The old man asked him what he thinks the townsfolk is like.

"Places like these are crowded. When there are lots of people, money has to be made and greed will foster. When there is greed, there is crime. When there is crime, there will be death," the young man answered.

"Then you are correct,"  the old man agreed. "The townsfolk are what you say."

And the young man went away to look for another town.

A second young man came a little later and asked the old man the same question. To which the old man again asked, "Then what do you think this town is like?"

"People are innately good and it seems that this town is full of potential. When people are good, then they will do good and the town will foster a sense of loving cooperation."

"Then you are right," the old man answered. "Proceed and you will find happiness in this place."

I am reminded of this story after my email exchanges with an old friend from Ateneo. He is three years older than I am and after taking his MBA in the US, is duly employed in a reputable company in the financial industry.

Despite all these, he seems unhappy.

Lost.

Drifting through life.

Restless.

His first email to me started as follows, "I'm here in the US working in banking as well. Still unsure what I want to do in life and if I'm really meant to stay in the US or somewhere else.. Work tends to keep me busy most weekdays and there's always too much stuff to do on weekends here..."

He ponders someday opening his own busienss or just taking over the family business back in the Philippines. He cites the corporate glass ceiling as one of the reasons of him wanting to go back and continue his career in Asia. I kinda think that he's lonely and despite being around so many Asians, feels isolated in the US.

"I get that feeling a lot that I can't seem to find many Filipinos or Fil-Chi like the people that I hanged out with in the Philippines. I definitely share that feeling with you. I tend to hang out with lots of other Asians like Taiwanese, Korean and Indian. I feel that I have a lot more in common with them since we tend to have same goals, wants, hangouts, etc..." he writes. "I long to find people here who came from similar backgrounds as well but they're really very rare. Thats why a lot of times, it can get lonely here..."

He talks about a friend who shares a similar story --- took his MBA in the US, though was duly employed for over a decade as an engineer, but as was unhappy there took the chance of following a girl back to the Philippines.

My friend shares, "He went to the Philippines for a short visit last year and thought he found the perfect woman. So after he went back to the US, he resigned, sold all his things and moved to the Philippines. But it was tough for him there. I don't think he was really happy here in the US thus it was so easy for him to leave. But there, he had no contacts. Hard to start a biz or get a job that would pay him well enough. He's sort of in limbo now in the Phil. To top it off, the relationship with the girl didn't work out. Its scary when I think of it. Its like he still doesn't know where he belongs... I hope I can figure out what to do soon. I really don't want to be in that situation.... I'm glad that know what you want to do in life."

The story makes me sad.

If his friend is unable to find his happiness both in the US and in the Philippines, then where else can he go?

A man must find his happiness and fortunes regardless of where he is.

I've had Fil-Chi friends in Taiwan who totally hated it here. They constantly bickered about the many complainable things here in Taiwan and instead of enjoying the experience, hung out with fellow Filipinos where they can once again reminisce about the happenings back home.

They'd talk about the latest showbiz chismis (gossip) and the food back home.

It was tiring to be with them.

They were always looking at the past. Always thinking about going back home. Missing home so much.

Personally, my stance is, "Get over it. You're in Taiwan. Live in the present!"

Okay, so I'm being mean.

But seriously, if you so want to go back home to the Philippines, then damn well, buy that ticket and go back. What's the point of wasting your time in Taiwan if you keep on thinking about Manila? Yes, I know you are home sick, but there's always a time to be here or there.

So when you're here, then by god, do all you can to maximize your experience here.

And when the time comes that you find yourself back in the Philippines, then by gosh, enjoy that time with your family and friends back home.

But don't be in one place, miss another place --- and don't do anything about it.

It's like complaining about your job. Nobody's forcing you to stay. If you hate your job/boss too much, then resign. Mail that stupid letter, pack your box and then go.

But stop complaining about it then sigh and say, "But that's my lot in life. Can't do anything about it."

Total BULLSH*T.

Yes, I know I "complain" about my job as well for example the long hours in the office, but for the record, I LOVE my job. I like interacting with my clients, respect my boss/colleagues and can imagine myself being in the same organization IF all goes well.

There has never been a time where I thought that I'd like to be in a different industry. I am happy where I am now. Sure, we're in a downturn right now, but heck, it's still way more exciting than being in the manufacturing industry.

So what's the difference?

I guess, my happiness comes in knowing myself more.

Knowing what I want and don't want.

Doing what I like doing with people that I genuinely like.

It's scary that so many people in their 30s have no freaking clue who they are, what they want and as a result where they're going. "T'is a common dilemma," my friend says.

Well, if that's the case, then sit down, reflect and better think about those questions. Discover who you are or what you want to do. Find out what it is that you wish to do with your life.

A person without purpose or destination wastes too much time drifting. Stop drifting already. How old are you?

So the question is, do you know who you are, what you want and where you're going?

Share your comments.

Fake Flowers Can Smell Sweet

Did I ever tell you

That not everything is real

Cloth flowers in a window sunfaded

Covered with dust of the day's wind gift

Yet to look at them so colorful and carefully arraigned

I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of fresh roses

Perhaps my mind wants more than reality can give

At times I wonder about reality and roses

I think of the joy in the unremarkable

The beauty we not only grow

But the genuine grace

In what we can

All create

Success? Don't you know it is all about being able to extend love to people? Really. Not in a big, capital-letter sense but in the everyday.Little by little, task by task, gesture by gesture, word by word."
Ralph Fiennes, b.1962 Oscar-nominated British Actor

One thing only people can do... is to share strength!
~Tomo

I was looking for some music-themed animes when I somehow stumbled upon this. I believe it's quite a lesser-known anime, compared to big timers like Nodame Cantabile and La Corda Doro, of the same genre. I watched all 13 episodes at one go, so yeah. It's not great, but it's pretty good.

Title: Lemon Angel Project
Genre: Music, Friendship, Virtual Reality
Episodes: 13 (~20min/ep)

Lemon Angel was a group of teenage girl-singers that made a blast in the music industry, yet leaving without a trace soon after. They were never introduced, and their members disappeared without a trace - all except one: leader, Suwa Miki, a senior of our main protagonist, Tomo. Tomo learns about the Lemon Angel Revival Project, Lemon Angel Act 2, and was persuaded by Kogure to try for the auditions. It seemed like Tomo's deceased good friend, 'Yui', was somehow involved in the Lemon Angels. From episodes 2-6 we plunge into the auditions, where we get jealousy, manipulating, back-stabbing and all that from rival participants. from episodes 7 onwards, we get a glimpse of how they begin as a group of 6, and we start to learn more about the truth.

It has a very original storyline, I must admit. The story is set in 2016-2017, and it really impacted how the anime was presented. I must admit I was shocked to see projected images coming out from phones and screens, although we already have that in real life. They have all sorts of weird looking phones. Although other than phones, I did not notice that big a technological gap between our world and their world. Kogure's car even looked like it was from the '80s.

The idea of virtually realistic music band is really a daring one. And to attempt to replace it with real humans... Whoa. Their pace is so fast that it is difficult to catch up to. At first it was quite difficult for me to watch on with those irritating voices, those strange-looking characters, and all the bitching that went around. The main protagonist's voice was a bit too... strange for a lot of viewers, but I was fine with it. Most animes will have one or two characters with such voices, although to have it for the main protagonist was a bit of an overkill. I was more disturbed by the image of the main protagonist. Green hair? And what kind of green is that, anyway? The characters just have a mixture of weird hair colours, from different shades of brown and yellow to green, purple, white, silver... etc. Even that dancing coach had a different shade of green hair. Disturbing. I like Suwa Miki's image though, I quite liked the inner debate when I thought I saw her wearing a suit when she was wearing a coat and a tie. In the end she was wearing a skirt. Haa.

The mystery of Yui's death disappointed me slightly, it was such an anti-climatic death. I thought somebody plotted against her and killed her because 1. she refused to obey orders, or 2. there's a bigger plot going on. I didn't see why everybody was so angry that Suwa Miki wanted to take her revenge against Himuro. Probably because you shouldn't be doing this through music? I thought it was okay, get your revenge against him, kill his career, and continue on with your life as a Lemon Angel. But I guess in the end Himuro isn't really a bad guy either.

I guess I was watching it too quickly, not having much time to think between each episodes. I didn't really enjoy the music here, either. I didn't like the characters' images, and I certainly think the plot could have been better. Then again, it is through all these imperfections that I enjoyed this show, I guess. It's fun watching something different once in a while.

I didn't really like it, but you may like it. It's not up to my taste. So promising at the start to turn into a mystery case, but the producers were certainly not aiming for that genre. The talk of friendships was also relatively deep, although not very.

It certainly did make me thing about programming and machines, though. Technology can indeed help us do many things, but we are humans, and there are certain things machines cannot achieve. At least, not in the near future.

We have so much fun, It's like we fit. You get me and i you. We can talk about anything... boys, ploys, religions, or decisions! We usually know just what the other is thinking, and though we don't always agree we love the individuality! I value your friendship, and will hold on tight. No one could take it away... not even if they tried!

I am leaving soon for college and i will miss you i am sure. It is going to be hard, but miles could never tear us apart! You say you will visit, and i can't wait. It won't be much, but getting together again will be great. I say i love you, and it's no joke. You are the closest friend i've ever had, and when you're around i am always glad!

So remember this my friend: If you need anything you can always call. Because you mean so much to me and I am here for you through it all!

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.  ~Isadora James

ps, boii, you're an emoface ;p

Sweetly broke the dawn this morning on Possum Kingdom Lake. A group of friends met at the lake house of mutual friends. We just got away for a day, spent the night on the lake, enjoyed a day together, reminiscing, visiting, catching up, laughing, telling stories on each other, and laughing some more. We spent a leisurely morning enjoying the dawn, watching the feeding deer in the backyard, visiting more, reminiscing more, catching up, laughing, telling stories on each other, laughing some more, and eating a great breakfast.

There is just something restorative about getting out of town for a day, changing life's pace, and getting out of the left lane. It really filled our tanks.

Oh, and did I mention laughter, lots and lots of laughter...? We laughed a lot.

Laughter does good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22).

Psst*I think you're very brave... (I saw the pictures of the rope climbing... it sure doesn't look easy! =b)

Anyway, we had fun too, singing for you and getting to know ya better through the ice cream stick game! Thanks for all that you shared, it was really heartwarming man. I'm very touched by your love for one another, and the friendships that you have. =)

And thanks to the team of CS, CR, NAT and JN for inviting us to be a part of this! 

Well, as Michelle shared in our concert, we really believe in you gals, and in the dreams you have for your future. Love you lots, and hope to see you again sometime soon. In the meantime, here's the lyrics of one of the songs we sang for you!

STAY THE SAME

Believe in yourself.
Reach down inside.
The love you find will set you free.
Believe in yourself, you will come alive.
Have faith in what you do.
You'll make it through. 

- Joey McIntyre -

dotz

Sammi is a floater.  She has friends in every clique at school, but doesn’t really fit in with any one of them.  Her only close friends are four girls just like her.  They started hanging out together because they didn’t fit in anywhere else.  Just hanging out has turned into four of the strongest friendships Sammi has ever had.

Sammi, Caryn, Letty, TQ, and Katsuko are inseparable.  One night during a sleepover, the idea of getting a tattoo to represent their bond to each other develops.  Immediately they are all excited - except for Sammi.  She knows her parents wouldn’t approve and with them teetering on the edge of divorce already, she doesn’t want to give them anything else to fight about.  Sammi hopes the idea of the tattoo just falls by the wayside and eventually is forgotten.  Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

Together they come up with a plan to get out of the house and go to a tattoo shop close to Letty’s house.  The creepy tattoo artist doesn’t ask to see their IDs and they all start to plan where they will place their tattoo.  Each girl chooses a different location, but all will have the exact same design.  After all of her friends have already been tattooed, Sammi decides she can’t go through with it.

Immediately, Sammi is shunned and becomes on outcast in her group.  They even go so far as to defriend her on her Instant Messaging Buddy List.  Soon after the application of the tattoos, Sammi notices a change in TQ, Caryn, Letty, and Katsuko for the worse.  They become violent, promiscuous, and horribly mean.  In the middle of a fight that lands Sammi in the hospital, she spots the tattoos on her friends’ skin and sees that they have changed.  Tendrils have started to emerge and cover more of their bodies.  Sammi realizes something sinister is going on and that the creepy tattoo artist must be behind it.  She decides to find a way to save her friends and get them out from under the control of the poisoned tattoos.

As soon as they arrive, they are greeted by Bea “Elsa” Bubb, the Principal of Darkness of the Underworld’s reform school.  Immediately Milton and Marlo decide they have to escape and begin to formulate a plan.  By using a piece of liver in the cafeteria as a secret hiding place, Milton and Marlo begin to exchange notes until the time comes to make a run for it.

HECK is an enjoyable read that is packed with both, silly humor and creepy imagery.  The author leaves it open for a sequel.  Dale E. Basye has a great website devoted to this book that contains information about Heck itself as well as desktop wallpaper and other free goodies.  Click here to check it out.

Sammi, Caryn, Letty, TQ, and Katsuko are inseparable.  One night during a sleepover, the idea of getting a tattoo to represent their bond to each other develops.  Immediately they are all excited - except for Sammi.  She knows her parents wouldn't approve and with them teetering on the edge of divorce already, she doesn't want to give them anything else to fight about.  Sammi hopes the idea of the tattoo just falls by the wayside and eventually is forgotten.  Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

Together they come up with a plan to get out of the house and go to a tattoo shop close to Letty's house.  The creepy tattoo artist doesn't ask to see their IDs and they all start to plan where they will place their tattoo.  Each girl chooses a different location, but all will have the exact same design.  After all of her friends have already been tattooed, Sammi decides she can't go through with it.

Immediately, Sammi is shunned and becomes on outcast in her group.  They even go so far as to defriend her on her Instant Messaging Buddy List.  Soon after the application of the tattoos, Sammi notices a change in TQ, Caryn, Letty, and Katsuko for the worse.  They become violent, promiscuous, and horribly mean.  In the middle of a fight that lands Sammi in the hospital, she spots the tattoos on her friends' skin and sees that they have changed.  Tendrils have started to emerge and cover more of their bodies.  Sammi realizes something sinister is going on and that the creepy tattoo artist must be behind it.  She decides to find a way to save her friends and get them out from under the control of the poisoned tattoos.

As soon as they arrive, they are greeted by Bea "Elsa" Bubb, the Principal of Darkness of the Underworld's reform school.  Immediately Milton and Marlo decide they have to escape and begin to formulate a plan.  By using a piece of liver in the cafeteria as a secret hiding place, Milton and Marlo begin to exchange notes until the time comes to make a run for it.

HECK is an enjoyable read that is packed with both, silly humor and creepy imagery.  The author leaves it open for a sequel.  Dale E. Basye has a great website devoted to this book that contains information about Heck itself as well as desktop wallpaper and other free goodies.  Click here to check it out.

He: Yes. At last. It was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: No! Don't even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course! Over and over!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: No! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Every chance I get.
She: Will you hit me?
He: Are you crazy! I'm not that kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Darling!

 After marriage....

 

 Simply read from bottom to the top.

Finally, I rouse myself, sitting up in bed beneath the cocoon-like confines of the mosquito netting. I glance at the clock. It's ten after six. The light from the window is stronger now, although still gray beneath the overcast skies. Through the patter of raindrops, I hear voices. My neighbors, invisible behind the shrubs and trees that divide our properties, are already up and moving about.

I still have two hours before I need to open the mission office. So I leisurely go about my morning routine. I wash up in the bathroom and change into a skirt and t-shirt. In the kitchen, I light the gas stove and put a kettle of water on to boil. Twisting the metal knob that opens the slatted glass panes of the window, I hold my hand to the space between the panes. A cool breeze brought by the rain flows through my fingertips. My house mate, Luce, is still in her room, so I pour a cup of tea for myself and bring it into my room. As I sip the tea, I nibble at some bread that I bought the day before from my neighbor, Eveline, who sells bread and avocados from her front porch.

I'm the first person to arrive at the office, a large room with a cement floor, a couple of file cabinets, and several desks sporting USAID stickers. After unlocking the door and opening the windows, I take out a notebook to jot down some notes while I wait for the others to show up and for the generator to be started (there's no set schedule, so I simply have to guess what time it might run each day). Outside the door, the field workers are sitting on the long cement porch, waiting for the agronomist to arrive. I exchanged a few words with them on my way in, the conversation limited by my poor Creole.

When the agronomist arrives, I speak with him briefly about the plans for the day. We communicate in French. He asks about his salary, telling me for the third time that he needs money to register his children for school, which begins the following week. I assure him that I've emailed Georges and am waiting for the money to be transferred from Florida. The agronomist nods as I try to express my own sympathy and frustration over the fact that he hasn't been paid yet.

“That's Haiti,” he says, with a bittersweet smile. “Things are always difficult in Haiti.”

“Yes,” I agree. “That's Haiti.”

The agronomist and the field laborers leave to start their work, singing as they go. Shortly after they depart, the mission secretary, Judith, walks in the office door. She flashes her usual bright grin, and we exchange pleasantries in a mixture of French, English, and Creole. She has been helping me learn Creole, and I occasionally correct her English pronunciation, although she already speaks the language quite well. One morning, while waiting for the electricity, she played some music for me, running her computer off its battery. I asked to hear Haitian music and she obliged, sifting through her music library to find Haitian selections. I laughed to myself as she scrolled through the list featuring such diverse artists as Elton John, Celine Dion, Boyz II Men, Johnny Hallyday, New Kids on the Block, Kenny G, and Michael W. Smith.

While Judith and I wait for the electricity, Claude, a young Haitian man who lives and works at the mission, mops the floor around us. He has been eager to learn English and sometimes scrawls Creole sentences onto pieces of notebook paper, which I translate into English for him. Claude is one of the most recognizable people at the mission since he is albino. Most people here don't use his name. Instead, they simple call, “Blond!” when they need him.

Finally, the pastor arrives, and Preval starts the generator. Preval is a Haitian man who lived in North Carolina for over a dozen years but now can't return for five years because he overstayed his visa. Preval helps me whenever I can't figure out what people are saying to me. He also likes to joke with me about life in Haiti since he is one of the few people here who knows a different way of life. He once asked me if I miss TV here. I said not really, explaining that I never watched much TV in the U.S. I asked if he missed it, and he said yes. He sometimes watches TV clips on his computer, mainly shows featuring evangelical preachers.

I spend much of the day writing letters to people who might be able to help with the project, either financially or through offering technical expertise. I also take photos of the work and email them to Georges for the website. I occasionally consult with the agronomist about the day's tasks. At the end of the day, I enjoy a quiet dinner in my house (rice and beans), write in my journal, and read for awhile before going to bed. The rain stopped in the morning, so the only sounds are those made by the crickets and frogs in the yard. Eventually, I close my book, blow out the kerosene lamp, and sink into my bed. Reflecting on the day's events and thinking a little about the people from home that I miss, I soon drift into sleep.

General update: It has been a good week. Ever since the field laborers began on Tuesday, I feel like the project has been picking up speed. I've also received a couple of positive responses to my letters. Yesterday, I resolved the issue of the agronomist's salary and paid him his first installment. There are still moments when I feel like I'm the puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit into the picture here. In the mornings, I often feel a slight panic, uncertain what the day will bring. However, by the evening, I am usually content as I walk back to my house. The words, “I'm living in Haiti,” frequently run through my head, as though I haven't quite gotten used to the idea myself.

1.) It's ok to cry! ... Cry it baby! let it all out... Cry Cry and then Cry some more...

2.) Invite your friend who can resist the urge to give advice but who will be there to listen and understand your craziness.

3.) take that friend out for dinner and you two eat as much sweets fats and salt you want LOL( might as well enjoy it) good way to repay your friend for listsning

4.) now take that friend and sign up for community work. Nothing better than to realize that someone is in more sheash than you. Plus brownie points for whoever guy/girl you'll meet there.

5.) sleep a lot sometimes all we need is a good night rest.

6.) take the same friend for a bit of target shooting. Go ahead release that aggression.

However 7.) avoid going to gun shops or cutlery sections of department stores. Need I say more LOL

8.) get a make over make that foo regret the day he/she left you.

9.) try something new like kick boxing who knows it could be useful LOL

10.) if all else fails just date their x LOL or date their best friend. Might as well hurt them right?

Just a word of caution although I've tried most of these ... I cannot guarantee results LOL

Love Goddess: How are you guys? Today, we're talking about soulmates, so let's attempt at a loving and civil debate? 

America: I’m good! Let’s go for it.

Jayden: I’m doing great, but excuse my curiosity, can you tell me what the fuck is a soulmate? Aren’t these people nut cases you want to run away from?

Love Goddess: Typically, the real nut cases are the jealous ones surrounding the soulmates who foolishly believe that since there's no soulmate for them, they're going to make sure there isn't one for anybody.

America: I’m with Love Goddess on this. I believe a soulmate is a gift that not many people are lucky enough to experience simply because they're not ready to recognize it or they allow others to make decisions for them without following their heart. 

Love Goddess: That's true America. Essentially a soulmate is the one person who you have a deep connection with and truly cares about you. The person who will do right by you no matter the circumstances; they come into your life to help you. It could be a friend, parent, sibling, or a love interest. Some people have multiple soulmate relationships in their lives, some have one or two, some believe they have none, and as they believe it is done to them. 

Jayden: When it comes to romance, how exactly are you supposed to recognize these goody love givers?

America: You just know. Sometimes they know too, and other times they’ll never know.

Jayden: Oh, that's pretty fucking comforting, sometimes we know and other times we're fucked? So I can pretty much end up with a fucking loonytune who's not gonna love me or care about me and I won't even know it. Shit, I better learn how to recognize my soulmate.

Love Goddess: Well Jayden, the fact is that soulmates are going to come into your life no matter what, whether you are able to recognize them or not is a different story. You are in this life to learn your lessons not to eat, work, and sleep. You’ll either have a great or a marginal experience. Besides, don't worry about ending up with a looneytune, your soulmate will put her in checkmate before looneytune realizes that she might of had you physically, but you were never there mentally or spiritually.     

Jayden: That's good to know, but I’m having a real fucking problem with all of this cause I heard that a soulmate comes into your life to piss you off, take out your dirty laundry, and then take off. Why do I need that kinda shit in my life as if I don't already have enough crap to deal with?

Love Goddess: The person you are describing is not a soulmate, but someone you chose to allow into your life against your own knowing. That was your choice and nothing to do a soulmate. You need to take responsibility for that rather than blaming soulmates.

Jayden: Okay, but what about your parents and siblings. It's not like you have a choice there?

Love Goddess: No you don’t, but those are the only relationships you must endure good or bad because they carry the lessons you're here to learn to prepare you for what's ahead of you as painful as they may sound. The fact that they are your family is a huge hint to let you know you should work through them. Sometimes there are difficult choices to be made, but that's the whole point, you need to make them. You also have to understand that you are not the only person in the universe and that those people you happen to find yourself involved with also have lessons to learn. You can learn to look at the positive aspects of everything or you can choose to look at the negative in everything. It’s your choice, therefore you do have a choice when it comes to romantic partners and the people you choose to surround yourself with.

Jayden: So can you tell me why would someone who’s your soulmate come into your life and then leave, if this person is supposed to be for me?

Love Goddess: Life is not that simple Jayden, soulmates aren’t martyrs looking for sympathy or to be second best. These are people who mean business, they are looking to truly live life in a sane and big way and if you have not decided that you want that kind of life, then you’re not their soulmate. Soulmates are true partners. When these two beings unite, they're a force to be recokned with. Nothing or anyone can keep them apart. But people often mistake their soulmate for someone else. That’s pretty common. But as long as they are doing the right thing, the path will lead them to their soulmate, make no mistake about that, love is blind, but not inhuman.

Note to self - never experiment when cooking for friends, especially friends you've never cooked for before!

I knew when I finished the pie filling hadn't thickened quite enough, but really believed when it cooled it would be just fine.  I was sadly mistaken.  I delivered Chicken Pot SOUP to my sweet friends.

The worse part is the husband, Matthew, told me this horror story about a disastrous meal he had received from a friend a while back.  I went on to assure him that my meal would not be disastrous at all.  In fact it would be the best Chicken Pot Pie he had ever eaten.  Man, did I mislead him.

I just so happened to double the recipe so we could enjoy the Chicken Pot Pie bounty at home.  As soon as I cut into our Pot Pie I knew I'd delivered a calamity.  My heart sank since I dearly love this treat!

So, in order to make up my mishap, I'm asking for your help.  New mommy, Jessica, is competing in a blog contest with Southwest Airlines and needs your votes!

Please go HERE and vote for Jessica!  Now.... GO!!!

And please learn a lesson from my cooking flop.  When cooking for others don't use "fat-free half & half"... I should have thought about it and realized how the term really is an oxymoron, you can't fat free half & half, seriously!  Oh yea, and whole wheat flour doesn't thicken like the good ole no nutritional value white stuff!

You are, of course, the best. And then some.

Te quiero, amante.

Mas.

It just so happened that I was one of the three officers who sat on his selection board. Why he remembered me is beyond me, but he definitely did and it meant the world to see Captain's rank on him now. Here's a young Hispanic American who enlisted in the Army as a private. He worked up through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant which is no easy task, especially in war. Then he made the leap to apply for and be accepted to OCS. OCS is no picnic - it's a rigorous course that lastes several months and is designed to weed out those who can't hang. After OCS he had to complete his branch's officer training, in his case, Armor Officer Basic Course. Finally he had to complete at least a bachelor's degree. And there he was, having done all that and been promoted two more times to make Captain. It was a proud moment for both of us.

To round off the day, my Korean friend Martin gave another one of his speeches today. Though I didn't get to hear it, he did let me proof it. His task this week was to give an information speech so he spoke about the challenges of mastering a foreign language. It both hilarious and informative. He stated in Korean there are no phonetic sounds for L, R, and B, so he said, "I love you" and "I rub you" are all the same, but if you love someone your eventually rub them too he surmised.

He has been speaking English since age 14 but explained the best way to learn a language is to put yourself in a position where you need it, like the vendors outside military bases in Korea. Though they have little education, their livelihood depends on what they sell to American personnel, so they must speak the language to make a living. Martin equates it to a bicycle. You can study a bicycle all you want, but until you ride one, you can never master it. But once you do, you never forget.

So one of the men in his Toastmaster's group wanted to learn Hebrew. This man took Martin's bicycle advice and applied it. He took a passion of his - the Bible, and decided that he'd read it in Hebrew in order to force himself to learn the language while doing something he enjoyed. I am so impressed with the discipline these guys have.

By the end of the conversation, Martin and I agreed to meet tonight and work out. I asked him what his goals were because if you want to bulk up, you lift heavy and do fewer repetitions. If you want to tone up, you lift lighter and do many repetitions. Martin said, "More like Bruce Lee, not Arnold Schwartzenager". Got it, buddy. So we spent an hour and half killing our sphaghetti arms building not only our bodies but our friendship.

Martin is quite an impressive fellow and I am glad our paths crossed. He has a degree in electrical engineering, speaks fluent English, has travelled to 40 US states and every one of his country's own national parks. He has been to Canada, Mexico, Kuwait, UAE, and now Iraq and others I'm sure I missed. He travels all the time. He swims, plays golf and tennis, and joined the Toastmaster's Club to sharpen his speaking skills. He goes to church, works out, is running 8 miles tomorrow, and even told me he sings at Karaoke Night at the Morale Tent. He's fearless when it comes to trying new things.

I'm thankful for the people God has put in my life - this new Captain, Martin, my wife and kids, friends and family, and my parents. It's amazing what God orchestrates for each and every life out there. The 29th of Aug, 2008 is no accident whatsoever.

Have a great holiday weekend!

There are many reasons to be feeling good right now! In your language: w00t!!

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Tonight (if I don't get too carried away at HH) I will catch up on my blog reading, give my dog a bath (he won't be too happy about that), pack a little and get ready to leave in the morning.

I will miss you boy....but I'm totally okay with that. No more pining! Instead I look forward to the next time we get to talk. And I know we will both enjoy our weekend now.

Yay for us!

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I might write more here later...

Oh, yeah! Boss boy will be at HH again tonight...so we shall see. He left a message for me the other day...but it was randomly vague and he said he'd call back at a later time...which he didn't. Hmm...

By the way: What is up with guys these days? Why do they drop the ball? If they weren't that interested, why bother in the first place? Unless they think asking for a phone number will get them more than that...like, immediately.

Stupid guys.

I'm sure there will be something to share later...good, bad or indifferent!

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Goodbye dear friend. w00t!!