Saturday, May 26, 2007

Lessons from Driving School

The worst thing that I can do is to just keep talking about doing something and never getting around to doing it. Words have no weight after all without the actions to support it. So I finally stopped talking about learning how to drive and just. . . did it!

The past week starting Tuesday until Thursday I sat behind the wheel of a Nissan Sentra, first the manual model and the last two hours of my classes the automatic -- just to have a feel of the difference. People keep saying its easier to drive an automatic but I wanted to challenge myself by learning how to drive the stick shift. After all, majority of the cars that ply our Philippine roads are stick shift rather than automatic. After 5 hours of driving class, have I learned anything? You bet! They are the following:



1. It's important to be aware of what happens in your vehicle. At times I would concentrate more on what was going on outside my vehicle that I become unaware of where my hands were in relation to the steering wheel and my foot was already pressing on the gas :)

In life, it's pretty much the same thing. At times we tend to focus too much on what is happening out there, we forget to pay attention to what is happening in here (in our hearts, minds, and emotions). Self-awareness is key. A balanced one for if we become too focused on what is happening inside, we might run into an immovable object instead and find ourselves stunned by the impact or worse.

2. Slow movements on the steering wheel translates to a large movement onto the wheels. I tended to keep the steering wheel turned either to the right or the left too long thus making the car move towards the other lane.

A slight change in life direction has a huge effect or consequence. These consequences need not be something others necessarily see. They may be changes in life perspective, in values, in goals and dreams. Its also not good to keep on in the same direction when that particular way is supposedly a temporary state to correct something.

3. Keeping the steering wheel steady is important. It doesn't move around -- I move around. My hands can't quite seem to stay on an even keel. My driving instructor observes that my right hand tended to keep pulling (ever so slightly, mind you) towards the right. So my left hand would try to compensate but in doing so, I was making the car swerve from side to side.

Just like in life, once we are in the right lane and in the right place, what we need to do is keep our steering wheel steady. We get somewhere faster and in safety at that. At times we also tend to fight with ourselves (our conscience) and with God too much. Instead of keeping to the straight and narrow we veer to the left or to the right.

4. It's all a matter of perspective. I find it a challenge to be able to assess the distance of the vehicle I'm driving and the side of a parked vehicle or a person on a bike. Too many times has my driving instructor taken hold of the steering wheel to steer us away from a possible collision or sideswiping an innocent pedestrian.

At times our view of things are not as they truly are. We might feel we are still far from the edge especially when playing with 'fire' but we fail to see that we are already in danger of hurting ourselves or others.

5. Stay in your lane and you will not be in danger of colliding with another vehicle. My instructor would repeatedly say, 'If you are centered properly in your lane, there is no fear of an accident happening.'

How others are positioned in the journey is not as important as your own position. Another person's state -- emotional, spiritual, physical, psychological are not as important as your own. Before looking for the splinter in your neighbor's eye, it is best to check our own eye for the log that is found there.

These are only some of the fruits of my musings on learning how to drive. There is a certain freedom in being behind the wheel but as Fr Joel Jason taught us in moral theology, 'Freedom does not necessarily mean license.'

Monday, May 21, 2007

I got this from my cousin, Melanie. It's good to go back to this list once in a while. . . After all, we live this life but once, let's live it to the fullest!

Great Advice for Living

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with the words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative-dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Flowers in May

Today seemed like any ordinary day or so I thought. I went to work. After work (we work half days every Saturday), I signed myself up for driving lessons. Yup, I'm actually going to brave the roads as a motorist and not a harmless passenger starting Tuesday. I've put it off too long and the summer will soon be over. Once school starts and I have a teaching load (I hope), my free time becomes once again quite scarce. Then I went off to pick up the NSO documents I had requested over the phone. These documents are needed for my upcoming wedding. Next, I went to Robinson's to do some errands and meet a friend for merienda. Coming home, I was so intent at making sure I got home 'early' enough so that I could chat with Junby, I failed to notice a box that came in for me.

Yup, my sweet and romantic fiance sent two dozen pink and red roses. The occasion? Today is our one year and 11 months 'month'-sary. I am indeed the envy of other girls :) I'll upload pics of the flowers tomorrow. I'd like to take shots using natural light (the daylight) since I've noticed shots taken then come out better. :)

What makes a day special in contrast to the ordinary? Simple. . .our experiences and our reactions to them. Today seemed quite ordinary but because Junby sent flowers unexpectedly, today was turned into something worth remembering. Thanks Sweetie for the roses! :) They were a nice way to close a day.

Will upload pics tomorrow. Night pips! Remember, live each day fully. Makes a world of difference. . . .

Here are some pics of the flowers my sweet and romantic fiance sent...

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Rockin' 80s

Recently in Pinoy Big Brother season 2, I heard this song which heralds back to the 80's. What caught my attention, aside from its light and easy rockin' tune were the lyrics. It reminded me somehow of my fiance and of myself as well when faced with tears shed by those I love. Here it is: When She cries by Restless Hearts

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The lyrics are as follows:

The road I have traveled on
Is paved with good intentions
It's littered with broken dreams
That never quite came true
When all of my hopes were dying
Her love kept me trying
And she does her best to hide
The pain that she's been through

(Chorus)
When she cries at night
And she doesn't think that I can hear her
She tries to hide all the fears she feels inside
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves
'Cause I die a little each time
When she cries

She's always been there for me
Whenever I've fallen
When nobody else believed
She'd be there by my side
I don't know how she takes it
Just once I like to make it
Then there'll be tears of joy
That fills her loving eyes

(Repeat chorus)
So I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves
'Cause I die a little each time
When she cries

It hurts to be the cause of someone else's tears, most especially when these tears are shed because of pain or fear. Tears of joy are a different matter altogether. Nice song....

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Mom's Day


Today is Mother's Day -- the one day set aside to honor all the mothers in the world. I wonder why we need to put aside a specific day to do that? Shouldn't we tell our mothers how we feel everyday? As for my mom...she and I look very different but I guess I'm one of those who can safely say, 'I will not trade my Mama for anyone in the world. I have the best mom ever!'.

My mom is a guidance counselor by profession. I remember only one time in my 27 years of existence where we actually really fought. I don't recall now what the cause was but I still remember how it felt. I remember telling her at the height of my frustration -- 'you should understand me, you are a counselor!' To which she answered, 'my counseling stops when it comes to my kids.' When it comes to us, we are first and foremost her daughters and not her clients but after that one argument, Mama and I never had any real shouting matches and the like. She never was one for shouting. She's one lady who can silence me with a look. Yet, she has her quirky side too. I remember trying to pay attention at mass only to be distracted when I saw her stick her tongue sideways at me. I am glad God gave me my Mama.

Though we don't look alike I guess I am more like her in attitude and mannerisms. I took another test from Tickle to see how closely I am like my Mama and the test proved that...

Take this test at Tickle


You've inherited your mom's Caring Spirit


Are You Turning into Your Mother?

Brought to you by Tickle

Here's their analysis:

Mitzi, you've inherited your mom's Caring Spirit

Imitation is the best form of flattery, so it's no surprise you mirror your mother's knack for treating others well. Maybe you and your mom don't share identical style or taste, but when it comes to who you are deep down, apples don't fall far from the tree.

Whether you're playing matchmaker with a friend, wiping the schmutz off a kid's face, or bringing chicken noodle soup to a sick coworker, you've learned to look out for others' best interests. Kind and caring, you've inherited all of your mom's classic values — whether you like it or not. Good thing mother knows best!

I am glad I have inherited Mama's values. I am proud of my Mama. Without her, I wouldn't be who I am today. Thanks Ma for being the best mom you could be to me. Thank you Jesus for giving my Mama to me.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Bluer than blue

It's Friday afternoon. I just finished rendering some changes on the articles we are currently editing for the upcoming September-October 2007 issue of Misyon

I decided to check other emails I had left unread for months already before resuming work (responding to readers' letters in behalf of DBB -- D Big Boss, our editor Fr Sean Coyle). I saw an email which gave me a link to test what kind of color I represent. I've always been partial to the color blue but I wanted to find out if my preferred color would actually represent my personality. Well according to the test, my true color is...tadah!

Take this test at Tickle


Your true color is Blue!


What's Your True Color?

Brought to you by Tickle

In addition to the color, they had an 'analysis' of my personality. The color blue represents me because:

Mitzi, your true color is Blue!

You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!

So, friends -- would you agree? :) Anyway, coffee break is over. Time to work uli. Until next post then...abangan and susunod na kabanata...

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Why I choose to Love...


Most will say Love is a choice. I agree. Why would I choose to love? I choose to love because as in the paradox of life -- to love is to bind oneself to the Beloved. In doing so, I become free. Free to do what? To love even more.

I can cite physical attributes for reasons to love -- the person is beautiful/handsome, well established in life, comes from a good clan. These indeed have its rightful place in the choice of loving but God doesn't love with human standards. Buti na lang.

I don't deem to know much about His way of loving. I do know how it is to be on the receiving end of it. The Bible says God looks and judges the hearts of men. I do not know what He sees in my heart to continue loving me despite all the times that I hurt Him, choose to hurt Him and still disbelieve the sincerity of His love for me. Most likely because I can not seem to find anything loveable about myself therefore why should He love me? Yet He does.

I came to the point I ceased to question that kind of Love but instead became grateful for the constancy of that love. Love is a choice. May I continue choosing to accept the Love He gives me. With each choice to love another, I love Him back. With every choice to love myself the way He loves me, I love Him back. In choosing to Love, I am freed to become Me...at the end of the road, I hope to truly understand what Love sees in me.