Five F's of Life

Category: Family

Topics about how to be part of your family and extended family

  • What have I learned in 2020 ….

    It’s been 3 years since I have blogged. I know I am long over due for one. I will say I am surprised that people have still made comments since I launched the book 10 years ago and people have shared similar thoughts. I do appreciate everyone that has come and visited the site. Anyways, I never imagine by 2020 there would a global pandemic. I am sure everyone will remember where they were when the shutdown happened for their location. For me, it was the day after my birthday in March when the shutdown all began. At first, everyone was extremely scared, but over time society has developed pandemic fatigue. We can see in the numbers that are being published that cases are climbing for the second wave at time of this blog post. Of course, there is a lot of sadness that has occurred with the deaths of over 1 Million+ globally1.

    A lot of people have tried to guess when we will get back to normal. If you look back at the Spanish Flu2, it took 2 years from 1918-1920. That would be my best guess for normalcy because history tends to repeat itself. We anticipate we will have vaccines for COVID-19 by December, but it won’t reach the population until the middle of 2021 at the earliest due to the requirements of the vaccine. That’s why it’s important to keep your Fitness up (health) because if you get sick there might not be a full-proof way to treat you.

    Where do we go from here?

    There is only one place we can go…. forward. It’s going to be hard for many people if they have lost a loved one, but I am sure their loved ones would want them to move forward. I wish I can say things will be ok, but I really don’t know and that’s where Faith comes in. Faith that things will get better even though there is hurt, pain, and suffering from this pandemic. But you have to keep going. We have to remember our ancestor’s survival The Black Plague, Spanish Flu, and many other things throughout history. We will too survive!

    Remember to hug your Family and Friends

    Remember to hug your family and friends if even virtually.

    What I realized I missed the most during 2020 was simply getting a chance to really spend quality time with my Family and Friends. We really don’t know when it will be our last time seeing them or spending time. If you are able to safely, remember to give them a hug. I think there are many benefits from hugging ranging from distressing to regenerating muscles3.

    Thoughts on finances for 2020

    During the past year, it’s been a struggle for many families since they could not work because of the restrictions. I have put together some links for us here:

    https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills
    https://www.usa.gov/disaster-help-food-housing-bills

    But you can do a quick google search to see if there are locate programs available in your area. Don’t be shy asking for help financially. The worst that can happen is that people will say no. But remember you got to put food on the table for yourself and family and people out there will help!

    Last Thoughts to close out 2020

    Again I know 2020 was not easy for many and myself, but we must keep on going. I will try to write more post as time permits.

    References:

    (1)Current MORTALITY ANALYSES:
    https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/data/mortality

    (2)Spanish Flu Info:
    https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/1918-pandemic-history.htm

    (3) https://www.happify.com/hd/8-reasons-why-you-need-at-least-8-hugs-a-day/

  • It’s about the quality of your life not the quantity, but why not have both?

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • Air conditioning on a hot summer day
    • Swimming in the Pool
    • Company actually honoring warranty

    I was watching this TED talk about how to live 100+.  It’s pretty good. Basically, you have 3 of the 5 F’s in it (Fitness, Family, & Friends).  I know the age old saying it’s all about the quality of life, but if you can have both quantity and quality why not go for it?

    I would encourage people to watch it.

    On a side note, I am going to start upgrading the site  =)

  • Having problems keeping your 2013 Resolutions?

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • Amazon – I get to buy gifts and send them directly and track it for presents
    • Friends to celebrate the New Years with =)
    • Heating inside my house; AC during summer time of course!

    A lot of people including myself have challenges with keeping their NYE resolutions. We have the best intent, but are horrible at the execution. The easy answer is try harder, but the truth is we must convince ourselves that our goals are doable and let ourselves fail in order to get back up. I know my readers out there needs some steps….

    Here is an article that I found and will use…

    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505144_162-57349898/7-ways-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions/

    Best of Luck to Everyone for 2013 and their resolutions!

  • Heading to 2013 New Years after Xmas!

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • Watching Xmas movies with Family
    • Warm Weather
    • Dinner with Family & Friends

    Every year I go visit my family and friends for the holidays in South Florida. I have notice every year that the focus tends to be more on gifts than recognizing why we celebrate Christmas.  Of course, I had to look up the history of Christmas (Xmas for short).

    Here is some info on Xmas:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

    Regardless of what you believe in, the holidays are the best time to catch up with family and friends over dinner or activities.  For example, I will be taking my sister go-kart racing. It’s always a blast to speed on a race track.

    On my last note for this entry. Check out this TED video on having less stuff that will make you happier.

    As always, it is the people you meet, the books you read, and resources you spend your time on that will tell you where you are heading in life.

  • Fiscal Cliff and Giving during the Holidays

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • The ability to setup e-commerce in minutes not days
    • Giving Gift bags to the homeless
    • Inspiring others to help others

    There is a lot of talk and anger about the “Fiscal Cliff” that could happen very soon. I would encourage you not to keep your faith in people. People have been in this predicament before and will again. The important priorities should be your family and friends and not other distractions.

    Challenge for today: Watch the video and then ask yourself what have you done this is meaningful this week?

     

  • Thanksgiving Approaching

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • TED Talks
    • Musicals
    • People with Passion

    I have been blown away these past few days. I have gone to several cultural events ranging from symphonies to indie rock to musicals. Each event simulated my different sense. But the most important is to have friends around you and make time to go these events. Treat every moment as if it might be your last, but be there once you are at the event.

    Thanksgiving is coming in a few days. We all have to remember that we need to spend time with family and not shop~!

    Here is a petition to boycott shopping on Thanksgiving Day:

    http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott-the-opening-of-retail-stores-on-thanksgiving-day-boycott-thanksgiving-day-shopping

  • Worry & Future

    3 Things I am happy about:

    • Opportunity to meet Warren Buffet
    • Ability to sleep in an amazing bed
    • Thanksgiving dinner

    I do not know why, but I feel next year will be a great year of change. I will be graduating and I am not completely sure what will happen in the next six months, but it’s going to be great. I found my passion. My passion is to solve problem and help people. It’s very broad and understand it does not fit the typical answer. I realize I have to focus and lay down a plan of action. At the same time, I need to have the faith that God will provide and guide me to his path for me. I am perplex as to why all these wonderful things are happen at one time. All I can say is that I truly appreciate God’s Will for my life.

    I went to church this week. Pastor Pete from Crosspoint discussed about worrying. We only worry when we don’t trust God’s will for us. But how can we not worry? I am very content, but I know I can lose everything at any given instance. I am especially reminded of that when I see people in NYC and Jersey.

     

  • Warm Winter…

    Three things I am happy about:

    • Visiting my family
    • Seeing my friends
    • Going to my friends wedding

    I spent the weekend in Ft. Lauderdale. It’s especially warmer than usual in Florida. I met up with a few of my friends who still live in Ft. Lauderdale. Where does the time go? My friends’ kids are growing up so fast! I spent the morning on the beach. I miss the beach because I miss the sunshine and smell of the ocean. The air seems always crisper on the beach. Later that afternoon, I attended another one of my friend’s wedding. They had an awesome wedding. They made a mini brochure about their wedding party and their family.  My dance skills finally paid off =) The only regret is I wish I picked it up sooner. I was able to dance with a few people and not even worry about it. My parents also found a stray dog this weekend too. I wish I can spend more time with my family and friends instead of moving from one moment to the next….

    What is time worth to you?

     

  • Happy Holidays 2010

    Holidays are best time to catch up with family and friends. It’s one part of the year that brings out the very best of people and the very worst. For example, while shopping in a typical mall, people are always fighting for a closer parking spot. Do you really need to be that much closer? Couldn’t we all used a little more exercise to help us loose in America?Then again, we live in a world that we place value on buying gifts above all else in order to show we care for people we love. But is that what really matters?

    It’s great that people give during the holidays, but that excuses from not giving throughout the year? I hope not, because there are many many people out there who needs our help beyond the simple gift giving we embark once a year. Could we not create a fund or teach people a new skill?

    I feel challenge every year with this epidemic ‘giving’ of materials goods. However, if it brings you closer to your friends and family why not? I think at the end of the day the most important thing is that you do make time even with all the traffic and craziness that is out there.

    I feel really thankful for the upcoming New Year because there is hope for a better year. I have friends that will be getting married, having babies, and who knows what else? Time is short… go spend time with your family/friends, but remember it’s not always about a present, but perhaps the action is just as valuable as a gift.

    Some ideas…
    -Enjoy coffee with your friends
    -Take your family out for dinner
    -Buy gifts that your family needs….I bought my mom a new dresser
    -Look for the best deals, but don’t buy to just buy

    Something happy to see….

    Happy Holiday Tunes….

  • Black Friday 2010 @ ATL

    This year sales were crazy compared to last year. The crazy part is that they started on Thanksgiving Day!!! Is it just me or should people be off with their family and friends?

    I know some of us have traditions of waking up early  to look for the best deals, but are we pushing it too much now? I was tempted to join my friend go to Toys R Us, but ended up not going because I was at my 2nd Thnx Day Dinner (Turkey was great =)

    Of course, I participated in the mayhem of Black Friday. But I really couldn’t buy anything because simply I already ‘stuff’.  I couldn’t help notice everyone were still in a buying frenzy. There was someone foreign arguing with the manager over some item not having the right color. I didn’t stay, but I was surprise to see even foreigners know how are system works by escalating the issue to the “Manager”.

    What have notice in our society? We are still one of the most bless countries in the world. We fight over small things, but what about the big things of helping others? I found the best way is to start with the small things. For example, I bought toys that were on sale to donate unprivilege kids. The sad part, I won’t be able to see them open them up…

    Message today: Start small by doing something for someone even though you may never see the joy in their eyes..