Full moon outside--A time where some people use it to explain why things are going crazy, or why we have had a 2-day heatwave. For me (and other Muslims globally), it is another mile marker that Ramadhan is almost half over. As it normally takes 21 days to form a new habit, I am now seeing that I am finally eating less. I have not been "chowing down" in the morning and evening. Food is becoming a fuel, and not a fill.
Life is good, and I am looking more sexy!!!!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
10 Days Down...20 To Go
The first 10 days have passed. From it, I have experienced mush the same as a biker riding a 10-speed bicycle. At first, things were hard--life immediately in 10th gear. As momentum picked up, things got easier. In other words, the impossible seemed possible because it is.
I am writing this on the start of the 11th fast. I am in between making my food and thinking, and looking for my contact lenses. Before I know it, the day will be done, and I will have 18 more fasts to go. Eid will be here in no time, as will Ramadhan 2011.
I am writing "on the fly" and that is why the paragraphs are "journalistic" style. I promised myself today that I will write no matter what. I just hope that the quality of my writing is better than the quantity of words I am coming up with.
As I am passing this mile marker, I see that I spend a lot of time eating food. How much of that time was spent eating for fuel, rather than eating aimlessly?? I hope that the sticker shock of the "by the numbers" is enough to eventually shape my eating habits for the better. As for now, I have to eat--out of necessity, and not to pass time. Here's to a new day, and here's to the next one third.
I am writing this on the start of the 11th fast. I am in between making my food and thinking, and looking for my contact lenses. Before I know it, the day will be done, and I will have 18 more fasts to go. Eid will be here in no time, as will Ramadhan 2011.
I am writing "on the fly" and that is why the paragraphs are "journalistic" style. I promised myself today that I will write no matter what. I just hope that the quality of my writing is better than the quantity of words I am coming up with.
As I am passing this mile marker, I see that I spend a lot of time eating food. How much of that time was spent eating for fuel, rather than eating aimlessly?? I hope that the sticker shock of the "by the numbers" is enough to eventually shape my eating habits for the better. As for now, I have to eat--out of necessity, and not to pass time. Here's to a new day, and here's to the next one third.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
September 9, 2009 (revisited)
And so today is 9-9-09. Many are saying that today is a “lucky” day--numerically speaking. So it is the same date in all parts of the world—even to the countries that write the date the wrong way—by my own definition. Just don not be looking at the date upside down--only to prove that I am wrong.
Every day is a lucky day—not specifically just this one. We all have the ability of making a good day a great one. We can and should never rely on “miracles” that we are counting on. We can never chase a sunset or a perfect moment that “you should have been there”. It's really a Kodak world, but the film is in our mind. Live life, prosper, and make it a great day. Look back tomorrow and chart a better future. You can do it---it's much easier than you really think.
Today's “this has never been done before” task is that I would really like to write more than just 1 topic. There are way too many great things going on on life. We all have to keep our eyes and mind open to life that is happening in real time. This is not optional, yet many of us tend to get preoccupied with a life of “whole lot of nothing-ness”. Yes, we can bet busy doing nothing. On the other side of the coin, we tend to function better when lots is on our plate. Momentum has a way of building upon itself--'an object in motion remains in motion'.
Every day is a lucky day—not specifically just this one. We all have the ability of making a good day a great one. We can and should never rely on “miracles” that we are counting on. We can never chase a sunset or a perfect moment that “you should have been there”. It's really a Kodak world, but the film is in our mind. Live life, prosper, and make it a great day. Look back tomorrow and chart a better future. You can do it---it's much easier than you really think.
Today's “this has never been done before” task is that I would really like to write more than just 1 topic. There are way too many great things going on on life. We all have to keep our eyes and mind open to life that is happening in real time. This is not optional, yet many of us tend to get preoccupied with a life of “whole lot of nothing-ness”. Yes, we can bet busy doing nothing. On the other side of the coin, we tend to function better when lots is on our plate. Momentum has a way of building upon itself--'an object in motion remains in motion'.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Importance of Good Morning....
I have to say that the the first few minutes how the day begins usually does set the tone for the rest of the day. I know this may appear as if I am “judging a book by its cover”, but we all need a reference point.
This is why the big cardinal sin at the workplace is when someone comes in the office, unpacks their stuff, and goes directly into “worker mode”--without any acknowledgment that others exist. Now, I understand the times when you have the most pressing tasks in the world—that's ok, but just remember to let people know that they matter—because they really do.
Your morning might be short of spectacular, but make sure to add some energy to the lives of others. A smile and 2 words is all it takes, and then go get your coffee, tea, or other morning beverage. And a Good Morning to you too.
This is why the big cardinal sin at the workplace is when someone comes in the office, unpacks their stuff, and goes directly into “worker mode”--without any acknowledgment that others exist. Now, I understand the times when you have the most pressing tasks in the world—that's ok, but just remember to let people know that they matter—because they really do.
Your morning might be short of spectacular, but make sure to add some energy to the lives of others. A smile and 2 words is all it takes, and then go get your coffee, tea, or other morning beverage. And a Good Morning to you too.
Can you hear me now????
Have you heard??? Well, I guess you can not if your ears are plugged with earphones. Worse is when you see a driver that has both his ears immune to the world—just to indicate to the world that he is a proud owner of an iPhone. I do wonder what are they listening to that is so important that they refuse to use an iPhone integration kit with their upscale car. Cheap rats.
I am venting as usual but then again who is listening?
I am venting as usual but then again who is listening?
Uncommon Choices, Uncommon Results...
Pressure's on as it usually is. I chose to be uncommon and I know that a solution is eminent. There lies solutions to all situations that confront us—if we chose to go out and look for them, rather tam sitting back worrying telling everyone that you are faced with an impossible task. If is what you make it—and we become our dominant thought. This is to say that when we excessively worry about our problem, then we become the problem. Why not make the worry worthwhile, by planning a strategy for solution?
We all have the same 24 hours a day, and we can make our life better when we become better. I've gotta get out and make an abundance of solutions.
We all have the same 24 hours a day, and we can make our life better when we become better. I've gotta get out and make an abundance of solutions.
Better Left Unsaid...(revisited)
November 22, 2009 – Some things are better left unsaid but what would you do? You wake up one morning, and you have a dream where your newly formed enemy is in it. Words have been exchanged but not really kind ones. On one hand, you feel that anything you say can and will be used against you, but on the other hand, you want to leave things on a positive note. As I am writing this, I am seeing clarity.
Some things—good and bad--are indeed left better left unsaid. This is not a contest about who gets to “one-up” the other party. It seems that any communication only opens up new wounds as only opens new ones open. Less (or none) is indeed more in a situation like this one.
As it is Sunday morning here, I am glad to see that my computer—without Internet access—is really serving me well. Somehow I see that we all need to put “personal” back in to our computer/laptop. The Internet is a great resource, but with any blank slate, nothing gets created automatically or overnight. I don't want to be that person who has an art book that is filled with things I have cut our from other sources—that would be like using a canvas to make a scrapbook Some things “fly” but this does not do it for me. I will create my own masterpiece.
Some things—good and bad--are indeed left better left unsaid. This is not a contest about who gets to “one-up” the other party. It seems that any communication only opens up new wounds as only opens new ones open. Less (or none) is indeed more in a situation like this one.
As it is Sunday morning here, I am glad to see that my computer—without Internet access—is really serving me well. Somehow I see that we all need to put “personal” back in to our computer/laptop. The Internet is a great resource, but with any blank slate, nothing gets created automatically or overnight. I don't want to be that person who has an art book that is filled with things I have cut our from other sources—that would be like using a canvas to make a scrapbook Some things “fly” but this does not do it for me. I will create my own masterpiece.
The Good, the Bad, The Ugly Customer Service
I am usually a person that points out excellent service—to let others know that there are places out there that go the extra mile. Such are the places that know the true value of attracting new customers and keeping existing ones. These places come in a different shapes, sizes and from different industries.
On the other hand, when I go to a place that makes up new rules and policies as they are sweeping the floor, making a latte, answering the phone, and taking an order, I like to do them a favor: tell others.
Take for example a coffee shop. Most have free Internet available because they know that people will spend a certain amount per hour—provided they they (they owners) are not exemplary assholes. Well, to make a short story even shorter, save your time and skip patronizing Coffee Factory in Santa Clara.
First of all, you get greeted at the door with a suspicious Asian guy that has the look that says “why I have people come here.... no good”. Well, sorry to bust your bubble and make YOU kiss my ass while I pay you for it. “What you want” is their version of the more common “Can I help you?” that I miss from normal establishments that I am used to.
My general rule is that if I like the place, I will end up spending more-- my “sale per customer per hour” hence becomes a very nice number. I do not have an iPhone, so I am at the mercy of places like this. I know that jwire.com is a resource for Internet places all over the world. I just wish they have a place where users can reflect their experiences—especially for places like this.
“No bring your water.... I have... next time you leave in car ok?” Well my friend who really is trying hard to piss everyone that comes through the front door, I will do YOU a favor: I will tell my friends where not to go. “Why you no have good battery in computer?? No use my electricity--too expensive”--- Newsflash Mr Asshole who is getting on my nerves as I am about to pack up and leave: Santa Clara has the least expensive electricity rate in the state. Thank you again for reinforcing the fact that you are greedy, selfish and you hate people; I'm sure I will be the one getting all the thanks for the recommendation, unlike you. Just call me when you are out of business, so I can buy it and run it like how a real establishment should be run.
On the other hand, when I go to a place that makes up new rules and policies as they are sweeping the floor, making a latte, answering the phone, and taking an order, I like to do them a favor: tell others.
Take for example a coffee shop. Most have free Internet available because they know that people will spend a certain amount per hour—provided they they (they owners) are not exemplary assholes. Well, to make a short story even shorter, save your time and skip patronizing Coffee Factory in Santa Clara.
First of all, you get greeted at the door with a suspicious Asian guy that has the look that says “why I have people come here.... no good”. Well, sorry to bust your bubble and make YOU kiss my ass while I pay you for it. “What you want” is their version of the more common “Can I help you?” that I miss from normal establishments that I am used to.
My general rule is that if I like the place, I will end up spending more-- my “sale per customer per hour” hence becomes a very nice number. I do not have an iPhone, so I am at the mercy of places like this. I know that jwire.com is a resource for Internet places all over the world. I just wish they have a place where users can reflect their experiences—especially for places like this.
“No bring your water.... I have... next time you leave in car ok?” Well my friend who really is trying hard to piss everyone that comes through the front door, I will do YOU a favor: I will tell my friends where not to go. “Why you no have good battery in computer?? No use my electricity--too expensive”--- Newsflash Mr Asshole who is getting on my nerves as I am about to pack up and leave: Santa Clara has the least expensive electricity rate in the state. Thank you again for reinforcing the fact that you are greedy, selfish and you hate people; I'm sure I will be the one getting all the thanks for the recommendation, unlike you. Just call me when you are out of business, so I can buy it and run it like how a real establishment should be run.
Chapter 1
If life begins at age 40, I am wondering now how I have lived. For the most part, I can say that life's been good to me... so far. There have been blessings in abundance—many that I have overlooked. I can say that the trail behind me still has some milestones that are clearly visible—despite the clouds that I have created that would otherwise cover the best of times. I am blessed no matter how I look at it. As I begin this inward journey, there is lots to look at. Surely it all takes time, but its all about time—mine.
Nothing stays the same. Life is constantly changing and we are all evolving. I know this sounds rather bland--and not like something profound. We are all not living a peachy life all the time—there are down times.
Hunger is good—it really is not a bad thing. Without it, we would have a false sense of fullness and would be under the impression that everything is ok. Many of us are starving and complaining. The mere sense of instability is what causes us to first panic, then freak out, and then have the feeling that there is no hope. Hunger drives us towards a solution, while hope is the light that guides us that there is a better tomorrow. Hunger—if used appropriately, can actually empower us to feed ourselves. This is something that so many people tend to ignore; maybe society should tell us to always 'get your fuel rather than “get your fill”
Nothing stays the same. Life is constantly changing and we are all evolving. I know this sounds rather bland--and not like something profound. We are all not living a peachy life all the time—there are down times.
Hunger is good—it really is not a bad thing. Without it, we would have a false sense of fullness and would be under the impression that everything is ok. Many of us are starving and complaining. The mere sense of instability is what causes us to first panic, then freak out, and then have the feeling that there is no hope. Hunger drives us towards a solution, while hope is the light that guides us that there is a better tomorrow. Hunger—if used appropriately, can actually empower us to feed ourselves. This is something that so many people tend to ignore; maybe society should tell us to always 'get your fuel rather than “get your fill”
A Throwback to back in the days....(revisited)
I wrote this entry last year, and as always the nice thing about writing is that you you get a new perspective from an otherwise not so good day. Maybe this is the reason we have bad days: so we can reflect and write about them!!!
Monday May 18, 2009 – And so I have more time on my hands now, but I am finding ways to do nothing. I am here Monday morning, listening to music while I am writing this. In many ways this is my personal therapy. What a way to begin a Monday morning and the first day of a new week.
I have said before that our life is shaped by our rituals. For me, my “oxygen” really is music and writing—not necessarily in that order. I am listen to that song I heard from the Abba film-- actually the best song of the movie, and a “what the hell have I been doing with my life up until now” song that is even worse to heard on your birthday. Yes, time really is “slipping through my fingers all the time”--or at least its all been within my reach (or something like that).
Music will always have a way of shaping our mood as it has shaped our life. Almost in every culture in the world, music is what connects people. For me, as I am alone, music is my connector to my life and the blessings of the past. It really is nice to live well in a manner that you can look back when you are older and really smile again when you feel there's otherwise no joy.
Monday May 18, 2009 – And so I have more time on my hands now, but I am finding ways to do nothing. I am here Monday morning, listening to music while I am writing this. In many ways this is my personal therapy. What a way to begin a Monday morning and the first day of a new week.
I have said before that our life is shaped by our rituals. For me, my “oxygen” really is music and writing—not necessarily in that order. I am listen to that song I heard from the Abba film-- actually the best song of the movie, and a “what the hell have I been doing with my life up until now” song that is even worse to heard on your birthday. Yes, time really is “slipping through my fingers all the time”--or at least its all been within my reach (or something like that).
Music will always have a way of shaping our mood as it has shaped our life. Almost in every culture in the world, music is what connects people. For me, as I am alone, music is my connector to my life and the blessings of the past. It really is nice to live well in a manner that you can look back when you are older and really smile again when you feel there's otherwise no joy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)