RANTING AND BEYOND

Vacation is over. I’m back in Baltimore. I miss the Gelido kids and I was glad to know they missed me too. I found a welcome back poster at my doorstep when I got back. So sweet of them.

They immediately opened their presents. John likes his birthday gift. I gave him a 3 in 1 Lego set. Sam adores her bracelet charms. And cutie Naneng loves her outdoor doll set.

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I am so lucky to be reunited with my first cousin from my father’s side, Ate Vilma. She lives in Bergenfield, NJ not to far from Bayonne where I’m staying. I spent one night at her home and met her husband and kid.

She drove me to NYC to see the hospital where she currently works. She took me to the famous Columbia University, the Empire State Building, the biggest Macy’s store at 34th Street and Time Warner.

At dinner time we attended a debut party of one of our distant relatives from La Union. It feels good to meet and greet relatives and friends. I enjoyed their company. I will come back any time soon.

1. “Think outside of the box.” If you’re part of a BIG thing, think of ways on how to be more efficient and productive. If you’re involved in a sinking situation, get out of it quick before you sink with everyone else.

2. “Make quality a priority.” There are no shortcuts. Giving a little extra, living by higher standards and paying close attention to details really make a difference. Do not be a mediocre.

3.  “Do what you love and love what you do.” Find a job that provides you direction, gives you purpose and satisfies your life. You may even live longer if you do this.

4. “There shouldn’t be any space for procrastination.” Do I need to explain that?

5. “Make a difference in this world, by not preaching or being self-righteous. Instead, set an example.”

6. “Don’t be afraid to dream.” Our imagination is limitless. If you think you’ve found the next big thing, jump right out of bed and decide on it quickly. Usually, the first step is the hardest…what follows is just a piece of cake.

7. “Do your best in everything.” Success invites greater success, you gotta stay hungry for it.

8. “Mistakes happen, let go, move forward and learn from them.” Even the most successful person commits mistakes. Who doesn’t?

9. “Strive to be a leader.” In case you become one, lead WISELY. You’re here in this universe to make your mark, otherwise, why would you be here anyway?

10. “Follow your heart.” It’s your own effin’ life. Be your own boss.

I am not going anywhere but here, with you. I’m sorry if I can’t say anything more. There’s too much to say that if I write them one by one, it may take me forever. I love you Papa. You and the kids mean the world to me. Happy Anniversary!

I have come to a realization. All that I’ve dreamed of for me, my family and my career will soon come into reality. Yes, I am very happy. But behind the happiness is a bit of hesitation. Hesitation to leave my family behind for 6 months.

To not see Maya’s smile every morning when she wakes up, to not hear Jaiden’s goodnight prayer before bedtime and to not feel Ross’ soft kiss on my forehead every night before I hit the bed, are just some of the nightmares I have to face. Only one thought makes me happy and hopeful…that the sacrifice I will have to make, will give them the brightest future ever.

“Man, alone, has the power to transform his thoughts into physical reality; man, alone, can dream and make his dreams come true.” Napoleon Hill