Be like David.

Life is a constant battle. We are confronted with ordeals everyday from within our own selves and from the world around us. We continually look for courage to stand up and fight against the Giants of our world. So many things make life stressful like our fears, uncertainties, relationships, work, health, money etc., things that try to bring us down and they are terrifying and they holler for us to surrender so they can conquer and rule our lives and feel more sorry for our inadequacies and make us question our worth. If we are unprepared and ill- equipped to fight, we'll be easily intimidated. It would be easier to retreat and just give up, to throw in the towel and lose the battle. But we don't, we as human beings are resilient, we fight for survival each day of our lives so we could flourish in our world. 

        Sometimes I feel like David standing in the valley with Goliath with nothing but a sling and three stones in hand but with the knowledge that God is fighting for me to win. I fight to survive, I will myself to get up every morning, I will myself to be strong in the face of adversity that life throws at me. Just like the young shepherd boy who was destined to be the future King of Israel with his child-like faith in God. He won against the Philistine despite his inexperience. Undeterred by his obvious physical  disadvantage he emerged victorious against his enemy.  By trusting God, he saved his people.

I also slay giants day in and day out. Maybe not as epic as what David did. But I face colossal adversaries too. It is not easy. Sometimes it takes more than one slung and more than three stones to defeat my Goliaths. I always find myself in the brink of surrender. But I refuse to be overpowered and I will myself to keep fighting, even if the odds are against me, no matter how many times I have to swing the sling to bring my enemies down, I carry on because I will not be overcome! God gives me strength and courage just like he did for David. 

There is beauty in being single.

Sunset

What is my life being single? How does it translate to my everyday mundane life constructs? Why did I chose this life? These are the sort of questions that I get most of the time. I could lie and say because I did not want to become just another member of society participating in building this social framework of family and that I just wanted to be an individual in order to justify my current state. No, in fact I did not dream of being alone, I also wanted what everyone wanted: a nice wedding, a great husband, beautiful kids, things that society and biology intended me to have and to do. However, my life took a different path from my contemporary female friends. I was the one who never walked down the aisle, the one who never got to wear a white gown, never had to be in a delivery room and never have to drop off kids in school. That's not me. I cannot put myself in that context because that is not what my life is about. What I am though, is a single person with a dog! So what's the upsides to this?

Well, the biggest and most significant really is having FREE time. The liberty to do whatever I want in whatever timeframe I wish to do. I can decide on spending my time in traveling, see places, self- improvement, higher education, career moves or just chill at home, binge watch Netflix and Youtube, play with my dog all day, pick up a new hobby etc.  I could go on and on, the things I can do out there are endless.

Independent decisions. Now, when i t comes to decisions whether it is life-changing or trivial things I can make those decisions on my own accord. Granted I still need input from friends or family to weigh things like on important but messy dilemmas and not so much on what size of coffee should I get, the main things is there is no pressure from the outside, ultimately the decision is mine and the only pressure  I feel is the one I give myself.

Financial Independence. Ok not that kind of "financial independence" I still have to work and I'm lucky enough to have a stable and well-paying job that allows me to survive on my own. In reality , the difference in expenditures of a single person compared to a family of four is really noteworthy. Have you ever heard you're married friends complain how expensive it is to have kids? I can do with my money what I want. If I chose to be responsible about it like maybe investing it in stocks, mutual funds, real estate I definitely can (If I can afford it.) or be lose with it as well, I can  also definitely buy those luxury bags or expensive shoes if I want (again, If I can afford), without having to ask permission from somebody else.

Of course, it is not a perfect life. There are so many downsides to it as well. But from the way I see I can either cower away or celebrate what I have and don't have. Life is really not fair. Yes, I may have a different circumstance  apart from the rest but it is a good life just the same.

Are you ready for a dog?

Four years ago I lost a friend to cancer. Needless to say, I was devastated and during that time I started contemplating on getting a dog. I don't know why but I had that incredible feeling that I have to have one. I was going back and forth about it because even though I want one I was also scared at the same time. What if I can't take care of it? or worse what if I kill it? Thankfully, the powers that be made that decision for me. One day at work, someone heard about me "thinking of getting a dog" and knows somebody that wants to give away puppies and was looking for takers so I was offered one. I didn't really know what to say at that time and so I said nothing. The next morning lo and behold! there was  a crate with this tiny fur ball of black and white spots under my table...waiting for me! The owner told me to give it a try, no commitment and if at the end of the day I decided I don't want to keep it, there will be no issues, she will just have to find the puppy another home. And so I did. I tried an entire day of juggling between trying to do my job but also trying to try to take care of a tiny puppy. I was still apprehensive by the end of the day but I couldn't and didn't have the heart to let go of that fur ball! She was so stinking cute! And so, I went home that night with a dog. Unprepared and clueless. It was challenging the first few days and I had to ask for some time off  from work to help Karlie (yes, that's her name) get acclimated to her new home. Our home. I had no idea about house training, potty training, meals, vaccinations, do's and don'ts etc. etc. Luckily we have google and youtube or else!.
..I don't know what could've happened and frankly I don't even wanna know. lol! But here's what I had to do:

• Get puppy essentials : leash and collar, puppy bed and blankets, crate, food and water bowls, food and treats, toys, grooming supplies like brush, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrush, towels and puppy training pads. 
• Find a Vet : for vaccinations/shots , getting a microchip for identification and enrolled  in puppy wellness plan with Banfield. (optional)
• Start Training: schedule feeding time, schedule elimination (pee/poop) time, schedule play time. Reward good behavior. 

I wish I can tell you that it was that easy. But It was not! It involved a lot of patience, deep breaths and counting 0-10 every time she has accidents because after a long day the last thing you really want to do is to clean up poop from your carpet. Not to mention puking in the car whenever she has to go to the vet. Or being sick for eating she wasn't supposed to... But all is good now. We got it down to a tee. I survived and she's still alive! lol!  Looking back, I don't know what my life would be like if Karlie didn't show up that morning. I'm so happy I went with  my gut even though I was not sure if I should. She has been a joy to me. I can't explain it. I'm sure people who have dogs or other pets understands what I'm talking about. But to answer my own question...was I ready for a dog four years ago? Absolutely not! But sometimes in life you just have to take a leap of faith, you'll never know what it might bring. And I'm so glad I did! BTW, Karlie is a Jack Russel and Chihuahua mix. She weights about 13 lbs. and has tons of energy!