I used to read an article or maybe have heard it from the priest's gospel that people asked God to add one more hour each day because they could not give time to Him as it is so limited given 24 hours only. And so there was 25 hours for each day... But still, people kept on consuming that 25 hours for the things they usually have done and still, no time for the God.
I remember this particular comparison as I know exactly that this happens. If I would have 25 hours a day, I know for sure that there would be no change as to the current situation: there is always time constraints in everything. Why can't we have two bodies instead? But with this, I know for sure that our respective load of work or activities would also be doubled, so what's the point?

Currently, I have to divide my 24 hours daily from:
1. 8-hour work
2. 2-travel time
3. 1-tutorial time
4. 8-sleep
5. 5 for the time to read books, blog, drop, time for myself and special someone

6. saturday is a bit more flexible, i sleep more, relax more, surf and read more.
7. 2- church and church ministry (lector, etc) on sundays..

The thing is, the first three are almost unadjustable. If I want to do something, it would be a trade between sleeping sleeper and doing that thing. The problem is, I want to do many things but the time limit makes me ask myself if Ican do them.... I want to read more, be away from computer, just relax, exercise, run, study Dutch and a lot more things... I want to update this blog as often as possible and other three blogs that I have. But due to time constraints, I cannot do all... How I wish I can... How I wish I can do this and I can do that... Sigh... Human's helplessness!

That's what you get when I am in a contemplating mood...

This question popped in my mind because I just noticed it in the workplace. How and why? Not really from other people's obvious acts but from as narrow as my daily e-mails. Or should I say, as narrow as my Lotus Notes.


I have a name, that if it is read in a Dutch manner, it would be perfectly male. In fact, even in the Philippines, I was always mistaken as a male if the one who reads my name does not see me in person. Thus, with e-mails, I put my name (of course, especially as a signature)and the reply always starts with "Mr.". That is not new to me though and I do know that my name is indeed male sounding. I know it so I simply smile everytime I receive a response to my email and it (more often than not) starts with Dear Mr....

I don't allow this continuous mistake though. The moment I read the Mr., I reply with the correction that it is a lady's name and not a gentleman's. And all the rude/not so pleasant approach in writing the e-mail suddenly become so soft and sweet with an apology for having a wrong prefix to my name. Isn't that sweet?

Don't get me wrong though: it happens to both male and female colleagues or contacts. The same reaction, the same male-name notion and the same attitude. Whether it is a male or a female, they just become mellow when they know that it is a lady/female sending e-mails to them (I, for this matter). In fact, just this morning, I received a very dry tone of email as if telling "Go to hell, don't bother me anymore!" Naturally, that has a Mr. at the start (and No Dear)... However, as soon as I replied with the correction of gender, I got a quick reply of apology and a joke attached to it. "I prefer ladies." See!!!??? I told ya! I even got successive follow-up e-mails on old contract issues after that!

Any idea on this? I know I am a good negotiator and do not encounter any work problems, be with colleagues, clients, or any one else, thus I cannot really say something about this gender issue. Any opinions from your end?.