The Slinky

This toy had been on the market since 1945, two years after it was originally conceived. Nobody thought about the impact it would cause the world. Kids and adults get mesmerized with each movement of a coil. Who would have thought that a simple roll of coils would end up being a center of attraction no matter what the age group of its audience.

I think it's a great device to waste time on. I used to own a couple but every now and then, a friend would ask for it. So I ended up with none until recently. My officemate recently accepted another job opportunity and decided to leave a couple of things behind in her desk. One of which was a slinky which ended up with me. I had it lying in my desk and even when it's not moving, I feel this urge to touch it and move it between my hands. Just watching it move from my hands takes my mind off the things I have to be working on.

It's been a couple of days now and nobody has asked for it. I think I may end up keeping this one for a long time. It's now one of the myriads of toys stuck in my cubicle. I may have to put it somewhere in the back though least it may end up making me unproductive in the coming days.

Not that I care.

Common Sense

There are two general meanings to the term "common sense". The first one is a sense that is common to the others. The second one is a sense that is common to humanity. Both sounds the same but are entirely different from each other. One can say that the first definition refers to a basic truth and the second one refers to a universal truth.

Either case, I just think that common sense pertains to the basic universal knowledge that a person has. Like knowing that fire is hot and ice is cold. It's that built-in ability within each person to distinguish not just right and wrong but also basic human survival skills.

Not everyone is endowed with this. A good example would be autistic people. Most of them have the basic instinct for survival though some of them lack that ability to distinguish which is which. Most of these common sense are learned from day to day occurence and often times are referred to as experiences.

Experience is what you get if you don't get what you want. I'm not sure everyone understands that paradigm but if you think about it, common sense isn't really that common.

Check the people around you and see for yourself.

Miami Heat Wins

I watched the NBA game 6 last night sparingly. I'm not a big basketball fan but I do have my own set of players that I like to watch. One of them is Jason Terry. However, I was rooting for Miami to win. I know, it's complicated.

Let me clarify things. Dwayne Wade is phenominal. But he's not part of the reason why I want Miami to win. I don't like Shaq. I think he's overrated. Plus the fact that for someone to be paid so much money, he could have at least practiced on his free throws during the off-season. Growing up, I have been a Laker fan during the time of Magic Johnson, Kareem and Worthy. With Kobe and Shaq in the Lakers team, I abhorred it. It was just overkill. Here's a team that I like but have two superstars that I don't like. Such a dilemma. So I ended up not being a fan of the Lakers for awhile.

Eventually, Shaq was traded to Miami and I think it should have been Kobe that was given that. But what's done is done. I thought to myself that Shaq should show the Lakers that they have let go of the wrong person. And that he did when he won the 2006 NBA championship courtesy of Dwayne Wade. I'm glad this is all over.

Now I can go back rooting for another team to win in the next one. Maybe I'll root for the Dallas Mavericks then.

Rainy Days and Tuesdays

It's Tuesday and it finally rained. A lot of people were waiting for this break from the usual hot and humid weather that everyone has been having this whole month. The breeze brings a coolness that one would be enticed to stay in bed a little bit longer. Maybe get out of bed to get a cup of coffee and then cuddle up in front of the televeision. If only it's not Tuesday.

I peeked out of the window and enjoyed watching the pitter patter of raindrops as it hits the window and the pavement. I'm almost tempted to go out and walk under the rain. It's not raining that hard but at least there's no lightning too. Nothing beats the feel of cold rain splashing down on you. It's just perfect to go out and enjoy the refreshing rain. If only it's not Tuesday.

The trees outside dance with the wind as the leaves enjoy each drop of rain. If I were outside right now, I'd be like the tree. I'd savor every refreshing feeling for every raindrop that falls on me. I could just stand still out there or maybe prance around like a small kid without a care in the world. If only it's not Tuesday.

I love the rain as much as I enjoy the sun.

If only it's not Tuesday.

Growing Old

I went out to dinner the other day and I saw a sight that showed me an example of human frailty, loving affection, deep care and friendship. Something that's a rarity nowadays. But it was something that brought a lump to my throat as I witness it unfolding right in front on my eyes.

I was sitting there having gotten my plate and was slowly munching on my food when this elderly couple came in and was walking towards a table right across me. They must have been in their late 70s or 80s. The old lady is bent over probably due to multiple sclerosis. One can see that she's having a tough time trying to get to their table. Beside him is the elderly gentleman. I say gentleman because that's how he came across to me. He held her other hand as she inched slowly towards the table and pulled the chair for her so she can take her seat. She smiled as she sat down. He waited on her side and asked her what she wanted. After a brief exchange with her, he gave her a kiss in the cheek and proceeded to the buffett to gather her food for her.

One can see that he too is having trouble walking but he went to the buffet table to get their food. The waitress offered to help but he declined with a smile that showed he's got things covered. He sat down across the old lady to enjoy their food. They smiled at each other and you can see a twinkle on their eyes when they talk. Like there's not a care in the world.

It was like two eyes, two minds, two hearts beating as one at that one moment. He smiled, she blushed. The world around them began to notice. And they didn't mind at all.

I'm reminded of how fragile life is and how it should it be enjoyed.

Peanut Butter and Guava Jelly Sandwich

I never noticed this but I have been consuming peanut butter and guava jelly sandwiches for breakfast for quite some time now except over the weekends. It doesn't bother me but it does feel kinda funny knowing that it has been a constant staple in my morning ritual and have just noticed it today. Maybe it's because I needed something to write on my blog.

I always start my day with a big cup of hot black coffee. Ocassionally, I'd throw in a sugar packet or two but oftentimes, it stays black and sugar free. It's an acquired taste though I'm not alone in that preference. After getting my coffee from the breakroom, I would proceed to my cube to enjoy it together with my sandwich.

Considering I come in really early in the morning, the quiteness of the environment is a welcome treat knowing that in a couple of hours, this serenity will be broken. But I do get to brew myself a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy every morning. Sometimes, someone else beats me to that but I don't complain. It's still coffee.

I prefer decaf or what others call 'unleaded'. I used to take the leaded type but I noticed that it makes me jittery for the rest of the morning. Ever since I switched, I don't get as jumpy as before. Actually, I don't get jumpy anymore. Unless I get called to the head honcho's office.

With all that said, I'd rather really want to start my day with a can of ice cold Diet Coke. I need to feel alive in the early morning and as Coke once advertised.. "Coke Adds Life".

Come Ride With Me

How many people can you carry in a regular motorcycle? Apparently more than two. Just look at the picture over there. I know a lot of people will contest and say that they know or heard of someone who can carry more than what's on the picture and I'm not contesting that. As they say, whatever works.

But is it safe? Personally, I'd say it's not. But who am I to question the driver's skill? I can not and should not. They may be the best in what they do. People around these drivers put their faith on these drivers that they will bring them safely to their destinations. I don't have that much faith though. Besides, I don't think I'll fit in any of those seats. Or rather, I choose not to fit in any of the seats.

One thing I know is that this is a classic example of maximizing profits and resources. Maybe the whole world could learn from this. This also affects pollution. The lesser the trips, the lesser the pollution. No one can argue with that. This may become a big thing in the future.

Don't you know that big things come from small things?

666

The mark of the beast? Obviously, a lot of people think so. Myself, I think they are just numbers. But how and when did numbers began to acquire religious significance? Philosophers and theologians would debate this for a long time and still not come out with a definitive answer. When the world was young, people tend to look towards the occult and numerology was somehow connected with it.

June 6, 2006. Written simply as 6-6-6. Ths sixth day of the sixth month of the 6th year of the new millenium. A lot of hoopla going on. The apocalypse they say is among us. Prayer rallies against the devil are held in some churches. Me? I go to work. If this day is really significant, then it should become a non-working day. I'd believe anything so long as it gives me a day off from work. I'd rather be fishing today than spend my day listening to corporate honchos and breaking my back trying to meet a deadline.

It's still early and the day looks really well outside from my office window. It's hot though. I think it's about 90 degrees out there today. Feels like hell. Oh wait... could this be a sign in relation to the day bearing the mark of the beast? I sure hope no one would interpret it that way. Mass hysteria can be easily invoked. Besides, the temperature was in the 90s since last month.

But then if this is a sign of the times, i am not really worried. I know I'm going to hell anyway so might as well get accustomed to the heat.

Deep Thoughts...

A lighted candle in hand, I stare into the nothingness. The moon shines brightly as if touching the tip of the mountain from beyond the valley. No clouds hinder the magnificent view. No stars share the limelight. Only the bright full moon. From where I'm standing, it lights up the whole heavens.

All night long, my thoughts arise. One after another, memories play with my emotions. There are those that produce a smile on my face, some that make me cringe, others makes me sad but it's nice to remember them. They're part of me.. my past and have helped in shaping me what I am.. where I'm at now. In the end, I put off my candle in compassion for the light of the moon.

I can feel the dew around me. It's getting too late or maybe too early. I remember friends, places, and things. It's nice to remember. Some people have lost this ability. To be able to look back and remember... its a blessing no matter what. The moonlight smiles at me.

As I cannot capture this essence in my hands, I will forever remember this moment. That at one time, the moon shone just for me.