The Awakening Rat Bite That Changed My Life Forever By: Marnie Grace A. Picson

August 07, 2013 was the date for me to remember. It was a normal and lazy day at home. After my siesta I woke up at 5pm and  took a cold bath and as I step down on the last stair step, piles of shoes were down there and because I don't have my buddy which is my eyeglasses, that I left in front of our television set, so my eyes were blurred. I thought that what I stooped down was a black shoe. It was so soft and furry so I felt so comfortable on it. Since I was so busy squeezing my wet bath towel, I really didn't recognize what that furry thing was and at the back of my mind it was just this usual old dirty flat shoe. I continue to move forward. I just then knew that what I stooped down was a living thing and not an object when I heard it's small crying voice. It sound so helpless and in between life and death situation. When I look at it I was so shocked that it was a very big and weak rat that I victimized. I felt so sorry for my left foot's fault and at first I didn't feel the pain of the rat's bite but as I saw my very own blood that comes out from my skin, that was the time that I was awakened, that both of us are victims of our carelessness.
 



 The rat was weak to run so fast as he or she saw me coming. I was so careless not to recognize him or her. I didn't know how he or she escaped from my cruel left foot. I went quickly to our bathroom and just let the blood flow on my left foot which has two rat bites on it. It's teeth were as big as a rabbit. After all the blood flowed in , I wash my wounds with water and soap. I almost put a vinegar and garlic on it because I was too shocked and I don't know what to do. What comes in my mind is the rabies. I don't wanna die young! I am so assuming but yes at 28 I am still young. Thank God my father was on the rescue with his Betadine and cotton balls that he lent me to clean my wounds. I waited for an hour when my mother arrived from work and then we went to the hospital. For the first time in my life, I know how it feels to be injected not just once but for five times and now I know that this is not the usual injection play that me and my nephew baby Shawn always play here at home before, now it is for real and it is required by the doctor, just to make sure that the rabies is gone. Aside from it is painful in my pocket. It is emotionally draining. After the injections, the usual symptoms are fever, flu and dizziness. After all of this not so good experience, comes an eyeopener that life has it's own way of surprising us. Mine was not a good surprise, but as I look at the other side of the picture, It opened my heart and mind up that to live is a thing of beauty.
 



Out of boredom and because of some frustrating experiences in my life of course aside from the joyful ones, I sometimes think that it was better if I wasn't born here on earth for this world is cruel at times. I always long for easy things, for a life of paradise and for all good stuffs. This rat bite was a lesson that I know God would want me to learn that I need to be extra careful on my daily steps and decisions in this life. I need to be grateful for the small and great things that He gave me. I was fortunate to be alive. Good things come to those who wait. After my rat bite a lot of job interviews are up for me but most of the HR Officers would laugh at me if I told them that I will be available this September since this August I am busy for my anti rabies shots because I was bitten by a rat. It was frustrating but somehow funny. This circumstance made me believe in the power of patience, waiting and in the power to lift up everything according to God's plans.

Human as we are we have our own plans, five, ten and many years from now but then I've come to embrace the fact that these are nothing if it is not aligned with the Creator's plans for us. Now I learned to take things slowly but surely at a time. No rush in life. Just live in the present day for the promise of tomorrow is not assured yet. This rat bite made me to be more kind to myself. It made me realize that I love myself more than the money. No amount of money can trade for our lives. Life is so important and it is the best gift that God ever gave us. Let us live life to the fullest. Aside from these, it changed the way I look at the rats. They are hardworking and wise little creatures.

Rats are cute and adorable, and the one who bit me was just fighting for his or her life since I stooped down on his or her fragile body, accidentally. My respect for these rats are still intact. They fight for their lives. Work hard each day to have their foods and are still one of the wisest animals that God ever created. I also learned a lesson from them. Although the wounds that I got are deep and painful, but it is a very kind lesson that taught me more about the beauty of life. I will still continue fighting and struggling in this life but like the rats I will be very wise enough, to fight for my life. To live life each day with joy and simplicity.





Hats Off to that rat who bit me. I don't know if he or she is still  alive. I felt so angry on him or her at first but now, I have mercy for that little creature. I pray for his or her life. If he or she is dead already because my weight is really for sure, a burden on his or her soft, small and fragile body. If he or she is dead and if animals have souls, I know he or she will have a lion's share of cheese and a bonus of bacon for him or her in heaven or since that rat bit me, he or she will have his or her share of grilled cheese in hell. Just Kidding! I seriously pray, that the poor little rat was still alive now, for sure his or her family still needs his or her help in putting some of his or her hard earned morsels of foods on their little table. God is so good! Life is so precious to be wasted. Let us live it happily and with hope like the rats who live life each day with simplicity and hope always and before I forget it, I was born on the year of the RAT. How ironic life could ever be?


Photo Credits To:

www.google.com.ph
www.dreamstime.com

Relax By: Marnie Grace Avila Picson

It's pretty amazing that as the inhabitants of this green world we really have this puzzled and busy existence. We wish that time would stand still and will freeze. It is good to earn for a living and have a secure future but there are just times that we need to slow down and relax. Too much pressure to be the best and to have the edge among others will lead to sickness. Too much expectations of more than you can deliver as a person will give you pain. Allow God to be in control with whatever the future may bring you. It is easier said than done of course. How can someone relax if his daily income is the source of the one time a day meal, which is only dinner for his family. Some would escape taking breakfast because there's no enough money to buy foods to be put on their table or worst they don't have a table at all. We know that to find our purpose in this world we must keep on moving and going but if your life is composed of hectic schedules, deadlines to meet and appointments to make, is there a time for yourself and for your God? None of course, and it seems that you'll feel that if you'll take a break even for a second you  missed a morsel of gold already. I am not a life coach or an expert of psychology, but I am certain that cats are active because they have a certain time on their days to take a nap and better to sleep pretty well. 

 

 

 

My own life now is not perfect, and there are people who thinks that I am Miss I don't care!, well I do but I am just having a little girl's heart who just always wants the simple things in life, like sweets, sodas, and nature, which I know will bring me no good except for the latter, and will just give me a temporary feeling of bliss. How I wish that I will just float on the clouds and enjoy the falling stars, and the moon's light at night. I know I am wasting some seconds but it gives a smile in my heart. Although life may not be perfect and we can't own everything that we want because if we do life will be boring. Certainly, a few minutes or even an hour of your time a day must be reserved for relaxation and break. It depends on you of what type of relaxation you want to give to your self. Praying to the Almighty is also an ultimate source of strength and endurance to survive on the daily challenges of life. In the race of life keep on going but have a break too, sometimes a couch can be your closest. Enjoy!

 

 Photo Credits: Four photos from www.google.com

Embracing This Wonderful World By: Marnie Grace Picson

Life like love is beautiful. In this rat race and fast changing world, there are times when we want our solitude and take a break from our hectic daily schedule.  Most of the time it feels good to feel close to God by appreciating His creations like the people around us, the sea, sun, and sand and enjoy the blessings that nature gives us in abundance.

@Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte

I had my share of simple but unforgettable get away. Aside from being with the people that I am familiar with, what I appreciate most in these journeys is the lesson that God is just near His creations and with these I adore him more.

A shot taken by ME =)

Live in the moment. Dance in the rain. Laugh as much as you can. Travel a lot. Look at the world through your heart. Enjoy great moments with family and friends. Meet new and interesting people. Be sun kissed. Simon Elkeles stated  "If there's one thing I learned, it's that nobody is here forever. You have to live for the moment, each and every day . . . the here, the now." Enjoy every second of your journey. Be with nature and feel God. Have a break of the worries that this world owns.

@Cebu Zoo

Bigger Than Your Shadow By: Marnie Grace A. Picson

In this world where perfection and beauty are what most people crave for, there are times that we tend to judge those who are not pleasant looking, poor, dull, lacks confidence, and fat.  Well I want to tackle on this last adjective which is being fat/obese. The rest I feel like I got an ounce of good looks, I am rich but let me clarify with the  love and support from my family and friends. Being fat, I can relate to this and I am certain that a million of people who exist in this so called Hungry for Beauty and Body World, are also having concerns with the shape of their bodies. Yes I do understand that going on a healthy diet and exercise can lower down your cholesterol level and make you feel more active and will add years in to your life. I am a self confessed exercise and diet hater. Surely, I know a miracle is what I'll need to change my mindset. Currently I want to focus in sharing my point of view which I am certain will help fat ladies like me. Okay the reality is we are fat/obese. We are called guards of the kitchen. We can reduce our fats with diet and exercise but if you don't feel like doing it at the present do not force yourself or you'll end up not enjoying your day. Aside from health purposes some fat ladies would want to go on diet because it will add up to their self esteem, if they can minimize their cholesterol count then they will feel lighter and better but remember even if you are as thin as a stick, but still you don't accept your flaws which makes you imperfect but human, well you cannot be truly joyful. Fat ladies let us celebrate our lives and of how we squeeze in just to fit in our jeans. Still have that confidence and warm smile, these will cover up our fats!

Celebrate You! Celebrate Life! Do not allow those extra kilos to be a hindrance of  achieving your joy. Reach for your dreams and goals in this short and rented life. If these people around you knows you well, more than being a big girl then they will love your big heart. Do not feel like you only have your family and friends to escort you in the red carpet of life. Reach out to those people who treat you right. Bring your own sunshine and dress for your comfort. If a guy truly loves you, He will accept your uniqueness, your flaws for that what makes you beautiful. If no one is intended by God for you then learn to pick up more dandelions. Blow it for a wish. Pray hard and just count your blessings. Your heart and beautiful soul must be bigger than your shadow.

Photo Credits: Both photos from www.google.com

Heaven On Earth By: Marnie Grace A. Picson

The pearly gates of heaven is a great reward for a good job here on earth but in the present world, there can also be a piece of heaven and they are the ones who loves us unconditionally. There is a point in our lives where in we feel so alone and it seems that the whole world was against us. Thank goodness, God gave us our family. Our parents are enough to protect us from this cruel world. They are the ones who thought us the A-B-C's of life when we were in kindergarten and the ones who taught us to choose the battles that we fight as we grow up. My family is of an ordinary type. We live in a simple home but for me I had much. Much of my parents love and much of my siblings' support. Our family life may not be perfect but for me it is a piece of heaven that satisfies my longing for God. He is more closer deep within because of the family that He gave me. We are not a family of billionaires but I got so much love from my parents that like an eagle I can soar high amidst the storms of life. I am truly grateful to my parents and my two adorable siblings! Now my sister got married so I got two additional members of my family. A brother in law and a nephew named Shawn who is a wingless angel. He brought so much joy to us, especially to my parents' lives. Life has been kind. Looking forward to live life each day!

Aside from my family, I can't forget the warm love that my late dog Kaypi  gave us. He is my buddy for 15 years and He died of an unknown illness last July of 2012. Kaypi was given to me by my Aunt. He has a mixture of black and white fur, a cold black nose, sharp teeth, and a smile that reaches his ears. He was the one who makes me feel that my cooking was superb. Even though there are times that it wasn't that good enough, until I learned how to cook as time goes by. Kaypi is always with me by the time I cook for my family, He can't wait to taste the viands that I cooked. He was the one who stayed with us for 15 years. There were some dogs like Spotly, Happy and Papi but they were given away because they were noisy. Although it hurts me but I can't do anything. I am just living in with my parents. Moving forward, Kaypi became my close friend. I adore Him dearly. Yes he barks and bites but He loves me for being me, without any conditions. July last year was the saddest month for me when He died. It rained hard and there was lightening. What a co-incidence. The weather describes my emotions. I was more than sad. Now we bury Kaypi under our Dishwashing Area. He has His solitude there, and was still Home no matter what. I will never forget Kaypi, He was a great buddy and family member too!

 

I am a very introvert type of person. Although it is not obvious because I know how to mingle and treat others well. Not perfectly, but I also know how to put myself on others' shoes. I know I can't please everybody, but who can ignore a smile? Right? I have a lot of acquaintances but a few set of true and great friends. My college friends who may be a distance away in location but always reaches out. My Alta friends who are also a text away. My friends from Grade 1 and High school days, My cousin/friend from my former work and my close friend in my current work who encourage me to start on writing some blogs. You know girls and gays of who you are. Thank you for being my support system aside from God and my family. I want to say that I appreciate your friendship girls and gays. Much thanks especially to my  best friend Marissa in (Purple/Blue) for the 11 years of friendship. Thank you my best friend for being a sister that God forget to give me. You are such an awesome friend. You all are! Know that I am always here to stay.

Who says we can't have a piece of Heaven here on earth? You are wrong. For God allowed me to have these creatures to keep me grounded. To put my eyes on the stars but let my feet stay on the ground. I am so grateful to God for these priceless blessings. Without them I won't survive in this tricky and cruel world. I may not be a billionaire but I am rich with love that God, my family, my true friends gave me and will continue to give me, without complaining. God, Thank you for my support system. They make me strong. Now guys, I know you too have your own core and circle of love ones, so while they are still around don't forget to text, call, chat or hang out with them. Time is precious and short. Be blessed with your piece of heaven on earth. Being with them is so sweet. Savor the moment.

The Puzzle Maker By: Marnie Grace A. Picson

Life always gives us our share of ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and sorrows. There are times when we want to give up in facing life's challenges and we just want to stay in our box or in our own comfort zones to safety ourselves from danger and hurt. Someone up there of course knows us better. Before we utter words of prayers, He already know what is inside our hearts and minds. He knows us more than we know ourselves. He fix us when we are broken and, He gives us answers to our questions in life. He is our refuge, He is God our Father. God never goes away, even if there are times that we want to run away from Him and hide from Him. Maybe some of our longings and prayers are left unanswered. This does not mean that God forsakes us. It just means that we need to be more patient and work harder so that we are closer to the reality of our dreams and prayers.

Joy is elusive in this life. To attain it we must feel and condition ourselves to be with God first before anything else. Through this we will feel our abundance in love and life. Only God is The Puzzle Maker. He is the one who completes us. There are times when we feel that our cup of life is overflowing with blessings. Yes, we Thank Him but it is not enough. He will be impressed if we are so blessed, but we will share our blessings to others who are less fortunate. Not only in terms of money and material things but in time and prayers. There are just things in this world that are priceless. Isn't it good to feel abundant while reaching out your hand to those who are hungry and homeless?  It is a fact that we cannot change the world in a day but in our little acts of love we can put a smile in God's face and that is far more important. Lift someone up and God will be happy. Dalai Lama stated: "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them."

There comes a point in our lives where in some prayers are left unanswered. Don't feel that God does not love you. Now you are impatient enough to wait. You feel that God neglected you and you become bitter. You do not hurt only yourself but also you make God feel bad. Human as we are, it is really natural that we feel worried about the future, but our future is not certain yet. God alone holds the best for us so the only thing that we can do is stop worrying about it and just smile everyday. To live life in a second is a blessing. Life is so precious and it is just a waste if we spend it in worries, so just Let God. Although life has it's imperfect moments and it is not made up of all good and beautiful happenings, but just remember that you are special and not forgotten. In everything there is hope that the puzzle maker will make your life completely joyful in His perfect time. Denis Waitley stated: “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” Don't forget to smile.

Photo Credits: 2 photos from www. google.com