— witsandnuts

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Life

Who would have thought these (ages ago)?

  • Merrill Lynch would ever agree to sell itself last sunday to Bank of America for roughly US$ 50 billion to avert a deepening financial crisis; and
  • Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy protection and hurtled toward liquidation after failing to find a buyer.

Big surprises,
But that’s it,
Nothing is so certain,
Except for taxes, death & changes,
Rise & fall
10 years or so
of relationships dissolved
Pickin’ up the pieces
Random encounters
Crossroads

Ang mundo ay bilog

Time and again, I’d always say,
Life is beautiful no matter what,
Life is about taking chances,
(Almost) nothing is certain,
But one thing is for sure
Happily ever afters (will) do exist.

What’s your risk appetite?  Are you a risk-taker or you prefer to play safe?

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Here’s a tag from lovely Little Miss Firefly:

The idea is to write a list of 8 things you would like to do or accomplish before you die. I think I have a lot to enlist.  But here’s my 8, in no particular order:

  • Write a book
  • Set up a public library in my hometown
  • Travel to some of the places listed in the book that I’m long been reading, 1000 Places To See Before You Die, and learn the language and culture, eat and drink in those places.
  • Establish a chain of food biz and be richy so I can help more.
  • I enjoyed organizing/ being the overall coordinator of our first reunion of our high school class in 2006, so I wish to host the 30th or 40th anniversary.  Probably a beach party for the future gracious oldies that we will be.
  • Sponsor at least 5 of my nephews/ nieces for college in the next 20 years.
  • Influence and mentor as many people on how to live life with meaning.
  • Settle in a farm when I’m pretty old enough, taking care of the blooms, sharing stories to my grandchildren, entertaining my family and friends, and hopefully still blogging (?)

I had fun doing this tag.  It’s like a reality check.  I’m not tagging anyone in particular.  But I’d love to know what’s in your bucket list.  If you’ve already done one, kindly leave the link in the comment section.  Otherwise, you might want to scribble yours. =)

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busy womanOne of the things that I definitely miss being in the Philippines is the long weekend.  I think majority likes it.  I didn’t say everyone because there are some  who prefer going to work instead because (a) they are workaholics (b) workplace is their home (!) (c) per day laborer (d) etc.

As you probably know, long weekend here is not as frequent just like in the Philippines. Holiday economics is not observed in UAE.  And of course, there’s no typhoon here (to rain is miraculous).  So when laziness attacks, my usual odd wish of “sana bumagyo bukas” won’t persuade Mother Earth a suspension of classes/work.

Back home, when there’s a long weekend I would usually be spending two of the three days at my favorite malls, go to province/go out of town, or spend all three days at home working, worst, spend the long weekend as if there’s no weekend (meaning I’m at the office).  For those who don’t know me personally, you might think I’m an office slave. Heehee.  No.  It’s normal for us to almost live in the office and sleep for only 2 hours especially during busy season.

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hair
That’s me. Unexpectedly taken by a colleague during last year’s oriental themed party.

I am: based in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of UAE, since January 28, 2008 (midnight).
I think: I’m hooked with Cinema Global lately.
I know: that three things remain, faith, hope and love.
I have: a sweet tooth.
I wish: everyone is living life with meaning.
I hate : lazy people and work politics.
I miss: my family, relatives and friends in the Philippines (and those based abroad).
I fear: that I’d regret something because I didn’t give my best.
I hear: the chirping of aircon and background music in the movie Forevermore.
I smell: busier months ahead.
I crave: for laing, pinangat, bicol express, baked scallops and ginataang kuhol.

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abu dhabi transpo
Photos source.  Clockwise: one of first few buses, new cab, old cab.

In this capital city of UAE, there are no jeepneys, (months ago) no buses, no train. It’s either you’re travelling with your own vehicle or through the cabs. The best deal of all, there’s no traffic (that’s per a Filipino’s standards).

bus-new
Photo source.  One of the new buses

With the influx of new residents coming from different countries (80% of Abu Dhabi’s population comprised of expats), the government has devised a new transportation system. In the middle of this year, buses were introduced with designated routes. With fare estimably 75% cheaper than riding a cab. The great thing in this country is that when a new service line is being introduced, it’s gratis. So the buses would be servicing the commuters for free in until the end of this year.

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