Moving back to Xanga

Although blogger has been good to me, I've decided to move to xanga. See ya there! :)

Tackling the future

We challenge ourselves every single day to be courageous and unafraid, but what happens when strength is staring right at us but we are blinded by the fear of change? From love, to hope, to simple things... in an instant can all go awry. We can either give pause and hesitate on all of our choices in life or just barrel through them like a linebacker out for blood.

I don't know about you, but from this day forward... I will have faith, and of course will remember to pack a sturdy helmet. :)

Choices

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words, it is expressed in the choices one makes" - Eleanor Roosevelt

From the simple to the complex, life is all about choices. From "would you like fries with that?" to what passions to pursue in life. Perhaps one of the more difficult choices to make is whether or not to give up on something you set your heart on. How do we know when to move on from something that's seemingly not there when the risk taken to try in the first place was such a leap of faith? Can we merely base it on the events that have or have not occurred or just wing it from what feels right at the moment? How can we safely say that enough is enough?

But... as life is full of choices, it is also full of possibilities. So here's to one last shot. :) No matter what, the greatest worth comes from knowing that you tried.

Crushes

What exactly attracts us to certain people? Have you ever wondered why someone is on your mind? Or have you questioned a friend about their interest to which they answer, "there's just something about them". So, what exactly is this something?

Is it purely genetics? Studies have shown that facial symmetry could be a tell-tale sign for beauty. Beauty may project good health as the evolutionary drive to self preserve and produce healthy offspring play a role in choosing a mate. Science has also pointed out that pheromones are a factor for attraction. Can scent be a reason why we crush on someone? I pity the fool who falls for the scent of an air freshener then. *wink*

So, is "having chemistry" all there is to attraction or can it just simply be a feeling you get from catching someone's eye and seeing them smile? And that very good feeling that comes from thinking that perhaps that smile was put on there by you.

Gosh, this whole attraction thing is confusing. :) I'll have to remember all of this the next time one my friends points out their latest crush and I think to myself... gawd, what the bleep do they see in them? hehehe... =D

Love

Nope, not the feeling but the Club. Took the kiddies out to Club Love. We laughed, we danced, we loved... the drinks of course. :)

the girlies

the boys

project infusion crew

smooshie in the elevator

pei and tim

amado's girls

kelly, tony, linton, pei, tim, alex's forehead, and amado

tim, me, and steven

alex, tim, pei, and steven

Jason, we miss you

Jason is the closest thing I have to a brother. He's goofy, likes to raid my fridge, and knows a million ways to make a joke last forever. He also has a gift of making the people near him feel special. He's got a heart gold. For the past year, Jason's been nobly fighting the war and unfortunately a week before his leave, we've learned that he'll be stationed there for up to another year. And as a testament to his wonderful caring nature, he's more worried about us than himself. I'm truly honored to be able to call him my friend.

Jason, nothing in our lives will be right again until you are back home safely.

Jason and his lovely wife, Chrissy

We forget how fragile life really is. We wait for Thanksgiving to give thanks. Christmas to give gifts. Birthdays to celebrate a life. The simple truth is it's easy to succumb to the monotony of our lives, allowing routine to cloud our judgement on what's truly dear to us -- time spent with the ones you love. Whether it be family or friends... or a certain cuddly pet, every moment should be treasured. The absence of one in your life shatters the routine and you're left with holding dearly onto memories of what once was.

Life is fragile. I suggest that everyone go on a hugging spree. :)

- Benjamin -

lover of squeaky toys
beloved lap warmer
(1990 - 2006)

writing once more

"In good writing, words become one with things" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I had forgotten how much I loved to write. How soothing and rewarding it can be to see my thoughts plucked from my heart and captured for my mind to read. They bicker, they do-- my heart and mind. A constant battle that tears at my soul. But as I humbly scribe their feelings down, they find the peace that they so seek which puts my soul at ease.

Recent events in my life have inspired me to start posting once more. I write for me. I write for you. I write for all that is good in this world. I am certainly no Emerson or even a speck of Maya Angelou, but I am sure they would agree that a writer is in all of us. Our thoughts are our words - no matter how simple or mundane. The greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that you may touch someone with your words if not only yourself. So, my fellow bloggers... write on, write on. :)