Relaxing Harp Music

If you're having a stressful day and would like to relax or would simply want to chill out without spending much, listening to relaxing music can do that for you.  While it's great to sing along with familiar tunes, sometimes, it's cool to just listen to soft, flowing melodies.  Just close your eyes and be transported somewhere tranquil...a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the day.

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Relaxing Harp Music



    

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When You Say Nothing at All

Oh I just stumbled on this in Facebook.  A friend posted this video and there I go again, playing it over and over and over.  I just love how Alison Krauss sings so effortlessly.  I didn't know she plays the violin.  Excellent!  When I go home later, I'll be playing this on my guitar for sure.  Got to print the chords! I'll have a singing spree once again.  I hope the neighbors won't mind my mini concert hahaha!

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Ouchy Ouch!

Looking for her happy place, originally uploaded by cheryl.dudley.

I was preparing to go to church yesterday when I felt this slight pain in my tummy. I thought it was nothing but the pain keeps getting more intense every time. It's like being jabbed in the stomach. Glad that the pain is not a continuous one as I would probably pass out. But it did leave me unable to do much except to lie down and let the pain subside. I could not take any pain medication as I have not had breakfast yet. And taking anything would have been futile at that time because I felt like I would just throw it up anyway. So there I was at 9:30 am, trying to nurse myself by trying to sleep. It wasn't easy doing so in the first few hours but either I passed out or just fell asleep finally. I woke up four hours later, feeling refreshed...revived.

Before I closed my eyes, I was thinking what if I needed to be hospitalized? How in the world would I go? I am all alone, can't possibly call my mom who lives miles away. I was too weak to even call for help. In those situations, I suppose the only thing for me to do is pray and hope the pain will pass. It's not a life threatening situation, I suppose but it sure would have been better if I had someone with me that time. But then again, I did have the best One with me that time...the best healer there is.

I was able to go to church later in the afternoon, after I had my very very late breakfast and lunch at 2:30 pm. No more tummy aches.

    

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My Table Is Dancing

Pajama, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

I was sitting quietly and thinking of something to write last night, some time between 6:40-6:45 pm. There's bottled water on top of my side table where I stack up some of my books. I thought I was imagining things as I saw the table sway a bit and the water was moving like something bumped the table but I remember not touching the table at all. I stood up right away, trying to see if I would get dizzy or feel the floor buckle up under my feet. Nothing....but being the paranoid that I am sometimes, I dressed up and readied myself if I needed to make a run for it. Was I in panic? Had the quake been more intense and longer, I probably would have. It just registered an intensity level of 3. I would have felt it more since I was renting a place on the third floor. But since everything is made of cement and stone, I didn't feel the vibration much. Had the floors been made of wood and the foundation not that rigid, I'd feel the shaking even more.

After that, I had a hard time going to sleep and I finally dozed off just before midnight. I was waiting for some aftershock. I also thought of the safest part of the small house where I could go to. I realize, I don't have a sturdy table to go under. I have one that is collapsible and it just might fold up crushing me underneath. The safest place was an inside wall I could get beside to, that is if I can walk over there. If not, my best option is to stay where I am and cover my head and neck with a pillow. There's not much heavy frames that could fall on me. I was a bit afraid that the floor might give way.  I was afraid to fall. But I read also that is is better to fall down than be crushed underneath.

My best bet...and one that made me fall asleep finally....I prayed. Because when my time is up, no matter where I run to, there's no escaping. I prayed also for my family and friends' safety before I closed my eyes.


Well, here I am, alive and writing this. I survived the night. We live one day at a time.

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Thoughts on the Recent Tsunami in Japan

The recent tsunami in Japan made me remember the terrible flood brought about by typhoon Ondoy more than a year ago.  It was a Saturday and rains started coming in before noon.  We waited out hoping the emerging flood would subside but come late afternoon, the flood was still not subsiding.  I was able to go home the following day already and what a terrible time for those living in low lying areas.  I live on the upper floors so no problem with my things.  But those in the lower floors, you could see the anguish and frustration at losing their valuables.  But this experience pales a hundred times over to the tsunamis that hit Southeast Asia in 2004 and just recently, that of Japan.

I don't know how to swim so naturally, I get the jitters when I see plenty of water creeping in at a fast pace.  I wonder how I'd feel if the tsunami hits us instead of Japan.  A country that is so well-equipped is still no match for the fury of nature.  What more for us who are still backwards in terms of infrastructure?  I asked myself if I was ready....not to swim as there is no escaping that...but ready to die. 

I also remember that scene in the movie "Deep Impact."  Father and daughter just went out on the beach, hugged each other and braced themselves as the massive waves struck.  Could I have that sense of calm, that even if the waves engulf me, I will not go scurrying, running, screaming?  These are the questions that go in my mind.

I feel for the Japanese people.  Their anguish I cannot fathom as they try to get on their feet and look around after the devastation.  I could gawk over and over at the videos showing the raging waters and cars and houses being swept away, but the shock is nothing compared to actually being there and seeing things and experiencing the calamity first hand.  It must be surreal as it feels like something from a movie scene, only that you are one of the actors.  As the waves come in, there is also a tremendous wave of panic inside.  I'm sure that is what I would probably feel at first.  After that, I don't know anymore. 

Here is clip of the devastating tsunami in  Japan almost a week ago (March 11).  Question is, are we ready to face such dangers if ever?  But if we have God in us, we can even welcome the waves with open arms.  I suppose, that is the safest place I could think of, to be in His arms.

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Kung Fu Panda 2

This is something I'll definitely watch out for because I enjoyed the first part immensely.  Let's see if this lives up to the first of the sequels.  I wonder what misadventures he will have this time. 

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When the Going Gets Tough

SMERSH@Lloyd, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

What do they say about when things get kind of difficult? Ah yes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

I've been pondering lately if I am tough enough to keep up with the tasks at hand. I guess, in my training at work, giving up is not an option, no matter how difficult the tasks maybe. I've been given impossible assignments at work. Sometimes, I don't even have the slightest idea how to go about those tasks, but once I accept a task, I see it right to the end, bruises, scratches, and all.

I have learned early on that when you sign up for something, you can't just bail out in the middle of a project or a task and say you've had enough or you can't continue with it anymore because of so many reasons. It just doesn't give a good reflection of one's self. I guess that's why they give a funny name to it...chickening out.

My father also set me a good example about keeping one's word. If you say you'll do something, do it with all that you've got. One never backs down from what he says, even if it means you have to roll over dirt and dust just to be able to deliver what you promised.

In every task and assignment we take on, there will surely be problems along the way. Those who choose to hurdle obstacles and commit to achieving the goal no matter what happens is what separates an achiever to those who shy away from challenges and responsibilities and therefore live a life of mediocrity.

A good question to ask one's self when faced by overwhelming tasks is this: Are you ready to ride the waves or will you just stay on the shore stay safe but miss out on all the fun?

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Rainy Evening

"Nah!", originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

The sun was so hot all throughout the day. It really feels like summer days are here. I just walked around a while and I could already feel sweat breaking out. I had to go back inside the office as I could not stand for very long under the sun. My hair is dark and I could feel it absorbing all the heat and getting all warmed up instantly. I didn't feel like carrying an umbrella as I do my rounds in the manufacturing area perimeter.

Well, as expected with a very, very hot day, it's now raining heavily early in the evening. It's quite a downpour and it would really be terrible to be caught outside in the rain. I hate getting my feet soaked wet in rainwater. But with this kind of downpour, it won't be just my feet that would get soaked. I think I' ll be drenched like a rag doll. Good thing I decided to go home early. If this rain doesn't stop in the next thirty minutes, I think it will start flooding in low lying areas again. If there's one thing that's worse than getting drenched in rain is having to wade through filthy flood waters.  Ah the perks of living in the polluted city.  Hahaha!

At least, the air is cool now and the ambient temperature is now conducive for relaxing and later, sleeping. Ah yes, sleep. I have been depriving myself of that in the past few days but I'll have to make up now for lost sleep....well at least while I can.

I enjoy the rain so much when I'm just simply at home, safe and warm. Pretty soon, the pitter patter on the roof will lull me to sleep. Yawn...there it is...starting to feel sleepy now.


     

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Lazing Around

Skin testing, originally uploaded by Ramona.Forcella.

Just feeling a little tired lately. I'd like to laze around like that lady in the image...dangling arms and all. How nice to just have a break once in a while, and forget all your worries. No work, no assignments to do...just be with myself. If I can get to do that, I'd bring my trusty notebook and write down my thoughts. Would be great to have some time for reflection and a bit of recreation. It's inspiring to be just one with nature, enjoying its beauty and temporary respite from the busy city life.

For now, I think a good, quick nap will do. :-)

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Dew Drops

Pearly dewdrop roses., originally uploaded by e³°°°.

Dew drops on flowers in full bloom...it's just so refreshing to look at. So pretty. I just love pink and peach roses. When I close my eyes, I could almost smell the roses.

I'm just relaxing here. Nature has that effect on me, even if only in pictures.

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