My Bald Shih Tzu

*Warning: I think this is my gay-est entry ever haha*

Around one month ago went I got home from work, I was surprised to see a new dog inside our house. There’s only one dog staying inside the house and his name is Bob. I so love him I even wrote a blog entry about him before (How A Shih Tzu Made My Life Better). Check it out, isn’t he so cute? He’s my ultimate de-stress-er because he always smiles and he got so much energy. You’ll actually envy him, he never gets tired. And he sleeps like a human. Yep he does. Amazing right?

These are the reasons why I got shocked when I saw a bald Shih Tzu inside our house. I thought it was a new dog but when I looked closely, it was Bob! I was so surprised. What made things worse is that you can see that Bob is not happy with his new haircut. After several weeks, we witnessed Bob’s transformation. He doesn’t smile anymore, he’s no longer enthusiastic and playful, and there are even times when he doesn’t even leave the room. Poor Bob. We were concerned. We really were. Buy what can we do? It’ll take at least 2 months for his hair to grow and we didn’t know of any dog hair grower shampoo.

So we just waited. We didn’t stop playing with him and we were extra sensitive. He looked funny but we didn’t laugh. My mom always reminded us that he can feel that we’re laughing at him.

And then, just like the fairy tales we read when we were young, Bob went back to normal. He became happy again. He started to be playful and enthusiastic just like before. And now, he smiles at you when you call his name. He’s still bald but I think he finally got used to it.

My de-stress-er is back! yey!

Bob before:

Bob now:

Autumn

I just watched (500) Days of Summer last night and I want to write how it made me feel because the feeling is so special. It’s not a purely happy feeling, it’s also not a purely sad one. It’s like a feeling painted out of different colors all combined to form a great masterpiece.

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, I need to warn you that some of my thoughts may spoil the movie, obviously hehe

Here we go

I believe that we all have our own ‘500 Days of Summer’. It may not be 500 days, her/his name may not be Summer, and the effect of such days may be more or less hurtful as compared to the movie. I believe that there would always be situations wherein we would think that it’s too good to be true, such situations that give us so much happiness and possibly equally or worse pain. This is because one way or another, our expectations will mismatch reality. At least once in our lifetime, I believe this will happen. I have experienced this more than once in different aspects of life and I know a lot of people who share the same experience. Sometimes I feel that my happiness is coming from something that is so good, so good that I become scared. And true enough, there is reason to be scared. Then that day happens when everything crashes, sometimes for reasons that we don’t even expect.

Then I break down, feel pain and agony and do crazy things. I become bitter that things have to be this way. I was happy, why not continue to be happy? I didn’t understand, I didn’t see the reason why. I try to distract myself, doing things that I don’t normally do. I try to cover the pain, to fill in the hole with something larger than it, so large that it won’t fit, so large that I would be overwhelmed. I question destiny, I question love, I even question God. And at the end of each day, I sleep with tears in my heart and eyes thinking that I will never be better, or even normal again.

Then you start to pick yourself up. You see the value of other people around you. You see the value of things that were there all along. You realize that you always had the power to be better, you were just too busy thinking that you can’t. You start to attract more positive ideas, more positive things, more positive people. The tears stop and smiles replaces the frowns. You start to go back and realize the reason why. Your questions start getting answered and the answers make perfect sense. You realize that you don’t need to fill in the hole because there was no hole in the first place. You were whole all along. Your expectations then start to match reality and one day as you look at the sun in a weather so cozy you realize that all this time… you were not just looking hard enough. And the cosmos bridges you to that ultimate day where Summer ends and Autumn begins. And you know in your mind and in your heart that you deserve it and that’s the best thing.

It’s not just about relationships, it happens in all aspects in life. In our career, in our family, in our pursuit of our goals. There would always be times when our expectations will mismatch reality and it would hurt, sometimes just a little, sometimes so much. But we can always cope up in our own ways, in our own time.

Clouds

If I can do one unique thing today, what will it be? Life has been good to me. Despite all the challenges I am facing everyday, I still go to sleep and wake up with warmth in my heart. Maybe that’s because I have created  a mechanism wherein my brain always reminds me to be positive, and for me… at least for me… positive thinking leads to positive emotions.

So now I sit here on my chair, typing words which I hope will be full of wisdom, thinking of ways how to maximize this day.

I have noticed that I’m becoming more and more conscious about feeling depressed. I usually attach an action with it’s overall result. So if I do something, most of the time I think of it’s effects especially with my emotions.

But I guess we can’t be happy all the time. We can’t feel so special everyday. We can always strive and we can always have the feeling back but so many people with so many attitudes with so many relations in our lives can only just alter your ideal day everyday and that’s perfectly normal.

All of these emotions, all of these feelings are like clouds surrounding us. We may like it and we may not. But no matter what happens, these are just clouds, simply there to block our view of the truth, or shield us from it. The clouds can’t hurt us and they are simply a mere combination of gases that will soon disappear. And when it does, what’s left is us – and that matters more than anything else.

Bring It On!

If you decide to write because you want to feel better, then I believe that must be something serious.

I think blogging is quite dangerous. It makes you vulnerable to other people’s comments. Not that you should care but I’m very inclined to believe that blogging can relay a wrong message about you. But then again you can just make your entry private right? haha

I’m writing because I want to analyze something. I’m not sure if this applies to everyone but when I write, I tend to discover things. I tend to go deep down the idea I’m writing about and as a result, I end up quoting myself.

Last night, I realized that problems never end, they only change. I hope you don’t get me wrong, I’m saying this in full optimism. Once we solve or figure out something for a problem we have been dealing with, we realize that there are more that we need to face. Sometimes we think that finding a solution to a problem completely ends it, but I like to believe that it only takes us to a separate path. Like when a problem is leading us north, the solution breaks that path and sends us going east. That path isn’t smooth and we will continue to face problems as we travel in the direction the solution led us. Ironic? I don’t think so. Even though the new path isn’t smooth, it’s still a new path and that means new adventures, new lessons, and new stories to tell.

It was a rainy morning on my way to work and such weather usually triggers my emotional side. I reflected on the problems I”m facing right now. The challenges that I face every time I wake up. I’m very thankful I’m in this new path. It’s such fresh soil. The idea that so much is ahead of me really excites me. I’ve been pondering on ways how to deal with these problems as some get harder and harder each day. Every time I think of ways how to handle these challenges, most of the time my mind gets filled with emptiness. I can’t think of something. And when this becomes a cycle, my mechanism leads me to the realization I just had before I wrote this entry – be thankful.

There’s nothing wrong with complaining. It’s very human. But I guess we should know the line separating wanting something better and complete dissatisfaction. Just like what I’ve said, problems never end. This path I’m traveling on may be as rough as before but still, it’s a new path and so much things await. You can’t expect things to end up the way they did. Each problem is unique and the solution sets us somewhere unique as well. We should grab that opportunity and make the best out of it. Some of your old tricks may work, but it won’t be enough. You’re in this new path because you now got more slots for new tricks, new realizations, new achievements… all in line for a better you.

And even though it’s hard to accept the things i just said, mainly because these are things outside our comfort zone, I’m sure that it’s possible and we all have enough strength to take the challenge.

We can all say ‘bring it on!’, Manaligod 2009

Inspiration

Sometimes, you just got to have a simple conversation with a good friend to be inspired.

……

……

My friend: you have everything in your hands

My friend: you have resources and youth to go with you

My friend: don’t lose the spirit

Me: i won’t

Me: i won’t

Me:

My friend: if some things don’t go as planned, then try another strategy

My friend: some things are not one shot deals na (that) make or break

Me: yeah

Me: i agree

My friend: some just have to be done, and redone and remade over and over again

Me: perfectly said

My friend: if you go to the beautiful churches in europe, you will be surprised how long they finished it

My friend: it takes them at least a hundred years

Me: wow

My friend: imagine building something with the thought that there is a great possibility of not seeing it

My friend: pero (but) they continued building

My friend: and that is the st marks cathedral and the duomo that you see sa (in the) milan movie

My friend: that is the leaning tower of pisa that we marvel today

My friend: the vatican church….

My friend: so just build and enjoy building it

My friend: kaya am asking (that’s why I’m asking) what interests you

My friend: para kahit na di mo makuha as you dreamed it (so that even if you don’t get it as you dreamed it), you are still happy building it

My friend: and what a nice way to start early building things

My friend: there is a greater possibility that you will see it through

My friend: you have the whole world, literally the whole world, within your hands

Me: such inspiring words

We should treasure friends who talk like this

2:05:31 PM enjinx: you have everything in your hands

2:05:39 PM enjinx: you have resources and youth to go with you

2:05:54 PM enjinx: don’t lose the spirit

2:06:08 PM khail_87: i won’t

2:06:10 PM khail_87: i won’t

2:06:12 PM khail_87:

2:06:33 PM enjinx: if some things don’t go as planned, then try another strategy

2:06:48 PM enjinx: some things are not one shot deals na make or break

2:06:54 PM khail_87: yeah

2:06:56 PM khail_87: i agree

2:07:09 PM enjinx: some just have to be done, and redone and remade over and over again

2:07:34 PM khail_87: perfectly said

2:07:43 PM enjinx: if you go to the beautiful churches in europe, you will be surprised how long they finished it

2:07:54 PM enjinx: it takes them at least a hundred years

2:08:13 PM khail_87: wow

2:08:18 PM enjinx: imagine building something with the thought that there is a great possibility of not seeing it

2:11:20 PM enjinx: and he can see what he did grow into a vast empire now that he is eighty i think

2:11:42 PM enjinx: so is lucio tan, henry sy….

2:12:02 PM enjinx: wait for manaligod brothers…..

2:12:45 PM enjinx: you have the whole world, literally the whole world, within your hands

2:19:20 PM khail_87: maraming slamat kuya

2:19:24 PM khail_87: such inspiring words

2:20:21 PM enjinx: pwedeng negosyo ba? hahaha

2:20:33 PM khail_87: haha pwede noh!

2:20:38 PM khail_87: gawa ka na ng libro

2:20:41 PM khail_87: or seminars

2:20:44 PM khail_87: or website

2:20:46 PM khail_87: hahaha

2:20:53 PM enjinx: website pa.

Gwapo Naman Ako, Bakit Wala Parin Akong Girlfriend? (Why Do Some Good Looking People Have A Hard Time Looking For A Partner)

I was listening to my favorite morning radio program on my way to work and they were talking about why do some good looking successful people have a hard time looking for a partner. They were discussing that we are all inclined to think that if someone is good looking or successful in their career or  famous in their chosen field, looking for a partner is the least thing they should worry about. Well, my favorite radio jocks were telling that it isn’t true and I agree.

I’m sharing these thoughts not because I’m good looking or successful in any way and also not because I’m looking for a partner. I’m sharing these thoughts because I believe that people look for something deeper than the looks and the success of someone they want to be with. Maybe it’s a factor but it’s just a spec in the spectrum of factors that attract one person to another.

It is also as good as saying that it’s the beauty inside that counts. I really believe in this. As in. Our outside appearance and public achievements are just like the icing of a cake. Some people only like the icing but what’s the use of the icing if there’s no cake to put it on to right? And if you ask me, the cake will always be richer in flavor than the icing. You would want more flavor right?

In a less serious note, I believe that by default, everyone is attractive. It just depends on who we want to see us as attractive. We may be the most handsome guy or girl in someone’s eyes but our eyes are locked on someone else. Or we could be the perfect partner for someone but we believe that our perfect partner is that person who doesn’t even know we exist.

Well, that’s life, full of contradictions. But it doesn’t mean you got to succumb to it. Go on and clean the lens wherein you see your world. Be confident of you are. Build and improve yourself into that someone you always wanted to be. Don’t settle for anything less than what you intend and will achieve.

Wow, such heavy words for a blog with a title like this

Wedding Plans

The idea of getting married always excites me. Contrary to other people’s beliefs, I think marriage is such a good thing – a celebration of the love of two people being taken to a whole new level, a level which requires more responsibility but at the same time, a level that is more fulfilling. There are days when I look forward to that time that I’ll get married, hmmmmm… exciting. I know it’s a serious event but in my case, I don’t want it to be super serious. I just want it to be fun and cool. Nothing too tight, nothing too strict. I guess I’m saying this because I’m that type of person. Someone who can really be so careless and free. Not bounded by rules… just principles. So in line with this, I would like to share a video for my wedding day march. Hahaha enjoy!

Well, it’s just a wild idea.. why not right? haha

Happiness is a choice we make, everyday

This Is For You

Cheer up and smile
Stop and relax for a while
Take time to see the beauty that surrounds you
For it’s something infinite and true

Put the past aside and take one step
It may not be easy but this I bet
That it’s possible whomever you may be
And you don’t necessarily need certainty

Of what the next step is all about
For life is simply a mixture of sureness and doubts
Don’t be afraid and think so much
Don’t overcomplicate and treat life as such

A pain that requires heavy lifting
Believe me it’s not even worth thinking
Because whatever happens sooner or later you’ll see
That it’s all meant to be

Be thankful to the people who give you strength
Treasure their smiles and helping hand
Don’t hold grudge to the people who did you wrong
Just be faithful and just be strong

That whatever pain you feel right now
It’s just a matter of simply how
You cope up in this tunnel we’re all in
But surely, there’s light within

Wake up each morning and say
That great will be this day
Because whatever shakes you, you’re always in control
Of what you put in your head, if you’ll let yourself fall

For the trap of sadness, victims we usually are
For the cloud of misery that darkens our north star
Dare yourself to always move to the right direction
And all you need to start is a confirmation

That you want this to happen
And you’ll fight with your strength to go
To that state of happiness that you deserve
And in no time you’ll be able to show

That you have become better and now you know
How to go on through life in a better way
That misery is a knot we tie ourselves
And whatever happens you’ll never be alone

In your journey with ups and downs
You’ll have people all around
the world who will not leave you no matter what
Gold are their voices and touch

Soon you’ll realize that it’s as if nothing happened
And you’ll be smiling all over again
Then you’ll understand the reason behind the pain
And you’ll be back in the game

So you who is reading this poem
Hear my heart, this is my song
For you have been part of the process I went through
And now look at me I’m so brand new

Written last November 19, 2008.

I am a living testimony that everything I wrote here is true. I wrote this 8 months ago and every time I look back at all the gloomy days I went through, I can’t help but smile because things have become better… so much better.

Happiness is a choice we make, everyday

Daughtry does Poker Face (Lady GaGa cover)

Hello people! It’s been a while. I was surfing around and I found this. You should check it out.  I love covers, especially acoustic ones. It’s like a ‘different-familiar’ song (am I making sense? haha). Cris Daughtry’s style gave the song a different twist. I dance around every time  I listen to Lady Gaga’s version but with Cris Daughtry’s, it’s different. A different zone. It’s still great, just different. I love the ending man, oh yeah

Powerful With The Way We Respond

People say we always have a choice. Whatever it is that we are facing, it’s always our choice to handle it. We can choose to handle it optimistically, seeing the glass half full. We can also handle it pessimistically, seeing the glass half empty. But I guess, even if we always have the choice, we won’t be able to choose what situation we are in.

It’s like I decide to handle this problem maturely but it was not my decision to be in such situation. It’s so easy to blame the people and situations that put us to such things and to some degree it’s understandable. We don’t have a choice regarding the situations we would be facing; the choice comes from the situation and not the situation from the choice. But I believe that life in general is that way. The mere fact that anytime after I write this entry, something good or bad can happen to me or to anyone I do and do not know reminds us that we are not completely in control of our lives. We faced and will be facing situations that are consequences of the things we did and did not do. No matter how we would love to blame other people and/or other events that lead us to circumstances that we don’t like, it’s not really much of our say.

Our say comes after the situation happened. Fine, something bad happened, an accident for example that is least likely to happen but it still did. Chances are, it was not our choice to be in that situation. I would have never wished for the bad things that happened to me. I would have never decided to undergo such bad experiences but now as I write, I’m still so powerless with the line of events that I’ll be facing. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow or next week, next month or next year. But the wonderful part is that we could always DECIDE the way to react, the way to handle, and the way to push through. Even if we are powerless to the circumstances surrounding our life all pegged in a vast time line, we are powerful with the way we respond.

I was able to think about this when I was walking along the road on my way home. I was recalling some bad experiences that happened to me. I know I handle things pretty well but I thought to myself that even though it was my choice to be mature and to be optimistic with my situation, it was not my choice to be in that situation.

But then again, power is given to what is important. And as long as we remain powerful with the way we respond to the challenges we will be facing, I would like to believe that we’ll be able to make the best out of life.