A’s pointless chatter

Is it just me? Or does rain automatically trigger thoughts?

I believe my time here is nearing its end…

I eventually did find good sushi in Houston…

Still haven’t made it to Austin or Dallas…

I did not find what I expected when I came here but I found things I did not expect…

I learned to value A/C, in Houston it is indeed a necessity…

You can trust people who take care of yellow rubber duckys…

I am enjoying my new collection of endless hours of music…

…even in Houston the rain does cease eventually…

"Everything happens for a reason", I am sure we have all heard this phrase before, me included, countless times. Usually voiced by someone who is trying to encourage us, make us feel better about something bad that happened. I remember having this conversation recently with a friend of mine. I was reflecting upon my life, or to be precise rather the most recent few years of it and how much had happened in such a relatively short time span. Major changes have forced me to readjust and adapt my perspective accordingly. I had to face a series of setbacks. But all in all while looking back at the bottom of the ladder I can say that I have overall continued toward a postive upward trend.

I had met my friend inmidst of the beginning of the end of a significant period of my life and looking back I feel bad about having been such a basketcase at the time we met. Well, given the circumstances this may be natural, but still somewhat of an unusual start of a new friendship. He however, pointed out that what matters to him is what has emerged from that, or how I have transformed throughout the years to arrive where I am now.

Especially when we look at massive disasters that affect an entire group of people, we can observe how differently people cope with one and the same scenario. While some mourn the loss and linger on the bottom, others will start to pick up the pieces after the intial shock and get to work. One thought inherent in Buddhist philosophy I always liked, is the notion that nothing is permanent, which is why we should accept and let go. This, I believe helps the one who will let the past rest and put the present to work.  Whenever I have my downtimes, like we all do, I try to remind myself of a few key things. First, the assets, what is there that I still have, that I feel strong about, that is worth focusing on instead. Second, I try to accept the past and its consequences, be it good or bad. You will just walk two steps back if you regret having or not having done something, while missing to react to that what you are faced with right now. People have a tendency to either live in the past or the future, while none of the two are attainable.

I often hear the phrase, "I shouldn’t have…" and last time I heard it, I recall saying, "But this can’t be changed. It already happened and we just have to react and deal with the status quo." Same reason why I don’t like apologies or promises, I rather wait for the actions, that what you perceive now, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Also, there is truth in the saying "there is something good in everything bad", you just need to look close enough. If I retrace the succession of events, I realise many things would have never taken place had they not been preceded by something bad. Unexpected chances are often born that way and I am fascinated to see such course of events.

…and in closing the circle, I would have probably missed the opportunity for a great friendship had I not been confronted with an unfortunate situation at that point. And in this aspect there is indeed something good in everything bad:)

I place much importance on my friendships, especially those that last for a long time. Friendship to me is a give and take and resists the test of time. People come and go, many pledge and promise things, friends don’t, they simply act, they show friendship through their actions.
I have been meaning to dedicate a post to some of those whose friendship I treasure and value most, but somehow I never got around doing it….well, most recently I was once again reminded of the meaning of real friendship.:)

My friend Krisna, a wonderful spirit, one of the few people who knows more about me than most everyone else. We have been through a lot together, being there for each other countless times. She is back in Virginia now and I often miss her, but I know that neither distance nor time will harm our friendship. I know, also she has proved it many times, that she is always there for me, and vice versa.

My friend George, who never fails to support and forgive me, even when I make mistakes. We have been friends for many, many years and he has seen me go through different stages in my life. He is one of the most patient and forgiving people I know. Even when I disappoint him, he is there for me. He calls me his little sister.:)
Someone who I would name first on my list thinking of friends for life.

John and Michelle, we have only known each other for a short period of time, but those two embody every word others say when it comes to friendship. Particularly most recently they have been there for me on countless occasions, working with me through difficulties. It is strange, but even though we really haven’t known each other for long, I feel as if I could talk with them about anything. With Michelle I feel almost as if we had known each other for years. She is one of those people who will make you comfortable by her sheer presence. John is almost like the brother I never had, someone who will support me and equally put my head straight and my feet back on the ground. Even when I feel lousy he does not fail to make me laugh.

Cort, we sometimes go without talking for a while, simply because we are so far apart and both our lives are busy, but I know I can count on him to always be my friend. We have shared many ups and downs together, putting friendship into practice on two continents. Cort is a wonderful spirit whose energy and zest always put a smile on my face.

Ariel and I have never met in one and the same place twice, well maybe this year we will break the pattern, I am thinking of stopping by in NY. He is one of those friends who I equally value and admire. I admire his drive, his zest for life and spirit of adventure. Even when he is having a hard time he will make you laugh instead of you supporting him. He proved to be a true friend when I first met him and despite the distance we have remained friends throughout the years…meeting on unexpected roads down the road we have shared some great moments together.

Two people I would also like to mention, first of Ed…he and I only had  the chance to spend little time together, unfortunately, but he was there for me at an extremely difficult point in my life. A very caring person, someone who will not let you down and run, even when things get rough.
Dustin I only met recently, but aside from lending me an open ear I have been truly touched by his careing and supportive nature. He always checks up on me, making sure I am ok… Sometimes it’s those little things that make the difference.

Isabell I have known ever since highschool, we had our ups and downs
and remained friends throughout the years. She has been there for me
many times and she never fails to put a smile on my face.

Recently, I had to bid farewell to another special friend, William. He and I had shared many unique moments and equally sparked each others lives. I am glad I made a difference in your life:)

Mike is someone I have known for years as well, we have grown a little apart lately, mainly due to time constraints, but he is also one of those people I know they will always be there for me.

There have been a number of wonderful people who have given me their friendship throughout the years, some of whom I lost touch with but they too have been great friends at one point or another, and I have not forgotten about you.