Alex Maskara
Thoughts, Stories, Imagination of Filipino American Alex Maskara
POPONG
~
Popong 12
Yesterday was intense. I spent the entire day at the computer, overly excited about my work, and by the time night came, I was still buzzing with energy. It felt like stress, and it wasn’t good for me. I need to avoid repeating that. The extra coffee—especially late at night—didn’t help either.
Since I retired, I’ve become more aware of how my mind works. I have to pace myself. There’s no reason to push too hard, especially on tasks that lead nowhere. Yesterday, I kept repeating the same steps, getting the same results. Sure, I was learning, but it wasn’t productive. Now, it’s 5 AM, and I’m still wired. This isn’t what I want as I age. It felt like I was a kid with a new toy, only the toy was the freedom to do what I love. But I can’t forget my health—it’s too important. Yesterday’s frenzy was like drinking too much or letting stress take over.
So, what should I have done differently? I had planned to go to the library in the afternoon to read, which would’ve been more relaxing. Reading calms me, unlike the strain of programming, which reminded me of my college days when I tried switching careers after burning out from work. Back then, the stress made sense. Things didn’t work out, though, and I stayed in the same profession out of job insecurity. Now, with retirement close and a steady income from social security and rental properties, I can finally leave behind the pressures of the past.
But retirement hasn’t been as smooth as I expected. Social Security stopped my payments because I exceeded their earnings limit. And my workplace hasn’t found a replacement for me yet. I feel guilty leaving because the department depends on me, so I’ve stayed to help out. With the facility’s conditions, pay, and location, it’s been tough finding someone to take over. I’ve been there for over seven years, not because I couldn’t find something better, but because it gave me a reason to get out of the house.
What happened yesterday is a reminder of the importance of balance. I got so absorbed in my project that I sat at my desk all day and into the night, exactly what I should avoid. I’m tempted to have another cup of coffee now, but I know better. I reinstalled Ubuntu earlier and almost got pulled into watching the process again, something I really need to resist. Fixing computer glitches is fun, but it’s not healthy to indulge in that obsession. It starts to feel like “Waiting for Godot.”
Recognizing my limits is the first step toward a better life. It’s okay to fail sometimes. It’s not the end of the world. Why live as if it is? What’s the difference between being dead and sitting in a chair, lost in a task that shuts out the world? In both cases, I’m absent from life. Why let that happen before it’s my time?
I need to approach life more thoughtfully, as I reminded myself yesterday. Focus on activities that bring the most reward. I made some progress on my website (not perfect, but functional) and posted some exercise videos on YouTube. A few of them got over 100 views and 10 likes, which was satisfying. But then I got sidetracked with my old computer, trying to redo a project, and everything spiraled. I wasted the entire afternoon and evening on something pointless, and in the end, I was too excited to sleep. The worst outcome.
Now, I’m recovering from lost sleep and energy. I’ll probably skip my daily walk again, as I did yesterday. I’m not sure how today’s meals will go either. It’s still morning, and I’m already on my second coffee—after drinking some at midnight. This disruption is too much, and I need to prevent it from happening again.
Life is fragile and short. If I invest too much time in activities that don’t benefit me or cause harm, it’s better to move on to something healthier and more peaceful. This is especially true as I age, with weaker immunity and vulnerability to illness. What I did yesterday scares me. I just got a call from my brother-in-law—my sister is back in the hospital with a possible UTI, something she deals with often because of diabetes.
Taking risks with my health, like I did by obsessing over computer work and losing sleep, is a mistake. It disrupts my peace and routine, and puts unnecessary stress on my body. I might visit my sister later today, but right now I’m too tired. It’s clear I need to be more mindful of my choices and avoid pushing myself too far.
---
I’ve finally let go of my obsession with computer operating systems. There’s no point in it. What do I gain from installing and reinstalling an OS, just because it’s challenging but without yielding any real knowledge? It’s nothing like coding, where I can create something beautiful, or reading a book that sparks new ideas or beautifully expresses old ones.
I went to bed as early as I could, but ended up tossing and turning. My eczema flared up again, maybe because of the butter or eggs I indulged in after work. I was doing so well controlling it, but not last night.
I needed to get out of bed. Staying there without sleep only makes it worse. I’m used to having coffee at this hour, which is terrible since it stole my sleep the night before. This time, I’ll stick to herbal tea.
---
Today was busier than usual. I was called to work at two places, and it hit me—I’m ready for a change. But change comes with obstacles. I’m waiting for the freedom that will let me break away from this daily grind. I’m looking forward to a better Friday, though I might be called in to work for an hour or so at a facility. Otherwise, the next three days are mine, and I’m excited about the possibilities. I have a lot to work on—exercise, computer projects, gardening. But for now, I’ll have a talk with the Lord. It’s the end of a heavy day, and I’m alone—but not really alone. God is here, always ready to listen, and I want to talk.
I’m learning that stress-free relaxation time is becoming more valuable to me.
---
The bad days have caught up with me. Despite extra sleep, work has worn me down. I have a sore throat and allergies, a reminder of how old age is creeping in. What matters now is focusing on what brings me joy and fulfillment.
I’ve been looking forward to today because my new PC tower is arriving from Amazon. I’m also excited to fix the Ubuntu installation on my old computer. This gives me purpose. I plan to set up a LAMP stack on the new system, which will keep me busy and fulfilled. I’m also heading to the library to read, like I did last week. The library is peaceful and helps me focus far better than the distractions of my room.
At times, I wonder why I keep working when I could easily stop. But there are reasons: my old workplace still can’t find a replacement, and the new place is so close and convenient that it doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s not about the money anymore; it’s about helping others. And if I happen to earn something, why not? I could use it to travel. Maybe Miami, or a nearby getaway. A change of scenery wouldn’t hurt, though I can’t go far because my sister needs me in emergencies. That’s manageable now, as long as she calls during daylight hours. Night driving, especially in the rain, is too stressful at my age.
These little comforts I allow myself, and I no longer feel the need to complain. God has provided everything I need.
Today is a day I’m looking forward to—not because it will be easy, but because it will be filled with work I want to do. That’s what matters. Money and material things don’t bring happiness. I learned that through experience. What makes me happy is simple: reading a good book, talking with God, or getting lost in a task that makes the rest of the world fade away. That’s the life I’m shaping with my free will—a life built around my own desires and plans.
I also have stories waiting to be written, and I’m excited to write them. I’ve formed warm connections with a few regulars at the park, many of whom are homeless. I don’t discriminate—I talk with everyone. I’ve worked with the indigent before, so it’s nothing new. They’re not so different from the people I encounter in the nursing home.
Now, I have other important plans—reading, writing, programming. Life is about balance and making the most of what I have.
I know I can’t rely on wealth, material abundance, or a large social circle—things that Caesar’s world values. I prefer God’s kingdom, where possessions don’t matter. What matters are the heart and soul, which need daily care, like plants reaching for light. That’s where my focus needs to be.
These small material joys—like the new PC tower I’m awaiting—are nice, but it’s not the object itself that excites me. It’s what I can create with it. Much like a child with a new toy or a dog with a bone, it’s natural to feel joy over something new, but I know that joy will fade as soon as I finish my project. Then, like all the other material things in my life, it will be set aside.
I’ve experienced this many times. Like when I visited Manila after years of being away, only to find myself longing to return home after just a month. The same happened on other trips, especially those I took with Matt. His company made the trips better, but they were never as fulfilling as I imagined
. Eventually, I always wanted to return home.
As I’ve said before, only my connection with the Lord brings me lasting joy. That’s my true home, where happiness endures. I think that’s what hermits and monks mean by “the real deal”—a happiness untouched by material things, nourished by the soul. But, of course, there’s also the simple joy of a good cup of coffee, LOL.
I’ll head out for a walk in the park soon. It’s been two or three days since I exercised, thanks to my obsession with the computer, and the bad weather.
---
I finished my 4-mile walk, and it felt good to be outdoors again. The morning clouds were beautiful, and I greeted a few of the homeless around the Ficus tree, as well as some dog walkers who have become familiar faces. It’s a simple courtesy, just to avoid seeming aloof. Honestly, I’d rather walk without engaging anyone, so I can focus on my own thoughts.
2024-09-14 00:20:13
popong
After turning over 60, I resolved to focus my time on tasks with high returns on investment (ROI) that bring me joy and fulfillment. After more than three decades of serving others and supporting my family, I believe I deserve this. However, the transition hasn't been as straightforward as I hoped.
Life continues to present challenges, but some of the tasks that once seemed daunting, like learning computer languages, are now much easier and more rewarding with AI’s help. For years, I wanted professional editing for my writing but couldn’t afford it. Now, AI can handle this task almost for free, delivering impressive results.
Today, I asked AI to edit one of my old book reviews for readability. It completed the task in less than a minute, and I was pleased with the outcome. Still, I ensure that my brain generates the core content of my writing, not AI. I maintain the privilege of expressing my personal assessments and reactions. AI helps make my writing more comprehensible but doesn’t replace the joy I get from reading, reviewing, and writing.
I was satisfied with the result—until I tried to post it on my website.
Web development is another hobby I cherish during my free time. I enjoy programming and coding, handling both front-end (HTML, JavaScript) and back-end (PHP or other languages) tasks. This hobby is thrilling but time-consuming. Now that I’m entering retirement, I hope to revive my web development skills, which I set aside nearly a decade ago after graduating in IT and returning to my healthcare profession for job security.
Returning to my project, I uploaded images, filled out forms, and encountered a problem: the website wouldn’t accept the data. I went into full coding mode, accessing the site via SSH and reviewing the forms I had created years ago. Despite having some help from Google back then, I found the site’s code outdated. Coding and programming are constantly evolving, and what I knew a decade ago is now obsolete. PHP is notorious for frequent updates. I also noticed that security measures I’d put in place had failed to prevent hackers from adding junk files and codes. After meticulously removing them, my new blog data was still rejected. I discovered numerous errors and outdated codes, making it feel like I was learning computer languages for the first time again, without the satisfaction of solving the problems.
The reality is, I’m behind in the world of computer languages after a decade of non-practice. It’s frustrating to feel stuck in the basics while others advance. I once thrived in this field but chose a secure job over further exploration of technology.
After two days, I finally resolved the issue with my PHP code for the blog. It turned out that a query statement evaluating a MySQL function, `mysqli_affected_rows`, was being ignored by PHP. I replaced it with a condition checking for values greater than 0 instead of equal to 1, and that solved the problem.
Today is Monday, and it contrasts sharply with yesterday. I woke up late, so my usual jog was halved. I also had work, despite being retired, to ensure a smooth transition until my replacement is found. After work, I came home hungry but was grateful for leftover fish and salad that made a decent lunch. Today followed a more routine pattern: wake up, meditate, jog, work, and handle afternoon tasks.
The joy of retirement extends to many days ahead. I no longer face overwhelming workloads and can choose my schedule. Although I feel some sympathy and guilt for my colleagues who might struggle without me, I am almost fully retired. I’ve established daily rituals: working out for physical health, meditating for mental clarity, and engaging in hobbies for joy. I’m getting closer to a lifestyle that maximizes these effects.
I also need to address hunger issues. Cutting carbs due to my diabetes has depleted my energy quickly throughout the day. I’m looking for healthy snacks to fill the gaps, like mini crackers with hummus. I’ve tried yogurt, but it triggers my eczema, so I hope this new option will help maintain my energy.
I feel elated about retirement, not for comfort, but for the chance to work hard on what I love most. Retirement allows me the freedom to pursue my passions, with or without compensation. The goal is to enjoy working on what I love while being able to cover my expenses.
Yesterday was a perfect example of this. I ran, meditated, made videos for my YouTube channel, worked on my website, and practiced self-restraint to balance work and relaxation. I slept well and woke up ready for a new, fulfilling day.
The greatest benefit of retirement is the freedom to pursue my interests. However, it also requires discipline, especially in the digital realm. I’ve been reflecting on my constant desire to work on my computer, fearing it might be driven by unmet social and psychological needs. I’ve been sharing reels and seeking approval online, but I also spend time learning new techniques and ignoring social media when more exciting activities arise.
Ultimately, as I age, my reflections grow longer and more detailed. I wonder how many people are interested in my daily experiences and whether anyone finds my history worth reading.
2024-09-10 06:16:16
popong
Popong 12 / Meditation on Computer Obsession
Popong 12
Yesterday was intense. I spent the entire day at the computer, overly excited about my work, and by the time night came, I was still buzzing with energy. It felt like stress, and it wasn’t good for me. I need to avoid repeating that. The extra coffee—especially late at night—didn’t help either.
Since I retired, I’ve become more aware of how my mind works. I have to pace myself. There’s no reason to push too hard, especially on tasks that lead nowhere. Yesterday, I kept repeating the same steps, getting the same results. Sure, I was learning, but it wasn’t productive. Now, it’s 5 AM, and I’m still wired. This isn’t what I want as I age. It felt like I was a kid with a new toy, only the toy was the freedom to do what I love. But I can’t forget my health—it’s too important. Yesterday’s frenzy was like drinking too much or letting stress take over.
So, what should I have done differently? I had planned to go to the library in the afternoon to read, which would’ve been more relaxing. Reading calms me, unlike the strain of programming, which reminded me of my college days when I tried switching careers after burning out from work. Back then, the stress made sense. Things didn’t work out, though, and I stayed in the same profession out of job insecurity. Now, with retirement close and a steady income from social security and rental properties, I can finally leave behind the pressures of the past.
But retirement hasn’t been as smooth as I expected. Social Security stopped my payments because I exceeded their earnings limit. And my workplace hasn’t found a replacement for me yet. I feel guilty leaving because the department depends on me, so I’ve stayed to help out. With the facility’s conditions, pay, and location, it’s been tough finding someone to take over. I’ve been there for over seven years, not because I couldn’t find something better, but because it gave me a reason to get out of the house.
What happened yesterday is a reminder of the importance of balance. I got so absorbed in my project that I sat at my desk all day and into the night, exactly what I should avoid. I’m tempted to have another cup of coffee now, but I know better. I reinstalled Ubuntu earlier and almost got pulled into watching the process again, something I really need to resist. Fixing computer glitches is fun, but it’s not healthy to indulge in that obsession. It starts to feel like “Waiting for Godot.”
Recognizing my limits is the first step toward a better life. It’s okay to fail sometimes. It’s not the end of the world. Why live as if it is? What’s the difference between being dead and sitting in a chair, lost in a task that shuts out the world? In both cases, I’m absent from life. Why let that happen before it’s my time?
I need to approach life more thoughtfully, as I reminded myself yesterday. Focus on activities that bring the most reward. I made some progress on my website (not perfect, but functional) and posted some exercise videos on YouTube. A few of them got over 100 views and 10 likes, which was satisfying. But then I got sidetracked with my old computer, trying to redo a project, and everything spiraled. I wasted the entire afternoon and evening on something pointless, and in the end, I was too excited to sleep. The worst outcome.
Now, I’m recovering from lost sleep and energy. I’ll probably skip my daily walk again, as I did yesterday. I’m not sure how today’s meals will go either. It’s still morning, and I’m already on my second coffee—after drinking some at midnight. This disruption is too much, and I need to prevent it from happening again.
Life is fragile and short. If I invest too much time in activities that don’t benefit me or cause harm, it’s better to move on to something healthier and more peaceful. This is especially true as I age, with weaker immunity and vulnerability to illness. What I did yesterday scares me. I just got a call from my brother-in-law—my sister is back in the hospital with a possible UTI, something she deals with often because of diabetes.
Taking risks with my health, like I did by obsessing over computer work and losing sleep, is a mistake. It disrupts my peace and routine, and puts unnecessary stress on my body. I might visit my sister later today, but right now I’m too tired. It’s clear I need to be more mindful of my choices and avoid pushing myself too far.
---
I’ve finally let go of my obsession with computer operating systems. There’s no point in it. What do I gain from installing and reinstalling an OS, just because it’s challenging but without yielding any real knowledge? It’s nothing like coding, where I can create something beautiful, or reading a book that sparks new ideas or beautifully expresses old ones.
I went to bed as early as I could, but ended up tossing and turning. My eczema flared up again, maybe because of the butter or eggs I indulged in after work. I was doing so well controlling it, but not last night.
I needed to get out of bed. Staying there without sleep only makes it worse. I’m used to having coffee at this hour, which is terrible since it stole my sleep the night before. This time, I’ll stick to herbal tea.
---
Today was busier than usual. I was called to work at two places, and it hit me—I’m ready for a change. But change comes with obstacles. I’m waiting for the freedom that will let me break away from this daily grind. I’m looking forward to a better Friday, though I might be called in to work for an hour or so at a facility. Otherwise, the next three days are mine, and I’m excited about the possibilities. I have a lot to work on—exercise, computer projects, gardening. But for now, I’ll have a talk with the Lord. It’s the end of a heavy day, and I’m alone—but not really alone. God is here, always ready to listen, and I want to talk.
I’m learning that stress-free relaxation time is becoming more valuable to me.
---
The bad days have caught up with me. Despite extra sleep, work has worn me down. I have a sore throat and allergies, a reminder of how old age is creeping in. What matters now is focusing on what brings me joy and fulfillment.
I’ve been looking forward to today because my new PC tower is arriving from Amazon. I’m also excited to fix the Ubuntu installation on my old computer. This gives me purpose. I plan to set up a LAMP stack on the new system, which will keep me busy and fulfilled. I’m also heading to the library to read, like I did last week. The library is peaceful and helps me focus far better than the distractions of my room.
At times, I wonder why I keep working when I could easily stop. But there are reasons: my old workplace still can’t find a replacement, and the new place is so close and convenient that it doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s not about the money anymore; it’s about helping others. And if I happen to earn something, why not? I could use it to travel. Maybe Miami, or a nearby getaway. A change of scenery wouldn’t hurt, though I can’t go far because my sister needs me in emergencies. That’s manageable now, as long as she calls during daylight hours. Night driving, especially in the rain, is too stressful at my age.
These little comforts I allow myself, and I no longer feel the need to complain. God has provided everything I need.
Today is a day I’m looking forward to—not because it will be easy, but because it will be filled with work I want to do. That’s what matters. Money and material things don’t bring happiness. I learned that through experience. What makes me happy is simple: reading a good book, talking with God, or getting lost in a task that makes the rest of the world fade away. That’s the life I’m shaping with my free will—a life built around my own desires and plans.
I also have stories waiting to be written, and I’m excited to write them. I’ve formed warm connections with a few regulars at the park, many of whom are homeless. I don’t discriminate—I talk with everyone. I’ve worked with the indigent before, so it’s nothing new. They’re not so different from the people I encounter in the nursing home.
Now, I have other important plans—reading, writing, programming. Life is about balance and making the most of what I have.
I know I can’t rely on wealth, material abundance, or a large social circle—things that Caesar’s world values. I prefer God’s kingdom, where possessions don’t matter. What matters are the heart and soul, which need daily care, like plants reaching for light. That’s where my focus needs to be.
These small material joys—like the new PC tower I’m awaiting—are nice, but it’s not the object itself that excites me. It’s what I can create with it. Much like a child with a new toy or a dog with a bone, it’s natural to feel joy over something new, but I know that joy will fade as soon as I finish my project. Then, like all the other material things in my life, it will be set aside.
I’ve experienced this many times. Like when I visited Manila after years of being away, only to find myself longing to return home after just a month. The same happened on other trips, especially those I took with Matt. His company made the trips better, but they were never as fulfilling as I imagined
. Eventually, I always wanted to return home.
As I’ve said before, only my connection with the Lord brings me lasting joy. That’s my true home, where happiness endures. I think that’s what hermits and monks mean by “the real deal”—a happiness untouched by material things, nourished by the soul. But, of course, there’s also the simple joy of a good cup of coffee, LOL.
I’ll head out for a walk in the park soon. It’s been two or three days since I exercised, thanks to my obsession with the computer, and the bad weather.
---
I finished my 4-mile walk, and it felt good to be outdoors again. The morning clouds were beautiful, and I greeted a few of the homeless around the Ficus tree, as well as some dog walkers who have become familiar faces. It’s a simple courtesy, just to avoid seeming aloof. Honestly, I’d rather walk without engaging anyone, so I can focus on my own thoughts.
2024-09-14 00:20:13
popong
Popong 11/Accomplishments
After turning over 60, I resolved to focus my time on tasks with high returns on investment (ROI) that bring me joy and fulfillment. After more than three decades of serving others and supporting my family, I believe I deserve this. However, the transition hasn't been as straightforward as I hoped.
Life continues to present challenges, but some of the tasks that once seemed daunting, like learning computer languages, are now much easier and more rewarding with AI’s help. For years, I wanted professional editing for my writing but couldn’t afford it. Now, AI can handle this task almost for free, delivering impressive results.
Today, I asked AI to edit one of my old book reviews for readability. It completed the task in less than a minute, and I was pleased with the outcome. Still, I ensure that my brain generates the core content of my writing, not AI. I maintain the privilege of expressing my personal assessments and reactions. AI helps make my writing more comprehensible but doesn’t replace the joy I get from reading, reviewing, and writing.
I was satisfied with the result—until I tried to post it on my website.
Web development is another hobby I cherish during my free time. I enjoy programming and coding, handling both front-end (HTML, JavaScript) and back-end (PHP or other languages) tasks. This hobby is thrilling but time-consuming. Now that I’m entering retirement, I hope to revive my web development skills, which I set aside nearly a decade ago after graduating in IT and returning to my healthcare profession for job security.
Returning to my project, I uploaded images, filled out forms, and encountered a problem: the website wouldn’t accept the data. I went into full coding mode, accessing the site via SSH and reviewing the forms I had created years ago. Despite having some help from Google back then, I found the site’s code outdated. Coding and programming are constantly evolving, and what I knew a decade ago is now obsolete. PHP is notorious for frequent updates. I also noticed that security measures I’d put in place had failed to prevent hackers from adding junk files and codes. After meticulously removing them, my new blog data was still rejected. I discovered numerous errors and outdated codes, making it feel like I was learning computer languages for the first time again, without the satisfaction of solving the problems.
The reality is, I’m behind in the world of computer languages after a decade of non-practice. It’s frustrating to feel stuck in the basics while others advance. I once thrived in this field but chose a secure job over further exploration of technology.
After two days, I finally resolved the issue with my PHP code for the blog. It turned out that a query statement evaluating a MySQL function, `mysqli_affected_rows`, was being ignored by PHP. I replaced it with a condition checking for values greater than 0 instead of equal to 1, and that solved the problem.
Today is Monday, and it contrasts sharply with yesterday. I woke up late, so my usual jog was halved. I also had work, despite being retired, to ensure a smooth transition until my replacement is found. After work, I came home hungry but was grateful for leftover fish and salad that made a decent lunch. Today followed a more routine pattern: wake up, meditate, jog, work, and handle afternoon tasks.
The joy of retirement extends to many days ahead. I no longer face overwhelming workloads and can choose my schedule. Although I feel some sympathy and guilt for my colleagues who might struggle without me, I am almost fully retired. I’ve established daily rituals: working out for physical health, meditating for mental clarity, and engaging in hobbies for joy. I’m getting closer to a lifestyle that maximizes these effects.
I also need to address hunger issues. Cutting carbs due to my diabetes has depleted my energy quickly throughout the day. I’m looking for healthy snacks to fill the gaps, like mini crackers with hummus. I’ve tried yogurt, but it triggers my eczema, so I hope this new option will help maintain my energy.
I feel elated about retirement, not for comfort, but for the chance to work hard on what I love most. Retirement allows me the freedom to pursue my passions, with or without compensation. The goal is to enjoy working on what I love while being able to cover my expenses.
Yesterday was a perfect example of this. I ran, meditated, made videos for my YouTube channel, worked on my website, and practiced self-restraint to balance work and relaxation. I slept well and woke up ready for a new, fulfilling day.
The greatest benefit of retirement is the freedom to pursue my interests. However, it also requires discipline, especially in the digital realm. I’ve been reflecting on my constant desire to work on my computer, fearing it might be driven by unmet social and psychological needs. I’ve been sharing reels and seeking approval online, but I also spend time learning new techniques and ignoring social media when more exciting activities arise.
Ultimately, as I age, my reflections grow longer and more detailed. I wonder how many people are interested in my daily experiences and whether anyone finds my history worth reading.
2024-09-10 06:16:16
popong
Popong 12 / Meditation on Computer Obsession