I have never bought a Mega Millions until a few months ago. I know that some people buy it weekly, while others think that they would never do that. I was one of the "never" people. I thought, why waste my money on something that I'm never going to win. Buying a Mega Millions can mean so much more to some people than just a way to gamble. It's about taking risks and maybe for that good feeling inside that you could instantly become a millionaire, an instant dream come true...or maybe not. Having too much money can also bring troubles. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were that lucky winner one day?
On a side note, do you believe in Vision Boards?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Christening in a Jar
Last weekend I attended my first Christening for my friend's niece, Samantha aka Sammy. Many people were surprised to know that it was my first time as they revealed that they must have already been to over 10-20 services already. I guess I'm just not very close to many people who attend/hold religious events and that's completely alright with me.
I had no idea that a Christening service could be a community ceremony where many other families and friends are also there to witness their babies on their ways to becoming a Christian. Each baby along with the parents and sponsors aka god parents, all waited in line for their turn with the priest. It was really interesting and educational. The priest even make suggestions of when and where photographers could take pictures.
The babies also had to change outfits and there were even different ways that they can be washed with water, too. This one baby had his legs dunked into the water multiple times, while other babies prefer water to run down their foreheads. Afterward was the reception filled with so many good Filipino food, live band and desserts.
I also came across an old story while reading something from a client called, "Your Life in a Jar" which is something that I have been thinking a lot about lately. Enjoy!
A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The Professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the grains of sand.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
I had no idea that a Christening service could be a community ceremony where many other families and friends are also there to witness their babies on their ways to becoming a Christian. Each baby along with the parents and sponsors aka god parents, all waited in line for their turn with the priest. It was really interesting and educational. The priest even make suggestions of when and where photographers could take pictures.
The babies also had to change outfits and there were even different ways that they can be washed with water, too. This one baby had his legs dunked into the water multiple times, while other babies prefer water to run down their foreheads. Afterward was the reception filled with so many good Filipino food, live band and desserts.
I also came across an old story while reading something from a client called, "Your Life in a Jar" which is something that I have been thinking a lot about lately. Enjoy!
A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The Professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the grains of sand.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Donations
Why is it so much easier to donate clothes that no longer fit me than the ones that I haven't worn in years? They both belong in the unused category, but I just can't seem to say good bye to them. I admit it, I have a lot of clothes. Not because I shop often or anything; I just can't seem to let things go especially when they're in perfectly good conditions. I keep thinking that I'll find other ways to make use of them or find someone to give them to, but I don't. Instead they're hidden away underneath my bed. Must remind myself that my next bed should be very low to the ground, so I can eliminate this hiding place all together.
Last night a high school kid asked me for bus money. I said no, but can't stop feeling bad about it. I have no idea if his reason is true or not. Back in my younger days, I used to walk for hours and have never asked a stranger for money. I don't know what type of situation this kid is in, but I wonder if it's easier for people to ask strangers for things now than in my days.
The last time that I donated money was to this homeless man carrying a sign that reads, "Please Share Just One Quarter." Something about it made me really sad as if people get mad at him for standing near the freeway with his sign. What would you do if you were homeless, have you ever thought about that? Where would you go for anything when you have no one to turn to?
Last night a high school kid asked me for bus money. I said no, but can't stop feeling bad about it. I have no idea if his reason is true or not. Back in my younger days, I used to walk for hours and have never asked a stranger for money. I don't know what type of situation this kid is in, but I wonder if it's easier for people to ask strangers for things now than in my days.
The last time that I donated money was to this homeless man carrying a sign that reads, "Please Share Just One Quarter." Something about it made me really sad as if people get mad at him for standing near the freeway with his sign. What would you do if you were homeless, have you ever thought about that? Where would you go for anything when you have no one to turn to?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May Day Queer Contingent, Los Angeles
All I can say about my last two month is "May Day." Here's our press release and pictures below.
A “QUEER” CONTINGENT JOINS ICE DETENTION CENTER PROTEST, MAY DAY MARCH FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST ARIZONA’S SB 1070
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Calls For Comprehensive Humane Immigration Reform inclusive of LGBT issues.
Los Angeles, CA—On May Day/International Worker’s Day, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy groups march for humane immigration reform which protects LGBTQ individuals, their partners, families, and children. Wearing red shirts and carrying gay flags, a large “Queer” contingent include members of The Latino Equality Alliance, API Equality LA, Equality California, Coalición Trans Latina, Gamba Adisa, Sin Fronteras, The Wall / Las Memorias, Proyecto Orgullo-BIENESTAR, Faith for Equality, Asian Pacific Aids Intervention Team (APAIT), Proyecto Igualdad, Asian Queer Women Activists, National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce and other LGBT Groups.
“The gay community supports human rights and dignity in the application of federal immigration laws and policies. The LGBT community is well aware of the harm caused to individuals and families that unconstitutional laws like Arizona’s new anti-immigrant law, SB 1070, which criminalizes the undocumented, and California’s Proposition 8, which denies marriage rights to the LGBT community” said Suyapa Portillo, board member of the Latino Equality Alliance and co-founder of Gamba Adisa, queer women, gender non-conforming, and trans people of color collective. “The LGBT community urges President Obama and Congress to act fairly and swiftly to update immigration laws and policies that are harmful and separate families.”
LGBTQ specific Immigration Reform Action Items include:
A “QUEER” CONTINGENT JOINS ICE DETENTION CENTER PROTEST, MAY DAY MARCH FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AND IN SOLIDARITY AGAINST ARIZONA’S SB 1070
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Calls For Comprehensive Humane Immigration Reform inclusive of LGBT issues.
Los Angeles, CA—On May Day/International Worker’s Day, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy groups march for humane immigration reform which protects LGBTQ individuals, their partners, families, and children. Wearing red shirts and carrying gay flags, a large “Queer” contingent include members of The Latino Equality Alliance, API Equality LA, Equality California, Coalición Trans Latina, Gamba Adisa, Sin Fronteras, The Wall / Las Memorias, Proyecto Orgullo-BIENESTAR, Faith for Equality, Asian Pacific Aids Intervention Team (APAIT), Proyecto Igualdad, Asian Queer Women Activists, National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce and other LGBT Groups.
“The gay community supports human rights and dignity in the application of federal immigration laws and policies. The LGBT community is well aware of the harm caused to individuals and families that unconstitutional laws like Arizona’s new anti-immigrant law, SB 1070, which criminalizes the undocumented, and California’s Proposition 8, which denies marriage rights to the LGBT community” said Suyapa Portillo, board member of the Latino Equality Alliance and co-founder of Gamba Adisa, queer women, gender non-conforming, and trans people of color collective. “The LGBT community urges President Obama and Congress to act fairly and swiftly to update immigration laws and policies that are harmful and separate families.”
LGBTQ specific Immigration Reform Action Items include:
- Uniting American Families Act. If passed, this law would recognize more than 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples in the United States, 47% of which are raising children.
- Support the DREAM ACT for all youth and recognition of LGBT and queer youth. Immigrant youth who are LGBTQ-identified must be acknowledged in the larger fight for education and youth self-empowerment. Many undocumented youth will graduate with honors from their universities and will not be able to contribute to society and the economy because of their legal status.
- Support LGBTQ worker rights within immigration reform. Although many workers are covered under LGBTQ laws and protections in this country, these protections exclude non-documented immigrants.
- End the 12-month rule to file for asylum seekers. Twelve months is not enough time for LGBTQ immigrants fleeing trauma and violence to obtain adequate resources and representation to file for asylum.
- Stop abuse against LGBTQ immigrants, particularly transgender immigrants, in detention centers. LGBTQ people often face physical violence, rape, and emotional and mental abuse in detention. One resounding example is the case of Victoria Arellano’s death in ICE detention; Arellano died marginalized for being a transgender person and cut off from live saving health care.
- Stop all forms of militarization and violence at the various borders. Border militarization must cease immediately, particularly biometrics and infrared technology utilized to criminalize immigrants.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Do You Know About Pharyngitis?
Everyone gets a sore throat, but do you ever look at your tonsils to see how bad they look? My tonsils never looked this bad before and I thought that I could just get some over the counter medicine to fix it. Luckily a few curious minds asked to see them then strongly advised me to see a doctor instead. Three hours later, one nurse and doctor down, I got my first doctor's note to take two days off for Pharyngitis. Did you know that you can't get amoxicillin over the counter in the US? Everything that ends in "gitis" sounds scary.
I learned that I'm now "c o n t a g i o u s." I can cough directly into my enemy's mouth to infect them. In seven days the antibiotics will work its way to get rid of my sore throat, swollen tonsils, body-aches and chills. It's already day 4 and almost everything is gone except for the minor body-aches. Maybe I just need to start exercising at work. I should take small walks during my breaks or something. Do you take a break at work or do any stretches?
I learned that I'm now "c o n t a g i o u s." I can cough directly into my enemy's mouth to infect them. In seven days the antibiotics will work its way to get rid of my sore throat, swollen tonsils, body-aches and chills. It's already day 4 and almost everything is gone except for the minor body-aches. Maybe I just need to start exercising at work. I should take small walks during my breaks or something. Do you take a break at work or do any stretches?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Normal Office Activities
On some Mondays, it's just way too early to share anything about the weekend. I take the lazy way out sometimes with the, "I don't remember" respond. I guess the more accurate thing to say would be "Sorry, it's just way too early for me to recall anything right now. Let's talk later." My co-workers must think that I'm either very secretive or have no life at all outside of work with my blank answer.
Anyways, talking about office life. It's annoying when the last person who finishes the coffee doesn't brew a new pot for the next person. Also when the restroom runs out of hand soap and no one seems to care enough to refill it. Doesn't anyone else washes her hands? Errr...I don't want to think about that too much. There's also the frequent spilling of coffee, sugar, etc. that people don't clean up in the kitchen. Sometimes people leave their dishes over night and not only in one sink where there are already dirty dishes in it, but in both sinks. Yes, please block both sinks so no one else can clean just like you.
No, these are not complaints. I'm only stating the fact of what I've seen before in an office. Is this normal office activities? My work is small, so our custodian only visit on the weekend. In a better world, more people would care and respect their working environment and not leave their mess for others to clean up after them. People would take care of one another and help each other out. Isn't it just common sense and common courtesy? I guess some people just don't have it. Sad.
On another note, I'm loving Neko Case right now. Her voice is always amazing to listen to when I'm happy or sad.
Anyways, talking about office life. It's annoying when the last person who finishes the coffee doesn't brew a new pot for the next person. Also when the restroom runs out of hand soap and no one seems to care enough to refill it. Doesn't anyone else washes her hands? Errr...I don't want to think about that too much. There's also the frequent spilling of coffee, sugar, etc. that people don't clean up in the kitchen. Sometimes people leave their dishes over night and not only in one sink where there are already dirty dishes in it, but in both sinks. Yes, please block both sinks so no one else can clean just like you.
No, these are not complaints. I'm only stating the fact of what I've seen before in an office. Is this normal office activities? My work is small, so our custodian only visit on the weekend. In a better world, more people would care and respect their working environment and not leave their mess for others to clean up after them. People would take care of one another and help each other out. Isn't it just common sense and common courtesy? I guess some people just don't have it. Sad.
On another note, I'm loving Neko Case right now. Her voice is always amazing to listen to when I'm happy or sad.
Monday, February 1, 2010
I Need a New Caffeine
Something is wrong; caffeine puts me to sleep. I love the taste of coffee, but most of the time, I want it for the after effects. What can be new anti sleep-stay awake beverage?
So I stopped drinking coffee about a week ago as an experiment to measure my sleeping time without it. Nothing changed much. It's weird how I tend to stay up later when I'm alone at home versus when I'm out. I caught myself yawning around 11pm the other night, but I can still go home and be up until 3am afterward. So we yawn because we're tired or bored but not that the body is sleepy. It could also be because you're low in oxygen or that you have too much carbon dioxide. Did you know that the fetus can also yawn inside the womb?
"Beautiful Science: Ideas that Changed the World"
The Huntington Library
So I stopped drinking coffee about a week ago as an experiment to measure my sleeping time without it. Nothing changed much. It's weird how I tend to stay up later when I'm alone at home versus when I'm out. I caught myself yawning around 11pm the other night, but I can still go home and be up until 3am afterward. So we yawn because we're tired or bored but not that the body is sleepy. It could also be because you're low in oxygen or that you have too much carbon dioxide. Did you know that the fetus can also yawn inside the womb?
"Beautiful Science: Ideas that Changed the World"
The Huntington Library
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