It is hard to choose a route among lots of them when you do not know your final destination. Some people trust their "guts" or their instinct, others act randomly, and others like me, try to think about the best or right way to follow. In my opinion, last option is the most naive because we do not have enough information, or any relevant information at all, even when we think we do.
Sometimes, we can get some sort of information about it from our older relatives or friends based in their experience, but they are just basic rules to make the journey more secure and comfortable, and those tips are not going to help us to find the meaning of life.
In my opinion, a device like a enhanced GPS would help us to make the right decisions during our existence. Such a device would tell us if we should play football or basketball at school, be obedient to our parents or not, to go to the university or to start working at an early age, to be a believer or to join atheism, to get married or to avoid a future divorce, to have kids, to look for a new job or to continue doing something that you do not really like while you get paid for it. Those are some of our biggest concerns, and we usually think a lot about them before making a decision, but very often we apparently do not make the right one (if we can ever know what are the right choices).
As far as I am concerned, the most interesting question to answer at this point is whether our choices matter or not at all in relation to the final result. Are our choices in life defining where we are heading, or it is true that all roads lead to Rome?
We can also think that it is more important to enjoy the journey than to focus on the destination. This is smart because we do not know how interesting the end of the journey is going to be.
There is one more thing I would like to write about this journey. Apparently, there are different kinds of fares because there are a lot of people suffering a lot during their existence, while others live like kings. And this is not always because of their choices, it can just be a birthright.
All in all, life is what it is, it is a mystery for us. At least, it is a mystery for me. And, it is perhaps better if it continues being that way. It could be like a magic trick when it is unveiled. Once revealed, there is not way back, and the magic is gone.
martes, 11 de octubre de 2011
domingo, 9 de octubre de 2011
50
Fifty is just a number, I know. But, it is also an achievement for me. I did something I did not mean to do when I started writing here. I started this blog just to help me to improve my writing skills in English. However, after fifty posts, I think it has become something else, something important to me. Sometimes, it helps me to express my thoughts, to make up my mind, or to sort my ideas, and doing it I usually understand better the way I am feeling. It could be consider like a sort of therapy.
I started writing this post several weeks back, but I could not finished it because I needed something else to write about. At first, I intended to do something different to "celebrate" these 50 entries in the blog. I wanted a friend of mine, who is also learning English, to write something to publish here, but she could not find her inspiration, and she did not send me anything to write (it was lack of inspiration, or maybe fear of the blank page), therefore I had to write it myself, as always. But now, I think I have something on my mind to write about.
Three days ago, I went to the Official Languages School to pick up the certificate that certifies me as an advanced English speaker, listener, reader and writer. Being realistic, that only proves that I was able to pass all the tests, and I consider that I have an intermediate level, not advanced at all. However, I intend to keep improving. Anyway, I am very happy after getting the certificate because I was not very optimistic before doing the exams. When I took my first test, I just had been once to the Official Languages School before, to fill in the sign-up forms, and I did not know pretty much about the exams. Fortunately, a friend of mine who was attending classes there lent me some notes from her classes, and that helped me a bit to have an idea about the level and the structure of the tests.
Now, I have to look for another challenge with my English. I am aware that I still have a lot to learn, and I need to keep practicing as much as possible in order to improve, or at least to keep my current level. The fact is that I am sure I will do, because I enjoy a lot doing it, and that makes it much easier.
I started writing this post several weeks back, but I could not finished it because I needed something else to write about. At first, I intended to do something different to "celebrate" these 50 entries in the blog. I wanted a friend of mine, who is also learning English, to write something to publish here, but she could not find her inspiration, and she did not send me anything to write (it was lack of inspiration, or maybe fear of the blank page), therefore I had to write it myself, as always. But now, I think I have something on my mind to write about.
Three days ago, I went to the Official Languages School to pick up the certificate that certifies me as an advanced English speaker, listener, reader and writer. Being realistic, that only proves that I was able to pass all the tests, and I consider that I have an intermediate level, not advanced at all. However, I intend to keep improving. Anyway, I am very happy after getting the certificate because I was not very optimistic before doing the exams. When I took my first test, I just had been once to the Official Languages School before, to fill in the sign-up forms, and I did not know pretty much about the exams. Fortunately, a friend of mine who was attending classes there lent me some notes from her classes, and that helped me a bit to have an idea about the level and the structure of the tests.
domingo, 14 de agosto de 2011
Uncertainty
Human beings are designed to work for objectives, to live with a purpose. However, considering we do not know anything about what is our purpose in life, or our future, we usually cling to the first belief we consider as acceptable, I mean, the one that answers all or most of our transcendental questions about the meaning of life.
Some people decide to embrace some of the hundreds of different religions, others prefer to trust in conclusions obtained from the study of the objective facts (science). And, there are also people who pretend (in my humble opinion) they do not believe in anything. You also have quick service options like fortune-telling in any of its variants (reading palms, tea leafs in a cup, interpreting dreams, cartomancy, crystal ball, etc.). The only thing I can say for sure is that, apparently, nobody knows the universal truth, despite the fact that a lot of them guarantee that they hold it. At this point, I think there are two possibilities. Firstly, the ones who really know the truth have not yet released it, maybe because they are afraid that the rest of us will not understand it, or will simply ignore it, or about the possible consequences that it could trigger. On the other hand, it is also likely that the truth was already told and we are not smart enough to understand it, or even to listen to it. This last possibility is easy for me to believe because I am not a big believer in human race (even when I am part of it). I want to believe that there is a big potential inside us, but there is also a lot of confusion that lead us to make very bad choices, and these choices are defining the way we live our lives.
The uncertainty we are immersed in could be the reason for a lot of non-sense arguments, fights and suffering. Everybody believe (or want to believe) that they are right and all the others are wrong. Therefore, they try to transmit their ideas, to fight for them, or even to impose them.
Moreover, there are people more concerned about material things, but smart enough to use other people's beliefs in order to manipulate them, and to use them to obtain their own benefit, no matter what it takes.
We can see very often that there is some law or contract not perfectly defined, there is always somebody who is able to find the breach and invalidate it. The good thing about absolute truth is that there is no breaches, it is seamless. But, the problem is that we have to be able to analyze it thoroughly and without prejudices. And, we also need to consider the possibility that it could be better not finding it out. Sometimes ignorance brings you happiness. Anyway, I prefer to believe that everything makes sense, and someday we will be able to understand everything that has been causing so many troubles and pain so far.
I would say, emulating Socrates, that uncertainty is the only certainty. And we have to live with that, at least for now. So, enjoy uncertainty!
Some people decide to embrace some of the hundreds of different religions, others prefer to trust in conclusions obtained from the study of the objective facts (science). And, there are also people who pretend (in my humble opinion) they do not believe in anything. You also have quick service options like fortune-telling in any of its variants (reading palms, tea leafs in a cup, interpreting dreams, cartomancy, crystal ball, etc.). The only thing I can say for sure is that, apparently, nobody knows the universal truth, despite the fact that a lot of them guarantee that they hold it. At this point, I think there are two possibilities. Firstly, the ones who really know the truth have not yet released it, maybe because they are afraid that the rest of us will not understand it, or will simply ignore it, or about the possible consequences that it could trigger. On the other hand, it is also likely that the truth was already told and we are not smart enough to understand it, or even to listen to it. This last possibility is easy for me to believe because I am not a big believer in human race (even when I am part of it). I want to believe that there is a big potential inside us, but there is also a lot of confusion that lead us to make very bad choices, and these choices are defining the way we live our lives.
Moreover, there are people more concerned about material things, but smart enough to use other people's beliefs in order to manipulate them, and to use them to obtain their own benefit, no matter what it takes.
We can see very often that there is some law or contract not perfectly defined, there is always somebody who is able to find the breach and invalidate it. The good thing about absolute truth is that there is no breaches, it is seamless. But, the problem is that we have to be able to analyze it thoroughly and without prejudices. And, we also need to consider the possibility that it could be better not finding it out. Sometimes ignorance brings you happiness. Anyway, I prefer to believe that everything makes sense, and someday we will be able to understand everything that has been causing so many troubles and pain so far.
I would say, emulating Socrates, that uncertainty is the only certainty. And we have to live with that, at least for now. So, enjoy uncertainty!
lunes, 18 de julio de 2011
Friday night fever
I admit that this title can be a bit confusing. You can think that I am going to write about one friday night out partying, and I chose this title after the famous 70's movie 'Saturday night fever' starred by John Travolta. However, I think this title is more appropriate for my story than for that movie. Anyway, I am starting my story and after reading it you can judge yourself if I am right or wrong.
It is Sunday morning and I have been awake since 7:30 in the morning. This behavior is not very common for me. There are two reasons for it and I will explain them below.
First of all, I could not go out last night nor the night before despite having made plans. During Friday morning I started feeling sick, and I had fever. I spent all Friday afternoon lying in bed but my condition was getting worse and worse, and my body temperature kept rising. Finally, I went to the emergency room in the nearest health center at 2am. While I was there, I fainted and then I started to feel even worse. Therefore, the doctor decided to send me to the hospital. I reached the hospital by ambulance and I spent there the rest of the night, while the doctors were running several tests trying to find out the origin of my illness. When they got test results back, it was obvious that I had an infection. At that time, there was only one question left to answer, and it was about the focus of the infection. When they asked me about any recent wounds, I show them a blister on the bottom of my left foot and then the doctor realized that the foot was quite red and hot, so that would probably be the origin of the infection. He gave me a prescription for some antibiotics and some painkillers, and recommended rest for my legs during several days.
After the explanation above, I still did not clarify why I got up so early this morning. Well, I had to take my medication to fight the infection and to avoid bigger problems. Besides, after being lying in bed or in stretchers for more than 24 hours in a row, I really prefer standing.
In any case, I would have preferred to write about partying all night long, or even dancing (taking into account that my dancing skills are pretty bad).
It is Sunday morning and I have been awake since 7:30 in the morning. This behavior is not very common for me. There are two reasons for it and I will explain them below.
First of all, I could not go out last night nor the night before despite having made plans. During Friday morning I started feeling sick, and I had fever. I spent all Friday afternoon lying in bed but my condition was getting worse and worse, and my body temperature kept rising. Finally, I went to the emergency room in the nearest health center at 2am. While I was there, I fainted and then I started to feel even worse. Therefore, the doctor decided to send me to the hospital. I reached the hospital by ambulance and I spent there the rest of the night, while the doctors were running several tests trying to find out the origin of my illness. When they got test results back, it was obvious that I had an infection. At that time, there was only one question left to answer, and it was about the focus of the infection. When they asked me about any recent wounds, I show them a blister on the bottom of my left foot and then the doctor realized that the foot was quite red and hot, so that would probably be the origin of the infection. He gave me a prescription for some antibiotics and some painkillers, and recommended rest for my legs during several days.
After the explanation above, I still did not clarify why I got up so early this morning. Well, I had to take my medication to fight the infection and to avoid bigger problems. Besides, after being lying in bed or in stretchers for more than 24 hours in a row, I really prefer standing.
In any case, I would have preferred to write about partying all night long, or even dancing (taking into account that my dancing skills are pretty bad).
domingo, 3 de julio de 2011
Applesauce
Around my parents' house there are a lot of fruit trees, and now it is time for apple-trees to give us their gifts. That is the reason why I have been enjoying a lot of applesauce lately. It is very easy to prepare and it is really delicious. Yesterday, I even had it for breakfast.
There has been a long time since I wrote my Spanish omelette recipe here, therefore I am going to explain how you can cook the apples, and I am sure you will like the result as much as I do.
You will need some apples, the more you get, the more quantity of applesauce you will obtain. You have to peel and core them and cut them in pieces (the smaller they are, the shorter it will take to complete the recipe). Then put all the pieces into a pot with some water, and put the pot in the fire. After that, you just need to let it start boiling and try to stir the mix to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot. When you see that it is soft enough, you can remove it from heat and allow it to cool for some hours.
Finally, I will let you take a look at the result and the main ingredient. It looks tasty, and I can assure you it is actually tasty. You should try it yourself.
There has been a long time since I wrote my Spanish omelette recipe here, therefore I am going to explain how you can cook the apples, and I am sure you will like the result as much as I do.
You will need some apples, the more you get, the more quantity of applesauce you will obtain. You have to peel and core them and cut them in pieces (the smaller they are, the shorter it will take to complete the recipe). Then put all the pieces into a pot with some water, and put the pot in the fire. After that, you just need to let it start boiling and try to stir the mix to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot. When you see that it is soft enough, you can remove it from heat and allow it to cool for some hours.
Finally, I will let you take a look at the result and the main ingredient. It looks tasty, and I can assure you it is actually tasty. You should try it yourself.
viernes, 1 de julio de 2011
Dictionary
Several days ago, something odd happened to me. I was trying to find out if a Galician word should be written in one way or another. I should clarify that I am a native speaker in Galician language, however in last years a lot of changes have been made in our language and that encouraged me to look up the word I had doubts about in the online official Galician dictionary. I was astonished for a long while, apparently those words do not exist. I am starting to think that I am not a native Galician speaker anymore. I have been trying to improve my English level for years in order to become a trilingual, and now I discover that I should study Galician again.
It was hard to believe the situation explained above, therefore I decided to add a couple of self-explanatory images to this post.
It would have been understandable if I could not find the term I was looking for. Nevertheless, I should have looked for avó -oa instead of avó. It sounds a little strange to me, and from now on I will not trust this dictionary very much. Would you?
It was hard to believe the situation explained above, therefore I decided to add a couple of self-explanatory images to this post.
It would have been understandable if I could not find the term I was looking for. Nevertheless, I should have looked for avó -oa instead of avó. It sounds a little strange to me, and from now on I will not trust this dictionary very much. Would you?
lunes, 27 de junio de 2011
Just walk
Yesterday, I woke up at 8 in the morning, several minutes before the alarm started ringing. It was something strange because I had gone to bed less than 3 hours before, but I decided to get up and have some breakfast. At that time I was feeling a bit tired and quite sleepy, but I was thinking about to go hiking around my village. A friend of mine had told me about this activity a couple of weeks ago and then I was considering to attend. After having breakfeast, I put some comfortable clothes on and I left home heading to the park where the trail started. My home is about one kilometer away from the starting point, so I went there walking in order to warm up. In my view, it was a success in terms of participation because there were about thirty people ready to start walking at 9:30 on Sunday morning. The weather was a bit cloudy and uncertain when we started but it was getting better during the morning.
I enjoyed a lot this activity, however I have to admit that my first thought when I was told about it was boring. In the end, I had a good time walking around my village, I discovered some places that I did not know about, and I had the opportunity to chat with some of my neighbors that I do not see very often.
In summary, I am looking forward to doing this activity again soon. In the meantime, I will add some of the places we visited yesterday to my running routes. In particular, I will use a narrow path by the river that I consider a really good option during the summer because you can go in the shade during almost all the route.
I enjoyed a lot this activity, however I have to admit that my first thought when I was told about it was boring. In the end, I had a good time walking around my village, I discovered some places that I did not know about, and I had the opportunity to chat with some of my neighbors that I do not see very often.
In summary, I am looking forward to doing this activity again soon. In the meantime, I will add some of the places we visited yesterday to my running routes. In particular, I will use a narrow path by the river that I consider a really good option during the summer because you can go in the shade during almost all the route.
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