show that nuggets of beautiful lessons in life can be picked up from these movies without the disturbing images of violence, sex, and the lust for material things... or some 'so called documentary' of a royal family's lives from the perspective of one (supposedly) love-stricken 'royal' who refuses to grow up, tirelessly tries to invade everyone's universe while (supposedly) begging for privacy because wailing on media is so much easier and obviously more lucrative than doing actual work. *sigh*  As to how one tries to heal from mental health issues by publicly humiliating and inflicting pain to one's own family members - incredibly mean and hypocritical, and I imagine, effectively burns all bridges - is terribly confusing for me. But I digress... back to wholesome Hallmark movies!  Haha... I know, I'm too 'old-fashioned'... but I do enjoy the peace of mind that being 'old-fashioned' brings. So, old-fashioned is good for me.

I have many Hallmark TV movie favorites.  Some are really old, and mostly the inspiring and tear-jerker kind... and I've watched them like five times each! And I cried each time! Hahaha... I do have one relatively newer fave that came out in 2021 - "It was always you". It stars the fabulous Hallmark 'heavy weight', Erin Krakow (Elizabeth, or Lizzy), and the always-fascinating, Tyler Hynes (the globe-trotting David).  With two of the most reliable crowd-drawer stars of Hallmark collaborating, I knew it's going to be great.  And, nope, they did not disappoint because, as usual, they both did a beautiful job! 

Erin made Elizabeth to be this funnily conflicted highly organized predictable dentist who has a deeply guarded 'adventurous side' that wants to explore the world. Her predictable Elizabeth side fits well with George (David's eldest brother who is a dentist, too), a childhood friend with whom she was engaged. Her adventurous Lizzy side, which is the one she really prefers and what makes most of herself, fits with a 'zing' with David - another childhood friend with whom she had a 'cat-dog' relationship since they were kids. A bridge mishap that cut-off George from their island town left Elizabeth to be stuck with David to tick-off her wedding plans checklist. Their new-found closeness empowered Elizabeth to muster the courage to let her true self come to the surface, and to be true to the desires of her heart.

To make the not-so-long a story short, Elizabeth broke off her engagement with George, and set out to fulfill a childhood dream to travel the world with the hope of 'rediscovering herself' and finding out what she truly wanted, one tiny step at a time, before following a meticulously 'planned' life that strictly adheres to checklists and stern focus on her dentistry practice just like George. She came back home, resolved to follow her heart, and that led her, one tiny step at a time, to David. 

It turned out that David has been pining for Elizabeth since the day he discovered her written travel wishes and lists in between the pages of a travel book in his family library when they were 13 years old. It was this that inspired his globe-trotting adventures later. He then wrote a note for Elizabeth, expressing his affection for her, and his hope to travel with her to the places that she wished to see. He put the note between the pages of another travel book.  He hoped she'd find it but Elizabeth never did until he showed her much later when they met again upon her return from her one-year travels.  Romance bloomed... you know the rest.  

This made David's family happy as they saw from the very beginning the 'zing' between Elizabeth and David even in their teenage days when they can't seem to get along.  On the other hand, George discovered 'zing' with a co-worker that he always had a soft spot for because of shared values and passion for their profession.

Tyler's David was hilarious, adorable... and extremely charming even when he tries to be annoying. He has that effortless good looks and easy acting talent - so relaxed and natural - to pull off the combination of adjectives that befit a perfect Hallmark romcom hero, too. I like Tyler a lot. I love the characters he played in every Hallmark movie that I saw him portray.  Five of the more recent ones are his remarkable team up with Lacey Chabert in "Winter in Vail" and "Sweet Carolina", the very deliciously emotional "Time for him to come home for Christmas", and the hilarious "An Unexpected Christmas" and "Three wise men and a baby".   He has such a commanding presence on screen. He either appears to have that man's man aura about him that positively fits every damsel-in-distress' vision of a knight-in-shinning-armor, a moody and distant fellow but with a heart of gold appeal, or simply, that guy that treats a woman as his equal and challenges her to discover her many strengths in a no-nonsense, humorous and supportive way without being patronizing.

Erin's own engaging acting talents and picture-perfect cuteness fit so well with Tyler's. She has grown so well to be that highly effective actress - from lots of practice in "When Calls the Heart" for sure. She can be funny, awful, funnily awful, moving, the sweetest thing... she's just captivating.

Tyler and Erin's acting timing together was always perfect in this movie, and with just the right amount of seriousness, humor and, of course, romance. It's so adorable how they banter relentlessly only to warm up to each other, one tiny step at a time, in the end - everytime.  Their screen chemistry is fantastic, too. They didn't have to try hard to make falling in love with each other so believable. And the gorgeous location of the movie adds to the sweet atmosphere that's made for falling in love.  In the end, I was fretting that the movie was too short!

So, if you are looking for uncomplicated entertainment that makes you laugh, teary-eyed... and can provide you with your fix of falling giggly in love, this movie is highly recommended. You'll find yourself 'grinning that silly grin' without knowing it - promise. Go for it!

"...you can't force 'zing', and you can't deny it when it's there..."

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Image credit: All photos featured in this post were screenshots from watching the featured Hallmark movie. Thanks, Hallmark.

Video credit:  The video featured in this post belongs to Hallmark Channel.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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QOTD

 QOTD #28:  Life's surprises are the best kind.

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by PAM

"Everyday is a new day.  It is better to be lucky.  But I would rather be exact.  Then when luck comes you are ready."

 - Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea

To spend the week-long Thanksgiving break at my sister's and brother-in-law's place in Boise, ID was a given.  They are my only family in this country, and we haven't seen each other since my last visit back in 2019.  Although that was only two years ago, so many things happened in between, most of which are pandemic-related, two of which involved death and a near-death experiences, were traumatic for all of us and they  

At Boise at my sister's, I had no idea what
awesomeness was waiting for us at
Sun Valley & Ketchum.

changed our lives forever. So, naturally, it is a good idea to catch-up.  The Thanksgiving break gave us that opportunity.

Surprisingly, the visit was not as emotional as I anticipated, especially that our father's first death anniversary was only about two weeks away during the time of my visit.  And, I haven't fully recovered from the trauma of being a COVID-19 survivor.  I guess the chance to see each other face-to-face after all the things that we endured over the last two years outweighed the need to assess whether we already have or yet to heal.  It seemed that the happiness to see each other, especially my sister and I, did most of the healing, and in an instant, too.  The rest of the trauma became just negligible.  Indeed, this is a pleasant surprise!

In their attempt to celebrate Thanksgiving together and to take a little vacation, my sister and brother-in-law planned a trip to the lovely, lovely city called Sun Valley, ID.  It is a place famous for its association with the legendary American novelist and Nobel Laureate, Ernest Hemingway.  It is well-known that he first stayed in the famous Sun Valley Lodge in 1939 while writing his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls.  I do like Hemingway.  He was one of the authors whose works we studied back in the early 1980s in my Junior High School years in the Philippines.  We specifically studied his Pulitzer-winning work, The Old Man and the Sea.  During that time, 

The Hemingway Memorial in Sun
Valley, just a preview of the
awesomeness that Sun Valley
& Ketchum are!

his grand daughters, (the late) Margaux Hemingway and Mariel Hemingway, were quite well-known young actresses, which added to the interest in studying his works.  I have to say, however, that I do not recall his association with Sun Valley, ID.  

Aside from Sun Valley, we also visited Ketchum, ID, which was the last home of Ernest Hemingway, and where his remains are buried.  In fact, we stayed in Hotel Ketchum - a beautiful tourist accommodation place right in the middle of the city but with the lovely snowcapped mountains around it seeming to envelope it.  We traveled back and forth between Ketchum and Sun Valley, mostly just walking.  I do think that the two cities are almost one and the same - in beauty and overall character.  It was so easy to walk between their centers, and just admire the breathtaking sceneries in between.  I loved it that the two cities are so understated, and almost 'hidden' from tourists. Except for the few mansions at the hills, overlooking the Sun Valley golf course below, the environment seemed unadulterated and carefully preserved in both cities.  They are lively cities, too, with enough good places to eat.  Shopping was also interesting with all the unique finds in those boutiques and regular stores that seemed to jump out of a Hallmark TV movie.  People are accommodating and friendly, but not overly so.  Both cities are quiet places without looking deserted.  At some point, my sister and I sat on a bench to admire the hills and the creek below, which sparkled from the rays of the sun... we did not realize that we were sitting there for more than an hour already despite the cold.  It is too beautiful and serene!  It is so refreshing compared with the big, noisy and tiresome cities of the United States!

While I did not expect Sun Valley and Ketchum to be so gloriously beautiful, I get it why the award-

The Hotel Ketchum - a great and practical
alternative to the legendary Sun Valley Lodge. 

winning novelist Hemingway whose personality was the very meaning of 'larger than life' especially in his younger days would choose to settle there after galivanting in the glittery cities of France, Spain and Cuba, and the big cities of the United States.  The drive from Boise to Ketchum and Sun Valley alone was incredible, filled with dramatic sceneries overwhelming the senses one after another without even trying. The long range of snow-capped mountains and the expanse of valleys below, bathed in the rays of the veiled sun in the approaching winter, were totally a thing to behold.  Getting 'up close and personal', and actually climbing a part of those mountains, is a totally unforgettable experience!  What a pleasant surprise, indeed, I thank my lucky stars!

To be continued in more details in the next post....

***

Photo credit:  All the photos used in this post are mine.

   

QOTD

QOTD #27: Ah... what we preach, and what we do.
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by PAM

"There can be an imperfect happiness (felicitas) attainable in this lifetime, in proportion to the exercise of Reason (contemplation of Truth) and the exercise of virtue."  

  - St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Contra Gentiles (paraphrased)

I've always believed that, if we were motivated by the right outcome in what we do, life is itself 'the pursuit of happiness', or more correctly, the pursuit of perfect happiness. 

In his book Summa Theologiae, I gathered that St.Thomas Aquinas defined 'perfect happiness', or beatitudo, as that mystical vision of God, which can only be possible in the afterlife.  It is in consonance with the belief of St. Augustine who said, "our heart is restless, until it rests in you," in his adoration of God. Unlike St. Augustine, however, St. Thomas Aquinas believed that we can still achieve 'imperfect happiness', or felicitas, in our lifetime.  This can be achieved in contemplation of the truth.  And the happiness we

St. Thomas Aquinas
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

achieved in the actualization of our natural faculties is "in proportion to the level of truth accessible to Reason".  

Therefore, our own rationalization of our actions, in which we exercise our mental faculty in aligning our actions with the contemplated truth, can help us achieve felicitas. That imperfect happiness that we feel in all that we do can give peace of mind and joy.  This enables us to realize the truth more clearly in our continued contemplation, helping us to see with clarity the higher purpose of the life we live.  The more often we exercise contemplation, the sharper our vision becomes, and we become more receptive, too, to God's revelation of the truth - in answering our prayers.      

This is why, in our workplaces, shared vision is very important.  When everyone understands the leadership's vision, and it is clear to everyone how the actions that our Institution or Organization are pursuing are in harmony with the vision through clear rationalization, then it is easy for everyone to happily play his or her role.  Note that playing one's role though involves personal contemplation, and therefore, putting one's mental faculty to use, and acting accordingly.  When one is deprived of actualizing his or her own natural faculties in playing his/her role accordingly, and is forced to merely follow instruction without contemplation, then felicitas cannot be achieved.  I imagine that this is why there are many people who are unhappy in their workplaces, or who become unhappy when new leadership comes to be, and new policies are crafted and implemented without mutual respect and without regard to everyone's natural right to actualize natural faculties.  

In view of the above, I imagine, too, how it is impossible to be happy in a country ruled by a dictator, especially if that country knows what democracy is and has thrived in democratic environment before where actualization of natural faculties is supported, and in fact, encouraged.         

***

Saturday Photo + QOTD + Nostalgia + Foodie...

...to make up for lost blogging time.
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by PAM

On communicating feelings, and the connections we make with other people and places in our travels through photographs...

"Travel through the five senses....
What if we talk about how traveling - getting outside ourselves, can...
...touch our hearts (through photographs)?"

- Ethan, 'One Winter Proposal', a Hallmark TV movie

             

My first trip to Italy two years ago, around this time of year, was one of the most unforgettable trips I've taken in my life.  I got to visit Rome, Bologna, Florence, and this charming little town called Cesena, nestled in the Emilia-Romagna Region, in 10 days.  I travelled alone... and I met many people along the way.  They made my journey extra-special... and thoroughly enjoyable - absolutely memorable!

One of the people I met was Cristina.  She was the the owner and Chef of that lovely little restaurant along Via Emilia Ponente, Trattoria Zita, where I had my very first meal in Bologna. Of course, the meal was excellent... and so was the service, and the traditional Italian experience of enjoying eating. Clad simply in understated Italian classy style, complete with olive green apron, the beautiful Cristina met all diners at the door with her lovely smile and warm greetings of welcome. She was very helpful... suggesting food gently and thoughtfully on the menu that her diners might enjoy, especially first time Bologna visitors like myself then.  She had that gift of getting people comfortable and at ease - even those traveling and dining alone, like myself then - telling interesting stories about the Trattoria, its history, and some trivia about Bologna. In our little chatter, while she herself served me with freshly baked bread, butter, cheeses and spices, and as I perused the menu, I learned from her that she was the grand daughter of Zita - the namesake of the Trattoria. Most of the classic recipes of the Trattoria was from Zita, and they simply add to the list... sometimes, using suggestions from diners from different places in the world.

Later, having learned that I am a foodie, she took me to have a peek at what goes on in the kitchen.  I saw how they made their own pasta, tortellini and various signature sauces.  For a first-time foodie visitor of the world's food capital, it was an unforgettable experience, of course... and I will always treasure it in my heart.  In the photo above... Cristina's smile is beautiful, freely and very generously given.  She didn't only touch my heart, but she dug a little cozy space in it for Bologna... and I will always guard and keep it beautiful with warm memories.

*** 

QOTD

QOTD #25: Isn't it ironic?
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by PAM

"Bad things happen to good people... all the time."

           - by Everyone... all the time

Perhaps, it's not enough that people tell you this.  Perhaps, it's not enough that you repeat these words to yourself over and over again.  Hearing them, saying them... it may

Faith... the light that's even more vivid in darkness.

not be enough.  I know.  I thought I'd write them - here, so I'd believe, too.

So bad things happen... to us.  Even if we don't believe we deserve it.  Does that make us bad?  Does that make us lacking in humility?  Are we guilty of owning a heart so fattened by pride and conceit?  Is it bad to imagine one's self as good?  Is it wrong to expect to never suffer from bad things because we work hard to be good?  

You do good things, you wish for good things for other people, you dedicate your life to doing good things - as much as you can, as hard as you can.  And yet, bad things happen - to you.  Unfair?  Maybe. I guess we'll never know.  And yet, we dare to hope... even when we're afraid.  Courage.  Isn't that what they say?  The antidote of fear?  Faith. We cling to it - steadfastly.  Because in the end, our hands are empty... without faith.  And it's only really, really bad... when our hands are empty.

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QOTD

QOTD #24: 'bop til you drop'
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by PAM

"...because peace and quiet was the last thing he needed.  This had to be like everything else in his life.  If you wanted to excel, you worked hard, you trained, you practiced. 

You didn't lie in bed, hoping for peace and quiet."

         - From "The Girl with the Make-believe Husband"
           by Julia Quinn


Yep, it's that time of year... my birth month just rounded the corner, and it's here!  Hello, July! So good to see ya!

And what did my favorite month dragged in?  Well, it's something for the heart, the wit

A not-so-subtle title...
Fast forward to the banter, please!

and those funny bones: a Julia Quinn! 😍 It's out!  The second installment in JQ's Rokesby Series, "The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband".  And the excerpts are totally promising... Chapters 1 and 2, and I was already laughing out loud in the dark as I read them after taking flu medicine. Of course, I perused them already, 'cause I'm guessing, it probably hasn't reached the shelves of Manila bookstores yet. How do I know this?  Well, it has just been released last May 30, and it isn't available for download yet in the Philippines. I know, what kind of a fan would let a good month pass before finding out that the book is already out, right?  Well, you know my 'usual excuse': work!  Oh, well....

Anyway, I'm quite excited about the book. After all, it has been more than a year now since I got a hold of a copy of the first book in the series, "Because of Miss Bridgerton" (BoMB).  As I said after reading BoMB, I was curious about many things, among them was Edward's plight in the Americas.  Now, here we are, the focus is on the second Rokesby sibling.  It's time for Edward's story!  Wish granted!  He might have lost some of his memory due to head injury but, boy, the wit and the humor, it's pure Rokesby!  Or, should I say, 'bloody hell', it's pure JQ?!

As our QOTD indicates, our hero is all about working hard and deserving one's place in the world through hard work.  It's a very good principle, especially for someone of noble lineage, molded in aristocratic breeding, and never had to work hard and still guaranteed a place in the high society.  I think I'm going to like our heroine, Cecilia Harcourt, too.  She seems daring but takes well-calculated risks, intelligent but kind of sweet, feisty but doesn't seem to see the need to keep proving her worth because she seems worthy of admiration without even trying. Most of all, she is all about love of family and loyalty to family. It's a good trait.

***

"My head", Edward gasped. He must have shaken it too quickly.  It felt as if his brain is slamming into his skull.

"Are you remembering something?" Colonel Stubbs asked.

"No, you bloody--" Edward cut himself off before he called him something unforgivable. "It just hurts."

"That's enough," Cecilia declared. "I will not permit you to question him any further."

"You will not permit me?" Colonel Stubbs countered. "I am his commanding officer."

It was really a pity that Edward could not bring himself to open his eyes, because he would really have liked to have seen the colonel's face when Cecilia said, "You are not my commanding officer."

***

Uhm-hmm... she's something, right?  She is!  

I might just adore the Rokesbys like I adore 'my good friends', the Bridgertons.  Looking forward to a good read soon!  

Hmmm... I'm still stuck with the flu... but I'm writing about reading a book on the first day of my favorite month.  Sounds promising! 😊

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Image credit:  This is a screenshot of the book's cover from Julian Quinn's website, thank you.

Reference: The Excerpt from the novel (Chapter 2) above was borrowed from Julia Quinn's website, thank you.

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QOTD

QOTD #23: All about leadership.
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by PAM

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm."

         - Publilius Syrus (Latin dramatist and writer of maxims, 1st century A.D.)


It's true, the helm is never as attractive as when the sea is calm... and it is never as a burgeoningly distasteful chore when the sea is at its most tempestuous mood.  I'm really glad and quite proud to say that I took 'the helm' when there was a 'mightily raging storm'. Never mind that the circumstances then merely shoved me into the helm when our ship was being battered by the brutal storm... and I, in fact, hesitated a bit, too, when called to serve.  I thought it was 'suicide' - professionally - to accept the challenge 'cause it can be one's fine moment of triumph or one's brutal unmaking.  I just feel absolutely blessed that, with heaps of

Calm and delightful.

prayers and faith... and a lot of help from my friends, mentors and loved ones, I was able to steer the ship through the monstrous storm to safe waters.  Not that I'm being self-important.  Now, as the ship traverses the calm water under cloudless blue skies and delightful breeze... naturally, there is a horde of 'false captains' on the deck.  Oh, well....

What the 'false captains' are not realizing is... there is a gathering storm again. I let my palm rest on the serene water, and I felt it to my gut.  I hear the menacingly low growl from the water's depth, stirred by a distant wind, made barely inaudible by the sweetly scented air and the melodic sound that the birds above sing.  So, yes, I'm bracing myself.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the little respite while others try the helm for a size... even when they  know that "you cannot put the same shoe on every foot" (Publilius Syrus).  And, I slowly build my artillery of defense from the storm, drawing the blue print of various plans and defense-offense options as I move about leisurely.  I'll get to 'serious work' when it does come.

I shall be ready then... our ship shall be ready then.  Not sure if the 'false captains' have a clue what's about to hit them though... but then, that's why they are 'false'. ;)  

So, yep, bring it!

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QOTD

QOTD #22:  The 'truth' about boys and girls.
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by PAM

Just as “bossy” might be said to undermine female leadership, “nerd” might be said to have undermined male intellectualism.

         - Margaret Talbot
           in the article, "Don't ban "bossy"
           published on The New Yorker


:) The article on The New Yorker from where I lifted this QOTD made me smile... actually, it made my day!  Considering that today we had our Students Recognition Day in the University where our very best students who excelled in various areas were recognized, this article getting to be the one that made my day is big. :)  My excuse: aw, c'mon, I deal with high-achieving students all day - every single day - in the Faculty of Engineering, it's routine for me! :)  Anyway, back to the article... so, is this how we view "gender equality" now... alright, whatever, call me bossy, just quit wailing if I call you nerd, OK, dude? ;)

Incidentally, the student who gave the acceptance speech, on behalf of all the high achiever of students who received awards this evening, was a girl! :)  She received various awards in at least three areas: academic excellence, leadership, and service leading to community development.  And no, she didn't sound "bossy" at all!

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QOTD

QOTD #21: It's 'mathematically correct'!
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by PAM

"Mathematical knowledge is unlike any other knowledge. Its truths are objective, necessary and timeless."

         - Prof. Edward Frenkel (UC Berkeley)
           In the article, "Is the universe a simulation?"
           The NY Times Sunday Review

What an interesting article. I still subscribe to Brian May's personal rule as a Scientist though, that we can only hope to understand what is in front of us. Beyond it, is a Truth that our abilities and logic as human beings and the capacity of the highly sophisticated tools that we have developed to enhance our abilities, such as Science and Technology, can never match for absolute understanding. Therefore, scientists must stop at a certain boundary, and dare not cross it. And yet, as Christians, we embrace that Truth with all our being, that Truth that is God, that is of God.

But going back to Math... just a few days back, I sat to listen to a lecture by one of our Math professors in the UST Faculty of Engineering, one of the activities in the celebration of our "Engineering Week". He lectured about Quaternions, which are a number system that extends complex numbers so they can be analyzed the same way we do matrices in linear algebra. Even when our colleague tried to make the lecture sound "light" and not too "stressful" for the applied science audience (myself included), somehow the questions that he extracted were leaning towards application rather than the theoretical aspects of Quaternions. And, we gathered that Quaternions have vast applications in animation and game development... to the delight of our Computer Science comrades, quite naturally! :)

Apparently, the application of Quaternions is in 3D computer images, and make possible the quick transition of a thousand frames, one after another, that makes animation, specifically in computer games, more realistic in simulating real movement. I know, very cool. And yet, that is still a very small thing compared with simulating the Universe... at least, from the context of limited human understanding. At the end of the series of a variety of lectures was a lecture on Liturgy by our Regent... the best way, I think, to put all our wonderful S&T stuff in their right places.

Yeah, it was a great (geeky) day - the Catholic University way!

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QOTD

QOTD #20: Agenda 2014: Success... for my students.
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by PAM

"It’s odd to think of people feeling simultaneously superior and insecure. Yet it’s precisely this unstable combination that generates drive: a chip on the shoulder, a goading need to prove oneself. Add impulse control — the ability to resist temptation — and the result is people who systematically sacrifice present gratification in pursuit of future attainment."

         - Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld
           in the article, "What drives success?"
           Opinion Section, NY Times
           January 26, 2014

I agree... that "unstable combination", which crushes the head of complacency, and the willingness to sacrifice for the attainment of an important goal, which breeds perseverance, keep success within reach. I often see this "Triple package of traits" manifested in our

They make us lose sleep... but it's all worth it.

students' conduct. Most of them are highly intellectually capable, and yet, they are humble and obedient enough to be consistently persevering in meeting the demands of their respective Academic Programs. They graduate with a rigid discipline that is engraved in their personalities, and manifested in their practice as professionals.  And it leads to their success. Very impressive indeed. 

It's no wonder why many of our partners in the Industry have, generally, very good words for our graduates. It makes us proud... and very, very insecure, too, at the same time!  'Cause how does one maintain such culture... in this ever-changing world?  Finding the answer to that question is, indeed, a constant challenge that makes us, their mentors, lose sleep at night... especially, with the constantly evolving morphology of this generation's extremely varied interests and desire for overly independent thinking. But, the same challenge makes our lives interesting... and our daily work absolutely engaging! So we carry on....

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QOTD #19: Small folks dealing with towering challenges...

...and winning, too!
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by PAM

"Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check.  That is not what I found.  I found that it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay.  Simple acts of kindness and love.  

 "Why Bilbo Baggins?  Perhaps it is because I am afraid, and he gives me courage."

        - Gandalf the Grey
          "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

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I had one of the most disappointing and spirit-crushing days today.  :(  Many positive things to rejoice for, but people chose to emphasize the one negative point in the order of the day, which I didn't have much control over - yet - as they very well know.  Oh, well....

I resolve not to dwell in negativity, and focus on the good things instead.  For instance, I have a great Team.  We have accomplished so many positive things in so short a time.  I will focus on that... and keep doing our best to  accomplish the big tasks in front of us, bringing more positive feelings to people who matter to us.  Those who cannot handle what we handle... we'll let them drown in the pool of their own negative thoughts, but we'll remember to keep throwing them sweet pieces of understanding just because none of them can fathom the incredible magnitude of challenges that we have to deal with every single day!  We are luckier... because we are stretched to our limit.  And, in the process, we get to know what we are capable of - especially in the most difficult times! 

We will keep marching forward... one step at a time - filling our energy and inspiration tanks with the 'simple acts of kindness and love' by those who matter to us.  And, I will draw strength and courage from my great Team... and their 'simple acts of kindness and love'.  So help us God!

"Do not be afraid...  you are not alone."

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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QOTD

QOTD #18: Eavesdropping is... impolite, my 'friend'.
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by PAM

"There are genuine concerns and it would be wrong to dismiss all of the condemnation of Washington as hyperbole. Big things are happening in the world and two are of central importance here.

"For one thing this is the age of big data, the cloud, and our growing reliance upon machines.  Alongside this the technical ability to monitor, store and sift information is also growing exponentially....

"...The other great change is in the international arena. New economic powers are rising."

         - Jonathan Marcus (BBC Diplomatic Correspondence)
           from the article, "Are US allies really shocked at spying?"
           BBC News, 26 October 2013


Yep, I've been reading (and listening to the news) about the alleged US Intelligence 'eavesdropping' on the German Chancellor's, Angela Merkel's, mobile phone.  The details being uncovered regarding the alleged 'eavesdropping'/spying on Merkel, analyses of the reach and breadth of US Intelligence based on surfacing details on their activities (not counting the Edward Snowden leaked info), and the comments of experts are really shocking - for common mortals like myself, that is.  I'm not sure if this should come as a 'shock' to the US Allies though.  'Cause, c'mon people, to whom do you run when you need "reliable intelligence" report?  If the 'reach' of US Intelligence has become hard to imagine for us now... it's because their allies, and all of us, actually, allowed it to grow that much - to a "shocking" phenomenon that it is today. None of anyone's need for infomation warrants such disrespect for someone else's privacy.  Therefore, are we going to allow Beijing to grow "intelligence tentacles", too?  What do you mean "huh?" ?  Don't tell me you didn't see that coming.  You knew I was going to ask that!  :)

Alright, let's see... what's on in the football world right now?  I need some 'beautiful game' to release ugly aggression over.  ;)  

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QOTD

QOTD #17:  The teaching profession is a cool profession - if we could muster the courage to crush stereotype and make it cool.
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by PAM

“What I hadn’t realized was that setting a high bar at the beginning of the profession sends a signal to everyone else that you are serious about education and teaching is hard.  When you do that, it makes it easier to make the case for paying teachers more, for giving them more autonomy in the classroom. And for kids to buy into the premise of education, it helps if they can tell that the teachers themselves are extremely well educated.”

         - Amanda Ripley
           from the article, 'An Industry of Mediocrity'
           by Bill Keller
           NY Times, October 20, 2013

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