PEEPHOLE ROMANCE

Love knows no bounds!

You can find love in all kinds of places--even in prison.

Two prisoners who courted and fell in love through a peephole in an iron door were released for few hours to get married. The groom is serving a three-year sentence for stealing a bicycle, while the bride was given a year sentence for kidnapping a child. The bride completed her sentence two days after the marriage but brings food to the jail each day to supplement her husband's meager prison diet.

More romantic than the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene, ha!

TRIVIA - WORDS!

William Whewell

Just because a word is in common use today doesn't mean it has been around for a long time. There was no word "scientist" until it was coined by the English scholar William Whewell in 1840. Sometimes it is the meaning that is new. The word "energy," for example, had been around for a long time, but it was not applied in the modern sense--as a term in physics--until 1807.

THE MAN, THE FRIEND, THE ENEMY!!!

There is this man who moved from apartment to apartment every few months. We can call him a serial drifter who always seemed to be around right after a neighbor fell victim to burglary. This man had been caught with a history of robbing people, then consoling them of their loss like a concerned neighbor. In one instance, he gave a neighbor a ride to the airport, then proceeded straight to the apartment he knew would be vacant and cleaned it of valuables. When the man returned from his trip to discover the robbery, the neighborly thief arrived to express his shock, disbelief, and sorrow at his victim's loss and expressed his hope that whomever did such a dastardly deed would be caught and given the punishment he deserved.

Be careful what you wish for--the man was finally caught in the act and got the punishment he deserved: a few years of down time in a penitentiary.

Sometimes enemies are closer than friends!

PAYBACK TIME

Nothing like a little philanthropy to jog the memory.

A generous elderly man donated to seven poor youths a big chunk of his wealth, so they could get married. While attending the weddings, something caused the old man to remember his own wedding, as well as other lost memories--including all the people he had loaned money that never bothered to pay him back. The old man's debtors did not deny that they had "forgotten" to pay him back.

Now that his memory has been set right, it seems these borrowers will have to pay back what they probably had written off years ago as a freebie.

It pays to be generous at all times. As the saying goes, "your generosity will be returned countlessfold!"

STOCKS DROPS, HEARTACHES, AND TEARDROPS

I take pity on this old man, who lost his consciousness at a local stock exchange lounge in synchrony with the rapidly falling price of a particular stock that he had invested in. The man was watching a screen when, in mounting panic, he noticed his stocks falling by so many points. People gathered around the man to revive. He regained consciousness at a nearby hospital where he was treated for trauma.

A colleague is very disappointed as he is losing so much with his stocks. He stands much to lose grounds even more if he doesn't start making himself smart with his investments by keeping a close eye on the extremely volatile stock trading.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - FORGIVENESS

"You can forgive someone almost anything. But you cannot tolerate everything... We don't have to tolerate what people do just because we forgive them for doing it. Forgiving heals us personally. To tolerate everything only hurts us all in the long run."


Lewis B. Smedes

A KIDNAPPING TO SAY, "I AM SORRY!"

This is a true story of a husband, who loves his wife so much, that he even resorted to kidnapping her just to say, "I am sorry!"

Very romantic, isn't it?

Policemen were recently put on high alert after receiving news of a woman being kidnapped by a man and forced into his car. Police closed down roads and checked cars passing by until they managed to locate the car they were looking for and arrested the man. However, under interrogation it soon transpired that the couple was married, albeit estranged. The man told the police that since separating from his wife he had been looking for the opportunity to apologize, but that his wife would not listen to him. Finally, he took advantage of her being at a local market, and as she left the market, managed to get her to sit in his car and listen to his apology.

What happened next?

The woman confirmed that the couple was married and both were later released.

Did they live happily ever after?

Well... I think they are trying to make up for the lost time!

GRAINS OF SAND

Sand grains under the microscope

Did you know that grains of sand are rounded by the action of the wind, which causes abrasion by blowing the sand particles against each other and surrounding obstacles. Once a grain reaches an almost perfectly spherical shape, it may keep that shape without further wear for millions of years.

orange sand grains



yellow sand grains


Have you ever seen a red sand?

UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENT YEARS

At about age 12 to 14, a child moves from a society of children into a culture of youth. As the word culture implies, the customary behavior of this period is set as much by social forces as it is by physical changes. In fact, a person is called an adolescent only because society decided that he or she should be.

Adolescence is one stage that is characterized by the strong emergence of the need to belong. At this stage, friends or peers become significant. Oftentimes they influence growth, but sometimes they lead you to destruction. A well-known psychologist, formulated the theory of man's hierarchy of needs, asserting that the third hierarchical need of man is the need to belong and be loved, or man's longing for affective and affiliative relationship.

The idea of adolescence, and even the word, has come into common use only in the last few generations. In many part of the world, a young person goes directly from childhood into adulthood. Other societies require longer periods of training and education for most young people. This happens in part because people must be more sophisticated to take part as adults in a technological society. Also, an extended adolescence keeps the competition of young people out of the work force a few extra years.

BEING IN LOVE!

love is in the air!

Being in love with someone is a very unique experience. It cannot be described by anyone that would come close to the actual experience. You have to have been there to know it. For those of you who have not, the best that can be said is that you will know it when it happens.

When you are in love, it takes control of you. It is an obsession that cannot be conquered unless being with the person, or if it is muted over time. Even after many years, those who have felt it remember it as if it where yesterday. It is a part of you that you never will lose as long as you live.

(From the prolific pen of my spiritual director!)

FOREVER FRIENDS!

There is an old saying: "tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are." Does it mean you become what your friends are? How would you like to be identified with your friends?

Friendship is an invitation to offer oneself to others. As social beings, we long to be with others. How does it feel to be with those who make you feel important, stand with you when you are down and troubled, understand you in your most trying moments, but most of all, accept you for what you are?

Friendship is one helpful element in developing your sense of "I belong." It does not only enhance your personal relationship, but tests your independent-mindedness and sense of decision making in spite of peer pressure. Friendship is a two-way street. It will not last long if one does all the giving and the other does all the getting.

Friendliness must begin with us. We must take the initiative in developing friendly relationship.

"A man who has friends
must show himself friendly."

(Proverbs 18:24)

A BIRTHDAY WISH

A groovy birthday wish to you, Gerald!

Hey dude, here's one to jazz you up on your great day!
Enjoy it to the fullest!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - GRATITUDE

"To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude."


Albert Schweitzer

LIFE IS SHORT

I always remember my Kumareng Lita's favorite line about living the fullness of life, which I quote "... I live each day as if it were my last... "

If you think your days here on earth are numbered, how would you spend your remaining days?

When we know our days are numbered, we will try to fill them with quality. We will strive for spiritual growth which leads to a wholesome relationship with God and with our fellowmen. When we understand the importance of our time, we will use it unselfishly, doing service generously. Appreciate whatever we have achieved, transform our weaknesses into strength, and let us continue discovering and harnessing our good qualities.

Life is a gift from God, and it is so wonderful not to enjoy!

BEHIND PRICKLINESS LIES BEAUTY

I used to say, "no" growing cacti in my garden, but I changed my mind. I didn't realize until today that there is beauty despite their prickliness and off-putting appearance.

Doug Collicutt has this for us to say, "if you're looking for something really unusual to grow, or if you're into 'extreme xeriscaping', cacti are the ultimate addition to your garden."

RECOGNIZING CHOICE OF ACTION

What actually is true happiness? The way to happiness is filled with many moral choices This means we are offered many chances to choose how we will act and live our life. The maze of life, or when you reach your crossroad, presents you a chance to choose between an action that is solely for your own satisfaction and options that will be for the greater glory of God.

Will your choice bring good to your immediate neighbor and yourself? You can choose to be unselfish or selfish, kind or mean. Everything is up to you. Your sense of responsibility is put to test.

Foresight, planning, and prudence can make a lot of difference. Foresight helps you to envision the effect of your choice. Planning provides you the system on how to carry out your action. And prudence tells you to analyze the situation and, if necessary, take counsel from others before making a decision. Thus, you are able to choose the best way to handle situations.

To borrow Mr. James E. Faust's words, "tommorow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."

A DESERT DRAMA

Two villagers, angry over the death of their camel in an unknown road accident, decided to take the lives of the passengers of the first car passing by them. But the unsuspecting passengers happened to be the principal and teachers of the local school. The villagers stopped the vehicle and ordered the frightened passengers to get out of the car at gunpoint. The pleadings that they were going to the school and that they had nothing to do with the unfortunate death of their camel fell upon deaf ears. The irate villagers lined them up for shooting, but two passing by students sensed the danger and intervened. They persuaded the livid villagers to take the "suspects" to the nearest police station and settle the issue.

The rest is anybody's guess. The villagers were arrested on charges of preventing the teachers from discharging their duties and threatening to kill them.

Many camels roam freely around the desert, crossing roads without warning. They are the cause of numerous accidents, where their sheer size means that there are often no survivors.

AND THAT WAS 19 YEARS AGO!

In Loving Memory of My Sister Janet
Born: February 4, 1940
Died: April 13, 1990

A lifetime of memories I hold
Deep within my heart.
Although God has set you free,
I didn't want to part.
I know someday we'll meet again,
But I'll miss our time together.
Because nothing could replace,
The love shared with a sister.
I'll remember all the silly things,
We used to do and say.
Then maybe it will seem,
You're not that far away.

Things have never been the same since you've left. Gone are the happy days when we would sit down and spend hours talking and laughing about our childhood memories; the mango trees, the small pond, the fragrant sampaguita flowers, and everything fresh and green in our little garden. I remember how we enjoyed singing together the songs of The Platters, Johnny Mathis, and Connie Francis.

It wasn't all that pink to us 'coz we also had our shares of ups and downs. I recall the day when father announced that you were not going to college... you cried and cried and cried. You couldn't bear the thought of not fulfilling your dreams of getting into the university and earning a degree. The college issue was a big blow to you.

When you were at the hospital receiving dialysis treatment, you said, in a very weak voice, ".... I am leaving my children in your care..." And that was 19 years ago, but I still find it difficult today to see beyond the sorrow.

I will forever miss you, Sis!

FUN WITH NUMBERS

Ed, many thanks for sharing this to me!
It's really very interesting!


1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321


Mathematics
couldn't be more
interesting, lovely,
and beautiful!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - SELF-IMAGE

"The self-image is the key
to human personality and human
behavior. Change the self-image and you
change the personality and the
behavior."


Dr. Maxwell Maltz

DO I KNOW ME?

As early as 400 BC, Hippocrates defined four personality types. Which of the four types do you think is closest to you? It is important to note that no one perfectly conforms to any of these types.

SANGUINE (Super Salesman)

Strengths:

Warm, friendly, outoing, witty, optimistic, and fun to be around--the life of the party. Good at communications, public relations, entertainment, and short burst of energy. Basically a people person.

Weaknesses:

Can be superficial, quickly discouraged, and easily hurt by rejection. Often covers up deep feelings of inferiority and inadequacy with a happy-go-lucky facade.

MELANCHOLIC (Super Philosopher)

Strengths:

Imaginative, creative, sensitive, and artistic--a real lover of beauty, solitude, and perfection. Usually quiet, gentle, and philosophical. Able to concentrate, feel deeply, go to the heart of things, stay at something a long time, and remain clam in adversity. Basically an ideal person.

Weaknesses:

Can be moody, touchy, withdrawn, and extremely shy. Easily hurt by broken relationships and capable of extreme depression. Tendency to escape from reality and relationship into themselves.

CHOLERIC (Super Leader)

Strengths:

Strong, self-confident, discipline, determined, and dedicated, usually successful in whatever is undertaken. Good at organizing, taking risks, planning great endeavors, and following through with zeal. Basically a born leader.

Weaknesses:

Can be cruel, sarcastic, hot-tempered, and intolerant. Sometimes ruthless, unscrupulous, insensitive, and often "burn out" before life is over.

PHLEGMATIC (Super Friend)

Strengths:

Easy going, likable, dependable, loyal, ever cautious, conservative, and practical. A good follower, friend, and partner for a strong-willed person. Inclined toward unselfish service, peace making, and the simple life. Basically a support person.

Weaknesses:

Can be lazy, half-hearted, easily stepped on and abused by the other personalities. Often has deep feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.

Ref: Self-Profile: The Me Nobody Knows by Lyman Coleman

THE MIRROR OF MYSELF

Has it occurred to you that you just don't seem to understand yourself. At one moment you hate and condemn yourself, the next moment you believe you are somebody.

The self-image you harbor is the key to the success or failure of your plans and aspirations in life. If you look at yourself as inadequate, chances are that you will constantly believe that anything you wish for is impossible to get. You tend to underrate yourself and shy away from people. But when you know and appreciate yourself and try to use your inner power, self-knowledge will grow into self-esteem. Self-esteem is the most important factor to happiness and well being.

To have a positive self-image can be difficult, especially if one is affected by life's hardships or other major problems. But there are things we can do to improve self-image and self-esteem, which will will turn improve other aspects of our lives.

SUMMER RAIN SHOWERS

A time in the rain!

It's raining, it's pouring....

This is my eight day in Manila, and the weather is treating me nice. We've been experiencing showers every other day, and I am enjoying it. It's supposed to be hot and humid, but it's cool and windy. The garden is so fresh and green, the flowers start their blooming.

Summer rain showers, and the feeling is so wonderful. This is going to be an exciting vacation.

See you guys, I am taking a bath in the rain!

TRIVIA - MAYA INDIAN

Did you know that the male Maya Indian would change his name twice as he was growing up. His original name was linked with the date he was born. He would get a new name, describing a personal feature, when he was initiated into manhood. On marrying, he would take on his formal name.

IT'S MY CHOICE, IT'S MY DECISION!

Many times friends have been the cause of family feuds. Many of us find more satisfaction in being with friends or peers. This is so because we think that sometimes parents prescribed so many dos and don'ts, while friends make us feel less pressured. But parents can be our friends, too?

Our friends have very strong influence on us, in our manner of dressing, hobbies, and attitude toward work, studies, and responsibilities. But how do we arrive at a wise decision if there are conflicting demands of pressures coming from our friends and from our own parents? What if these demands are against our own choices or decisions. What would be the best thing for us to do without hurting them, and at the same time independently make a decision that would be acceptable to all concerned.

LIFE IS BORING ... IS IT?

My nephew, Hans, is a very brilliant boy, has a very advance thinking and a mind of an adult. He's 11. When he comes home from school, he will immediately say, "it's a boring, boring, boring day!!!" Yes, he finds his teachers, classmates, friends, and subjects boring." At his age, he knows many advanced chess moves. His playmates can't even cope up with him with the DS Nintendo, PSP, play station games. He thinks quickly and whatever he does, he does it without haste.

Just like Hans, many times in our lives we get stuck, and we find no meaning in what we are doing. Many live routine lives; they live lives that are not open to new adventures and new learnings. As such, these people conclude that life is boring, that it is not worth living. Well, is it? If we are doing something and for a time you don't succeed, don't give up right away, rather you should check and see what could be the matter. Once in a while, it pays to look into the causes of depression, anger, and constant irritability. It is even wise to know the reasons for your unhappiness or your anger.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - SELF-DISCOVERY

"Some people say they haven't yet
found themselves. But the self is not
something one finds; it is something
that one creates."



Thomas Szasz

TOO COMMERCIALIZED TV SHOWS

I asked Onchong to sit beside me and watch the Korean soap opera, F4. He said, "Lolo, ayoko po ng show na 'yan kasi puro pabalita (Grandpa, I don't want to watch that tv show 'coz it has so many advertisements!"). An innocent complaint from a young boy, but it's very, very true! TV shows with so many sponsors' ads turn me off, too!

We live in a world full of advertisements. They bring into focus what we want and need in order to improve our physical well-being and appearance. However, not all our wants are our needs. Some advertisements appeal to us, some repulse us. They invade our thoughts and persuade us to feel that we want something, which we actually do not need.

In our early years here in the kingdom, we used to enjoy advertisements-free shows. Not anymore, loads and loads of commercials are now injected in between scenes, eating up the entire viewing time.

.... TO BE UNDERSTOOD!

John Powell said, "there is in each of us a deep driving desire to be understood... the want to be loved and understood... it is a law, as certain as the law of gravity, that he who is understood and be loved will grow as a person; he who is estranged will die in his cell of solitary confinement alone. All of us have our own secret past, our secret shame and broken dreams, our secret hopes."

OPENING YOUR WINDOWS

Many times we are blinded so that we do not understand ourselves. We love ourselves so much and this makes us hesitate to think and accept our limitations, our erring dispositions, weaknesses, shortcomings, and inabilities. There are times that we need others to mirror and reflect to us how we are going, growing, and glowing.

There are many things about ourselves that we can share with others, but how willing are we to do so? Some things we keep to ourselves and these are no one else's business but ours. There are opinions and feelings we willingly share to our most intimate friends, other things less private, perhaps, we share with some acquaintances, while there are other facets of our lives that are matters of common knowledge. Most of the times we hold on to our belief that matters of personal interest must be closely guarded.

Luft and Igham came up with the famous Johari Window as a guiding tool in confronting ourselves. It is suggested that we take one window at a time.