Boggle

It boggles my mind why people seem to think that the practice of law is a business where you haggle for the price.

There is a "tariff" that serves as a guide for lawyers how much to charge. Most often than not, a number of lawyers, I think, charge lower, but more or less at the same rate, than what is stipulated in the tariff just to show that the practice of law is not a money-making business where clients look for the lawyer who can give the lowest price.

It boggles my mind why someone would insist in paying P 100 for an SPA and another P 150 for a Release of Chattel Mortgage.

That someone is driving a vehicle worth almost P 1M, which was fully paid recently, and her children go to one of the priciest school in town.

And by the way, a consultation was rendered for free to that someone. Moreover, that someone engaged the services of the lawyer in which documents were checked, research was made and a demand letter was prepared but thereafter, there was a change of mind and decided not pursue. So, no fee there.

It boggles my mind why someone, who is already retired from service and somewhat old, did not hesitate to pay P 800 for all 4 affidavits he executed. No haggling.

That someone first came to execute just one affidavit. Since he forgot another requirement for him to be able to withdraw some money, he had to execute another. And then, he was later told that additional requirements were required that he had to execute 2 more affidavits. The office felt sorry for him since he had to come back and forth just for these affidavits and decided to just notarize the last affidavit free of charge. He said that it was okay. The lawyer insisted that he keep the P200. He decided to give it to the secretary, in which the secretary declined. It turned out that it was his birthday and he was just happy that he was able to receive some money from his account so that it was okay for him to pay.

And by the way, that retiree did not receive millions of pesos, just a few thousands not exceeding P 10,000.

Yes, it's boggling!

At least, there are stories like that of the retiree which uplifts the spirit and compensates for stories similar to that in the first situation.

At least, a nice birthday gift was given to a somewhat total stranger. May GOD bless him ;)

Bee

This week has so far been the busiest after I graduated from law school.

I have deadlines to meet with regard to pleadings.

So far, clients have been coming in and out of the office.

Then, I have my classes to attend to and prepare for plus exams and other requirements.

There are personal errands to attend to as well.

I have masteral class over the weekend.

Valentine's Day's was just over and a wedding to attend as well.

No, I am not complaining.

I am just taking note of this because I believe my prayers have been answered.

Galing talaga ni Lord ;)

That's why I could not miss blogging this one.

The Sweetest Thing

I am not the most romantic person in the world.

I am not that sweet either.

But, then, I am one person who appreciates the smallest gesture.

I am not really a big fan of the Valentine frenzy - dinner dates, concerts, flowers, chocolates, hearts and whatchamacallit. Although I greet Happy Valentine's Day, it's not because of the common notion of Valentine's, that of lovers, but rather it's more of celebrating love - love between and among everyone.

Considering that it was a work day, it was pretty normal.

Except that for the first time, flowers and chocolate were delivered for me at the office.

Honestly, I was not expecting it considering that Allan already knows that I am not a fan of flowers .. hehe. And I just sent him a message the night before regarding gifts (not related to Valentine's day though) But considering that he called up and asked if I was at the office, that made me think that probably he is up to something. I did not bring the red car that is why he had to make sure I was there to receive the flowers. Although he later on said it was also ok if I wasn't around so that I would be surprised, hehe.

Anyway, he was happy after JR, his delivery boy, let him know that I was smiling and happy when he received it. Yey for that!

Later, I told him that it was okay not to send me anything on Valentine's Day. But he replied that he just wants me to feel how it is to receive flowers and chocolates from a boyfriend on this special day and to let me feel how I am loved by him.

I know - cheesy! But it was indeed the sweetest thing!

As for me, dinner was my treat!

Celebrate LOVE!

Good Day

A twitter friend shared this article. I am just reposting this from:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/02/07/30-ways-to-make-today-a-good-day/

One today is worth two tomorrows.
-Benjamin Franklin

Yesterday is history and tomorrow is merely a figment of your imagination. So if you think about it, today is the only day you’re truly alive. Here’s how to make it a good one:

1. Get started a few minutes early.
2. Work on something that’s meaningful to you.
3. Complete an important piece of unfinished business.
4. Spend time with positive, friendly people.
5. Do something nice for someone else.
6. Be present. Focus on where you are, what you’re doing and who you’re with right now.
7. Do one thing at a time. (Read Getting Things Done.)
8. Listen to your self-talk. When you hear negative thoughts, think about the positive side of things.
9. Smile, even when there’s no pressing reason to do so.
10. Unplug. Entertain yourself with real-world experiences.
11. Go somewhere new. See something new. Meet someone new.
12. Do something that makes you laugh.
13. Challenge your mind. Learn a new skill.
14. Challenge your body. Exercise for 30 minutes. (Read The 4-Hour Body.)
15. Let someone help you.
16. Clear a little clutter by getting rid of something you don’t need.
17. Be honest with yourself and those around you.
18. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, let them inspire you.
19. Spend a few minutes alone in silence, just thinking.
20. Focus on solutions.
21. Keep an open mind to new ideas and information.
22. Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
23. Stay out of other people’s drama. And don’t needlessly create your own.
24. Say, “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “I love you,” when you should.
25. Don’t try to please everyone. Just do what you know is right.
26. Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
27. Savor the natural joy of simple pleasures.
28. Notice what’s right with the world.
29. Focus on all the things you already have, think about them and appreciate them.
30. Get to sleep a little earlier tonight so you’re well rested tomorrow.

And remember, a smile is the most beautiful curve on the human body. So go now and strut your stuff. ;-)

13 Going 30

I just turned 30.

And I thank GOD for the life he has given me.

I can remember the times when I counted the days leading to my birthday. When people would start counting the days before Christmas, I would add 37 days to it and then make my own countdown for my birthday.



However, I noticed that as I grew older, the excitement of doing that countdown slowly faded. I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that I am getting older. It's a fact and every living human being goes through it. I attribute it actually to the fact of the daily grind - the things you do each day. As we grow older, we can't help that indeed obligations and responsibilities multiply and we are caught up with it. And then, we just let the other small stuff take its course. I guess that is what is happening to me.

And as I my birthday drew nearer, I said to myself to just bring it on. My birthday will happen and I will turn 30. And I am ok with whatever would happen during that day - no matter how ordinary it would be.

However, I got a birthday surprise from friends Karl, Ogie, Clang, Lyndon and Ling the day before my birthday. My dear Allan was able to plan the surprise with their help. It was actually very simple but a very nice surprise. I never expected it on a Sunday afternoon while checking papers .. hehe. I was able to blow candles, eat pizza and cake with them and had a short but fun chit-chat session about anything under the sun.

The day itself was quite normal. I went to work and did the usual stuff. I went to court and found out that the hearing is postponed. I attended classes in the evening and my students had no idea it was my birthday. Well, they said happy ... happy new hair! Hehe .. I had my hair cut and rebonded over the weekend. The night itself was a bit stressful because of a flat tire - that of Allan's car. But we were able to buy some chicken and cake to bring at home later.

I was truly overwhelmed with the greetings - personally, through the phone and through Facebook. Daghang salamat sa tanan na nag-greet! I truly appreciate since most of them I haven't seen for quite some time.

Before I went to sleep, I switched to emo mode - maybe that is what happens when someone turns 30.

The next day should have been normal as well. But, surprise, surprise! The day ended when my students gave me a cake. Thank you.

Yes, 30! That's Me!