Branded Red Lines

Religion, why is always so provocative? Every discussion leads to the same walls, and it's confusing to see people claiming superiority in bypassing those walls. Why do we have to break the walls? Why can't we just cherish the walls for what it's worth and move on with our lives?

I was raised a Catholic. Somewhere along the way, I lost my faith. My religion grew from faith to a culture, something that I do but not necessarily something I live for. I endured that adolescent phase of defiance, questioning and refusal of acceptance. But as time pass, I decided to live with the acknowledgment of the existence of the walls and move on.

I have to be fair and admit that somewhere in me, I feel at peace when I listen to the religious songs. Although perhaps it's limited to the charming opera singers with voices that bring goosebumps to your back. I dont know, and I am not sure why there should be a reason.

Egyptians believe that when you die, you get asked 2 questions, and your answers to these questions determines whether or not you can attend 'heaven' or 'hell'. The first question is have you found joy in your life?

And the second: Have you brought joy to the life of others?

The Budhists believe in karma, how you live your life and how you treat others.

The Christians/Catholics believe in sins.

I might be wrong, heck, I am certain I am wrong. But I think there's a red line here. I'm just not sure why they have to brand the red line and make it different.

Being the CEO for a Day :)

Today we had the most awesome opportunity to travel to Amsterdam to visit a consultancy company for a day. We focused on the topic of M&A, on the different issues ranging from the obvious to the inept yet crucial. I was expecting a hard, long day full of presentations and numbers and finance stuff.

It was a blast.

That was such a great, fun day. I didnt even realize I'm actually studying, it's so interactive! We were given the role of a CEO of a French winery attempting to takeover a Chinese winery. We were first given the task of estimating the values to justify the takeover. I went to the restroom, and when I got back our group was apparently the lucky one to present.

I was taken aback, having prepared nothing. Crap was the only word that I managed to produce.

So I just went for it, bla bla bla. Questions, initial panic, answers. Wow, it's amazing how your brain can think ever more clearly under pressure. It's great. It shows how rewarding it is for you to try to breakout from your comfort zone. To push your limits, to try no matter what the result will be.

Then we proceeded to the managing the integration part. We were given roles to play out the different cultural aspects of the 2 companies. It was so much fun. I got to play the French side, with Xenon personality (extensive use of facial expression and hand gestures). I got to play it with a consultant from the firm, and he had to play out the Chinese side. He was so into his role. He couldnt look at me straight in the eye, and can only answer Yes/No.

It was so funny how frustrating it is to try to sensitively maneuvre him into talking about the deal.

Makes me realize how distinct people are, and one size might not indeed fits all.

At that stage we were having so much fun I didnt want the day to end. An hour later I was so tired I basically told them Ik ben moe. Echt moe. Can I just be the secretary and write down stuff and not use my brain?

They said no and fed me M&Ms.

But that was an awesomely awesome day regardless. Sometimes maybe you shouldnt wish for a miracle to happen. Maybe all you need is to wish for an opportunity. And how different the outcome will be depends entirely on you.

Can't Stand Them, Can't Live Without Them

Yes I am actually talking about you people, male people. It feels so weird to see how they can get away with everything by a simple reasoning, because I'm a guy. It seems like they're built to skrew you, and I'm not just talking physical.

One thing I noticed over the years would be the fact that they're full of crap. And the sad part is that we buy those crap. We take it just like that, hoping this time would be different. Hoping for a miracle that won't come, apparently.

Girls are remarkable beings, I suppose. No matter how badly their hearts are broken, they collect the little pieces from the floors, tape them and head your head high up again.

Of course, with the help of an immense amount of chocolate and comfort food to speed up the process.

I dont know why I'm writing about this. No, I havent had my heart broken or anything. It's just the thought of almost falling for the same crap from the same guy kinda makes me want to remind future me that it's all crap, nothing but crap and you should not even consider for one second that it's other than crap.

Speaking like a true skeptist.

Which I hope I will somehow be. I am cursed to be a hopeless romantic. When you meet someone you like, all the butterflies and rainbows. And the wrong things you said due to an unfortunate nervous breakdown. The awkwardness. Having a crush is the most wonderful thing in the world. It makes you think and do things you can't even think of.

Too bad I get over my crushes quickly, perhaps a quick as I got them. It feels like once you get to know the person, the expectation is blatantly shattered. In Carlos' (yes it's that hottie) words, customers are dissapointed when the expectation > performance. For this, I agree with him. But I still hold true that he hates me.

This is so confusing. Words are running around in a circle, with no clear resolution whatsoever.

It's overwhelming. Argh.

I just exhausted this week's budget on comfort food that is for sure bad for your figure.

Or for keeping your promise to your little brother to buy him a wii for his 15th birthday.

Crap I think I'll have to live off the street.

Spring is Coming to Town!

I think Spring is just around the corner. So last weekend it was SUN GALORE. I had the best time. Just finished my exams, so I helped my sis taking some pictures for her wedding. In between, I just wandered around in the sun. The air was so clear, smiles everywhere. Sun does change people doesnt it.

It felt great, just letting everything go and live in that precise moment.

Unfortunately we're in Holland. It's been grey and raining since yesterday, to the end of this week according to some forecasts. That's the thing about Dutch people, they know the weather forecast.

New block started last Monday, so far I dont like it. I'm just extremely glad I'm going home the day after the exam. OMW, the thought of stepping out from the plane, feet back in my home country's ground.

Excitement building up.



***


To you,

I dont know when we started talking to each other. At first I didnt really like you, but hey when you dont know someone you are less likely to like them. I'm glad we talked, and here we are having the time of our life. I think u're awesome, that you brought me stroopwafels when I was down. That was sweet. And those night outs, all the alcohol and dancing ;p

I dont know until when we can stay friends like this. But I just want to let you know that you're bloody phenomenal and I hope we can stay like this for a loong time now.

So stop feeling down and cheer up!

Because Spring is almost here, then Summer. SPANJE, SCHATJE!!! :) :) :)

Xs,

Your friendly neighborhood creep (aka Denica)