Went early to church today to catch up with the early Benediction followed by Mass which is usually done every first Saturday. It's always good to join a good community putting our intentions and prayers together for humanity and the world.
The weather was perfect today with sunshine and it was hot like in the summer. Went out with Ivan for pizza at Mike's - walking. It was my first time since I came back from Asia few weeks ago, going out without my winter jacket. As we were eating we heard a loud siren outside and I saw a policeman came out immediately from his car. There was a little commotion outside. A lady was found lying unconscious outside the next grocery store. Minutes later some other police came and made CPR attempts on her until the ambulance came. Sources said she had been lying there for hours. I usually saw some homeless persons outside the store. I would give whenever I could but as some said it's not encouraged as they'll continue to hang out by the store. In difficult time like this I just hope they'll go find a homeless shelter than living in the street and being exposed to extreme hot in the day and cold at night without safety protection. It is sad. As I passed by the lady surrounded by police and medical officials but with no family members around, I said a prayer for her in my heart.
Spring will be here soon. In fact it's almost here. Saw a lizard by the wall outside the house. There were few mosquitoes showing up. Gophers making tunnels. I didn't know their digging left an ugly look outside the house. Now, I'm anticipating the season between spring and summer. More picture takings of nature.
It's first Friday of the month. It's always about time. What you do with it. How you spend it and what you get at the end of the day. I look down at the neighborhood and it has been the same since I came here for more than a year ago and probably it has been like this for years. Somehow I know I would like to jump from one place to another as I used to. That's not the case anymore. I have to think of my priority and this could be my place to settle for the rest of my life. But again, why worry so much of being where to live. We can never settle in one place permanently. We'll leave - to a better home.
3/1/2012 Thursday
Went out today to visit a senior home. It was a friendly place and I almost felt at home being there telling Ivan that it may be our retirement home in the future. Of course I wasn't serious. I'm sure if given a choice everyone would like to live and retire in his/her own house. But that's not the case for everyone since when we pass the retiring age, someone else will lead our way. So, I guess it's better to know exactly how to live one's own life while we still have the energy to run and jump around - that we may not look back and regret.
Found The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren in a bookshelf. I thought of reading this book in 3 days but then it requires to be read each chapter a day. So, I guess it'll be good during this Lenten season to spend 40 days meditating on each chapter. It's my second day and I'm more curious about finding out what's next.
2/29/2012 Wednesday
I may have to put on hold my passion for arts for the moment. Time doesn't compromise. Once it's gone, it's gone and can't be claimed. When comes to searching for and filling in details, it takes so much time to make sure that every single thing is right and correct. That's how it goes being on your own. It's the same as being a sole manager and employee at the same time, it's not easy. You have no one to ask for help except yourself since you're the only one who knows how and what you're doing. You're all in one. Admitting that I'm still in the learning process of acquiring excellent skills in self-management. Hope it won't take so much time to master.
2/28/2012 Tuesday
The weather was fine today except in the morning. Somehow I couldn't go out because I still have to do my paperwork and other urgent stuffs. May not even go tomorrow. It's such a hectic job to do and I begin to miss watching a good movie. Still I can't give in to my need for fun. So, again remaining in my room trying to get things done.
It was windy and raining just a while ago and now it's freezing cold. Looks like it had been a gloomy day. I had spent most of the time inside the room doing my paperwork. Was planning to go out tomorrow but it's likely not so since it may be windy and raining again. I'm imagining sunshine and gentle breeze and a world free from anxieties over the future - being in the right place at the right time - a place where there is peace and harmony in both our souls and surroundings - a world free from pride and prejudice - only love and concern matter. In the world where we are now is the world full of needs for attention and approval. But can we be just ourself and step out to reach out the one less fortunate? Why is it so hard?
2/26/2012 Sunday
Had been waiting for the Oscar Academy Awards to be aired on ABC today without checking our channels as we rarely watch, and luckily we had one of the TVs has it. So, Ivan and I watched the program from the beginning till the end. It was my first time to watch the whole program as I was just curious of who is he and who is she in the movies. Was also waiting for the former Dolores Hart to appear and I just managed to see her somewhere in the crowds. It was easy to spot her. It's good that she came to the red carpet though probably she had no intention to win. She deserved to be invited.
After watching the program and predicted that Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep will get the Oscars, I realize that good movies have their own objectives to be achieved for humanity reasons - and definitely we need more celebrities who can become outstanding role models not only in movies but in real life. This thought is challenging me to be the person who I am supposed to be - on how I lead my life. Will it worth or not to put the effort to be the person I want to be. At the end of the day I will have to ask - is it this that I am?
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Cor 9:24-27
2/25/2012 Saturday
Did outdoor works today and cooking too. By the time I had them done, it was already evening and I proceeded with my paperwork. As usual there are constraints and obstacles such as lack of time and stamina to continue working but I think I went through them quite patiently. With regard to time again, we shouldn't be too rushing. When we have time, we need to go through it gracefully and it will work with you. If we rush, there is always something not right with the outcome and often it makes me more tired. It's better to take one thing at a time.
2/24/2012 Friday
Had some paperwork to do today. So, didn't get a chance at all to do other things which I would like to get done. Time is always envious. Having ample of time is what everyone needs. We also need time to make money. So, I guess time comes first before money. Time is such a precious thing to have. It's the best gift. That's why we have breaks and holidays - to give us time for ourselves and our loved ones. This is what we long for - time to sit and relax or do what we're passionate about, time to spend with our loved ones, time to think and reflect. If time is not given, that's so sad for us. I thank Him for giving us the time, for being patient to wait for us.
Today we went out looking for infos of available courses at some colleges. I had the strong urge to go back to school when we were there. I began to miss my campus day. Everyday was an exciting day in those days. Here, there are plenty of choices and I'm still making up my mind of which to take and where to go. We talked to an executive admission representative and I'm so encouraged to study again. Will have to wait until it's opened for the next admission. I'm not in a hurry but I have been given some homework to do as preparation. Seems the future is going to be quite busy and I'm unsure of my blogging commitment. Time will tell. Hoping for the best.
2/22/2012 Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday. We went to church in the morning. It's a good time to remind myself of practicing these uneasy life virtues - patience, tolerance, forbearance, forgiveness, acceptance, humility, simplicity, generosity and unconditional love. It's so easy to forget putting these into practice especially when we're not in the mood to think about 'spiritual life'. Had been pondering some reflections from a book - that our body should be led by the spirit. Therefore, our spiritual life should be clean and clear, filled with virtues - so that we lead a life of - just and right.
2/21/2012 Tuesday
Was occupied with some house chores today. Went in the evening to buy some cakes from a large bakery with variety of pretty cakes and breads we just found out somewhere in the neighborhood. I bought 3 types of cakes and a flan for $8 something. It was worth buying for such nice flavors. Then, I helped Ivan's mom in the kitchen making Amish Friendship Breadwith vanilla flavor. While baking, the whole house had good smell of the flavor. It came out really good.
Went to church and did some cooking yesterday beside being there for Ivan - who is still recovering from the cold. We had to see a doctor this morning and he said she advised him to spend more time at home - watching movies :)
Sharing some good old movies we watched these two days ...
Spending more time with Ivan today. He has caught a cold and needs some rest - and my care of course. Thanks to his mom who knows a lot about traditional remedies. While taking care of him, I also took my time to do my own research studies on particular topic. Then, we watched the 1983 European Vacation in the evening to cheer our moments. I sense that it's important to be with your loved ones in their vulnerable moments no matter how trivial it is. They need our care and attention. So, give them while we still can offer our help, show our concern - and practice kindness to our neighbor.
It's Lincoln Day today and it's holiday till Monday which is Washington Day. Went to movie theatre in the morning and watched Chronicle. We had no regret of watching it. It was a good one. It's good to have a little break from my list of things to do and folders to sort out - admitting that I'm having less time online and need to seriously keep up with my time management.
