I caught a feature on Animal Planet about the life of sand grains in the Namib Desert. It tracked the years-long journey of the desert sands travelling from the desert of South Africa to their end in the ocean.
The documentary showed some of the hidden dramas taking place in the desert and one of these was the way the spore spiders trapped and killed their favorite prey...the Namib ants.
The spore spider digs a hole in the sand and at the entrance of its lair it mixes its web with sand to camouflage the trap. The spider then hides in its tunnel which is also cooler than on the surface and lies in wait for its victim.
When an ant gets caught in the web it struggles to get free but in doing so, it sends vibrations throught the sand particles which the spider detects. But here's the interesting part!
The spore spider just traps the ant in its jaws then lets it roast under the sun until it cooks to its death...ready for the spider to eat!
A desert barbecue!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
BOOKS...BOOKS...EVERYWHERE! BUT DOES ANYBODY READ THEM?
One of the routine things we do when we go malling on Sundays is drop by a bookstore. Usually this is Powerbooks at Alabang Town Center,Fully Booked at Rockwell or any of the National Bookstores in any mall.
I've often wondered if anybody really reads these books and why there are so many authors writing on the same subject. What with all the stuff you can get for free over the internet...and in a more exciting format at that!
Many of these books, after staying on shelves for so many years usually go on sale sometimes at 70%-80% of their original price during book sales. Maybe an indicator that they're not really that saleable!
Recently, though I had an experience which made me realize why having books around are important.
I'm supposed to put together a "book" on "Inspirational Leadership" for Chowking. It should be written in a simple style that would make it easy reading even for our cooks. It should also be interesting, informative and yet not comre across as intellectual.
In my search for a "model" for this type of book, I came across Andrew Matthews' "Being Happy." I had used this book before as a reference for a Crew Leader develpment program I had packaged for Jollibee over 20 years ago.
While browsing through the book to check out its style, I couldn't help but read the passages I had used to teach our Crew Leaders before on how to change their mindsets in order to change their lives. And while doing so, I stopped to reflect on my own life and see whether I had put these principles to good use myself.
It was good to be reminded again!
And maybe that's what books are for...at first they serve as sources of information...later on they serve as reminders...and we can use a reminder time and again!
I've often wondered if anybody really reads these books and why there are so many authors writing on the same subject. What with all the stuff you can get for free over the internet...and in a more exciting format at that!
Many of these books, after staying on shelves for so many years usually go on sale sometimes at 70%-80% of their original price during book sales. Maybe an indicator that they're not really that saleable!
Recently, though I had an experience which made me realize why having books around are important.
I'm supposed to put together a "book" on "Inspirational Leadership" for Chowking. It should be written in a simple style that would make it easy reading even for our cooks. It should also be interesting, informative and yet not comre across as intellectual.
In my search for a "model" for this type of book, I came across Andrew Matthews' "Being Happy." I had used this book before as a reference for a Crew Leader develpment program I had packaged for Jollibee over 20 years ago.
While browsing through the book to check out its style, I couldn't help but read the passages I had used to teach our Crew Leaders before on how to change their mindsets in order to change their lives. And while doing so, I stopped to reflect on my own life and see whether I had put these principles to good use myself.
It was good to be reminded again!
And maybe that's what books are for...at first they serve as sources of information...later on they serve as reminders...and we can use a reminder time and again!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
DA VINCI PREDICTS THE DA VINCI CODE
Here's a cartoon I made about the Da Vinci Code. For all we know Leonardo must've "predicted" it all along! :-)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
TAI CHI LESSON: SLOW DOWN TO ENJOY LIFE
It just struck me that because of my seminary upbringing (i.e.,"Never waste time") and regimented programming, I tend to do things quickly and in the process not enjoy or savor the moment.
Maybe that's what my attempts at learning tai-chi has taught me recently.
There are really a lot of enjoyable things happening around me but whether I will take pleasure from these or not will really depend on me. Perhaps if I slow down a bit and appreciate things in slow motion,like the movements of tai chi,then maybe I can enjoy life more!
Maybe that's what my attempts at learning tai-chi has taught me recently.
There are really a lot of enjoyable things happening around me but whether I will take pleasure from these or not will really depend on me. Perhaps if I slow down a bit and appreciate things in slow motion,like the movements of tai chi,then maybe I can enjoy life more!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
FIDEL CASTRO:HOW THE FATE OF A NATION HAS RESTED ON THE FATE OF ITS LEADER
I watched a NatGeo documentary on Fidel Castro last week. He has been in power since the late 50's (1959 if I heard it right) and to this day Cuba's destiny depends on what Fidel says it should be. I don't remember much about the Cuban Revolution but Fidel and his Communist guerillas overthrew the administration. Cubans who supported Fidel hoped that he would lead them to the prosperity they dreamed of. However, it was not to be. Fidel had a vision of great things for Cuba,but he only made promises. Anyone who openly criticized him was persecuted...or killed.
When Communism in Russia was finally dissolved,Fidel was in a dilemma. He had modelled his country after the USSR but now the model was gone! According to the documentary this was a great blow to Fidel. But what is more amazing is how come the Cubans have not managed to rid themselves of Fidel's strong man rule even after other countries have deposed their tyrants.
As one of the commentators mentioned, Fidel's charisma still exists. I saw a footage of him, old and haggard-looking walking up a podium to give a speech, wearing rubber shoes and a small Cuban flag on one hand. He didn't look very threatening...but still he is revered.
So maybe, the Cubans cannot blame anybody but themselves for the hard times they are experiencing. After all, they are the ones who have been tolerating Fidel all these years!
When Communism in Russia was finally dissolved,Fidel was in a dilemma. He had modelled his country after the USSR but now the model was gone! According to the documentary this was a great blow to Fidel. But what is more amazing is how come the Cubans have not managed to rid themselves of Fidel's strong man rule even after other countries have deposed their tyrants.
As one of the commentators mentioned, Fidel's charisma still exists. I saw a footage of him, old and haggard-looking walking up a podium to give a speech, wearing rubber shoes and a small Cuban flag on one hand. He didn't look very threatening...but still he is revered.
So maybe, the Cubans cannot blame anybody but themselves for the hard times they are experiencing. After all, they are the ones who have been tolerating Fidel all these years!
Monday, October 16, 2006
BRAZILIAN PASSION
I watched an Atlas Discovery channel feature on Brazil last night, and of course central to the film was something about the Carnivale. I learned that the word meant "to shun away from meat" (carne=meat) since the festival usually fell during the season of Lent,which in Catholic countries is observed with abstention from meat. "Meat" here though could also mean the "pleasures of the flesh," so in sensual Brazil, "carnivale" does mean a great sacrifice.
What was interesting to know though was that the preparations for Carnivale take place many months before the celebration and that many of the people who work on the huge floats and decor work for free.What motivates them simply is passion for Carnivale,and the thought that because of their contribution,their "school" might win in the annual competition.
What was interesting to know though was that the preparations for Carnivale take place many months before the celebration and that many of the people who work on the huge floats and decor work for free.What motivates them simply is passion for Carnivale,and the thought that because of their contribution,their "school" might win in the annual competition.
Monday, September 25, 2006
THE ROUT @ THE RYDER CUP 2006
I watched the Ryder Cup over the weekend and from the Day 1 performance of the USA team I had a feeling it was going to go the way of the Europeans. They just looked too stiff and tense while their European counterparts were all smiles...pumped up and enjoying themselves. Of course, it helped a lot that they were on home ground,but so were the Americans last time around,and yet they lost!
So in spite of all the talent in the USA side (Tiger Woods #1, Phil Mickelson #2, Jim Furyk#3) they couldn't muster enough points to win back the trophy that has been in Europe's hands for the last three outings. This, too,in spite of the preparations Tom Lehman did to make sure he had a "team."
From my standpoint,what Team USA lacked was passion! They didn't seem to want to win! They seemed to be just going through the motions and were not putting up enough good golf to really give the Europeans a real challenge.
Maybe if there were just enough money at stake in winning the cup...then maybe the Americans might have been motivated enough! Ha!
Anyway, that's golf for you.
So in spite of all the talent in the USA side (Tiger Woods #1, Phil Mickelson #2, Jim Furyk#3) they couldn't muster enough points to win back the trophy that has been in Europe's hands for the last three outings. This, too,in spite of the preparations Tom Lehman did to make sure he had a "team."
From my standpoint,what Team USA lacked was passion! They didn't seem to want to win! They seemed to be just going through the motions and were not putting up enough good golf to really give the Europeans a real challenge.
Maybe if there were just enough money at stake in winning the cup...then maybe the Americans might have been motivated enough! Ha!
Anyway, that's golf for you.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
THE VIEW FROM MY WINDOW:AN INDESCRIBABLE LOSS
Once again,I looked out my window this Monday morning and observed parents as they brought their sons to the entrance gate of Lourdes School. I noticed a familiar pattern of behavior...more like a ritual...,and one which I performed every morning when I used to bring my own two sons to the same school.
After bringing the kid to the gate,there would be this last words of advice (or admonition),then a kiss and finally, a lingering look, as the parent watched his or her son disappear into the crowd of boys. Only then would the parent move on.
It's that lingering look that caught my attention this morning. Why did we parents instinctively do this? We knew our kids were safe, after all we personally accompanied them to the gate. And yet after we let them go,we just would stand there and watch.Perhaps we also knew instinctively that our kids would glance back and check us out and give us a last goodbye wave.
Or maybe it was because for a brief moment,we would be amazed at how our kids had grown!
Whatever the reason for lingering, I'm sure when each of us parents looked at our sons we were looking at them with love.
And that's why I guess, not being able to ever see them alive would be the worst feeling any parent would have to bear in his or her lifetime.
One of my former classmates from Grade school is going through this right now. He lost his son and to make matters worse,he wasn't able to be around for his funeral.
The indescribable feeling of loss was best pictured by another former classmate, Sonny Hernandez, when he pointed out that we had terms for a husband who loses his wife (widower),or for a wife whose husband dies (widow.) A kid who loses his parents is called an orphan.
But a parent who loses a child...there are no words to describe this...just a s no words will probably be able to describe the loss.
After bringing the kid to the gate,there would be this last words of advice (or admonition),then a kiss and finally, a lingering look, as the parent watched his or her son disappear into the crowd of boys. Only then would the parent move on.
It's that lingering look that caught my attention this morning. Why did we parents instinctively do this? We knew our kids were safe, after all we personally accompanied them to the gate. And yet after we let them go,we just would stand there and watch.Perhaps we also knew instinctively that our kids would glance back and check us out and give us a last goodbye wave.
Or maybe it was because for a brief moment,we would be amazed at how our kids had grown!
Whatever the reason for lingering, I'm sure when each of us parents looked at our sons we were looking at them with love.
And that's why I guess, not being able to ever see them alive would be the worst feeling any parent would have to bear in his or her lifetime.
One of my former classmates from Grade school is going through this right now. He lost his son and to make matters worse,he wasn't able to be around for his funeral.
The indescribable feeling of loss was best pictured by another former classmate, Sonny Hernandez, when he pointed out that we had terms for a husband who loses his wife (widower),or for a wife whose husband dies (widow.) A kid who loses his parents is called an orphan.
But a parent who loses a child...there are no words to describe this...just a s no words will probably be able to describe the loss.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
The View from my Window: Father and Son
This morning as I watched the students of Lourdes school being accompanied by their parents to the gate, I noticed this dad and his kid in particular because from the way dad behaved you could tell his kid was special!
For one, he was lugging the kid's trolley bag even though I thought the boy was big enough to do it on his own. While they were walking towards the gate he was talking to him as if going through a checklist of things. I could just see it now:"Oh, do you have your handkerchief?Your assignment was it done na?"...and so on.
When they finally reached the gate,doting dad didn't just kiss son goodbye and saw him off. He bent down,cupped his son's face, said some words before kissing him. Then...and this is what got me...he lingered for a while making sure his son was safely in. Then as if this was not enough he went behind the sign on the gate and spent some seconds playing peek-a-boo with his son before waving goodbye.
He hurried back and luckily he did, because some traffic aides on patrol were looking his car over because he seemed to be blocking traffic. After some explanation he was let off.
It was a great sight because it's something I did when TJ and James were still small(although not as mushy as doting dad). I kind of miss this but am also thankful that I also gave my own sons some memorable mornings by going through these rituals.
For one, he was lugging the kid's trolley bag even though I thought the boy was big enough to do it on his own. While they were walking towards the gate he was talking to him as if going through a checklist of things. I could just see it now:"Oh, do you have your handkerchief?Your assignment was it done na?"...and so on.
When they finally reached the gate,doting dad didn't just kiss son goodbye and saw him off. He bent down,cupped his son's face, said some words before kissing him. Then...and this is what got me...he lingered for a while making sure his son was safely in. Then as if this was not enough he went behind the sign on the gate and spent some seconds playing peek-a-boo with his son before waving goodbye.
He hurried back and luckily he did, because some traffic aides on patrol were looking his car over because he seemed to be blocking traffic. After some explanation he was let off.
It was a great sight because it's something I did when TJ and James were still small(although not as mushy as doting dad). I kind of miss this but am also thankful that I also gave my own sons some memorable mornings by going through these rituals.
The SWAN and a NatGeo special on Wolves
TJ and I watched a portion of the SWAN finals last Saturday. We were really amazed at what cosmetic surgery can do to transform these once Ugly Ducklings to jaw dropping bombshells! What I noticed though was that those with really good features to start with really looked good after their treatments and with very little alterations too.
It was also sad to note that those who were blessed with good looks to begin with didn't really take good care of themselves...especially their self-esteem...hence their deterioration into Ugly Ducklings.
I also managed to catch a feature by NatGeo on wolves. One interesting scene showed a pack of wolves that had trapped a male elk. The narrator said that strangely enough if elk didn't run their chances of surviving increased and I could see why. Although the wolves had their prey cornered they couldn't get near it because one swipe of the antlers could kill or maim them. If the elk had run it would just get tired and make easy pickings for the wolves.
Another scene showed some elk actually prancing confidently even if the wolves were near. It was sort of a risky bluff to the wolves,showing them that they could outrun them if they dared chase them. Unfortunately for one, the wolves called the bluff and dragged her down.
Wolves and bears,it turns out, are mortal enemies too. There was a scene were a mother bear and her cub were surrounded by a pack. The wolves kept a safe distance because the bear could easily break their backs with its claws. However,mama bear couldn't distance itself too far from its cub so it just fended off the wolves until they realized they were going nowhere and gave up.
It was also sad to note that those who were blessed with good looks to begin with didn't really take good care of themselves...especially their self-esteem...hence their deterioration into Ugly Ducklings.
I also managed to catch a feature by NatGeo on wolves. One interesting scene showed a pack of wolves that had trapped a male elk. The narrator said that strangely enough if elk didn't run their chances of surviving increased and I could see why. Although the wolves had their prey cornered they couldn't get near it because one swipe of the antlers could kill or maim them. If the elk had run it would just get tired and make easy pickings for the wolves.
Another scene showed some elk actually prancing confidently even if the wolves were near. It was sort of a risky bluff to the wolves,showing them that they could outrun them if they dared chase them. Unfortunately for one, the wolves called the bluff and dragged her down.
Wolves and bears,it turns out, are mortal enemies too. There was a scene were a mother bear and her cub were surrounded by a pack. The wolves kept a safe distance because the bear could easily break their backs with its claws. However,mama bear couldn't distance itself too far from its cub so it just fended off the wolves until they realized they were going nowhere and gave up.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
LIVING WITH ONE'S LIMITATIONS
I just got my lab test results. The 2-D Echo and Holter Monitor results validate that there is something definitely wrong with my heart. I have atrial fibrillation according to the Holter monitor findings and the echocardiogram said I have ventricular hypertrophy. I had to look these up in the internet to understand what was going on inside my body.
In a nutshell,my heart is beating irregularly and the danger with this,at least in my case, is that some blood may not be pumped out of the atrium. This blood may coagulate and form clots which if dislodged may be transported to the brain and cause what is known as an embolic stroke. One treatment for this is to give medication (warfarin aka Coumadin) that will help thin the blood so that clotting does not form.
Now as to why I had this condition in the first place I don't really know. I have engaged in regular exercise, I have controlled my intake of "bad-for-the-heart" food and I can say I am not under any form of stress, and yet this happened.
So I guess this is one of life's surprises for me!
In a nutshell,my heart is beating irregularly and the danger with this,at least in my case, is that some blood may not be pumped out of the atrium. This blood may coagulate and form clots which if dislodged may be transported to the brain and cause what is known as an embolic stroke. One treatment for this is to give medication (warfarin aka Coumadin) that will help thin the blood so that clotting does not form.
Now as to why I had this condition in the first place I don't really know. I have engaged in regular exercise, I have controlled my intake of "bad-for-the-heart" food and I can say I am not under any form of stress, and yet this happened.
So I guess this is one of life's surprises for me!
It's just another one of those events that makes me realize my limitations and maybe challenges me to still live fully in spite of these.After all, I did not wish for this.
One positive thing has already come out of this...I got to review my basic anatomy and are more familiar with terms related to the heart's functions! I sort of understand what I'm up against...and as the GI Joe slogan goes..."Knowing is half the battle!"
I also know for sure that the Good Lord wants me to slow down and enjoy life! Thanks to my seminary training I realize I've been programmed to rush through life so as not to waste time.
Maybe this is the Lord's way of giving me a much needed break!
One positive thing has already come out of this...I got to review my basic anatomy and are more familiar with terms related to the heart's functions! I sort of understand what I'm up against...and as the GI Joe slogan goes..."Knowing is half the battle!"
I also know for sure that the Good Lord wants me to slow down and enjoy life! Thanks to my seminary training I realize I've been programmed to rush through life so as not to waste time.
Maybe this is the Lord's way of giving me a much needed break!
Monday, August 28, 2006
ON MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND ON SLOWING DOWN
I watched Tiger Woods win the WGC Invitational yesterday. He almost gave it away when he couldn't keep his lead in regulation play. But during the playoff with Stewart Cink,who battled him hole for hole,he showed why he was a champion. In the fourth playoff hole,he stuck his approach shot within 8 feet while Cink's went into the bunker. Given that opportunity Tiger sunk the birdie putt for the win. Cink had his chance in the previous hole but didn't capitalize on it...therein lay the difference. Both were under a lot of pressure but I guess Tiger handled it better...was mentally tougher than Stewart...that's why he came out on top...for the fourth straight time!
Now that I have this nagging problem of an irregular heartbeat I realized once again that perhaps the Good Lord wants me to slow down some more.Maybe enjoy life a little bit more in the process. After all, I did my best in trying to stay healthy & yet my genetics seems to have acted up in the process.
This is just another obstacle I have to work around.
Now that I have this nagging problem of an irregular heartbeat I realized once again that perhaps the Good Lord wants me to slow down some more.Maybe enjoy life a little bit more in the process. After all, I did my best in trying to stay healthy & yet my genetics seems to have acted up in the process.
This is just another obstacle I have to work around.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
THE GRASS IS GREENER IN OUR BACKYARD
These past two weeks,I had the chance to visit two of the Philippines'famous resorts:Dos Palmas and Pearl Farm.
We went to Dos Palmas when it was raining so we didn't get to see many of its attractions like the schools of fishes and colorful corral reefs that one would normally see if the water is clear. We had a delicious lunch at the Isla Puting Buhangin, about 15 minutes by ferry boat from Dos Palmas and in spite of the rain we still marvelled at the beauty of the place.
We had better luck when we went to Pearl Farm. The weather was perfect so that when we docked at the wharf you could see fish swimming in the clear waters along the shore. We visited the island of the Floreindo's and checked out the villas which were being rented out to tourists. If I had the money and the time to waste this would be an idyllic place to do it. It was so peaceful..and restful.
No wonder many foreign tourists who have heard about these places...and do have the money,come over to our country!
It is unfortunate that many who live in our country can't even afford to see such sights which are right in our own backyard!
We went to Dos Palmas when it was raining so we didn't get to see many of its attractions like the schools of fishes and colorful corral reefs that one would normally see if the water is clear. We had a delicious lunch at the Isla Puting Buhangin, about 15 minutes by ferry boat from Dos Palmas and in spite of the rain we still marvelled at the beauty of the place.
We had better luck when we went to Pearl Farm. The weather was perfect so that when we docked at the wharf you could see fish swimming in the clear waters along the shore. We visited the island of the Floreindo's and checked out the villas which were being rented out to tourists. If I had the money and the time to waste this would be an idyllic place to do it. It was so peaceful..and restful.
No wonder many foreign tourists who have heard about these places...and do have the money,come over to our country!
It is unfortunate that many who live in our country can't even afford to see such sights which are right in our own backyard!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
REFLECTIONS ON TWO TV FEATURES
This weekend I watched two documentaries on TV which got me thinking about the oddities of life,but more specially how one's beliefs affects the way one behaves.
The first,which was shown on Discovery channel's "On the Run," was about an international scam artist and the second,which was on National Geographic, was about Mennonite's search for their "perfect world."
The first feature reenacted the hunt for a Chinese guy from Malaysia named Mr. Wee,who managed to swindle people of over $4 M and ended up getting free after serving short terms in prison. His modus operandi was to sweet talk people into investing their money on businesses which he promised would give them profitable returns.
The segment I caught showed him putting up a magazine in Netherlands called Publique. He convinced most of his employees except a certain Ellen, to put in money in the venture. Then he spent their money on his personal pursuits until the business folded up. It was this Ellen who helped put him in jail eventually.
What was interesting to note was that Mr. Wee was a confirmed psychopath and yet he was able to convince intelligent people into giving him their money! I couldn't help but recall Rose Balajay and her Multitel scam operation which robbed many people (including my sister & law and my wife) of their life's savings! The lure of easy money does blind people and makes them believe what they want to believe.
The piece on the Mennonites was also on how one's beliefs influences one's actions.
It showed families and individuals belonging to three different colonies of Mennonites; two in Mexico and one in Bolivia. One colony in Mexico which was called El Capulin was a "progressive" one which allowed its members to use electricity and rubber tires on its tractors. With electricity the community could produce more products (e.g. milk and cheese) and enjoy amenities like TV, which in most Mennonite circles is forbidden.
I was puzzled at first about the issue on rubber tired tractors until it was explained by one of the men interviewed. He explained that having rubber tires on tractors would allow their boys to "steal" away to town and drink beer. Having only metal wheels would discourage them.
The other two colonies were less progressive but the Mennonites there preferred that kind of life even though they wished they had more money so they didn't live poorly! As the feature progressed I understood that the perfect world they were after was one in which they could practice their religion and basically live in peace, away from the trappings and temptations of civilization.
These people who shunned the more progressive colony of El Capulin to live in the more desolate colonies did so because they believed this was the correct way of living their faith!
The first,which was shown on Discovery channel's "On the Run," was about an international scam artist and the second,which was on National Geographic, was about Mennonite's search for their "perfect world."
The first feature reenacted the hunt for a Chinese guy from Malaysia named Mr. Wee,who managed to swindle people of over $4 M and ended up getting free after serving short terms in prison. His modus operandi was to sweet talk people into investing their money on businesses which he promised would give them profitable returns.
The segment I caught showed him putting up a magazine in Netherlands called Publique. He convinced most of his employees except a certain Ellen, to put in money in the venture. Then he spent their money on his personal pursuits until the business folded up. It was this Ellen who helped put him in jail eventually.
What was interesting to note was that Mr. Wee was a confirmed psychopath and yet he was able to convince intelligent people into giving him their money! I couldn't help but recall Rose Balajay and her Multitel scam operation which robbed many people (including my sister & law and my wife) of their life's savings! The lure of easy money does blind people and makes them believe what they want to believe.
The piece on the Mennonites was also on how one's beliefs influences one's actions.
It showed families and individuals belonging to three different colonies of Mennonites; two in Mexico and one in Bolivia. One colony in Mexico which was called El Capulin was a "progressive" one which allowed its members to use electricity and rubber tires on its tractors. With electricity the community could produce more products (e.g. milk and cheese) and enjoy amenities like TV, which in most Mennonite circles is forbidden.
I was puzzled at first about the issue on rubber tired tractors until it was explained by one of the men interviewed. He explained that having rubber tires on tractors would allow their boys to "steal" away to town and drink beer. Having only metal wheels would discourage them.
The other two colonies were less progressive but the Mennonites there preferred that kind of life even though they wished they had more money so they didn't live poorly! As the feature progressed I understood that the perfect world they were after was one in which they could practice their religion and basically live in peace, away from the trappings and temptations of civilization.
These people who shunned the more progressive colony of El Capulin to live in the more desolate colonies did so because they believed this was the correct way of living their faith!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
ON DEATH AND DYING
It's been two weeks since I started having heart palpitations and because of its effects on me sometimes I can't help but think about death and dying.
Though the palpitations are less pronounced,thanks to the medication I've been taking,I feel some difficulty breathing properly since my heartbeats are irregular. When I do something that requires some effort like walking upstairs or taking a walk to Shangrila I can't do it as quickly as I used to because I feel some heaviness on my chest and some weariness.
I tried doing a light work out the other day and though I could easily lift 30 pound weights prudence dictated that I just stick with very light weights. I didn't even sweat...soit didn't count as a work out!
It's a bother really.
So am I just waiting for the big attack? I try not to think of it because I know I've still a lot of things I want to do. And when I think of my wife and kids and how my passing away will affect them...I get the motivation to keep on living.
Perhaps what God wants me to do right now is just slow down and enjoy life as much as I can.
Though the palpitations are less pronounced,thanks to the medication I've been taking,I feel some difficulty breathing properly since my heartbeats are irregular. When I do something that requires some effort like walking upstairs or taking a walk to Shangrila I can't do it as quickly as I used to because I feel some heaviness on my chest and some weariness.
I tried doing a light work out the other day and though I could easily lift 30 pound weights prudence dictated that I just stick with very light weights. I didn't even sweat...soit didn't count as a work out!
It's a bother really.
So am I just waiting for the big attack? I try not to think of it because I know I've still a lot of things I want to do. And when I think of my wife and kids and how my passing away will affect them...I get the motivation to keep on living.
Perhaps what God wants me to do right now is just slow down and enjoy life as much as I can.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
CALLING ON HEAVEN FOR HELP DURING A TIME OF CRISIS
It came so suddenly I was caught off guard!
I was having dessert after a heavy buffet lunch last Wednesday when I started having palpitations. It was not the first time I had such an episode but this was different because the palpitations were quite strong and went on for a prolonged period of time that I was starting to feel some pain on mychest from the pounding.
I was in a seminar at the time so I had to excuse myself and be driven by Jaja to the Medical City ER for a check up. The resident on duty detected the abnormal heartbeat and saw that my BP had risen to 150/100 but the ECG they did on me showed things were normal! They gave me some meds and I took the rest of the day off.
I was able to attend the whole session Thursday and even went to the gym afterwards.However, come Friday morning I was feeling the arrythmia again so I decided to take the day off. I thought that resting would revive me and rid me of the pain but I was wrong. It seemed to have gotten worse such that in desperation I cried for help from someone whom I had forgotten for a very long,long time...Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Her picture was just beside our bed and at the height of an attack I asked for a miracle...that she take the malady away.
I didn't get relief at once but as I have experienced time and again,my prayers seemed to have been answered in a different way. For one, I had some restful naps where in I felt some relief. Then yesterday, Sunday, my sister arrived from Cebu and through her connections I got a different medicine which seemed to have worked better than the one prescribed to me before.
I was having dessert after a heavy buffet lunch last Wednesday when I started having palpitations. It was not the first time I had such an episode but this was different because the palpitations were quite strong and went on for a prolonged period of time that I was starting to feel some pain on mychest from the pounding.
I was in a seminar at the time so I had to excuse myself and be driven by Jaja to the Medical City ER for a check up. The resident on duty detected the abnormal heartbeat and saw that my BP had risen to 150/100 but the ECG they did on me showed things were normal! They gave me some meds and I took the rest of the day off.
I was able to attend the whole session Thursday and even went to the gym afterwards.However, come Friday morning I was feeling the arrythmia again so I decided to take the day off. I thought that resting would revive me and rid me of the pain but I was wrong. It seemed to have gotten worse such that in desperation I cried for help from someone whom I had forgotten for a very long,long time...Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Her picture was just beside our bed and at the height of an attack I asked for a miracle...that she take the malady away.
I didn't get relief at once but as I have experienced time and again,my prayers seemed to have been answered in a different way. For one, I had some restful naps where in I felt some relief. Then yesterday, Sunday, my sister arrived from Cebu and through her connections I got a different medicine which seemed to have worked better than the one prescribed to me before.
Friday, July 14, 2006
A LESSON ON CREATIVITY FROM A MOVIE: SOMETHING THAT CAME FROM GOD
I happened to catch a movie showing on TV this afternoon entitled: "Something that Came from God" about Dr. Alfred Blalock and his African American assistant,Dr. Vivien Thomas. Both were involved in the historic cardiac operation that led to the saving of many so-called "blue babies." These infants had congenital heart abnormalities which made their heart pump more un-oxygenated blood into their system thus causing them to turn blue.
In their effort to find a solution to the blue baby syndrome they of course went through a lot of basic analyzing of how the problem came about. But what was "creative" was that they tried creating the problem by experimenting on normal dogs, so that if they knew how the problem came about ,they could undo it.
They had failures in their experimentation but that led them to the correct way of doing things and even serendipitous solutions.
The inspiring angle of the movie was that Dr. Viv Thomas was a carpenter who had dreams of becoming a doctor. He never had formal education on medicine, but learned on the job. He died in 1985, accorded an honorary doctor's rank by the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In their effort to find a solution to the blue baby syndrome they of course went through a lot of basic analyzing of how the problem came about. But what was "creative" was that they tried creating the problem by experimenting on normal dogs, so that if they knew how the problem came about ,they could undo it.
They had failures in their experimentation but that led them to the correct way of doing things and even serendipitous solutions.
The inspiring angle of the movie was that Dr. Viv Thomas was a carpenter who had dreams of becoming a doctor. He never had formal education on medicine, but learned on the job. He died in 1985, accorded an honorary doctor's rank by the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
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