MJ Lastimosa and the things that make me smile

Binibining Pilipinas 2010 saw one of the favorites, MJ Lastimosa, asked what are the three things that make her smile. I can't really remember her answer, but should I be asked the same question, here are my three things:

1. The beach

2. Kids (well as long as they are cute. lol)

3. And random acts of kindness

Last Wednesday, while on my way "somewhere" (hmmm, I should add this "somewhere" as one of the "things" that make me smile...), I was given the opportunity to practice what I preach.

First, a guy approached me a couple of meters from our house and asked if I could spare him some change for his fare home. He said that he was applying for a job and he got short on cash. I knew that there was a manpower agency near our place and so I willingly obliged. I knew that this was no scam and the guy was in real need. After handing him some coins, the guy thanked me and coyly walked away.

Still en route to "somewhere," I then saw an old lady - the type that sells packed lunch in offices - dragging a stroller down the underpass. It was actually quite painful to watch. In the sea of hurrying suits and corporate wear that is Makati, this old lady was slowly pushing down her things one step at a time, careful not to go overboard lest she slide down the stairs body, baggage, and all. Everyone was minding their own business, a handful handed quick glances. And so, since I was in my best suit ever - shirt, shorts, and flip flops - I approached her and volunteered to take her stroller down. At first she was hesitant, saying that her baggage was heavy. I was actually taken aback by that statement. Here's an old lady dragging her things down a flight of stairs. Here comes an "able-bodied guy" offering her help. And then she hesitates because her things are heavy. Really, what has the world gone to?! Anyway, I insisted and she thanked me when I met her at the stairs' landing.

Random acts of kindness. In truth, they do more for the doer than the supposed recipient. For ultimately, the opportunity to help is humbling and priceless. When I was younger, I had this fire to be somebody. I saw myself as a game changer, someone who'd make a marked impact in the world. That greatness seems to grow in abstraction as time goes by. Meanwhile, these small things - the very real opportunities to help - stare at me, at us, on a daily basis.

Life is difficult. But still, I am blessed.

*****

On another note, one my parents' friends passed away. He and his wife are my parents' churchmates and it was inevitable for everyone to know each other's families. I remember him asking how I and my siblings were doing whenever we met on the street. And now that I'm reminded of how fleeting our earthly life is, I really am scared. Scared not of dying but of losing people whom I've shared my life with. I am reminded that for the longest time I've been a sheltered boy. And that life still has much to offer, opportunities, grief, joy, pain and all.

Stuff...

I can't help but raise an eyebrow when people refer to themselves as complicated.

"I'm complicated, you can't figure me out."

"I'm complicated, there's just too much about my life to reduce into plain understanding."

Sure, there are many layers to every situation but self-proclaimed "complications" make me cringe. Sometimes it's just a lousy excuse not to act on something. And don't get me wrong. I too may be paralyzed not to act on something, perhaps because I'm too lazy, perhaps because I'm not too bright or perhaps because I simply don't have the balls to decide. But whatever it may be, I don't gloss over things and run to Mr. Complicated for an easy way out.

*****

And speaking of not being too bright, a week or two ago, I hitched a ride with my professor and in that short ride, he mentioned that one of the guys in class is now working for Company A. For the longest time I've been applying to Company A... for every position imaginable. And it doesn't really help when - modesty aside - I honestly feel that I'm smarter than that classmate. Oh well, I let go. There's not much I can do about that anyway.

*****

Hence, I'm seriously considering living my life according to the principles of open space technology:

1. Whoever comes is the right people.

2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.

3. Whenever it starts is the right time.

4. When it is over, it is over.

Pretty basic principles to live a life of contentment. Plus it adds a little twist of destiny to romanticize things. Oh well, that's that.

Resigning

I'm having a major slump at work.

Yesterday, I was in the office at around 7:30 am for a meeting that lasted just right before lunch time. And then after that was another meeting that ended at around 3:00 pm. And then another meeting that lasted until around 7:00 pm. Personally, I don't see meetings as "actual work" since they're primarily coordination and assignment of THE "actual work" so that means:

WORK DAY - MEETINGS = TIME TO DO THE ACTUAL WORK.

Worse is when people you meet with ramble on and on and on throwing their ideas here and there without actual regard for HOW we can actually do the job. Seriously, I'm tired of going into talk shops when there's "actual work" to be done! Perhaps it's a personal preference, after all these talk, I need resolutions as to the things we need to get done and how we can get those things done!

Worst is when you come back the following day coordinating another set of meetings (it's practically setting yourself up for another round of "tasks" you hate doing) and receiving a message that seemingly implies your supposed "slacking off" at work! Here I am spreading myself to almost every project you and your colleagues came up with - because modesty aside, no one in this office can make sense of you guys' thoughts other than me - and yet I receive a note saying you "need updates first and suggestions so that the meeting will be PRODUCTIVE!!!

Seriously?! The nerve to say that when you're one of those who ramble on and on during meetings without as much regard for final output and how to get there!!!

Sometimes people need to be pulled down from the heights of their "strategic" totem poles and refresh their minds with the need to EXECUTE. The tyranny of the "at our level," does lock up people in ivory towers.

That and the advocacies your profession's pushing for.

Such an irony! Such an irony indeed!

In the Pink of...

Last night, I was going over my wallet, checking for whatever money's left when I noticed my healthcard sitting in one of the pockets. I haven't used that card this year, I think. I haven't stepped onto The Medical City save for the time when we visited a friend recovering from dengue.

This is monumental! And for that I am extremely thankful!

=)

Project J

Then good manners must be inspired by the good heart. There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I hear you Ralph Waldo Emerson. And since I really want to be gwapo, no matter how difficult it may be, I'll try to "scatter joy" around me. People will be joyful because of me! Hahaha. Oh well, if that fails, then I'll just default back to my superficial attempts at becoming gwapo like working out and looking neat and all that stuff. Although they could be simultaneous din naman. Hmmm.

Here's to Project J! ;p

That's Not My Name

After 26 years, I've finally learned to appreciate my name. It's not too ordinary yet not that far out either. And when I see something awesome, I get to exclaim the second half of my name. It's cool that way, associating my name with things awesome. Lol

Meanwhile, I found the best doughnuts in CDO. It's your plain ring doughnut dusted with confectionery sugar. But what makes it different is that it's soft but not airy and it literally melts in your mouth. The doughnut turns into this rich batter as you chew it away. They rival KK Geek, I promise!

So if you're in CDO, don't miss out on those doughnuts at the Polymedic Hospital (I know, it's hospital food! Lol) and do drop by Pearlmont Hotel for their really really great roast stuffed chicken. But order in advance because it takes about 5 hours to prepare. Really good stuff, I swear!

It's September na pala... and then it's gonna be October na (duh. Lol). And October is birthday month! Not really looking forward to getting "older" but I do look forward to feeding friends. Hehe :P

Looooong Weekend

I had to fend for myself during the long weekend. Hehe

Saute garlic in sesame oil.

Add chicken.

Add pepper.

Pour in some kikkoman soy sauce, worscestershire sauce, and oyster sauce.

Add some brown sugar.

Add some water.

Reduce.

And yes, I eat that much rice. Lol

**********

Saute vegetables in butter.

Add some salt.

Get some cottage cheese, add basil and pepper.

Sandwich cheese in between chicken fillets.

Roll the chicken fillets in some "crispy fry."

Fry.

**********

Fry some bangus belly.

Serve with garlic fried rice.

=)