101 in 1001: Part 2

May 12, 2012 marked the last day of my first 101 in 1001 days… the 1001st day since I made that list… Soon I will recap the final accomplishments, unfortunately I haven’t done a few things or updated some, I maybe have done only about 75% in my list, but I think that’s pretty good enough and I will not be “hard” on myself. Others who have done this list way back 2009 (I think that’s the birthyear the Day Zero Project), have either lose heart and fell out of radar, and those who keeps on it until the 1001st day accomplished only an average of 60% (and they feel great too!).

I feel awesome looking at my list. I wouldn’t have thought doing most of those silly, adventurous, fulfilling things without having a list to remind me what are the most important things in life. IMPORTANT things are often set aside (thinking there will always be time in the future to do that), and we busy ourselves on menial, urgent, superficial (unrewarding) stuff. We have to be deliberate on our choice on what we do in our time…. our life.

Life is great! Life is deliberate! Life is fun! Happiness is a choice!

Even before May 12th, I have already came up with my shortlist of the my 2nd 101 things to do. June 9, 2015 will be my next 1001st day! (See also the new website where one can keep track of their 101 and get inspiration too.)

101 things in 1001 days

1. Visit the National Library
2. Everyday photo via Instagram
3. Everyday kids photo
4. Baler, Quezon
5. Road alley collection
6. Kids mutual fund
7. Red shutters
8. Magazine challenge
9. Mountain climbing
10. Buy a property
11. 10 new authors
12. Frame kuyas art
13. Eco-challenge
14. New pillow designs
15. List of old dreams
16. Aliya and lean to attend art class
17. Taal volcano
18. Drive or driver
19. Kubo for Dad
20. 10 old classic movies (first-time to watch)
21. White water rafting
22. Starflyer ride with Papi
23. 10 movie dates with Jolo
24. Lego “museum” for Lean
25. Art wall for Aliya
26. Watch Dance Competition (Jolo)
27. Bohol and Chocolate Hills
28. Random secret good deeds
29. Charity give-away, back-to-school series (school supplies)
30. Garage sale for charity
31. Feature Blogger of the Week
32. Feature 101 blogger doing 101 in 1001 days
33. Solo travel
34. Update Headboard
35. Have a scholar but not related or kin
36. Accomplish 5 undone things from my first 101 list.

—- i have to think of some more and organize this list —-

Good luck to me!

Today: Goals…

Today…
I will face the world with goals set for this day,
but they will be attainable ones,
not the vague, impossible variety declared by those who make a career of failure.
I realize that you always try me with a little, first,
to see what I would do with a lot.

ALiya’s profile by the bay, 2011

Today Series: 15/22

JK’s Dreams

I have shown to Jolo a chapter in the book “You Have The Power to Create Love” by Bo Sanchez, about a teen who complains that she’s bored… the writer got a great idea of giving her paper and asked her to list down 100 dreams she wants to do before she die… I have asked Jolo to do the same…

Well he haven’t finished the “interview” (cause I was writing them down)…. and we came up a short list of 10….not bad… (but he promised to continue this later)… here it is: (good thing I found the paper where I wrote it down)

1. To learn and play electric guitar.
2. To become an artist
3. To see Hogwartz castle
4. To write novels like Harry Potter
5. TO become a great dancer
6. To create more Lego movie
7. To finish Percy Jackson Books series
8. To master pen spinning
9. To create an original console game
10. To have own invention

The conversation took place probably last August, and Im happy to report that he have already “achieved” already! how’s that for a “bored” teen…

My 101 Minus Update… just 60 days left…

See also page here
I think almost the rest of the remaining tasks are quite long to do to be considered accomplished… But having only about 60 days more, I am reviewing them right now and I think i can commit to slash-off all of these goals, I must admit i have to do some modification (example boat ride along Pasig River is now impossible, since the river is under rehabilitation)…. for now, here are some I can say “DONE”:
51. #22 Vacation every year (Boracay ’09; Macau ’09; Singapore ’10, Sagada ’11; Puerto Princesa ’11, Coron ’11, Ilocos ’11, Bicol ’12) – not bad…
52. #19 Take Dad to Bicol (see blog) – Jan 2012
53. #28 Adventures with kids (every month)
54. #64 Visit home for the aged (Dec 2011)
55. #86 Meralco shares, keep for long-term
56. #6 Bonding with Papi

Hmmmp… Not quite… but I am not losing heart… there are tasks that just needs “proof” like compilation (101 Travelling Feet, digital scrapbook and music video) to be considered done. But what is more difficult are some of the habit forming tasks…. but will keep at it… i just have to remind myself

“Lived Fully, Died Empty”

This is “patented” to be used by Bro Jojo Baldo– a favorite speaker– on his tombstone: “HERE LIES A DISCIPLE OF JESUS…. HE LIVED FULLY; HE DIED EMPTY!”. On my day of death, I will have given away all!

Since I’d heard it, I’ve been contemplating on these words. I’ve started to see life and what it offers everyday as my another chance to be a “better me” than I was yesterday….. that I have to give and show what I have to offer back to life…. that eventually, on my last day, I could proudly say, “I have given away all!”

It’s now becoming my everyday goal to do something that gears towards the accomplishments of my goals… I am consciously doing things to make my day worthwhile, and so does the day of people I love around me.

When I was asked during a seminar by (another) speaker, “how long it would take you to make your dreams come true?” I instantly said, “having given my almost 10 hrs of my day to work, well, I still have 3 hours left for me EVERYDAY to make my dreams come true….” Well, I knew (by the look of his face) that I have given him an incorrect answer, the one he is not expecting (his answer was, “I don’t know” because he said we don’t know if we’ll ever achieve our dreams because we don’t know if we’ll ever live tomorrow!)… Well, he is right, I agree. But it’s either I got his question wrong… or I have different perspective than what he had in mind…

He is right, but I still stand to my answer, because I know I take each moment of my life EVERYDAY towards my dreams, may it be grand or simple, or just sheer pleasures of doing things that matters, or tiny steps to reach certain dreams. Having considered also the “dooms-day theory,” I know I am WORKING on my dreams EVERYDAY.

I am now in the wake of a wonderful Tita (who may not have “given all and everything” in the perspective of people around her, but who knows, she might be probably felt satisfied all her life just happy seeing us all succeed and grow, and have contributed on it in the process— but that’s different story…), that’s why probably I been in this contemplating mood…

Now it made me think again…. I have to formulate my own epitaph for my own tombstone…. (since, I cannot borrow anymore from Bro. Jojo’s)…. and I want to imagine that everyone (my mourners, i mean) will “agree” on it…

…and I realized that I don’t have to stray away from the theme of this blogsite, or rather from the theme of my life…. because I been living on this creed (or trying to)….

So, I want my epitaph be read as:
“She Took Each Moment as it Comes For All That It Is Worth… She Lived Her “Dash” Fully”

(this may not be quite original as this is inspired also by Og Mandino’s Seed of Success and poem “How Do You Live Your Dash” by an anonymous author)

image source

If I Had My Life to Live Over

by: Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over dinner even if the carpet was stained and sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair would ‘fly’
I would have burned the pink sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching tV — and more while watching life.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the eart would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for a day.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “later, now go get washed up for dinner”
There would have been more “I love yous’…more “I’m sorrys”… but mostly given another shot at life, I would sieze every minute… look at it and really see it… live it… and never give it back….

(Erma Bombeck, lost her fight with cancer in 1996)

also from her:
“when i stand before God at the end of my life,
i would hope that i could not have a single bit of talent left
and could say, “i used everything you gave me”.”

101 Minus 15th – Bonding Moments with Ma & Dad

#23 of my 101 - Relaxed Moments and Adventures with Parents (Abroad or Province) – This time it’s Subic!

I have planned for this trip for multiple purposes. It was originally because the announced store opening of Puregold Duty Free Subic was March 15. I booked right away for the house of my dear former Boss Manny from SGV as early as February and I happened to secure the place. Great! It is also the birthday getaway of Jolo and Lean. And I really have to squeeze this gimick in my tight schedule because of my commitment (to myself) of at least 2 adventures every month. Plus, it can also be a treat to Mama and Dad! So, off we go!

I invited my parents to come with us for some meaningful bonding moments. With only us in the big house (of 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and one big play room), we watched there the Pacman boxing with Clottey and just relaxed! Or so I thought, because relaxing is not suitable if you have 3 kids in tow. So we went for a great fun at Tree Top Adventure! I think this is a must in Subic! So, we tried the “rides” if that’s what is called of tossing us between trees, sideways and upwards! Jolo and Papi did the “Interactive Tree Fall” and “Surfing” while Jolo and I did the “Superman” (read more here as this is also an accomplishment of one of my 101), later on Lean and I rode the Canopy Ride for 40-minutes cable ride (chair) atop the trees up to 150 feet. See for yourself, see this site. The following day, we went on beach swimming at All Hands Beach (which Aliya enjoyed so much) and sunset watching.

But the highlight of our escapades (at least for me) is our daily breakfast at the garden… Just the family and Mama and Daddy! relaxed talks and lots of laughters! Great, great weekend!

Did I mentioned that the store did not open on that weekend? so I just drop-by to see the set-up (while they watch the sunset….)

see pictures on my multiply site, and the sample below:

T&I: The Longest Way is a Short-Cut

One of the most common obstacles to success is to cut corners. But short-cut never pays off in the long run. Let us try these valuable tips and insights:
1. Don’t give in to your mood or impulses, you need to change your approach to doing things.
2. Refrain from “fast-breaking,” because quality is sacrificed in the process.
3. Avoid cutting corners. It is really a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline.
4. Follow through… you can achieve a breakthrough.
5. Set up standard for yourself that require accountability.
6. Once you have standards in place, work according to them, not your moods.
7. Stay on track and keep focused. That will get you going in the right direction.
8. Self-discipline is a quality that is won through practice.

Remember, effort and time are wasted if you have to do things all over again
because you have not tried to do it right on the first time.

-From John C Maxwell’s “Failing Forward” and Katrina M’s Journal…..

About 9th of my 101 – Religiosity and Spirituality

Hard topic, this is! Wheeew…
But what actually I want to write here is about my kids and how to “deal” this topic with them….
I really have to develop the spirituality of my Jolo and Lean… I am kind of bothered of how “detached” they are when it comes to religion/spirituality. They were not like Mommy as to her fascination in religion in early age…. I remember myself that at the age of 7, I was full of stories about saints and religion and bible characters and cathechism. I’ve even memorized all known popular prayers there were. I remember being amazed and fascinated as a kid (I still am – don’t get me wrong) that’s why I devoted myself in reading and learning during those early years.
I am not what you can say a “religious” person, but I learned enough that this is more about “relatiosnship” and being good!…. (as one good pastor said, “let’s talk about spirituality rather than religiosity”).
Admittedly, I have a “hard” time teaching my kids this topic… I think, I’m not really trying hard. I even don’t know how and where to begin…. That’s why I committed here in my 101 the mission of really really trying to teach them spirituality….
So I “devised” this plan of reviving our church attendance… and to put some interest in them, I enjoin them to make this as family habit to attend mass regularly and at different churches! In some way, their interest have awakened and they are now starting to ask questions… (Maybe, we can even find a priest that is not so “boring” in giving sermons –sorry)… I know, I know, I should do more than this… I should be more of a model…
Well, just to share, this year 2010, we have attended mass in these places….

Jan 24 – St Michael Parish, Marilao Bulacan
Jan 31 – Shrine of Divine Mercy Marilao Bulacan
Feb 07 – Assumpta Church, Balagtas
Feb 14 – Barasoain Church Replica at Nayong Filipino Clark
Feb 21 – St Joseph the Worker, St Michael Meyc Bulacan
Feb 28 – Assumpta Church Bulacan, Bulacan
Mar 07 – Our Lady of Assumption, Meralco Village, Marilao
Mar 14 – San Ildefonso Church,Tabang Bulacan….

Divine Mercy Shrine…. photo credit from this nice blogsite

T&I: Stay the Course

To be “intentional” means working with purpose making every action count. Successful leaders are intentional. They know what they are doing and why they are doing it. To become more INTENTIONAL, do the following:
1. Have a purpose worth living for: “Some men have thousands of reasons why the cannot do what they want to, when all they need is ONE reason why they can”
2. Know your strengths and weaknesses: Playing to your strengths rekindles your passions and renews your energy.
3. Prioritize your responsibilities: Once you know the “why” of your life, it becomes much easier to figure out the “what” and “when”
4. Learn to say no: You can’t accomplish much without focus.If you try to do every good thing that comes your way, you won’t excel at what you were made to do.
5. Commit yourself to long-term achievement: Most victories in life are chieved through small incremental wins sustained over time.

– The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John Maxwell

Change the Habits!

Habit is a mindset, habit is subconscious, habit is much more powerful than our conscious effort to do and change. So, I better change the bad habits and it goes with it I’ll change the mindset/beliefs… for good!

I wrote in my 101 in 1001 five months ago 4 of my most compelling goals. I am aware that if I’ll be able to attain them, I will be a “better” person. Consciously, I am lacking at it and I recognized it. But more than that I have to have conscious effort to change….
1. Stop procrastinating
2. Be punctual
3. Keep my promises and do not make promises I cannot keep
4. Laugh some more! Tell jokes! Hear jokes!

These are actually “habit-forming” goals. And as I go about my 101 list now, I was thinking when will I ever scratch it?? Since goals should be measurable and time-bound, I decided that I will consider these “complete” when I have listed 43 instances that keeps me on each of this goal – but net of failures/slide I will make.

I found this site of goal-tracker where I can keep the scoring… and it’s great!

For a start, I listed here, my mini-goals for each goal….

Stop procrastinating! (here’s a list of keeps in my list for a loooong time)
1. organize my important papers
2. sort clothes (old and new and for donation), curtains, bed sheets
3. pay real property tax
4. get meralco stock certificates
5. use the Red studio
6. the fountain for my mini garden
7. tiles for old CR
and so on…….
Be punctual
1. Apply early-to-rise, early to office
2. Be ahead in any meetings
3. Prepare before any meetings
4. Keep on deadlines
5. Say “No” when i usually say Yes (which keeps me doing trivial things)
6. No more last-minute rush
and so on…..
Keeping Promises…
It’s not that I am bad at it, it’s just that sometimes I don’t remember. Or it took a long while before I deliver…. that the person I made promised to thinks that I forgot. Or maybe because I often say Yes when I shouldn’t…..

Laugh Some More…
Don’t get me wrong, I am a jolly person! But hearty laughs from me is just not automatic. While others are laughing their hearts out, I am just smiling (and truly happy). I envied my papi who laughs loud on funny shows! i just want to be more “forgiving” to the comedian, stop analyzing and gives the laugh! Hahaha!

Progress Report: 101 in 1001 days

It’s been a month and a-half since my last progress report re my 101 list, and I’m not sure how I fare this time after 40 days because of holiday rush and festivities. Anyway, I will now do my “inventory”….

Great! I have scratched 4 of my goals!
1. First, the homecoming of my brothers and their families are truly memorable although we wished we had spent it longer! Time flies when we are really enjoying!
2. Second, the festive Christmas raffle and bingo was a hit! I actually won the grand prize of TV (weee…I hardly won on anything!) but I have to give it away for re-raffle… Gladly!
3. Third, the Christmas Charity Toy/Gift-Giving (the “Project K for K”) was doubly-fun and twice as successful! Thanks to all donors and volunteers!
4. I bought 2 good mattresses for our bed upstairs. Now Jolo and Lean are sleeping there… I like the bed too that I sometimes sneak in beside them.

I made progress on my several goals,
5. I have added some entries on “Doing First-Time” and “Adventures with Kids”
6. Finally been able to fix lighting, install vinyl flooring & redo paints in the house!
7. I read number of books this month (despite of toxic schedule)
8. I have several photo galleries thru SmileBox and Movie Maker and have posted them in my blog and YouTube.
9. Because I’ve already emptied the “donation box” last month, I’m allotting boxes again.
10. The “Tap-on-the Back” Challenge “reaped” what it “sow” when I announced the recognition of 6 audit staff. in return, they commended also in email a number of people as their mentors and inspiration! This effort multiplies exponentially and have given a boost to number of people.
11. Although the holiday season put “chaos” on my financial planning, I was able to save a portion (without thinking) to the mutual fund and forget about it (until now!)
12. There are few glitches on some of my goals, that I don’t know if I can do anything more (It’s about increasing my sales by 50% and about coming up with new pillow designs to sell)… Well, I believe i still can turn it around! That’s the spirit.
13. Started the “Team 17″ aimed to boost more my staff’s spirit and team efforts.
14. My spirituality was pinched (or tapped) a little after few talks with a friend and my Kuya… and also after reading the books “The Shack” and “Angels and Demons” (this deserves a blog entry, but don’t know yet how to articulate it…)
15. Started planning for the 75th birthday of Mama Abe.
16. Inspired few people in earth (directly or indirectly) to do the 101 in 1001 days!

T&I: See How Can It Be Different….

.I have sent this article to my staff as our guide for our annual audit planning and goal-setting…. Thank you for the link provided by the “Your Successful 101″….

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to making new GOALS. The enticing prospect of a blank year ahead invites us to think about what we would like to be different in our lives, how we want to improve ourselves and the work we do. And yet so often, the good intentions of GOAL-SETTING of early January have dwindled down to just IDEAS as we go along the way, sometimes not to be brought out again until next year. And we are left with the same feeling of frustration that another year has passed and nothing has changed.

What happens? One common reason is that we quickly go back to our ‘normal’ lives and the usual routines and along with our usual habits!

Sound familiar?

So how can it be different?

I hope the following TIPS will make it different for this year:

1. Be clear about what you want – BE specific about what you do want. For example, if you have written “lose weight”, write down how much you want to lose and by when
2. Write it Down – Writing down why you want something will give you a handy reminder to go back to when you’re feeling un motivated.
3. Be specific about what you will do – It’s very hard to be in action around a vague list of “will do more of…” and “will do less of…”. If you gave your list to someone else would they know exactly what you were doing when?
4. Know what stops you – There will be times when it feels hard to be in action. Being honest with yourself about what will stop you now will let you plan for these situations rather than ending your resolutions.
5. Create support structures – Put support structures in place now that will keep you on track. Maximize team effort for team goals. Try buddy system, or use “tracker” or require team to do regular feedback.
6. Be in action – Sometimes the only thing that is required is to just do it! For no other reason that you said you would.
7. Embrace imperfection – Sometimes things will not go to plan. It happens. Don’t let it throw you off track completely. Make adjustments, come up with new ways of doing things, create a new plan for the imperfect world you live in. It’s perfect.
8. When failing isn’t failing – Feeling that you’ve failed at something can be a real kick in the teeth and the end to achieving goals. So think of failing differently. Failing means you are doing something different, possibly something new. Failing isn’t failing, it’s just not having done it yet. Fail Forward!
9. Reward yourself – Don’t hold out until the “big prize”. Create reward points along the way. Reward yourself for being in action. Be kind to yourself and use the carrot, or lots of carrots, and not the stick!
10. Enjoy! – Most importantly, your new year’s resolution (goals) are about being happier, more fulfilled, enjoying your life and work. If it is a punishment list put it in the bin right now!

See also my collection of “Tips & Insights” here

Project Kindness for Kids! – An Update

I am happy that many have responded to this project and there are lot more coming in, I believe…
The events will happen again at Dagat-dagatan Letre Malabon on December 20 and Matungao Bulacan on December 23. And if there will be more pledges, I will arrange sending toys too at Asilo de San Vicente at UN Avenue. I have also committed to give pillows to elderly at Laguna.
I have worries and hesitation last month and I was thinking of doing the activity only at Matungao with the meager pledges I got. But early this month, I realized that I should have committed more to put more time on this project since I have already visualized a bigger one this year. I just scolded myself by not doing more preparation as I should have. But since it’s not yet too late, I can still make this happen! I made few calls, emails, and text and lo! and behold! most of them responded! Another realization: “All I have to do is ask!” And then the bigger one came when my former boss (the author of this all, EVC) texted me asking why I haven’t contacted him yet (just at the same I was thinking to send him the email)! He assured a bigger amount! Wow! Another realization: “Everything I need comes to me even without asking for it”
Well, this is just a manifestation that kindness begets support, generosity begets people getting inspired to do the same. Wow….

Hey for those who still want to contribute or sponsor kids… you can send your kind ChipIn to this site:

http://projectkindness.chipin.com/gift-giving-for-kids2

It’s never too late to be kind …

Progress Report: 101 in 1001

It’s been 110 days now, that is 891 days to go, and there are still 92 goals to do…
But I think I’m still on the right momentum. Most of my goals are progressing as most of them aim to do repetitive acts before i can say “I’ve Done It”. Or some of them requires too many menial steps before I can say I am satisfied!
Anyways, I reviewed my lists and this is my progress report:
1. Since the family get-together is fast approaching, I am cramming preparing for the itinerary and still coordinating with them the final plan. I have visited some sites (actual and virtual).
2. My parent’s house project is almost done! I just wish I could buy Mama a very nice curtains before Christmas (pro tem the window glass which is not yet in our budget).
3. Have painted the house (actually those walls that are eyesore)
4. Have installed and fixed the lightings and electricals
5. Teaching kids about things and stuff… (but have to spend more time engaging them about religion and spirituality)
6. Have updated and posted the pictures of stuff I want to sell online
7. Created several digital scrapbooks
8. I am learning to cut kids’ hair (aliya’s cut now is courtesy of momi)
9. Organizing and gathering sponsors for my charity gift-giving. I have received substantial pledge from my former boss who started it all!
10. Keeping up with my reading and writing.
11. Have started working on training materials for my staff.
12. Walking again….
13. Having great time seeing and connecting with old friends…
14. Been conscious about promises, punctuality and procrastination!

Goal #5: Lesson Plan for Kids

My goal is to have conscious effort to teach kids about life’s lessons. Teaching them, among others, Religion, Generosity, Finance, History, Art, Right Manners and Having Dreams….. I really made it sure to have moments with my two boys talking and making stories. Time is short and I believe that most of the lessons we’ve learned were gained while we were still kids….
For this goal, I will consider this complete if I have taught them (or at least, talked to them about) 101 things related to above areas in life and many more. So here is the partial list:

1. Recite “Ama Namin” (“Our Father” in Tagalog) – (Lean already knew the English version since he was 3)
2. Story of the Fisherman’s Wife who was never satisfied, a lesson about greed (Lean)
3. Playing fair and square (while we were playing chess) (Lean)
4. About winning/losing without cheating (while playing Snakes and Ladder) (Lean)
5. Reading aloud a book about “Beliefs” (Lean was having fun counting the word “beliefs” I mentioned)
6. About habit formation at around adolescent years (Jolo)
7. Taught Jolo to save money for something he really wants to buy.
8. About being generous (Lean brought a spare Lego for his friend Aaron)
9. Talking about the course they want to take in college (it doesn’t matter even if they change mind every now and then)
10. Doing the best he can in every project he handles (Jolo)
11. About working hard, and about sowing and reaping (as Lean play the “Farmer” online game)
12. Rewards and consequences in attaining goals
13. Helps Jolo form his habit to clean his face every night, among others.
14. Helps Lean form his “4-things to do” habits every night. (Toothbrush, take a pee, clean his feet, pray)
15. Washing dishes every weekend (Jolo)
(see as the list grow at “Lesson Plan for Kids” at “My Life’s List” widget)

For our future curriculum, we will include:
a. Jolo’s lessons in Civics and history (2 facts everyday)
b. Art attack with Lean
c. Generosity-in-Action, when they accompany me in distributing toys for less-fortunate kids this Xmas
d. More practice on Po and Opo
e. Read World History to Lean (his favorite)
f. loving siblings
g. open bank account in their name
h. about being a friend
i. buying and using money (Lean)
more…….
(see as the list grow at “Lesson Plan for Kids” at “My Life’s List” widget)

Somebody’s Hero

I have learned to make a movie today using the “movie maker.” It’s quite challenging and it requires a lot of patience (aside from artistic and creative talent!)… I have finally made one music video after, say, 14 hrs of work… and I’m quite satisfied… (for a first-timer)…
But wait, I have to see how the audience tomorrow will appreciate it tomorrow….
It’s our birthday gift to our lady Boss, M’ Susan. A tribute for her being a mother.
The song is a good material to work on (Somebody’s hero by Jamie O’Niel), and it’s about “mothership.”
Well, I learned to today that:
I can still learn techy stuff if will just have to focus (or if there is an imperative reason or pressure to do it)
I am still creative (I believe so!)
I don’t have pictures of myself with my kids… (well I resolve to take more pictures of US)
I can stay away from net even when the PC is on.
I like doing this….

But also, I still have to include in my list of goals the following:
Learn Photoshop more;
Take pictures of myself with kids (I mean have someone take our pictures)
Learn to post this in YouTube (watch for it soon!)

Moving Forward on my 101….

#79: keeps on the habit of investing in mutual fund, (I have received 10k gift of Lola Baby to Aliya and it all goes to mutual fund, 5k goes to car registration)
#84: have finally decided to pull-out Jolo’s plan so not to diminish its value further (I will just put it in mutual fund)
#87: be more aware of financial matters: Meralco shares is going up (and now going low)… decide… decide… I have so&so shares at stake…
#94: Bought a microwave oven
#91: starting remodelling my purple room
#5: had a good “talk” with Jolo about attitude and habits. Also, bought the Jabbawokeez Mask for Jolo, Chess for Lean and new slippers for Aliya (been in my “to do” list for long), have to spend more time “dancing” with Jolo and playing with Lean and ALiya…
#17: Seen 2 groups of friends (SVS and SJS) and had fun
#30: went out our street to see the fireworks coming from SM, even I was the only one there gasping and amazing!
#34: adding more on my ‘travelling feet’ collection
#48: been conscious about learning new things and keeping tabs on them… (i’m currently reading about physics and religion)
#49: slowly creating habit for my health (ex. drinking 2 glasses of warm water every morning, less rice, take the opportunity to walk)
#58: finally launched by “pledge-gathering” for my Christmas Toy Gift-Giving… (I set-up a ChipIn (see my account how you can make contributions) and formally announced to network friends that I am “desperately” need of pledges)
#67: did “Pay-it-Forward” deed, I bought two tickets for “Truly Rich Seminar” of Bo Sanchez and gave it to two of my favorite cousins! (hey don’t forget me when you get rich!)
#69: inspite of toxic work, I keep on my weekly blog tips for staff
#70: released 1 major policy for implementation and 2 new policies for review

Purple Bedroom…

Mine is a purple bedroom, but I feel it’s rather gloomy and lacks “drama”…. I want to add character to my bedroom and maybe this inspiration (picture below) is great. Anyway, since I have a long list of renovation and redecorating “to do’s” in “101 in 1001″ then maybe I should start my project with my bedroom…

101 Minus 5th – Volunteer @ Tumana (#59)

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer now…. The tragedy and calamity brought about by super typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” brought sorrows, grief and devastation to most of us, but amidst of it all, it also brings out the kindness in us and good spirit….

Last week, we have done relief-giving to those hit by flood… I just happened to know that a colleague (a victim one herself) was asking for volunteers to distribute the goods in Tumana, Marikina (the most badly-hit). And it so happened that our department have collected too many stuff, that, after we have personally distributed most of them to affected members of our department, there were still lot more. So I offered them to this group. I packed them in my car trunk, and I volunteered myself and my car to go wherever it is…

The experience was very tiring and perspiring as we have to take down the packed goods from 4th floor (we are not complaining, mind you). Then we took them in the site.

What we saw of the aftermath of the devastation will be forever imprinted in my memories. It was MORE than the mud, the wasted stuff, the smell, the news-worthy river, the debris and the damaged houses…. BUT there was air of despair, expectation, anticipation and frustration. I believe that these people are not used to beg or ask for “alms” or relief… but putting aside their pride, they have to take the long line and endure waiting (and even run after our truck of good) just to get little pack of basic sustenance. Because they need them… badly!

The experience was moving, eye-opening and heart-breaking!

I wish we could do more….

(While we have not yet recovered from the calamity of typhoon Ondoy in Manila, just merely after a week, the Northern Luzon was also hit by typhoon Pepeng and have also experience wrecking flood. And now, we are bracing for the coming of another super typhoon Ramil)