The Alchemist: For the nth time

Although the circumstances around the time I got hold and first read Paolo Coelho's The Alchemist I barely remember (I'm quite positive it was from my sister’s book collection), I can distinctly explain the rest of the almost countless circumstances that I had gone back and re-read the book during certain times of my life thereafter.

Those certain times are the tough times. The make or break times. The times when I long to hold on to something tangible but would ironically cling to a mere suggestion of hope. The times all I really needed was to believe.

Such time had befallen once more. And so I reach for my ever reliable perk-up book.

Oddly enough, I also can’t remember how many copies of Coelho’s The Alchemist I had actually bought. I always seem to give it away the moment I realize someone I care about – whether an old friend or someone close to me who I see on a daily basis, or a new colleague. So two weeks ago, when I decided I need to peruse it once more, I had to go get my own copy (I like the book cover of my old one better).

The following is an excerpt (emphasis mine):

“I’m the King of Salem,” The old man had said.
“Why would a King be talking to a shepherd?” the boy asked, awed and embarrassed. “For several reasons. But let’s say the most important is that you have succeeded in discovering your Personal Legend.”
The boy didn’t know what a person’s “Personal Legend” was.
“It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.”
None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy. But he wanted to know what the “mysterious force” was. The merchant’s daughter would be impressed if he told her about that!
“It’s a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth.”
“Even when all you want to do is travel? Or marry the daughter of a textile merchant?”
“Yes, or even search for treasure. The Soul of the World is nourished by people’s happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. To realize one’s Personal Legend is a person’s only real obligation. All things are one.
“And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”
--------
The book is about the adventures of a boy, who became a shepherd because of his love of travel, and who eventually followed his Personal Legend seeking the hidden treasure. That he found the treasure is not unforeseen, but if you were Santiago, you would perhaps also wish you go through the longer route leading to it.

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.

Now that, is one happy thought only the foolish would ignore.

Spring Strain

Photos Courtesy of Cubs.com

This is my wallpaper – in my desktop I mean. My fellow Cubs fans at work knew I have this as my wallpaper but few of my dear non-baseball-follower-friends do. “Who is that?” asked Anj and Lovie during separate times they had stayed in my place. This is Mark Prior, right-handed starting pitcher for the Cubs, my sports hero (yikes, which reminds me I feel old when I realize my sports hero is younger than me!). This is the reason why I began fervently following the Cubs (and their repeated disappointing fate). He joined the majors in 2002 and the fact that he chose to continue his education over a million-dollar offer from the Yankees while he was in USC earned my respect more. Prior to him joining the Cubs, I had casually followed the team’s results, not having the urge to watch the games on TV nor go to Wrigley Field (How I picked the Cubs over the Sox is the different story). Prior changed that. You can imagine how I felt when rumors fly around during the off-season that the Cubs will trade him (thank God it was all just rumors). I cannot fathom the Cubs without Prior.

If only he could stay healthy (I have no doubt in my mind he could win the Cy Young Award if he did). I don’t even wish for the Cubs to win anymore (doesn’t work anyway). I just hope that everyone stays healthy and injury-free all season. Especially Prior. Four days ago he complained of right shoulder pain and was diagnosed to have a strain of the subscapularis muscle. The news could have been worse.

I heard that line before. The last time was the scariest. It was last summer when we were beginning rounds while on lunch break, my attending getting back from picking up Thai food for the group. “Your Prior got hit by a line-drive”, said Dave. He was listening to the radio on his way back and told me what he’d heard (note how he said “your Prior” – he knew). When I saw the clip, I had feared his career is over – imagine getting struck in the elbow by more than 100-mile an hour baseball. The relief on learning that it was a hairline fracture of the lateral epicondyle, expecting him to recover after a couple of weeks, was overwhelming.

Looking at the brighter side, this strain is a minor setback. However, Prior would most likely start the season on the disabled list.

I heard that line before.

Rooting for Clooney

Tomorrow night is Oscar night. Unlike the past couple of years, I am way behind watching the Oscar-worthy films nominated. But I had seen Syriana, and boy, George Clooney (who's been the love of my life in a different dimension ever since I've known him as Dr. Doug Ross) sure gets my vote, if it at all counts.

For tomorrow, George: Good Night and Good Luck.