A Pessimist's View on Marriage

Why the distance between railway tracks is always 143.5cm (Got to do with Marriage?!?!?!) Lots!!

Why this absurd measurement? Whe they built the first train carriages, they used the same tools as they had for building horse-drawn carriages. And why that distance between the wheels on carriages? Because that was the width of the old roads along which the carriages had to travel. And who decided that roads shold be that width? Back into the distant past, the Romans, the first great road builders, who decied to make their roads that width. And why? Because their ar chariots were pulled by two horses, and when placed side by side, the horses they used at the time took up 143.5 cm. So the distance between the tracks, used by our state-of-the-art high speed trains, was determined by the Romans. When people went to the US and started building railways there, it didn't occur to them to change the width and so it stayed as it was. This even affected the building of space shuttles. American engineers thought the fuel tanks should be wider, but the tanks were built in Utah and had to be transported by train tot he Space Center in Florida, and the tunnels couldn't take anything wider. And so they had to accept the measurement that the Romans had decided was the ideal. But what has all this to do with marriage?

When 2 people get married, they must stay frozen like that for the rest of their lives. You will move along side by side like two tracks, keeping always that same distance apart. Even if sometimes one of you needs to be a little farther away or a little closer, that is against the rules. The rules say: Be sensible, think of the future, think of ur children. You can't change, you must be like two railway tracks that remain the same distance apart all the way from their point of departure to their destination. The rules don't allow for love to change, or to grow at the start and diminish halfway through - it's too dangerous. And so, after the enthusiasm of the first few years, they maintain the same distance,t he same solidity, the same functional nature. Your purpose is to allow the train bearing the survival of the species to head off into the future; your children will only be happy if you stay just as you were-143.5cm apart. If you're not happy with something that never changes, think of them, think of the children you brought into the world. Think of ur neighbors. Show them ur happy. Think of Society. Dress in such a way that everyone knows you're in perfect harmony. Never glance tot he side, someone might be watching you, and that could bring temptation; it could mean divorce, crisis, depression. Smile in all the photos. Put photos in the living room, so that everyone can see them. Cut the grass, practice a sport (this u must do to stay frozen in time!) When sport isn't enough, have plastic surgery. But never forget, these rules were established long ago and must be respected. Who established these rules? That doesn't matter. Don't question them, because they will always apply, even if you don't agree with them.

I think that this little reading above from Paulo Coelho strike a big bell inside me. Yea, a special someone is real sweet, but how long will the feeling last? A few years, a few months even, but after that, what? A long boring monotonous journey in life? Just a thought, well, if someone convinces me otherwise though. ^^

Let the Love Begin

Yea, call me baduy, jologs, and i actually watched the move. ^^ Eventhough the scenes were a little (ok that's understated) over predictable, i ended up teary eyed after the movie... The points i have learned from the movie:

a. that why people here don't prosper!! look at the ending of the movie!! the guy actually threw away his scholarship for the sake of love!! i mean what the heck!!! in the name of love!?!?!?
b. the movie is cute but unrealistic. who on earth (a woman of social standing) actually fall for a guy (in janitorial position?!?!?)
c. another point that the movie is unrealistic: no cute guy these days are subjected to the position of janitors. Guys with the build and face value go apply for starstruck or some macho sumthing and make use of their God given qualities!!
d. Richard Gomez Gutierrez is cute cute cute cute cute cute!! hahahaha!!! ok need i reiterate??? ^^ (he really fits playing "pretty good boy" roles) ^^

Overall, its not a reality show but i enjoyed it. Its rated as a feel good movie wherein one has a lighthearted feeling afterwards.. Yea, am turning into a typical pinoy watcher... Laugh and cry, and criticize later.. ahhaha!!!

Slow Torture

Define torture (adj): the feeling one gets when one is entrapped in traffic with the aroma of good food wafting the air with a growling stomach.

Today is the ever (?) of chinese new year and we had great food ordered from a chinese cuisine. The problem is, Manny Pacquiao also decided to have his homecoming in roxas blvd, so, stuck in traffic, with a ravenous appetite, we headed home and wolfed down the meal (that was supposed to be eaten with poise?) hahahha!!

Now we end up with bulging stomachs and ruined diets. Yea, blame it on the pacman and the traffic ^^

Memoirs of a Geisha

Disclaimer: Please don't read this post if you're having high hopes of this movie. I am in no way connected to the Anti-Geisha Club. Hahaha!! ^^

After watching this movie, i can therefore conclude, that a great story entrusted to the wrong hands make things disastrous. Whileas a normal story, given to a great writer, makes a masterpiece.

I had heeded to warnings prior watching this movie, thus i had opted to watch it via dvd. Instincts never prove me wrong as my bro and i bought this from the D mall. ^^ The story was a fast tracked motion of the book, nevertheless didn't leave out the important points of the book. The movie lasted a long while and sometimes i needed to explain to my bros what was really happening coz they didn't seem to understand what was happening. If one read the book, he'd better understand the scenarios presented in the movie. Well i glad that i did, coz i appreciated the book more. And i'm glad the book came out first before the movie. Coz if it was the other way around, i don't think the book will become a bestseller. ^^

So to the rest of ya still waiting for the movie to be shown, the advice i'll give is the same as the advice given by a friend: you should watch it, but don't expect so much out of it. ^^

Wounded for Heaven's Sake

Just found a really awesome paraphrase of a Bible verse:

You're blessed when you are out of options, and all you can do is lean on God. Because when you realize your need for God, it is only then that you tap into His immeasurable greatness and goodness.
You're blessed when you've been stripped of that which is most precious to you. Because only then can you be tenderly embraced by the One most precious to you. (Matt 5:3-5)

Don't know why but everytime I read those words, it never fails to inspire me. Considering i've read it already past 10x. That's why i'm going to put it up here. ^^ No matter what happens to my life (whether social - which is absolutely close to zero, work life, personal life, and everything i hold dear), I think He will constantly do away with these things until one day i can completely trust Him with all of these. It's really easy to say that i want to commit everything. But when things are intangible, when things aren't happening the way i like it to be, I still want to hold on to the captain's seat. Its hard, but its worth the try. And if someday that one beautiful gift will be granted me, then i'd like to share it with all of you. Until then, I shall be in the shadows patiently waiting.

And here's another quote that i really find encouraging, that keeps me going one more mile, one more step, even baby steps at least =)
Shall I one precious thing withhold
One beautiful and bright,
One pure and precious thing withold?
My child! It cannot be! [Quest for Love]

A Tribute to our One Day Visitor

Whitey/Snowy came yesternight Jan 17, 2006 to our home with his pudgy little feet pattering over our tiles. At first sight, he's a cute little thing, always pestering our old dog Charlie. And since i can't make up what breed he is, i just concluded that he's a pomerainian half hotdog (with his pudgy short feet) ^^

He is very much endeared to all of us (except my dad who likes German Shepherds). Even to good ole' Charlie who for the life of him still acts like an old pervert and never tires out of trying to hump him. But he's a jolly good fella. Three shouting matches with him and he learns fast (plus a couple of flying newspapers). Hehe.. Once again i'm amazed at how babies are so inquisitive and lively. They go all around wanting to meddle with all stuffs. Old Charlie can't even cope up with his attitude and often will retire to his post to sleep. This little one will keep on bugging you and he is indeed "matakaw" when it comes to beef (We're the type of owners who spoil the dogs so much and don't care on their well being ^^)

Why I can't keep him. Well there are several reasons for that matter:
1. My mom will overfeed him as usual
2. My mom will make him into an exhibitionist and will dangle him with 2 paws (yes its scary. i've seen her done that to charlie and other unfortunate dogs)
3. My mom will make "sabunot" to his beautiful fur when she's angry (yea, its also done with charlie)
4. I can't do anything with my mom's attitude. No amount of shouting match will ever do. ^^
5. Old charlie has fleas that might infest him also
6. I can't for the life of me train him to pee on the newspaper again! (That entailing me to get up at 5:30am to wait on "his majesty" to go about his businesS)

Thus, I am sparing the little chap with much misfortune and decided that i shouldn't keep him. Other owners more worthier of being called owners should own him. Good bye Whitey! It was really nice of you to drop by our home and befriend our old chap.

p.s. Old Charlie kinda lost his appetite during lunch hour. He kept sniffing you out in ur little chair where you sheltered urself last night from his "exploits" on you. Awwww.... He Misses You!! We all miss you!! Hope you find your destined owner!

The Sweeter Song

The Sweet Song Beckons (Based on Homer's Odyssey)
Captain Ulysses cut a powerful figure as he stood on the deck of his grat ship. The afternoon sun shimmered off the water as he strode about the ship with grace and dignity. Ulysses' every move was carefully observed by the helmsman who labored logn and hard for nothing more than the approving eye of his noble captain.
"Steady as she goes!" Ulysses boomed, his voice filling the salty air.
"Yes, sir!" was the helmsman ready reply.
After giving the command, the captain turned his iron gaze to the starboard side where land was just now coming into view. Neither the screeching gulls overhead, nor the rhythmic splash of water against the ship's side, diverted Ulysses' attention from what lay just ahead. The smell of adventure was in the air; everything was just as Ulysses liked it. Then, amidst his reverie came a voice arresting his attention.
"Captain!"
The noble leader quickly turned to find a worried seaman, eyes filled with trepidation and lips rattling with anxiety.
"Captain!" He again blared, his whole face ablaze with horror.
"Settle down!" Ulysses softly commanded, "take a deep breath and tell me what's the matter!"
The entire crew within earshot had stopped and gathered round to hear the outcome of this all-important conversation.
"Uh..we..ah..!" he sputtered, "well.. uh.. you see, sir!"
Ulysses grabbed him by the collar, yanked him wthin inches of his furrowed brow and demanded, "Come on lad, if you value your life, speak!"
The drama built as the petrified first mate raised a quivering finger due north and stuttered, "The Sirens, sir!"
Ulysses' face drew tight and a woeful sigh was heard about the ship. The Siren mermaids were just ahead, ready to sing their irresistibly enchanting song and cause the bewitched sailors to steer their vessel onto the rocks. The song of the Sirens was so sweet, so alluring, no red-blooded man could resist it. Ulysses had to act quicly - while wisdom still remained.
"Those devilish mermaids won't get us!" he announced to his fearful crew. "That's right!" That lovely, luscious, melodious music played by those beauiful mermaids wont' have its way with us. No shipwreck for us today, lads!"
But even as Ulysses pondered the intoxicating musicm, he felt his wisdom slipping. He was gripped by a magnetic urge to hear just a short strain of the legendary song of the mermaids.
"Maybe we could try and miss the rocks? NO!" He chided himself, "NO! It does this to all captains who pass by. They all think they can resist, but then lose their senses and follow the sweet music to their deaths upon the jagged rocks, while the mermaids scoff from above. NO!"
Ulysses ran to the bow of the ship, turned and bellowed for all the crewmen to hear.
"We are mere men, unable to resist the promise of sweet love in the mermaids' song. The Sirens have baited every ship before us with their songs, and every time the ships have crashed against the rocks upon which the Sirens sit. But not this time, my friends. We will not fall to their temptation; indeed, we will not even allow ourselves to be tempted!"
"I want every sailor to take some of this beeswax and put it in your ears so u can hear nothing. And tie me to the mast!"
His crew looked at each other in bewilderment.
"You heard me!" He shouted again, "Tie me to the mast! And tie me tight and fast!"
The sun angrily beat down as the disciplined crew rushed about the ship responding to Ulysses' orders. And none too soon had they crammed the wax into their ears and finished tying their Captain to the mast, but the beautiful and intoxicatin glove song of the Siren mermaids began to softly fill the air. The Siren's song, in all its passion and wonder, greeted the ship across the water as a warm fire greets cold hands on a winter's day.
The crew was oblivious - all except Ulysses who, while tied to the mast, had no wax to stop the music. Ulysses' blood ran hot with passion. "Untie me!" he screamed in anguish, "Please untie me! I command you to untie me... please, I beg you."
But the crewmen could not hear and had been commanded not to read his lips. The song grew louder and lovelier, and Ulysses groaned with sheer physical desire. He then began to scream lika a madman for someone to heed his orders and turn the ship towards the source of that sweet, lustful music. Ulysses threatened the plank, Cyclops feedings and various other forms of torture as the ship passed the Sirens' rocky coastline, and then finally beyond the reach of their song.
An exhausted Ulysses, his face a deep scarlet from the struggle, finally was untied and fell limp upon the ship's deck.
"Why?" he moaned with his remaining strength, "Why does it seem that the things I desire most in this life lead to my destruction? Why must I be restrained form something so beautiful? The mast is my savior this day from my headlong craving for that sweet by deadly song of the Siren mermaids!"

Too many times we've tried to face our problems/temptations headlong, with our own strength, and face it, if we had "me" as our master, yea things will go as expected. Things will go alright. But inside, you feel so burned out, burned out with the ropes that tie us down, with the constant restrain of being good. The "mast" being our savior is actually something so cruel, so mean as to forbid us to have something that we really want.

The Sweeter Song
Not far behind the ship of Ulysses came another great ship. These sailors also realized the dangers of the Sirens and the rocks upon which they sat.
"Captain Orpheus," the first mate enthusiastically declared, "the sweet song of the Sirens lies just ahead!"
With that announcement, the crew cheered and the great Orpheus smiled. All aroudn the ship, crewmen's voices rang with excitement. The part of the voyage that they longed for was soon at hadn. In fact, there were some fo the ship who had come along just to hear the music.
With a knowing smile, the dauntless Captain received a beautifully adorned case from his cabin boy. The acclaimed Orpheus carefully removed the priceless instrument as the crewmen stood nearby with bated breath. Then, with princely grace, he lifted the instrument above his head with a gesture of victory, while the crew around him whistled with enthrusiasim.
"Play it, Captain!" chered the helmsman.
"Come on, great Captain Orpheus, play it!" whooped the enthusiastic first mate.
All eyes were transfixed upon their hero. Captain Orpheus took his stance and began to masterfully play the most perfect music men's ears had ever heard. Each crewman became lost in the reverie of the song.
All too soon the Siren coastline was out of sight and the Maater musician concluded the song that he himself had composed. Not a single man aboard the ship was temted by the Siren's melody. In fact, no one even noticed it. Though the mermaids' music was alluring and sweet, the superb Orpheus played for his crew.... a sweeter song.

A stark contrast on how both crew were able to overcome temptation. One was by restriction, restraint, with sad, fearful and hollow hearts. The second ship came with victory. They even were enthusiastic to hear the music. But it wasn't the sirens' music they were anticipating, but the music their master captain had in mind for them. The Sweeter Song played by the great master Orpheus. Similarly, our life would be quite different: simpler, more beautiful if we had just let the Master handle our cares and worries.

letting go - from Zahir Paulo Coelho

it would be better to lick my wounds, as i had also done in the past. for a while, i'll think obsessively about her, i'll become embittered, i'll bore my friends because all i ever talk about is my wife leaving me. I'll try to justify what happened, spend days and nights reviewing every moment spent by her side. i'll concede that she was too hard on me, eventhough i always tried to do my best. i'll find other women. when i walk down the street, i'll keep seeng women who could be her. i'll suffer day and night, night and day. this could take weeks, months, possibliy a year or more

until one morning, i'll wake up and find i'm thinking about something else, and then i'll know the worst is over. my heart might be bruised, but it will recover and become capable of seeng the beauty of life once more. it's happened before, it will happen again i'm sure. when someone leaves, its because soemeone else is about to arrive. i'll find love again.. ^^

a most funny thing whilst driving..

i was about to snooze off awhile ago when my bro was driving... then suddenly, this thing appeared before us!!

so the next time you buy an Isuzu (as a taxi).. think first for your passengers.. hahahhaha!!!

Jim Elliot's New Year Prayer

I pray that the Lord might crown this year with His
goodness and in the coming one give you a
hallowed dare-devil spirit in lifting the biting sword
of Truth, consuming you with a passion that is
called by the cultured citizen of
Christendom 'fanaticism', but known to God as that
saintly madness that led His Son through bloody
sweat and hot tears to agony on a rude Cross---
and Glory!

Jim Elliot