All set for the giant leap!
FREEDOM!
Thy will be done!
Friday, April 30, 2004
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Mighty pleased ... :)
My, my, my ... I'm mighty pleased with myself and with my partner of course. We make a good team ... like two peas in a pod. After two weeks, we've packed up and all set to go. Freedom!
Looking forward to diving once again.
I'm sending off the last of the ten-wheelers tomorrow. Just for the record, April 2 to 18 ... that's how fast we did the clean-up and pack-ups. On our way home this afternoon, I was actually contemplating of putting up a website of ART's - a tribute.
One day ... someday ...
I call it independence from decadence. Freedom from a fallen kingdom.
The Artisans' Realm at Taft's Venue, a kingdom for and of the artists within us.
Welcome to Chock-Oy's Playground ... welcome that child back in all of us!
Looking forward to diving once again.
I'm sending off the last of the ten-wheelers tomorrow. Just for the record, April 2 to 18 ... that's how fast we did the clean-up and pack-ups. On our way home this afternoon, I was actually contemplating of putting up a website of ART's - a tribute.
One day ... someday ...
I call it independence from decadence. Freedom from a fallen kingdom.
The Artisans' Realm at Taft's Venue, a kingdom for and of the artists within us.
Welcome to Chock-Oy's Playground ... welcome that child back in all of us!
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Fools Rush In ... How long did Noah take to build his ark? God created everything in 7 days.
April fool's day, I held a general meeting of what's left with my employees. Almost half of my employees went to DOLE to collect their separation pay the next day. After an hour's briefing, I sent three quarters of them home to rest while the ones normally on duty during the daytime stayed.
Friday last week, it was chaos. Cockroaches, rats, worms ... name it, we seemed to have abundance of them all considering the rotten apples that were all over. The Garden of Eden was no more and the snake devil who lured Eve and ruined it all has gone back down to hell where he belongs. It has been a gruelling week filled with exhaustion, aches and pains, frustrations and heartaches. Fowl odor and pure decadence, dirt and destruction prevailed. Adam and Eve looks at their surrounding with hope. Cain and Abel has now killed each other off. Noah is building his ark.
On the seventh day even God stopped and rested. It's Good Friday today.
Thank you for the week that has passed. Thank you for the guidance. And most of all thank you for the past 16,180 approximate days.
Friday last week, it was chaos. Cockroaches, rats, worms ... name it, we seemed to have abundance of them all considering the rotten apples that were all over. The Garden of Eden was no more and the snake devil who lured Eve and ruined it all has gone back down to hell where he belongs. It has been a gruelling week filled with exhaustion, aches and pains, frustrations and heartaches. Fowl odor and pure decadence, dirt and destruction prevailed. Adam and Eve looks at their surrounding with hope. Cain and Abel has now killed each other off. Noah is building his ark.
On the seventh day even God stopped and rested. It's Good Friday today.
Thank you for the week that has passed. Thank you for the guidance. And most of all thank you for the past 16,180 approximate days.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
My Nephew's Blog: MILESTONE
Milestone. Turning point in a person's life. My nephew's blog dated April 1, 2004.
11:59 pm going 12:00 midnight of the 31st of March, 2004 was mine. I shut down my business, the one I have been operating for over ten years personally but hey, I've been in that loop since I graduated from college in 1981. That makes it almost 23 years. That's passed two decades. That's what I call a milestone and it sure is a turning point. I've had at least one in the past, when I was 24 and around this time of the year too. I accidentally found out I was adopted. My whole life including me crumbled. That's 20 years ago. I survived. And I know, this time, I will survive ... as always.
11:59 pm going 12:00 midnight of the 31st of March, 2004 was mine. I shut down my business, the one I have been operating for over ten years personally but hey, I've been in that loop since I graduated from college in 1981. That makes it almost 23 years. That's passed two decades. That's what I call a milestone and it sure is a turning point. I've had at least one in the past, when I was 24 and around this time of the year too. I accidentally found out I was adopted. My whole life including me crumbled. That's 20 years ago. I survived. And I know, this time, I will survive ... as always.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Dreams Do Come True
Be careful of what you wish for ... dreams do come true. Life is a bed of roses and with it comes its thorns.
I'm shutting down the daily operations of my company by the end of this month. I will definitely have no income for the next 6 months or so and it can be from bad to worse draining my lifetime savings and all of my resources. I am meeting with a lawyer today regarding my stupid employees who filed prematurely with the labor department. I am also meeting with 2 architects today and my partner-chef-to-be. Time needs to fly by faster so these can just be a part of the good ol' days.
My eldest birth sister died 2 nights ago of breast cancer. Yeah, be very careful of what you wish for. My mom's birthday is coming up Saturday. I have 2 wakes to go to and 2 birthday dinners. Mom's been having severe headaches and have been bugging her to get an MRI.
Hmmm ...
I'm shutting down the daily operations of my company by the end of this month. I will definitely have no income for the next 6 months or so and it can be from bad to worse draining my lifetime savings and all of my resources. I am meeting with a lawyer today regarding my stupid employees who filed prematurely with the labor department. I am also meeting with 2 architects today and my partner-chef-to-be. Time needs to fly by faster so these can just be a part of the good ol' days.
My eldest birth sister died 2 nights ago of breast cancer. Yeah, be very careful of what you wish for. My mom's birthday is coming up Saturday. I have 2 wakes to go to and 2 birthday dinners. Mom's been having severe headaches and have been bugging her to get an MRI.
Hmmm ...
PALAU_AGAIN!
I wanted to blog before I left but I just couldn't get in @ blogger. Well, I'm back after a 5-day getaway from it all. We went diving in Palau. Vis was bad and it was raining. We didn't see any mantas and there were only a few sharks hanging around. We did do Jelly Fish Lake and Manadarin Fish Lake as well. Finally saw a Mandarin Fish but I ran out of film when it finally came out from hiding. As for the jelly fishes, I was apprehensive at first, looking at the distance I needed to cover without my scuba gear attached to me. I am not at all a good swimmer and I'm not fit as well!
I needed the break. I am refreshed now. A million things lined up that I have to tackle. First things first, sit down and think about my priorities. And at this moment, it's nature calling.
I needed the break. I am refreshed now. A million things lined up that I have to tackle. First things first, sit down and think about my priorities. And at this moment, it's nature calling.
Saturday, February 28, 2004
Bitch Beside Me
Tara who chose to lay down near me instead of my significant other just farted. Whew!
Family reunions suck big time!
Tomorrow, one of those so-called-family reunions will be held at my retirement haven.
The place I call my own. My sanctuary. My piece of heaven on earth.
Tomorrow, it's the attack of the red and green tomatoes, an invasion of the body snatchers.
I really should look into settling down south and farther ...
Across the oceans and over the mountains ...
The place I call my own. My sanctuary. My piece of heaven on earth.
Tomorrow, it's the attack of the red and green tomatoes, an invasion of the body snatchers.
I really should look into settling down south and farther ...
Across the oceans and over the mountains ...
Sheer Desperation
A number of my employees went to DOLE to file a complaint. The conference is set for March 6 at 9:30 am. However, they have asked an open forum set on Tuesday prior to that. I know I have not done anything against the law as I go by the book when it comes to the labor code. They are just acting out their emotions of sheer desperation. It hurts me to see how poverty strickens the human soul. It drives me insane how ignorance gets the better off humanity. Is it not man's intelligence that separates man from the beast?
Sporty Kinda Gal
Maybe I should go and meet up with owner of the property that MotorTech abandoned on Monday ... Hmmm. My significant other is feeling under the weather. All this running around is exhausting her ... Then, when we were just friends from way back, I always thought she was like the sporty kinda girl, bursting with energy.
"MONEY IS IMPORTANT"
I am keeping my fingers crossed about another property. The broker called last Friday and told me to sleep over the counter-offer over the week-end and let him know if I am interested on Monday. Likewise, he would let me know if it's going to be available for me.
Today, I called upon the services of another architect and we met up at the site. However, I am havings seconds thoughts about what I told him regarding the structure. I thought I would sleep off the feeling but it has gotten worse after I woke up from the afternoon nap. All these ... I am not even sure if the property will be available.
Yes, the lesson that needed to be learned: "MONEY IS IMPORTANT."
It is indeed very, very important. And most of all, we should be always thankful for the blessings. Thankful that we are alive.
Today, I called upon the services of another architect and we met up at the site. However, I am havings seconds thoughts about what I told him regarding the structure. I thought I would sleep off the feeling but it has gotten worse after I woke up from the afternoon nap. All these ... I am not even sure if the property will be available.
Yes, the lesson that needed to be learned: "MONEY IS IMPORTANT."
It is indeed very, very important. And most of all, we should be always thankful for the blessings. Thankful that we are alive.
Never Trust Anyone Who Can't Look You Straight In The Eye
I don't think I would want to deal with somebody who does not honor thy words.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Roller Coaster Ride
Things happened. I've just been in a roller coaster ride of emotions from one extreme to the other. And just like any roller coaster ride, it didn't last very long and I'm back here waiting ... just waiting ...
Waiting and waiting for things to happen.
Monday morning, I was awaken by a call I've been waiting for. News about the property for lease I've been keeping my eye out. One of the two dioramas' possible future sites. The owner wanted to meet up with me and my architect. I haven't had coffee and there I was trying to get a hold of Gina. Her schedule's fully booked for the morning so I just decided to go and just show the owner the diorama I made. Mom decided to come for the ride and watch her baby negotiate business. After three hours, the deal was closed. We were all set. I was going to meet Gina right after so we can mobilize as soon as possible. Gina came over, we discussed and the excitement is just so immense. We were going squeeze what needed to be done the next morning. Brainstorm on the renovations, take measurements then off to my usual Tuesday afternoon staff training.
The next day, four of my dogs had the bad case of the runs. One had ups and downs going. To top it off, we had balikbayans that sort of got in the way of our schedules and yes, drivers. I had to send two dogs to the vet and make sure they're back around eleven so I can make it to my appoinment with Gina at the site. I called Jen, my chef to be and partner in crime. At 10 am, there was no driver available. My significant other was all set to go while I was still printing up the pictures she took of the site. I was also pasting up the enlargements of the location plans. I asked Jen to pick us up and come to the site, us hitching a ride to get to where we're supposed to be by 11:30 am. We didn't get to leave the house till quarter after eleven. We passed by the owner's location and informed her that we will just have lunch and come back right after. After we had our lunch and brainstormed a little, we headed back to the site. We went to the owner to get the keys to the building. Lo and behold, she made us three of us sit down.
BANG! She dropped the bomb.
She changed her mind.
Gina was in the building site conceptualizing. The owner sent the keys her way and she started measuring. I sat for 5 minutes in disbelief. My jaw dropped. Seeing her face from the corner of my eye, I realized Jen was staring at me. I could just imagine my significant other's expression at my back. I started sweating profusely. I just let the owner explain herself on and on; repeating herself apologetically while I just kept silent. Thoughts running in my head: All I know is she can't be trusted and the question in my mind lingered, "Do I really want to do business with this hag?"
It's okay. It really is okay. And thank you, M'am. Thank you for the enlightenment. I was relieved. Earlier that morning while I was having my coffee, I kept throwing the runes. I couldn't quite make anything of the runes 'cept I know something was terribly wrong. I just couldn't put my finger on it. I left the house with the thought of, "Oh well, off I go ... You are with me, anyways. Let it be." So now, I say ... THANK YOU, LORD FOR ALWAYS BEING WITH ME.
So here I am again, waiting ... just waiting ...
Forever waiting for things to happen ... AS YOU WILL!
:)
Waiting and waiting for things to happen.
Monday morning, I was awaken by a call I've been waiting for. News about the property for lease I've been keeping my eye out. One of the two dioramas' possible future sites. The owner wanted to meet up with me and my architect. I haven't had coffee and there I was trying to get a hold of Gina. Her schedule's fully booked for the morning so I just decided to go and just show the owner the diorama I made. Mom decided to come for the ride and watch her baby negotiate business. After three hours, the deal was closed. We were all set. I was going to meet Gina right after so we can mobilize as soon as possible. Gina came over, we discussed and the excitement is just so immense. We were going squeeze what needed to be done the next morning. Brainstorm on the renovations, take measurements then off to my usual Tuesday afternoon staff training.
The next day, four of my dogs had the bad case of the runs. One had ups and downs going. To top it off, we had balikbayans that sort of got in the way of our schedules and yes, drivers. I had to send two dogs to the vet and make sure they're back around eleven so I can make it to my appoinment with Gina at the site. I called Jen, my chef to be and partner in crime. At 10 am, there was no driver available. My significant other was all set to go while I was still printing up the pictures she took of the site. I was also pasting up the enlargements of the location plans. I asked Jen to pick us up and come to the site, us hitching a ride to get to where we're supposed to be by 11:30 am. We didn't get to leave the house till quarter after eleven. We passed by the owner's location and informed her that we will just have lunch and come back right after. After we had our lunch and brainstormed a little, we headed back to the site. We went to the owner to get the keys to the building. Lo and behold, she made us three of us sit down.
BANG! She dropped the bomb.
She changed her mind.
Gina was in the building site conceptualizing. The owner sent the keys her way and she started measuring. I sat for 5 minutes in disbelief. My jaw dropped. Seeing her face from the corner of my eye, I realized Jen was staring at me. I could just imagine my significant other's expression at my back. I started sweating profusely. I just let the owner explain herself on and on; repeating herself apologetically while I just kept silent. Thoughts running in my head: All I know is she can't be trusted and the question in my mind lingered, "Do I really want to do business with this hag?"
It's okay. It really is okay. And thank you, M'am. Thank you for the enlightenment. I was relieved. Earlier that morning while I was having my coffee, I kept throwing the runes. I couldn't quite make anything of the runes 'cept I know something was terribly wrong. I just couldn't put my finger on it. I left the house with the thought of, "Oh well, off I go ... You are with me, anyways. Let it be." So now, I say ... THANK YOU, LORD FOR ALWAYS BEING WITH ME.
So here I am again, waiting ... just waiting ...
Forever waiting for things to happen ... AS YOU WILL!
:)
Sunday, February 22, 2004
I Can't Complain
I'm still waiting for things to happen ...
Things are happening though. Every Sunday, we do volunteer work at the park and train people how to train their dogs. Mondays, I attend to bills and stuff. Tuesdays, I train my employees. Wednesdays and Thursdays, hmmm ... whatever comes up. Fridays, we head off to the kennels and train the staff how to train the dogs. Saturdays is like Wednesdays and Thursdays. I do stuff. Sometimes, I have meetings. Other times, I have the Dive Master Course. This week, I just finished making two dioramas of the new businesses I want to start. The only thing is, I have the diorama but no location as of yet. Everything seems to be just so slow ...
Things are happening though. Every Sunday, we do volunteer work at the park and train people how to train their dogs. Mondays, I attend to bills and stuff. Tuesdays, I train my employees. Wednesdays and Thursdays, hmmm ... whatever comes up. Fridays, we head off to the kennels and train the staff how to train the dogs. Saturdays is like Wednesdays and Thursdays. I do stuff. Sometimes, I have meetings. Other times, I have the Dive Master Course. This week, I just finished making two dioramas of the new businesses I want to start. The only thing is, I have the diorama but no location as of yet. Everything seems to be just so slow ...
Monday, January 26, 2004
RED ROSES FOR THE UNSPOKEN DREAM, REMEMBER?
From time to time, I need to look back and remind myself of where the road is supposed to be leading to.
RED ROSES FOR THE UNSPOKEN DREAM.
And because it is an unspoken dream, I sometimes wonder what it is. I should actually stop wondering and just leave everything up to HIM.
RED ROSES FOR THE UNSPOKEN DREAM.
And because it is an unspoken dream, I sometimes wonder what it is. I should actually stop wondering and just leave everything up to HIM.
Friday, January 23, 2004
Full Circle
It's a bit late. I've been wanting to blog since yesterday and greet everyone who reads my blog ... HAPPY NEW YEAR! Again ... My blog has become a new year blog, eh. Well ...
I have a life now, that's what it is.
I haven't been just whiling away time in front of and glued on to the 'puter. And boy is my life turning around! It's goin' to be a tough one to ride BUT HEY! ... I'M HAPPY! So, there's really no cause for worry.
My life is coming to a full circle.
Going back to some of the old ways that seemed so distant for awhile. I'm enjoying it though, doing the old things I used to do. I'm keeping track of my expenses and trying to budget making ends meet. I so enjoy balancing my available cash on hand up to the last cent/centavo. It's fun! I am so very pleased seeing my networth everyday now that I'm no longer just using a columnar pad but so enthralled with Microsoft Money and Quicken. It also gives me pleasure seeing how much I have actually saved all through out the years. It brings back good memories of me baring my hunger just so I would not spend a dime out of my allowance. Memories of me running around all over the city without cash in my wallet and my, I'm doing that now ... AGAIN! Barely enough to get around with the high cost of living amidst the economic crisis or should I say depression? Gee, with everybody I see with grim in their faces, why does it seem that my partner and I are the only ones so content and at peace with world around us?
We're also back attending masses every Sunday.
:)
THANK YOU!
I have a life now, that's what it is.
I haven't been just whiling away time in front of and glued on to the 'puter. And boy is my life turning around! It's goin' to be a tough one to ride BUT HEY! ... I'M HAPPY! So, there's really no cause for worry.
My life is coming to a full circle.
Going back to some of the old ways that seemed so distant for awhile. I'm enjoying it though, doing the old things I used to do. I'm keeping track of my expenses and trying to budget making ends meet. I so enjoy balancing my available cash on hand up to the last cent/centavo. It's fun! I am so very pleased seeing my networth everyday now that I'm no longer just using a columnar pad but so enthralled with Microsoft Money and Quicken. It also gives me pleasure seeing how much I have actually saved all through out the years. It brings back good memories of me baring my hunger just so I would not spend a dime out of my allowance. Memories of me running around all over the city without cash in my wallet and my, I'm doing that now ... AGAIN! Barely enough to get around with the high cost of living amidst the economic crisis or should I say depression? Gee, with everybody I see with grim in their faces, why does it seem that my partner and I are the only ones so content and at peace with world around us?
We're also back attending masses every Sunday.
:)
THANK YOU!
Thursday, January 01, 2004
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
What's in store for all of us? What goals, aspirations and objectives should we all strive to achieve, accomplish and embark on? It's a wide open space out there ... looking out. I'm standing ... looking around ... wondering ...
I see others doing the same ... waiting ... waiting for signs, any sign or anything like something miraculous would just come out of thin air, down from the heavens ... like a bright light from the clear sky ... The vast ocean is calm, it's serenity is refreshing. Citylife is actually without the usual buzz. It's quite peaceful. Finally, people spent the Christmas holidays the way we should have always had or at least we are all learning. Those close to our hearts close ... unwrapped, just us without all the glitter and funfare, the joy of giving and not the amount of gifts ...
It's pretty quiet ... peaceful ... solemn.
A lot of people may be sad ... some even depressed ... There's actually less stress this season. See, there's nothing wrong being without money. Everything is going to be alright.
Right Bro?
:)
God bless us all and thank you for all the blessings!
What's in store for all of us? What goals, aspirations and objectives should we all strive to achieve, accomplish and embark on? It's a wide open space out there ... looking out. I'm standing ... looking around ... wondering ...
I see others doing the same ... waiting ... waiting for signs, any sign or anything like something miraculous would just come out of thin air, down from the heavens ... like a bright light from the clear sky ... The vast ocean is calm, it's serenity is refreshing. Citylife is actually without the usual buzz. It's quite peaceful. Finally, people spent the Christmas holidays the way we should have always had or at least we are all learning. Those close to our hearts close ... unwrapped, just us without all the glitter and funfare, the joy of giving and not the amount of gifts ...
It's pretty quiet ... peaceful ... solemn.
A lot of people may be sad ... some even depressed ... There's actually less stress this season. See, there's nothing wrong being without money. Everything is going to be alright.
Right Bro?
:)
God bless us all and thank you for all the blessings!