For Arnold

Back to the days when I experimented my destiny for a decade, when in fact, I just have to choose one best way- I met you. Of all my guy friends, you're so different. You're easy to understand, especially when I gaze at those mysterious eyes. But, you're the most unpredictable. Don't get me wrong, I really like you as a friend during those days. That was also the time that you've seen my "true" self- fierce, genuine and resilient. I don't know if you still remember how much I cared, even when you're easy to neglect some glaring sigh, wish and hope.

I remember one time looking at those group of guys dancing to the tune of "I can't remember". You're so amazing before my very eyes while I'm afar left unnoticed. Fraternity moments? No, that was when you're about to enroll law school. But at least, you invited me to meet your family during your graduation. That was a blast! Really. So, how's your Mom? You once said she's looking for me. However, the reasons why I'm so harsh on you lately are glaring facts of past heartache, confusion and resolution. Your friends, our friends, our brothers and sisters don't know that I had both good and bad times with you. It seems like it's essential to ignore and get trampled upon.

I was there hoping to be ushered home by a friend because it's getting too late and I'm not feeling well. But I was left alone. No one understood how much I needed security in that fateful moment. There were times that some things were questionable but I ignored the signs. All were drawn in that magical evening, yet I'm glad it happened because I finally had the courage to decide on my next step, freedom. That's freedom without you and my trusting heart.

Don't worry. I never felt ashamed and regretful being your friend. It led me to a perfect place and opportunity to truly love a Priesthood holder. He's aware of you because I'm always convinced that you're really a best friend no matter what.

So, here I am. Please excuse me for being fair. You knew why I'm so mad at you. I mean, I'm so disappointed yet happy that I had the chance to learn many things because of you. In fairness, I still remember your songs with a guitar, your brother, Angelo, everything, all things about you but never "us". I got to know Julie Ann, Angelo's wife, your Mom and you became my brother via MKP.

I wish you all the happiness that this temporary life could offer. Since eternity is what I want the next life- I never hesitated to go far away from you to be with Corsene, only to get married to Rex. I'll I want is an eternal family, being a lawyer happens only when God allows. Also, I'm grateful for the good times. Remember, you're one of the people who made my life so colorful and interesting. Isn't it a blessing? Indeed.

Sorry. Good luck. Take care, Arnold.

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Next In Line

I am happy to note that a blogger friend inspired me again to write some posts. There are two things that made me inspired in blogging by now. First, a beautiful blogger award has been passed to me by Beanizer_05. Here is the award for me:

The next thing, Beanizer_05 wrote this on his post:

* Karen - I admire your wits. Write more.

Sometimes, I get too excited for any nice message for me. I did not even think that it could have been for another blogger with the same name. But when I visited one of my posts, Beanizer left a message that an award has been passed on to me from him.

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Alright then, I would like to thank you Beanizer for this wonderful blogger award. Just then, I will also share seven things about myself.

1. I am still fervently praying for rain to visit in the place where I live.

2. Still, I do not eat turkey meat.

3. Last night, I had a dream fighting against a bad spirit. It was so scary that I had to wake up and pray hard to God for protection.

4. I do not have plans to be outside the country to work. 

5. I took one test- and it could make or break my dreams and aspirations.

6. There are people who owed me a lot. It was my patience and understanding that prevented me to take revenge.

7. Inspirational fiction drama is one of my weaknesses.

I am already starving and I need to eat, so I will just divide the fifteen awards to only three people. Please forgive me for breaking the rules, I just need to eat on time. 

-Five (5) for Kri * you are really a friend, your words and our memories in that city keep on running in my mind...missed you then...

-Five (5) for Beanizer * thank you for reading my posts most of the time...i appreciate your friendship then...

-Five (5) for Procne * thank you for being amiable..i wonder who you may be...i have this gut feeling that i already met you before...

Thank you!

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You Can Do Magic

 "You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay"

Yes, you can do magic. Each one of them left an impression in my heart. Somehow, somewhere...I became what I am because I met them sometime...

Ruth- when i will have a chance, i will do the same thing that you did to me
Karem- it is because i was too busy that time that you were angry with me?
Jo Aileen- you are really intelligent, thank you for calling me through a private number
Ane- just like a biological sister, you look after me during those times...
Arnold- i never hated you, its just that my heart hated men where i always listen to my heart...
Christine- just a short time you were my friend, i am grateful...
Christine- i will never forget our journey when we visited a classmate's memorial...
Christine- having the same birthdays really meant were real friends
Rhoda- what you did to me will happen to you in some circumstances
Corsene- it was not you, that is why I turned around and left many traces for you to always sigh
Rejoice- i failed you, but your wisdom, principles and merit are valuable, one day, i can make it..
Gina- did you noticed that your money made you infamous? i hope you are not getting poorer right now..forgive me for the revenge
John- high school sweethearts do not exist
Red- i forgive you...but
Airez- i know what is gmail and all bookmarking sites available
Oyet- i am fully aware that everyday is valentine's day, i am just being practical...
Anne- you are not perfect, hence you do not have the right to correct me in front of so many people

Thank you.

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Beware of Backbiting and Gossiping

There was church meeting where I heard someone who shared the applicability of the message [“If you are my friend, your name is safe in my house”], to the daily activities of individuals. Meaning, if someone is my friend, I would not gossip or backbite that person within my home. Besides, I will not allow anyone to speak ill against that person behind his back. Personally, I agree with this message because this has been my principle for years. Gossiping is one of the most dreaded form of killing time and wasting resources. Why? Instead of doing something fruitful, there are people who would prefer talking about non-sense things, particularly the life of their enemies. When I was in college, and even in law school, I witnessed how friendships disbanded because of gossiping. I was also a poor victim of gossipers! I admit that I am not perfect, and there are things that I cannot control. But, my weaknesses should not be a subject of fun and laughter when I am mot around. In my mind, I warned those gossipers that in case they would elevate themselves at the expenses of my weaknesses and difficulties, I will work harder for God to bless me more.

Going back to the message, it is noble to keep the name of a friend safe in one's home. It is one way of showing loyalty and love to our friends. True friends treat each other as brothers and sisters. True friends should remain helpful and supportive to each other. There were times that I was saved by friends who believed in my sincerity and interest towards them. Others only consider me as a friend when they can use some of my resources. The bottomline is, friends should not talk behind their backs for it is a scenario of contention which could lead to betrayal. We should not feel better or blessed compared to our friends for each of us owned unique places in the heart of God. Hence, for my friends to know, their names are safe in my house.

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Friendship

Friends are special persons that make our existence in this world relevant. In fact, friends are our truest treasures. The presence of friends in our life make the day worthwhile and interesting. Sometimes, friends also serve as our angels especially in times of problems and difficulties. Hence, we should not forget to honor the friends that accompanied us in our journey in life.

There are myriad reasons why friendship is important.

First, friends are important for personal growth and success. It is undeniable that part of our success in life is our supportive friends and family members. Since we consider our parents as our friends, they complete the belief that parents are our best friends.

Second, we tend to love ourselves more if we have friends who accepted us for who we are. If we have good “vibes” with other people, we become blooming and attractive. In other words, we are able to spread peace and unity in our respective communities. Our friends are also considered as our support group when we encounter problems in life.

And third, friends help us focus on our daily activities. The constant reminders of our dear friends help us accomplish our daily tasks. Although the need of a helpmate in school assignments is important, we should not tolerate cheating in school activities then. Above all, friends also serve as corrector in our actions. Sometimes, we get offended due to the comments our friends offer, but we need also to listen to their comments. After all, they are our allies and connections in this tricky world.

Finally, true friends are also our refuge when we encounter social, economic, and health problems. Friends are able to incite us to perform noble deeds. Besides, friendship cannot be artificially created. It should be founded with common interests, love, kindness, and respect. We should always remember that our friends are our greatest resources and we should value them.

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Types of Friends

In this world, there are two things that makes your world go round. First, you meet the right persons and be friends with them. And second, you meet the wrong persons and still be friends with them. Why is that so? When you meet the right persons, you would enjoy their company and eventually value their friendships. But when you meet the wrongs ones, you would feel how tiresome it is to tolerate their attitudes.

In that sense, it is necessary to differentiate your friends in order to protect yourself from being harmed and violated.

1. True Friends. True friends are hard to find according to old adage. The secret of finding true friends is to be a true friend also. One fine story about meeting true friends was shared to me by a Muslim friend. His father died because of protecting a friend who was about to be killed in action by an enemy. His father offered his body to protect the life of his friend and that made the friendship sealed with loyalty and genuineness.

2. Part-time Friends. These kind of friends exist for some reasons. These friends will only appear in your life when they needed you. In a number of 100 friends, 5 of them are your true friends, and 95 of them are part-time friends. I suggest that you try to think over these realization.

3. Interest-based Friends. These friends are not really harmful, but they serve as your silent enemies. Interest-based friends have the same interest as yours, so the calculation is that they do the same things as you do coupled with the competition inherent in every existence. Thus, it is wise to think over who are those friends that might be your potential silent competitors.

4. Accidental Friends. Accidental friends are those conditional friends that may disappear in your life once the condition is lost. For instance, Isabelle becomes friends with her boyfriend's friends for years. When she and her boyfriend broke up, her closeness with her boyfriend's friends also loosened without counting the fact that her past boyfriend is already involved with a new girl. Accidental friends are very dangerous because they could use your past friendship with them to bring you down.

5. Plastic Friends. We know that plastics are non-biodegradable and are fake. In the field of making friends with people, being “plastic” is commonly used. Plastic friends are synonymous with “users” because they are often used interchangeably. These kind of friends are those who are good to you when they are in front of you, but when they are not, they would smite you by whatever schemes. Plastic friends are very dangerous because they are like snakes who are lurking within your comfort zones.

Since no one is an island, we still need to have friends with anybody. What we need to do is to choose our friends wisely in order to prevent disloyalty and problems. We want to enjoy our daily activities so we need to spend it with the right associates. Hence, what is important is a little number of friends who are mostly the true ones.

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