Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hello from New Jersey!
Hello from NJ!
Hello my family, I have been reading off and on all the messages on this blog. Just wanted to give you a quick update on Ravi and myself. School's over and this exhausted teacher is enjoying the first week of summer holidays. I am working part time doing some curriculum writing for the board and all is well. Ravi is doing well being recognized for his work in the ER for his clinical work. Frisco is getting bigger and more adorable each day. He is my shadow and workout buddy! So....the bad news is that Ravi and I will probably not be able to come to the Gosyne family picnic this year (conflicting events, weddings etc.) However, in August we are going to travel to Ireland our good news! All cousins are welcome to join, we will meet Kavita and Lakshmi there and a few of Ravi's friends may also come. It cost us about $530 US per ticket on an internet special. Well let us know, the more the merrier. Are you feeling the luck of the Irish?! Should be a good time. Well anyways here is a picture of my kindergarten po po's this year for their moving up ceremony (Hawaiian Luau theme)
Hello my family, I have been reading off and on all the messages on this blog. Just wanted to give you a quick update on Ravi and myself. School's over and this exhausted teacher is enjoying the first week of summer holidays. I am working part time doing some curriculum writing for the board and all is well. Ravi is doing well being recognized for his work in the ER for his clinical work. Frisco is getting bigger and more adorable each day. He is my shadow and workout buddy! So....the bad news is that Ravi and I will probably not be able to come to the Gosyne family picnic this year (conflicting events, weddings etc.) However, in August we are going to travel to Ireland our good news! All cousins are welcome to join, we will meet Kavita and Lakshmi there and a few of Ravi's friends may also come. It cost us about $530 US per ticket on an internet special. Well let us know, the more the merrier. Are you feeling the luck of the Irish?! Should be a good time. Well anyways here is a picture of my kindergarten po po's this year for their moving up ceremony (Hawaiian Luau theme)
Friday, June 22, 2007
Super Hero
Super Hero
Nathaniel Bronner Jr.
Dr. Marilyn spoke at our staff meeting. She took us through exercises as she worked to get our minds and spirits adjusted to a more positive direction.
"Close your eyes and think back to when you were small. What did you want to be? What were your dreams? What did you want to do? Close your eyes and think back." she instructed.
I closed my eyes and thought back. I remembered what I wanted to be.
Dr. Marilyn then told of her early beginnings as a writer. She told of the articles and the publishing successes that she experienced but so many of them were punctuated by, "I didn't get paid for that."
Her words struck me.
I worked in a corner drug store when I was very small. I was below the age limit to work but the store made an exception. My father owned the store, thus the exception.
I worked long and hard. I treasured my lunch breaks. Not so much for the food or the rest, it was what I did during my lunch breaks that I treasured. I read comic books. I read the action books, not the romance or the comedies, action, pure action.
When I closed my eyes and thought back, I knew instantly what I had aspired to be.
A Super Hero!
Superman, Batman, Spiderman and Ironman were some of my heroes.
In all of the action comics that I read, there were two distinct patterns. Those two patterns were in every action comic book that I can recall.
First, there was always a battle between good and evil. The battle was always tough. The battle was always a close call. No matter how strong or how many powers the Super Hero had, evil pushed him to the very limit and most times almost defeated him.
Second, the Super Hero was never paid for his contribution to society; he always earned his living in his alter ego.
Superman made money as Clark Kent, a newspaper reporter.
Batman made money as Bruce Wayne, a rich industrialist.
Spiderman made money as Peter Parker, a photographer.
Ironman made money as Tony Stark, owner of Stark Industries.
None of them were paid for being a Super Hero and the contributions they made as Super Heroes.
As I listened to Dr. Marilyn state how she had never been paid for many things, a light popped on in my mind.
"The real Super Heroes don't get paid for the Super Hero stuff!"
I pastor a church and have never accepted a salary or taken up love offerings for myself. It's correct to be fairly compensated but I, like Paul, simply choose not to.
I am the editor of MountainWings and the AirJesus.com websites, and I don’t get any money for that either.
I realized as my eyes were closed that it is Super Hero stuff and my dream has been realized.
You've got Super Hero stuff too.
Parenting
Volunteering
Helping a stranger or friend in need
Doing anything beneficial that takes time, effort, energy or resources and where you expect no monetary return is Super Hero stuff.
Use your powers well.
Nathaniel Bronner Jr.
Dr. Marilyn spoke at our staff meeting. She took us through exercises as she worked to get our minds and spirits adjusted to a more positive direction.
"Close your eyes and think back to when you were small. What did you want to be? What were your dreams? What did you want to do? Close your eyes and think back." she instructed.
I closed my eyes and thought back. I remembered what I wanted to be.
Dr. Marilyn then told of her early beginnings as a writer. She told of the articles and the publishing successes that she experienced but so many of them were punctuated by, "I didn't get paid for that."
Her words struck me.
I worked in a corner drug store when I was very small. I was below the age limit to work but the store made an exception. My father owned the store, thus the exception.
I worked long and hard. I treasured my lunch breaks. Not so much for the food or the rest, it was what I did during my lunch breaks that I treasured. I read comic books. I read the action books, not the romance or the comedies, action, pure action.
When I closed my eyes and thought back, I knew instantly what I had aspired to be.
A Super Hero!
Superman, Batman, Spiderman and Ironman were some of my heroes.
In all of the action comics that I read, there were two distinct patterns. Those two patterns were in every action comic book that I can recall.
First, there was always a battle between good and evil. The battle was always tough. The battle was always a close call. No matter how strong or how many powers the Super Hero had, evil pushed him to the very limit and most times almost defeated him.
Second, the Super Hero was never paid for his contribution to society; he always earned his living in his alter ego.
Superman made money as Clark Kent, a newspaper reporter.
Batman made money as Bruce Wayne, a rich industrialist.
Spiderman made money as Peter Parker, a photographer.
Ironman made money as Tony Stark, owner of Stark Industries.
None of them were paid for being a Super Hero and the contributions they made as Super Heroes.
As I listened to Dr. Marilyn state how she had never been paid for many things, a light popped on in my mind.
"The real Super Heroes don't get paid for the Super Hero stuff!"
I pastor a church and have never accepted a salary or taken up love offerings for myself. It's correct to be fairly compensated but I, like Paul, simply choose not to.
I am the editor of MountainWings and the AirJesus.com websites, and I don’t get any money for that either.
I realized as my eyes were closed that it is Super Hero stuff and my dream has been realized.
You've got Super Hero stuff too.
Parenting
Volunteering
Helping a stranger or friend in need
Doing anything beneficial that takes time, effort, energy or resources and where you expect no monetary return is Super Hero stuff.
Use your powers well.
We Are The Decent People
We are the decent people of the world. We are in the majority, for men and women are essentially decent. We live in all nations, we live under all the flags that fly.
Decency is not determined by our economic status, our religion, the language we speak, the color of our skin, or the ideology under which we live. Human decency is a universal quality.
We, the decent people of the world, often have our voices drowned out by the shouts of leaders who misrepresent the things for which we stand.
We the decent people carry enough weight to tip the scale for decency if we will make ourselves heard...
We believe that war is the great indecency, that it kills and destroys all the higher sensibilities of man and leaves only death, suffering, and destruction in its wake.
We believe that this is a beautiful universe and that it is made for love and not for hate; for peace and not war; for freedom and not slavery; for order and not riot; for compassion and not violence; for happiness and not misery.
We believe that there is only one war to be waged in the name of human decency, and that is the war against all the common enemies of man... hunger, disease, poverty, ignorance, crime and failure.
We believe that every child should have the chance to grow up in an atmosphere of faith, not of fear.
We believe that the ultimate decency is to help men and never harm men, to lift men and not degrade men, and to respect the dignity of all men as individual human beings.
We the decent people of the world stand for the kind of life that will be good for all of the people, all of the time, everywhere."
Decency is not determined by our economic status, our religion, the language we speak, the color of our skin, or the ideology under which we live. Human decency is a universal quality.
We, the decent people of the world, often have our voices drowned out by the shouts of leaders who misrepresent the things for which we stand.
We the decent people carry enough weight to tip the scale for decency if we will make ourselves heard...
We believe that war is the great indecency, that it kills and destroys all the higher sensibilities of man and leaves only death, suffering, and destruction in its wake.
We believe that this is a beautiful universe and that it is made for love and not for hate; for peace and not war; for freedom and not slavery; for order and not riot; for compassion and not violence; for happiness and not misery.
We believe that there is only one war to be waged in the name of human decency, and that is the war against all the common enemies of man... hunger, disease, poverty, ignorance, crime and failure.
We believe that every child should have the chance to grow up in an atmosphere of faith, not of fear.
We believe that the ultimate decency is to help men and never harm men, to lift men and not degrade men, and to respect the dignity of all men as individual human beings.
We the decent people of the world stand for the kind of life that will be good for all of the people, all of the time, everywhere."
The Thirty Second Quiz
Don't bother getting a pen and paper... just read... if you can't
answer them, just keep going.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last five Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. Name three teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worth while.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson?
The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care.
(Wishing you a BEAUTIFUL day!)
answer them, just keep going.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last five Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Now here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. Name three teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worth while.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson?
The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care.
(Wishing you a BEAUTIFUL day!)
Embracing the mystery
When all the words have been written, and all the
phrases have been spoken, the great mystery of life
will still remain. We may map the terrains of our
lives, measure the farthest reaches of the universe,
but no amount of searching will ever reveal for certain
whether we are all children of chance or part of a
great design.
And who among us would have it otherwise? Who
would wish to take the mystery out of the experience
of looking into a newborn infant’s eyes? Who would
not feel in violation of something great if we had
knowledge of what has departed when we stare into
the face of one who has died? These are the events
that made us human, that define the distance
between the stars and us.
Still, this life is not easy. Much of its mystery is darkness. Tragedies occur, injustices exist. Bad things befall good people and sufferings are visited upon the innocent. To live we must take the lives of other species, to survive we must leave some of our brothers and sisters by the side of the road. We are prisoners of time, victims of biology, hostages of our own capacity to dream.
At times it all seems too much, impossible to accept.
We must stand against this. The world is a great mysterious place, and it’s possibilities are infinite, governed only by what our hearts can conceive. If we incline our hearts towards the darkness, we will see darkness. If we incline them toward the light, we will see the light.
Those of great heart have always known this. They have understood that, as honorable as it is to see the wrong and try to correct it, a life well lived must somehow celebrate the promise that life provides. The darkness at the limits of our knowledge; the darkness that sometimes seem to surround us is merely a way to make us reach beyond certainty, to make our lives a witness to hope, a testimony to possibility, an urge toward the best and the most honorable impulses that our hearts can conceive.
It is not hard. There is in each of us, no matter how humble, a capacity for love. Even if our lives have not taken the course we had envisioned, even if we are less than the shape of our dreams, we are part of the human family. Somewhere, in the most inconsequential corners of our lives, is the opportunity for love.
If I am blind, I can run my hand across the back of a shell and celebrate beauty. If I have no legs, I can sit in quiet wonder before the restless murmurs of the sea. If I am wounded in spirit, I can reach out my hand to those who are hurting. If I am lonely, I can go among those who are desperate for love. There is no tragedy or injustice so great, no life so small and inconsequential, that we cannot bear witness to the light in the quiet acts and hidden moments of our days.
And who can say which of these acts and moments will make a difference? The universe is vast and is a magical membrane of meaning, stretching across time and space, and it is not given to us to know her secrets and her ways. Perhaps we were placed here to meet the challenge of a single moment; perhaps the touch we give will cause the touch that will change the world.
phrases have been spoken, the great mystery of life
will still remain. We may map the terrains of our
lives, measure the farthest reaches of the universe,
but no amount of searching will ever reveal for certain
whether we are all children of chance or part of a
great design.
And who among us would have it otherwise? Who
would wish to take the mystery out of the experience
of looking into a newborn infant’s eyes? Who would
not feel in violation of something great if we had
knowledge of what has departed when we stare into
the face of one who has died? These are the events
that made us human, that define the distance
between the stars and us.
Still, this life is not easy. Much of its mystery is darkness. Tragedies occur, injustices exist. Bad things befall good people and sufferings are visited upon the innocent. To live we must take the lives of other species, to survive we must leave some of our brothers and sisters by the side of the road. We are prisoners of time, victims of biology, hostages of our own capacity to dream.
At times it all seems too much, impossible to accept.
We must stand against this. The world is a great mysterious place, and it’s possibilities are infinite, governed only by what our hearts can conceive. If we incline our hearts towards the darkness, we will see darkness. If we incline them toward the light, we will see the light.
Those of great heart have always known this. They have understood that, as honorable as it is to see the wrong and try to correct it, a life well lived must somehow celebrate the promise that life provides. The darkness at the limits of our knowledge; the darkness that sometimes seem to surround us is merely a way to make us reach beyond certainty, to make our lives a witness to hope, a testimony to possibility, an urge toward the best and the most honorable impulses that our hearts can conceive.
It is not hard. There is in each of us, no matter how humble, a capacity for love. Even if our lives have not taken the course we had envisioned, even if we are less than the shape of our dreams, we are part of the human family. Somewhere, in the most inconsequential corners of our lives, is the opportunity for love.
If I am blind, I can run my hand across the back of a shell and celebrate beauty. If I have no legs, I can sit in quiet wonder before the restless murmurs of the sea. If I am wounded in spirit, I can reach out my hand to those who are hurting. If I am lonely, I can go among those who are desperate for love. There is no tragedy or injustice so great, no life so small and inconsequential, that we cannot bear witness to the light in the quiet acts and hidden moments of our days.
And who can say which of these acts and moments will make a difference? The universe is vast and is a magical membrane of meaning, stretching across time and space, and it is not given to us to know her secrets and her ways. Perhaps we were placed here to meet the challenge of a single moment; perhaps the touch we give will cause the touch that will change the world.
Last Will And Testament
Charles Lounsberry
In the pocket of an old ragged coat belonging to an elderly man in Chicago, there was found, after his death, a will. According to Barbara Boyd, in the Washington Law Reporter, the man had been a lawyer, and the will was written in a firm clear hand on a few scraps of paper. So unusual was it, that it was sent to another attorney; and so impressed was he with its contents, that he read it before the Chicago Bar Association and a resolution was passed ordering it probated. It is now on the records of Cook County Illinois.
I, Charles Lounsberry, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby make and publish this my Last Will and Testament, in order, as justly as may be, to distribute my interests in the world among succeeding men.
That part of my interests which is known in law and recognized in the sheep-bound volumes as my property, being inconsiderable and of no account, I make no disposition of in this, my Will. My right to live, being but a life estate, is not at my disposal, but, these things excepted, all else in the world I now proceed to devise and bequeath.
ITEM: I give to good fathers and mothers, in trust to their children, all good little words of praise and encouragement, and all quaint pet names and endearments; and I charge said parents to use them justly, but generously, as the deeds of their children shall require.
ITEM: I leave to children inclusively, but only for the term of their childhood, all, and every, the flowers of the field, and the blossoms of the woods, with the right to play among them freely according to the custom of children, warning them at the same time against the thistles and the thorns. And I devise to the children the banks of the brooks and the golden sands beneath the waters thereof, and the odors of the willows that dip therein, and the white clouds that float high over the giant trees.
And I leave the children the long, long days to be merry in a thousand ways, and the night and the moon and the train of the Milky Way to wonder at, but subject, nevertheless, to the rights hereinafter given to lovers.
ITEM: I devise to boys jointly all the idle fields and commons where ball may be played, all pleasant waters where one may swim, all snow-clad hills where one may coast, and all streams and ponds where one may fish, or where, when grim winter comes, one may skate, to have and to hold the same for the period of their boyhood. And all meadows, with the clover-blossoms and butterflies thereof; the woods with their appurtenances; the squirrels and birds and echoes and strange noises, and all distant places, which may be visited, together with the adventures there to be found. And I give to said boys, each his own place at the fireside at night, with all pictures that may be seen in the burning wood, to enjoy without hindrance and without any incumbrance of care.
ITEM: To lovers, I devise their imaginary world, with whatever they may need, as the stars of the sky, the red roses by the wall, the bloom of the hawthorn, the sweet strains of music, and anything else they may desire to figure to each other the lastingness and beauty of their love.
ITEM: To young men jointly, I devise and bequeath all boisterous inspiring sports of rivalry, and I give to them the disdain of weakness and undaunted confidence in their own strength. Though they are rude, I leave them to the powers to make lasting friendships, and of possessing companions, and to them exclusively I give all merry songs and brave choruses to sing with lusty voices.
ITEM: And to those who are no longer children, or youths, or lovers, I leave memory, and bequeath to them the volumes of the poems of Burns and Shakespeare, and of other poets, if there be any, to the end that they may live the old days over again, freely and fully without tithe or diminution.
ITEM: To the loved ones with snowy crowns, I bequeath the happiness of old age, the love and gratitude of their children until they fall asleep.
Rate this story!
In the pocket of an old ragged coat belonging to an elderly man in Chicago, there was found, after his death, a will. According to Barbara Boyd, in the Washington Law Reporter, the man had been a lawyer, and the will was written in a firm clear hand on a few scraps of paper. So unusual was it, that it was sent to another attorney; and so impressed was he with its contents, that he read it before the Chicago Bar Association and a resolution was passed ordering it probated. It is now on the records of Cook County Illinois.
I, Charles Lounsberry, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby make and publish this my Last Will and Testament, in order, as justly as may be, to distribute my interests in the world among succeeding men.
That part of my interests which is known in law and recognized in the sheep-bound volumes as my property, being inconsiderable and of no account, I make no disposition of in this, my Will. My right to live, being but a life estate, is not at my disposal, but, these things excepted, all else in the world I now proceed to devise and bequeath.
ITEM: I give to good fathers and mothers, in trust to their children, all good little words of praise and encouragement, and all quaint pet names and endearments; and I charge said parents to use them justly, but generously, as the deeds of their children shall require.
ITEM: I leave to children inclusively, but only for the term of their childhood, all, and every, the flowers of the field, and the blossoms of the woods, with the right to play among them freely according to the custom of children, warning them at the same time against the thistles and the thorns. And I devise to the children the banks of the brooks and the golden sands beneath the waters thereof, and the odors of the willows that dip therein, and the white clouds that float high over the giant trees.
And I leave the children the long, long days to be merry in a thousand ways, and the night and the moon and the train of the Milky Way to wonder at, but subject, nevertheless, to the rights hereinafter given to lovers.
ITEM: I devise to boys jointly all the idle fields and commons where ball may be played, all pleasant waters where one may swim, all snow-clad hills where one may coast, and all streams and ponds where one may fish, or where, when grim winter comes, one may skate, to have and to hold the same for the period of their boyhood. And all meadows, with the clover-blossoms and butterflies thereof; the woods with their appurtenances; the squirrels and birds and echoes and strange noises, and all distant places, which may be visited, together with the adventures there to be found. And I give to said boys, each his own place at the fireside at night, with all pictures that may be seen in the burning wood, to enjoy without hindrance and without any incumbrance of care.
ITEM: To lovers, I devise their imaginary world, with whatever they may need, as the stars of the sky, the red roses by the wall, the bloom of the hawthorn, the sweet strains of music, and anything else they may desire to figure to each other the lastingness and beauty of their love.
ITEM: To young men jointly, I devise and bequeath all boisterous inspiring sports of rivalry, and I give to them the disdain of weakness and undaunted confidence in their own strength. Though they are rude, I leave them to the powers to make lasting friendships, and of possessing companions, and to them exclusively I give all merry songs and brave choruses to sing with lusty voices.
ITEM: And to those who are no longer children, or youths, or lovers, I leave memory, and bequeath to them the volumes of the poems of Burns and Shakespeare, and of other poets, if there be any, to the end that they may live the old days over again, freely and fully without tithe or diminution.
ITEM: To the loved ones with snowy crowns, I bequeath the happiness of old age, the love and gratitude of their children until they fall asleep.
Rate this story!
Desperation
franz
Fellow Traveler
Location: Philiphines
It was 3 a.m. in a winter morning. I felt the cold numb tingles on my feet. I was listening to "Queen" to stay awake. I was in my room- studying. Yes, that's right studying! You might think that I was pulling the one night stand on my exam. Well, it's more of a 16-nights-stand. Of course I slept too - 2 hours per night and an hour of power nap during the day.
Welcome to med-student living nightmare!
I'm Pierre and I got in to medicine. You see, I have never been quite that desparate ever before. But I was.
I was half-way around the world (Indonesian studing in New Zealand). My half-hearted dream was to be a psychiatrist. I went through terrible childhood experiences( e.g.my mum walked out off the family without a reason).
My other dreams were to be a world famous Jazz singer-like Sinatra- or open a three stars Michellin Restaurant-like Gordon Ramsay. But my lesson here was, " Life is about choices". I was brilliant in all those skills but I had also learn to realize that human is a slave of time so I decide, " Psychiatry! Chef n Jazz are for next time, next life or maybe heaven".
Anyway, back to how I got in to Med. Well, it took one year and my competition was 1500 med-student wannabe; there was 150 places. These students were born with books in their hands. They wanted it bad too. The course disqualifies you if you get a B- or below in any of your subjects. It was nuts! To see if you want to do it too, visit www.otago.ac.nz
You see, I had never studied! Ever! I was happy with getting E average in 1st grade or A+ in 10th grade but I had never ever studied at home. I pratically memorized and did my homeworks in classroom. One thing for certain, my results were not stable.
Until.... University!
I wanted to... one day... to be someone! Someone that contributed to human race in a good way. So I closed my eyes and slowly, I pictured myself the ME in future. Who was I?Who would I be with? Do I drive to work? Do I live in an apartment or the suburban?
I yelled," Yes! That's me!"
I wanted my dream badly, I wanted it so bad, it was what I dream about when I dreamt at night. I was desparate.
I gave away my TV to charity, I needed more time. I was chewing books everyday. I was a freak-geek but to me it was persistence. I had to stop chasing girls too!
Still, my hardwork only gave me B's(a very close call) eventhough I had been extremely certain to get A+ during the tests.
10 Months went by, there were good times and were bad times. At least, I was still qualified to get in. But 800 others were also qualified. I prayed so hard, I went crazy.
I wrote a passage in my mirror," My name is Pierre and I am going to be a Psychiatrist!" That words kept me awake when I took my 2 minute breaks between my 16-nights-stand.
I also noticed, my eyes were full of bloodshots with dark rings surrounds it. My lips were dry. I lost many hairs. I lost 8lbs of weight. Beforehand, I was very fit and healthy with a belly waiting to have a sixpack
Day 12, I woke up. Big thumping headache! I walked into the bathroom. Then, all went black- I fainted. It was dead-black, but I saw a being. It was my face, it was me in future. I heard a voice," gggegegge....gegeggeg...Get UP! Come On 4 more days! It's Nothing!" The voice repeated three times before I had the power to pull my eyelids apart. I was OK. I was lying on the floor but I was fine. I giggled and I laughed! I was too happy. I felt stupid but I was amazed. I felt if I had died trying, what a man I was! But I had more study to do.
When Exams were over, I came back to my room. I wiped out my mirror writings. Then, my body was as light as the air when I approached my wonderful bed. It was the best sleep I ever had.
But then, I had to wait and wait and wait for a long time of two months to see if I made it. If my craze was worth it. If Mother Mary had blessed me.
That morning, I heard a noise in the front door. I ran out. It was the pretty postgirl who brought me the letter of my life. I tore it quickly but carefully...
" Dear Pierre , bla bla.... here are the places that you're accepted in...1. Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery... 2....Dentistry... bla bla bla...."
....
...
..
...
I ran to the postgal and kissed her in the cheek and I said," Thank You! You are an Angel"
I'm in!
It's not that I am a psychiatrist now, but it's an easier life now. A more sane one I guess. It's still another 12 years of study but I had passed the highest hill.
My friends, I am not suggesting you to be crazy. My lesson here is that desparation can be enjoyable in a kind of quirky way. Desparation, by "doing IT"(action), is what we need to have that-full-life. When you gave it all and you succeed, it's a blissful experience (I was smilling 24/7 for a week after I had that letter). But if you failed, you can always turn back to fate- knowing that you gave it all and you lived a full life.
Notice, I wasn't a saint to be martyred but hey! I had spent my time wisely here. I used it to feel those strong feelings that I can't explain.
Go Crazy!
Life's unique- can you enjoy it fully?
Maithri
Good Friend
Location: Australia
Now Reading: Take the step, the bridge will be there - Grace Cirocco
My Congratulations to you Pierre,
May you be the willing and loving servant of all those who entrust their precious lives into your care.
Real Medicine is not about titles or degrees, nor is it about stethescopes and ward rounds and an endless pharmacy of pills...
The art of medicine is about learning to embody the spirit of servanthood - the spirit of kindness.
It is about consecrating our lives to the service of humanity.
In truth we are all healers. So the job of the doctor is simply to cultivate the conditions for health - and watch in humility as the ones we serve show us how miraculous this thing called life really is.
Stay passionate.
Be kind. Be tolerant and global in your thinking.
And have a wonderful career,
Maithri.
Fellow Traveler
Location: Philiphines
It was 3 a.m. in a winter morning. I felt the cold numb tingles on my feet. I was listening to "Queen" to stay awake. I was in my room- studying. Yes, that's right studying! You might think that I was pulling the one night stand on my exam. Well, it's more of a 16-nights-stand. Of course I slept too - 2 hours per night and an hour of power nap during the day.
Welcome to med-student living nightmare!
I'm Pierre and I got in to medicine. You see, I have never been quite that desparate ever before. But I was.
I was half-way around the world (Indonesian studing in New Zealand). My half-hearted dream was to be a psychiatrist. I went through terrible childhood experiences( e.g.my mum walked out off the family without a reason).
My other dreams were to be a world famous Jazz singer-like Sinatra- or open a three stars Michellin Restaurant-like Gordon Ramsay. But my lesson here was, " Life is about choices". I was brilliant in all those skills but I had also learn to realize that human is a slave of time so I decide, " Psychiatry! Chef n Jazz are for next time, next life or maybe heaven".
Anyway, back to how I got in to Med. Well, it took one year and my competition was 1500 med-student wannabe; there was 150 places. These students were born with books in their hands. They wanted it bad too. The course disqualifies you if you get a B- or below in any of your subjects. It was nuts! To see if you want to do it too, visit www.otago.ac.nz
You see, I had never studied! Ever! I was happy with getting E average in 1st grade or A+ in 10th grade but I had never ever studied at home. I pratically memorized and did my homeworks in classroom. One thing for certain, my results were not stable.
Until.... University!
I wanted to... one day... to be someone! Someone that contributed to human race in a good way. So I closed my eyes and slowly, I pictured myself the ME in future. Who was I?Who would I be with? Do I drive to work? Do I live in an apartment or the suburban?
I yelled," Yes! That's me!"
I wanted my dream badly, I wanted it so bad, it was what I dream about when I dreamt at night. I was desparate.
I gave away my TV to charity, I needed more time. I was chewing books everyday. I was a freak-geek but to me it was persistence. I had to stop chasing girls too!
Still, my hardwork only gave me B's(a very close call) eventhough I had been extremely certain to get A+ during the tests.
10 Months went by, there were good times and were bad times. At least, I was still qualified to get in. But 800 others were also qualified. I prayed so hard, I went crazy.
I wrote a passage in my mirror," My name is Pierre and I am going to be a Psychiatrist!" That words kept me awake when I took my 2 minute breaks between my 16-nights-stand.
I also noticed, my eyes were full of bloodshots with dark rings surrounds it. My lips were dry. I lost many hairs. I lost 8lbs of weight. Beforehand, I was very fit and healthy with a belly waiting to have a sixpack
Day 12, I woke up. Big thumping headache! I walked into the bathroom. Then, all went black- I fainted. It was dead-black, but I saw a being. It was my face, it was me in future. I heard a voice," gggegegge....gegeggeg...Get UP! Come On 4 more days! It's Nothing!" The voice repeated three times before I had the power to pull my eyelids apart. I was OK. I was lying on the floor but I was fine. I giggled and I laughed! I was too happy. I felt stupid but I was amazed. I felt if I had died trying, what a man I was! But I had more study to do.
When Exams were over, I came back to my room. I wiped out my mirror writings. Then, my body was as light as the air when I approached my wonderful bed. It was the best sleep I ever had.
But then, I had to wait and wait and wait for a long time of two months to see if I made it. If my craze was worth it. If Mother Mary had blessed me.
That morning, I heard a noise in the front door. I ran out. It was the pretty postgirl who brought me the letter of my life. I tore it quickly but carefully...
" Dear Pierre , bla bla.... here are the places that you're accepted in...1. Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery... 2....Dentistry... bla bla bla...."
....
...
..
...
I ran to the postgal and kissed her in the cheek and I said," Thank You! You are an Angel"
I'm in!
It's not that I am a psychiatrist now, but it's an easier life now. A more sane one I guess. It's still another 12 years of study but I had passed the highest hill.
My friends, I am not suggesting you to be crazy. My lesson here is that desparation can be enjoyable in a kind of quirky way. Desparation, by "doing IT"(action), is what we need to have that-full-life. When you gave it all and you succeed, it's a blissful experience (I was smilling 24/7 for a week after I had that letter). But if you failed, you can always turn back to fate- knowing that you gave it all and you lived a full life.
Notice, I wasn't a saint to be martyred but hey! I had spent my time wisely here. I used it to feel those strong feelings that I can't explain.
Go Crazy!
Life's unique- can you enjoy it fully?
Maithri
Good Friend
Location: Australia
Now Reading: Take the step, the bridge will be there - Grace Cirocco
My Congratulations to you Pierre,
May you be the willing and loving servant of all those who entrust their precious lives into your care.
Real Medicine is not about titles or degrees, nor is it about stethescopes and ward rounds and an endless pharmacy of pills...
The art of medicine is about learning to embody the spirit of servanthood - the spirit of kindness.
It is about consecrating our lives to the service of humanity.
In truth we are all healers. So the job of the doctor is simply to cultivate the conditions for health - and watch in humility as the ones we serve show us how miraculous this thing called life really is.
Stay passionate.
Be kind. Be tolerant and global in your thinking.
And have a wonderful career,
Maithri.
Death Cultivates Life
Pollie
Fellow Traveler
Ohio Transplant :
From ages 11 to 23, I was most likely the ugliest person a human could encounter. My childhood was a book you would never want to read. My heart was made of stone, I was selfish and greedy. I hated the world and the people in it especially when it came to those who were socially middle to high classed, I loathed my own being. This is what was on the outside. Inside I was frail, afraid, tired.
Finally, I was too tired to fight, 23 I gave in to the devils calling. I took a bottle of pills and was relieved. My grandmother, whom I had stood up on a lunch date, came calling for me. She took me home and nursed me back to health. Jesus came to me that week and I turned my life over to him, that was the first step to recovery, he tought me I was worthy of love. He promised that things would get better, but we both knew it was not going to be easy. I had other lessons to learn.
2 years later I found myself married and a child on the way. She was the second step. Although I was married, I can honestly say that not alot of things had changed about who I was. Jesus was working in me but I was stubborn. My daughter showed me a love that I never knew was possible, and brought out in me a love I never knew I had. But that love never went beyond them. After that I had 2 more children who continued to fill me with love. But 2 months before my son was born my husband left me. Today I know that I was mostly to blame for this. Because I did not love him then. I only loved those three little babes I had. He was merely a means to an end. We co-existed, worked different shifts, lived different lives. I liked it that way. I was still in total controll.
1 year later I met a young man. He was kind and innocent. Never really had a relationship before and still lived at home. He was a free spirit. Fly by the seat of his pants kind of guy. His name was Pat. We dated and lived together for nearly 4 years. I was not as cruel to him as I was my first husband. He had put me on this pedastool, I did no wrong in his eyes. Finally I agreed to marry him, for I loved him far more than I ever loved my 1st husband, he he loved me more as well.
1 week before we were to be wed, God took him from me. WOW, I was devistated, for weeks I was disfunctional, perhaps months. And this was the final lesson, this is what completed the transformation. I realized, that I had loved this man with every once of my heart, and that he was perfect and that I had cheated him out of true love. Pat had died, never knowing how much he was really loved. Because I was afraid to love and be loved. I was protecting myself. At this point I realized that I could never keep that wonderful feeling hidden away.
It has been nearly 10 years, I and still I think of him, and the song by Tony Rich "Nobody Knows it but me". I am married now, I believe that I have the perfect relationship. In seven years, we have never fought, always laugh, always dance, always love, always talk. He has never once doubted how much I love him. And he knows how Pat had been that final step the most dramatic step, and that I will always love him. We only talk about him on the anniversary of his death, but his picture still sits on my dresser. I don't know that I would have ever completely changed if it were not for the guilt I felt, and the realization of love. And now instead of working in me, Jesus works through me.
So I say to Pat, I love you.....thank you........and mostly I am sorry.... you are my hero, my inspiration.
And I say to all of you. There is nothing in life worth holding you back. Beyond any darkness you may encounter you will see that life is great. Do not take lightly or for granted the things that surround you today, they may very well be gone tomorrow. Love with all your heart, laugh with all your sould, dance and sing and live every day with out regret, never have to say your sorry, believe in God, and always smile.
Love
Pollie
Fellow Traveler
Ohio Transplant :
From ages 11 to 23, I was most likely the ugliest person a human could encounter. My childhood was a book you would never want to read. My heart was made of stone, I was selfish and greedy. I hated the world and the people in it especially when it came to those who were socially middle to high classed, I loathed my own being. This is what was on the outside. Inside I was frail, afraid, tired.
Finally, I was too tired to fight, 23 I gave in to the devils calling. I took a bottle of pills and was relieved. My grandmother, whom I had stood up on a lunch date, came calling for me. She took me home and nursed me back to health. Jesus came to me that week and I turned my life over to him, that was the first step to recovery, he tought me I was worthy of love. He promised that things would get better, but we both knew it was not going to be easy. I had other lessons to learn.
2 years later I found myself married and a child on the way. She was the second step. Although I was married, I can honestly say that not alot of things had changed about who I was. Jesus was working in me but I was stubborn. My daughter showed me a love that I never knew was possible, and brought out in me a love I never knew I had. But that love never went beyond them. After that I had 2 more children who continued to fill me with love. But 2 months before my son was born my husband left me. Today I know that I was mostly to blame for this. Because I did not love him then. I only loved those three little babes I had. He was merely a means to an end. We co-existed, worked different shifts, lived different lives. I liked it that way. I was still in total controll.
1 year later I met a young man. He was kind and innocent. Never really had a relationship before and still lived at home. He was a free spirit. Fly by the seat of his pants kind of guy. His name was Pat. We dated and lived together for nearly 4 years. I was not as cruel to him as I was my first husband. He had put me on this pedastool, I did no wrong in his eyes. Finally I agreed to marry him, for I loved him far more than I ever loved my 1st husband, he he loved me more as well.
1 week before we were to be wed, God took him from me. WOW, I was devistated, for weeks I was disfunctional, perhaps months. And this was the final lesson, this is what completed the transformation. I realized, that I had loved this man with every once of my heart, and that he was perfect and that I had cheated him out of true love. Pat had died, never knowing how much he was really loved. Because I was afraid to love and be loved. I was protecting myself. At this point I realized that I could never keep that wonderful feeling hidden away.
It has been nearly 10 years, I and still I think of him, and the song by Tony Rich "Nobody Knows it but me". I am married now, I believe that I have the perfect relationship. In seven years, we have never fought, always laugh, always dance, always love, always talk. He has never once doubted how much I love him. And he knows how Pat had been that final step the most dramatic step, and that I will always love him. We only talk about him on the anniversary of his death, but his picture still sits on my dresser. I don't know that I would have ever completely changed if it were not for the guilt I felt, and the realization of love. And now instead of working in me, Jesus works through me.
So I say to Pat, I love you.....thank you........and mostly I am sorry.... you are my hero, my inspiration.
And I say to all of you. There is nothing in life worth holding you back. Beyond any darkness you may encounter you will see that life is great. Do not take lightly or for granted the things that surround you today, they may very well be gone tomorrow. Love with all your heart, laugh with all your sould, dance and sing and live every day with out regret, never have to say your sorry, believe in God, and always smile.
Love
Pollie
This Pastor has guts
It seems prayer still upsets some people. Please read....
When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard;
"Heavenly Father, We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good" But that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbour's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of speech and expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, And know our hearts today;
Cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!"
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.
In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our Nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God."
When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard;
"Heavenly Father, We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good" But that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbour's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of speech and expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, And know our hearts today;
Cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Amen!"
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.
In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India , Africa and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our Nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God."
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