"Oh, here’s another reason why I talk about money: I believe that
Christianity isn’t just about going to Heaven, but about bringing
Heaven down to earth—especially to those who are experiencing hell
in this world—the poor, the oppressed, and those far from God.
So I don’t want you to play small. Dream big. Be the best that you
can be. Reach your highest potential. Earn as much as you can so you
can give as much as you can! I believe that there’s nothing wrong
with having money—as long as money doesn’t have you."
- Bo Sanchez
Thanks Bro. Bo for the affirmation!
One of the "causes" dear to my heart is Financial Freedom / Financial
Success for everyone. I am just an average Pinay so the everyone here
is no grand audience. It is generally composed of people I encounter
in my everyday life.
I know some people don't get it. Sometimes people mistake this passion
for a "love of money". But to me, it's just a case of wanting to be blessed
more so that I can use the blessings to help others and serve others more.
It is quite sad that the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia,
has the majority of its population living in poverty. I'm sure there is
no easy solution to this problem. But I do believe that our God is a
generous God. With His grace and with human cooperation (I'm a
firm believer that sometimes this is the problem in one too many
circumstances... but that's another story), I'm sure things will one
day be better.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
"Cross-functional" Information
I briefly told L that my family and I recently had an animated discussion
on the future education of the baby. She was mildly amused as my family
had all these ideas. She thinks we're all excited as the baby is the first
grand child in my family.
She and her husband are a bit more relaxed when it comes to bringing up Z.
I am the type to make a "career" out of things. So naturally, I am doing the
same with the baby hahaha...
I really just want what's best for our child. I think every loving parent does.
We all just have different ways of going about things. We all have different
personalities, attitudes, cultures, information, experiences, upbringing etc.
I guess all these factors will play a role in how we will be as parents. No
right or wrong here. All we can do is try our best.
I still consider myself as a student of sorts. No I do not currently study in
a school (except I do take Mandarin lessons in a language center). What I
am is a student of life. I've been like this probably since my grade school
days. People have different ways of dealing with information that come their
way. I get a kick out of discovering information that have "cross-functional"
applications in life. I'm such a nerd! hehehe...
Today, I'd like to share 3 "cross-functional" examples with you:
a. Always bring a notebook with you.
It has been said that writers always have a notebook with them. One never
knows when inspiration will strike.
I decided to adopt the practice. But my notebook is not just for ideas. I also
use it to jot down facts, information, questions, quotations, computations,
recipes, etc. Anything and everything that MIGHT be useful. I emphasized
MIGHT because it's possible something in there might not get used. But
that's okay. What's more important to me is that the information is there in
case I have a need for it.
In the beginning, I only had one notebook. Now, I have one for my day to day
activities, one for the pregnancy, one for recipes I pick up here and there, and
one for my blogs. I'm sure I'll one day have a notebook dedicated to the baby.
The multi-notebook system just helps me organize my life better. The day to
day notebook is always with me. The others are by my bedside and get brought
around on a "as needed" basis.
Just a side note. I used the pregnancy notebook for both pregnancies. As both
pregnancies have been delicate ones, the information from the first pregnancy
helped me manage this pregnancy better.
b. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Planning activities are part and parcel of corporate life. You plan for strategies,
budgets, targets, policies, events, activities, etc.
I feel it is equally important that we make plans for our life. H and I have an
annual goal setting activity of sorts. We also discuss our personal and project
budgets. On our fridge you will find our list of goals, list of expenses, menu
plans, shopping lists, etc.
This year, I also made a 2 year Calendar of Activities. I am anticipating a
busier life when the baby is around. I have planned to do some things earlier
than usual for them to be accomplished on time.
Planning has also come in handy in our community service. We have been
involved in the different activities of CFC. Sometimes we're just attendees, but
sometimes we help organize things. As such, the general principles on planning
still apply.
c. Measure to manage.
Schools have report cards. Companies have progress reports. We too can make
our own report of sorts.
There are different ways of going about this. Our personal reports vary; it
depends on what it is we're trying to measure.
The personal "business" is under Project Management. It has a budget, gantt
chart plus plus. For this, H and R check if we're on budget and on schedule.
There is a database for expenses related to this. In this area, I just take note
of the "executive summary".
For budgets, H and I generally discuss a) are we up or down, b) by what
percent, and c) the justification for variances.
For certain tasks, I make tables. The first column contains the tasks I am
tracking. The other columns contain the time periods. I then put a tick mark
when a task is accomplished. A blank spot or an "x" signifies that the task
was not done.
For other tasks, a simple to do list will suffice.
As you can see. I am not the type to just take things easy. I sometimes have to
make a conscious effort to stop and relax. I have also learned that sometimes
things will not go my way. Sometimes, God has better plans. At the end of the
day, what's important to me is that I know I did my best. Sometimes, life reminds
me that I need to practice faith; "to let God and to let go." If I did my best, then
it's easier to let things be.
on the future education of the baby. She was mildly amused as my family
had all these ideas. She thinks we're all excited as the baby is the first
grand child in my family.
She and her husband are a bit more relaxed when it comes to bringing up Z.
I am the type to make a "career" out of things. So naturally, I am doing the
same with the baby hahaha...
I really just want what's best for our child. I think every loving parent does.
We all just have different ways of going about things. We all have different
personalities, attitudes, cultures, information, experiences, upbringing etc.
I guess all these factors will play a role in how we will be as parents. No
right or wrong here. All we can do is try our best.
I still consider myself as a student of sorts. No I do not currently study in
a school (except I do take Mandarin lessons in a language center). What I
am is a student of life. I've been like this probably since my grade school
days. People have different ways of dealing with information that come their
way. I get a kick out of discovering information that have "cross-functional"
applications in life. I'm such a nerd! hehehe...
Today, I'd like to share 3 "cross-functional" examples with you:
a. Always bring a notebook with you.
It has been said that writers always have a notebook with them. One never
knows when inspiration will strike.
I decided to adopt the practice. But my notebook is not just for ideas. I also
use it to jot down facts, information, questions, quotations, computations,
recipes, etc. Anything and everything that MIGHT be useful. I emphasized
MIGHT because it's possible something in there might not get used. But
that's okay. What's more important to me is that the information is there in
case I have a need for it.
In the beginning, I only had one notebook. Now, I have one for my day to day
activities, one for the pregnancy, one for recipes I pick up here and there, and
one for my blogs. I'm sure I'll one day have a notebook dedicated to the baby.
The multi-notebook system just helps me organize my life better. The day to
day notebook is always with me. The others are by my bedside and get brought
around on a "as needed" basis.
Just a side note. I used the pregnancy notebook for both pregnancies. As both
pregnancies have been delicate ones, the information from the first pregnancy
helped me manage this pregnancy better.
b. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Planning activities are part and parcel of corporate life. You plan for strategies,
budgets, targets, policies, events, activities, etc.
I feel it is equally important that we make plans for our life. H and I have an
annual goal setting activity of sorts. We also discuss our personal and project
budgets. On our fridge you will find our list of goals, list of expenses, menu
plans, shopping lists, etc.
This year, I also made a 2 year Calendar of Activities. I am anticipating a
busier life when the baby is around. I have planned to do some things earlier
than usual for them to be accomplished on time.
Planning has also come in handy in our community service. We have been
involved in the different activities of CFC. Sometimes we're just attendees, but
sometimes we help organize things. As such, the general principles on planning
still apply.
c. Measure to manage.
Schools have report cards. Companies have progress reports. We too can make
our own report of sorts.
There are different ways of going about this. Our personal reports vary; it
depends on what it is we're trying to measure.
The personal "business" is under Project Management. It has a budget, gantt
chart plus plus. For this, H and R check if we're on budget and on schedule.
There is a database for expenses related to this. In this area, I just take note
of the "executive summary".
For budgets, H and I generally discuss a) are we up or down, b) by what
percent, and c) the justification for variances.
For certain tasks, I make tables. The first column contains the tasks I am
tracking. The other columns contain the time periods. I then put a tick mark
when a task is accomplished. A blank spot or an "x" signifies that the task
was not done.
For other tasks, a simple to do list will suffice.
As you can see. I am not the type to just take things easy. I sometimes have to
make a conscious effort to stop and relax. I have also learned that sometimes
things will not go my way. Sometimes, God has better plans. At the end of the
day, what's important to me is that I know I did my best. Sometimes, life reminds
me that I need to practice faith; "to let God and to let go." If I did my best, then
it's easier to let things be.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Truth is the Truth
An interesting thing occurred in the office. We are currently in the
process of fine tuning a "database" of sorts. One advantage of the
said database is that it can automatically generate certain reports.
We did a test run for one report. It just so happens that the report
generated seemed too good to be true. There were mixed reactions
from the group. Some were all too happy that the results were high.
Some were doubtful but figured, someone will discover the mistake
if there were one. Some decided, okay let's review the process and
double check. We backtracked a bit and realized that some of the
data encoded were incomplete. Thus, corrections will be made and
a new report will again be generated.
It's funny how people have the same reactions in real life. What do
we do when we are faced with a situation that seems doubtful? Do
we just remain indifferent and hope things turn out well? Or do we
become proactive and try to discover what is true and real?
“The truth is the truth. You are better off knowing the truth than
not knowing it. And once you know, you can do something about
it.” - The Success Principles, Jack Canfield
One thing that people don’t realize is that “not paying attention”
can turn into a “bad habit”. You may decide, “Oh, I guess this
will do for now.” And before you know it, one too many things
are mediocre or just so so.
Excellence is not a one time thing. It is the product of constantly
and consistently aiming for the best and doing what is right.
process of fine tuning a "database" of sorts. One advantage of the
said database is that it can automatically generate certain reports.
We did a test run for one report. It just so happens that the report
generated seemed too good to be true. There were mixed reactions
from the group. Some were all too happy that the results were high.
Some were doubtful but figured, someone will discover the mistake
if there were one. Some decided, okay let's review the process and
double check. We backtracked a bit and realized that some of the
data encoded were incomplete. Thus, corrections will be made and
a new report will again be generated.
It's funny how people have the same reactions in real life. What do
we do when we are faced with a situation that seems doubtful? Do
we just remain indifferent and hope things turn out well? Or do we
become proactive and try to discover what is true and real?
“The truth is the truth. You are better off knowing the truth than
not knowing it. And once you know, you can do something about
it.” - The Success Principles, Jack Canfield
One thing that people don’t realize is that “not paying attention”
can turn into a “bad habit”. You may decide, “Oh, I guess this
will do for now.” And before you know it, one too many things
are mediocre or just so so.
Excellence is not a one time thing. It is the product of constantly
and consistently aiming for the best and doing what is right.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Staycation is now an official word!
It's official! Staycation is now included in the latest edition of the
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
What is a staycation?
"The word "staycation" is a portmanteau of stay (meaning stay-at-
home) and vacation. a period of time in which an individual or family
stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home
to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in
current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas
prices are high." ~ Wikipedia
I must say, it never occurred to me to go on a staycation. If I couldn't
afford to go on a vacation, I simply didn't go on one. OR I would save
up until I could afford one. Naturally, I am intrigued by the concept.
May be we could try having one in the future?!?
Here are some tips on How to Have a Great Staycation from ABC
News:
a. Schedule start and end dates.
Just as you would with a vacation, schedule a beginning and ending
for your staycation to make it feel like an official vacation. Otherwise,
it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of
the tube.
b. Pack that time with activities.
Plan a daily activity, and make sure something takes you out of the
house — for fun — every day.
c. Declare a "choratorium."
That means no chores! Don't make the bed, vacuum, clean out the
closets, pull weeds — nothing. You're on vacation!
d. Take staycation photos or videos, just as you would if you
went away from home for your vacation.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
What is a staycation?
"The word "staycation" is a portmanteau of stay (meaning stay-at-
home) and vacation. a period of time in which an individual or family
stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home
to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in
current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas
prices are high." ~ Wikipedia
I must say, it never occurred to me to go on a staycation. If I couldn't
afford to go on a vacation, I simply didn't go on one. OR I would save
up until I could afford one. Naturally, I am intrigued by the concept.
May be we could try having one in the future?!?
Here are some tips on How to Have a Great Staycation from ABC
News:
a. Schedule start and end dates.
Just as you would with a vacation, schedule a beginning and ending
for your staycation to make it feel like an official vacation. Otherwise,
it runs the risk of feeling like just another string of nights in front of
the tube.
b. Pack that time with activities.
Plan a daily activity, and make sure something takes you out of the
house — for fun — every day.
c. Declare a "choratorium."
That means no chores! Don't make the bed, vacuum, clean out the
closets, pull weeds — nothing. You're on vacation!
d. Take staycation photos or videos, just as you would if you
went away from home for your vacation.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Share your Favorite Cartoon with your Child
Activity #8 - Share your Favorite Cartoon with Your Child
Do you have a favorite childhood cartoon? I can't quite recall which one was
mine. I mostly watched Sesame Street. But I loved the Peanuts cartoons my
younger brothers watched.
A funny thing happened a week or so ago. For some weird reason, I couldn't
quite spell HAPPINESS right. I kept on repeating the word and double
checking the spelling. H was amused and played "Happiness". The song
popularized by Lea Salonga but originally from "You're a Good Man, Charlie
Brown".
That was nice. The song gave me warm fuzzy feelings. I do look forward to
watching this with the baby when he/she is old enough for tv.
Click on the links to hear the respective versions. Here are the lyrics of the
Charlie Brown version for those who want to sing along:
"Happiness" from "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"
Charlie: Happiness is finding a pencil
Sally: Knowing a secret
Linus: Telling the time
Schroeder: Happiness is learning to whistle
Linus: Tying your shoe for the very first time
Sally: Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
Linus: And happiness is walking hand in hand
Charlie: Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Snoopy: Pizza with sausage
Schroeder: Climbing a tree
Charlie: Happiness is 5 different crayons
Sally: Catching a firefly
Linus: Setting him free
Charlie: Happiness is being alone every now and then
Gang: And happiness is coming home again
Charlie: Happiness is morning and evening,
Day time and night time too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you
Linus: Happiness is having a sister
Lucy: Sharing a sandwich
Linus and Lucy: Getting along
All: Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you
All: Happiness is morning and evening, day time and night time too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you
Friday, July 3, 2009
How was the first half of YOUR 2009?
It is now July 2009. How was the first half of YOUR year? By now, your
New Year's Resolutions are most likely nowhere to be found. But since half
a year has gone by, you might have some regrets that you did not do this or
you did not do that.
Have no fear! I just found a great solution from Rookie Moms. It's called
the Did-Do List:
"If you’re getting sick of your “to do” list getting longer and not shorter
and wondering where the heck is all your time going, try writing a
“did do” list..."
If you're thinking along the lines of "What's the point of making a Did-do
List? AND/OR I don't need a poor excuse for not getting things done."
Then, you are missing the point. The Did-do list is a conscious pause. It is
a celebration of what one has accomplished thus far. But mostly, it is an
opportunity to reflect, assess and strategize for the second half of the year.
My Did-Do List:
1. "Survived" a miscarriage
2. Rebonded my hair
3. Moved house
4. Got pregnant again
5. Updated my blog
6. Set up our common file system
7. Updated the family budget
8. Helped organize a talk on Entrepreneurship
9. Attended the Bo Sanchez Lenten Retreat
10. Invited friends over at our place (household)
11. Completed a 3k run
12. Helped organize the Singles Engagement Retreat
13. Finished my 101 things in 1001 days list
14. Finished my bed rest for the current pregnancy
15. FINALLY got our camera back!
I love lists... There have been so many that I can't
recall them all...
This is my ode to the humble list...
New Year's Resolutions are most likely nowhere to be found. But since half
a year has gone by, you might have some regrets that you did not do this or
you did not do that.
Have no fear! I just found a great solution from Rookie Moms. It's called
the Did-Do List:
"If you’re getting sick of your “to do” list getting longer and not shorter
and wondering where the heck is all your time going, try writing a
“did do” list..."
If you're thinking along the lines of "What's the point of making a Did-do
List? AND/OR I don't need a poor excuse for not getting things done."
Then, you are missing the point. The Did-do list is a conscious pause. It is
a celebration of what one has accomplished thus far. But mostly, it is an
opportunity to reflect, assess and strategize for the second half of the year.
My Did-Do List:
1. "Survived" a miscarriage
2. Rebonded my hair
3. Moved house
4. Got pregnant again
5. Updated my blog
6. Set up our common file system
7. Updated the family budget
8. Helped organize a talk on Entrepreneurship
9. Attended the Bo Sanchez Lenten Retreat
10. Invited friends over at our place (household)
11. Completed a 3k run
12. Helped organize the Singles Engagement Retreat
13. Finished my 101 things in 1001 days list
14. Finished my bed rest for the current pregnancy
15. FINALLY got our camera back!
I love lists... There have been so many that I can't
recall them all...
This is my ode to the humble list...
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