meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
Nightingale









Saturday, December 31, 2005
GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND

Do you have a friend whom you feel you are facing life together with? I have two. One of them is back for good from San Francisco after 5 long years. She came over with her husband today for lunch and we had a grand time catching up with a lot of stories. The other one is due to be back also for good after new year and I am looking forward to having lunch with her right away.

Both are the good friends that are hard to find. When things went sour and lousy for me some years back, they were the friends I could tell all. I could express any honest thought without fear of appearing foolish. They allowed me to talk through a problem without giving me advice. They just acted as "sounding boards". When it came to sharing confidential thoughts they were champions in making it stay confidential. Both are not computer literates so we relied on the few long distance phone calls to update each other. They both have this psychic powers to know when I am burdened by problems especially at work or when I am down in bed due to an ailment. Since they are both highly spiritual, praying for me was all they did to relieve me. Boy, I really do miss them.

To have a good friend is really hard to find. It is one of the highest delights of life but to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings. Congratulations Precy & Luz for being that kind of a friend.
 
3:55 PM | Permalink | 1 comments
Friday, December 30, 2005
CLEANING OUT OUR CLOSETS

The new year is here, and with it comes the task of coming up with goals for me to carry out throughout the coming year. But before I can do that, I needed to do one more thing... that's cleaning out the closets of my life so that I may have room for items that will enhance my life.

I made a trip to the wastebasket and I threw away the hatred that had been lurking there and I tossed jealousy, bad attitudes, complaints, and sin. But before I finished, I threw away that grudge I have been holding against someone. Now I have room to add love, forgiveness and kindness-not to mention thankfulness for all Gods' blessings.

Good deed isn't it? Why don't you do the same and experience the feeling of joy and peace in your heart.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
 
6:30 AM | Permalink | 1 comments
Wednesday, December 28, 2005

THE ONES WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE

Here is a quiz which I borrowed from I can't remember who. Just read straight through it and you'll get the point that it is trying to make.

1. Name the 5 wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Olympic gold medalists.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss Universe Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Oscar Award winners for best actor & best actress.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one.

1. List a few teachers who added your journey through school.
2. Name 3 friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name 5 people who have taught you something worhtwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of 5 people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier isn't it? This just shows that the people who make a difference in our life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care. Share this to those people who have made a difference in your life.
 
12:30 AM | Permalink | 2 comments
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
NO NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR!

Are you going to write down a list of new year's resolutions this year? I don't write lists of New Year resolutions anymore, because at the end of the year, when I reread them, I discover that only one or none at all were accomplished.

Could it be that when I am disappointed in my own performance, I am simply expecting too much from myself?

When I think about goals for the coming year, I try to remind myself that it is not possible for anyone to be the perfect wife, mother, employee, or daughter because no one can do all the things it would take to achieve perfection in any one of these relationships.

I usually ask God to help me formulate some realistic goals for self improvement. He can't tell me which things are most important, and what things to do first. But in His Word, He can give me principles that help me determine how to live my life and that is putting Him first, then my husband, my family and my job.

Sometimes I am my own worst critic. I condemn myself when God doesn't. I will try following His priorities for my life and I am pretty sure He will be pleased with me.

I must remember, that at the end of the year, my only real accountability is to God. If I obey Him, He will be pleased with me and I can be satisfied with myself as well.
 
12:45 AM | Permalink | 4 comments
Saturday, December 24, 2005
A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION

As Christmas draws near, we busy ourselves in buying gifts for our loved ones and friends, planning the Christmas Eve menu and fixing the house. The money we have saved for the past year is slipping through our fingers fast. It's as though the country is not in a great political and economic difficulty. Whenever you go to the mall or department store, you'll be surprised by the number of people malling around. Though not all are shoppers, we can assume that they're there for what we call "Christmas Spirit."

Christmas Spirit? Is it a feeling of excitement for the many Christmas parties we're going to attend? For the gifts we'll be receiving? For the bonuses? For the vacation leave with our family? The answer- All of the above. But let us not forget the One whose birth we celebrate: The Messiah, born to us to set us free. Let us not forget that with it, is the joy and peace that the remembrance of Christ's birth bring to our hearts.

In the midst of all the preparations and chaos in life, let us pause and ask ourselves: How much time have we spent preparing ourselves spiritually for the Lord's coming? God has given us His "Gift." Have we "bought" a gift for Him?
 
2:10 PM | Permalink | 2 comments
Friday, December 23, 2005
A Christmas Prayer

Christmas is 3 days away and I'd like to say this CHRISTMAS PRAYER to all of you out there.

Jesus, we celebrate your birth as we give presents to our friends and family. When we go about wrapping our gifts, fixing the house, preparing and presenting the food for our traditional Noche Buena, we celebrate your birth.

As we gather around the table and pray over the delicious Christmas food, we celebrate your birth. When we remember the sick & needy at Christmas, Jesus, we celebrate your birth. And now, Jesus, we celebrate your birth by giving you our lives, what's left of it. We've been running ourselves so it's not what it should be. Take us Lord, clean us up from the inside out, and make us into the kind of persons you want us to be.

Forgive us for all our sins, for hurting you and hurting people around us. Give us a forgiving heart to forgive those who hurt us in the past.

May your Holy Spirit reconcile and unite our family from this day forward. We pray for healing of our bodies, our minds, emotions and relationships. We pray for each member of our family, for your love and peace to surround us, for your Holy Spirit to guide us, for your loving arms to comfort us.

We pray for families who are suffering and in need. Give us loving hearts to reach out to love them. We dedicate this day to you. We pray for your blessings upon our home.

In the name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.
 
1:30 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Yipee!!! I Have A Great Team

As part of our tradition, Christmas time in our company is a time of sharing, of caring, of reaching out to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is a time when we put aside individual selfish attitudes and emphasize the community, the spirit of togetherness.

This year, aside from the foodstuff and the Christmas Party we give them, we organized a Christmas Caroling Activity. A group of children from the depressed barangays of our neighboring towns is made to sing Christmas carols in the lobby of our company. Each department is made to adopt a group through the holiday season by feeding them, giving them clothes, toys, reading materials and foodstuff. They are also given cash aside from what they get in the collection box.

It is really a touching gesture. It brings us joy to see the expression in their faces. So the employee's association resolved do more to share with the poor and the needy among us not only during Christmas time.

Each department volunteered to adopt a barangay for the entire 2006. I am very happy to note that they gave themselves, not as an obligation, but as a desire. This expression of positive values and attitudes among my staff serves to improve the quality of our social exchanges, enrich our spirits and enhance the quality of our lives. I am truly proud of all of you!!!
 
1:30 AM | Permalink | 2 comments
Monday, December 19, 2005
Ten Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues


Are you feeling occasionally stressed and sad during the holidays? Here is the advice of Elizabeth Lesser that I happened to read among my emails.

1. Be realistic. A friend of mine says, “Reality is unavoidable." The reality of many people's holidays includes too much to do and not enough time, too much to purchase and not enough money, and too much to eat and not enough willpower. On the other hand, some people experience not enough family, fun, and friendship. Fighting against the reality of your life at this moment will only make you bluer. Instead, be kind to yourself, seek support, and laugh at yourself and the world every now and then.
2. Create your own traditions. As families change and grow, traditions change as well. For example, if you are a working woman who had a stay-at-home mother, instead of trying to reproduce the exact old-fashioned holiday of your childhood, do what you can do. As long as you do them with a joyful heart, the meals or decorations or celebrations you create will become your family's cherished rituals. Or if you are divorced, be as harmonious and generous as you can with your ex. It will be the best gift you give to your kids this year. If you are single or far away from your family, invite others into your home and give the words “extended family" new meaning.
3. Help others. Not because you should, but because it is the best antidote to self-pity and seasonal sadness. Find someone who is struggling more than you are, lend them a helping hand, and remember the real meaning of the holidays.
4. Seek sacred space. Drop into a Christian church or Muslim mosque or Jewish synagogue or Hindu temple or . . . you get the idea. Sometimes just sitting in sacred space can remind you of the true meaning of the holidays. Most places of worship welcome all people, even those just looking for a touch of grace in the midst of a stressful day. Instead of hurrying by that church you have passed a hundred times on the way to work, take a moment to enter its doors and sit quietly, imbibing the atmosphere and the prayers of its members.
5. Take care of your own temple: Your body. Eat well, drink a lot of water, exercise, and then be merry. Instead of making one more feeble New Year's resolution to join a gym or take a yoga class, do it right now. You will be amazed at how just the littlest bit of movement will lift your spirits, and how reducing the amount of junk food, sugar, and alcohol you consume will reduce your blues. And sleep—for goodness' sake, do whatever it takes to get enough of it. Sleep deprivation is at the root of many people's depression.
6. Be financially responsible. Don't close your eyes the next time you use your credit card. Overspending during the holidays will not only increase your stress now, but will also leave you feeling anxious for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills. Buck the holiday system of excessive gift-giving, and practice simplicity, creativity, and basic human kindness.
7. Breathe. Several times during your busy day, put down what you're holding (in your hand or your head)—your shopping lists, your third cup of coffee, your date book, the phone call you should be making—and sit quietly for just 60 seconds. Take in a full breath, let it pool gently in the bottom of your lungs, and then release it slowly. Inhale deeply again, and exhale with an audible sigh. If you're at work, don't worry what your colleagues might think—this time of year everyone would love to sigh deeply, and often. Inhale again; exhale with a long "aaahh". With each exhalation, let your shoulders drop and your jaw relax. Do this a couple of times, with your eyes closed. Let the "aaahh" sound emerge from your belly, move up into your heart, and drift out into space as you exhale, slowly, smoothly, steadily.
8. Grieve. If a friend or family member has recently died honor their memory. Create an altar with pictures of those you love; light candles every night for someone you have lost; play sacred music and allow yourself to cry, remember, heal.
9. Forgive. Forgiveness is the salve that heals a broken spirit. Forgive all sorts of people this holiday season—those from your past, your work, your family, and the ones in the news you love to hate. Read the stories of people (like Martin Luther King, Jr., or Pumla Gobodo Madikizela, of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Committee) who have used forgiveness to move mountains. If they can do it, so can we.
10. Love... everything. Love it all. From the corny Christmas music to the house guests who won't leave. Love even the hard times; even the cranky and crooked people of the world; even yourself, with all of your imperfections.
 
9:16 PM | Permalink | 4 comments
Sunday, December 18, 2005
A POOR LOSER

Our company composed of 2,600 employees coming from the different subsidiaries had our Christmas Party last Friday. We were assigned colors to wear so each company is properly identified. Everyone looks forward to this occasion every year because it gives them a chance to win big cash & in-kind prizes which are raffled off. Other than this, they also get to meet the employees of the other companies.

After all the Christmas greetings from the senior executives of each company and the President/CEO, the emcees started calling representatives from each company to present their dance & choral numbers plus to display our entry to the Nativity Set Contest. It was exciting to see all of them showing off their talents. Just like in the previous years, the company of which I head garnered all 3 major awards again. Congratulations to my team for an excellent job.

In the midst of all our jubilation, a senior executive of our sister company started raising her objections to the results of the contests. She started complaining to the top of her voice at the judges. She refused to listen to their explanations and worse, she threatened to walk out and bring her whole delegation with her. Good thing, her team didn't see it the same way she did, so they stayed put and enjoyed the rest of the program.

What happened to her message of joy and peace earlier? Just shows she doesn't WALK HER TALK. What a shock! What a shame!
 
2:44 PM | Permalink | 6 comments
Friday, December 16, 2005
The Tagaytay Ghost Story

It is almost the end of the year and there are a lot of clutters on my drawer that I need to get rid of. Started going through my collection of stories and I came across this which I'd like to share with you. This happened a few months ago along Tagaytay Road.

A guy was left behind by a pack of mountain climbers. They were a large group and the poor guy didn't bring a cellphone. He crashed his bike somewhere between picnic Grove and DBP. To make things worse, a storm came, forcing him to walk.

The guy was on the side of the road, hitch-hiking on a very dark night. Not a car passed by. The wind was so strong and he could hardly see a few meters ahead of him.

Suddenly, just before the junction going to Manila, he saw a car slowly approaching, ghost-like out of the gloom. It slowly rolled toward him and stopped. It was raining hard, the wind blowing all around him. So what would the poor guy do? He got into the car and closed the door and realized that nobody was behind the wheel.

The car slowly started moving again. The guy was so terrified to even think of jumping out and running for dear life. He started to pray, begging for his life. He was sure that the ghost car would go off the road and he would plunge to his death. Just before the car reached a curve, a hand appeared through the window and turned the steering wheel, guiding the car to a safe spot.

Terrified, the guy watched the hand reappear everytime they reached a curve. Finally, the guy gathered his wits and leaped from the car and ran to the nearest place where there were houses.

Wet and in shock, he went into a store and, his voice quivering, ordered two bottles of Red Horse Beer. He told the people around about his horrible, supernatural experience.

Silence enveloped everybody when they realized that the guy was apparently sane and not drunk.

Half an hour later, two men walked into the same store. One of them said to his companion, pointing to the first guy, "That's him...he was the guy who rode the car while we were pushing it!"
 
2:32 PM | Permalink | 3 comments
Thursday, December 15, 2005
HUGGING - A NEW FORM OF THERAPY
Last Wednesday, our QA Dept had their Christmas Party for the supervisors, the junior & senior executives. After I delivered my inspirational message, the emcee asked the person on her left to hug the person next to her and so on until everybody in the room has hugged someone. Most of us felt good about it but there were a few who were not comfortable doing it. Maybe they did not know that we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth.

Hugging is healthy. It helps the body's immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Hugging is all natural. It is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100% wholesome. Hugging is practically perfect. There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation proof, nonfattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, nontaxable, nonpollluting and, of course fully returnable.

So start hugging someone today and let him/her pass it on.

 
10:45 PM | Permalink | 3 comments