The Devoted Yakult Vendor...

As I was leaving for work early this morning , I again saw the Yakult vendor knocking at a neighbor's door to make her delivery. Sometimes I saw her twice a day near where I lived and she always caught my attention. It made me smile and think of one day asking my daughter to take a picture of her and her Yakult in styrofoam-on-wheels.

Sometimes when I saw her at nights, I could see the weariness in her body as she walked by and I felt a bit sad. Some years back, she was featured by a nationwide tv channel, not because she sells the product, but because she was able to support her family doing this. I vaguely recall whether it was said that she was given exclusive right by the Yakult company to sell their product this way, but she is the only one I've ever seen doing this. And after what seems like 20 years or more, she still does the same thing, now even extending her responsibility to supporting her granchildren. It made me wonder why her children, who are now parents themselves haven't taken her place doing this...but then again, maybe they have and are selling them in other areas.

Filipinos are clannish. Though it may be good to have close family ties, it does have the disadvantage of families sometimes abusing it and being dependent on relatives for support even when they should already be supporting themselves. This is the typical case of the Yakult vendor.

But this also shows a typical Filipina mother from the olden days who uncomplainingly and tirelessly makes sacrifices to find a dignified job to be able to support her children. There are few like her these days that I see on the streets working like she does. I have so much admiration for people like her. But I can see that she's getting old and weary, and I wish she can have a little rest from walking all day everyday just to support her extended family. She certainly deserves it after all these years of hard work and sacrifices.

Road Safety....

The news a few days ago that car seatbelts for kids failed safety standards was really worrisome. Despite this news, I thought that putting on seatbelts on kids whenever they're in the car is still certainly better than not at all. It was a relief today to read that the news magazine retracted their story on unsafe seatbelts for infants. But then again, it has left a question in many people's minds just how safe they are on the road even with these seatbelts on.

One should always be conscious of road safety when travelling on the road. There's nothing like defensive and safe driving. I found some helpful driving tips that also made me aware of my faults when driving on the road. And after going through an experience of getting harrassed on the road by two men, I can only be thankful that they probably weren't real criminals but just hotheads who weren't happy that I didn't allow them to carelessly overtake me on the road.

Driving Tips:

> Don’t forget the basics: Buckle your seatbelt, limit loose objects in your car and lock your doors.

> Be cautions at intersections. Intersections can be risky because there are a lot of distractions: turning cars, pedestrians and red-light runners.

> Steer clear of erratic drivers. Let a tailgater pass you.

> Drive cautiously. Keep your eyes on the road. Talking on a cell phone or reading a map can distract you and lead to an accident. Keep in mind that a distracted driver might also be near you.

> Be alert near parked cars. Someone could open a car door or pull out in front of you.

> Don’t drive sleep-deprived. Sleep is not a matter of willpower, but a biological need. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and get some rest.

> When passing another car, get past the driver’s blind spot as quickly and safely as possible.

> Don't overspeed, especially with children on board.

> Know your brakes. Most cars have antilock brakes, which require a driver to apply a firm and continuous pressure on the pedal.

> Leave about 1 car length between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when stopping at an intersection. In stormy weather, leave extra space between you and the car ahead.

> Don’t drive through water. A small amount of water can disable a vehicle in seconds.

> Always check the traffic light ahead. Go through a yellow light only if it is unsafe to stop.

> When making a left turn from a stop, allow enough time to safely clear an intersection

> Don't change lanes in an intersection. Be in the correct lane well before you need to make a turn.

> Avoid making sudden moves or lane changes, or you will risk confusing other drivers. Use your turn signal well in advance to alert other drivers.

> When the light at an intersection turns green, always check for other road users before proceeding forward.

Something to Reflect On...

I found this story of the Blind Girl very touching and so true in so many of us. Sometimes we do forget to be thankful for the good things that come our way. And when one day we start missing them, we can only regret that we never took the time to be thankful and show our appreciation.

The Blind Girl

There was a blind girl who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend. One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said. "Just take care of my eyes dear."

This is sometimes how the human brain changes when our status changes. Some forget what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there even when times were painfully unbearable.

Life Is a Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

Before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.

RELISH THE MOMENT, IT WON'T COME AROUND AGAIN.

The Wildlife of Africa

This Slideshow was sent to me via e-mail...it's beautiful. Would be a dream if I ever get to visit that place. Well, there is a local version here, though maybe not as grandiose as the wildlife of Africa. It's ironic though, how a country like Africa can be so rich in wildlife and yet have so many poor people suffering so much and hardly surviving.

Sometimes it's also good to just watch and appreciate the beauty around us, that despite all the hardships and suffering, there are still many things that can make us smile and feel good about.

WILD ANIMALS of AFRICA.NAMIBIA.

Can You Live on $1 A Day?

As I struggled without success to improvise my blog template the whole day, the ad on my sidebar kept catching my attention. It said, "Can You Live on $1 A Day?" I asked myself that question, already knowing what my answer would be.

Some years back, a new Senior Vice President hired by the former bank I worked for openly showed his surprise at how small the salaries were of the rank and file. He said his tax deduction was already the salary of some rank and file, or not even. Until a salary standardization was effected bankwide just weeks ago, the same thought crossed my mind when I was hired 4 years ago and actually observed how the pioneer employees in the company were complaining about their salaries and struggling to make both ends meet.

But their problem is not even a speck of what people are going through in nations like Kenya or those living in the very depressed areas here. I've actually seen street people or scavengers at night standing by and waiting for those large black plastic bags from fastfood restaurants to be brought out for garbage trucks to pick up later. If they were lucky, they didn't have to fight with others for the leftovers.

Sometimes as I take a bite from the daily chocolate bar that I always indulge in, the thought about how these people are surviving crosses my mind. The chocolote bar is almost $1 that I spend after lunch everyday. And I wonder how many of us would really be willing to set aside a little bit of what we have for the less fortunate.

I've seen a growing consciousness in many to help in one way or another, be it in donating, starting fund-raising campaigns, calling on their government representtatives to take action, or just sharing their experiences and encouraging others to get involved.

The list of charitable organizations in my blogroll is growing longer. It's good to know that people care enough to want to make a difference.

Tags: charity donate

When Will Peace Ever Prevail?

I've always been affected by so much poverty and violence that I see around me. The news I heard recently of the riots and violence in Bolivia affects me even more personally.

Early today, I received an e-mail from my sister from Cochabamba, Bolivia. She has been living there for more than 1o years now as a missionary. She asked us to pray for the Bolivians who can't seem to solve their political, social and cultural problems. There is still no dialogue among politicians, civic groups, coccaine farmers, and other conflicting groups. People are fighting using axes, canes, etc. Violence is just everywhere.

Though my sister assured us she was doing ok and that they just stay indoors and monitor develpments on tv, we of course still worry about her condition there. I hope all the violence ends soon and a compromise is made among the conflicting groups to resolve their differences.

Meanwhile, David Rubenstein of the Save Darfur Coalition sent news that a Ceasefire Agreement was forged in Khartoum. Sudan's President Bashir committed to the follwing:

> A 60-day ceasefire with an international peace summit to be held before March 15, 2007.

> Sudan's cooperation to work with the African Union and United Nations on the deployment of a hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur.

> Ensuring "zero tolerance" policies for gender-based violence in Darfur.

> Free access for humanitarian aid workers and journalists.

It will certainly be good to hear news that peace has finally prevailed not just in Darfur, but also in Bolivia and other countries with so much violence going on.

A Message from The ONE Campaign...

Like I once shared Matt Damon's e-mail to ONE members, I'd like to again share this message from Virginia Simmons, another ONE member. Please take time to read it and help spread the word around to help save lives of people with HIV/Aids, malaria or tuberculosis. Better still, be a member and let your voice be heard.

==================

Subject: Take Action - Save A Billion Dollars
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 17:19:54 -0500
From: "Virginia Simmons" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: "Virginia Simmons"

Hi,

Tomorrow, the ONE Campaign is launching a major action to save a billion dollars for the fight against global poverty. Please consider sharing the below information and action with your readers.

What's Happening:
Congress is set to pass a continuing resolution, which will keep funding at 2006 levels throughout all of 2007, and means HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis programs will not receive a billion dollars in increased funding for the new year.
(More info: http://action.one.org/blog/comments.jsp?blog_entry_KEY=329&t= )

Monday's Action:
Thankfully, there is still a limited amount of funds available for the 2007 budget, and our leaders in Congress are tasked with doling out these funds. Senators Durbin and Brownback and Representatives Lee and Shays have drafted "Dear Colleague" letters urging congressional leadership to use as much of the money as possible to fund these critical programs. (You can contact me for copies of the House and Senate letters.)

The more senators and representatives who sign these "Dear Colleague" letters, the more likely congressional leadership will decide to give a large portion of the funding back.

Please urge your readers to contact their representatives today using our take action page.

http://action.one.org/dia/organizationsONE/one/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1297&t=OneColumn.dwt

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Ginny

Virginia Simmons
Online Organizing Coordinator
The ONE Campaign
virginia@one.org
www.one.org/blog

P.S. You may find this recent UPI article helpful: http://www.upi.com/HealthBusiness/view.php?StoryID=20070105-080807-6311r

Hope and a Chance at a Better Life...

I found this very touching story of a Cambodian woman who died of Aids. It's very sad that so many continue to suffer as she did. But her life story is an inspiration for people and organizations like World Hope International to strive even harder to give abused women and children hope for survival and a chance at a better life.

When I watched the video, I couldn't help recalling my sister's story many years ago. The city where she lived while she was still working in a bank was once known for its many red district areas. She passed many apartments with grilled windows as she walked home every night.

One night, a child, maybe not even a teenager, called out to her from the second floor of one of those grilled apartment windows. The child said,"Please help me." My sister must have been so scared that very moment because she told me the story when she came home for a visit weeks later still sounding scared. I remember asking her what she did and she answered that she rushed home scared. Stories of police corruption and violence were really common then, some were even said to be the "protectors" or handlers of these children and women. No, she wasn't able to do a thing about it. At that time and place, her own life would have been in danger. I'm sure she never forgot that night.

I can only be thankful now that the place has improved so much. People can walk home more safely at night and less children roam around so much at very late hours. The place is far from what it once looked and used to be, especially at nights. It took political will and a god-fearing leader to get this done over the years. But there is still so much work to be done. Many from everywhere in the world still suffer from the same fate as the Cambodian woman.

It Starts with a Dream...

Whenever I read or hear the phrase "I have a dream..." I always remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on his dream of freedom and equal rights for his race. I knew he said them but I never really put any thought or significance into it other than the cause he fought for.

Today I also remembered Matt Damon's e-mail to ONE members. He spoke of the teenage girl from Africa who dreamed of one day becoming a nurse that inspired him to help the people there.

Because of their dreams, people were motivated to do something to make their dreams become a reality.

As I pondered over this, I realized that my friend had once told me in one of our sentimental talks, that it was ok to dream because it gives us hope and can sometimes make us feel good. He encouraged me to describe my dreams, where I wanted to be, what I wanted to do. He knew me well. It was something I didn't want to discuss. I felt they were too far from coming true and pointless to dwell on.

But I guess they were right. A dream can inspire and motivate people to do something to make it come true. It does start with a dream. And I should start working on mine or I will one day regret that I never even tried.

The Year Ahead...

New Year's Eve dinner was good. Lol, I did all the cooking. It always feels good when I hear them say the food tastes great. I didn't really put in much effort this year in preparing food for Christmas and New Year. There was less food on the table, though still more than what we should have. Well, knowing my kids' appetite, the leftovers will be gone the next day, I'm sure. Where they store all that food I have no idea. I can't remember eating that much when I was their age.

Now as I look back at the last 12 months of 2006, I know I have many things to be thankful for. Yes, there were bitter-sweet memories, many quite sad that left me sleepless and crying for weeks... months. But that's life. Maybe acceptance is the hardest thing at times, but when you get through it, things seem to get better.

What should I be thankful for? So many things...

• > a healthy family
• > my children coming home safely everyday from school
• > a good job and getting promoted to a higher position
• > a cooperative and supportive staff in my division
• > being able to share a bit of what I have because I know there are others who need it more and will somehow benefit from it
• > my parents
• > friends who are there for me when I need them
• > good and sad memories of a friend who emotionally called me his guardian angel and gave me all the moral and emotional support whenever I needed them
• > coming home safely everyday from work
• > meeting new friends
• > finally learning to open up a bit more
• > the sun shining
• > the little sampaguita girl who said "salamat po" (thank you) with a smile

and so many little things that we don't realize make our lives better.

I look forward to a better and more fruitul year ahead. More importantly, I hope to be able to take action on decisions I have made and make them happen. It will be a hard step to make as I will be taking the road less travelled so to speak, at least for me.

My wish for everyone this New Year...peace, love and happiness

My special wish for the less fortunate who at this moment are suffering from hunger, war or oppression...a chance for a better life

My wish for charitable and cause-oriented groups like ONE, World Vision, World Hope International, many others...more success and more support from people who can help make this world a better place to live in

My wish for myself...courage and strength to make that bold step forward.

Have a Happy New Year!