Flynn's Paws: My Thoughts, My Gripes

Tag: dailypostwordpress-category

1. Questions posted on dailyposts.wordpress.com
2. Daily Prompts via ‘dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts’
3. The best in Postaday2011-related posts from around the WordPress.com community, updated daily.

  • 20110222-Daily Post

    Whenever I blog, there are usually important thoughts that must be published, no matter how ridiculous or unfounded. Whatever topic may be, those are usually personal, which means I tend to offend and ride on the nerves of the clueless readers.

    Regardless, after my brain stops thinking that’s normally my gauge as to know when to stop blogging and publish my precious puppy. After reviewing my draft, which is sometimes saved after disruption from work or other distractions at home, I preview the unpublished version.

    If after reading the preview, I find areas that doesn’t look right and edit my post, especially “to correct for proper grammar and spelling”. I prefer a couple of sentences per paragraph. It makes reading easier for those who like to skim though the blog entries.

    When I feel a blog entry is ready for publishing, I cross my fingers and wait for the post to be saved. Then I go to the final version and sometimes there are ERRORS! That’s right! My impatient nature publishes makes blogging perfect.

    So that’s why I just blog and publish ASAP and hope that each “eye” is dotted and each “tea” is crossed correctly and that I make sense, which is more important than rambling about anything. After all, we as bloggers must set a good example for others, right?
    —
    Topic #54: How do you decide when a post is ready to publish?

  • 20110221-Daily Post

    Actually, I’ve gone without showering for a couple of weeks! That’s right! I was living as a bum and didn’t have access to a nice shower. I recall walking in the Berryessa Flea Market with my pink/gray backpack on and I could smell the reek coming off of me.

    A couple of white ladies were walking behind me and I overheard them say: “Someone needs a bath!” I felt free, though, knowing that my smell was one with nature. I truly felt like one of those god-damn, hippies.

    Of course, I was being stupid and clueless. Yes, I felt itchy and uncomfortable. But that’s the price for being homeless for awhile. I wasn’t on drugs, didn’t do alchohol or smoked cigarettes. I was exploring how far I could go without bathing.

    Now I could tolerate to go without showering for two days to three days maximum. With my new UGLY short hair cut, I could shower daily, which is healthier. Plus I smell cleaner and feel better, thanks to the kind-hearted elderly couple who have provided food and lodging until I stand on my two feet.
    —
    Topic #53    : How long do you think you could go without a shower? Did you know: The modern domestic shower was invented in the early 1800s (via wikipedia). For hundreds of years before that, in most of the world, people went their entire lives without ever taking a shower (and even today some of your coworkers probably still don’t shower enough).

  • 20110220-Daily Post

    The best road trip I’ve ever taken was cross-country. That was back in 1976. We had to move from the east coast to the west coast. A truck hauled our furniture; while a hired person drove our baby-blue Chevrolet. Uncle Ver accompanied us in the dark, forest-green Buick Electra 525 with a white roof top. I don’t remember much but we were in the back seat the whole time with Maw while Paw and his younger brother sat up front. The travel was for six days.

    The worse road trip was taking Highway 1 from Fort Bragg, CA all the way down to our home in San Jose, CA. That was over ten years ago. I didn’t realize that the switchbacks of that road took almost five hours non-stop! We were traveling around 25 to 30 mile per hour. And by the time we reached the north part of the Golden Gate Bridge, we were holding our pee! The car we drove was a white-colored Honda Accord. And after that trip, the transmission didn’t seem to shift correctly. It must have been from all that braking just to speed up during the straight ways and then to slow down to round the curves and turns!

    However, the scenery was breaktaking! There were lots of tall grasses, rustic wooden fences and trees of various sorts. The sunset was especially beautiful as we passed a few restaurants near the cliffs of ocean water below and beyond the horizon.
    —
    Topic #52: Describe the best road trip you’ve ever taken. Bonus: If you’re feeling all glass half empty, the worst road trip. Or describe a road trip you’d like to take and why you want to take it.

  • 20110219-Daily Post

    When I’m feeling down or up, I hardly listen to modern music because the lyrics have become rather REPETITIVE and lack substance, only songs about love, war and hate, and nothing but lies about the human conditions lacking in any moral characteristics.

    If anything is worth listening, I would prefer happy, upbeat music — a cappella style, just the sounds of voices from a quartet singing in harmony — or even instrumental, like the sounds from orchestras, bands, or synthesizers.

    Anything with a steady, rhythmic beat of the drum, the long pauses of bells chimes, or electronic interpretations of space and natural movements are other musical genre that I would like to hear when feeling down and out or happy up and up.

    On the faster speed (or tempo), I would like the fast kinds that feel exhilirating as if flying above the clouds or sky diving towards the earth. Those types of music definitely raise my heart rate and give me the “high” to bounce back from feeling low.

    On the opposite to a quick tempo, I would like the slow kinds that feels soothing as if lulling a baby to sleep or numbing the mind into meditation. Those absolutely reduces my heart rate and give me the “low” to reduce tension and stress levels.

    Depending on my mood and how I’m feeling, hard rock music gives me the edge to drive faster behind the wheel, for example, and when I’m either angry or frustrated; while smooth jazz quites the soul to walk slower during my breaks, for example, and when I’m either sad or comtemplative.
    —
    Topic #51: When you’re feeling down, what music cheers you up? Bonus: why do you think this music has that effect? What music do you prefer when you’re very happy?

  • Weekly Photo Challenge: Refuge

    Refuge
    Photo courtesy of http://ma.tt

    Photo courtesy of http://ma.tt

    —

    With a handful
    of spare change,
    there’s a mug of
    hot cocoa
    waiting inside
    the comfort
    of a warm diner.

    And for
    “two cents” extra,
    white marshmallows
    are optional.

    But
    for a former
    white collar
    worker
    in a
    world of
    option trading,
    marshmallows
    was not worth
    the risk.

    His day
    quickly crashed
    overnight:
    And with it,
    his world —
    home, family, and
    wealth.

    He looks out
    the window and
    sees his life’s work —
    the droplets
    of tears of those
    lives he ruined.

    Reference: Weekly Photo Challenge: Refuge

  • 20110218-Daily Post

    I haven’t decided what I would do with a million dollars, tax free. Off hand, I’d like to buy a new wardrobe; get my annual check-up; get new pairs of hearing aides and eyeglasses and/or contact lenses; visit my impoverished “my family” down south and relatives overseas; buy a new car and a mansion; and pursue business opportunities.

    But based on my readings, I would like to do the following:

    • Minimize (further) taxation through off-shore bank accounts and foundations.
    • Avoid probate through trust accounts to my kids upon my passing.
    • Keep cash and valuables in a safety deposit box for instant access.
    • Invest cash in tangible assets, such as real property, buildings, precious metals, etc.
    • Pool my assets and form PRIVATE ASSET MANAGEMENT UNIONS OR COOPERATIVES.

    —
    Topic #50: What would you do with a million dollars, tax free?

  • 20110217-Daily Post

    Long ago in an ancient land, there was a beautiful garden. In that garden was a fountain of water. It gave life to the whole land. Two gardeners were caretakers of the place. Apparently, the big boss of the garden was busy with other activities.

    The garden was lush and full of life. Trees, shrubs and of all kinds greenery grew. Flowers and birds colored the lands and airs. All sorts of creepy and crawling things came and went. Even the waters were teaming with swimmers and bottom feeders alike.

    Alas! The gardeners worried about the big boss. He was taking such a long time to return. So they searched high and low, day and night. Years passed into eons and still no sign of the big boss. They wondered if he will ever come back or died.

    But the gardeners continued their assignment until they got bored with each other and decided to go separate ways. One went east; the other went west. They agreed to come back coming from the north and the south; respectively.

    One day, the east gardener was hungry and saw some strange fruits hanging from a wild oak tree. He has not seen that tree before and wondered how it got there. Out of curiosity, he went over to one of the low branches and touched the red fruit. It glowed. Its fragrance filled the air.

    It so happened he picked the fruit and his belly was filled. His eye were open to various colorful arrays of energy of his world and decided to eat more and became delirious with delight. The more he ate the fatter he got.

    Soon, he got lonely again and thought of the western gardener and decided to head back home with his newly discovered fruit. As agreed, he found her waiting at the water fountain. Only this time she was not alone. Standing next to her was VERY tall, green-colored snake!

    He was so furious with blinding rage that the dropped his precious gifts to her and ran towards the both of them in fair greeting. An argument ensued because his jealousy overcame his normal level-headedness. But she merely laughed at him and wondered why he was still naked.

    Obviously, he had not expected hatred to fill his heart and he lunged himself at the alien and killed it with one blow to the forehead. The creature fell down dead from the wound of the projectile — the red fruit which he had in his pocket.

    The western gardener wailed in sorrow. And never forgave him for his rash decisions. For out of the hiding there came a couple of hybrids — her children from the creature. And the twins were deeply saddened by what had happened.

    No knowing what had happened, the children told the eastern gardener that he had killed the big boss! In horror, the eastern gardener fell down on his knees and weep torrents of tears! The western gardener was shocked at this revelation! She had no idea the father of her children was the big boss.

    All this time, both had been dedicating their, tireless hard work in keeping the beautiful garden for the big boss. Now that he is dead, all that they could do is move on with their lives. Sadly, the gardeners buried their big boss, said a few words of thanks and gratitude and decided to take care of the children.

    Together they raised more children together and lived happily ever after.

    Post script: The only crime here was love.
    —
    Topic #49: Describe the perfect crime. A crime that could take place somewhere you know, or at a company you’ve heard of, or even in the future or the past. Something where either it’d be impossible to get caught, or that somehow no one (who didn’t deserve it) would be hurt. Bonus: by definition, is a perfect crime ever possible?

  • 20110216-Daily Post

    Let’s put it this way, I am trouble! Usually by playing it cool and by keeping a “level” head, I avoid getting into too much trouble with both law enforcement and government authorites. I do NOT cause trouble but have been called trouble.

    “Here comes trouble!” said Sherry. The VERY tall, red-head used to work in the billing department of a company that used to be located in Campbell, CA but is now in Sunnyvale, CA. I used to work with her between the years of 1997 – 2000.

    The only trouble that I’ve experienced was a recent financial and economic hardship. For ten slong years, I’ve kept my personal debt from my family. I had invested ALL my savings, salaries and cash advances from six of my personal credit card.

    After losing my good-paying job in 2007, ALL unemployment benefits, too, went to pay off my credit card debt with little to no success. And by January 2010, the unemployment benefits were exhausted.

    I had no choce but to sign up with debt settlement company in February 2010. I knew my credit report was ruined thanks in part to certain politicans and fellow businessmen.

    With no more funds or savings left, I was lucky enough to land this “temp job from hell” on the last week of June 2010. Thanks to the generosity of my temp agency’s client, I am still working.

    And after disclosing to my parents my situation back in Novermber 2010, their generous birthday gift to me last December helped eliminate my debt. I’ve regained hope and retained sanity.

    With that said, I was able to help “my family” living in Southern California. So while I got into trouble, my parents and nice people helped me get out of trouble. And in return, I hope to help others get out of trouble.

    Call me a generous heart and others Santa’s helpers. But it is by these very examples of how the “Golden Rule” manifest as reality:

    “Do good and good will be done in return.”

    Try it! And see for yourself, how good it feels to belong to a group of “good folks”.
    —
    Topic #48: What’s the most trouble you’ve ever been in? Bonus: Tell the story of how you got into trouble, and how you got out.

  • Challenge: Conduct an interview for your blog

    Challenge: Conduct an interview for your blog
    —
    Below is a mock interview to myself:

    1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

    Click here to read the answer.

    2. How you first got involved in with blogging?

    Click here to read the answer.

    3. What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic?

    Click here to read the answer.

    4. Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on your blog?

    Click here to read my answer.

    5. How would (someone) describe your blogging style?

    Click here to read my answer.

    6. What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

    I either dream or pray: Click pages on dreams and religious.

    7. Are you a full time blogger? How did you get into blogging and why?

    I’m not a full-time blogger but rather a “part-time pain in the butt” (per a cool T-shirt). Click here to read the answer.

    8. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business?

    I don’t actively network but rather operate behind the scenes.

    9. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog.

    My sources vary from current events via news articles online to ideas from DailyPost.wordpress.com. Depending on the nature of each blog entry, one day I’ll feel moody and blog with much pessimism. Other times, I’ll be feeling great and blog about the beauty of nature.

    10. Whats your strategy with your blog in general?

    There is no real strategy other than “blogging on the go”. Whenever random thoughts occur and depending on how sharp my memory, I’d blog as much as possible. As long as there is eletricity, the computer and the internet, the more I blog, the higher my blog stats. It’s that simple. I thrive on my imaginery audience.

    11. Do you think Pagerank plays a vital role in a blog’s life?

    I never heard of Pagerank.

    12. What would you prioritize? Content? SEO? Traffic? Readers?

    I love traffic. By that I mean when there are readers that means my contents are rather good enough. I don’t know what is a “SEO”.

    13. What’s the best thing a blogger can give to his readers?

    By blogging, I’m sharing a part of me — a piece of my mind. And depending on how influential my blogs, sometimes peace is good. Other times, my mind is at war with information overload. A blogger can provide some perspective in reality.

    14. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made?

    I don’t blog for money. You will have to ask the experts. Mine is done purely for fun and entertainment. And for those who know me and what is really going on with this world, there contains deeper meanings in my blog entries.

    15. Do you think Pagerank plays a vital role in a blog’s life?

    Once again, I don’t care to know what is this Pagerank.

    16. What has been your strategy for creating visibility to yourself and your blog?

    Once again, there is no strategy. Blogging can be anonymous, which I why I could blog just about anything. Why would anyone want to blog about their privacy when family, friends and, yes, current and future employers could lurk online and learn too much unnecessary details? It’s not worth the risk at all.

    17. What was the most challenging moment in your blog content development process and why?

    Depending on the blogger and the writing skills, getting started is the most challenging aspect of blogging. Writer’s block get in the way and so does the occassional brain burping in the middle of sentences. Sometimes that happens.

    18. Everyone has a favorite/least favorite post. Name yours and why?

    My favorite posts are social issues. Politics are included. But my least favorite post are interpersonal dramas with family, friends and co-workers. My views are more general and broad, by the way.

    19. What’s your take on sponsored reviews?

    I don’t know why anyone would want to review my blog. It’s at best amateur.

    20. Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?

    I don’t look up to any blogger. It’s a creepy factor to put a complete stranger high up on a pedastal and worship that person as a god or guru. As a matter of fact, I look down on some of their views, especially when it is too far-fetched to believe.

    21. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

    • Sign up with WordPress.com.
    • Keep your blog private until you feel it’s the right time to go public.
    • Determine if you want to blog anonymously as a pen name or let the whole world know about your private activities under your agent name.
    • Keep your blog focused on at least one topic or one purpose.
    • Update your “About” page and “Hello world!”
    • Add a new post and start blogging!
    • Important: Review TOS and learn netiquette.

    —
    Reference: 21 Blog Interview Questions

  • 20110215-Daily Post

    Control. Why do people need to control each other? If people were truly “free”, there would be no need for laws, regulations and rules.

    But I see that people can makes choices between good and evil. While most people are nice, there are a few naughty ones.

    For if it were not for these control mechanisms, the naughty ones would essentially harm themselves and others.

    Breathing. There is no thinking required here. It’s done involuntarily. For without the air or whatever element, we’d be dead. Call it the spirit, if you will.
    —
    Topic # 47: What part of life confuses you the most?

    Bonus: What part of life confuses you the least?

  • 20110214-Daily Post

    Just a few minutes ago, I realized that most agree to incarnate as both a student and a teacher with a few exception of those being on either extreme of the color spectrum.

    For example, although the boy continues to be naughty, he taught me forgiveness. I won’t forget the details because my blog is a testimony to those damn dramas.

    I notice Lola Luz, Paw and the boy have similar traits: belligerance (or “baltic“, a shortened Filipino word for “ballistic” and similar to the word “spastic”).

    When they are corrected for any bad behavior or are given a choice to follow a righteous path of living, they go ballistic, seriously.

    Then they calm down and either say sorry for their offenses or carry on as if nothing happened. Now, how insane is that?

    I learned that I cannot be right all the time. Because no matter how much loving is given for their own good, the recipient of such “good will” do NOT always reciprocate and get angry. Wow!

    But if there is one thing that I wish I could learn recently was how to read minds! That’s right! With my newfound telepathic abilities, I could take advantage of any situation and bring everything into perspective for those who are clueless.
    —
    Topic #46: Share one thing that you learned recently.

    Bonus: Share one thing you wish you learned recently (Ninja skills, teleportation, etc.).

  • 20110213-Daily Post

    First, get a life. Stop wasting your time behind the computer because you are not going to find your “prince charming” online. Chatting about nonsense is not necessary. Spend your time outdoors and enjoy nature. Meet real people and improve your social and conversational skills. So do yourself a favor and do something worthwhile with your time, too.

    Second, live your own life to the fullest. Let other people do what they want without imposing your will upon them. Make sure that you will not be responsible for their problems or accept blame for their issues. Tell those who annoy or bother you to seek professional help and that they cannot find answers from you because you cannot read their minds or claim to know all the answers.

    Third, find something else in common to do and share with others. Do your best to explore your life’s potential. If you are good at talking and “thinking outside the box”, be a counselor. Since you are too gullible, stick with the religious folks. They may be mostly nutters but at least they are harmless. You may be good in dealing with people in secluded places, such as hospitals, prisons, and asylums.

    Fourth, know your personal boundaries. In other words, avoid those who are stupid and clueless. Depending on your patience and understanding, take care of your health and stress level. Know how to say “No” and mean it. Avoid meeting fugly people: They are your worst enemies. Beware of people who continue to take advantage of your kindness. They will go to prison or at least burn in hell.
    —
    Topic #45: If you could go back in time and have a 5 minute conversation with yourself ten years ago, what would you say?