Luxury With Heart

"So sense and sensibility won over beauty and luxury!" That was what a friend said when I told him that Hubby and I took home the new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. He knew it was a toss up between that and the Infiniti G35, which we had been lusting for in the last couple of years. We compared the two in fuel consumption, luxury options, cost of maintenance, reputation and reliability. We decided that even if it lost on looks, the trusty Honda Accord Hybrid fits our needs better in the long run, than the oh-so-sexy Infiniti G35. The fact that the Accord has been in Car & Driver's 10 best for an unprecedented 19 years, compared to Infiniti's 2 years, helped. And now with the rumors circulating that Hurrican Rita may cause gas prices to go up yet again, we know we made the right choice.

People say that the fuel savings you get on the Hybrid does not make up for paying premium for the car. We really did not get it for that reason. We got it, not only to support and encourage this alternative technology, but to have peace of mind in the knowledge that luxurious does not necessarily mean heartless. One can have a nice, comfortable, powerful car and still be guzzling less gas and spewing less emissions into our air. We can have our fun without sticking it to Mother Earth or increasing our dependence on Mid-East oil. It's so much fun to drive that Hubby and I playfully bicker as to who gets the wheel everytime we go out. We really liked the Accord from the beginning, but now that we own one, we are really loving it!

--oOo--

We have just launched our latest PINOYexpats issue on food and the Filipinos' love for it. Do stop by and visit!

On Being Just

"Never look for righteousness in the other person, but never cease to be righteous yourself. We are always looking for justice, yet the essence of the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is— Never look for justice, but never cease to give it."

-Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

That was the last sentence in my reading during one of my "quiet moments" several weeks ago. I needed that to inspire me because a lot of times, I find myself disheartened when people do not act in the way that is fair. Being my optimistic and naive self, I believe that everyone has an inner sense of fairness. But I have been disappointed to find out otherwise in many of my day-to-day dealings.

In a sermon I heard long ago, the Pastor said that the main causes of many a conflict are failed expectations and blocked goals. When someone acts contrary to how you expect them to act, or is an obstacle toward a goal that you have set, we may feel anger and disappointment. And that can lead to deep, unspoken resentments and conflicts, if there is no open communication.

It resounds in me because it really upsets me when people expect others to play fair, even if they themselves are not willing to. I always remind myself that each person is different, shaped by the values that we were taught and the kind of discipline, or non-discipline, we received. So people will not always act or react in the way we expect them to. I am not guiltless in this for I am ahead of the game when it comes to acting and reacting in many selfish ways. Just ask my husband! :) Thank God, I have him to remind me in a loving way when I do. He never says much. He just gently touches me and whispers, "Relax." He manages to deflate the pride and selfish indignation I feel by that simple action. It is great that he's there to remind me that even if everyone else is acting foolish, I have the choice to not act in the same way.

It's Okay To Cry

I find it amusing that after so many recent studies on human behavior, some people still think that they show themselves as strong just because they don't show grief or shed a tear during a difficult time.

I believe it actually takes more courage and maturity to show vulnerability and face the emotion we feel at a particular moment. Glossing it over and faking peppiness are telltale signs of insecurity and being emotionally crippled. The great fear of appearing weak precludes any show of sentiment or feeling, lest others see a chink in the armor.

In some respect, it is true. Holding back our emotion does show some strength. But strutting about to display it, especially when others are mourning, may show a lack of wisdom and sensitivity.

It's okay to cry, really. And if you just don't feel the grief, then it would be nice to show some respect to those who do.

Gone Home

FIL passed away today at 2:30 am after a 15-year bout with cancer. He is no longer bound by an earthly, imperfect body. He is now at rest in the arms of God whom he loved so much.

We are now headed to Florida to bury him at his chosen final resting place. It will be a difficult but necessary time to mourn our loss, and celebrate his life.

Thanks to all those who have prayed with us throughout this time.