30 Years and a Home

After checking my emails and rummaging through paperworks, I am currently in a state of a 10-minute self-declared “pause” from work with a mug of Monk’s blend coffee on one hand. I recalled what went on earlier this week and I remembered how this person, who in his retirement years, I suspect ( but whose energy is that of a 50 yr old) talked so enthusiastically and passionately about his recent trip overseas to visit his son and his family. The thrill of hearing about places and imagining sights you’ve never been  is always a big wow to me!  Anyway, to cut a not so long story ( as I do not have the luxury of time to listen for even half of an hour , although I wished to!) , at the end of  the talk, I was led into checking what’s in store in Bakersfield, California.

Yes, the city’s website impressed me, their calendar marked different activities for people from all walks of life , and the list can go on and on… BUT , this one article impressed me a lot, a whole LOT more than what the city can offer or just how great the community is. It just defined a simple, single cell – a nutshell of that community. It speaks about what commitment is all about, how a house cannot be defined solely as an investment but more importantly, how we can make it a home.  Like that one from a too familiar song? It’s okay, you can belt it out all day!

Read on …( thanks Valerie Schultz! you rock!) !

Are You a Good Boss?

I am on for hectic weeks! I am embracing it as the energy keeps me on my toes, day in and out. My mind right now is playing how to manage my time – it is a cliché, never mind – still the same – being a working mom always keeps me on a juggling mode. But who cares? M-O-M  is certainly one of the noblest professions on earth!  I love every single minute of being a mother!

Anyway, back to my 8-5 office work mode,  I stumbled upon this interesting article from the McKinsey Quarterly that we ( employees, cum bosses or under a boss, or trying to be a boss! Hahaha! ) can learn , 2 things even more, not 1.  

“Why good bosses tune in to their people”(click this link for the full article) defined the “romance of leadership” in a workplace.   On the topic, Taking Control ( in a subtle way , that is ), it listed “taking the blame”. I found it amusing when suddenly I remembered P-Noy owning up and taking responsibility of the recent government fiasco in the way the crisis  ( you know the details…) was handled. It got mixed reactions, but take it anyway. That single act of the President alone was humbling…How to bolster performance? The article suggested that making small gestures will surely go a long way.  In the end, bosses are faced with a litmus test –  posing a question, 

         “ What does it feel like to work for me?” The writer , Robert  Stutton further commented , “ If your people answered this question honestly, would they say that you know the impact your words and deeds have on them—or that you are living in a fool’s paradise?”

Time to wake up , Bosses!

Lifegroup at Gazebo over Kiwi Swirl Yogurt atbp

Finally, the heavy traffic allowed me to pass by several blocks and finally put Avy to stop in a nearby building to my ultimate destination last night - Kiwi Swirl Yogurt ( beside Gazebo) at Velez St., CDO. Not that I go crazy over the yogurt mania that colegialas (because I'm way past to be one!) love, nor was I looking for that coziness of the former Gazebo (though partly true :-( ). When we stepped in, I was met with a mixed atmosphere - but still happy with what I see - tables filled up w/ chatting students, while i suspect, the parents are, well, just in a nearby table over cups of coffee and some "old" gazebo delicacies (KJ!). Me and Dana especially love their Spaghetti Bolognese, paired with Ice Tea. Yes, I was a bit disappointed w/ its sauce not so red as I can remember, but , who cares, it still tasted the same w/ that Old Italian kick.

I look forward to the next Fridays - not only to taste the newest swirl in town, or savor the pasta, taste the tea or sip the brew , but more importantly, to feed my soul and to let my cup overflow for others.. I just love Fridays! Victory Lifegroup meet-ups happen here!

Tawa-tawa and Dengue

At first, I found it hard to read it as it is spelled with a 'u' instead of 'w' as what is common here in the southern part of the Philippines.  The once  lowly tawa-tawa (scientific name :euphorbia hierta) has taken it's royal seat with the country's ongoing fight against dengue . The Philippine Daily Inquirer has it on front page, with DOH claiming that dengue is now under control . This is good news, but then , as we learned in kindergarten, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

Stay healthy, wealthy and wise! ( need we add more?:-)

What's for Dinner?

Hmmm... just got home from a kids party at Pizza Hut , dinner isn't top of my list as I slumped in the sofa. Well, next to Julie and Julia, i think I'd settle for CNN's Talk Asia feature on Cristeta Comerford. Catch the interview tonight (7:30 p.m.), September 2 (11:30 a.m.), September 4 (7 p.m.), September 5 (3:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.), and September 6 (2:30 a.m.). 


Hail to Chef! ( so fitting!)


Bon appetit!