I Love Pasta!

Mi Amore La Pasta!

If there is one food in this world that I can eat for eternity, that would be any kind of pasta dish, in particular, spaghetti which I love ever since I was kid. Even if it was not cooked Italian style, as long as it is pasta in red sauce, I binge on it. I could care less if the red sauce was cooked in atchuete (a cooking seed ingredient used to give more color to food) which gives the pasta dish a more reddish look.

In my two years here in the UAE, I have cooked pasta dishes in red or white sauce more often than any other dish. However, this time I have tried something different with my pasta recipe. I just sauteed it in garlic, onions, red bell pepper, turkey bacon, and broccoli. Then flavored it with spices I have in the kitchen - basil, rosemary, oregano and chili flakes.  And it was good enough for my palate (it would have been nice to have white wine, a great combination I guess, probably next time). 

After cooking, I realized that cooking, like any other forms of art, is a skill that you need to practice, to enhance your creativity and be able to master your sense of taste. Like Photography, it is also a trial and error process to create the perfect picture or dish you desire at your heart's content.

Now I have two things that I need to focus on enhancing, my photography and my cooking skills.

- Josh

7 Goals in the next 7 Years of MY Life

under the sunset sky

During the time I turned 30 years old. I have written down my plans that I would like to see myself accomplished in ten years time. I even indicated the age which I'm supposed to achieve or reach those goals. One of which is working overseas and learning how to drive. I was still trying to learn driving when I had the opportunity to work abroad. So my driving skills was put on hold for a while. I have achieved at least three of my plans, although not in the specified age I wanted it to be achieved, still it was within my 10 year life plan. 

But now it seems I need to recheck my 10 year plan and schedule. I will need to revise certain goals to make it in line with my present situation. As they say, the only permanent thing in this world is change. My environment changed, so as some of my views and plans.

Since I started working here in UAE, my eyes were opened to other possibilities, to greater opportunities which changed my perspective in life.  So here are my revised remaining plans to be achieved within the 7 years of my life, (I have noted down  the 3 life goals I have accomplished then the rest are revised plans) -

1) Work Overseas - This was one of my original life plans I have written on my 30th year of life. So I am very much glad that on my 31st year during the end of 2009, I was given the opportunity to work overseas, which is the country I am presently staying - UAE. 


2) Full Payment of my Parent's House - One thing I have promised myself that I will do before I settle down with a partner is to return the blessings my parents have given me all these years. I have always wanted to ensure that my parents are settled before I get married and have my own family. My parents have their own retirement plans, but it is my personal belief to include them in my plans whilst I am still single. I have accomplished this with paying the full amount of our house mortgage during the first quarter of 2011 and it is up to them now to plan on their retirement. I have peace in my heart that when I get married and settle down, my parents have a house they can call their own. 


3) Pursue a Hobby / Skill - On the 3rd quarter of 2011 I have decided to buy myself a DSLR camera - Nikon D90. My very first investment in pursuing my dream of becoming a photographer. I own a Canon D90 underwater point and shoot camera, but I have this itching desire in my heart to pursue buying a  DSLR, and it was a right decision. Then last December 2011, I have attended the basic photography workshop and have started the lucrative hobby of photography. Honestly, it is an expensive hobby so I am inclined to work on my skills and become a professional photographer rather than just a hobbyist. There are already workshops in the first quarter of 2012 which I intend to attend. 


Now, I have the remaining goals and plans which I hope I can accomplish by the time I reach 40, 7 plans in the next 7 years of my life -- 

4) Increase my Financial Income and Savings - Since I may have a growing family in the next few years of my life, I will definitely need to have my present income increase drastically. I am trying to find ways to increase my financial savings up to 30%, trying to learn the trades in stock market or bond investments. I am also looking for opportunity to increase my monthly earnings. If I may not be able to get it from my present company then I may need to find it someplace else. This is in progress now. 

5)  Learn to Drive - I have started learning to drive on manual before but I left the country.  I will definitely try to achieve it by the 2nd quarter of 2012 and get a driver's license in the UAE. Most cars here are automatic so I am hoping it will be an easy goal to complete.

6) Get a Diploma Course - I need to update my professional skills to help me improve in my present career. I guess I need to get extra training in computer or management courses. I am a wide reader and reading articles from Harvard Business Blog is very much helpful but I just need something more. Hope I can find a school in the UAE which offer basic management or diploma course. Something that I need to look into at the 2nd half of 2012.

7) Get Married - I want to have a baby and I never mind getting pregnant without the blessing of marriage. But recently, my philosophy in marriage have changed slightly. I want to get married before having children. I want my children to be conceived under the blessing of marriage. I don't want to experience getting married just because I am pregnant or become an unwed mother. I have no issues with it, in fact, if it happens then that is very fine with me.  But I just want it done differently and if given the opportunity to be married first then have children, then I would prefer it in that manner. This 2012, I have plans to achieved it later this year or may be by 2013, we'll have to wait and see.

8) Have MY TWINS - I have always wanted to have twins, one boy and one girl. Since I am not getting any younger, I may want to have 2 children right away in one pregnancy. Hoping I will be able to bear children right after I get married, so looking forward to seeing my twins in 2013 or by 2014.


9) Be an Entrepreneur or Investor - They said everyone can learn and become an entrepreneur. I have always wanted to put up my own business and this is actually in progress. I just needed to save for my capital in a few months, then I will invest in my parents business plan. But I see myself in 2015 putting up a business on my own.  I am giving myself 3 years to figure out what business I want to put up while saving up on a capital then decide. Most likely it will in the line of photography.

10) Buy A Farm Land - I wanted to have my own farm and since my partner is very much interested in the same, hoping I will be lucky enough to find a plot in Mindanao, Laguna or Batangas to buy at least 5 hectares of land for farming. I may need to save up for this until 2018 on my 40th year. Who knows it may be the greatest gift I will be giving myself on my 40th birthday or someone will be giving it to me as a gift (prayer is a such a powerful tool to make your dreams come true hehehe). 


In my 2 years in the UAE, it has been tough but 2010 and 2011 had been kind to me and helped me achieve most of my plans.  I try as much as I can not to complain too much as I have been very much blessed as well. But there are moments due to extreme stress and pressure, I break down and forget all the blessings that I have received. 

The start of my work year had not been great, but I will make sure to be more positive and be patient enough to wait for the right moment.  I will try my best to achieve my goals, stay focused and aim for the prize with God's grace and guidance. 

I have created these goals to help me focus on what I need to do with my life and give me direction. The road sometimes offer so many different routes to take and if you do not have a map or a proper GPRS, we may end up getting lost. There are still times, it is best to just drive where the road leads you, and I do that when my plans are not working the way I want it to be. I am flexible, I can adjust.

My plans are not carved on stone, I have created them to see a clear picture of my life's direction. It may change as life changes in time and change is inevitable. 


I look forward to a great 2012 and I have raised again to God all my remaining plans hoping it is the same plans He has for me. I believe in the power of positive thoughts and your thoughts shape the reality of your life. 


So I must be positive and think of great things to come in 2012! 

-- Josh 

Walking Along Corniche Abu Dhabi

I had a one week vacation but pretty much spent in walking around the city and going to Malls. But there is just this one day, that I have spent the whole morning walking along Corniche under extreme sunlight taking shots from my D10 Canon underwater cam. I was able to take few photos which I find interesting and posted it under my multiply account - http://sophiesfotografi.multiply.com/

Here are some of the shots I have taken.



Bench at the Park

  I just love the way this pigeon looked towards as if he knew I was taking a photo of him.


Star Pigeon

 

The Light



The Leaves



At the end of my long walk, I rested my tired feet and sat on a bench along the beach side area in Corniche. Collected my thoughts and wrote down my feelings.

At The Edge

I'm staring across the ocean,
Wondering what I want my life to be,
Trying to see clearly my future,
Which seems to be bleak and scary.

I am uncertain of my direction in life now,
I cannot understand the path I need to take,
All I know is that I'm on this bench clearing my thoughts,
Staring across the calm ocean,
Asking nature to help me find my way.

Josh 04/2011

At The Edge



Sometimes, words will come to me unexpectedly and it is something I have developed in my stay in the UAE. Glad to have explored the Corniche Area.

-- Josh

Words of Wisdom from Fr. Jerry Orbos

Just some words of wisdom that I heard from Fr. Jerry Orbos during the TV mass last January 09.  He said, "never take anyone or anything too serviously."

He mentioned 4 things to remember and live by --

1)  Money can be earned.

2)  Stupid quarrels can be resolved.

3)  Life of a loved one is irreplaceable.

4)  Lost of your soul is your greatest failure.

I thank God for these words to help me through my stay here in UAE.

--Josh

An Evening With the Achievers (Toastmasters Abu Dhabi)

Yet again, another invitation to join Toastmasters Club.

I was invited once more to attend and be a guest at the Toastmasters Club, but here in Abu Dhabi.

The first time I attended Toastmasters was during the time I was with Air2100 in the Philippines. It was sponsored by the company but I was not interested to join the meetings for the simple reason that I was so afraid then to speak in English, especially in front of an audience.

I get stage fright everytime I speak to large number of strangers who have deep knowledge and confidence in speaking English, even if there are just 8 people in the room. I feel like my blood will rush and shoot up to my brain then literally have my nose bleed. It is the reason I have made excuses every meeting not to attend the Toastmasters Club in Air21.

Then came the invitation with Toastmasters Club Aboitiz 2Go. My best friend's company had sponsored this club for the staff and my friend was also a member. They have opened the invitation to others who are not 2Go employees but are interested to join. I was working then with Santa Fe Relocations. Since I have gained some confidence in speaking the language due to the nature of my work, I joined the club. I was able to attend around 6 meetings and prepared 2 speech projects, but was never able to complete the course because of my hectic schedule. But another reason, I was paralyzed and felt incapable to prepare a speech. It was difficult for me to organize my thoughts, it seems scattered at that time and it was so impossible for me to prepare a coherent speech, so I dropped it.

Now, I am being invited again to join the Achiever's Toastmasters Club here in Abu Dhabi. It was really interesting since there are other members of the club who are foreign nationals. But  I am a bit undecided whether to push through with becoming a member. I am hesitant if I will be able to commit myself to the schedules and responsibilities.

I cannot help but wonder, though, if I am meant to be in this club as this opportunity has been offered to me for the third time. I never tried looking for the Toastmasters Club and yet it has found me again. Probably a certain destiny awaits for me here and it is something I might need to acknowledge this time. I maybe destined to be called Madame Toastmasters, why not?.

Earlier, one of the speakers, Cisco Lay, delivered his Advance Speech Project entitled "I speak therefore I am."  I was impressed on the coherency of his speech and the way he delivered it with confirndence. I would like to be like him, being able to convey my thoughts with clarity and conviction. Being confident to speak in front of an audience with the proficiency of the English language.

I know Toastmasters can help improve my writing and communication skills. It is just up to me now to decide and make it happen. As they say, success comes from those who dare to take risks.

Josh

**photo courtesy from the Achievers Toastmasters Abu Dhabi website.  

A Weekend of Bliss

Two days of weekend is a total bliss. I watched my favorite movies and series. Updated my blogsite and added gadget. Hope you can check it out if you are into blogging.

I'm really getting into photography and trying to harness my creative side. Feel free to comment on my blogs and my photos - http://sophiesfotografi.multiply.com/.  Still a newbie in the blogging world and would appreciate your comments for any improvements needed.

Have a great week ahead!

Photography Seminar with Bobbi Lane

It was an exciting evening for me. I attended the free Photography seminar by Bobbie Lane at the Abu Dhabi Theatre in Breakwater area, and it was a great experience.




Bobbi Lane

 

I have always wanted to learn photography but it seems very expensive to learn this craft when I was in the Philippines. A decent DSLR camera alone usually costs more than Php 20,000.00. In addition, photography session fees would cost more than Php 5,000.00. And for an employee who earns around Php 15,000.00 to 18,000.00 salary with family obligations, this hobby is a luxury I cannot afford.

But here in Abu Dhabi, I might be able to buy my own DSLR and have basic trainings I can attend to. Probably in a few months time, but certainly something that can be achieved.

What is interesting about Abu Dhabi or the whole UAE is their love for their culture. They are proud of their heritage and they would like to show them off, meaning they would like other nationalities to experience the diversity and culture of the Emirati people.

They understand the value of Arts in cultivating one's culture. Hence, they encourage not just their local people but even other nationalities who are residents in their country to be part of their culture, to cultivate our artistic and creative minds, through paintings, crafts, photography, music, theatre or any forms that would enhance one's creative prowess.

It is one of the reasons I fell in love with this country. She is my second home. She has welcomed me in her bossom and made me a part of her family. Truly grateful for the experience.

UAE Flag

There may be rough and difficult moments here in Abu Dhabi but when it comes to harnessing my creative side, this city gives me that opportunity through their culture and arts programme which I find very beneficial.  

After the seminar, I also took photos while walking towards Marina Mall. As Bobbi Lane said, take lots and lots of photos.

On a side note, I have been experiencing lately such worry and despair with my present work. So I decided to attend this seminar to get my mind off it and explore my creative side. I arrived at the place around  06:00 pm.  While waiting for the seminar to start at 07:30 pm, I sat on a bench outside the theatre and took some snapshots from my Canon Powershot D10 of things that I find interesting.



City of Abu Dhabi





Street Lamp





Street Lamp



Then I stopped,  closed my eyes, let my mind settle into space, feel the soft wind breeze touching my skin, let the universe fall into perspective and raised all my concerns to God. I felt peace in a way.

It was a great evening, I got exhausted from walking but it was a meaningful experience.

Solitude

by Josh 11/2010

This place brings me solace,

The gentle wind breeze is taking away my worries,

I have peace in my soul for now.

I feel contented just by being here,
Just breathing, still breathing,

The sound of the rustling leaves calmed my mind,
It settled my thoughts.
I feel grateful for the blessings,
Thankful for everything I have received in life.

Challenges has its purpose.
It may not be known for now,
But it will reveal its meaning in time.
I must have patience,
To endure the waiting,
While trying to understand my life's voyage.

I maybe alone now but I have fullness in my soul.

Quote from H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Such inspiring words from a great leader. I hope the leaders from my home country, Philippines would embed such words in their hearts ....

"The real wealth of the country...is not found in material wealth. It is made up of men, of children and of future generations. It is this which constitutes the real treasure."

(H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan)

5 Solutions to Thrive Under Stress - Prevention.com

5 Solutions to Thrive Under Stress - Prevention.com

I Think I'm Inlove with My Work Too Much

It's almost 3:00 AM and I'm still awake. My mind is still on active mode and though my body is extremely exhausted, I can't seem to get myself to lie in bed and rest my weary mind.

I left the office very late trying to finish up all my pendings and to do's. I just realized that it has been almost 2 months since my last blog and I have not been able to share my thoughts lately.

I have spent most of my time at work and my boss would always tease me to get a life.

Life? Well, most of my life here are spent in the office so I guess I had developed a certain relationship with my work. When I was in the Philippines, I have the same scenario and I usually spend more time with my job than with my partner and parents.

Funny though, it just seems like I'm terribly in love with my job.  You know the feeling when you are in love, you can't sleep, you always want to be with the person you love and you can't live without them.

I just realized now that I can't sleep because I'm thinking about my work, I'm always in the office almost 24 hours a day/7 days a week and I can't seem to stop working even though my body is telling me to stop.

Either I'm in love with job or I'm just plain addicted with work. Truthfully, I love what I'm doing. I like the challenge, the pressure and stress. Trying to figure out whether I can make it or not. Learning from the mistakes, having those palpitating and panick attacks then trying to calm my nerves down. I do get tired though and wish for a peaceful sleep.

Well, my mind is a bit disoriented while writing this blog but I just want to share my thoughts. Anyway, my bed is certainly gaining advantage of tempting my body to sleep on it now. Guess, better rest as I look forward to having another day with my new partner - WORK.

Josh

Food Trip in Dubai

Last June 11, has been the yummiest day ever in UAE. It took a while for me to post the experience I had on this day 'cause having a hard time uploading the photos. But at last, I was able to finish this blog.

We visited our friend's place in Barsha that Friday and had the most delicious lunch.... roasted chicken, sauteed tahong and favorite seafood pesto. I was so full that I needed to unzip my pants to let my tummy breathe.

Sauteed Tahong

Roasted Chicken

Spaghetti Seafood Pesto

After the yummy lunch, we went our way and explored the malls of Dubai. First stop, Mall of Emirates. We just walked around and window shopped. Checking out the sale on certain stores.

 

Inside Mall of Emirates

Then we decided to go to Dubai Mall to watch the Fountain show. So we got on the train and went on our way to Dubai Mall station.  Dubai Metro's one day ticket would cost around AED 14.00 but you can buy a one way ticket depending on your destination. But if you would be staying in Dubai for a longer period of time, then you should buy the NOL card, it is just like the Octopus card of Hong Kong. You just need to reload it when needed and you can use when riding the bus within Dubai as well.

 

MOE Train Station

When we got off the Dubai Mall Train station, we just decided to just walk along the streets of Dubai going to the mall while taking photos of the tallest building of the world, Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

One thing that is very interesting in the city of Dubai are the buildings' architecture. Each building is different from the other, which is really impressive and most were done by Filipino architects.

Buildings near Dubai Mall

Anyway, it was quite a long walk from the Train Station to Dubai Mall. So we had to stop by Starbucks to quench our thirsty throats and relax our tired feet a bit.

Then on our way to the Fountain Show, we pass by Dubai Aquarium and were amazed by the the relaxing sight. We did not went into the tunnel and just viewed the aquarium from the outside area.  But for your info, the entrance fee to Dubai Aquarium is around AED  25.00,    in case you are interested to know more about the Dubai Aquarium, please see this link - http://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/tickets_information.html.

Still it would have been much better to see these beautiful marine creatures in their natural habitat, but probably we all need to have them in our cities for us to marvel on God's creations.

After the sight seeing outside Dubai Aquarium, we went to see the awesome Fountain Show. Just love watching it everytime, the sounds, the lights and the dancing water fountain.

After the breathtaking Fountain show, we got really tired and hungry so we had our dinner at T.G.I.F. I have always wanted to have taste buds experience the mouthwatering steak at TGIF but I did had the means before. So I suggested to have our dinner at this restaurant and my wish came true.

After the sumptuous meal, we just walked around Dubai Mall, had our last top at the loo then went on our way home.

I had fun that day... not just because of the food but importantly spending the day with friends who are always there to brighten my day.

Thank you to all my friends who always make my life here in UAE easier to bear.

Josh

After Life

I watched the movie After Life and it just made me think about my life, about death, the choices I made and have not made.

What if there is really nothing after life? What if the life we have now is both heaven and hell, depending on the choices we make, depending on how we live our lives. That we need to make this life we have now worthwhile because there is nothing after we have passed this world.

What if today is the last day in this world? How did you live, how have you lived those years of life?

What if you only just have that few moments to think about your life before you are completely gone in this world? Will you have so many regrets, for words not said, for things not done? Or will you be able to peacefully close your eyes knowing that you have lived the life you wanted, to live it with happiness, to have explored everything Life has offered you?

I had my struggles and still have them. I cannot never live without it, it will always be a part of my life. It sometimes gets exhausting to live life with complications. It wears out my soul and breaks my spirit at most times. But it also builds my character and makes me a stronger person.

Few years back, I got tired of living the same situation. In the movie, Anna is already dead when she was expressing all her regrets in life. Like the character of Anna who had full of regrets, I was at a point in my breathing life I was living a regretful chapter for wrong decisions made, for choices I was so afraid to explore. I had the same sentiments as Anna, waking up, going to work, doing my work, going home then falling into sleep. Then having the same routine again the following day. It was not a miserable life, but there is just something that I needed to do and I was so afraid to explore it then.

When the opportunity presented itself, I took it. I left my country to work overseas. I still have the same situation with work, but now it is much different. I was learning more about myself here. I miss my country and my family but I am glad I left. This is something that I really wanted to do and so now I am here.

I made a ten year plan of my life. I started it when I turned 30 which was 2 years ago. I was able to accomplish 2 of my goals and 2 are still under process. But now after a few months of living in this country, my perspective has changed. So now I am reassessing my goals and plans for the next 8 years of my life.

But in case today will be the last day of my simple life (which I pray, God will still let me live to see my grandchildren), I would be glad to say that I can close my eyes peacefully even with the thought that there would be nothing beyond this life.

It was not a perfect life, but I did experience some perfect moments. I had made peace with my God (though I belong to a religious group, I still believe that the path of spirituality is a journey experienced by the person at his/her own pace and time), I have experienced life and made bolder choices. I have accepted my painful past, I have forgiven myself for mistakes I have committed and the hurt done to friends I love (but if I have a Hot Tub Time Machine, I would go back and alter it). I have loved and was loved in return, I have made my parents happy, I have met new people in my life and rekindled old friendships, I have learned to focus on improving myself more rather than try to improve others. It was not extravagant but I have lived a good and interesting life.

If given another day, then I will again try to challenge myself, improve on my weaknesses and create better relationships with the people around me. We only pass by this world once, so I guess it is much better to make it worthwhile.

Josh

My Thoughts on this Week

Another challenging work week here in Abu Dhabi. But I thank God for the time and strenght to be able to accomplish things that needs to be done, it might be just small accomplishments but I did put effort and energy into it.

I'm usually passionate with my work or any activity that would bring out the best in me. Sometimes, I get easily be disheartened. Rechecking my goals, my plans, my strengths and my weaknesses. I greatly fear failure so there are times that I am paralyzed by it. Instead of taking risks, I'd rather not do anything.

But life is full of choices. If I remain complacent and always be fearful of the unknown, I will not be able to reach my goals. I do get affected by other people's opinions, but I am a bit choosy now on who's opinions or criticism's I listen to.

Yes, I do listen to criticisms. Sometimes, I'm affected by it. There are instances I shrug it off, especially those that are totally untrue and nonsense. One would probably say, it's nothing. But in reality, people's comments on you is everything.

In the past few months, I have learned to choose which criticism would help me most and which are just been commented on out of frustration, or arrogance.  I have decided to work on the weaknesses other people sees in me instead of being defensive. I have to admit, I still falter and make a list of complains. But each day, I remind myself to be appreciative of the good things and the bad situations. Every problem has a solution and if it's unresolvable, then better not think of it at all.

It has always been my belief that people would have opinions of you whether you do something right or not. (It's probably in our nature, but hope I'm wrong. I do not have any factual basis on it anyway.) So you cannot always live by their standards. You should live in the standards of your Creator.  

I am not perfect but will always strive for perfection, better yet for excellence. I may just do my job because I'm being paid to do it. But I will try to be committed to doing my work because I want to step up and improve myself to every failure I encounter.

It is just recently that I have stopped comparing myself with others. I am what I am, I am not this person nor that person. So I had peace with myself, striving to be better, to beat my old self. I try to find inspiration from my surroundings, to learn from others and to explore further my abilities - discovered that I'm somehow interested in writing (thank you for the friend who introduced me to blogging - Ivs).

My thoughts are still disorganized but if I continue writing, putting my thoughts into words, I will certainly improve on it (and would definitely strive and hope for).

Josh

Being more Positive

"Today I will start to focus on improving myself rather than waste my time criticizing others."

I have kept reminding myself to work on my attitude. To ignore people who would drain my energies and will not help me reach my fullest potentials. But we are a work in progress.

Earlier, today I took part in a discussion between my boss and a colleague. I would just like to have avoided it but I just can't seem to keep myself away from the issue since I'm partly affected by it.

It was an upsetting discussion and it seemed we did not made any progress at all. We were back to square 1. Same issue, same arguments, same rebuttals. It is like dejavu, a situation keeps repeating itself like a broken record.

I started wandering whether our boss really understands his role in the company. It seems weird because I have been managed by leaders who has extensive experience in the industry and I can't help myself but to compare the present one with the previous bosses.

Then I started to have the litany of complains. I guess I needed to vent my frustrations but it did not help me at all with the work I needed to complete that day. It just drained all my energy and at the end of the day, I was unproductive.

I have great respect for my leaders, some I may not have liked but I do respect their position and their credentials as leaders. I have mentioned leaders because they have the vision for the company or even just the department they are handling, they were able to inspire their staff. The present B, he is manager alright, but not a leader, at least in my opinion.

Good thing, I am able to motivate and help myself improve on my inadequacies. I may not find inspiration through the present B, but I respect him as a person and as a superior. It would seem unfair and questionable why he was placed in such a position but it is beyond me. I understand he is not perfect but I hope he will be humble enough to admit that he needs improvements as well. Probably he will in the future, I just need to be positive. Positive thoughts breeds positive results, right?

From the words of William Nelson, "Once you replace negative words with positive words, you'll start having positive results." So first goal for the month, use positive and kind words to others even when I'm talking about them behind their backs.

Josh

Remember Who You Are

We all have our moments of failures and moments of success... Important thing is not to loose the sense of your inner being in this world full of insanity.

Josh

Letting Go...

Letting go is very difficult when someone holds a special place in your heart, but sometimes you just need to let them go so they can move on and grow, and to let yourself grow in your own relationships.

It is such a painful process.. but when you truly love someone, you will let them be happy with their lives, so you can be happy with your own life.

Josh

Getting really bad

Was into battle gear yesterday. Felt bad, but eventually I was okay. If shots were not fired at me first, I would not have retaliated. I can really be bad if I want to, when someone throws a stone at me, I will certainly throw back a larger stone with spikes.. mwahaha....

Posted in Facebook May 4, 2010

Josh

No One Can Make YoU Feel Inferior

Earlier, I cried out of frustration and exhaustion. I was made to feel stupid by one person and what bothered me the most is I let myself be treated in such a manner.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I should need to constantly remind myself of these words.

While I was writing this blog, I was able to read an article related with this quote. In this article, Life Skills Coach, Carol Sheets mentions that other people have no control over you unless you let them and we should not give them the power to do so. We control our reactions to any situation.

And as it is typical to feel or react from the negative emotions the other person has put on you, you should not allow yourself to cherish that feelings enduringly and belie your sense of self worth. We have the power to change our emotions to a more positive aspect.

Carol Sheets mentioned in her article, "although the feelings are normal, it's what you do with them and how you process them that reconnect you to your power."

She specified a three-step process to help you cope and regain your power when you encounter those authoritative, power driven people:

1) take a deep breath

2) feel the feeling

3) then remind yourself that you won't let the person's words affect your self-esteem

From the words of Carol Sheets, "Life is about choices. You can't control how others treat you, but you can definitely choose how you let it affect you!"

With this in mind, I will try to look at things in a different perspective from now on. I will also try the above steps given the situation.

Lately, I keep forgetting that my true worth is not determined by my job but with the positive relationships I build with others and being able to overcome the difficulties in life with integrity. Developing my character is what I would like myself to improve on. Maybe these experiences are helping me to achieve it depending on my reactions.

As P.B. Fitzwater puts it, “Character is the sum and total of a person's choices.”

Just a food for thought.....
“Watch your THOUGHTS, for they become WORDS.
Watch your WORDS, for they become ACTIONS.
Watch your ACTIONS, for they become HABITS.
Watch your HABITS, for they become CHARACTER.
Watch your CHARACTER, for it becomes your DESTINY!"
Author Unknown

Josh

Safari Experience

Last Friday, we went to Desert Safari and enjoyed the roller coaster ride. I have always been a lover of the ocean and mountains, but now I have experienced the beauty and serenity of the desert, it was breathtaking.

I really had a blast on this trip especially with friends around. The adrenaline rush and having the thrill of the unknown and danger, was really exciting.




Who would even think that the desert possess such beauty. I guess every God's creation has its own mark.




To just sit on the sand and feel the serene sound of the wind was a relaxing experience. It made me feel really grateful of my blessings and made me realize that life is so beautiful to be bothered with the stress and chaos of this world.

The desert has calmed my soul and revived my spirit.



I really enjoyed this weekend and to be able to explore a new place was a total satisfaction. It was great to have experienced a Higher Being in such a marvelous scenery of nature.

Josh