QOTD

QOTD #13:  To be kind is to be unselfish.

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by PAM

"What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.
Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded... sensibly.  Reservedly.  Mildly."

         - George Saunders 
           Convocation Speech
           for the Class of 2013 of Syracuse University, New York 
           published on July 31, 2013, "The 6th Floor", NY Times
           

For Academic people like myself, it is very easy to relate to Mr. Saunders's experience... those 'failures of kindness', and the wanting to be kind and less selfish.  In this profession, there is not a day that doesn't end with us not wondering whether we have done 'enough'... in showing our students the path to unselfishness, kindness - with our own ways as examples, especially in treating them, in serving as their mentors.

But what else really landed solidly on my 'unkind jaw' among the Saunders efficient 'jabs and punches' in his speech is this: "We get our butts kicked by real life, and people come to our defense, and help us, and we learn that we’re not separate, and don’t want to be."   

I remember judging one person harshly sometime back, not by what he used to say and do really, but by how he said what he said and how he did what he did.  Like many others then, kindness was definitely not a part of my vocabulary when he was concerned.  In fact, I 

Heartfelt smiles sustain kindness... 
...are sustained by kindness.

was close to disliking him to real resentment.  But these days... now that I am experiencing what he used to experience on a daily basis, I am beginning to understand why he said what he said and did what he did.  I'm still not quite convinced as to the way things should be said and how things should be done... but, I guess, that's only natural, because we are two different people with different ways of expressing ourselves and doing things.  But what I did find out was... we live by exactly the same values and principles in life!  We have the same exact 'grand and ambitious intention' to make things better... for others.  And these days, when things get rough and unbearable, it is usually he - the same person I almost disliked to the apex of resentment - who goes out of his way to quietly lift my spirit with words of wisdom and hope, with touching acts of unselfishness, with endearing sense of humor, with sincere understanding... and, yes, earnest kindness.  And I do appreciate... it helps in staying positive about what's out there... in the immensity that I long for.    

If only I wasn't too 'detached' from the Universe then when he was doing what he did, and saying what he said... there might have been enough opportunities to be kind then, and I could have taken advantage of them all to fulfill a human being's lifetime 'quota' for kindness.  Then again, maybe this is what Mr. Saunders meant by 'some of this “becoming kinder” happens naturally, with age.'  And I just most recently celebrated my 45th birthday.  :)

Therefore, kindness, come... you are welcome!  :)


***     

Saturday photo

Speaking of 'vastness' and 'immensity'...

'Vast unknown'?  'Exciting immensity'?  Whatever it is... we're going in!
May 'the force' be with us! :)

...I remember traveling by plane sometime back from Chicago to San Francisco.  I remember staring at the 'slow moving view' outside my window.  That stretch of beautifully 'sculptured' landscape in the photo and the fluffy and low-hanging cotton-like clouds above it kept me awake the whole time.  It made me wonder what it's like to skydive out there....  Ah, must be awesome!  

Alright, I'm putting that on 'my list'... before arthritis takes over my life.  :)   

***

Wednesday nostalgia...

Uh-hmm... I don't know why this...

"Too young, too dumb to realize... that I should've bought you flowers and held your hand."

...is making me feel nostalgic. Perhaps, it's because Bruno Mars is looking like a '70s guy, and singing with moving feelings like a... uh, yeah, a '70s guy in this video. And it doesn't help that today, we say bye-bye to July (2013) - my birth month. Boo. It feels like jumping off from my 'lucky star' to the vast unknown. Yep, I admit, it scares me some.

'Vast'. Hmmm... wait, isn't 'vast' synonymous to 'immense'?

Ah, immensity. It reminds me of one respectable person who, just a few days ago, advised, "Thomasian leadership is all about the longing for immensity...." Yep, good stuff!

Hmmm... do I long for immensity? What d'ya think? Uhm, nah, you don't have to answer that! Let's just listen to BM... and continue feeling nostalgic.

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Farewell...

Bye, July! It's been great - as always. :)

Thanks, 'lucky star'. You have been very challenging, incredibly exciting, beautifully breathtaking, joyfully inspiring, and sadly devastating - all in one breath! But I never expected anything less from you. You didn't disappoint... and that's all that matters. I'll reminisce you in the years to come with great fondness and... yeah, pride... and just a little bit of regret. :)

Alright, August... show us what you've got! And don't ya hold back... because we aren't holding back!

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

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Saturday photo

Yep, it's another sunset photo, lomo-ish this time. 

I just love sunset.  It's a flash of red in imminent darkness... like the courage and passion of a wounded warrior, whose spirit is unconquerable, no matter the hardship... even when the last drop of blood has already been shed, even when the blanket of darkness was about to unfurl.

Sunset... the passion that surrenders to darkness,

only to come back silently at the break of dawn,

and burst to a glorious new day... at sunrise!

When I'm feeling frustrated, I rummage through my sunset photos... to remind myself how beautiful it is, to inspire me to hope for a better prospect. 

To labor through another day is worth it, if only to see once again sunset's incredible beauty.  That beautiful and dramatic flash of red just before the world plunges in darkness.  It seems to promise that it will come again, after a moment of silence in the darkness, while we recuperate to regain our strength... and hope to see yet another day. 

And, true enough, the beautiful red light comes at the break of dawn, fulfilling our hopes... creeping silently, and then bursting powerfully to a great light that illuminates our world to yet another beautiful day! 

Another day... another opportunity to fulfill our dreams, those that our spirits weave as our souls commune with the Maker in the restful silence of our sleep.

***
Location:  Somewhere in the North Luzon Expressway, Philippines. I took this photo sometime back in a 'speeding' vehicle.  'Shooting on the run'... yep, guilty!  ;)  I remembered and followed a friend's advice to wait until the sun sinks fully in the horizon before taking a photo, 'cause then the color would be more dramatic... the redness of the sky is far more intense and incredible.  He was right! 

Ah, I wish for that day when I would have the luxury of time to just sit down and wait for sunset... and take photos of the various stages of its unfolding beauty.  Oy, retirement, what is taking you so long?????  

***

Break?

Yep!  I need a break - quick!
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by PAM


The more we think about things, the more they become complicated... but when we stop 'obssessing' about things, all of a sudden, they appear simple, doable, logical... all the pieces of the puzzle fall on their right places.  And everything just makes so much sense.  And we wonder, "why didn't I think of that sooner?"  Why, indeed! 

Therefore, I'm going to stop 'obssessing' over this 'piece of puzzle' in front of me right now and take a break with this instead....

"Oh, Starlight, don't you cry, we're gonna make it right before tomorrow.

Oh, Starlight, don't you cry, we're gonna find a place where we belong.

And so you know, you'll never shine alone...."

Aw, man, that sounds so good!  Awesome guitar playing by the incredible Slash - awesome, awesome!  And, boy, why can't I sing like that?  So not fair! :)  Then again, perhaps, it's a lot simpler to be just watching, admiring... and listening to him 'beautiful dude' with beautiful vocal cords, Myles Kennedy... than being him. :)  Therefore, I'll stick to me...  I'm glad I'm me.  But, ya bet, I'll sing that beautiful song - in the shower! :)

Alright, back to the 'puzzle'....

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the videolink.

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My world of sports...

...can it get worse? ==================================================================================
by PAM


Tennis, football... what on earth is happening?  It feels like the planets have been re-aligning or something.  Yes, of course, I've been paying attention!  I just didn't have enough leisure time to supply the sports ingredient in my blog these days.  But today, I feel I need to make time for it... or the balance in my world would tip to the dangerous 'burnout' end.  I have to say though that all is satisfying in the work front as far as outcomes are concerned... but burnout is slowly creeping in, too... and it's not even one year yet.  I'm feeling the pressure on my body... and it doesn't feel good. 

Therefore, bring on football and tennis!

***
Alright, football first... let's break it down.

First, Sir Alex Ferguson retired, ending his 27-year tenure as Manchester United's big boss... but that happened ages ago already, it seems, at the rate things are going in the football world.  It's just that Foodball Captain chose to write about David Beckham's retirement - only - when the 'shake-up' was happening.  I needed to rely on FC that time just because I was too busy with my 'day job' to write about my sentiments.  Oh, well... what can I say, except you go for what's in front of you... and complain later? :)

Second, Pep Guardiola, my man, finally started his stint with FC Bayern Munich last month... and it felt odd to see the cule legendary coach mentoring the already 

Pep Guardiola (5th from left, 2nd row) is the Bundesliga

Champs' new boss.

(Photo credit:  grabbed from Daily Mail UK.)

'perfect' Bundesliga current champions... okay, not to mention the UEFA Champions League holders, too. Okay, in fact, they are treble winners last season.  So, there, big job to keep that up - perhaps, even for Pep!  Pep was greeted by a jab on the face by Bayern Munich's reserve goal keeper, Tom Starke.

On the other hand, Barça's future seems uncertain, even when they regained the Spanish La Liga Primera crown back to Camp Nou (yaay!)... an achievement that contributed to the shortened stint in Madrid of the, now confirmed, not-so-special-one, Jose Mourinho, who is now back at Chelsea FC's helm.  Yep, when a 'Pep news' comes up, somewhere, somehow, a 'Mou news' pops up, too.  But, who cares?  About the Mourinho out-of-Madrid, gone-to-Chelsea piece of news, I mean.  Well, it matters to Roman Abramovich, obviously... and, perhaps, John Terry, who was assured - not - by Mou of being in the first team.  Alright, here we go... more colorful drama at Stamford Bridge next season!  Bring on the popcorn!   In the meantime, we wait in giddy anticipation of the Bayern Munich-Chelsea match soon... and the Bayern Munich-Barça match even sooner!  Big matches, alright.  Hah, sorry work, you just gotta share time with football now - seriously! :)

Third, so many player movements across teams and Leagues... and even across continents!  Barça's very good home-grown young midfielder, Thiago Alcantara, for instance, is now Pep's new recruit - from Catalunya to Bavaria.  David Villa now plays for Atletico Madrid.  Brazil's current best player, Neymar, is Barça's newest 'boy wonder #2'... Lionel Messi being (and always will be) #1.  How would that figure in Leo's false 9 position in the Barça scheme... we shall see - soon enough.

Fourth, Tito Vilanova's cancer so sadly recurred... and he had to step down as FC Barcelona coach two days ago to resume treatments. :(  Oh, boy... talk about uncertain future!  That piece of news was

Snatched from the touchline by a horrible illness... anims, Tito!

(Photo credit:  Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

the turning point for me.  It made me decide to snatch back some of my personal time from my 'day job' to write something here!  Just when I'm beginning to really, really like Tito's calmness, and his thoughtful and serene-looking face in a handsome stance on the Barca touchline... he leaves!  What's more, it's all because of a life-threatening illness. :(  I feel guilty for not writing about his stint with Barça, which I appreciated and enjoyed, too.  The Barça players lead the football world in wishing Tito the very best... because, as Andres Iniesta points out, in the end, this more about a man's life rather than just football.  Anims, Tito! 

Now, the search is on for the next Barça coach. Who would it be? I hope it'd be Rubi. His ideas seem fresh, and his personality seems right for the Barca philosophy: work hard, observe discipline, be a teamplayer, keep ball possession and bring it to the goal, play well - to win... and play beautifully.  He seems to be passionate enough about leading and leading well a great football team, and he seems to have enough youthful energy to match that passion.  He could be in the same wavelength as most of the key Barça players.  He has Pep's aura... not to say that Barça needs to look for another Pep, because there is only one Pep Guardiola... and he is now in Allianz Arena in Bavaria.  Just look for one who respects the Barca philosophy, and will keep it alive and well.

Man, I lied low on my 'football thing' here for a few months, and I came back to a completely new world of football!   Whew!  But, life goes on... the ball rolls on the turf, and the men kick it to keep the beautiful game alive and well.  Therefore, we hope for the best... and we get ready for schedule adjustments to accommodate football in my sked.  I'm excited!  :)

***
Next, tennis...

Yes, yes, and yes, I have been paying attention to tennis, too! 

And yes, I did follow the French Open and the Championships at Wimbledon... alright, I admit, I did an unacceptable in-and-out (of consciousness) in the middle of matches.  I was just too tired to stay awake most days... but, hey, I exerted tremendous effort to stay awake.  That should keep my "licensed" tennis fan status! :)  

I have to admit that I almost fell from my seat when Roger Federer exited Roland Garros in the quarter-finals.  But, I was totally, totally awed by the greatness on clay by Rafael Nadal!  He was sooooo awesome - on clay - the greatest ever, in my book!  I'm so glad he was back to play strong, and regain his seat as one of the Top 4 players in the world.

Ooops, I know, I know, I spoke too soon... because Rafa exited Wimbledon, a few days later - in the (freak of a) first round - against an unseeded player!  Imagine?  A day later... there went the defending Champ, Roger Federer, out of Wimbledon, too - in the second round!  Ow!  Just a year ago, after bowing to Andy Murray in the London Games to claim the silver medal, the King of Grass was back, and made history by claiming his 17th Grand Slam in Wimbledon - the most GS ever by a male tennis player in the Open Era.  This year, he was not good enough to overcome the challenge of another unseeded player, 'causing him to slide down the ranking to #5 - for the first time since 2002!  Ow, ow, ow!  Too bad, there hasn't been enough time for the world to watch the cute antics of his adorable twin girls.  Oh, well....

There's a saving grace though... Juan Martin del Potro is towering tall again on court, giving Novak Djokovic a spirited run for his money in the Wimbledon semis, and the Andy Garcia look-alike, the beautiful Spaniard, David Ferrer, went up to #4 in the ranking, for the first time... and played in the semis in Wimbledon - for the first time, too.  Woot-woot!  And the biggest tennis drama of the year went off from the tough, tough racket of Andy Murray... he claimed his FIRST Wimbledon Cup - the first British man to win in more than 70 years!  Woohoo!  You can just imagine how happy Judy Murray was... immensely happy - maybe, happier than Andy himself! ;)  By the way, that was heartfelt, the woot-woot, I mean... CONGRATULATIONS, Andy!  :)

Alright, I have work to do *sigh* .... ciao!

***

Saturday photo

Starting all over again - on a clean slate...


...blooming to a beautiful and fragrant new beginning.


We accepted our weaknesses, we admitted our mistakes, we resolved to make things right, we committed to working hard as a Team to rebuild from the ruins of our negligence, we prayed hard for God's guidance and mercy, worked harder... and we won ourselves a second chance!  We're back in business... and it feels good! 

Ah, the sweet smell of flowery win, gained as a cohesive Team - too good!  Thank you, Lord!   We hope to keep going - like this - guided by God's wisdom and sustained by our desire to serve, and serve God well.  May God be with us... always.



***

 

QOTD

...#12:  everyday is a miracle.
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“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of  heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

       - Jesus Christ
         Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 11:28-30


When a hurdle seems impossible to clear, and a looming problem seems absolutely insurmountable, it's always best to admit imperfection, just work as hard as possible, hope for the best, and lift everything up to God's wisdom and mercy.  When the dust settles, you'd be surprised to see that everything is in order, everything feels right - good and lovely. :)  I saw that happen today... and it brought me to my knees in heartfelt prayer. 

God is good - all the time!

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It's been a very good day... tiring but good.  I think this calls for some rockin' sound in my earphones.  So, just before I collapse from incredible exhaustion, how 'bout this first...    

"Who is gonna save you when I'm gone?  Who'll watch over you? 

Who will give you strength when you're not strong?

Who'll watch over you when I've gone away?"

Ah, well... ya know, dude, how I got Someone up in the clouds to watch over me.  So, chill, okay?  But, hey, thanks... for the "special" - luv it!  :)  We'll jam more... when I'm recovered from this fatigue - promise.  :)

***

Video Credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the videolink.

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0.45 caliber day



'0.45 caliber celebration'... no pomp.


Gone are the 'rich chocolate' and 'sugary decorations' birthday cake days... we have moved to the 'yogurt-based icing' and 'fruit filling' 'healthy cake' birthdays. :)  However, the manner of celebration remains the same... a day of quiet contemplation - no pomp, an 'accounting' of what has been and what has not - and appreciating all of them, relishing the sweetness and the awesome beauty of the joyful blessings received, and giving hearfelt thanks to their generous Giver.  

45 years... whew!  'What a journey it has been!' 

Forward, always forward...

Onward, always up...

Catching every drop of hope in my empty cup.

... I won't let the darkness in, what a journey it has been.

Appreciative, thankful, and awestruck - that's what I am.  Ah, God is good!  Our God is good!


***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the videolink.

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Hi, July! Let's work, eat, pray, sleep well...

...and live life to the fullest!
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by PAM


July is my birthmonth that's why it's extra-special - for me. :)  Whenever it comes (or goes), it brings me back to my 'happy place' - my place of meditation.  And each time, I re-commit myself to live simply, enjoy what life has to offer... and serve the Master well.

Work hard... to make a difference - for others.



Eat with gusto... to sustain the body

and experience the pleasures of eating, and eating well - with loved ones.

Pray sincerely and faithfully... for wisdom, peace of mind, humility and selflessness,

an abundance of blessings - so you may serve well.  And then believe

with all your heart that your prayers will be answered.

Sleep well... dream beautiful dreams - and live them.

Keep well... stay happy, in love, and contented.

Count and appreciate your blessings... and share them.  Love... and allow yourself to be loved back.  Turn away from negative thoughts to have peace of mind.  Keep in mind that success is all about serving well, and NEVER about power and personal gain.  Therefore, do not allow yourself to be flattered by the 'importance' of your position and your 'achievements', the glitter of your environment or the prestige of your 'title'.  These are all temporary.  What does last is the delight you bring to your Master everytime you submit to His will.  Think of Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine and San Lorenzo Ruiz, and contemplate why they were such a delight in God's eyes. 

Strive to live simply, joyfully, and in service to God.

Welcome, July!  Good to have ya!

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