It's always refreshing to meet new people, in particular those with good vibes and strong personalities in that positive, productive manner. Individuals amaze me. When one takes the time to get to know people, rather than resort to prejudices and stereotypes to determine who a person really is, one's appreciation for people increases.

The ebb and flow of life includes many hills and valleys, which we have to navigate within the confines and parameters that our social status puts us. that social status is in a constant flux, however, depending on how or what we do with our daily experiences. Above all else, one must maintain an attitude to be persistent, to never give up, and to always do their best, to really benefit from what life has to offer. When we decide that nothing will stand in our way, and that all obstacles are temporary barriers that will teach us and train us more, then we will succeed, and hopefully make others better in the process.

Last weekend, someone I met recently made the statement, "You should be a part-time preacher." That's a little different from when people have said that I preach too much. It was more of a compliment, I think.

This weekend, I already met people that intrigued me with their sense of justice and world view. I know they already had an effect on other people in the room, to whom I had tried to spread a message of justice, but it was never effectively communicated. It forces me to re-evaluate my abilities and methodology, in order to make myself more effective. While I thought I had been spreading an informative and inspirational message, the truth is evidently the opposite. Hopefully getting to know these individuals more will result in somewhat of a hybrid theory result, where the best qualities of each individual are highlighted and strengthened between them. I only hope I have something to contribute as well.

After shutting practically everything other than work and my family from my life, and focusing on staying bed ridden, most of my flu-like symptoms have subsided. Although I'm not completely in the clear, I do feel better. Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers. I still have a lot of work to carry out, so I don't feel that I can afford to be ill for a long time. That's needless to say though, because who really can afford to be sick for a long time. I've been blessed with a fairly resilient and robust life thus far, and that's something that many people take for granted.

My lola is 87 years old right now, and I am so lucky that she is still in my life. Not a day goes by that I do not worry about if that day will be the last that I will be able to talk to her. It seems kind of morbid and fatalistic, doesn't it? The spin on that is that not a day goes by that I show her my appreciation for being such a stalwart in my life as well. I don't let her know that I worry about her in that manner. I don't see any benefit from revealing that information, but I do see some potential harm. So I choose not to. Is it living in denial? One could construe it that way I guess.

More news on the education front. So it looks as though the Governor was able to get the "Big 5" to agree on a budget. We'll see what happens when it goes to vote today. Unfortunately, it still doesn't fully fund Proposition 98 and so it still leaves our schools short of money. The government is attacking education. Take it to another level though. The people vote their legislators in. Maybe it's the people that are attacking education. It's funny, because many people tout the importance of education, but much less are willing to pay more taxes to invest in that education. What seems to be lost on many people is that resources are needed for a movement like this. Not just financial resources, but other resources like time, talent, materials, etc. One doesn't get anything for nothing. Yes, organizations, including schools and school districts, can do more to stay within their means. However, you don't enforce that by taking away their lifeline. Somewhere along the way, education became an "issue to deal with" rather than the most basic obligation and investment towards our future. I'm not even talking about higher education, which leads to many other details to consider.

Healthy Bobby + cold virus + Sacramento's summertime heat + electric fan + open window + up late = sick Bobby. Just my luck. Oh well. It's a sign that I have to slow down. When you go 150% in everything you do, something gives.

Happy Philippine Independence day!

On this day, in 1946, the Philippines became and independent nation, after being colonies of Spain, Japan, and finally, the United States.

May individuals the world over have a safe and blessed day.

I'm so happy, I can do a toe touch. To celebrate, come take a look at some products I have for sale: