The Wandering Deity's World

"The best things in life are free,
Now that I've discovered what you mean to me
The best things in life are free,
Now that we've got each other
The best things in life are free..."

~ Luther Vandross

They say that the best things in life are free. I beg to disagree. They say that owning the latest cellular phone model, for free, is the coolest thing on earth. Nah. I don't think it is.

Having existed for nearly four decades now in this chaotic world, I  have amassed things that definitely did not come free. Things that I never have to buy though.

Things that I will always be grateful of.

And some of them are:

1. The family. My parents, my son, my siblings and their families -- the loved ones that I will never exchange for anything in the world. In times of despondency, their unconditional love keeps me lucid. Yes, it's kinda costly to call them everyday, yet just hearing their voices, especially my son's, is priceless.

2. The fiance. Although distance sometimes causes unwanted conflicts; trivial issues are overshadowed by his undeviating love-- something that money can never ever barter for. There's no wealth on this planet that could gauge his affection. I found the pirate's treasure. 

3. The students. They may unconsciously entice me to mutilate all of them most of the times; they doubtlessly always make my days (albeit not often good). Their constant shrieking, whining, crying and fighting is invaluable. No amount of Korean won could ever equal the joy they bring to my days.

4. The friends. The few ones here in Korea. The old friends I got back home. The online friends. Their loyalty, the moral support they provide, the blogs they write that allow me to peek into their world and entertain my most arid  moments -- that, can never be bargained. These friends were, are and will always be treasured. I am glad they made me a part of their lives.

5. The daily trials. The inevitable problems. I certainly didn't ask for them yet they keep me up on my toes. Without these worriments, my life would be a big BORE!

I have the best things in life anyone could wish for. God knows how much I appreciate them... I am and will always be.

But hey I didn't say I will say no to a FREE Manolo Blahnik sandals for my birthday. =) 

I finally received the Van Gogh magnets that blog friend Petite sent. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Some monts ago, I read in her blog about the ref magnet swapping. I thought it's really cool so I enthusiastically joined in.

Now, the magnets are prominently displayed on my miniature ref. Sweet!

Anyone who cares to join, let me know. It's fun! I  have bunch of Korean emperors and empresses magnets to swap with:)

I just have to share this beautiful peace I got in my in-box today. 

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction -- our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. There is God to look after everything. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will keep Your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget.

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Believe in the justice of God. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition.

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody Without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Why find your value in what other people say about you? Just do your duties ethically and sincerely and leave the rest to God.

4. Do Not Be Jealous.

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes They get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, But you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one Year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind. - COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE A LOT!

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment.

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured.

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it." God's plan is beyond our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly.

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant.

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or temple work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret.

Do not waste time in protracted wondering "Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember, God has His own plan, too for you. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. Do not regret. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take it as the Will of God. You do not have the power to alter the course of God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk?


May God help you remain at peace with yourself and the world around you!

Friends, let's pray for the success of Ally's major operation. She is one of the greatest persons I met online and I truly wish to meet and dine with her someday.

Ally, hang in there. You will make it. I know that.

I see people rush to work everyday. I see them dash to grocery stores on paydays to buy necessities for everyday breathing. I see them hurry to school to get education. Then I see them haste to graduate and go through the process of scrambling to work... bla bla bla.

Aren't we all insane to work 8 hours or sometimes 12 hours a day, only to die in a senseless manner even  before we reach our retirement days?

Isn't it pathetic that we all spend the hours of our daily lives struggling to make our future better? Isn't that a clear proof of insanity? Isn't that schizophrenia in its finest?

Why do we have to go through that cycle of birth, school, job, marriage, retirement, then death?

Why? It's because that's what NORMAL people do!

Then how about those who suffer from mental defects, those who exist in their own make believe world inside the mental asylum? What do we call them? We call  them lunatics! Why again? Because they don't exist the way the normal people do. They don't go to work. They don't worry about savings. They don't worry about credit cards. They don't worry about life insurance. Because they are CRAZY! Bla bla bla.

What's wrong in this picture? Nothing.

Except that I guess, everything's wrong. We all should be existing like the neurotics do. Live in our own fantasy world and never pay a worry how the boss will deal with us tomorrow when he finds out that we screwed up. That should be the LIFE!

You have to admit it... we are all NUTS! Period!

And for you all crazy people out there, enjoy this song.

My regular classes start at 3:00 pm. To maximize my working hours, I decided to post my resume online and got an offer in this kindergarten school. I was called for an interview and was told  that the orientation for the spring class will be on 5 March at 11:00 am, which is today. I excitedly look forward to this part time job as it means extra mo'. A week ago, I emailed the agent who facilitated the hiring process and confirmed everything. The agent told me that the school administrators like me a lot and I should be on time on the orientation day. Okay!

I took the cab to make sure that I won't be late. Apparently, the program started earlier than I expected because when I arrived, the hall is already filled with children, parents, and guests. Up on the stage, I saw two foreign teachers, with their smiles stuck like glue on their faces. I tried to inch nearer and waited for that moment when the foreign teachers are introduced to the audience. My name was not called. I assumed that perhaps the boss was fazed to call me in front as I am no native speaker with neither blond hair or blue/gray eyes. I sat patiently and waited for the program to finish.

As soon as the orientation is done, I approached the administrator and said hi. She seemed agog-ed to see me. She asked me in Korean what I was doing there. I told her in English that I thought I was supposed to attend the program as I will be starting to work tomorrow, 6 March 2006.

The rest was a very humiliating process of finding out I am no longer hired. How bloody fucked up is that? That, at the last minute, the school bosses decided to change their mind and hired the fat woman and the thin creepy man instead. No offense to native speakers teachers, but suddenly, I hated them all. I bet the circus duo that school hired don't even have units in Early Child Education. Oh I am so bitter!

I told the witch-y boss that I didn't hear any such news from anybody. She angrily called the agent and shoved the phone on my hand. I told the agent that I am embarrassed beyond words and I don't certainly think I deserve any of this. Never mind that most of the parents were there, standing in the hallway listening to every bit of half English - half Korean discourse I was having with this warlock headmistress.

Discomposed, I left the school and headed back home. I cried my heart out and got ready for my regular job.

This is not the first time this kind of thing happened. This is actually the third! When am I going to learn that between me and a blond fat girl, any Korean school boss would always choose the latter. Arrggghhhh...

Oh well. I guess this is just one of those days. 

Anyhoo, today I bought my very first red stiletto shoes to compensate for depression. Might as well be stylish while going through another bout of blunder. Blah!

And I will always treasure the few ones who are always there- never washed away by the tides of time- staying, culminating their presence in my life and mine in theirs.