My Blog
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lessons on Being a Spoilsport!
Orig. written: Wednesday, August 29, 2007
When I was uhm a child, :D I was so into everything - physical games, dancing, biking and basketball even though I terribly suck at it. And I don't say no to challenges and lately just assessed that I might be a little competitive then (and even now). LOL!
However, when I reached high school, and when consciousness about myself and other people started, I have retreated into a shell and became a homebuddy and that's when I started being a voracious reader. I seldom participate in games anymore and have opted to be a spectator than a participant.
On our first year in college, we had our class Christmas party in a beach resort. The organizers had started some games and there is this one particular game where the "it" had to chase the participants around and shower them with flour. So they asked everyone who would like to join and I declined of course and I said I'd just watch.
And so the game begins. Those handful of us watching were laughing so hard because the "it" was running and running for several minutes already but cannot reach any one. And what she did next surprised everyone. She ran to me and throw the whole plastic of flour at me. I looked like a white lady coz it's all in my hear, my face and all over my clothes. And I got angry and told her "I told you that I don't want to join!" And I stomped angrily into the cottage we rented.
It was a good thing I brought clothes with me because we intended to swim at first since it was a resort but I changed my mind while I was there. The one who did it to me is my friend and she apologized to me and she told me she thought I would not get angry after all, we're all just having fun.
She just indirectly told me I was a killjoy and aftewards, when I have thought about it much, I felt so ashamed of myself. Indeed, it was just for fun and I was such a spoilsport.
And from then on, I have avoided being a spoilsport in everything and have learned to enjoy and make fun of myself sometimes too. :D
It was one very unforgettable lesson for me.
When I was uhm a child, :D I was so into everything - physical games, dancing, biking and basketball even though I terribly suck at it. And I don't say no to challenges and lately just assessed that I might be a little competitive then (and even now). LOL!
However, when I reached high school, and when consciousness about myself and other people started, I have retreated into a shell and became a homebuddy and that's when I started being a voracious reader. I seldom participate in games anymore and have opted to be a spectator than a participant.
On our first year in college, we had our class Christmas party in a beach resort. The organizers had started some games and there is this one particular game where the "it" had to chase the participants around and shower them with flour. So they asked everyone who would like to join and I declined of course and I said I'd just watch.
And so the game begins. Those handful of us watching were laughing so hard because the "it" was running and running for several minutes already but cannot reach any one. And what she did next surprised everyone. She ran to me and throw the whole plastic of flour at me. I looked like a white lady coz it's all in my hear, my face and all over my clothes. And I got angry and told her "I told you that I don't want to join!" And I stomped angrily into the cottage we rented.
It was a good thing I brought clothes with me because we intended to swim at first since it was a resort but I changed my mind while I was there. The one who did it to me is my friend and she apologized to me and she told me she thought I would not get angry after all, we're all just having fun.
She just indirectly told me I was a killjoy and aftewards, when I have thought about it much, I felt so ashamed of myself. Indeed, it was just for fun and I was such a spoilsport.
And from then on, I have avoided being a spoilsport in everything and have learned to enjoy and make fun of myself sometimes too. :D
It was one very unforgettable lesson for me.
Labels: life lessons, spoilsport
Hurts, Grudges, Forgiveness, Sincerity
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Some people might think I don't practice what I preach about forgiveness. I have told a lot of people in the past that once they have asked forgiveness, they have already done their duty. They have acknowledged their mistakes and have humbled themselves, therefore they are cleared in a way from the offense that they've done.
And I have said in the past that if the offended refused to accept the offender's apology and forgive him, then it's the problem of the offended party. However, one thing I always forget to say is that, the one who was wronged might still not be ready to forgive, his heart might still be closed thus he still cannot find it hard to forgive. And in this case, he needs prayers, he needs to pray to have his heart opened up and cleansed for reconciliation so that all the aches and pains inside might be lifted up and erased, so that he can forgive and forget. And only then can he sincerely forgive, can wholeheartedly accept apology and interact with those who have offended him, and forget the whole incident and move on.
I was out praying to God to open my heart and make me forgive. I don't usually hold grudges and I don't know why this time it too me several days to get over my hurt. My heart still felt like it's being pinched. Must be because of all the accumulated disappointments and hurts I've got from the boards.
Some people might think I don't practice what I preach about forgiveness. I have told a lot of people in the past that once they have asked forgiveness, they have already done their duty. They have acknowledged their mistakes and have humbled themselves, therefore they are cleared in a way from the offense that they've done.
And I have said in the past that if the offended refused to accept the offender's apology and forgive him, then it's the problem of the offended party. However, one thing I always forget to say is that, the one who was wronged might still not be ready to forgive, his heart might still be closed thus he still cannot find it hard to forgive. And in this case, he needs prayers, he needs to pray to have his heart opened up and cleansed for reconciliation so that all the aches and pains inside might be lifted up and erased, so that he can forgive and forget. And only then can he sincerely forgive, can wholeheartedly accept apology and interact with those who have offended him, and forget the whole incident and move on.
I was out praying to God to open my heart and make me forgive. I don't usually hold grudges and I don't know why this time it too me several days to get over my hurt. My heart still felt like it's being pinched. Must be because of all the accumulated disappointments and hurts I've got from the boards.
Labels: apology, forgiveness, life lessons
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Don't Say "I Don't Know"
OW: Sunday, May 28, 2006
"Don't say 'I don't know. Instead say "I don't have any idea."
This is one of the most unforgettable line in one of my English class in high school. I can still clearly remember the instance our teacher said it.
It was in our senior year, in our World Literature class and Ms. Bandoquillo, our English teacher then, called on Joan to answer her question. Joan stood up, looked at the ceiling and everywhere for several seconds then replied "Sorry Miss but I don't know."
Then Miss Band (as we call her, LOL) said the line above. She explained further to us that saying "I don't know" or "We don't know" means that we do not know anything at all. Rather, if you do not have any opinion, or do not know the answer to a question, reply with "I don't have any idea" for it means you just didn't have any idea about a particular subject but you still know some things.
She really has a good point there and so, from then on, I try to reply with "I don't have any idea" when I come across questions that I really have no idea how to answer. :D
"Don't say 'I don't know. Instead say "I don't have any idea."
This is one of the most unforgettable line in one of my English class in high school. I can still clearly remember the instance our teacher said it.
It was in our senior year, in our World Literature class and Ms. Bandoquillo, our English teacher then, called on Joan to answer her question. Joan stood up, looked at the ceiling and everywhere for several seconds then replied "Sorry Miss but I don't know."
Then Miss Band (as we call her, LOL) said the line above. She explained further to us that saying "I don't know" or "We don't know" means that we do not know anything at all. Rather, if you do not have any opinion, or do not know the answer to a question, reply with "I don't have any idea" for it means you just didn't have any idea about a particular subject but you still know some things.
She really has a good point there and so, from then on, I try to reply with "I don't have any idea" when I come across questions that I really have no idea how to answer. :D
Labels: knowledge, life lessons
Finding Answers to Life's Questions
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The title may sound complicated but I assure you, this topic is not.*grin*
Do you believe in signs? Or more importantly, do you ask for them? Because I do, especially when things didn't turn out the way I expect them to. Or when I feel so confused and don't know what to do. Or when I feel like my life is stagnant with no direction.
When I received the news that we were going to Kuwait soon after college graduation way back in 2000, I was so excited and very eager to experience the real world. However, it took months before I was hired for a job here and in those times of being in 'limbo', the boredom of life here in Kuwait had already taken it's toll on me. I used to wonder if I did the right thing, or maybe it would be better if I did not come here at all. But then the next day, my question was answered. I got an email (chain e-mail though it was) but in there, one line has struck me most and it says that "you are where God wants you to be". It has relieved me so much that I stopped questioning my decision and just lived on my life since, after all, I was meant to be here.
Three weeks or so ago, I felt so burnt out from life here in Kuwait. I felt that my life is really going nowhere, I don't like my job and the thought of continuing this for several more years was so frightening. But then I again found the answer to my worries - in one of the websites I've been to. Basically, it tells me to do the thing i have been wanting to do and find some purpose for the free time I have. And that's when i realize that indeed, I got lots of free time. The weekends, the time after I got off from work and before bedtime are free time that I can put to good use. And the thing I have been wanting to do is writing. So lately, I have devoted some of my night time to writing and I can say I had some progress. :D
My friend before also used signs to make decisions, like she's deciding whether to go to their class outing or not. Then she said if she will see someone wearing a World Youth Day t-shirt the next day, she will go. Well, the next day, one of her classmates was indeed wearing a WYD t-shirt so a decision was made for her. :D
Signs are good, in my opinion. It helps lessen some of my confusion, answers some of the questions I have been asking, and in fact, can also help with decision-making sometimes. If you don't believe or you haven't tried it, I encourage you to give it a try sometime. :D
Posted by Sharon at 5/24/2006 04:43:00 PM 8 comments
The title may sound complicated but I assure you, this topic is not.*grin*
Do you believe in signs? Or more importantly, do you ask for them? Because I do, especially when things didn't turn out the way I expect them to. Or when I feel so confused and don't know what to do. Or when I feel like my life is stagnant with no direction.
When I received the news that we were going to Kuwait soon after college graduation way back in 2000, I was so excited and very eager to experience the real world. However, it took months before I was hired for a job here and in those times of being in 'limbo', the boredom of life here in Kuwait had already taken it's toll on me. I used to wonder if I did the right thing, or maybe it would be better if I did not come here at all. But then the next day, my question was answered. I got an email (chain e-mail though it was) but in there, one line has struck me most and it says that "you are where God wants you to be". It has relieved me so much that I stopped questioning my decision and just lived on my life since, after all, I was meant to be here.
Three weeks or so ago, I felt so burnt out from life here in Kuwait. I felt that my life is really going nowhere, I don't like my job and the thought of continuing this for several more years was so frightening. But then I again found the answer to my worries - in one of the websites I've been to. Basically, it tells me to do the thing i have been wanting to do and find some purpose for the free time I have. And that's when i realize that indeed, I got lots of free time. The weekends, the time after I got off from work and before bedtime are free time that I can put to good use. And the thing I have been wanting to do is writing. So lately, I have devoted some of my night time to writing and I can say I had some progress. :D
My friend before also used signs to make decisions, like she's deciding whether to go to their class outing or not. Then she said if she will see someone wearing a World Youth Day t-shirt the next day, she will go. Well, the next day, one of her classmates was indeed wearing a WYD t-shirt so a decision was made for her. :D
Signs are good, in my opinion. It helps lessen some of my confusion, answers some of the questions I have been asking, and in fact, can also help with decision-making sometimes. If you don't believe or you haven't tried it, I encourage you to give it a try sometime. :D
Posted by Sharon at 5/24/2006 04:43:00 PM 8 comments
Labels: answers, life lessons, questions, quotes
Learning Initiative
Orig. written: Thursday, May 18, 2006
Sometimes, being the imperfect person that I am, I get annoyed at people who have no initiative, especially at work and most especially when those people are getting three times my salary merely because they have more work experience than me, and are older than me (and of course they like to play the boss's pet.)
But I don't want to deal on that frustrating, annoying and depressing thought. I just remembered one particular school moment that somehow instilled an initiative in me. I am not perfect but because of this experience, I often try to do the things expected of me, without being told.
One of the greatest teaching routine in our elementary school, I realize just now, was that every week, we got to learn twenty new English words in our Spelling subject. The "Word List" was usually given every Friday, along with the assignment of looking for the meaning of that twenty words and then translate those words in our dialect and then use those words in a sentence (in English of course, not dialect. LOOL) .
So for us back then, it was so tedious coz we have to look up the words in the dictionary, ask our parents what it means in our dialect and then struggled to use it in a sentence.
Then one Friday in our sixth grade (we've been doing it since first grade), our homeroom adviser (who's usually our teacher for Spelling, Reading and Phonics) just gave us the Word List but forgot to give us the assignment of finding the meaning, translating in dialect and using in the sentence.
I remembered I rejoiced a lot then coz it was hours of more free time in the weekend for me. When Monday came and our teacher prepared to go over the usual routine of asking for the meaning, exlplain the word further to us and have us spell the word three times and write the words three times in our spelling drill notebook, the majority of us squealed and complained, saying that she did not give us the assignment.
And she chuckled at our reaction. However, Janice Marie (to differentiate her from the Janice only) said that she did it though.
And what did our teacher do? She praised Janice Marie for her initiative, wrote the word "initiative" in the blackboard and explained the meaning of the word - doing things expected of us without being told. And Janice Marie got extra points (much to the disappointment of some of us, especially those in the honor rolls for up to the last decimal point matters then. LOL)
That had been a very enligtening and a very learning experience for me. I can still remember that day so clear until now. So from then on, I often try to bring out my initiative. :D :D
Sometimes, being the imperfect person that I am, I get annoyed at people who have no initiative, especially at work and most especially when those people are getting three times my salary merely because they have more work experience than me, and are older than me (and of course they like to play the boss's pet.)
But I don't want to deal on that frustrating, annoying and depressing thought. I just remembered one particular school moment that somehow instilled an initiative in me. I am not perfect but because of this experience, I often try to do the things expected of me, without being told.
One of the greatest teaching routine in our elementary school, I realize just now, was that every week, we got to learn twenty new English words in our Spelling subject. The "Word List" was usually given every Friday, along with the assignment of looking for the meaning of that twenty words and then translate those words in our dialect and then use those words in a sentence (in English of course, not dialect. LOOL) .
So for us back then, it was so tedious coz we have to look up the words in the dictionary, ask our parents what it means in our dialect and then struggled to use it in a sentence.
Then one Friday in our sixth grade (we've been doing it since first grade), our homeroom adviser (who's usually our teacher for Spelling, Reading and Phonics) just gave us the Word List but forgot to give us the assignment of finding the meaning, translating in dialect and using in the sentence.
I remembered I rejoiced a lot then coz it was hours of more free time in the weekend for me. When Monday came and our teacher prepared to go over the usual routine of asking for the meaning, exlplain the word further to us and have us spell the word three times and write the words three times in our spelling drill notebook, the majority of us squealed and complained, saying that she did not give us the assignment.
And she chuckled at our reaction. However, Janice Marie (to differentiate her from the Janice only) said that she did it though.
And what did our teacher do? She praised Janice Marie for her initiative, wrote the word "initiative" in the blackboard and explained the meaning of the word - doing things expected of us without being told. And Janice Marie got extra points (much to the disappointment of some of us, especially those in the honor rolls for up to the last decimal point matters then. LOL)
That had been a very enligtening and a very learning experience for me. I can still remember that day so clear until now. So from then on, I often try to bring out my initiative. :D :D
Labels: initiative, life lessons