If you have to choose between buying something or spending the money on a memorable experience, go with the experience.

According to a study conducted at San Francisco State University, the things you own can’t make you as happy as the things you do. One reason is adaptation: we adapt to all things material in our lives in a matter of weeks, no matter how infatuated we were with the coveted possession the day we got it. Another reason is that experience, unlike possession, generally involves other people, and fosters or strengthens relationships that are more edifying over time than owning something.

This supports my preference for travelling next to basic necessities and other things. What about you?

As much as I try to be cool and do things graciously, I also have my ‘moments’ when I feel (even if I ignore) that there’s too much in my hands. I’ve re-read one particular chapter in The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari last night. To keep me sane for the moment.

John: Hit me with the quick fixes. I’m excited about what you are telling me. But I’m an impatient guy.
Julian: Ironically, the less you focus on the end result, the quicker it will come.
John: How so?
Julian: (tells a story)

There was a young boy who traveled far from his home to study under a great teacher. When he met the wise old man, his first question was “how long will it take me before I am as wise as you?”

The response came swiftly, “Five years.”

“That is a very long time,” the boy replied. “How about if I work twice as hard?”

“Then it will take ten years,” said the master.

“Ten! That’s far too long. How about if I studied all day and well into the night, every night?”

“Fifteen years,” said the master.

“I don’t understand,” replied the boy. “Every time I promise to devote more energy to my goal, you tell me that it will take longer. Why?”

“The answer is simple. With one eye fixed on the destination, there is only one left to guide you along the journey.”

Moral: Be patient and live with the knowledge that all you are searching for is certain to come if you prepare for it and expect it. All lasting change requires time and effort. Persistence is the mother of personal change.

Hope you, too, felt better after reading this.

Persuasion may probably depict the story of any grown up.  I think that at some point in our lives, we’ve been persuaded long enough. Socially, spiritually, and significantly and usually – emotionally.

Persuasion mainly revolved about the intertwined lives in relation to Anne Elliot.  It is interesting to note that in one chapter, she was described as “She was just Anne”.  Yes, she is.  A sensible woman, have been persuaded to break an engagement, and holds an old flame in her heart.

Anne Elliot was persuaded by an elder family friend, Lady Russel to break off her engagement with Frederick Wenthworth because he is deemed not acceptable per family’s standards.  After 8 years, they met again.  And the rest followed.  The story may seem simple.  But Jane Austen really has her way of telling it in a classic and engaging way.

The most interesting part for me was not the one when she finally got the courage to decide for herself.  To renew the engagement with Frederick Wenworth.  But hey, that scene was so heart-trumping, isn’t it?  What I’ve guarded in the story was the moment that Anne and Frederick met again after 8 long years. Put yourself in their shoes, it’s exciting and frightening to see someone wherein you have a pretty deal of unfinished business.

I always believe that no matter how each party claims that they no longer feel for each other, you would never really know if you’re over it till you get a chance to see and spend time with one another again.  It’s more of a confirmation if the unfinished business is finally closed or not.

I think it’s generally acceptable to know that someone in his or her teen years will be easily persuaded.  Especially if your family and friends have justifiable reasons to conclude that the other party will bring no good to you.  But regardless of age, there are people who are easily persuaded.  They live with others expectations and wishes. On the other hand, there are those who listen only to themselves at the end of the day.  Life can be so tricky sometimes. It’s easier to decide and give pieces of advice when you’re not actually the one in the hot seat.  But when you’re the one crossing the bridge, it’s very difficult to know what to do.

What about you? Have you ever been persuaded to take a huge decision which is against your will?  How do you deal with an old flame?

***

This is my entry for this month’s novel in The Jane Austen Book Club.  You may submit your entries here until August 31, 2008 Pacific time.

Photo source

One 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.

When I started working overseas, that’s when I found more time for myself.  And one of the nicest realizations is that I feel just like staying home during weekends (except for hearing the mass and doing the weekly groceries, occasional socialization, etc.).  I appreciate the gift of time that I have now.  I’m still busy but per my definition of being busy (2 hours sleep), I had a 180-degree change of working environment as far as schedule is concerned.

Until lately, that things are going to being real busy again.  Last week I think my eyes became Garfield-like.  There was one time I was finishing papers while tuning it to Cinema Global, without really paying attention to the movie.  To my surprise, Mano Po 2 and 3 were already finished and my laptop is still being tip-tap-tip-tap by me.  I didn’t know it was already 6am and I still have to go to the office.  Glad I managed to get an hour sleep before doing my pre-office routines.

This weekend, I was so busy again:  work (much), personal errands, etc.  Gee, work has already affected my blogging and bloghopping schedule.  Heehee.  I have pending bloggable stuff + the tags (promise, I’ll do that).  I smell busier months ahead. And now, my waking up schedule needs to be earlier by 1.5 hours.  Why?  I’ll tell you soon.

Instead of blogging about something that I intend to, I just found myself writing this one instead.  I think I just wanted to ask you, “how’s your weekend?”

Photo source

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).

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.

Also the old cabs are being phased out. The same way that the government phases out old buildings (unlike in the Philippines that old buildings are presumably regulated, substance over form, until the building actually collapsed). Majority of the cab drivers are Pakistanis and Indians who actually are here for almost a decade, that left their countries to make a living through driving. I am thinking and would definitely be amazed to find out that they do profit from these as drivers. As you probably know, there’s a pool of oil in the Gulf.  Hence oil, gas and electricity are oddly 90% cheaper here than in the Philippines. With that, they are collecting an average of AED 5 (PhP60) per route. Sounds like Philippines’ rate? A PhP25-route is actually possible here.  That’s in Abu Dhabi.  Remember, in Dubai cabs are skyrocketly metered.  It’s almost 300% higher there.  Unbelievable, but true.  Now you can draft your analytics how the cost of living differs between the two emirates.

I don’t know what will happen to the old cab drivers. The franchise to operate new taxis are awarded to seven companies last year. Phase out plan will be for three years which already started. The new cabs metering is 25% higher than the old ones. With the benefit of well-groomed driver (in a uniform) and of course the new car/unit. The drivers of these new cabs are Indians, Nepalis and Pakistanis in a better version (if you know what I mean).

And here’s the unexpected news-turned-live reality. One of the seven companies which were awarded a franchise actually hired 200 Filipinos to be drivers. There are 50 of them hitting the road by now. My random thoughts:

• Increase in OFW attributable to Filipino cab drivers
• Filipinos were preferred by Tawa-Sul Car Company because they (a) are responsible (b) are most hygienic of all nationalities (c) have most agreeable rate to the car company (d) whatelse?
• As these kababayans hit the road soon they’ll be surprised that there’s (a) no traffic in Abu Dhabi, 2 minutes IS heavy traffic (b) a disadvantage if you have a dog nose (like me!) that you should  refrain breathing from the nose or else you’re gonna die from the human pollution (ah, um, ang baho talaga nung iba!) (c) that they’d wish Filipino lang ang passengers nila
• They should learn the basic Arabic, Hindi, etc., i.e. directions at least
• Kabayan, more than hitting the road with care, you should treat your passengers and other drivers (car owners and cab drivers) so well.  Especially if it’s a local.  Kahit ikaw ang tama, wala kang laban sa batas nila.  As in.

Long live Abu Dhabi, mababango na ang mga cab drivers.  Drive so carefully.