Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Dojo Wisdom by Jennifer Lawler

I am not ashamed to admit that I love reading self-help books.

I think they are modern day philosophies. A glance at how other people see the world. You don't have to believe everything they say. Take what works for you and try it out.  Perhaps a different perspective could open your eyes to a new door.

I was with Drei at that beautiful used book store in Cebu called La Belle Aurore when I got this. "Is it in your 3 goals for the week?" She was teasing me-- and sadly no, but for 50 pesos it was a negligible expense.

It turned out to be a great read for me. Simply written, simple ideas but full of things I know I let myself forget most of the time.

A few wise words from the Dojo...

1. You can't learn if your'e not willing to find out what you're doing wrong.
2. Sharpen your weapons, brush up on fundamentals.
3. Keep your goal in mind. Each day do something to bring you closer to it.
4. Travel light
5. Be courteous not only to others, but also to yourself. Even if they don't deserve it.
6. Prepare from blows instead of fearing them.
7. Achieve confidence when striking through practice.
8. Study what makes others successful, what makes your friends happy and what others do when they're afraid.  
9. Don't be self-conscious.
10. The warrior must be single-minded.

I'm thinking of taking Karate. Hahaha. Worth every centavo and more.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson

Picked this book up at a small used  book stand at PureGold in Shaw as I waited for the lady to ring up all the groceries for Missions last Sunday.

I wanted to get something light, nothing that would stir my wild imagination. A respite from the worries and wiles in my all too active mind. I've been scanning the Romance section at Fully Booked. Browsing through Danielle Steel and some other pocket-bookish types thinking that I need some passion in my consciousness but I can't seem to bring myself to pick one up. Sunshine, being one of my favorite words and for 160 pesos-- it was a done deal.

It fit the bill. Started the 421 page journey before going to bed Wednesday night and finished by Friday afternoon.-- Thats between a season and a half of Entourage, the entire book of Job, my daily "Romancing the Ordinary" and Gospel for the day. (I know, I read quite a lot)

It was nice to experience lives of people who knew what they wanted in their lives and were just making that happen. Isaiah was a veterinarian and devoted his life into his passion even if it meant foregoing fun, socializing or finding someone to love. Laura on the other hand, accepted her disabilities with dignity and courage.  She has genuine concern for everyone around her, an inspiring character whose demeanor I want to strive to emulate.

Nothing spectacular, but a good enough experience.