The retirement speech of someone I truly admire from the world of sports:
On his fans:
"The scoreboard says I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I've found. Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty; you have pulled for me on court and also in life. I have found inspiration; you have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I have found generosity; you have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could never have reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life."
On his co-athletes:
"They were all stanuding, applauding me. I tell you the greatest applause that any person will receive in their life is that which comes from their peers. It's not like we're a company who's working together to accomplish something. We're people that succeed, in some cases, at the demise of the other. To have them applaud you is the greatest compliment."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
keeping the best
I have never been one to keep many friends. Acquaintances, maybe, but not close friends. Life flashes right before our eyes, why keep people who eats up a fraction of your time when you can allot it to something, or more importantly, someone more worthwhile?
I would like to think that I have a special relationship with each of my friends - each one of them, I've shared something with. And I don't just mean helping each other when the other was down. I don't just mean sharing in the heartbreaks and feeling the pain - I'm also talking about days that start out ordinary yet end up totally the opposite. How? By simply taking the time to sit down, have coffee, and talk about almost anything. Then you'd notice there's a bounce in your step, a smile that doesn't quite leave your face.
As Gretchen Barretto once said, you don't need lots of friends; you just need several good (or best) friends. That's really all you need to get by.
I would like to think that I have a special relationship with each of my friends - each one of them, I've shared something with. And I don't just mean helping each other when the other was down. I don't just mean sharing in the heartbreaks and feeling the pain - I'm also talking about days that start out ordinary yet end up totally the opposite. How? By simply taking the time to sit down, have coffee, and talk about almost anything. Then you'd notice there's a bounce in your step, a smile that doesn't quite leave your face.
As Gretchen Barretto once said, you don't need lots of friends; you just need several good (or best) friends. That's really all you need to get by.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
I miss you, mga pangit!
Yes, I'm having fun in my new job because I get to meet new friends and learn new things, but a part of me wants to go running 2 buildings back every lunchtime.
In the short time that we've spent "together-together," we shared memories one could only hope he can experience once in his life. From trading stories about our peeves and rants for the day, fighting each other's battles, shopping for clothes together, sharing the latest gadgets out in the market, to answering surveys, counseling one another, chatting through corporate e-mail even if we're just sitting right next to each other, planning weekend gimmicks - what else have we not done?
Thank you for letting me find myself more, introducing me to things I would never have tried on my own, bearing with my mood swings (oh my, I still have them). Ang dami. Thank you for throwing me a party on my last day even though you're almost drowning in deadlines. That sums up just how much you guys would go for a friend, and I'm very very lucky that I'm a recipient of such love =) Uuuyyy.. =D
Like you guys said, true friends willl always find a way back to each other. I know two buildings is still two buildings no matter how you look at it, but I am confident that proximity will not be a problem for us. But let's just all stay in Makati, like what we previously agreed, ok? Mas madali mag-plan ng gimmick =)
I'll see you around guys =) Better send me a list na of you-know-what! =)
Yes, I'm having fun in my new job because I get to meet new friends and learn new things, but a part of me wants to go running 2 buildings back every lunchtime.
In the short time that we've spent "together-together," we shared memories one could only hope he can experience once in his life. From trading stories about our peeves and rants for the day, fighting each other's battles, shopping for clothes together, sharing the latest gadgets out in the market, to answering surveys, counseling one another, chatting through corporate e-mail even if we're just sitting right next to each other, planning weekend gimmicks - what else have we not done?
Thank you for letting me find myself more, introducing me to things I would never have tried on my own, bearing with my mood swings (oh my, I still have them). Ang dami. Thank you for throwing me a party on my last day even though you're almost drowning in deadlines. That sums up just how much you guys would go for a friend, and I'm very very lucky that I'm a recipient of such love =) Uuuyyy.. =D
Like you guys said, true friends willl always find a way back to each other. I know two buildings is still two buildings no matter how you look at it, but I am confident that proximity will not be a problem for us. But let's just all stay in Makati, like what we previously agreed, ok? Mas madali mag-plan ng gimmick =)
I'll see you around guys =) Better send me a list na of you-know-what! =)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
high on House
I am a fan of both Grey's Anatomy and House - two TV shows that seem to be the topic of everyone's conversations these days. But while most people favor Grey's Anatomy, I like House more *covering my ears to block out incensed cries from Grey's fans*.
You probably know that both shows focus on hospital cases/stories, but there's a significant difference in each show's approach. One is loaded with drama, sex, and controversial love triangles, while the other concentrates on real mind-boggling cases while subtly touching on the doctors' personal lives. The former can actually be likened to Scrubs (so maybe this whole faux review thing is way off), while the latter, hmm, a bit more like CSI in the hospital.
I love drama, don't get me wrong, but a tad too much every show gets quite tiring to watch after a while. Not to mention that the whole series tends to revolve around Meredith and her "Oh-I'm-so-confused-I'm-such-a-babe-who-am-I-gonna-choose" dilemmas. Fine, fine, she is the show's namesake and I can also drown in her beautiful gray eyes, but it feels like the same old dilemma every time. Maybe I'm attacking this a bit too harshly because it might be a conscious effort on the part of the producers to get too tied up with the personal lives of the characters, but this is just me.
On the other hand, House has personal character tones too but is never over the top, makes me think with the philosophies and ideas it presents, sometimes makes me cry, and always makes me empathize with the characters. And IMO, the script is more intelligently and tastefully done, because you know how they always say that it's more difficult to make an audience laugh than make them cry? I believe that. So if you have what it takes to make me laugh (not toilet-humor-laugh but gawd-why-can't-I-think-of-a-retort-just-like-that-laugh) every single episode, you've hit the jackpot. And House does exactly that.
It also helps that Hugh Laurie is a genius. Aaahh! He's perfectly-casted as the brilliant but sarcastic Dr. Gregory House - the doctor who's completely devoid of manners (i.e. prescribing cigarettes to a patient who has bowel problems, publicly ogling at a patient's chest because she just had breast implants, etc), who ironically can't stand patients, has a stubborn God complex (he actually thinks he's better than God, hence the erstwhile appearance of his scoreboard that read "God - 1, House - 2") but he's still the doctor you want to have by your side. He's a refreshing contrast to patronizing and polite doctors in other doctor-themed shows. And it's so endearing to see an actor really getting into his character by trying his damn best to get rid of whatever accent he may have.
The other characters are amazing to watch too. Contrary to most TV shows, their characters drive the story, not the other way around. They have their own set of personal flaws, and it's a delight to see how they manage their issues and how they grow up through the whole series.
And am I the only one who thinks Hugh Laurie is hot? Okaaayy, he has the Vic Sotto vibe, but man, his wit gets me every time. Even with his limp and his cane, he's still strangely sexy, I have no idea why.
--
Some of my favorite lines from House:
1) "You can't hate God and not believe in Him at the same time" - Sister Augustine
2) "You're brilliant. But your hesitation to stand by your diagnosis could have killed this patient. Take a cue from Foreman and stand up for what you believe in." - House (Foreman ratted on House to the Hospital Dean, Dr. Cuddy, because he didn't believe that what Dr. House was doing to a patient was correct. Curiously, House still applauded him even if his actions led to House being reprimanded by Cuddy)
3) "Should I go and tell him it's gonna be okay? Or should I go in to say goodbye?" - Foreman's dad
4) House: "Make a note, I should never doubt myself." Wilson: "Somehow, I don’t think it’s likely you’ll forget." (when House turned out to be right again on a particular diagnosis)
5) "Would you rather have a nice doctor or die?" - House (which just about sums up the whole character that House is)
6) "Pain makes us make bad decisions. Fear of pain is almost as big a motivator." - House
7) "No, we're not okay. You're just apologizing because you're dying." - Cameron
But really, so many great stories, difficult to keep track of everything. Just go watch it.
You probably know that both shows focus on hospital cases/stories, but there's a significant difference in each show's approach. One is loaded with drama, sex, and controversial love triangles, while the other concentrates on real mind-boggling cases while subtly touching on the doctors' personal lives. The former can actually be likened to Scrubs (so maybe this whole faux review thing is way off), while the latter, hmm, a bit more like CSI in the hospital.
I love drama, don't get me wrong, but a tad too much every show gets quite tiring to watch after a while. Not to mention that the whole series tends to revolve around Meredith and her "Oh-I'm-so-confused-I'm-such-a-babe-who-am-I-gonna-choose" dilemmas. Fine, fine, she is the show's namesake and I can also drown in her beautiful gray eyes, but it feels like the same old dilemma every time. Maybe I'm attacking this a bit too harshly because it might be a conscious effort on the part of the producers to get too tied up with the personal lives of the characters, but this is just me.
On the other hand, House has personal character tones too but is never over the top, makes me think with the philosophies and ideas it presents, sometimes makes me cry, and always makes me empathize with the characters. And IMO, the script is more intelligently and tastefully done, because you know how they always say that it's more difficult to make an audience laugh than make them cry? I believe that. So if you have what it takes to make me laugh (not toilet-humor-laugh but gawd-why-can't-I-think-of-a-retort-just-like-that-laugh) every single episode, you've hit the jackpot. And House does exactly that.
It also helps that Hugh Laurie is a genius. Aaahh! He's perfectly-casted as the brilliant but sarcastic Dr. Gregory House - the doctor who's completely devoid of manners (i.e. prescribing cigarettes to a patient who has bowel problems, publicly ogling at a patient's chest because she just had breast implants, etc), who ironically can't stand patients, has a stubborn God complex (he actually thinks he's better than God, hence the erstwhile appearance of his scoreboard that read "God - 1, House - 2") but he's still the doctor you want to have by your side. He's a refreshing contrast to patronizing and polite doctors in other doctor-themed shows. And it's so endearing to see an actor really getting into his character by trying his damn best to get rid of whatever accent he may have.
The other characters are amazing to watch too. Contrary to most TV shows, their characters drive the story, not the other way around. They have their own set of personal flaws, and it's a delight to see how they manage their issues and how they grow up through the whole series.
And am I the only one who thinks Hugh Laurie is hot? Okaaayy, he has the Vic Sotto vibe, but man, his wit gets me every time. Even with his limp and his cane, he's still strangely sexy, I have no idea why.
--
Some of my favorite lines from House:
1) "You can't hate God and not believe in Him at the same time" - Sister Augustine
2) "You're brilliant. But your hesitation to stand by your diagnosis could have killed this patient. Take a cue from Foreman and stand up for what you believe in." - House (Foreman ratted on House to the Hospital Dean, Dr. Cuddy, because he didn't believe that what Dr. House was doing to a patient was correct. Curiously, House still applauded him even if his actions led to House being reprimanded by Cuddy)
3) "Should I go and tell him it's gonna be okay? Or should I go in to say goodbye?" - Foreman's dad
4) House: "Make a note, I should never doubt myself." Wilson: "Somehow, I don’t think it’s likely you’ll forget." (when House turned out to be right again on a particular diagnosis)
5) "Would you rather have a nice doctor or die?" - House (which just about sums up the whole character that House is)
6) "Pain makes us make bad decisions. Fear of pain is almost as big a motivator." - House
7) "No, we're not okay. You're just apologizing because you're dying." - Cameron
But really, so many great stories, difficult to keep track of everything. Just go watch it.
Monday, September 11, 2006
XOXO
My mom played a cruel joke on me the other night. We (me, my Ate, and my Dad) came home a bit late because we were all finishing a lot of things in our respectice offices, so when I came up to their room to give her a kiss, she was already asleep (she has this weird 9pm sleeping time - 9pm, can you imagine?!). But it was her sleeping position that really irked me. She was lying flat on her back (which is kinda off because she usually sleeps on her side) with her arms clasped up to her chest just so. Basta. It reminded me of dead people. Grr. So after I kissed her, I stayed there for a while to check if she's still breathing, if her chest's still moving up and down. When I was convinced that she was breathing okay, I proceeded to my room but not without touching her foot first to check if it's warm. Grr.
Only to have her kid about my behavior the next day - "Para kang engot kagabi, anong ginagawa mo, tinitingnan mo na naman kung humihinga ako." Grr.
This is no laughing matter, okay? My Ate has Lupus (go research on it because it'd be too long if I explain it - basta yun yung kinamatay ni Marcos). Some days, it's active, some days it's on remission. On days when it's troubling her, she's get these really painful cramps all over her body and she can't sleep very well. And on some nights, she makes all these sounds when she's dreaming, parang umuungol. And it takes me ages to wake her up. You can just imagine the panic I feel inside when she doesn't wake up even if I'm already slapping her. So my fear of people dying on me is quite real. Ooh, and not to mention I saw this text once in the Drafts section of her cellphone - "I love you Dad, I love you Mom, I love you Bom, I love you Mac, I love you Tonette." Some kind of final message if she dies unexpectedly (because you never really know with Lupus - it's quite a puzzling disease that has no cure)? I honestly wanted to throw her cellphone when I read it. That's what I get for snooping around.
So anyway. I sometimes feel like I'm such a bitch for not telling and showing my family I love them enough. You know how I love hugs? Well, I don't give them hugs all that much. And when they try to hug me, I tend to push them away. Not for anything, I guess I'm just not comfortable. I do love hugs from them, it's just the thought that if they knew how much I love it, it might be icky.
I also realized the other day that my parents are not getting any younger. Sure, they're up and about as if they were only 30 instead of 50, but still. The slightest hint that they're not feeling well gets me worried already. What if it develops into something more serious? What if? What if?
Stop with the what ifs and go hug them, buddy.
Only to have her kid about my behavior the next day - "Para kang engot kagabi, anong ginagawa mo, tinitingnan mo na naman kung humihinga ako." Grr.
This is no laughing matter, okay? My Ate has Lupus (go research on it because it'd be too long if I explain it - basta yun yung kinamatay ni Marcos). Some days, it's active, some days it's on remission. On days when it's troubling her, she's get these really painful cramps all over her body and she can't sleep very well. And on some nights, she makes all these sounds when she's dreaming, parang umuungol. And it takes me ages to wake her up. You can just imagine the panic I feel inside when she doesn't wake up even if I'm already slapping her. So my fear of people dying on me is quite real. Ooh, and not to mention I saw this text once in the Drafts section of her cellphone - "I love you Dad, I love you Mom, I love you Bom, I love you Mac, I love you Tonette." Some kind of final message if she dies unexpectedly (because you never really know with Lupus - it's quite a puzzling disease that has no cure)? I honestly wanted to throw her cellphone when I read it. That's what I get for snooping around.
So anyway. I sometimes feel like I'm such a bitch for not telling and showing my family I love them enough. You know how I love hugs? Well, I don't give them hugs all that much. And when they try to hug me, I tend to push them away. Not for anything, I guess I'm just not comfortable. I do love hugs from them, it's just the thought that if they knew how much I love it, it might be icky.
I also realized the other day that my parents are not getting any younger. Sure, they're up and about as if they were only 30 instead of 50, but still. The slightest hint that they're not feeling well gets me worried already. What if it develops into something more serious? What if? What if?
Stop with the what ifs and go hug them, buddy.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
when you know what makes a man
I'll let the pictures do the talking first.
So they don't hold the Guiness Book of World Records as the best-selling boyband but who cares?!
As I said in a previous post, row P was kinda far already. My friend was forced to stand with some of the nastiest people up front just to get these pics. Those sitting/standing at the sides had a much a better view, wish we got those tickets instead.
The concert was pretty short (much to the dismay of my other companion: "Yun na yung 4,500?" I had to keep swatting him to make him shut up =D), just over an hour. But personally, it was so worth it. They really sang all throughout the show, no lip-synchs, and they were all terrific. Shane, most especially. And Mark. Then Kian. And Nicky. Yeah, all of them. To-die-for-hot too. Why can't Filipino men look like them?!?
Can you imagine those pretty pretty boys singing "Don't cha wish your boyfriend was hot like me?" complete with hip-grinding moves? I swear a fly could have flown right through my mouth because I was gaping in disbelief (and my companion had to swat me that time too) and shouting like a crazed maniac. Who ever said that their repertoire consists of songs that sound exactly the same and that their concerts are just ho-hum is terribly mistaken. Switching from Michael Jackson to Pussycat Dolls to Justin Timberlake (I think) to Josh Groban is definitely not ho-hum.
And they sang "What Makes a Man" for me too! I swear Shane was looking right at me! I really really really really do.
This post doesn't give them justice, I know. I just wanted an excuse to post the pictures. I'll write a better "review" (or something like that but with obvious personal bias) another time.
Oohh, and if you remember, this is one of the things I included in my "25 Things to Do" list - Get front-row seats for a concert. See, I told you the concert was for me. The timing couldn't be better, right?
So they don't hold the Guiness Book of World Records as the best-selling boyband but who cares?!
As I said in a previous post, row P was kinda far already. My friend was forced to stand with some of the nastiest people up front just to get these pics. Those sitting/standing at the sides had a much a better view, wish we got those tickets instead.
The concert was pretty short (much to the dismay of my other companion: "Yun na yung 4,500?" I had to keep swatting him to make him shut up =D), just over an hour. But personally, it was so worth it. They really sang all throughout the show, no lip-synchs, and they were all terrific. Shane, most especially. And Mark. Then Kian. And Nicky. Yeah, all of them. To-die-for-hot too. Why can't Filipino men look like them?!?
Can you imagine those pretty pretty boys singing "Don't cha wish your boyfriend was hot like me?" complete with hip-grinding moves? I swear a fly could have flown right through my mouth because I was gaping in disbelief (and my companion had to swat me that time too) and shouting like a crazed maniac. Who ever said that their repertoire consists of songs that sound exactly the same and that their concerts are just ho-hum is terribly mistaken. Switching from Michael Jackson to Pussycat Dolls to Justin Timberlake (I think) to Josh Groban is definitely not ho-hum.
And they sang "What Makes a Man" for me too! I swear Shane was looking right at me! I really really really really do.
This post doesn't give them justice, I know. I just wanted an excuse to post the pictures. I'll write a better "review" (or something like that but with obvious personal bias) another time.
Oohh, and if you remember, this is one of the things I included in my "25 Things to Do" list - Get front-row seats for a concert. See, I told you the concert was for me. The timing couldn't be better, right?
Monday, September 04, 2006
50 posts!
I actually managed to come up with 50 entries! For someone who's never ever kept a single journal/diary her entire life, this is quite an accomplishment (bwahaha! So now you know how mababaw my criteria is to consider something an accomplishment.)
* cartwheels *
* cartwheels *
World peace? Eh, maybe next time.
Much as I was correct with MG's primary love language, I wasn't so accurate with my Ate's. Which is kind of weird since we've never been apart since we were kids, we share 1 bedroom (and our beds are twin beds that are smushed together), and we e-mail or text each other every single day.
So anyway, I was discussing with her last night the Love Language Test and I commented that I haven't encountered someone whose primary love language is "Gift." Then she goes, "Siyempre, pag sumasagot yung mga tao, they'll subconsciously choose the ideal answers. Kasi pag 'Gift' ang lumabas, it might connote that they're materialistic." Which really got me thinking.
Isn't it sad that we let other people's opinions of us affect our lives? I wish I'd see the day when we just live our lives the way we want, choose only friends whom we really really love, frankly answer any question that's thrown at us. Of course, all that without stepping on other people. By stepping on other people, I don't mean not hurting them with what we say (because sometimes, people really need to hear the truth, although of course, you can say it in a nicer way), but a) using other people to get to the top and not giving them props, b) not respecting other people's space, personal preferences, religion, etc., c) treating people like dirt, etc. If you're just being yourself, what do you have to be sorry for or be ashamed of?
I, too, am guilty of trying to conform a tad too much, and I hope that someday, I'll realize that I really cannot please everybody. Peace of mind is what matters, not pleasing other people's minds.
"Gift" is actually the last category that came up when I answered the test. I do love receiving gifts, but when comparing the "Gift" statements with their counterparts, the counterparts were the ones that tickled my fancy. However, "Physical Touch" is a close second to my primary love language. I mention this, because in my opinion, "Physical Touch" and "Gift" are the two most controversial languages in the test. Think whatever you want, but I really am a sucker for a hug, a kiss, someone gently touching my hair, a pat on my shoulder, a hand to hold. And maybe this admission, along with all other admissions in this blog, can be my 1st tiny step towards world peace, este, peace of mind.
So anyway, I was discussing with her last night the Love Language Test and I commented that I haven't encountered someone whose primary love language is "Gift." Then she goes, "Siyempre, pag sumasagot yung mga tao, they'll subconsciously choose the ideal answers. Kasi pag 'Gift' ang lumabas, it might connote that they're materialistic." Which really got me thinking.
Isn't it sad that we let other people's opinions of us affect our lives? I wish I'd see the day when we just live our lives the way we want, choose only friends whom we really really love, frankly answer any question that's thrown at us. Of course, all that without stepping on other people. By stepping on other people, I don't mean not hurting them with what we say (because sometimes, people really need to hear the truth, although of course, you can say it in a nicer way), but a) using other people to get to the top and not giving them props, b) not respecting other people's space, personal preferences, religion, etc., c) treating people like dirt, etc. If you're just being yourself, what do you have to be sorry for or be ashamed of?
I, too, am guilty of trying to conform a tad too much, and I hope that someday, I'll realize that I really cannot please everybody. Peace of mind is what matters, not pleasing other people's minds.
"Gift" is actually the last category that came up when I answered the test. I do love receiving gifts, but when comparing the "Gift" statements with their counterparts, the counterparts were the ones that tickled my fancy. However, "Physical Touch" is a close second to my primary love language. I mention this, because in my opinion, "Physical Touch" and "Gift" are the two most controversial languages in the test. Think whatever you want, but I really am a sucker for a hug, a kiss, someone gently touching my hair, a pat on my shoulder, a hand to hold. And maybe this admission, along with all other admissions in this blog, can be my 1st tiny step towards world peace, este, peace of mind.
Habayabas!
Friend: Ang gusto raw ni Bom na gift ay Havaianas.
"Friend": Magkano ba yun?
Friend: P695 yung pinaka-mura.
"Friend": Ano?! Eh kung Beachwalk na lang kaya? Ilang Beachwalk din ang mabibili sa P695.
Maybe P695 is too much for a pair of flip-flops. But the point is, honey, that is what I want, and it falls under the agreed-upon price range, right? If you have a problem with that, then it might be better to not give me a gift. I would rather get no gifts at all than get a gift from someone whose heart is really not in it.
See, I am not trying to be a saint here. It is true that I sometimes prefer the finer things in life, and I believe that should not be a crime. If flip-flops is my "thing" (you know how everyone has a "thing" they splurge on? For some, it's bags. Maybe shoes. Maybe comicbooks. Or cars. Or techie stuff.), it should not be held against me. Do not point your finger at me and try to make me feel guilty na "Ilang bata rin ang makikinabang sa P695-worth of Beachwalk." I do my personal share of giving back to the less fortunate, thank you very much. And I don't make you feel guilty when you splurge from time to time, do I? So why all the judgment now?
Thank God I don't have to put up with that kind of crap anymore. Havaianas, here I come!
"Friend": Magkano ba yun?
Friend: P695 yung pinaka-mura.
"Friend": Ano?! Eh kung Beachwalk na lang kaya? Ilang Beachwalk din ang mabibili sa P695.
Maybe P695 is too much for a pair of flip-flops. But the point is, honey, that is what I want, and it falls under the agreed-upon price range, right? If you have a problem with that, then it might be better to not give me a gift. I would rather get no gifts at all than get a gift from someone whose heart is really not in it.
See, I am not trying to be a saint here. It is true that I sometimes prefer the finer things in life, and I believe that should not be a crime. If flip-flops is my "thing" (you know how everyone has a "thing" they splurge on? For some, it's bags. Maybe shoes. Maybe comicbooks. Or cars. Or techie stuff.), it should not be held against me. Do not point your finger at me and try to make me feel guilty na "Ilang bata rin ang makikinabang sa P695-worth of Beachwalk." I do my personal share of giving back to the less fortunate, thank you very much. And I don't make you feel guilty when you splurge from time to time, do I? So why all the judgment now?
Thank God I don't have to put up with that kind of crap anymore. Havaianas, here I come!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
What's your Love Language? - the actual test (Please read previous post first, thanks!)
Instruction: You will be presented with 30 pairs of statements. Read each pair with this question in mind: Which of these would I prefer to receive from my spouse/partner/loved one? You will both enjoy expressions of love, but if you could only have one, which would you choose?
After you have made your choice, note the letter (in parantheses) at the end of each statement. Be sure to choose only one letter for each set of statements. At the end of the test, count how many times you chose each letter. The letter with the highest points is your primary love language.
1. I like to receive notes of affirmation from you (A)
I like it when you hug me (E)
2. I like to spend one-to-one time with you (B)
I feel loved when you give practical help to me (D)
3. I like it when you give me gifts (C)
I like taking long walks with you (B)
4. I feel loved when you do things to help me (D)
I feel loved when you touch me (E)
5. I feel loved when you hold me in your arms (E)
I feel loved when I received a gift from you (C)
6. I like to go places with you (B)
I like to hold hands with you (E)
7. Visible symbols of love (gifts) are very important to me (C)
I feel loved when you affirm me (A)
8. I like to sit close to you (E)
I like for you to tell me that I am attractive/handsome (A)
9. I like to spend time with you (B)
I like to receive little gifts from you (C)
10. Your words of acceptance are important to me (A)
I know you love me when you help me (D)
11. I like to be together when we do things (B)
I like the kind words you say to me (A)
12. What you do affects me more than what you say (D)
I feel whole when we hug (E)
13. I value your praise and try to avoid your criticism (A)
Several inexpensive gifts from you mean more to me than one large gift (C)
14. I feel close to you when we are talking or doing something together (B)
I feel close to you when you touch me often (E)
15. I like for you to compliment my achievements (A)
I know you love me when you do things for me that you don’t enjoy doing (D)
16. I like for you to touch me when you walk by (E)
I like it when you listen to me sympathetically (A)
17. I feel loved when you help me with my jobs around the house (D)
I really enjoy receiving gifts from you (C)
18. I like for you to compliment my appearance (A)
I like it when you listen to me sympathetically (B)
19. I feel secure when you are touching me (E)
Your acts of service makes me feel loved (D)
20. I appreciate the many things you do for me (D)
I like receiving gifts that you make (C)
21. I really enjoy the feeling I get when you give me your undivided attention (B)
I really enjoy the feeling I get when you do some act of service for me (D)
22. I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with a gift (C)
I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with meaningful words (written or spoken)(A)
23. I know you are thinking of me when you give me a gift (C)
I feel loved when you help me out with chores (D)
24. I appreciate it when you listen partially and don’t interrupt me (B)
I appreciate it when you remember special days with a gift (C)
25. I like to know you are concerned enough to help with my daily tasks (D)
I enjoy extended trips with you (B)
26. Kissing unexpectedly excites me (E)
Giving me a gift for no special occasion excites me (C)
27. I like to be told that you appreciate me (A)
I like for you to look at me when were talking (B)
28. Your gifts are always special to me (C)
I feel good when you are touching me (E)
29. I feel loved when you enthusiastically do some task I have requested (D)
I feel loved when you tell me how much you appreciate me (A)
30. I need to be touched everyday (E)
I need your words of affirmation daily (A)
Answers:
A - Words of Affirmation
B - Quality Time
C - Gifts
D - Acts of Service
E - Physical Touch
--
As a "bonus," I'll try to guess what your primary love language is (that is, for my friends whom I know visits my blog =)). Please let me know if my guess is correct, aiight? (Jen, Mark - I know your answers already so I'll exclude you okay?)
Jela - Acts of Service
MG - Words of Affirmation/Quality Time
Kaye A - Quality Time
Karen - Quality Time/Physical Touch
Sara - Acts of Service
Joey - Words of Affirmation/Quality Time/Physical Touch
Try to guess mine also if you have time =)
After you have made your choice, note the letter (in parantheses) at the end of each statement. Be sure to choose only one letter for each set of statements. At the end of the test, count how many times you chose each letter. The letter with the highest points is your primary love language.
1. I like to receive notes of affirmation from you (A)
I like it when you hug me (E)
2. I like to spend one-to-one time with you (B)
I feel loved when you give practical help to me (D)
3. I like it when you give me gifts (C)
I like taking long walks with you (B)
4. I feel loved when you do things to help me (D)
I feel loved when you touch me (E)
5. I feel loved when you hold me in your arms (E)
I feel loved when I received a gift from you (C)
6. I like to go places with you (B)
I like to hold hands with you (E)
7. Visible symbols of love (gifts) are very important to me (C)
I feel loved when you affirm me (A)
8. I like to sit close to you (E)
I like for you to tell me that I am attractive/handsome (A)
9. I like to spend time with you (B)
I like to receive little gifts from you (C)
10. Your words of acceptance are important to me (A)
I know you love me when you help me (D)
11. I like to be together when we do things (B)
I like the kind words you say to me (A)
12. What you do affects me more than what you say (D)
I feel whole when we hug (E)
13. I value your praise and try to avoid your criticism (A)
Several inexpensive gifts from you mean more to me than one large gift (C)
14. I feel close to you when we are talking or doing something together (B)
I feel close to you when you touch me often (E)
15. I like for you to compliment my achievements (A)
I know you love me when you do things for me that you don’t enjoy doing (D)
16. I like for you to touch me when you walk by (E)
I like it when you listen to me sympathetically (A)
17. I feel loved when you help me with my jobs around the house (D)
I really enjoy receiving gifts from you (C)
18. I like for you to compliment my appearance (A)
I like it when you listen to me sympathetically (B)
19. I feel secure when you are touching me (E)
Your acts of service makes me feel loved (D)
20. I appreciate the many things you do for me (D)
I like receiving gifts that you make (C)
21. I really enjoy the feeling I get when you give me your undivided attention (B)
I really enjoy the feeling I get when you do some act of service for me (D)
22. I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with a gift (C)
I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with meaningful words (written or spoken)(A)
23. I know you are thinking of me when you give me a gift (C)
I feel loved when you help me out with chores (D)
24. I appreciate it when you listen partially and don’t interrupt me (B)
I appreciate it when you remember special days with a gift (C)
25. I like to know you are concerned enough to help with my daily tasks (D)
I enjoy extended trips with you (B)
26. Kissing unexpectedly excites me (E)
Giving me a gift for no special occasion excites me (C)
27. I like to be told that you appreciate me (A)
I like for you to look at me when were talking (B)
28. Your gifts are always special to me (C)
I feel good when you are touching me (E)
29. I feel loved when you enthusiastically do some task I have requested (D)
I feel loved when you tell me how much you appreciate me (A)
30. I need to be touched everyday (E)
I need your words of affirmation daily (A)
Answers:
A - Words of Affirmation
B - Quality Time
C - Gifts
D - Acts of Service
E - Physical Touch
--
As a "bonus," I'll try to guess what your primary love language is (that is, for my friends whom I know visits my blog =)). Please let me know if my guess is correct, aiight? (Jen, Mark - I know your answers already so I'll exclude you okay?)
Jela - Acts of Service
MG - Words of Affirmation/Quality Time
Kaye A - Quality Time
Karen - Quality Time/Physical Touch
Sara - Acts of Service
Joey - Words of Affirmation/Quality Time/Physical Touch
Try to guess mine also if you have time =)
What's your Love Language?
There's a book written by Gary Chapman entitled "The Five Love Languages." I've been planning to get it, because I heard it's good, but I'm still looking for the couples version (I've been seeing the version for singles only). Either way, he says there are 5 love languages. Read on to find out more (this excerpt I got from a forwarded e-mail).
The Five Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
Your spouse may not speak the same love language that you do. Learn to communicate the depth of your affection in a way that your spouse can understand.Early in my marriage, I had visions of what married life was supposed to be like. My wife, Karolyn, didn't fulfill those visions.
I remember a Valentine's Day when I bought Karolyn a pearl necklace. She opened it and said, "That's very nice, darling." I was disappointed because she wasn't as ecstatic as I thought she should be. At dinner, she began listing things that I hadn't done for her around the house. I thought to myself, "I gave you this wonderful gift and you're criticizing me. This doesn't make sense."
Even though Karolyn was loving me by cooking the meal, I wasn't feeling loved because she was
critical.
I know now that gifts are not the primary way Karolyn receives love. She would have been much happier if I would have vacuumed the floors and forgot the gift. But that didn't make sense to me at the time. Karolyn shows her love to me through acts of service. I realize now that preparing a
Valentine's Day meal was an expression of her love.
I figured these things out after going through 20 years' worth of notes from counseling sessions with clients. In doing this, I discovered five fundamental languages of love: Gifts, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and Physical Touch.1. Gifts
A gift is a physical symbol that the giver is thinking about you. A gift doesn't have to be expensive. People have always said that it's the thought that counts. But I remind couples that it's not the thought left in your head that counts; it's the gift that came out of the thought in your
head.2. Acts of Service
The Bible says, "Love not in word only but in deed" (Cf. 1 John 3:18). Do something. This love language is cooking meals, washing dishes, vacuuming floors, washing cars, taking the dog for a walk. It's doing anything that you know your spouse would like for you to do.
3. Words of Affirmation
Another way to express love is to use words that affirm your spouse: "You look nice in that dress." "You look sharp in that suit." "I really appreciate what you did yesterday."
4. Quality Time
Quality time is not sitting in the same room watching television. Rather, sit on the couch with the TV off and look at each other and talk. Take a walk or go out to eat, just the two of you, and talk. When you give your spouse quality time, you're focusing on him or her.5. Physical Touch
We've long known the power of physical touch: holding hands, kissing, embracing, sexual intercourse, running your hand through her hair, putting your hand on his leg as you drive down the road -- touching in an affirmingway.Each of us has a primary love language, one of the five that speaks more deeply to us than the other four. If you don't speak your spouse's primary love language, he or she may not feel loved even though you're sincere.
If words make me feel loved, I will give my spouse affirming words. But because her love language is acts of service, she won't feel loved even though I say, "I love you." She's thinking, "If you love me, you will do something."
The author also developed a self-test to assist you in discovering your primary love language. I've taken the test and the profile was right-on, I think. I'll post the test in my next post since this is getting quite long already =)
To close, I think this article would explain how sometimes, couples (or even friends) doubt their partner's love for them (this is talking from personal experience). There's a continuous need to understand where the other person is coming from and then try to meet halfway.
"It doesn't mean that a person doesn't love you completely just because he doesn't love you the way you want him to."
Friday, September 01, 2006
I Offer My Life
I keep forgetting how good it feels to go to Mass on a weekday. You know that everybody's there out of their own volition and not just a weekend ritual they've grown accustomed to.
This is one of the songs that always touches my heart everytime I hear it. It's a good battlecry whether you're up or down in the vicious cycle that is life.
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, alll of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you
Sometimes I forget that even if I'm alone, I'm really NOT completely alone. I've been blessed with a good life - a loving family, my not-perfect-but-perfect-for-me partner, great friends, a job that feeds me, a house over my head, clothes on my back - but sometimes, I fail to say thank you. I only remember Him when I'm down and out.
It's not too late though.
My whole life, the good and the bad, I offer to YOU.
This is one of the songs that always touches my heart everytime I hear it. It's a good battlecry whether you're up or down in the vicious cycle that is life.
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, alll of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you
Sometimes I forget that even if I'm alone, I'm really NOT completely alone. I've been blessed with a good life - a loving family, my not-perfect-but-perfect-for-me partner, great friends, a job that feeds me, a house over my head, clothes on my back - but sometimes, I fail to say thank you. I only remember Him when I'm down and out.
It's not too late though.
My whole life, the good and the bad, I offer to YOU.
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