Search This Blog

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

2011: Giving thanks as we usher in a new year

For the last couple of weeks (mostly during my runs where I do most of my meditating) I have been reflecting on this unbelievable year I have experienced. I ushered in 2010 celebrating with some of my Mexican friends in NYC, declaring to the world that 2010 would be a bigger year than 2009. 2009 was pretty good, but was 2010 "bigger"? I am still trying to figure that one out.

I think I would rather leave that question unanswered because anybody experiencing what I went through would have different answers as to what was experienced as "BIG". I tend to look at the whole picture. For me, everything happens for a reason, so in my view I consider the good and the bad, or as I like to say, "The extraordinary ups and the extraordinary downs." This year.. there wasn't any in between.

I definitely was blessed. I completed an intense one-year MBA specializing in Global Management to improve my already rewarding engineering career. I connected and established long standing relationships with friends from every corner of this world. I had the privilege of experiencing the culture and learning the ways of the Chinese in Shanghai, Beijing and other Southeast Asian cities, and I completed my first full marathon in New Jersey (making friends along the route which made the experience that much better)

But with all these accomplishments, although I experience joy... it is hard for sadness not to sink in. To think about my origins that predate my youth and the people of where I come from suffering as a result of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. With joy and laughter.. it is hard to resist the tears when I think about my beloved aunt and my relatives that did'nt survive the tragedy. And of those that survived, sending us word of their ordeal as many continue to sleep in the streets amidst the destruction and rubble.

My friends, this year I am just thankful for life and to all those I have connected with throughout my life. 2010 didn't feel "BIG", rather it was one of my most humbling of years. I am amazed to see all who have sent me words of congratulations, encouragement and condolences. As I feast this Thanksgiving reflecting on the extraordinary ups and downs, I can't help but be anxious for 2011 and the experiences to come. God has blessed me with all of you and no matter what the future brings, I am forever thankful for your presence.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Send me your favorite charity

I've been running sporadically in Prospect Park doing the same 3 mile routine every couple of days to stay loose for my next marathon. After showing support for my good friend Winston Cao and his NYC marathon run this past Sunday, the desire to be competitive again has never reached this level. Don't mean to sound cheezy but the "Fire is burning deep inside me.." It's all I think about every day... RUNNING...

Is that a good sign.. maybe.. maybe not. Whatever the case... the charity I choose to raise money for will benefit. Registration opens up today for ING NYC Marathon 2011. Although I will register and wait to see if I am chosen in the lottery, I would rather get guaranteed entry by raising money for a charity. But there is so many good ones out there and so much good that needs to be done in our society. So I need YOUR help.

I AM ASKING YOU... as in all who read this... to HELP ME DECIDE on what charity to raise money for in 2011. Send me your suggestions. I have already received some suggestions through some of my facebook friends. They are as follows:



      • Katie O'neil Susan G. Komen for the cure!!!
        Yesterday at 10:27pm · 

      • Char Woods CureSearch -- pediatric cancer research and support!
        23 hours ago · 

      • E Giannin Perez Tanaka children of peru foundation
        23 hours ago · 

  • Just let me know what you suggest and sometime early next year a charity will be chosen. Ether through polling or whatever... I NEED YOUR HELP!!! THanks