Confusing culture

A few days after I started working in a foreign institution, a colleague passed by my office, smiled and winked at me. Boy, was I surprised. Why was he winking at me? Is he trying to convey a romantic interest in me?

In turn, I smiled and raised my brow to signify my hello. Later on a fellow local warned me. In the culture of my foreign colleague, the actions that I did meant that I was trying to pick him up. And the winking that he did? It was just a way to say hello.

Cultural differences.

And then just tonight, a girl I met told me that in her beloved country Bulgaria, to say yes, you turn you head from left to right and to say no, you nod your head. Talk about confusion. No wonder she lost some clients when she went to the States. When asked if she offers the products they were looking for, the answer was always a no!

In Portugal, you greet people by kissing them on the cheeks three times. Normally for the French, you just kiss the cheeks twice. And of course, for us Pinoy, it varies but in general, one kiss on the cheek is enough.

I am pretty sure that I can list down some more when I think about cultural differences. For example, instead of ketchup, use vinegar as a dip for French fries.

Still, I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Variety makes life more interesting. Now, if only I could teach some people that it is in our culture to take a daily bath!

Sure invesments

When I asked my mother if I should take the promo package offered by a skin clinic, she pushed me to go for it. Never been so mindful about my physical looks, I felt that it would be so extravagant of me to spend what I thought was a big amount to get facials, skin peelings and face massages. But a new work environment brought about a skin break-out. And what my mother told me made sense. The best investment is to spend on yourself.

An important disclaimer though : like any other investments, this should be done wisely. Measure the pros and cons. Compute the output and the input. Prioritize on the necessities. Figure out the excess in your budget and estimate the demands on your pockets.

Let me try to remember some big spendings I made on myself.

Originally not an out-of-my-own-pocket expense, my braces did leave some space in my wallet (theoretically because I do not own a wallet, never liked using one). It took 9 long years to finish the alignment of the noncompliant teeth but it was all worth it. The countless visits to the dentist’s clinic became tiring but even then I knew I would get something out of the lunchtime or Saturday appointments. I can now smile with confidence.

For six months I paid credit card charges in order to shell out for the lifetime membership in a fitness gym (I made sure the offer was on a 0% interest rate... one has to be wise as a snake regarding credit card expenditures). And thus, for six months I didn’t have any big savings. But once again, my shrewd mom told me that there is nothing more important than health. I computed the annual fees and compared it to the special offer of that moment. I saw the long-term savings. I saw the health gains. I can now go to the gym 7 days a week, in all branches, from 6am to 9pm.

The latest expense I recently wrote in a previous entry. I invested in my eyes. This one thanks to the encouragement of my father. The doctor told me that I could have ten years of good eyesight. But no one can stop the ravages of age. I would need glasses once I hit middle-age. But I will treasure the time that I would be able to see the world clearly. There is no price for that.

I thank God for it was He who provided the money so that I could do all these things. But I do know that I also did my part. I could have bought expensive gadgets, pricey clothes, or any other costly items. Instead, I am grateful for God showed me the importance of saving up. I am thankful for people who let me borrow and pay in installments without any interest. I thank God for giving me wisdom in getting the most out of my credit card privileges and in taking advantage of promo offers and packages. Believe it or not but all of the above expenses I got with big discounts and freebies.

I believe that as children of God, we have a responsibility in taking care of ourselves. Not because of vanity, not because we are full of pride in ourselves, especially in our outward looks. We exercise to perk up stamina and health. Without them, we cannot do anything. Braces can improve the external appearance of the teeth but also makes better the underlying bone structure of the jaw. A smile can be a powerful tool in reaching out to a lonely soul. The eyes? The better to see the warmth and sincerity within.

We mirror God’s beauty. We should look it.

Teach them how to fish

I am a firm believer that in order to truly help others, we need not only give them fish, but we must teach them how to fish. I learned this from my parents. They sent our helpers to school. To help them change their future.

We must help those in need. But most importantly, we must help them help themselves.

There are hundreds of orphanages and feeding centers in the Philippines. What is so different about Children's Garden in Antipolo? Why did it catch my attention?

They are to provide skills training to several of their streetchildren.

It is not enough to shelter them. It is not enough to feed them.

As their values and minds are reformed, it is necessary to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.

For them to truly leave the streets, educate them. For them to rise above their sufferings, empower them.


Several kids who will soon be undergoing skills training and alternative learning system from DepEd




Please contact Children's garden thru:
Tel: +(63 2) 630 6608
Email: childrensgarden_phils@yahoo.com
Website: childrensgarden@multiply.com

FOR DONATIONS:
Account Name: Children’s Garden of the Philippines
SA# 167036937 at Planters Bank, Antipolo City Branch

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

I know who is writing my story. And I am excited to see the next chapter.

"Unwritten"

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, yeah, yeah

Ten ways to hear God better

from : www.evotiional.com

#1 I hear God better after I've confessed my sin.

#2 I hear God better when I'm worshipping Him.

#3 I hear God better early in the morning.

#4 I hear God better after I've read my Bible.

#5 I hear God better when I'm not in a hurry.

#6 I hear God better when I'm out in nature.

#7 I hear God better when I'm on a rooftop.

#8 I hear God better when I'm fasting

#9 I hear God better when I'm out of my routine.

#10 I hear God better when I'm going after a dream

Two-sided courage

Often times we associate courage with things that we must do. It is to conquer our fears. To try novelties. To test the waters. To dare to experience things. To obtain our desires. To become our dreams.

But courage also means the audacity to let go. Not because the goings got tough. Not because the test became too much. No, no. Not because of lack of perseverance.

Courage is also the acceptance that it is not meant to be.

Courage is also the recognition that the journey is more important than reaching the goal.

Courage is also the admission that it is time to let go. Finish. Done.

Today, I finally gave up something. I tried. I kept an open mind.

It was a good experience. It is enough.

Roar!

Courage

"Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious does not live at all. From now on, you will travel the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself the journey". (Princess Diaries)

“Take your life and live it to the max. Deliberately do something today. Face your fear. Allow discomfort. Allow vulnerability. Allow uncertainty ... allow your greatness to shine through.” (Ken Donaldson)