— Robert Louis Stevenson
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Quote of the night #5
“ We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.
Quote of the night #4
“ If there is any possible consolation in the tragedy of losing someone we love very much, it’s the necessary hope that perhaps it was for the best.
— Paolo Coelho
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
These Four Walls
Dare to explore a world that is bigger than you know. There are a lot of reasons to not do something or not feel something. Those boundaries and walls are put up by ourselves. Once we're able to step outside of them, we can truly realize the endless possibilities the world has to offer.
Quote of the night #3
“ Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading.
— Kazuo Ishiguro (Never Let Me Go)
Photo of the Night #4
My high school buddies..I miss you Everglenn Masagnay, Roselle Catague, Darlene Solante, and Desiree Patagoc. I hope we could see and have a bond with each other some other time soon. Mishu!!
Hmp!
Minsan kahit gusto kong wag mainis, di ko mapigilan. Pag galit ka na, di mo na maiisipan kumalma eh. Kaya lumalayo na lang ako habang asar pa ako. Ayokong may magawa ako o masabi ako na sa huli, pagsisisihan ko rin.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Photos of the Day #3 (Reminiscing my good old days at West)
Home Economics (HE) Room/Building- I used to water the plants here in during my 6th Grade. With matching bomba pa sa poso and pirting scrub sa salog, dapat ma-islide ang muagi sa ka-shine..Haha
The JICA Building- It houses the grade 6's rooms. I was in Section 3 and our room was on the first floor, the third room from the left, facing the flagpole..So many memories are flooding whenever I glance at this photo. Haaaay, asa na kaha tong mga kadula nakog tubiganay og soccer tong elementary??
DWCES Grounds- This used to be an open field, the roofs I guess are just constructed a few years after we graduated cause we used to have an open graduation practices here (ahem, sako lang ang malingkuran) on the early weeks of March under the heat of the sun. We also used to play tubiganay, bagoongay, soccer (kick ball rather!), alotanay, 21, volleyball (during Sir Gibonen's class). Who could forget the exercise or the calesthenics after singing "Ako ay Filipino"? Haha, definitely not me.
ALS Room- This used to be a regular classroom (my Fifth grade classroom under Ms. Rosalinda Valdez) but as you can see, it is now the Alternative Learning System Classroom. I could still remember how Demi and Ian had a fist fight on this exact corridor..With matching labayanay bato pajud, pirting ilag kay usisera man..haha
Again, this is the ALS Room now, where it used to be my fifth grade classroom. I used to clean those windows 10 years ago!! Saka sa bangko kay di kaabot, plus butangan pag floorwax (asa ka ana, bintana butangan floorwax!!) ang bintana para daw shine tan-awon (ingon sa akong maam). Haha, hantud karon dili yata japon kaya abuton kung walay bangko.. =)
Main Canteen- Canteen nga diba? So I used to buy foods and drinks here, the Siopao ni Manong (I saw him last week and he's still selling there) that only costs P2,00 is the typical merienda of the "pupils" (elementary gud mao pupils lang sa, haha) in West. Oh, (My personal merienda that I always buy here) pati diay bihon na tag P3.00 pa dati and leche plan na tag P8.00 and coke na tag P6.00. But usually, bihon lang og coke akong merienda, usahay saging..
Entrance to our room- Well, you can't actually see the door of our room cause what this is the door of the Section 6, ours is the right adjacent of that door. We used to hang-out here with my classmates and we used to practice pa"shinay" (read it as shaynay) salog against the other sections (specifically, the section 6!). I wasn't able to shot a clear view of our classroom since a teacher is watching me and she made me really conscious. So next time na lang..
The Gymnastics/P.E Room-This is where we used to have our Grade 6 PE classes under Sir Gibonen. It doesn't look like this before, it was just a simple open room with no walls, just grills. I could still remember how nervous I was when I'm standing at the balance beam with the time pressure to cross it and win the game for my team since I'm no good in balancing (just an ordinary game of crossing the beam first, not gymnastics, okay?). Kung taga-West ka, kabalo ka asa dapit gisabit ang bell..just for fun lang..haha
The Covered Court- The gym is also one of the significant places inside WEST. We held programs here, searches and pageants, quiz bowl and art contests, practices, graduations (for my siblings' kindergarten graduations). A lot had happened here. Two events that really stand out: when our classmate won the Ms. Science (we rocked the gym and konting kantsaw sa Sec. 1 haha), and when tripped and fall on my knees in front of so many people (told yah, I have balancing problems, and so kakahiya!!).
The Flagpole- We hold here our flag ceremony and those who lead the flag ceremony activities (singing of the national anthem, etc) shall stand on top of this stage. I have to mention the times when we used to play "water, earth, ground.. ( I can't remember the others) in this flagpole and when we try to climb the pole but to no avail (haha, ambisyosa di gani kasaka sa puno, flagpole pa!). We also hang our bandaritas here during some special occassions and took some class pictorials here.
A Much Clearer View of our Classroom- That's our room in grade six!! The door on the right..Haha, i thought I wasn't able to shot a photo of it but I did. But I promise to have a clearer photo of it next time. I have only two words for this photo: Grade Six. It says it all.
This particular place brings so many fond memories of my childhood. Whenever I enter the gates of West, I can't help but feel nostalgic and remember all the memories that happen 11-9years ago. Next year, it would be a decade since I graduated in this school. I'm amazed that time flies so fast that I still couldn't believe it been 9 years. If you would ask me, I still remember the time when I first entered West as a transferee. It's feels like an old friend from the past. That's the effect to me whenever I visit my old school. So many had changes but familiar places still greets me like an old friend. Once for a while in our busy life, we should at least find time to visit our former schools. Its gonna be refreshing. As for me,West was my childhood. As simple as that. As what the song goes: "Dadiangas West Central Elementary School, I'll always cherish you in the future (today was the future of that past) for the good things you've given in my life, which shielded me against all strife..Dadiangas West, Dadiangas, West, to me you are the BEST, I'll always protect you from adversities, I love and care for you always.." See?, I still memorize the DWCES hymn!! Wohow! West is the Best!!
Quote of the Night #2
Promises are made to be broken, I get that. But deadlines? Deadlines are different. They should be met, no matter what. -___- Why are some people so unprofessional?
*Obviously, it's self-explanatory. Procrastination is not good. But I can't help it. Tinamaan talga ako dito. Whew!
*Obviously, it's self-explanatory. Procrastination is not good. But I can't help it. Tinamaan talga ako dito. Whew!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Reasons why Exes should remain Exes.
1. Shared Past
Sometimes, a shared past becomes an excuse to work things out. Yeah, you’ve been together for God knows how long and you know each other’s circle of friends and families. You’re comfortable with them. It seems much easier to deal with your ex ‘cause you already know how they are. But staying in a relationship just because you’re used to having the things that come with it, even when you’re not happy anymore, just gets tiring and more hurtful after a while.
2. It didn’t work out the first time, remember?
Why did you guys break up? What were the problems you had as a couple? Did you constantly fight over the smallest things? Think of the things that made your relationship unfixable, that you had to end it. Do you want to go back to that?
3. People don’t change easily.
Waiting for your ex to change his/her bad habits is like waiting for a miracle to happen. When you were still together, you’ve already wasted so much time. Life is brief, sweetie. Instead of waiting for something that you know might never come, why don’t you just use your time to find someone you wouldn’t want to change?
*Somehow, it make sense. But honestly, I don't know. Maybe for some, maybe not. Malay. Ewan ko..Di naman siguro applicable sa lahat. Basta, It's Complicated (daw!). Reblogged from Noeeee.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
MUSIC ON, WORLD OFF
Music is a great escape. Instead of filling my mind with problems, I fill my head with lyrics. Therapy. That’s what music is to me. It can always get me in a brighter mood because it keeps my sadness and anxiety at bay. That way, I keep my sanity.I queue my favorite songs, and forget the world, even for just a while. When life gets so overwhelming, the least you could do is keep what’s left of the happiness that’s in your heart, just to survive another day. What better way to do that than through music you love.
Quote for the Night (...and Photo of the Night) #1
"It’s crazy how sometimes it’s easier to pour your heart out to someone you don’t know so well. And it’s even crazier that these people, who don’t know so much about you can give you the best advice. "
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On the other hand, let me show you my infamous toenail..Haha (La jud lingaw!!)
(Photo of the Night #1)
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On the other hand, let me show you my infamous toenail..Haha (La jud lingaw!!)
(Photo of the Night #1)
An ode to my lifeless pillow
Tonight.
In such a cold night, where no one, not even an imaginary person, to keep me warm.But then, it is you who is willing to lend your body for me, to accompany me in a cold lonely night. It is you who is willing to catch my tears when it reaches to a point where I break down. It is you who loves me unconditionally, even though I don't change your covers personally.
You, my lifeless pillow, through thick and thin, stuck with me and never let me falter. Your true love gives me warmth in every night of miserable wondering. Your true love gives me comfort through the times of dire need.
So, I am dedicating this entry to you, my lifeless pillow. For tonight, you never left my side.
In such a cold night, where no one, not even an imaginary person, to keep me warm.But then, it is you who is willing to lend your body for me, to accompany me in a cold lonely night. It is you who is willing to catch my tears when it reaches to a point where I break down. It is you who loves me unconditionally, even though I don't change your covers personally.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
*I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY I USED FACEBOOK BEST
I once chatted up with a cab driver on my way home, two years ago.
He asked me if I wanted to listen to his life story, and I thought why not, right? He told me he married young, separated after 10 years of unhappiness, and got left behind in the Philippines as his wife and his three children flew off to the States for a better life. He is now married with children, but he said that he will never stop thinking of his other children. He told me he hasn’t talked to them for almost 13 years.
Unlike all of us, this man didn’t have Facebook.
And I did.
Casually, I offered to look for his children in Facebook. I thought it shouldn’t be that hard since Mark Zuckerberg made it perfectly suitable for stalking people.
He then excitedly gave his children’s names to me, and I wrote them down one by one on my phone.
As we reached my house, I handed him money as my payment. He pushed my hand away and told me: “Wag na! Baka ikaw pa ang anghel na tumulong sakin!”
I insisted and told him: “Manong, kailangan mo yan. Kahit magbayad ako, gagawin ko po yun. Madali lang yun! Hanapin ko sila sa Facebook!” gratefully, I laughed and said my goodbye.
—
I logged in my Facebook the morning after and remembered last night’s conversation. At first, I felt hesitant to meddle with family businesses that aren’t mine. But I also remembered promising Manong Steve (my cab driver) that I was going to at least try.
Gathering all the courage in my fingers, I began typing his children’s names.
I found a name match with his first daughter, but I wasn’t so sure if it’s the same person so I tried his son’s name. Again, another match. Like a professional stalker that I truly am, I checked their information. Both were located in Washington. I checked their profile pictures — it couldn’t be more obvious that they were siblings. Also, they looked like they were the same age the cab driver told me they’d be — around their twenties.
It was time to panic. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe that I found them in Facebook and that everything was freakishly falling into place. Yes, it felt like a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode happening right before my eyes.
What to do, what to do?!?
For a good 30 minutes, that was the question that lingered in my head. Should I message them? What do I say? What if they get mad? I mean, weren’t they going to get mad because their father left them and here’s a stranger asking them to talk to him again? What if they shoot the messenger? What the fuck am I doing? Better yet, what the fuck am I NOT doing?
“Hello there. Would you happen to know a Steve (Surname)?” I typed and pressed enter, messaging both children.
1 minute passed, no reply. 2 minutes passed, the red alarm of my notification came.
“Nope, I sure don’t.” the boy replied.
I was relieved that it was the end of the story, but for some unknown reason, I felt the urge to text Manong Steve: “Manong, baka po hindi Steve pagkakakilala sainyo. Anong pangalan niyo po na makilala nila if ever?”
My cab driver replied immediately saying: “Tiburcio ako. Pinaganda ko lang nickname ko. Hehehe”
I went back to my laptop, messaging the boy again: “How about Tiburcio (Surname)?”
The son replied: “That’s my father.”
HOLY F@*$.
This is fucking weird. But calm down, Tami. You’re already here. Corresponding. It’s time to be a man.
“I met him last night randomly and he asked me to give you his number. That’s all. I’m so sorry if I’m meddling with family matters. He just really wanted to be in contact with you that’s why I’m here to relay the message. I hope you’re not mad at me. His number is (xxxx-xxx-xxxx). He was my cab driver last night, and we had a chat and he asked me graciously to look for you in Facebook.”
Message sent.
Honestly, I was afraid. I was scared of the repercussions of my meddling. I can imagine myself being in his shoes, and all I could think of was how mad I would’ve been. To be reminded by my father’s abandonment over Facebook is a terrible place to be in.
And that’s exactly what I got as a reply from the son.
“Why should we call him if he already has another family there?! Tell him that’s not gonna happen. We don’t need to keep in contact with him! We’re fine how we are now. Who the hell do you think you are?!” He answered.
I couldn’t help but cry after reading his reply. What was I going to tell Manong Steve??! That his children who he hasn’t seen for thirteen fucking years never want to see him again?! How do I comfort the son who’s probably dumb-founded by this surreal situation with a stranger?!
I didn’t know what to do, and I decided to block everyone off of my Facebook. Even the other daughter who didn’t even get a chance to reply to my message. I’m done. I’ve done my part. They have their father’s number and it’s up to them whether they call or not. My involvement as a messenger, trying to help a family the best way I knew how, is finished.
And I failed.
I tried to forget everything that happened so I could carry on with my life. But I couldn’t. I burst into tears every hour knowing I’ve failed Manong Steve. I’ve failed their family. I was useless and all that I was going to end up doing was hurt both parties really bad.
—
Nighttime fell, and my heart won’t let me rest. Manong Steve kept on texting me, asking how everything was. Asking if I found his children.
His questions burned a hole in my soul. I didn’t know what to tell this hopeful man.
“Manong, nahanap ko po sila pero ayaw po nila kayo kausapin”, slowly, I typed this down on my phone.
I re-read my message again and what I saw was a heartless bitch, breaking an old man’s heart.
DELETE.
“Manong, hindi ko po sila nahanap. Pero try ko po ulit!”
LIE, SENT.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
Until when will I keep from Manong Steve my on-line conversation with his children? Was it better to protect him from the hurt? Will I just forget about him? Should I just be a cold-hearted bitch? Why can’t I just not fucking care?
I woke up at 7AM the next day with 5 missed calls from Manong Steve and 1 unread text.
Synapses opened, waking up my whole being as I read the message:
“Ang saya saya ko. Tinawagan ako ng anak kong si Chona! Maraming salamat sa’yo!” my heart exploded along with my unstoppable and over-reacting tears.
Reading that message from Manong Steve, released one of the best and most heart-felt sighs of relief in my life.
—
Last year, Manong Steve called me around the middle of the year. His children were coming home to see him. He was crying.
And as you’ve probably guessed — so was I.
*reblogged from: http://ificanchangetheworld.tumblr.com/. Wow! This really moved me. Facebook is not just a social network. It also gives us the opportunity to be connected to our loved ones who are living in other places and it also reconnects us to our family and long-lost relative/friends.
He asked me if I wanted to listen to his life story, and I thought why not, right? He told me he married young, separated after 10 years of unhappiness, and got left behind in the Philippines as his wife and his three children flew off to the States for a better life. He is now married with children, but he said that he will never stop thinking of his other children. He told me he hasn’t talked to them for almost 13 years.
Unlike all of us, this man didn’t have Facebook.
And I did.
Casually, I offered to look for his children in Facebook. I thought it shouldn’t be that hard since Mark Zuckerberg made it perfectly suitable for stalking people.
He then excitedly gave his children’s names to me, and I wrote them down one by one on my phone.
As we reached my house, I handed him money as my payment. He pushed my hand away and told me: “Wag na! Baka ikaw pa ang anghel na tumulong sakin!”
I insisted and told him: “Manong, kailangan mo yan. Kahit magbayad ako, gagawin ko po yun. Madali lang yun! Hanapin ko sila sa Facebook!” gratefully, I laughed and said my goodbye.
—
I logged in my Facebook the morning after and remembered last night’s conversation. At first, I felt hesitant to meddle with family businesses that aren’t mine. But I also remembered promising Manong Steve (my cab driver) that I was going to at least try.
Gathering all the courage in my fingers, I began typing his children’s names.
I found a name match with his first daughter, but I wasn’t so sure if it’s the same person so I tried his son’s name. Again, another match. Like a professional stalker that I truly am, I checked their information. Both were located in Washington. I checked their profile pictures — it couldn’t be more obvious that they were siblings. Also, they looked like they were the same age the cab driver told me they’d be — around their twenties.
It was time to panic. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe that I found them in Facebook and that everything was freakishly falling into place. Yes, it felt like a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode happening right before my eyes.
What to do, what to do?!?
For a good 30 minutes, that was the question that lingered in my head. Should I message them? What do I say? What if they get mad? I mean, weren’t they going to get mad because their father left them and here’s a stranger asking them to talk to him again? What if they shoot the messenger? What the fuck am I doing? Better yet, what the fuck am I NOT doing?
“Hello there. Would you happen to know a Steve (Surname)?” I typed and pressed enter, messaging both children.
1 minute passed, no reply. 2 minutes passed, the red alarm of my notification came.
“Nope, I sure don’t.” the boy replied.
I was relieved that it was the end of the story, but for some unknown reason, I felt the urge to text Manong Steve: “Manong, baka po hindi Steve pagkakakilala sainyo. Anong pangalan niyo po na makilala nila if ever?”
My cab driver replied immediately saying: “Tiburcio ako. Pinaganda ko lang nickname ko. Hehehe”
I went back to my laptop, messaging the boy again: “How about Tiburcio (Surname)?”
The son replied: “That’s my father.”
HOLY F@*$.
This is fucking weird. But calm down, Tami. You’re already here. Corresponding. It’s time to be a man.
“I met him last night randomly and he asked me to give you his number. That’s all. I’m so sorry if I’m meddling with family matters. He just really wanted to be in contact with you that’s why I’m here to relay the message. I hope you’re not mad at me. His number is (xxxx-xxx-xxxx). He was my cab driver last night, and we had a chat and he asked me graciously to look for you in Facebook.”
Message sent.
Honestly, I was afraid. I was scared of the repercussions of my meddling. I can imagine myself being in his shoes, and all I could think of was how mad I would’ve been. To be reminded by my father’s abandonment over Facebook is a terrible place to be in.
And that’s exactly what I got as a reply from the son.
“Why should we call him if he already has another family there?! Tell him that’s not gonna happen. We don’t need to keep in contact with him! We’re fine how we are now. Who the hell do you think you are?!” He answered.
I couldn’t help but cry after reading his reply. What was I going to tell Manong Steve??! That his children who he hasn’t seen for thirteen fucking years never want to see him again?! How do I comfort the son who’s probably dumb-founded by this surreal situation with a stranger?!
I didn’t know what to do, and I decided to block everyone off of my Facebook. Even the other daughter who didn’t even get a chance to reply to my message. I’m done. I’ve done my part. They have their father’s number and it’s up to them whether they call or not. My involvement as a messenger, trying to help a family the best way I knew how, is finished.
And I failed.
I tried to forget everything that happened so I could carry on with my life. But I couldn’t. I burst into tears every hour knowing I’ve failed Manong Steve. I’ve failed their family. I was useless and all that I was going to end up doing was hurt both parties really bad.
—
Nighttime fell, and my heart won’t let me rest. Manong Steve kept on texting me, asking how everything was. Asking if I found his children.
His questions burned a hole in my soul. I didn’t know what to tell this hopeful man.
“Manong, nahanap ko po sila pero ayaw po nila kayo kausapin”, slowly, I typed this down on my phone.
I re-read my message again and what I saw was a heartless bitch, breaking an old man’s heart.
DELETE.
“Manong, hindi ko po sila nahanap. Pero try ko po ulit!”
LIE, SENT.
I cried myself to sleep that night.
Until when will I keep from Manong Steve my on-line conversation with his children? Was it better to protect him from the hurt? Will I just forget about him? Should I just be a cold-hearted bitch? Why can’t I just not fucking care?
I woke up at 7AM the next day with 5 missed calls from Manong Steve and 1 unread text.
Synapses opened, waking up my whole being as I read the message:
“Ang saya saya ko. Tinawagan ako ng anak kong si Chona! Maraming salamat sa’yo!” my heart exploded along with my unstoppable and over-reacting tears.
Reading that message from Manong Steve, released one of the best and most heart-felt sighs of relief in my life.
—
Last year, Manong Steve called me around the middle of the year. His children were coming home to see him. He was crying.
And as you’ve probably guessed — so was I.
*reblogged from: http://ificanchangetheworld.tumblr.com/. Wow! This really moved me. Facebook is not just a social network. It also gives us the opportunity to be connected to our loved ones who are living in other places and it also reconnects us to our family and long-lost relative/friends.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sulat para sa isang kaibigan…
Kaibigan,
Alam kong mabigat ang pinagdadaanan mo ngayon at kahit anong gawin kong pag lagay ng sarili ko sa kinalalagyan mo, hindi ko parin maintindihan kung gaano kasakit ang nadarama mo… basta alam ko masakit…nakikita ko sa mga mata mo yan… At hindi ko alam kung maayos ang lahat…
Nasasaktan akong nakikita kang nagkakaganyan… Gusto kong pagaanin ang pakiramdam mo… Pero di ko alam kung paano… Kung pwede lang na literal na kargahin ko ibang bigatin mo para share tayo pero di yun magkakatotoo…
Pero gusto ko lang ipaalala sayo na kung gusto mong umiyak… ito ang balikat ko… simutin mo lahat ng luha hanggang gusto mo… Yayakapin kita… Makikinig ako… At kung matatawa ka papatawanin kita sa korni kong mga jokes… at kung meron akong sagot sasabihin ko yan para maibsan ang wasak mong damdamin….
Gusto ko lang malaman mong nandito ako… :) hindi man palagi dahil maaaring mawala ako balang araw… Pero ngayon… habang nandito ako “habang pwede pa”.. at pangako hanggang sa PWEDE PA… lagi akong nandito… para ikulong ka sa bisig ko handang maging unan mo pansamatala hanggang sa “sana” mapawi na ang yong mga luha…
P.S lagi kang kasama sa mga dasal ko…
Nagmamahal,
Ako
*from http://yengconstantino.tumblr.com/page/3*
Alam kong mabigat ang pinagdadaanan mo ngayon at kahit anong gawin kong pag lagay ng sarili ko sa kinalalagyan mo, hindi ko parin maintindihan kung gaano kasakit ang nadarama mo… basta alam ko masakit…nakikita ko sa mga mata mo yan… At hindi ko alam kung maayos ang lahat…
Nasasaktan akong nakikita kang nagkakaganyan… Gusto kong pagaanin ang pakiramdam mo… Pero di ko alam kung paano… Kung pwede lang na literal na kargahin ko ibang bigatin mo para share tayo pero di yun magkakatotoo…
Pero gusto ko lang ipaalala sayo na kung gusto mong umiyak… ito ang balikat ko… simutin mo lahat ng luha hanggang gusto mo… Yayakapin kita… Makikinig ako… At kung matatawa ka papatawanin kita sa korni kong mga jokes… at kung meron akong sagot sasabihin ko yan para maibsan ang wasak mong damdamin….
Gusto ko lang malaman mong nandito ako… :) hindi man palagi dahil maaaring mawala ako balang araw… Pero ngayon… habang nandito ako “habang pwede pa”.. at pangako hanggang sa PWEDE PA… lagi akong nandito… para ikulong ka sa bisig ko handang maging unan mo pansamatala hanggang sa “sana” mapawi na ang yong mga luha…
P.S lagi kang kasama sa mga dasal ko…
Nagmamahal,
Ako
*from http://yengconstantino.tumblr.com/page/3*
Friday, August 12, 2011
A FATHER'S RULES FOR FINDING FULFILLMENT
Be courteous, be punctual, always say please and thank you, and be sure to hold your knife and fork properly. Others take their cue on how to treat you from your manners.
Be kind, considerate and compassionate when others are in trouble, even if you have problems of your own. Others will admire your selflessness and will help you in due course.
Show moral courage. Do what is right, even if that makes you unpopular. I always thought it important to be able to look at myself in the shaving mirror every morning and not feel guilt or remorse. I depart this world with a pretty clear conscience.
Show humility. Stand your ground but pause to reflect on what the other side are saying, and back off when you know you are wrong. Never worry about losing face. That only happens when you are pig-headed.
Learn from your mistakes. You will make plenty so use them as a learning tool. If you keep making the same mistake or run into a problem, you’re doing something wrong.
Avoid disparaging someone to a third party; it is only you who will look bad. If you have a problem with someone, tell them face to face.
Hold fire! If someone crosses you, don’t react immediately. Once you say something it can never be taken back, and most people deserve a second chance.
Have fun. If this involves taking risks, so be it. If you get caught, hold your hands up.
Give to charity and help those who are less fortunate than yourselves: it’s easy and so rewarding.
Always look on the upside! The glass is half full, never half empty. Every adversity has a silver lining if you seek it out.
Make it your instinct always to say ‘yes’. Look for reasons to do something, not reasons to say no. Your friends will cherish you for that.
Be canny: you will get more of what you want if you can give someone more of what they desire. Compromise can be king.
Always accept a party invitation. You may not want to go, but they want you there. Show them courtesy and respect.
Never ever let a friend down. I would bury bodies for my friends, if they asked me to . . . which is why I have chosen them carefully.
Always tip for good service. It shows respect. But never reward poor service. Poor service is insulting.
Always treat those you meet as your social equal, whether they are above or below your station in life. For those above you, show due deference, but don’t be a sycophant.
Always respect age, as age equals wisdom.
Be prepared to put the interests of your sibling first.
Be proud of who you are and where you come from, but open your mind to other cultures and languages. When you begin to travel (as I hope you will), you’ll learn that your place in the world is both vital and insignificant. Don’t get too big for your breeches.
Be ambitious, but not nakedly so. Be prepared to back your assertions with craftsmanship and hard work.
Live every day to its full: do something that makes you smile or laugh, and avoid procrastination.
Give of your best at school. Some teachers forget that pupils need incentives. So if your teacher doesn’t give you one, devise your own.
Always pay the most you can afford. Never skimp on hotels, clothing, shoes, make-up or jewellery. But always look for a deal. You get what you pay for.
Never give up! My two little soldiers have no dad, but you are brave, big-hearted, fit and strong. You are also loved by an immensely kind and supportive team of family and friends. You make your own good fortune, my children, so battle on.
Never feel sorry for yourself, or at least don’t do it for long. Crying doesn’t make things better.
Look after your body and it will look after you.
Learn a language, or at least try. Never engage a person abroad in conversation without first greeting them in their own language; by all means ask if they speak English!
And finally, cherish your mother, and take very good care of her.
I love you both with all my heart.
=========================
Paul, a teacher, who died of cancer at the age of 45 in November 2009
Be kind, considerate and compassionate when others are in trouble, even if you have problems of your own. Others will admire your selflessness and will help you in due course.
Show moral courage. Do what is right, even if that makes you unpopular. I always thought it important to be able to look at myself in the shaving mirror every morning and not feel guilt or remorse. I depart this world with a pretty clear conscience.
Show humility. Stand your ground but pause to reflect on what the other side are saying, and back off when you know you are wrong. Never worry about losing face. That only happens when you are pig-headed.
Learn from your mistakes. You will make plenty so use them as a learning tool. If you keep making the same mistake or run into a problem, you’re doing something wrong.
Avoid disparaging someone to a third party; it is only you who will look bad. If you have a problem with someone, tell them face to face.
Hold fire! If someone crosses you, don’t react immediately. Once you say something it can never be taken back, and most people deserve a second chance.
Have fun. If this involves taking risks, so be it. If you get caught, hold your hands up.
Give to charity and help those who are less fortunate than yourselves: it’s easy and so rewarding.
Always look on the upside! The glass is half full, never half empty. Every adversity has a silver lining if you seek it out.
Make it your instinct always to say ‘yes’. Look for reasons to do something, not reasons to say no. Your friends will cherish you for that.
Be canny: you will get more of what you want if you can give someone more of what they desire. Compromise can be king.
Always accept a party invitation. You may not want to go, but they want you there. Show them courtesy and respect.
Never ever let a friend down. I would bury bodies for my friends, if they asked me to . . . which is why I have chosen them carefully.
Always tip for good service. It shows respect. But never reward poor service. Poor service is insulting.
Always treat those you meet as your social equal, whether they are above or below your station in life. For those above you, show due deference, but don’t be a sycophant.
Always respect age, as age equals wisdom.
Be prepared to put the interests of your sibling first.
Be proud of who you are and where you come from, but open your mind to other cultures and languages. When you begin to travel (as I hope you will), you’ll learn that your place in the world is both vital and insignificant. Don’t get too big for your breeches.
Be ambitious, but not nakedly so. Be prepared to back your assertions with craftsmanship and hard work.
Live every day to its full: do something that makes you smile or laugh, and avoid procrastination.
Give of your best at school. Some teachers forget that pupils need incentives. So if your teacher doesn’t give you one, devise your own.
Always pay the most you can afford. Never skimp on hotels, clothing, shoes, make-up or jewellery. But always look for a deal. You get what you pay for.
Never give up! My two little soldiers have no dad, but you are brave, big-hearted, fit and strong. You are also loved by an immensely kind and supportive team of family and friends. You make your own good fortune, my children, so battle on.
Never feel sorry for yourself, or at least don’t do it for long. Crying doesn’t make things better.
Look after your body and it will look after you.
Learn a language, or at least try. Never engage a person abroad in conversation without first greeting them in their own language; by all means ask if they speak English!
And finally, cherish your mother, and take very good care of her.
I love you both with all my heart.
=========================
Paul, a teacher, who died of cancer at the age of 45 in November 2009
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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