giving Shell an unsolicited feedback

Shell, the gasoline station, is where I frequent for my vehicle's diesel and air for my tires. But I also go to other stations like Phoenix (because the company is based in Davao City), Caltex (for the rebates if I use the credit card) and Jetti. For a pleasant service I enjoy Shell's attendants. I feel that they are genuine in pleasing their customers. And another plus is that I trust their digital tire guage if to compare to the manual guage other stations still use.

I also tried to observe and compare my vehicle's running condition using different kinds of diesel from different stations. Even if my brother said they are "all the same", I think my vehicle respond smoothly whenever I use the diesel of Shell.

Well, I wrote about this because I had a not so pleasant experience with one of their pump attendants this morning (Shell Bajada branch). It was petty really - about not having enough change for the money I paid. I said "that is the only money I have and I asked if they can do something about it because anyway the change I ought to get from them is only P300 pesos .

In short, they were also able to produce the change. Never mind the waiting time because I was listening to MoTwister's show on Killerbee that gave me some amusement while waiting. What pissed me off is when the attendant gave me the change and I engaged her for a few feedback about her service.

I often give feedback mainly to give some pointers on how their services could further be improved, nothing more, nothing less. Even if it is unsolicited, I do am frank in giving that to anyone whom I think should have a little input.

Well, she snubbed me, har har har.

I called her Supervisor, not to recommend her termination or what. I suggested that the girl should be given some points on manners, interpersonal skills and a review of the basic customer service/management skills.

I was informed that she has encountered several troubles with their customers! I was sad of course that she might lose a job. But I think, if she is not interested in improving herself for the customers, there is no one to blame but her if she is kicked-out from the job.

I felt good talking to the Supervisor who was just too willing to get some feedback from me. It is kind of a calling on my part (har har har) whenever I get the time, I really call and inform supervisors and managers to give feedback. Whether good or bad!

I think feedbacking helps. Maybe to improve the customer service level of people/companies who are in any kind of business. Or maybe at least, observe some manners. We can all start from that level to hit it big in business globally. I do believe so!

Be blissful!

Picasa Web Albums - Toronto

Picasa Web Albums - Toronto

One of my most memorable moments in my whole life! The Toronto travel with my sister!

My sister gave me this trip to the Niagara Falls. When I saw it after around 4 hours of bus ride from the Renaissance Hotel in Toronto, I did cry!

My sister who was hungry, went straight to the buffet table at the Sheraton. I was just there looking at the window and tears rolling down my face. I did not know why I also cried but I was feeling so terribly dramatic, feeling very grateful to my sister for bringing me there and marveling over the great view in front of me. I only see such creation in books, magazines and TV but getting close to it was farthest from my mind.

I could'nt ask for more after that! My sister tried to bring me to the US too, but of course it was not that easy. US was just a swim away. But its alright!

Having gone to Toronto is like seeing a part of the First World!

Be blissful!

P.S. I have to write this. My sister and I had Renaissance Hotel as our home in Toronto. My brother Omar, provided that for us.

get that sunlight!

I was driving my way home this morning and after days of cloudy skies in the city, today the glorious sunlight gave me its warm shine! Enough exposure to reminded me of trusting this good life. I did not even care to put that shade down, instead I felt honored by the sun's rays touching my face and whole body!

When someone tells me "how depressed I am" (no matter what time of the day!). I often remark, "Well it is a choice your mind make for today. I believe if there are a thousand reasons for you to be depressed there are a thousand reasons for you to be happy as well".

One makes the choice! One chooses the WAY! There are depressed children coming from depressed parents but have succeeded in shifting away from that condition. Because everyone has the ability to consciously teach our minds to focus and choose "the other option". The trouble sometimes lie when depressed people do not usually acknowledge that there is something to change with the state of mind and the lifestyle adapted and learned all through those years.

Who will help?

No one but the person in YOU. Not the people around you or the circumstances that one often blames as the reason. I get away from this.

Get that heat and energy from the sunlight!

In the morning, it is the natural energy from the sun that gives the vitality that makes our blood flow inside. Find something to do. The bedroom could be the most depressing place at the start of the day, especially if you were in the bedroom the whole day and night.

Get out, sniff the air, feel the warmth of the sunshine, move your body, touch the plants, use your brains to create and be the warmest person to everyone!

Be blissful!

glazing an adventure

For someone like me who had my very first vehicle a little late, my Adventure (Mitsubishi wagon type) is something precious. I exult a minute or two, just looking at it and think of all the sacrifices I have done to get it.

I remembered, when my husband and I were still very young, I told him that I see myself waking-up in our own house when I reach my thirtieth birthday. During my twenties, I was busy making babies so it was kind of impossible to have our own house then. Thirty could be reasonable. "He he", it happened. The vehicle, well I gave him another 10 years to "produce" it. I was not too demanding because with 3 children I know it would be difficult for him to give me that. But he did.

Little did I know that all those "claiming" I did before, did come true.

Today, I just wrapped up cleaning that Adventure. I clean it for an hour every other day. A little longer on a weekend wherein I check the engine, brake/clutch fluid, water on the carburetor and brush all that accumulated dust inside. When I look at the wires and the engine parts all having its place and function, I sometimes gasped "How I wish I understand engines and all these parts"!

Every touch, I gently give the tires, windows, doors, and the whole body from top to bottom, let me travel from its first day with me up to the moment that I do that car wash (again and again). For me, it was not merely scrubbing and rubbing, but it is touching and reviewing my life.

I do the car wash myself to be able to save hundreds of pesos from our monthly income. When I go out and use the vehicle, there should be 3 or 4 reasonably destinations and purposes that I have to finish to save on fuel. I drive people to their destinations and purpose. The vehicle gives me a reason to do bit of sacrifices each day to learn.

"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness and small obligations, given habitually are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort". By Humphrey Davy

I drive my life. That I have to learn more!

Be blissful!

good chat time

I chat when I got time. And I give time for chat.

Mainly because I get connected with family and friends. A quick "hi there" is like getting there - wherever in the world he or she is.

My niece, Thea is a regular "chat mate". We do crazy things together on the internet (wholesome fun) at Facebook, Singsnap or just visit sites. I informed her that I am featuring the "Best 2-minutes of my Day" on my blog and she volunteered that our "chat" should be "it". Of course dear niece, you will always be a part not only of this blog, but my life as well. She took this picture, while we were chatting.

Another regular "chat mate" is a friend, Joel. We worked together before but remained as friends until now. He was rumored to be a lover before because we were always together. And if he reads this, he'd say "eeeeewwwwwwhhh".

I told him that I have a crate full of books and suggested that he buy from it. He said something like "We have been friends for such a long time but you have not given me any gift har har har". Suggesting that I just give one to him.

I replied " I give you joy and the freedom to be you". Isn't that enough of a gift? And I was serious when I said it.

He said " Please bring on our friendship to a higher level. You should give me a gift, something material".

"Oh my God, then the more that you will not receive any from me because even without those material things I make you happy with my thoughts, expression and presence. And that is just so priceless har har har".

Of course, I can give him a book. And he should not mean that it is the "material things" that really matters about our friendship. But let me think about that!

And I miss a lot of my other chat friends because I cannot stay long in front of this desktop. Wish them all in good stead always!

Be blissful!

making money on my blog or not?

"Voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more". Jon Kabat-Zinn

I receive a message from a blogger every now and then. Jo Ann LeQuang is her name. Well, she shares what she got for other bloggers to become accomplished writers and as well as making money from their sites.

Sometimes, I say in jest that my site might not make money because my only business here is to share some thoughts for blissful living and harmony in relationships (as if they are easy!). I just observe so many people to be uneasy when solitary and in silence. So many of them would often go to places where there are many people and lots of activities only to find that they are more pressured to relate with others. There could be fun in some level but one realizes in the end that ones issues still are a bearing. One carries it in work and in play.

At first, I was writing blogs for myself. Mainly to remind me of my notes to accomplish a "feeling good self" whereby making my children and husband feel good too.

But then my purpose went up a little notch to serve my family and friends whom I really take time to invite and visit my blog. They do. Well they are always a part of my "feeling good self" so they might as well visit my blog.

I do feel great when I see visitors. I hope I do serve them well, too. And this made me a little responsible and sensible about what I am writing. Now I shy away from narcissistic views and have been advocating "acceptance" to life's gifts.

For my best two-minutes I take time to read Jo Ann Lequang at WorkingTexasWriter.com. She is right, making money for the blog is one thing but there is something else. If I share a thought and make even just one person realize something about "taking time to look inside oneself" is more than this blog's income. One visitor who shared his/her time with me on this blog is priceless for me.

Be blissful!

wherever you go, there you are

I came minutes before the store opened ( have to pick-up some stocks) to have a good parking space. Since I was early, I picked up a book I was not able to take out from the vehicle. The title is "Wherever You Go There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. "Hmmmmm, it is about meditation", I quipped as I browsed it. A very short browsing that gave me another deep thought on enlightenment.

The book is about stopping for awhile and think just about nothing. About not doing something else but just stay "being" you. It does not necessarily mean that one should be in a sacred place or be confined in a meditative position. Mindlessness. Not drifting away in thoughts, mind and soul. Interesting!

I was really cramped in my driver's seat and in a busy sidewalk were a lot of passers-by sometimes peep-in. Quite an uncomfortable venue so I went into my own world of "shutting-off" from all that distractions and kept on browsing.

I thought, that the experience should be my best "two-minute" of my day!

Some of my "shutting-off" principles do meet into some terms of what the book was describing. I realized my "shutting-off" works but meditation is a different level. Visualization is a state of mind that I make myself fit into another world/condition that is not there. Meditation is another discipline. Just "being" you.

I think I have to try it. Next time I have to be conscious of my own breathing. I have to feel and listen to the oxygen I breathe as it goes to my lungs. The air that pushes all energies to all the vital organs of my body. All inside me. And bursting it out. I think the air inside make an interesting journey inside me.

I have to listen to that dynamism even for only two minutes or more!

Be blissful!

my mama crossing the street alone

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.

If love could have saved you,
you would have lived forever.

My best two minutes today was a simple gesture of courtesy to an old man crossing the street. He was not in a Pedestrian crossing and alone. I normally would comment about "Why can't people take the safest way to cross the street"?

But because I see some frailties in them, I have always extended extra patience and understanding to the elderly I often encounter in the streets. I remember my father. But my father did not die in the street.

It was my grandmother whom we lost without any trace. She is the mother of my father. It was sad that I am rather not close to her. Did not have much memories with her too, but because she is the mother of my father, she is someone whose blood is deeply flowing in my very own veins. And should be treated right and with my deepest respect.

I did not exactly understand how my father, uncle (both died recently) and aunts accepted the fate of my grandmother. I only knew how pained they are until now.

Every time I see an old person alone, walking and crossing the street, I think of my grandmother. She must have been alone then and got hit by a car while crossing the street.

It was the theory reported to us because no one knew what happened to her and where her body was.

I can always delay my travel time where ever my destination is to an elderly crossing the street! She should get to the other side of the street! Let us give that courtesy, it won't take that long anyway!

Be blissful!

bliss dreaming

You see things; and you say, "Why"? But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?

by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) , Back to Methusalah

Today, I dreamed a dream!

A dream so pleasant that it made me smile and did not mind the huge rush I often do during mornings. A dream that made me calm during the traffic. And made me comfortable even with the heat!

My dream that made me a delightful person to the rest of the world today is I think a very short one. It was also simple but I am amazed that I remembered it. And I was looking at myself in my dream! Well, dreams could really be so abstract and in many forms but this dream had such a big impact on my day.

Later I would want to interpret it myself but the most important thing is that it gave me a wonderful feel today!

The dream.
I was in another land. I do not exactly know where it was. I was walking with someone I do not know. The street is narrow, not cemented but neatly trimmed with trees. Flowers adorn the houses that looks Asian (Far East) and centuries old. The street was also filled with smiling people walking with a language familiar yet unknown to me. I was happy looking at myself walking happily and talking in animation with that man. I loved the place it was both present and old. It is like home.

Home makes us all comfortable and safe. I must have been thinking a lot. Today I hope I comforted my son who is troubled with his application. I wish I am there to give him a hug of love and comfort. I know he is in a state of fear.

The dream could be about my son. In between a busy morning schedule, we communicated through texting. I texted him a message telling him that the job is something that he has to "claim from now on as his own". That he has to attract "positive energies". That he has to believe in himself.

I thought my dream was kind of romantic. No it was not, I guess.

Why not?

something inside

I was not able to write for several days now. I have been very occupied with several concerns that kept me away from this desktop but I thought there should never really be an excuse. We could finish a task that we really like because we find some ways or means to do it. The same manner if one does not want to. There could also be lots of reasons for not doing it. So anyway today, I thought of writing everyday about the best 2-minutes of my day. I think it would be both inspirational and spiritual. And I do not like this to be a very personal experience because I know everyone should have their "best of today" in your lives. We could all do this everyday!

We just seldom acknowledge it or we are just too comfortable with our lives that we are not able to identify the best one. This practice highlights something that gives us "a lift" from some other troubles that we have in a day. Also teaches our bodies and minds to disassociate from depression. And offer the best moments of our days to our Creator at the end of the day!

My day is not finished yet but I could choose this early. While writing this, I am listening to the song "Something Inside". It is from the movie "August Rush". I believe it is one romantic song but inspiring as well. I could apply that song to self-reflection. Looking inside ourselves. Honestly acknowledging some mistakes and correcting it.

Everything starts from the inside.

Be blissful!

the five Love Languages

If your love language is different from your children’ s, you’d better learn to translate—fast. Or you could miss your chance to meet their deepest emotional needs. Discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection and commitment that will resonate in their souls— and inspire them for the rest of their lives.

from The Five Languages of Children

My two boys who are now both in their teens have been spending most of their time playing with some very young kids in the neighborhood lately. I let them play because next week they will be up for some really serious school work again.

And when I see and hear them play like children again, I was reminded of how I was able to raise them up. Now, I am happy to see that they could identify what could be the right one from wrong when faced by some threats. I am also happier to see them make decisions confidently. But most of all happy to see them just being happy and freely express what their thoughts and feelings are. One more thing, that I am blessed to have 3 of the most loving and sweet children in this world. They are my boys.

Seeing them that way make me and their father happy and proud. I have not read the book but I believe in its principles. Basically they are what I "practice and preach". I know that parents sometimes are not aware of the damages being done to their children because most of the time they believe that they are always right above all other reasons their children give. I think it will help us parents to better raise our children if we also do some self-introspection and reflect on improving our own parenting style. It is never too late to change. It is never too late, at all.

Our children only needed quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. If we can give it to other people, why not to our very own children?

Be blissful!

moments alone

While driving into a subdued part of the city today, I not only fell in love with the silence but as well as the giant bamboos lining the narrow rugged road on my way to a friend. And the community inside is called Blissful. Great! I said to myself, even here I am in some kind of a bliss.

From the highway, my wagon took a steep leap to the right into the rugged terrain of muddy road. It rained last night thus a slippery 2- minute drive. It was such a short journey but it was enlightening. The deafening silence told me "I am alone".

Was I afraid? I was not sure.

Going through this alone was quite creepy. Next time I go there, I will turn-off the air condition and put the windows down.

Would I still feel creepy?

The first time I went to that place some months ago, I did not feel creepy because I was with friends. Now that I was alone, I became more intent of the nature unfolding upon my senses. I missed appreciating this view the last time I was here. I am glad, I had this moment alone. Getting in closer touch with nature and silence somehow lifted my spirits.

Next time around, I have to hear the bamboos rustle and smell its scent as I pass by. I almost wrote, bamboo trees when I was just reminded by my memory bytes that they are classified as weeds.

Be blissful!

facing loneliness

I like waiting inside my niece's thrift shop of apparels. Well, I do not actually just sit and wait, but I often use "waiting" to observe and engage in quick and happy notes with the customers. I am sometimes amazed with how I can sense loneliness when someone comes in. I do not stare , but from some gaits or facial expressions that seems to vibrate from them, I could easily catch one or two. And because we often discuss about life's insights some customers would actually join in and share some difficulties that they are loaded with. Indeed!



Loneliness is a bad choice. It is normal that we go through it but dwelling on it is so UNCOOL!

Well and good if it was only about an apparel, but what if it was about a major decision and development in our lives?

I do not want to be lonely.

Be blissful then!

withering idleness

I feel so sad when I hear someone says "I am bored".

I understand a lot of reasons for a person to get into that state but I likewise believe it is such a bad choice to make. There are always a million things to do. Not even a job could fill-up that boredom. There are many people earning lots of money in high profile jobs but bored as well. Get up, do something. Start with your own self. Get a tool. Write something. Read a book. Play with your children. And an endless list to do. I was thinking, with so much to do in this wonderful world why could someone be bored?

Let us teach our minds to create, not to be idle. Idleness will make room for depression.

Be blissful!

my mother and "happy slip"

Last night when we were Skyping, my brother from Houston introduced "Happy Slip" to us (me, my sister, Cris and niece, Thea). You know, why? My niece, Jamie in Houston heard me say "Youchoob" instead of the very American pronunciation of "Youtoob" (for the website "Youtube.com").

When I watched some of the productions of "Happy Slip", it was like going back to memory lane. So I laughed and laugh at some very unique Filipino ways and communication which I really find more hilarious than annoying. When I act and say something and realized that it seemed like the "very unique" way, I would squirm and say "Ohhh my God I have to get this out of my system, I have just acted or said it like my mom or dad or the rest of the family" (love you all!).

"Happy Slip" brought back memories of the past especially about my mother. If you have seen the video, well in many ways, my mother is close to that manner of telephone courtesy as Cristine's lola (Grandmother). My Nanay surely says the most unwelcome "hello" on the phone. She says what she wants to say at the wrong time (most of the time) and hang-up. Example: I was in a hurry to get back to school when our phone rang. Just before I even uttered my "hello" the voice over (my mom's) said "Ano ang ulam ninyo ngayon?" (What viand did you prepare or serve?) ... always assuming that it would be any son or daughter who will get the call, but if not? Great!!!

And until now my nanay also have such a crazy habit of just hanging-up on the phone without telling us "goodbye". There were lots of incidents in the past that I still kept on saying something only to realize that its the dialtone I was talking to now, grrrrhhhhhh!

Sometimes when I reflect on my own patterns of behavior, I would stop and think that " my Nanay could be the source of some of my crazy forms of expressions" (har har har). But I think, I am through with getting annoyed with my mother's style. I must have accepted who she is by now. And at this point in time, mending ways could be the better approach for her to learn appropriateness in many ways.

I have not written anything yet about my mother. But I am writing this for her. A kind of tribute for Father's day this June. My father recently died and I believe that she now carries the ideals of my father for this family. This is for you:

Nanay, I regret that with all the opportunities for us to express love , I still have such difficulty in delivering it to you tenderly. Of course I love you, I just do not know how to express it sometimes. But I do appreciate all the things you have done. If not, I might have ended a different person. A "me" whom I will not be comfortable with. What I wanted you to know is that your imperfections gave me the path to love my being. I think it is the most wonderful gift that mothers could give to their children. To learn how to love the "persons" in them and be able to spread and express it.

Be blissful!

entwined

Just before I go somewhere, I thought of writing. Something came up on my thoughts.

Recently the news here in the Philippines featured and saturated every Filipino of the sex scandal of a young sexy actress and a doctor. Even if I had the urge to watch it (for curiosity 's sake) I really stop myself in doing so. I find it disgusting to enjoy such a private act especially that the filming did not have the consent of the woman. I am just sad that the media gave the general public the opportunity to get curious and crave for it all the more.

I think otherwise. I should give those people in the video some respect by not viewing their private moments together. Whatever the story, cause and effect, the general public should stop viewing it. The sexy actress and the doctor have expressed their grief, pain and embarrassment, that should be enough.

In relation to sex, I am presently reading a novel. Its called "Hanta Yo" (Clear the Way). It is a story of the American Indians. Although I am not finished reading it, I was given such another good and spiritual perspective of sex. In their tribes or bands, every touch and move of the man and woman doing the act has power over their minds and bodies. It is not only about pleasure but of respect to life and the person you are doing it with.

I am more inclined to such a non-lewd dealing of sex because it is more enlightening to each and every one's soul. I believe sex should give us not only pleasure but enlightenment. It should be making us better persons in this crazy world. If we do it, we should involve a deep sense of respect to the bodies that would bring forth souls of the next generation.

Who would want to create the next generation of psychos and monters? I think we all should in anyway stop bastardizing sex.

Be blissful!

for many good reasons

A Chinese dinner for many reasons!

Today seems to be a super blessed day! Together with my younger sons, I met the girlfriend of my eldest. She works at Marco Polo Davao. She is quiet and soft-spoken. I really would not mind if she is the exact opposite because I would always welcome anyone whom my children chooses to be their girlfriends or eventually partners in life.

I do not wish to meddle with my children' s choices of partners. Because I do not want another round of family feud resulting from grudges, anger and hurting. It was never easy and supportive to everyone's wellness. I have been there. I would want to see myself to be able to relate with my daughters-in-law in a good and honest manner for us to build a strong family bonding. From that bond I believe that their children will learn what trust and security is all about. Then they could face whatever challenges there are in the future.

I should just be in the background, praying that everyone is well and happy.

My eldest son today, also signed a contract for his very first job assignment in one of the biggest fleet in the world, the Norwegian Cruise Lines. He has been aiming for that job assignment for such a long time and now he got it.

I am just so happy for him. I think, Hanna and the job, all these my son deserves because he is good. In spite of all our misunderstanding and fights, he was always humble enough to acknowledge his fault whenever he commits mistakes.

Chinese food is served heftily. And I liked the way they prepare it even if it has a load of oil in them. It is fine, as long as we have that tea around to flush it out too.

I pray that hefty blessings continuously pour my children and to everyone I love. Because through them I see the glory of the Almighty who is always there especially when I feel everything else is so heavily laden!

Be blissful!

bookworm

I have with me a crate full of books inside my vehicle and I bring it anywhere I go. These are articles that I sell together with other stuff that me and my niece are disposing. While books seem to be expensive in the bookstores, what I have costs only P 20.00 each. They are hard- bound old books but are not second-hand. And I am surprised that the books are the least favorite among the stuff even with the very cheap price ( around 40 cents ).

This morning when I offered a tip to the boy who delivered a sack of rice to my vehicle, he was so shy to accept it so I asked him if I could give him a book instead. Oh my, I also do not know if he was shy to accept it but I think he should have accepted the book, because HE DID NOT. My intention was for me to give him an opportunity to sit and read a book because it is there. Ohh but maybe he just do not want to.

The month of June in the Philippines is the opening of classes and there are lots of features about education in the public school. In the news last night, there were millions of children who expressed their wish to have books, chairs, tables, and even a roof for their school. If you could only see the plight of the public school buildings and facilities, you would think many times before sending your children to our public school.

While my children were watching the news coverage on it, I hope deep inside that they appreciate what they are given. A little comfort and the more substantial education in the private schools. Because it will be so disheartening for me to see them in the public school.

Going back to the books I am peddling. I am surprised that it is not given much enthusiasm than a piece of apparel. Well I cannot impose my own love of books to other people but how I wish the people in general could bring back that habit of reading books. I always loved reading a novel and when I see it in a movie, I could see such big difference in content and the message being communicated.

So I always ask my children to read. Even for only a page. Just to get into the habit of "sitting and reading a book". Maybe someday they will appreciate it.

Be blissful!

unloading for June

Hello June!

It has become a habit to scrap away old books, uniforms or anything that "clogs" about inside cabinets and the house. I have for almost three weeks been identifying stuff that are not used and separated them for donation. Well it surprised me to see stuff which I think are really irrelevant to be kept for nothing. Ohhh just adding on to the clutter, I thought.

It is not only the house that was tumbled in and out, up and down but as well as the files in the computer. And while I was doing it, I found the video shown above. It was one of the family outings before and in one of our favorite mountain resort here in Davao. I thought of sharing it here, not to make fun but to have fun! Kristine had a fall in the video but she was really game at our guffawssss!

Clothes and other stuff really have to go sometimes. When I look at my closet and see a shirt or dress not worn for more than 6 months I decide to give it away. I sometimes have such a strong attachment to stuff that are dear to me only to realize that they are becoming "a heavy load" to carry.

That gesture should also suggest throwing away unresolved issues in our lives. It is a little bit harder than those stuff but they also should go. Issues clutters the same way as stuff do, so friends let us all start unloading!

Be blissful!