Monday, December 30, 2013

Colin Kaepernick


For a starter quarterback who was struggling in the beginning of this year's NFL, and who, many say, is still learning the game, yet, by the same token, won 12-4 in the regular season, bringing the 49ers team to the NFL playoffs, I would say Colin Kaepernick is very good. And he can only get  better. The NFL regular season is over and the 49ers finished really good! Playoffs start next week, 2014, and this is onto the next level. Colin has such great potential and hopefully, he will shine all the way to the finish, the big finish, The Big Finish!!!

I'm so tired of the comparisons people do between him and Alex Smith, although they have toned down a little, even died down. But you know, until they're either both in or out of the playoffs, people will not stop comparing the two. Both are good, so let them be! Alex got the experience but Colin has proven himself good and strong. He can hold his own. Surely, he can become one of NFL quarterback greats in the future, sooner or later. He will be, sooner than later.

Related topics:
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-past-present-QBs-not-so-different-after-5065483.php

http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Candlestick-Park-s-fitting-farewell-5089924.php

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/49ers-qb-kaepernick-armed-dangerous-article-1.1254072

Sunday, December 29, 2013

49ers Live!

I'm watching SF 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals right now! 49ers gotta gotta win this game!

4th quarter! Cardinals missed a field goal! Go Go Go, 49ers! Win it. WiN it!!

49ERS Won!!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

God Whispers...

Remember how I'd tell you every now and then how God speaks to us a million ways every day?


I was really pretty upset at work last night, outraged by issues of working holidays, full-time vs. per diem status, hectic schedules, short staff, plus the usual stress at work, and carried that anger at home, didn't get to sleep at all, F___K!$&#%^*=?!

Today, I got a voicemail from a cousin wishing me Holiday greetings and one of the things she said was, "Don't be too busy!" 

Then on a TV commercial just when I walked into the living room, a rapper says,"I CAME TO LIVE LIFE!"

There's God's little whispers to me, Nature's gentle reminders...



My sweet Lord!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

What'd you do today?

Norman and I started with our X'mas morning gift exchange & openings with friend Bob at home, delightful, as always! Then we went to pick up Eve, my late mom-in-law's best friend, from the senior community in South San Francisco, then met with friends, Fred and Madeleine, not at the usual holiday lunch buffet in different hotels, but at Spiedo at the Peninsula for a change. We've been there before at past X'masses, and this year, we decided to go back for a more intimate celebration. Usually when we go to hotel buffets, we have more company. But this year, we  just thought to be more private. And, of course, it was very special. They're our closest friends so it's always very very special.

After that, we visited with Eve at her place for a little while to give her our personal gifts. It always feels that whenever we pick up Eve, it's like picking up Norman's Mom, too, 'cause they both lived there until Mom died in 2006.  But even up to now, it feels that way. Well, Mom is always with us in spirit.

We went back home to chill out and what did I do? I had a X'mas afternoon nap. Yeah, well-deserved, long overdue rest. That was deep... Aah, thank God. Thank my body, rather, my body and mind thanked me. After a drink of Martinelli and a little snack, Norman & I exchanged more gifts, little stuff, but always a joy to open.

And what do you think we did for the finale - night gardening! Yup. Norman saw one plant that was really bad, several of them, actually, almost dying, gosh!, and he couldn't wait any longer. So at a snap, we decided to re-pot 2 plants at the deck. It's the beginning of a long process of reviving our plants, a plant journey, we call it, but, at least, we started it!

We did a lot today, we're happy, now it's time to go to bed...


Goodnight... Merry Christmas... zzzzz....

Christmas Eve

I went to a vigil mass and this has never been more special. I remembered my trip to Holy Land I made last March, particularly Bethlehem at this time. And with traditional Christmas songs being sang by the church choral group, like Away in a MangerO Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, and Oh, Holy Night, Christmas has taken on a deeper meaning, and my eyes just welled up. 

It was deeper than that. It all began when Norman told me that our friend Annie was going to midnight mass! 

"Midnight Mass"... The last time I ever did that was when I lived in Boston in the late 70s. I was quite regular with my Sunday masses and holy days of obligation. Growing up Catholic, I was religious. It was a family ritual to go to Sunday masses and the like. To miss them was a mortal sin. Grievous! You could go to hell forever for that! Such was my fear of God, guilt, remorse, that the only way to be saved was to go to confession to be cleansed and start all over again...

Fast forward to now... not anymore. I would miss Sunday masses, etc., every now and then but, no, I don't have those guilt feelings anymore. My connection with God is more personal now, more spiritual than plainly religious. No more mortal sins for me for not going to church on Sundays and holy days. I go because it's a special occasion, a big celebration, more than an obligation to go.

I couldn't do the midnight mass so I attended the vigil. And what a profound experience it was, as if God brought me there to re-live my experience of Bethlehem and Nazareth. From where the Annunciation took place, to where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, the place of the Nativity, the temple where Jesus was presented then taught - the whole Joyful mysteries of the rosary! The caves where the shepherds saw the bright light from a far far distance that led them to where Jesus was born... To think that the only means they traveled 2000 years ago were walking and riding on donkeys!

My co-pilgrims and I celebrated mass in one of the caves last March and, you know what, we sang Christmas songs, traditional Christmas songs, the songs we sang tonight at the vigil mass. That's why I had tears in my eyes. I forgot all about my trip until I went to church tonight. I asked God to "speak to me for I am listening" like I did when we were in Galilee, and it was the music that spoke to me in silence tonight... 

We finished the mass with O Come, All Ye Faithful. Yes, I was there in Bethlehem. I went... I came.

How blessed I am to have made that pilgrimage! How blessed I was to feel the experience live again tonight!

It's as if God called me, sent me a personal invitation, gave me this special gift to share Christmas with me especially following my trip to the Holy Land this year. I couldn't have asked for more. Nothing I want more than to feel Jesus in my heart, especially this day of Christmas.

A very joyful Christmas to all!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Zen

That was it! My whole experience about my smiling was simply Zen. Being in the moment, at that moment!

Wow, I wonder if the dove got a shot of that experience... That was beautiful!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

The Little Blue Book

I like this little blue book that our church gives away for Christmas Season and the little white book for Lenten Season. The book tells a bible story and short stories everyday for reflection.
Like today, the thought was about our goals in life, our dreams, etc. But instead of what our goals, our dreams are... instead of what is my goal, my dream in life is, the question was - 
What is God's dream for me? 

Wow, that's coming from a different perspective. That's deep!


 I am God through me, in me, as me - allow it to happen.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

All Smiles

I was opening my Amrit Kalash ayurvedic herbs bottle when suddenly, I noticed my lips were pointing up, I mean, I was smiling... Literally, smiling! I don't know why. I had no thoughts. On the contrary, my mind was just on the bottle and opening it. It's not like I was happy because I remembered something to smile about. Or that I was smiling because I was happy about something, whichever came first, thought or the smile. But as I've just said, I had no thoughts. My mind was blank. Plainly, I was all smiles. And realizing that, the more I smiled. But now, there was a reason to smile, you understand? I was conscious this time. From a thoughtless to a mindful smile, a transformation took place. Now that made sense, don't you think?


Wasn't that funny, weird and funny? Has that ever happened to you? 

Abundance, Abundance!!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend it has been! Thanksgiving Day, well spent with good old friends at the Atrium at Hyatt Burlingame. Seems to be everybody's favorite hangout although everybody agrees the price is really going up.

Then it was a lazy afternoon after that at home. Norman and I enjoyed watching NFL on tv the rest of the day and a great movie on-demand, The Great Gatsby, with the dashing actor, Leonardo Di Caprio. Just lazy, cozy, we enjoyed it actually, doing nothing.

Black Friday? I went to L'Occitane - That's the extent of my shopping.

Saturday, we had the Benefit Concert for Leyte at PPCo. in Oakland for Typhoon Haiyan's relief fund and it was a great success. Well-attended, with such outpouring of love and support, it was quite touching to see people come together for a great cause, others even giving more than the suggested donation. Great show with all artists sponsored by SF FILAM JAZZ FESTIVAL giving their services for free for our people affected by the typhoon. Truly a labor of love. 

And on a personal note, I was so happy to see my good friend, Annabelle Mosser, at the concert. She has just come back from The Philippines, from Bacolod, one of the hard-hit places in the Visayas and She's ALIVE! She was spared - Miraculous!

NFL Sunday and paperwork day, too, today. So much catching up but I'm determined to finally just do it! As I said, this is the beginning of the end of my paperwork. But I was also in and out of the house for a breather. Walked to the Marina with iPod on then went to Dragon Well for lunch.

Capping off the Thanksgiving weekend, we had a great dinner at Pane e Vino... The icing on the cake was, of course, SF 49ers winning... And the cherry on top, being able to talk to my Mom in MNL on the phone just before the end of Thanksgiving weekend in less than an hour from now.

So much to be thankful for! I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight.


... And how'd your Thanksgiving go?

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Tonight's the Night

Tonight is our Benefit concert for Philippine typhoon Haiyan relief fund. This is all a labor of love for our people. Please join us. It will be so special.

http://piedmontpiano.com/concerts/131130jazzforleyte.html

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!

So much so much to be thankful for
Count our blessings and beyond...


Have a great weekend. Be safe, ok!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Aftermath

With the devastation of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, there's no easy way to answer why such things happened, no easier way to feel what our people went through. What do we tell those who suffered? We ourselves ask WHY! Sometimes it's better to say nothing and instead, listen. Simply listen. Let them talk. Let them scream, shout, cry! Let things be. No one knows more what they went through. What can we say? We know nothing of what they've experienced. We can describe what we see, feel, cry as much as we can, but never beyond what they've been through... Never.

Yes, we can help. Help them with their immediate needs, their basic needs. Help them rebuild their lives in any way we can. And let them know that. And someday in the future, someday, maybe, we might all be able to see the bigger picture and understand why such things happen and be transformed.

Meanwhile, all we can say is, please, don't give up. Your spirit is stronger than what you've been through and going through right now. Keep your Faith. We're here to help. Our thoughts and prayers for you all. We love you all. God bless you. BE STRONG. BE STRONG. 

related article -
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/522107/20131114/united-nations-typhoon-haiyan-yolanda-philippines-tacloban.htm#.UoXC4ODCF5g

Thursday, November 14, 2013

We Are The World for Philippines [TYPHOON HAIYAN]


This video was originally made for the Haiti earthquake several years ago but someone adapted it for the Philippine typhoon recently. I was a little disappointed to hear that. I really thought the musicians here, all celebrities, took the time to record this beautiful song exclusively for the Philippines. But it's alright. The message is universal and that's what counts. It's a beautiful song. Thank you, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Thankful!

When you see words like this here, it just keeps you going. It makes you feel proud to be a Filipino. Yes, resilience is our greatest strength and I'm very proud of it.


Ako ay Pilipino... Pilipinong totoo.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

What Did You Do with the Extra Hour Last Night?

An extra hour of sleepless night!@#$%^&*?! DAMN. I was irritated, agitated, restless...

Thank God, I did a full TM-Sidhi program at the onset of time change. That was the thing I wanted to do with the extra hour. But the rest of the night, I was awake! Thank God for the program, it calmed me down a little or I would have been so raged being awake the whole night...

What'd I do the rest of the day?
I went to Sunday church which I haven't done for so long, for whatever excuses! Went to confession and I felt pretty darn good after. Nice thing to do with the extra hour. Thank you, Lord. And the church choir was magnificent! God, that I really miss from Sunday church services... I treated myself to a warm & soothing porridge at OTD, went back home to rest, went to the gym, (I affirm to go to the gym more regularly from now on and really work out!),watched Sunday NFL the whole day while, the grandest thing of all, I did my paperwork, piles of paper for years - Finally! I'm not done yet but I did a lot and this is the beginning of the end now. Simply put, I have decided to finish! Period.

Now on to work. Keep on, keep going...

What about you, what did you do with your extra hour?

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Hanging Out...

... At my favorite hang-out, Starbucks, with my favorite drink, tall-soy milk(this time!)-hot chocolate-no whipped cream, and my favorite cookie, chocolate chewy meringue, and an extra treat, a turkey & havarthi sandwich - Carbs, carbs, carbs - OMG!!!

Nothin' doin' right now, lazy afternoon, so here I am, doing my favorite thing, blogging.

Yes, blogging! I've been so behind with stories, though, that sometimes I feel like quitting! I'm so slow with uploading/downloading photos, darn!... 
I'm not tech-savvy, damn!...
Sometimes I just want to give up, goddamn!... Until I met an old friend who, like me, loves writing, so he brings a notebook, (I mean an ordinary notebook, with spiral spring, you know what I mean), wherever he goes to write down whatever he wants to write about. And I told him to blog! And he didn't know how! He says he's not a"techie".

Wow, what a relief! You mean, I'm not the only one who is a non-techie?! It's just now I'm learning to download photos on FB, can you imagine! But now I discover I'm even a few steps ahead of others?! I thought I was the only one left from the old school!

So I can't quit! Here I am, able to express myself, writing down my experiences about everyday living, everyday people, everyday things, and then some... random, deep... on anything, everything! Sky's the limit! No, the universe's the limit! (That's why, my blog title.) And it goes beyond that, whatever is out there, whoever... HELLO!!



Friday, November 1, 2013

Time Off Again

Another time off together for Norman and me so after a few errands, we went to Fisherman's Wharf! Reminded us of our Alaska cruise, in one of the ports there, is that Ketchikan? Except that this is our own port, right in our own backyard, San Francisco, what better place! We went to Boudin where we brought my brother, Nandy, and wife, Lut, on their trip here last summer, meeting our family friend, Elsa. Enjoyed some Fresh Oysters Rockefeller, Crab and Corn Bisque on bread bowl for appetizers, Mushroom Risotto and Dungeness Crab Sandwich for dinner. Plenty of 'em, I tell ya! (Gosh, I forgot to take pictures! You know how we used to pray before meals? Now people take pictures of them, "Look, Lord!", then instantly put on the internet for the whole world to see!... And I forgot to take pictures of our rich, sumptuous food! Oh, well...)

Then on Ghirardelli(this time I remembered to take a picture. Well, how can you miss when it's all lit up like that!), for a hot chocolate drink and a chocolate cookie Norman and I shared. I bypassed several Starbucks at the wharf for a change, a momentary change, mind you.

Decadent, rich... pure indulgence! Gratifying! Yes. Grateful? Well...

A long climbing walk home to burn some calories after that.

Grateful? YES!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Wanna knock at my door for some trick or treat? Knock at your own risk!
BOO!!... Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha...

Talk About... Movies

Did you the movie, Galaxy, I mean, GRAVITY? Have you seen it? A must-see movie in 3D with stunning visual effects about a failed space mission and the astronauts fight for survival, it's definitely a Sandra Bullock mega-hit, a sure Oscar nod for next year!

I don't know why I keep calling it Galaxy. I knew it was about outer space, the galaxies, but when you see the movie, you forget that it's science fiction, you forget that it's Hollywood starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Bullock was simply human, so real, and Clooney was his usual humorous natural self. They were very down-to-earth, so real they "pull you" like GRAVITY!

Astounding!

Now, talk about real life stories about the galaxy, outer space...

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Boston Red Sox Wins World Series 2013

I lived in Boston many years ago, and since SF Giants didn't make it to the World Series this year, it's Boston for me. Yeah!

Even got myself a Starbucks hot chocolate and a chewy chocolate meringue cookie on the 7th inning stretch as a pre-victory celebration. Boston was leading 6-1. I know, I know, "game is not over till it's over."
Well, let's just compare it to bringing Coke and popcorn to the movies.

... And Boston won! So, from pre-victory, that's also my victory and post victory celebration. Boy, am I cheap!

Goodnite... And boring.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Fashionistas and Jet-Setters in the Family

Boy, oh boy, everybody's all over the world right now! 

Raffy just came from SFO

Brian and Loudette are in Italy and France

Ton and family in Florida

And Jimboy and family in Australia

How's that for some great adventure, huh!

ENJOY Y'ALL!  Proud of you!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Time Off

It's not often that Norman and I have the same day off so when we do, we try to spend quality time together. Today, we had lunch at the best Chinese dimsum in town, Yank Sing, where we and his brother and wife went to a month ago after our Alaska cruise, remember. Then we visited my late mother-in-law's best friend, Eve, and ran errands with her. She lives by herself so Norman takes time when he's off to bring her around for her needs and pleasure. Then Norman and I continued on to the Ferry Building and enjoyed the rest of the day there, taking our time with an afternoon snack from Miette Pastry Shop and Blue Bottle Coffee while watching the ferry boats come and go on rush hour.

San Francisco is such a beautiful city and we're so lucky to live here!

A simple relaxing day... Grateful!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Damn, I'm Happy!

Today I woke up feeling happy, alive, and just plain happy! I was even laughing and giggling by myself sometimes, what am I crazy?! But I was just happy, I don't know why. Is it in the stars? Had a happy positive attitude, not that I even chose to. Simply, I was happy. Period.

I walked around the park, saw lil' children coming up the stairs with their teachers, and I was utterly captivated by them. I should have captured that moment with my camera but even that, I forgot because I was simply enjoying them, their innocence, their purity, their wholesomeness.

Then as I walked down the street, I heard a couple chatting. Apparently, the man was going through difficulties at present. And he said he was trying to look at it from different angles"... how can I look at this situation from another perspective?"
I was impressed. Even the lady he was with was complimenting him on how he was handling his struggles. He wasn't complaining nor giving up, just analyzing. Quite impressive!

Incidents like these, a word or two we hear from conversations passing by, little children walking by, may mean nothing, but really, Nature talks to us in many ways. Sometimes, plain, simple, and direct, other times, subtle, mysterious, but yes, Nature does talk to us, even in silence, especially in silence, first and foremost, in Silence... That's why we have to listen. Silence, whispers, they're hard to hear, especially in a loud noisy world! Perhaps, my being simply happy today helped me to hear and watch Nature more clearly.

As always, a Starbuck's tall, non-fat hot chocolate, no whipped cream, is the cherry on top!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Mark Zuckerberg

Did I just see Mark Zuckerberg and wife in our neck of the woods dining out with friends?! And without the paparazzi?!

Hi, Mark!

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Who said Oracle Lost?

Down initially 3-1, USA's ORACLE needed 10 games to win the 34th AMERICA's CUP
America's Cup while the New Zealand EMIRATES, only 6 to win the title. Then it was 8-1. Just one more victory and New Zealand wins! It got to 8-2 but who cares! One more win for NZ and the race is over.

It was impossible, improbable, unthinkable, unimaginable, unfathomable for USA Oracle to catch up with the NZ Emirates. Period.

BUT...

ORACLE WINS THE 34TH AMERICA'S CUP!!!

Unbelievable!!

related story:
interactive

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Cap-Off After Cap-Off!

Just can't seem to get over our cruise yet. Yesterday, Norman told me he was going to jog to the Presidio and asked me to meet him at Crissy Fields. I didn't want to as I wanted to go the gym instead. After doing workouts in the gym on cruise, I was motivated to go back to the gym after my trip. However, I found myself walking to Crissy Fields instead, and as I was brisk-walking down the hill, I saw the Marina Green by the horizon, the bay, then the America's Cup about to begin. Aaah, the waters, again! Thought I forgot about the seas already. But there I was going towards that direction again. 

And, of course, Norman and I had a great time together. We saw the new Crissy Fields Center and the Beach Hut Cafe which actually had been there for three years now? Has it been that long since we last visited the place?! We got a good view of the day's race. Unfortunately, ORACLE made a costly mistake and lost.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Capping It Off Some More!

SF 49ers, SF Giants, and USA Oracle won their games today! How 'bout that!

Splendid Cap-Off!

In one word - Serendipity! Everything seems to be in sync with Nature today, a day after our return from our cruise. We're having such a deep extended connection with the sea. Norman and I and Joel and Sarah found ourselves by the waters again, passing by Pier 35 where we boarded on our Princess Cruise 11 days ago. Our plans were simply a dimsum lunch at Yank Sing downtown, then dinner at Tenichi before they leave back for home tomorrow. Just taking it easy. In fact, I thought that after lunch, I'd proceed to Nordstrom. They had no specific plans after, either. But where we had lunch at the Rincon Center was at the Atrium, which kinda reminded us of the ship's atrium, so somehow we had that subtle feeling of being on the ship again, or should I say, still. Such a beautiful feeling!


After lunch, we decided to have an easy walk to the Ferry Building. On the way, we saw by chance, the San Francisco Railway Museum. Norman loves trains, and, of course, nothing happens by accident. Simply, things seem to fall in place. And there we were enjoying inside.

We continued on towards the Ferry Building to show them what had transformed inside the building from an old pier to a beautiful market place which has become a new tourist spot. Somehow, unconsciously, perhaps, subconsciously, we seemed to be drawn to the waters again, or more accurately, the waters calling us. What's more, today was the 2nd day of the 2013 America's Cup finals between USA Oracle and New Zealand Emirates and more so, we kept finding ourselves closer and closer to the seas naturally, just effortlessly. And without even trying, we witnessed the yacht race, not once but twice, first at the finish line where we just happened to be when the Emirates won the 3rd race, then later at the beginning of the 4th race after walking further down the pier and we had a closer view of them. Breathtaking! Who would even think that we'd catch them! If we had previously planned to watch the race by going down the Marina, we probably would have missed it. But we just happened to be at the right place at the right time each step of the way. Oracle won the 4th, by the way, a much needed victory!

On our way back home, we took the cable car as Joel wanted so much to have this ride as he hasn't done this for so long. And last night, too, Norman and Joel had a gig together! They always want to do this but distance apart, it doesn't always happen. But the bass player couldn't do the gig last night so Joel took over, just like that! Talk of Nature's support! With no attachment whatsoever, our desires just seem to fulfill themselves so easily, simply, naturally. We bought lotto tickets today. And with the Powers that be, our luck might just extend and expand, who knows. And we'll be cruising again...

It has been a most wonderful experience - Serendipitous, indeed! And as if it were not enough, today Norman finally put up the "mezuzah" at our doorpost. It's a Jewish piece of parchment as a home blessing. And with the presence of his brother and wife, they're all Jewish, it's so very special.

I continue to be relaxed and rejuvenated, unbelievably extending long and beyond, expanding far and wide, high and deep and beyond. It's been a total experience of transcendence for me... in mind, body, heart and soul, flesh and spirit and beyond - Cruising and beyond cruising... beyond beyond!! It is TRANSCENDENCE. So so Soooooo marvelous, it's miraculous!

God Almighty!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

A Complete Escapade!

"ALL ASHORE THAT'S GOING ASHORE!"

Just got back from a 10-day Princess Cruise to Alaska aboard the Grand Princess. What a trip!

What an experience of a lifetime, a most memorable maritime adventure of a lifetime! Utterly beyond my expectations! This has been the most exciting, at the same time, most relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, I've ever had in my life. So far, I'd like to say, and I hope to have this same kind of experience for the rest of my life. If this can happen all the time, what a life that would be!

I didn't know what to expect from a cruise, although I've had sailed when I was a teenager as part of the crew, part of the entertainment program, that sailed twice around Asia, gosh, many years ago...


Forward to this trip, as an adult and passenger this time, I had no expectations at all. Norman and I had been wanting to do an Alaska cruise for many years. But it really was just a wish as our schedules did not always coincide to be able to get away together for a long time. But as Nature is the best organizer, his brother, Joel, and wife, Sarah, saw an ad about April on an AK cruise starting off at San Francisco in August, we had to do it, we just had to do it. I didn't know how I could make this happen as I had just come back from a 2-month vacation from MNL and the Holy Land last February to April, yes, 2 months!, so who knows when I could take another vacation from work! But Norman wanted this trip so badly, and we had to make reservations asap to be able to join his brother. I just had to desire it intently, yet innocently. I timed it in June to talk to my boss about the trip, and as Nature would plan it, I got another time off!

With my busy work schedule, however, the trip was the last thing in my mind even as I was packing the night before. I didn't even know where to put my cosmetics as I was concerned about luggage overweight and liquid limitations, until it hit me that I was taking a cruise and there were no limits to baggage, etc.




And the Grand Princess begins its cruise! From Pier 35 at the Port of San Francisco, it was exciting approaching the Golden Gate Bridge as we were leaving! OMG, we were really at sea, on a cruise! Suddenly, I realized that this wasn't just a floating tour. The cruise liner was actually going to stop at piers in some of Alaska's port cities, and passengers disembark for tours and excursions, experience its history and culture, as well as recreation and relaxation. I knew that, but it didn't hit me till we were actually asea. Not just a cruise but also land tours - a double treat!

And there were the majestic glaciers, waterfalls in Juneau, salmons on creek, (that's another story!), an eagle actually devouring a salmon... train ride in Skagway... shopping at the port of Kechican... a drizzling early morning walk on the boardwalk of Victoria, Canada, (yes, we went to Canada, too!) morning tea at the majestic Empress Hotel, (Norman has been wanting to go to the world-famous Empress in Victoria!), plus a tour of British Columbua's Historic Museum - a triple treat!


And yes, we saw whales and dolphins. Dolphins seem to just come towards the ship, perhaps, drawn to it, I don't know, but, oh, what a sight! Both 
those mammals created excitement on the ship whenever the passengers saw them. You'd hear ooohs and aaaahs, cameras clicking everywhere, and people running towards the decks to get a view, the ship looked like it was going down on one side. Oh, but so magical!

There were lots of activities and entertainment on the ship, you just had to work out your schedule and, yes, never a shortage of food! Abundance or rather, over abundance, is the more appropriate word!

But the most most most unforgettable experience for me was the experience of deep deep rest throughout this entire cruiseIt was like my TM retreats. Usually, I try to do TM regularly and whenever I miss, I can get cranky, agitated, but with this cruising experience, it was deeper than sleep, it was relaxation and rejuvenation to its fullest, I didn't feel a need to pause from activity to meditate. In fact, this whole cruise, I hardly did TM. The whole experience was "meditation in motion". It was transcendence. Unbelievable!

People say,"You need a vacation from your vacation." Not cruising! I say cruising can be one of the most exhilarating ways to travel, if not the most. It is definitely for me.

PRINCESS CRUISE' slogan is "escape completely". It sure lived up to that, and so did I! This has been a totally  transcendental experience for me. I saw a picture frame on the ship that says,"Sleep, Eat, Cruise."

That's the way life should be. That's how I want my life to be. That's what I want to do.

ALL ABOARD!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Remembering... Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

I love love and respect Maharishi a lot and am so grateful that I learned TM. As I've always said, it's the best gift I've given myself, the best health insurance I got, along with Ayurveda, the greatest investment I've done in life! My greatest achievement! The others are a bonus. So proud!

Simply put, Maharishi is beyond words. The best way to describe him is by his own words.

And TM, (Transcendental Meditation), which he founded, is one story I love to share and share more. Here's one about celebrities redefining success thru TM. ENJOY!

Jai Guru Dev.

Afterthought

But isn't the Absolute already perfect that we no longer need to seek it? Or did he mean that we don't need to desire for it? It already is.

Okay, I got it.

Maharishi Says,

"We don't seek perfection in the relative. It does not exist. Instead, seek perfection inside, in the absolute, in that unbounded field of pure consciousness which can be located at the source of thought within." 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Sidetracked

Off today, so I thought I could catch up with paperwork, (endless!), music, and a thousand other things! I ended up house-cleaning, part of the house, anyway. Started with just my shelf in the bathroom, and I saw a lot of  old stuff I haven't used for a long time, so out they went! Then I found myself using a 2-step ladder to get to the upper shelves, and the cleaning... Began! Things have been dusty for months because of construction going on downstairs (terrible!). Next thing I knew I was doing the kitchen then the back room. Just went on and on, and before I knew it, the day was over.

Night time came and I did some blogging but spent more time catching up with old posts, editing those on yagyas to link to my recent posts, and other related topics like TM & Maharishi, and while on the pages, I saw other posts not related that needed some freshening up. Yes, I got sidetracked, and sidetracked more... and more, leading nowhere. Never got to writing new ones, except this and it's blah! No story at all!

Did a lot today but accomplished nothing - Wasted time!

But was it, really? Things happen for a reason, yeah, yeah, like, what reasons? Can you give me some? I had better things to do, you know. Well, life happens, and when we look back, whatever happened happened. It's DONE!! Nothing we can do about it! Whether we regret or not, it's FINISHED! 

Move on...

Monday, August 5, 2013

Looking Back...

Sure was a busy birthday weekend for me filled with life, love, health, peace, joy and music - everything my little heart desires!

I am full and fulfilled... Praise the Lord.

Talk About... Perfect Health and Long Life

After that Health and Long Life yagyas for Norman and me, look what I found!

Norman and I are into fruit and veggie smoothies, and I tell you, they're the best. We've always done fresh fruit smoothies before, Norman does 'em, but I really got into these veggie thing just recently and now it's been a part of our diet. The veggies I make 'em. And it's been fun doing it! I look forward to doing it when I wake up! It's great!

Did you read the article? Great, huh, and for Norman and I living right here in the bay, how 'bout that! Coincidence?! No, I take it as a good sign, very motivating, very inspiring. Keeps you going, you know.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

... And from Overseas

While I was enjoying a whole birthday weekend with friends and family here at home,
somewhere in India, a birthday yagya was being performed for me. Isn't that special!

ABUNDANCE, ABUNDANCE
PROSPERITY
PEACE
JOY
To Life, Love, and Music...

And a Perfect Health and Long Life yagya for me and Norman! Look at our pictures. How precious is that!

... And to Perfect Health and Long Life, indeed!

ABSOLUTELY!!